bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of the short-term effectiveness and safety of surgical treatment for neovascular glaucoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Peijie , Zhao Qian , He Jing , Fan Wei , He Wenyi , Lai Mingying 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness and safety of the six interventions for neovascular glaucoma.DesignA systematic review and network meta-analysis.MethodsRandomised controlled trials and cohort studies which compared the six interventions in neovascular glaucoma were identified using the following databases searched up to 1 September 2020: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science. The quality assessment was conducted by using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The primary outcome measure was the weighted mean differences for intraocular pressure reduction. Secondary one was ORs for success rate. Outcome measures were reported with a 95% CI and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Network meta-analysis was performed using Stata V.15.0.ResultsTwenty-three studies involving a total of 1303 patients were included. The types of surgical treatments included Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implant surgery, AGV combined with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (AGV +IVAV), cyclophotocoagulation (CPC), cyclocryotherapy (CCT), trabeculectomy with mitomycin (Trab(MMC)) and Trab(MMC) combined with IVAV (Trab(MMC)+IVAV). Network meta-analysis showed that in comparison with AGV, AGV +IVAV (MD=4.74, 95% CI 1.04 to 8.45) and Trab(MMC)+IVAV (MD=6.19, 95% CI 0.99 to 11.40) showed a favourable effect in intraocular pressure reduction (IOPR) 6 months after surgery. Compared with CCT, AGV (OR=−0.17, 95% CI −0.53 to −0.05), AGV +IVAV (OR=−0.10, 95% CI −3.48 to −1.19), CPC (OR=−0.12, 95% CI −0.53 to −0.05), Trab(MMC) (OR=3.54, 95% CI 1.15 to 10.91) and Trab(MMC)+IVAV (OR=5.78, 95% CI 2.29 to 14.61) showed a superior impact in success rate. The order of efficacy as best intervention ranked as follows: Trab(MMC)+IVAV (IOPR 6 months after surgery, surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA)=88.1), CPC (IOPR 12 months after surgery, SUCRA=81.9), AGV +IVAV (IOPR 12 months after surgery, SUCRA=79.9) and AGV +IVAV (success rate, SUCRA=92.7). Adverse events were also summarised in detail.ConclusionIn the treatment of neovascular glaucoma, AGV+IVAV and CPC were more effective in IOPR and success rate than the other four interventions. Additionally, AGV+IVAV is superior to CPC concerning the success rate in the long-term treatment. However, considering the limitations of this review, more high-quality trials, especially those surgical interventions not mentioned in this review, should be carried out in the future to further confirm the current findings.
SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific and NP-specific antibody response of healthcare workers in the westernmost Austrian state Vorarlberg: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Atzl Michele , Muendlein Axel , Winder Thomas , Fraunberger Peter , Brandtner Eva-Maria , Geiger Kathrin , Klausberger Miriam , Duerkop Mark , Sprenger Lukas , Mutschlechner Beatrix , Volgger Andreas , Benda Magdalena , Severgnini Luciano , Jaeger Johannes B , Drexel Heinz , Lang Alois , Leiherer Andreas 
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesAustria, and particularly its westernmost federal state Vorarlberg, developed an extremely high incidence rate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide are known to have an increased risk of contracting the disease within the working environment and, therefore, the seroprevalence in this population is of particular interest. We thus aimed to analyse SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody dynamics in Vorarlberg HCWs.DesignProspective cohort study of HCWs including testing at three different time points for the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies specific for nucleocapsid protein (NP) and receptor-binding domain (RBD).SettingAll five state hospitals of Vorarlberg.ParticipantsA total of 395 HCWs, enrolled in June 2020 (time point 1 (t1)), 2 months after the end of the first wave, retested between October and November at the beginning of the second wave (time point 2 (t2)) and again at the downturn of the second wave in January 2021 (time point 3 (t3)).Main outcomesWe assessed weak and strong seropositivity and associated factors, including demographic and clinical characteristics, symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection, infections verified by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and vaccinations.ResultsAt t1, 3% of HCWs showed strong IgG-specific responses to either NP or RBD. At t2, the rate had increased to 4%, and at t3 to 14%. A strong response was found to be stable for up to 10 months. Overall, only 55% of seropositive specimen had antibodies against both antigens RBD and NP; 29% had only RBD-specific and 16% only NP-specific antibodies. Compared with the number of infections found by RT-PCR, the number of HCWs being seropositive was 38% higher.Conclusion and relevanceSerological testing based on only one antigen implicates the risk of missing infections; thus, the set of antigens should be broadened in the future. The seroprevalence among participating HCWs was comparable to the general population in Austria. Nevertheless, in view of undetected infections, monitoring and surveillance should be reconsidered.
