bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the role of hospitals and office-based physicians in timely provision of statins following acute myocardial infarction: a secondary analysis of a nationwide cohort using cross-classified multilevel models
Authors: Schang Laura , Koller Daniela , Franke Sebastian , Sundmacher L 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesTo examine the role of hospitals and office-based physicians in empirical networks that deliver care to the same population with regard to the timely provision of appropriate care after hospital discharge.DesignSecondary data analysis of a nationwide cohort using cross-classified multilevel models.SettingTransition from hospital to ambulatory care.ParticipantsAll patients discharged for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) from Germany’s largest statutory health insurance fund group in 2011.Main outcome measurePatients’ odds of receiving a statin prescription within 30 days after hospital discharge.ResultsWe found significant variation in 30-day statin prescribing between hospitals (median OR (MOR) 1.40; 95% credible interval (CrI) 1.36 to 1.45), hospital-physician pairs caring for the same patients (MOR 1.32; 95% CrI 1.26 to 1.38) and to a lesser extent between physicians (MOR 1.14; 95% CrI 1.11 to 1.19). About 67% of the variance between hospital-physician pairs and about 45% of the variance between hospitals was explained by hospital characteristics including a rural location, teaching status and the number of beds, the number of patients shared between a hospital and an office-based physician as well as 16 patient characteristics, including multimorbidity and dementia. We found no impact of physician characteristics.ConclusionsTimely prescription of appropriatesecondary prevention pharmacotherapy after AMI is subject to considerable practice variation which is not consistent with clinical guidelines. Hospitals contribute more to the observed variation than physicians, and most of the variation lies at the patient level. To ensure care continuity for patients, it is important to strengthen hospital capacity for discharge management and coordination between hospitals and office-based physicians.
Partially randomised patient preference trials as an alternative design to randomised controlled trials: systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Wasmann Karin A , Wijsman Pieta , van Dieren Susan , Bemelman Willem , Buskens Christianne 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveRandomised controlled trials (RCT) are the gold standard to provide unbiased data. However, when patients have a treatment preference, randomisation may influence participation and outcomes (eg, external and internal validity). The aim of this study was to assess the influence of patients’ preference in RCTs by analysing partially randomised patient preference trials (RPPT); an RCT and preference cohort combined.DesignSystematic review and meta-analyses.Data sourcesMEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesRPPTs published between January 2005 and October 2018 reporting on allocation of patients to randomised and preference cohorts were included.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers extracted data. The main outcomes were the difference in external validity (participation and baseline characteristics) and internal validity (lost to follow-up, crossover and the primary outcome) between the randomised and the preference cohort within each RPPT, compared in a meta-regression using a Wald test. Risk of bias was not assessed, as no quality assessment for RPPTs has yet been developed.ResultsIn total, 117 of 3734 identified articles met screening criteria and 44 were eligible (24 873 patients). The participation rate in RPPTs was >95% in 14 trials (range: 48%–100%) and the randomisation refusal rate was >50% in 26 trials (range: 19%–99%). Higher education, female, older age, race and prior experience with one treatment arm were characteristics of patients declining randomisation. The lost to follow-up and cross-over rate were significantly higher in the randomised cohort compared with the preference cohort. Following the meta-analysis, the reported primary outcomes were comparable between both cohorts of the RPPTs, mean difference 0.093 (95% CI −0.178 to 0.364, p=0.502).ConclusionsPatients’ preference led to a substantial proportion of a specific patient group refusing randomisation, while it did not influence the primary outcome within an RPPT. Therefore, RPPTs could increase external validity without compromising the internal validity compared with RCTs.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019094438.
