bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interrupted time series analyses to assess the impact of alcohol control policy on socioeconomic inequalities in mortality in Lithuania: a study protocol
Authors: Manthey Jakob , Jasilionis Domantas , Jiang Huan , Meščeriakova-Veliulienė Olga , Petkevičienė Janina , Radišauskas Ričardas , Rehm Jürgen , Štelemėkas Mindaugas 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionAlcohol use is a major risk factor for mortality. Previous studies suggest that the alcohol-attributable mortality burden is higher in lower socioeconomic strata. This project will test the hypothesis that the 2017 increase of alcohol excise taxes linked to lower all-cause mortality rates in previous analyses will reduce socioeconomic mortality inequalities.Methods and analysisData on all causes of deaths will be obtained from Statistics Lithuania. Record linkage will be implemented using personal identifiers combining data from (1) the 2011 whole-population census, (2) death records between 1 March 2011 (census date) and 31 December 2019, and (3) emigration records, for individuals aged 40–70 years. The analyses will be performed separately for all-cause and for alcohol-attributable deaths. Monthly age-standardised mortality rates will be calculated by sex, education and three measures of socioeconomic status (SES). Inequalities in mortality will be assessed using absolute and relative indicators between low and high SES groups. We will perform interrupted time series analyses, and test the impact of the 2017 rise in alcohol excise taxation using generalised additive mixed models. In these models, we will control for secular trends for economic development.Ethics and disseminationThis work is part of project grant 1R01AA028224-01 by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. It has been granted research ethics approval 050/2020 by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Research Ethics Board on 17 April 2020, renewed on 30 March 2021. The time series of mortality inequalities as well as the statistical code will be made publicly available, allowing other researchers to adapt the proposed method to other jurisdictions.
Promising best practices implemented in long-term care homes during COVID-19 pandemic to address social isolation and loneliness: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Beogo Idrissa , Tchouaket Eric Nguemeleu , Sia Drissa , Bationo Nebila Jean-Claude , Collin Stephanie , Tapp Diane , Kassim Said Abasse , Ramdé Jean , Gagnon Marie-Pierre 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionPrior to the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation and loneliness (SIL) affected at least one-third of the older people. The pandemic has prompted governments around the world to implement some extreme measures such as banning public gatherings, imposing social distancing, mobility restrictions and quarantine to control the spread and impact of the novel coronavirus. Though these unprecedented measures may be crucial from a public health perspective, they also have the potential to further exacerbate the problems of SIL among residents in long-term care homes (LTCHs). However, some LTCHs have developed promising best practices (PBPs) to respond to the current situation and prepare for future pandemics. Key aspects of such practices revolve around maintaining and strengthening social connections between residents and their families which helps to reduce SIL. This scoping review looks at existing PBPs that have been implemented to reduce SIL among LTCH residents during the most recent pandemics.Methods and analysisWe will follow Arksey and O’Malley’s framework of scoping review, further developed by Levac et al. In addition, we will also apply the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ ‘Methodology for Scoping Reviews’. Ten electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for articles published from January 2003 to March 2021 in either English or French. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts and then full texts for final inclusion. Data will be extracted using a standardised form from ‘Evidence for Policy and Practice Information’. The results will be presented in a tabular form and will be summarised and interpreted using a narrative synthesis.Ethics and disseminationFormal ethical approval is not required as no primary data are collected. Findings will be used to develop a solid knowledge corpus to address the challenges of SIL in LTCHs. Our findings will help to identify cutting edge practices, including technological interventions that could support health services in addressing SIL in the context of LTCHs and our ageing society.
First and second waves among hospitalised patients with COVID-19 with severe pneumonia: a comparison of 28-day mortality over the 1-year pandemic in a tertiary university hospital in Italy
Authors: Meschiari Marianna , Cozzi-Lepri Alessandro , Tonelli Roberto , Bacca Erica , Menozzi Marianna , Franceschini Erica , Cuomo Gianluca , Bedini Andrea , Volpi Sara , Milic Jovana , Brugioni Lucio , Romagnoli Elisa , Pietrangelo Antonello , Corradini Elena , Coloretti Irene , Biagioni Emanuela , Busani Stefano , Girardis Massimo , Cossarizza Andrea , Clini Enrico , Guaraldi Giovanni , Mussini Cristina 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveThe first COVID-19–19 epidemic wave was over the period of February–May 2020. Since 1 October 2020, Italy, as many other European countries, faced a second wave. The aim of this analysis was to compare the 28-day mortality between the two waves among COVID-19 hospitalised patients.DesignObservational cohort study. Standard survival analysis was performed to compare all-cause mortality within 28 days after hospital admission in the two waves. Kaplan-Meier curves as well as Cox regression model analysis were used. The effect of wave on risk of death was shown by means of HRs with 95% CIs. A sensitivity analysis around the impact of the circulating variant as a potential unmeasured confounder was performed.SettingUniversity Hospital of Modena, Italy. Patients admitted to the hospital for severe COVID-19 pneumonia during the first (22 February–31 May 2020) and second (1 October–31 December 2020) waves were included.ResultsDuring the two study periods, a total of 1472 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were admitted to our hospital, 449 during the first wave and 1023 during the second. Median age was 70 years (IQR 56–80), 37% women, 49% with PaO2/FiO2 <250 mm Hg, 82% with ≥1 comorbidity, median duration of symptoms was 6 days. 28-day mortality rate was 20.0% (95% CI 16.3 to 23.7) during the first wave vs 14.2% (95% CI 12.0 to 16.3) in the second (log-rank test p value=0.03). After including key predictors of death in the multivariable Cox regression model, the data still strongly suggested a lower 28-day mortality rate in the second wave (aHR=0.64, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.90, p value=0.01).ConclusionsIn our hospitalised patients with COVID-19 with severe pneumonia, the 28-day mortality appeared to be reduced by 36% during the second as compared with the first wave. Further studies are needed to identify factors that may have contributed to this improved survival.
Comparison between 2000 and 2018 on the reporting of statistical significance and clinical relevance in physiotherapy clinical trials in six major physiotherapy journals: a meta-research design
Authors: Verhagen Arianne , Stubbs Peter William , Mehta Poonam , Kennedy David , Nasser Anthony M , Quel de Oliveira Camila , Pate Joshua W , Skinner Ian W , McCambridge Alana B 
Published: January 2022

