LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Reliever salbutamol use as a measure of exacerbation risk in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND
Debate exists regarding which endpoints most sensitively reflect day-to-day variation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms and are most useful in clinical practice to predict COPD exacerbations. We hypothesized that short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) reliever use would predict short- and long-term exacerbation risk in COPD patients.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective analysis of data from a study (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT00419744) comparing budesonide/formoterol 320/9 μg with formoterol 9 μg (both twice daily) in patients with moderate-to-very-severe COPD; reliever salbutamol 90 μg was provided. First occurrence of reliever use >4 (low), >10 (medium), and >20 (high) inhalations/day was assessed as a predictor of short-term (3-week) exacerbation risk. Mean daily reliever use in the week preceding the 2-month visit was investigated as a predictor of the long-term (10-month) exacerbation risk, using intervals of 2-5, 6-9, and ≥10 inhalations/day.


RESULTS
Overall, 810 patients were included (61 % male; mean age 63.2 years; post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s 37.7 % of predicted). First occurrence of low, medium, or high reliever use was predictive of an exacerbation within the following 3 weeks; exacerbation risk increased significantly with increasing reliever use. Mean reliever use over 1 week was predictive of long-term exacerbation risk. Patients with mean use of 2-5, 6-9, and ≥10 inhalations/day exhibited 21 %, 67 %, and 135 % higher exacerbation rates, respectively, in the following 10 months, compared with <2 inhalations/day. Budesonide/formoterol was associated with lower short- and long-term exacerbation risk than formoterol in all reliever-use groups.


CONCLUSIONS
SABA reliever use is a predictor of short- and long-term exacerbation risk in moderate-to-very-severe COPD patients with a history of exacerbations receiving budesonide/formoterol or formoterol.
Clinical assessment of language development in children at age 3 years that were born preterm.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of gestational age and birth weight on language development and neurodevelopmental outcome at age 3 years in children born preterm.


METHOD
Cross sectional study including 69 children followed in our developmental outpatient clinic. Patients were consecutively included at the time of the 3 years of age appointment and stratified for birth weight (<1500 grams and between 1500-2500 grams). All patients were assessed for receptive and expressive language , Denver II and Bayley II tests and clinical neurological examination. For analysis patients were divided in two groups normal language acquisition (NLA) and delay in language acquisition (DLA).


RESULTS
NLA children had higher scores on mental and psychomotor (p=<0.01, p=0.012) indexes of Bayley II. Newborns with less than 1500 grams had lower scores on all Bayley scale at age 36 months (p=0.002, p=0.007 and p<0.001). Multivariate analysis suggests an association between gestational age (p=0.032), abnormal behavior (p<0.001) and delay in language acquisition. Denver test at 12 and 24 months of age was a good predictor of delayed receptive and expressive language at three years of age (p=<0.01 and p=<0.01).


CONCLUSION
Children born prematurely with low birth weight had an increased risk of language acquisition delay, and those had also lower cognitive and behavior scores when compared to NLA.
Analyses of collective flow and space-time evolution based on relativistic hydrodynamical model

Abstract We numerically solve fully (3+1)-dimensional relativistic hydrodynamical equation with the baryon number conservation law. For realistic initial conditions we adopt the results from the event generator (URASiMA). Using this model we discuss collective flow.
Day-and-Night Closed-Loop Glucose Control in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Under Free-Living Conditions: Results of a Single-Arm 1-Month Experience Compared With a Previously Reported Feasibility Study of Evening and Night at Home.

OBJECTIVE
After testing of a wearable artificial pancreas (AP) during evening and night (E/N-AP) under free-living conditions in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), we investigated AP during day and night (D/N-AP) for 1 month.


RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Twenty adult patients with T1D who completed a previous randomized crossover study comparing 2-month E/N-AP versus 2-month sensor augmented pump (SAP) volunteered for 1-month D/N-AP nonrandomized extension. AP was executed by a model predictive control algorithm run by a modified smartphone wirelessly connected to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and insulin pump. CGM data were analyzed by intention-to-treat with percentage time-in-target (3.9-10 mmol/L) over 24 h as the primary end point.