Impact of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes on perceptions and use: an updated systematic review
Authors: Meernik Clare , Baker Hannah M , Kowitt Sarah D , Ranney Leah M , Goldstein Adam O 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesGiven the exponential increase in the use of e-cigarettes among younger age groups and in the growth in research on e-cigarette flavours, we conducted a systematic review examining the impact of non-menthol flavoured e-cigarettes on e-cigarette perceptions and use among youth and adults.DesignPubMed, Embase, PyscINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies published and indexed through March 2018.Eligibility criteriaQuantitative observational and experimental studies that assessed the effect of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes on perceptions and use behaviours were included. Specific outcome measures assessed are appeal, reasons for use, risk perceptions, susceptibility, intention to try, initiation, preference, current use, quit intentions and cessation.Data extraction and synthesisThree authors independently extracted data related to the impact of flavours in tobacco products. Data from a previous review were then combined with those from the updated review for final analysis. Results were then grouped and analysed by outcome measure.ResultsThe review included 51 articles for synthesis, including 17 published up to 2016 and an additional 34 published between 2016 and 2018. Results indicate that non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes decrease harm perceptions (five studies) and increase willingness to try and initiation of e-cigarettes (six studies). Among adults, e-cigarette flavours increase product appeal (seven studies) and are a primary reason many adults use the product (five studies). The role of flavoured e-cigarettes on smoking cessation remains unclear (six studies).ConclusionThis review provides summary data on the role of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarette perceptions and use. Consistent evidence shows that flavours attract both youth and adults to use e-cigarettes. Given the clear findings that such flavours increase product appeal, willingness to try and initiation among youth, banning non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes may reduce youth e-cigarette use. Longitudinal research is needed to examine any role flavours may play in quit behaviours among adults.
Multimorbidity of chronic non-communicable diseases and its models of care in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Eyowas Fantu Abebe , Schneider Marguerite , Yirdaw Biksegn Asrat , Getahun Fentie Ambaw 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionMultimorbidity is the coexistence of two or more chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a given individual. Multimorbidity is increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and challenging health systems. Individuals with multimorbidity are facing the risk of premature mortality, lower quality of life and greater use of healthcare services. However, despite the huge challenge multimorbidity brings in LMICs, gaps remain in mapping and synthesising the available knowledge on the issue. The focus of this scoping review will be to synthesise the extent, range and nature of studies on the epidemiology and models of multimorbidity care in LMICs.MethodsPubMed (MEDLINE) will be the main database to be searched. For articles that are not indexed in the PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Cochrane databases will be searched. Grey literature databases will also be explored. There will be no restrictions on study setting or year of publication. Articles will be searched using key terms, including comorbidity, co-morbidity, multimorbidity, multiple chronic conditions and model of care. Relevant articles will be screened by two independent reviewers and data will be charted accordingly. The result of this scoping review will be presented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist and reporting guideline.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review does not require ethical approval. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific conferences.
Comparative effectiveness of surgery in traumatic acute subdural and intracerebral haematoma: study protocol for a prospective observational study within CENTER-TBI and Net-QuRe
Authors: Van Essen Thomas A. , Volovici Victor , Cnossen Maryse C. , Kolias Angelos , Ceyisakar Iris , Nieboer Daan , Peppel Lianne D. , Heijenbrok-Kal Majanka , Ribbers Gerard , Menon David , Hutchinson Peter , Depreitere Bart , de Ruiter Godard C. W. , Lingsma Hester F. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Maas Andrew I , Peul Wilco C. 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionControversy exists about the optimal treatment for patients with a traumatic acute subdural haematoma (ASDH) and an intracerebral haematoma/contusion (t-ICH). Treatment varies largely between different regions. The effect of this practice variation on patient outcome is unknown. Here, we present the protocol for a prospective multicentre observational study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of different treatment strategies in patients with ASDH and/or t-ICH. Specifically, the aims are to compare (1) an acute surgical approach to an expectant approach and (2) craniotomy to decompressive craniectomy when evacuating the haematoma.Methods and analysisPatients presenting to the emergency room with an ASDH and/or an t-ICH are eligible for inclusion. Standardised prospective data on patient and injury characteristics, treatment and outcome will be collected on 1000 ASDH and 750 t-ICH patients in 60–70 centres within two multicentre prospective observational cohort studies: the Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) and Neurotraumatology Quality Registry (Net-QuRe). The interventions of interest are acute surgery, defined as surgery directly after the first CT at presentation versus late or no surgery and craniotomy versus decompressive craniectomy. The primary outcome measure is the Glasgow Outcome Score-Extended at 6 months. Secondary outcome measures include in-hospital mortality, quality of life and neuropsychological tests. In the primary analysis, the effect of treatment preference (eg, proportion of patients in which the intervention under study is preferred) per hospital will be analysed with random effects ordinal regression models, adjusted for casemix and stratified by study. Such a hospital-level approach reduces confounding by the indication. Sensitivity analyses will include propensity score matching, with treatment defined on patient level. This study is designed to determine the best acute management strategy for ASDH and t-ICH by exploiting the existing between-hospital variability in surgical management.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained in all participating countries. Results of surgical management of ASDH and t-ICH/contusion will separately be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberNCT02210221and NL 5761.