DesignMeta-research.ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of reporting p values, effect estimates and clinical relevance in physiotherapy randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in the years 2000 and 2018.MethodsWe performed a meta-research study of physiotherapy RCTs obtained from six major physiotherapy peer-reviewed journals that were published in the years 2000 and 2018. We searched the databases Embase, Medline and PubMed in May 2019, and extracted data on the study characteristics and whether articles reported on statistical significance, effect estimates and confidence intervals for baseline, between-group, and within-group differences, and clinical relevance. Data were presented using descriptive statistics and inferences were made based on proportions. A 20% difference between 2000 and 2018 was regarded as a meaningful difference.ResultsWe found 140 RCTs: 39 were published in 2000 and 101 in 2018. Overall, there was a high prevalence (>90%) of reporting p values for the main (between-group) analysis, with no difference between years. Statistical significance testing was frequently used for evaluating baseline differences, increasing from 28% in 2000 to 61.4% in 2018. The prevalence of reporting effect estimates, CIs and the mention of clinical relevance increased from 2000 to 2018 by 26.6%, 34% and 32.8% respectively. Despite an increase in use in 2018, over 40% of RCTs failed to report effect estimates, CIs and clinical relevance of results.ConclusionThe prevalence of using p values remains high in physiotherapy research. Although the proportion of reporting effect estimates, CIs and clinical relevance is higher in 2018 compared to 2000, many publications still fail to report and interpret study findings in this way.
Magnitude of optimal adherence and predictors for a low level of adherence among HIV/AIDS-infected adults in South Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a multifacility cross-sectional study
Authors: Zewude Shimeles Biru , Ajebe Tewodros Magegnet 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesThis study aims to identify levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs and factors associated with them in Northwest Ethiopia. We hypothesise that in the era of COVID-19, there would be suboptimal adherence to ART drugs.DesignAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted. Factors associated with the level of adherence were selected for multiple logistic regressions at a p value of less than 0.2 in the analysis. Statistically significant associated factors were identified at a p value less than 0.05 and adjusted OR with a 95% CI.SettingThe study was conducted in one specialised hospital and three district hospitals found in the South Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia.ParticipantsAbout 432 people living with HIV/AIDS receiving highly active ART in South Gondar zone public hospitals and who have been on treatment for more than a 3-month period participated in the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresLevels of adherence to ART drugs and their associated factors.ResultsAmong 432 study participants, 81.5% (95% CI: 78% to 85.2%) of participants were optimally adherent to ART drugs. Determinants of a low level of adherence: stigma or discrimination (OR=0.4, p=0.016), missed scheduled clinical visit (OR=0.45, p=0.034), being on tuberculosis treatment (OR=0.45, p=0.01), recent CD4 cell count less than 500 cells/mm3 (OR=0.3, p=0.023) and patients who had been on WHO clinical stage III at the time of ART initiation (OR=0.24, p=0.027) were factors significantly associated with adherence to ART drugs.ConclusionsLevel of adherence was relatively low compared with some local studies. The intervention targeted to reduce discrimination, counselling before initiation of treatment and awareness regarding compliance is advised to improve adherence to antiretroviral regimens.
Incidence and clearance of oral and cervicogenital HPV infection: longitudinal analysis of the MHOC cohort study
Authors: Brouwer Andrew F , Campredon Lora P , Walline Heather M , Marinelli Brittany M , Goudsmit Christine M , Thomas Trey B , Delinger Rachel L , Lau Yan Kwan , Andrus Emily C , Nair Thankam , Carey Thomas E , Eisenberg Marisa C , Meza Rafael 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesThe Michigan HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer study aimed to evaluate patterns of oral and cervicogenital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection prevalence, incidence, and clearance as well as their relationship to sexual behaviours.DesignCohortSettingGeneral public in and around Ann Arbor, Michigan.Participants394 college-age and older-adult participants of both sexes provided oral samples, and 325 completed at least 2 visits. 