RESULTS
Time-in-target (mean ± SD, %) was similar over 24 h with D/N-AP versus E/N-AP: 64.7 ± 7.6 vs. 63.6 ± 9.9 (P = 0.79), and both were higher than with SAP: 59.7 ± 9.6 (P = 0.01 and P = 0.06, respectively). Time below 3.9 mmol/L was similarly and significantly reduced by D/N-AP and E/N-AP versus SAP (both P < 0.001). SD of blood glucose concentration (mmol/L) was lower with D/N-AP versus E/N-AP during whole daytime: 3.2 ± 0.6 vs. 3.4 ± 0.7 (P = 0.003), morning: 2.7 ± 0.5 vs. 3.1 ± 0.5 (P = 0.02), and afternoon: 3.3 ± 0.6 vs. 3.5 ± 0.8 (P = 0.07), and was lower with D/N-AP versus SAP over 24 h: 3.1 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.6 (P = 0.049). Insulin delivery (IU) over 24 h was higher with D/N-AP and SAP than with E/N-AP: 40.6 ± 15.5 and 42.3 ± 15.5 vs. 36.6 ± 11.6 (P = 0.03 and P = 0.0004, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
D/N-AP and E/N-AP both achieved better glucose control than SAP under free-living conditions. Although time in the different glycemic ranges was similar between D/N-AP and E/N-AP, D/N-AP further reduces glucose variability.
Some Asymptotic Results on Generalized Penalized Spline Smoothing

The paper discusses asymptotic properties of penalized spline smoothing if the spline basis increases with the sample size. The proof is provided in a generalized smoothing model allowing for non-normal responses. The results are extended in two ways. First, assuming the spline coefficients to be a priori normally distributed links the smoothing framework to generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). We consider the asymptotic rates such that Laplace approximation is justified and the resulting fits in the mixed model correspond to penalized spline estimates. Secondly, we make use of a fully Bayesian viewpoint by imposing a priori distribution on all parameters and coefficients. We argue that with the postulated rates at which the spline basis dimension increases with the sample size the posterior distribution of the spline coefficients is approximately normal. The validity of this result is investigated in finite samples by comparing Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) results with their asymptotic approximation in a simulation study.
Concurrent intensive chemotherapy and imatinib before and after stem cell transplantation in newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Final results of the CSTIBES02 trial.

BACKGROUND
Imatinib, given concurrently or alternating with chemotherapy, has improved the response and survival of patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph(+) ALL) but relapses are still frequent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and results of giving imatinib concurrently with intensive chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and post-transplant imatinib maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed Ph(+) ALL.


DESIGN AND METHODS
This was a phase II study of patients with newly diagnosed Ph(+) ALL given standard chemotherapy, together with imatinib (400 mg/day) until stem cell transplantation, followed by imatinib maintenance therapy for all patients regardless of the molecular status of the disease.


RESULTS
Of the 30 patients included, 27 (90%) achieved complete remission, one was resistant to treatment and two died during induction therapy. The percentages of major and complete molecular responses were 86% and 21% after induction, and 81% and 65% after consolidation, respectively. Similar results were observed assessing minimal residual disease by flow cytometry. Of the 27 patients who achieved complete remission, 21 underwent stem cell transplantation (16 allogeneic, 5 autologous). Imatinib (400 mg/day) could be administered after transplantation for a median of 3.9 months in 12 patients, although it was interrupted in 10 patients (in 2 cases because of side effects of the drug). Nine patients relapsed, four before and five after stem cell transplantation and eight patients died of transplant-related causes. With a median follow-up of 4.1 years, the probabilities (95% CI) of disease-free and overall survival were 30% (15% to 45%) and 30% (16% to 45%), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
These results confirm that imatinib is an effective first-line treatment for adult Ph(+) ALL when given concurrently with chemotherapy, making stem cell transplantation feasible in a high proportion of patients. However, post-transplantation imatinib administration was limited, mainly because of transplantation-derived complications rather than drug-specific toxicity.
Mood reactivity rather than cognitive reactivity is predictive of depressive relapse: a randomized study with 5.5-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE
The current study examined whether cognitive reactivity, cognitive extremity reactivity, and mood reactivity following mood provocation predicted relapse in depression over 5.5 years. Additionally, this study was the 1st to examine whether changes in cognitive reactivity and mood reactivity following preventive cognitive therapy (PCT) mediated the preventive effect of PCT on relapse.


METHOD
One hundred eighty-seven remitted recurrently depressed outpatients were randomized over treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU + PCT with 5.5-year follow-up. Relapse in depression was assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (Spitzer, Williams, Gibbon, & First, 1990).


RESULTS
Mood reactivity predicted time to relapse over 5.5 years. We found no evidence that cognitive reactivity was a risk factor for relapse in depression. Moreover, unprimed dysfunctional beliefs predicted relapse directly. There was no indication of mediation by changes in cognitive reactivity (including extremity of the beliefs and unprimed beliefs) or mood reactivity on the preventive effect of PCT. Further, explorative analyses revealed that increases in cognitive and mood reactivity over time also predicted time to relapse.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings highlight a need to focus on mood reactivity instead of beliefs as a risk factor for relapse in depression. Similar to a previous study, we found no indications that cognitive therapy after remission reduced dysfunctional beliefs, cognitive reactivity, or extremity. Future studies should examine cognitive reactivity and mood reactivity in daily life as predictors of relapse.
Adiposity and human regional body temperature.