Measurement of tear production and establishment of reference values in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) using a modified Schirmer tear test
Authors: Nogradi Anna Linda , Szentgáli Zsolt , Battay Márton , Cope Iain , Gál János , Németh Tibor 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundPast studies have shown that 5‐mm Schirmer tear tests (STTs) are difficult to interpret in guinea pigs. Modified 2.5‐mm STT strips are more adequate for measuring the small volume of tear production in these animals. The aim of this study was to establish reference values for the modified 2.5‐mm STT strips.MethodsModified STT measurements were performed in random order in both eyes of 50 guinea pig patients. The wetting of the strip was noted at 30 seconds and at 1 minute.ResultsThe mean±sd STT values for both eyes were 7.58±3.19 mm at 30 seconds and 10.42±3.92 mm at 60 seconds. The median was 8 mm at 30 seconds and 10 mm at 60 seconds for both eyes. Animals under one year of age had lower STT values. STT values at 30 and 60 seconds can both be used. Both eyes should be measured when possible.ConclusionThe authors recommend values above 8 mm at 30 seconds and 10 mm at 60 seconds to be considered normal when using a 2.5‐mm STT strip. There are ambiguous areas at 5–8 mm and 6–10 mm. If in these ranges the results should be combined with clinical signs and judgement.
Hepatic alterations during the development and progression of cancer cachexia
Authors: Rosa-Caldwell Megan E. , Brown Jacob L. , Lee David E. , Wiggs Michael P. , Perry Jr. Richard A. , Haynie Wesley S. , Caldwell Aaron R. , Washington Tyrone A. , Lo Wen-Juo , Greene Nicholas P. 
Published: October 2019

Cancer-associated bodyweight loss (cachexia) is a hallmark of many cancers and is associated with decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Hepatic function can dramatically influence whole-body energy expenditure and may therefore significantly influence whole-body health during cancer progression. The purpose of this study was to examine alterations in markers of hepatic metabolism and physiology during cachexia progression. Male C57BL/6J mice were injected with 1 × 106Lewis Lung Carcinoma cells dissolved in 100 μL PBS and cancer was allowed to develop for 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks. Control animals were injected with an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline. Livers were analyzed for measures of metabolism, collagen deposition, protein turnover, and mitochondrial quality. Animals at 4 weeks had ∼30% larger livers compared with all other groups. Cancer progression was associated with altered regulators of fat metabolism. Additionally, longer duration of cancer development was associated with ∼3-fold increased regulators of collagen deposition as well as phenotypic collagen content, suggesting increased liver fibrosis. Mitochondrial quality control regulators appeared to be altered before any phenotypic alterations to collagen deposition. While induction of Akt was noted, downstream markers of protein synthesis were not altered. In conclusions, cancer cachexia progression is associated with hepatic pathologies, specifically liver fibrosis. Alterations to mitochondrial quality control mechanisms appear to precede this fibrotic phenotype, potentially suggesting mitochondrial mechanisms for the development of hepatic pathologies during the development and progression of cancer cachexia.Novelty Cachexia progression results in liver collagen deposition and fibrosis. Alterations in mitochondrial quality control may precede liver pathologies during cachexia.