Organisation of care in paediatric intensive care units during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Hill Katie , McCabe Catherine , Brenner Maria 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionThe emergence of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on hospital services, particularly care delivered to those in intensive care units (ICUs) and paediatric ICUs (PICUs) across the world. Although much has been written about healthcare delivery and the healthcare setting since COVID-19 began, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first scoping review to investigate the organisation of care and changes implemented in PICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to conduct a scoping review of the literature to map out the existing studies about care delivery in PICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes made to the organisation of care in these units during the first 18 months of the pandemic. This review will also identify gaps in current knowledge in this area.Methods and analysisThis study will be guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology for scoping reviews, using Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage scoping review framework: (1) identifying the research question; (2) identifying relevant studies; (3) selecting the studies; (4) data charting; (5) collating, summarising and reporting results; and (6) consulting with experts. A comprehensive search will be conducted using the following databases: CINAHL Complete; MEDLINE; PsycINFO; PsycARTICLES and EMBASE. A search strategy with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria will be used to uncover relevant research in this area. This study will include quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods studies published in English from 2019 to May 2021.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this scoping review. The results from this study will be disseminated through conferences and in peer-reviewed academic journals for those working in the healthcare arena.
How do diverse low-income and middle-income countries implement primary healthcare team integration to support the delivery of comprehensive primary health care? A mixed-methods study protocol from India, Mexico and Uganda
Authors: Joshi Rohina , Besigye Innocent , Heredia-Pi Ileana , Sharma Manushi , Peiris David , Mash Robert James , Reyes-Morales Hortensia , Goodyear-Smith Felicity , John Renu , Ortega-Altamirano Doris V , Orozco-Núñez Emanuel , Ávila-Burgos Leticia , Jeyakumar Ragavi , Serván-Mori Edson , Upadhyaya Sanjeev , Arora Varun , Praveen D 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionAttainment of universal health coverage is feasible via strengthened primary health systems that are comprehensive, accessible, people-centred, continuous and coordinated. Having an adequately trained, motivated and equipped primary healthcare workforce is central to the provision of comprehensive primary healthcare (CPHC). This study aims to understand PHC team integration, composition and organisation in the delivery of CPHC in India, Mexico and Uganda.Methods and analysisA parallel, mixed-methods study (integration of quantitative and qualitative results) will be conducted to gain an understanding of PHC teams. Methods include: (1) Policy review on PHC team composition, organisation and expected comprehensiveness of PHC services, (2) PHC facility review using the WHO Service Availability and Readiness Assessment, and (3) PHC key informant interviews. Data will be collected from 20, 10 and 10 PHCs in India, Mexico and Uganda, respectively, and analysed using descriptive methods and thematic analysis approach. Outcomes will include an in-depth understanding of the health policies for PHC as well as understanding PHC team composition, organisation and the delivery of comprehensive PHC.Ethics and disseminationApprovals have been sought from the Institutional Ethics Committee of The George Institute for Global Health, India for the Indian sites, School of Medicine Research Ethics Committee at Makerere University for the sites in Uganda and the Research, Ethics and Biosecurity Committees of the Mexican National Institute of Public Health for the sites in Mexico. Results will be shared through presentations with governments, publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences.
How are patient-related characteristics associated with shared decision-making about treatment? A scoping review of quantitative studies
Authors: Keij Sascha M , de Boer Joyce E , Stiggelbout Anne M , Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Peters Ellen , Moaddine Saïda , Kunneman Marleen , Pieterse Arwen H 
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesTo identify what patient-related characteristics have been reported to be associated with the occurrence of shared decision-making (SDM) about treatment.DesignScoping review.Eligibility criteriaPeer-reviewed articles in English or Dutch reporting on associations between patient-related characteristics and the occurrence of SDM for actual treatment decisions.Information sourcesCOCHRANE Library, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched for articles published until 25 March 2019.ResultsThe search yielded 5289 hits of which 53 were retained. Multiple categories of patient characteristics were identified: (1) sociodemographic characteristics (eg, gender), (2) general health and clinical characteristics (eg, symptom severity), (3) psychological characteristics and coping with illness (eg, self-efficacy) and (4) SDM style or preference. Many characteristics showed no association or unclear relationships with SDM occurrence. For example, for female gender positive, negative and, most frequently, non-significant associations were seen.ConclusionsA large variety of patient-related characteristics have been studied, but for many the association with SDM occurrence remains unclear. The results will caution often-made assumptions about associations and provide an important step to target effective interventions to foster SDM with all patients.