BACKGROUND
Human obesity is associated with increased heat production; however, subcutaneous adipose tissue provides an insulating layer that impedes heat loss. To maintain normothermia, therefore, obese individuals must increase their heat dissipation.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to test the hypothesis that temperature in a heat-dissipating region of the hand is elevated in obese adults.


DESIGN
Obese [body mass index (in kg/m(2)) > or = 30] and normal-weight (NW; body mass index = 18-25) adults were studied under thermoneutral conditions at rest. Core body temperature was measured by using ingested telemetric capsules. The temperatures of the third fingernail bed of the right hand and of abdominal skin from an area 1.5 cm inferior to the umbilicus were determined by using infrared thermography. Abdominal skin temperatures were also measured via adhesive thermistors that were placed over a prominent skin-surface blood vessel and over an adjacent nonvessel location. The groups were compared by analysis of covariance with age, sex, race, and room temperature as covariates.


RESULTS
Core temperature did not differ significantly between the 23 obese and 13 NW participants (P = 0.74). However, infrared thermography-measured fingernail-bed temperature was significantly higher in obese subjects than in NW subjects (33.9 +/- 0.7 degrees C compared with 28.6 +/- 0.9 degrees C; P < 0.001). Conversely, infrared thermography-measured abdominal skin temperature was significantly lower in obese subjects than in NW subjects (31.8 +/- 0.2 degrees C compared with 32.8 +/- 0.3 degrees C; P = 0.02). Nonvessel abdominal skin temperatures measured by thermistors were also lower in obese subjects (P = 0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
Greater subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue in obese adults may provide a significant insulating layer that blunts abdominal heat transfer. Augmented heat release from the hands may offset heat retention in areas of the body with greater adiposity, thereby helping to maintain normothermia in obesity. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00266500.
Second-line treatment in the Malawi antiretroviral programme: high early mortality, but good outcomes in survivors, despite extensive drug resistance at baseline.

OBJECTIVES
The Malawi antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme uses the public health approach to identify ART failure. Advanced disease progression may occur before switching to second-line ART. We report outcomes for patients evaluated and initiated on second-line treatment in Malawi.


METHODS
Patients meeting Malawi immunological or clinical criteria for ART failure in two large urban ART clinics were evaluated for virological failure (viral load >400 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL) and, if failure was confirmed, initiated on second-line ART (zidovudine/lamivudine/tenofovir/lopinavir/ritonavir). Patients were seen monthly and laboratory evaluations were performed quarterly and as needed. We performed logistic regression modelling to identify factors associated with mortality, mortality or new HIV illnesses, and virological suppression at 12 months.


RESULTS
Of the 109 patients with confirmed virological failure, five patients died prior to initiation, three declined switching and 101 patients initiated second-line treatment. Over 12 months, 10 additional patients died, 34 patients experienced 45 HIV-related events, and 19 patients experienced grade 3 or 4 toxicities. Among survivors, 85.2% had HIV-1 RNA<400 copies/mL at 12 months. While power to distinguish differences was limited, response rates were similar regardless of baseline resistance level. The median CD4 count increase was 142 cells/microL. World Health Organization clinical failure at baseline [odds ratio (OR) 3.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-10.59] and body mass index <18.5 (OR 4.43; 95% CI 1.15-17.12) were risk factors for death. Baseline CD4 count <50 cells/microL was associated with increased risk for death or morbidity at 12 months (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.01-6.52).


CONCLUSIONS
Second-line treatment in Malawi was associated with substantial mortality, morbidity and toxicity but, among survivors, virological outcomes were favourable.
Interaction techniques for older adults using touchscreen devices: a literature review

Several studies investigated different interaction techniques and input devices for older adults using touchscreen. This literature review analyses the population involved, the kind of tasks that were executed, the apparatus, the input techniques, the provided feedback, the collected data and author's findings and their recommendations. As conclusion, this review shows that age-related changes, previous experience with technologies, characteristics of handheld devices and use situations need to be studied.
Big Data Analytics: Applications, Prospects and Challenges