130 who provided a cervicogenital samples, and 127 completed at least 2 visits.OutcomesIncidence and clearance rates as well as HRs for oral and cervicogenital HPV.ResultsOral HPV infections were transient, with only 16% of genotypes persisting to the next visit. The mean time to clearance of a genotype was 46 days (95% CI 37 to 58). In contrast, cervicogenital infections were more persistent, with 56% of genotypes persisting to the next visit. The mean time to clearance of a genotype was 87 days (95% CI 74 to 102). HPV vaccination was associated with reduced incidence of cervicogenital HPV infection (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.83) but not oral HPV infection. Incidence of oral HPV infection was associated with 2+ recent deep kissing partners (HR 2.00; 95% CI 1.13 to 3.56). Incidence of both oral (HR: 1.70; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.68) and cervicogenital (HR 2.46; 95% CI 1.69 to 3.59) was associated with 2+ recent sexual partners.ConclusionsDetection of oral HPV was highly transient, but incidence was associated with recent deep kissing and sexual partners. Detection of cervicogenital HPV was more persistent, and incidence was positively associated with recent sexual partners and negatively associated with HPV vaccination.
Investigating the work–life experiences of nursing faculty in Canadian academic settings and the factors that influence their retention: protocol for a mixed-method study
Authors: Boamah Sheila A 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionWhile all research-oriented faculty face the pressures of academia, female faculty in fields including science, engineering, medicine and nursing, are especially susceptible to burnout. Nursing is unique in that it remains a predominantly female-dominated profession, which implies that there is a critical mass of females who are disproportionately affected and/or at higher risk of burnout. To date, little is known about the experiences of nursing faculty especially, new and early career researchers and the factors that influence their retention. This study aims to understand the work–life (the intersection of work with personal life) experiences of nursing faculty in Canadian academic settings and the factors that influence their retention.Methods and analysisA mixed-method design will be used in this study. For the quantitative study, a sample of approximately 1500 new and early career nursing faculty across Canadian academic institutions will be surveyed. Eligible participants will be invited to complete a web-based structured questionnaire in both French and English language. Data will be evaluated using generalised linear regression model and structural equation modelling. Given the complexities of work–life issues in Canada, qualitative focus group interviews with about 20–25 participants will also be conducted. Emerging themes will be integrated with the survey findings and used to enrich the interpretation of the quantitative data.Ethics and disseminationThis study has received ethical approval from the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (#1477). Prior to obtaining informed consent, participants will be provided with information about study risks and benefits and strategies undertaken to ensure confidentiality and anonymity. The study findings will be disseminated to academics and non-academic stakeholders through national and international conference presentations and peer-reviewed open-access journals. A user-friendly report will be shared with professional nursing associations such as the Canadian Associations of Schools of Nursing, and through public electronic forums (e.g., Twitter). Evidence from this study will also be shared with stakeholders including senior academic leaders and health practitioners, government, and health service policy-makers, to raise the profile of discourses on the nursing workforce shortages; and women’s work–life balance, a public policy issue often overlooked at the national level. Such discussion is especially pertinent in light of the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on women, and female academics. The findings will be used to inform policy options for improving nursing faculty retention in Canada and globally.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of an active 30-day surgical site infection surveillance at a tertiary hospital in Ghana: evidence from HAI-Ghana study
Authors: Otieku Evans , Fenny Ama Pokuaa , Asante Felix Ankomah , Bediako-Bowan Antoinette , Enemark Ulrika 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveTo assess the cost-effectiveness of an active 30-day surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance mechanism at a referral teaching hospital in Ghana using data from healthcare-associated infection Ghana (HAI-Ghana) study.DesignBefore and during intervention study using economic evaluation model to assess the cost-effectiveness of an active 30-day SSI surveillance at a teaching hospital. The intervention involves daily inspection of surgical wound area for 30-day postsurgery with quarterly feedback provided to surgeons. Discharged patients were followed up by phone call on postoperative days 3, 15 and 30 using a recommended surgical wound healing postdischarge questionnaire.SettingKorle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Ghana.ParticipantsAll prospective patients who underwent surgical procedures at the general surgical unit of the KBTH.