Sintilimab combined with bevacizumab in relapsed/persistent ovarian clear cell carcinoma (INOVA): an investigator-initiated, multicentre clinical trial—a study protocol of clinical trial
Authors: Li Ruyuan , Liu Xingyu , Song Chunyan , Zhang Wei , Liu Jiahao , Jiao Xiaofei , Yu Yang , Zeng Shaoqing , Chi Jianhua , Zhao Yingjun , Ma Guanchen , Huo Yabing , Li Ming , Peng Zikun , Li Guiling , Jiang Jie , Gao Qing-Lei 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundOvarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) has an abysmal prognosis with a median overall survival (OS) of 25.3 months because of a low response to chemotherapy. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate after recurrence is 13.2%, with more than two-thirds of the patients dying within a year. Therefore, it is urgent to explore new therapeutic options for OCCC. Based on the characteristic immune-suppressive tumour microenvironment derived from the gene expression profile of OCCC, the combination of immunoantiangiogenesis therapy might have certain efficacy in recurrent/persistent OCCC. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sintilimab and bevacizumab in patients who have failed platinum-containing chemotherapy with recurrent or persistent OCCC.Method and analysisIn this multicentre, single-arm, open-label, investigator-initiated clinical trial, 38 patients will be assigned to receive sintilimab 200 mg plus bevacizumab 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks. The eligibility criteria include histologically diagnosed patients with recurrent or persistent OCCC who have been previously treated with at least one-line platinum-containing chemotherapy; patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0–2 with an expected survival greater than 12 weeks. The exclusion criteria include patients previously treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor and patients with contraindications of bevacizumab and sintilimab. The primary endpoint is the objective response rate. The secondary endpoints are progression-free survival, time to response, duration of response, disease control rate, OS, safety and quality of life. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05.Ethics and disseminationThis trial was approved by the Research Ethics Commission of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (2020-S337). The protocol of this study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov. The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences.Trial registration numberNCT04735861; Clinicaltrials. gov.
Trends in bacterial sepsis incidence and mortality in France between 2015 and 2019 based on National Health Data System (Système National des données de Santé (SNDS)): a retrospective observational study
Authors: Pandolfi Fanny , Guillemot Didier , Watier Laurence , Brun-Buisson Christian 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveThis study aims to provide a case definition of sepsis of presumed bacterial aetiology based on 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes, to assess trends in sepsis incidence and mortality between 2015 and 2019 in France, and to describe the characteristics of affected patients and hospital stays.DesignNationwide, population-based, retrospective observational study.SettingMetropolitan France between 2015 and 2019.ParticipantsBetween 2015 and 2019, 1 224 433 patients with sepsis of presumed bacterial aetiology were selected from the French National Hospital Discharge Database (Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d’Information) and were identified from corresponding ICD-10 codes for explicit sepsis or implicit sepsis.Main outcomes measuresAnnual overall and age-specific and gender-specific incidence and 95% CI, as well as trends in sepsis incidence and mortality, were estimated. Comorbidities, length of hospital stay and outcomes were described.ResultsThe sex-standardised and age-standardised incidence per 100 000 (95% CI) increased from 357 (356.0 to 359.0) in 2015 to 403 (401.9 to 405.0) in 2019 and remained higher for males compared with females. Children under 1 year and patients over 75 years consistently had the highest incidence. The most common comorbidities were cancer and chronic heart failure. The median hospital length of stay was 12 days. Most patients came from home, but only half returned home after their hospital stay and approximately 15% were discharged to long-term care. In-hospital mortality was about 25% and declined along the study period.ConclusionsMedico-administrative databases can be used to provide nationwide estimates of the in-hospital burden of bacterial sepsis. The results confirm the high burden of sepsis in France. These data should be complemented by estimating the additional burden associated with fungal and viral infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How many of persistent coughers have pulmonary tuberculosis? Population-based cohort study in Ethiopia