In the era of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), big data has major impact on businesses, since the revolution of networks, platforms, people and digital technology have changed the determinants of firms’ innovation and competitiveness. An ongoing huge hype for big data has been gained from academics and professionals, since big data analytics leads to valuable knowledge and promotion of innovative activity of enterprises and organizations, transforming economies in local, national and international level. In that context, data science is defined as the collection of fundamental principles that promote information and knowledge gaining from data. The techniques and applications that are used help to analyze critical data to support organizations in understanding their environment and in taking better decisions on time. Nowadays, the tremendous increase of data through the Internet of Things (continuous increase of connected devices, sensors and smartphones) has contributed to the rise of a “data-driven” era, where big data analytics are used in every sector (agriculture, health, energy and infrastructure, economics and insurance, sports, food and transportation) and every world economy. The growing expansion of available data is a recognized trend worldwide, while valuable knowledge arising from the information come from data analysis processes. In that context, the bulk of organizations are collecting, storing and analyzing data for strategic business decisions leading to valuable knowledge. The ability to manage, analyze and act on data (“data-driven decision systems”) is very important to organizations and is characterized as a significant asset. The prospects of big data analytics are important and the benefits for data-driven organizations are K. Vassakis (✉) ⋅ E. Petrakis Department of Economics, University of Crete, Gallos Campus, Rethymno, Crete 74100, Greece e-mail: k.vassakis@e-bilab.gr E. Petrakis e-mail: petrakis@uoc.gr I. Kopanakis Department of Business Administration, Technological Educational Institute of Crete, Agios Nikolaos, Crete 72100, Greece e-mail: i.kopanakis@teicrete.gr © Springer International Publishing AG 2018 G. Skourletopoulos et al. (eds.), Mobile Big Data, Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies 10, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-67925-9_1 3 significant determinants for competitiveness and innovation performance. However, there are considerable obstacles to adopt data-driven approach and get valuable knowledge through big data.
Incidence and factors associated with medication nonadherence in patients with mental illness: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND
In spite of the progress made in the treatment of psychiatric disorders during the last few decades, nonadherence continues to be a frequent phenomenon, often associated with potentially severe clinical consequences and increased health-care costs. There are numerous factors associated with medication nonadherence in patients with mental illness. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and factors associated with medication nonadherence among psychiatric outpatients.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out in the outpatient psychiatric department of an Indian tertiary care private hospital over a period of 1 year. Patients aged 18 years and above who presented with mental illness as diagnosed by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 and who were receiving at least one psychotropic medication for at least 1 month were included in the study. Medication adherence was assessed using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS).


RESULTS
Of the 400 patients, 172 (43%) were nonadherent to their prescribed medications. There is a statistically significant association between the education (P = 0.001), number of drugs (P = 0.002), family income (P = 0.013), and nonadherence. Among the 172 patients, 33.5 % were nonadherent to their therapy due to patient-related factors followed by drug-related factors (32%) and disease-related factors (31%).


CONCLUSION
The overall incidence of medication nonadherence in patients with mental illness was 43%. Numerous factors contributed to medication nonadherence. Strategies need to be developed and implemented to enhance medication adherence, and thereby achieve a better therapeutic outcome in patients with mental illness.
Second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors improve the survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in whom imatinib therapy has failed.

BACKGROUND
It has not been clearly established whether second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors actually improve the survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase who are given nilotinib or dasatinib therapy after treatment failure with imatinib.


DESIGN AND METHODS
To address this issue we compared the survival of 104 patients in whom first-line therapy with imatinib failed and who were then treated with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors with the outcome of 246 patients in whom interferon-α therapy failed and who did not receive tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.


RESULTS
Patients treated with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors had longer overall survival than the interferon controls (adjusted relative risk= 0.28, P=0.0001). However this survival advantage was limited to the 64.4% of patients in whom imatinib failed but who achieved complete cytogenetic response with the subsequent tyrosine kinase inhibitor (adjusted relative risk =0.05, P=0.003), whereas the 35.6% of patients who failed to achieve complete cytogenetic response on the second or third inhibitor had similar overall survival to that of the controls (adjusted relative risk=0.76, P=0.65).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients in whom imatinib treatment fails who receive sequential therapy with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors have an enormous advantage in survival over controls (palliative therapy); this advantage is, however, limited to the majority of the patients who achieve a complete cytogenetic response.
Strenghtening of boundary processes in a company using specific computer-aided facility management software

Presented article deals with implementation of CAFM (computer aided facility management) software and its impact on company boundary processes strengthening, thus efficiency improvement. First, theoretically introduces the reader into the problematic of facility management and its place in a company. Next various types of CAFM are presented. Final part of the article focuses on economic evaluation of CAFM implementation into a company.