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome measures were the avoidable SSI morbidity risk and the associated costs from patient and provider perspectives. We also reported three indicators of SSI severity, that is, length of hospital stay (LOS), number of outpatient visits and laboratory tests. The analysis was performed in STATA V.14 and Microsoft Excel.ResultsBefore-intervention SSI risk was 13.9% (62/446) as opposed to during-intervention 8.4% (49/582), equivalent to a risk difference of 5.5% (95% CI 5.3 to 5.9). SSI mortality risk decreased by 33.3% during the intervention while SSI-attributable LOS decreased by 32.6%. Furthermore, the mean SSI-attributable patient direct and indirect medical cost declined by 12.1% during intervention while the hospital costs reduced by 19.1%. The intervention led to an estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of US$4196 savings per SSI episode avoided. At a national scale, this could be equivalent to a US$60 162 248 cost advantage annually.ConclusionThe intervention is a simple, cost-effective, sustainable and adaptable strategy that may interest policymakers and health institutions interested in reducing SSI.
Autoimmune retinopathy with associated anti-retinal antibodies as a potential immune-related adverse event associated with immunotherapy in patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma: case series and systematic review
Authors: Heng Jacob S , Kim Jenna M , Jones D Kyle , Stoessel Kathleen M , Weiss Sarah A , Sznol Mario , Kluger Harriet M , Walter Scott D , Silverstein Niki A , Pointdujour-Lim Renelle 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the spectrum of autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) associated with immunotherapy for advanced cutaneous melanoma.Methods and analysisRetrospective chart review on patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma who developed AIR after initiating immunotherapy. Complete ophthalmic examination and relevant ancillary testing were performed on each patient. The presence of AIR-associated anti-retinal antibodies was confirmed by western blot and/or immunohistochemical staining. Ophthalmic and systemic outcomes after treatment for AIR were followed over time. A systematic review of AIR associated with immunotherapy for cutaneous or non-ocular mucosal melanoma was carried out in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.ResultsCase 1 developed photopsia and nyctalopia with electroretinographic findings characteristic for melanoma-associated retinopathy 1 week after initiating ipilimumab/nivolumab immunotherapy. Case 2 experienced new severe bilateral visual field loss associated with anti-retinal and anti-optic nerve antibodies while on maintenance nivolumab immunotherapy. Case 3 developed decreased visual acuity due to acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy within 2 weeks of initiating ipilimumab/nivolumab immunotherapy. All patients had concurrent extraocular immune-related adverse events in addition to the presence of anti-retinal antibodies on serological testing. 14 published cases of AIR associated with immunotherapy for cutaneous or non-ocular mucosal melanoma were identified and reviewed.ConclusionsImmune checkpoint inhibition can trigger the development of AIR with varied clinical manifestations in patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma. This study highlights the need for close monitoring in cutaneous melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy who develop new visual symptoms with or without funduscopic changes, as well as the potential role for screening of patients prior to initiating immunotherapy.
Exploring new possibilities to discover a light pseudo-scalar at LHCb
Authors: Buarque Franzosi Diogo , Cacciapaglia Giacomo , Cid Vidal Xabier , Ferretti Gabriele , Flacke Thomas , Vázquez Sierra Carlos 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe study the possibility of observing a light pseudo-scalar a at LHCb. We target the mass region $$2.5\,\mathrm{GeV}\lesssim m_a\lesssim 60\,\mathrm{GeV}$$

2.5

GeV
≲

m
a

≲
60

GeV

and various decay channels, some of which have never been considered before: muon pairs, tau pairs, D meson pairs, and di-photon. We interpret the results in the context of models of 4D Composite Higgs and Partial Compositeness in particular.
Genuine tripartite nonlocality and entanglement in curved spacetime
Authors: Wu Shu-Min , Zeng Hao-Sheng 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe study the genuine tripartite nonlocality (GTN) and the genuine tripartite entanglement (GTE) of Dirac fields in the background of a Schwarzschild black hole. We find that the Hawking radiation degrades both the physically accessible GTN and the physically accessible GTE. The former suffers from “sudden death” at some critical Hawking temperature, and the latter approaches to the nonzero asymptotic value in the limit of infinite Hawking temperature. We also find that the Hawking effect cannot generate the physically inaccessible GTN, but can generate the physically inaccessible GTE for fermion fields in curved spacetime. These results show that on the one hand the GTN cannot pass through the event horizon of black hole, but the GTE do can, and on the other hand the surviving physically accessible GTE and the generated physically inaccessible GTE for fermions in curved spacetime are all not nonlocal. Some monogamy relations between the physically accessible GTE and the physically inaccessible GTE are found.