Authors: Banti Abiot Bezabeh , Datiko Daniel Gemechu , Hinderaker Sven Gudmund , Heldal Einar , Dangisso Mesay Hailu , Mitiku Gebeyehu Assefa , White Richard Aubrey , Winje Brita Askeland 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveMany individuals with persistent cough and smear microscopy-negative sputum test for tuberculosis (TB) remain at risk of developing the disease. This study estimates the incidence of pulmonary TB (PTB) among initially smear-negative persistent coughers and its risk factors.DesignA prospective population-based follow-up study.SettingHealth extension workers visited all households in Dale woreda three times at 4-month intervals in 2016–2017 to identify individuals with symptoms compatible with TB (presumptive TB) using pretested and semistructured questionnaires.ParticipantsWe followed 3484 presumptive TB cases (≥15 years) with an initial smear-negative TB (PTB) test.Outcome measuresBacteriologically confirmed PTB (PTB b+) and clinically diagnosed PTB (PTB c+).Results3484 persons with initially smear-negative presumptive PTB were followed for 2155 person-years (median 0.8 years); 90 individuals had PTB b+ and 90 had PTB c+. The incidence rates for PTB b+ and PTB c+ were both 4176 (95% CI 3378 to 5109) per 100 000 person-years. We used penalised (lasso) and non-penalised proportional hazards Cox regression models containing all exposures and outcomes to explore associations between exposures and outcomes. In lasso regression, the risk of development of PTB b+ was 63% (HR 0.37) lower for people aged 35–64 years and 77% (HR 0.23) lower for those aged ≥65 years compared with 15–34 year-olds. Men had a 62% (HR 1.62) greater risk of PTB b+ development than women. The risk of PTB c+ was 39% (HR 0.61) lower for people aged 35–54 years than for those aged 15–34 years. Men had a 56% (HR 1.56) greater risk of PTB c+ development than women.ConclusionsPTB incidence rate among persistent coughers was high, especially among men and young adults, the latter signifying sustained transmission. Awareness about this among healthcare workers may improve identification of more new TB cases.
Public versus patient health preferences: protocol for a study to elicit EQ-5D-5L health state valuations for patients who have survived a stay in intensive care
Authors: Halling Christine Marie Bækø , Gudex Claire , Perner Anders , Jensen Cathrine Elgaard , Gyrd-Hansen Dorte 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionThe value set used when calculating quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) is most often based on stated preference data elicited from a representative sample of the general population. However, having a severe disease may alter a person’s health preferences, which may imply that, for some patient groups, experienced QALYs may differ from those that are estimated via standard methods. This study aims to model 5-level EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) valuations based on preferences elicited from a sample of patients who have survived a stay in a Danish intensive care unit (ICU) and to compare these with the preferences of the general population. Further, the heterogeneity in the ICU patients’ preferences will be investigated.Methods and analysisThis valuation study will elicit EQ-5D-5L health state preferences from a sample of 300 respondents enrolled in two randomised controlled trials at Danish ICUs. Patients’ preferences will be elicited using composite time trade-off based on the EuroQol Valuation Technology, the same as that used to generate the EQ-5D-5L value set for the Danish general population. The patient-based and the public-based EQ-5D-5L valuations will be compared. Potential underlying determinants of the ICU preferences will be investigated through analyses of demographic characteristics, time since the ICU stay, self-reported health, willingness to trade-off length of life for quality of life, health state reference dependency and EQ-5D dimensions that patients have experienced themselves during their illness.Ethics and disseminationUnder Danish regulations, ethical approval is not required for studies of this type. Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at national and international conferences. The modelling algorithms will be publicly available for statistical software, such as Stata and R.
Efficacy and safety of endovenous microwave ablation versus laser ablation for great saphenous vein varicosis: study protocol for a multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial
Authors: Li Yongjun , Wu Weiwei , Li Younan , Li Jing , Sun Mengnan 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionEndovenous microwave ablation (EMA) is a relatively novel thermal ablation treatment for great saphenous vein (GSV) varicosis, and its efficacy and safety are rarely reported. This study aims to explore whether EMA can be comparable to endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), which is a widely used thermal ablation treatment in clinical practice.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial to compare the efficacy and safety of EMA and EVLA in patients with GSV varicosis. We will recruit 180 patients in 6 centres and randomly assign them into treatment group (EMA group) and control group (EVLA group) in a 1:1 ratio. The patients will return to the hospitals at 7 days, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, and will be called at 1 month after the treatment for follow-up visits. The primary outcome is the occlusion rate of GSV immediately, at 6 months, and at 12 months after the treatment. The secondary outcomes are Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) Score, operation time and instrument performance evaluation.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol has been approved by the Clinical Trial Ethics Committee of Beijing Hospital (2020BJYYEC-126–02), Peking Union Medical College Hospital (KS2020393), Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital (No.20279-2-02), Beijing Luhe Hospital.Capital Medical University (2020-LHYW-030–01), the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University (No.2020249), and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU1AF2021LSY-12). The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT04726124.