Remarks on the Abraham–Minkowski problem, in relation to recent radiation pressure experiments
Authors: Brevik Iver 
Published: October 2019

The classic electromagnetic energy–momentum problem in matter (usually called the Abraham–Minkowski problem) has attracted increased interest, as is natural in relation to the several impressive radiation pressure experiments that have appeared recently. Our intention with the present note is to focus attention on some of these results, and also to give a warning against premature interpretations of the observations. One sees often in the literature that the observable deflections of dielectric surfaces are interpreted so as to mean that the so-called Abraham term is a chief ingredient. Usually this is not so, however. Most of the experimental results are actually explainable by the surface forces at the dielectric surfaces, eventually augmented by Lorentz forces in the interior, and do not involve the Abraham momentum as such. For concreteness we focus mainly on a simplified version of the experiment of Kundu et al. (2017), but extend the analysis somewhat by including time-dependent resonance phenomena. In a short appendix we discuss also the connection with the Casimir effect.
The 17–27 GHz Dual Horn Receiver on the NASA 70 m Canberra Antenna
Authors: Kuiper T. B. H. , Franco M. , Smith S. , Baines G. , Greenhill L. J. , Horiuchi S. , Olin T. , Price D. C. , Shaff D. , Teitelbaum L. P. , Weinreb S. , White L. , Zaw I. 
Published: October 2019

A dual beam, dual polarization, low noise receiver has been installed at a Cassegrain focus of the NASA 70[Formula: see text]m antenna near Canberra, Australia. It operates in five pairs of 1[Formula: see text]GHz bands from 17 to 27[Formula: see text]GHz simultaneously. The receiver temperature measured at the feed is 21–22[Formula: see text]K at 22[Formula: see text]GHz and, during dry winter night-time conditions, zenith system temperatures as low as 35[Formula: see text]K have been observed in the 21–22[Formula: see text]GHz band. The native polarization is linear but can be converted to circular prior to down-conversion. The downconverters have complex mixers, followed by quadrature hybrids which can be bypassed or used to convert the quadrature phase channels into an upper and lower sideband, each 1000[Formula: see text]MHz wide. For spectroscopy, four ROACH1 signal processors each currently providing 32[Formula: see text]K channel spectra across four 1000[Formula: see text]MHz bands, for 0.4[Formula: see text]km/s velocity resolution at 22[Formula: see text]GHz. Using both beam- and position-switching, the receiver achieved a noise level of 5[Formula: see text]mK r.m.s. in an hour of integration and 31[Formula: see text]kHz resolution. The NASA 70[Formula: see text]m antennas have a 45 arcsec beamwidth at 22[Formula: see text]GHz and an aperture efficiency of 35.5% giving a sensitivity of 0.49[Formula: see text]K/Jy.
The integration of visual and target signals in V4 and IT during visual object search
Authors: Roth Noam , Rust Nicole C. 
Published: October 2019

Searching for a specific visual object requires our brain to compare the items in view with a remembered representation of the sought target to determine whether a target match is present. This comparison is thought to be implemented, in part, via the combination of top-down modulations reflecting target identity with feed-forward visual representations. However, it remains unclear whether top-down signals are integrated at a single locus within the ventral visual pathway (e.g., V4) or at multiple stages [e.g., both V4 and inferotemporal cortex (IT)]. To investigate, we recorded neural responses in V4 and IT as rhesus monkeys performed a task that required them to identify when a target object appeared across variation in position, size, and background context. We found nonvisual, task-specific signals in both V4 and IT. To evaluate whether V4 was the only locus for the integration of top-down signals, we evaluated several feed-forward accounts of processing from V4 to IT, including a model in which IT preferentially sampled from the best V4 units and a model that allowed for nonlinear IT computation. IT task-specific modulation was not accounted for by any of these feed-forward descriptions, suggesting that during object search, top-down signals are integrated directly within IT. NEW & NOTEWORTHY To find specific objects, the brain must integrate top-down, target-specific signals with visual information about objects in view. However, the exact route of this integration in the ventral visual pathway is unclear. In the first study to systematically compare V4 and inferotemporal cortex (IT) during an invariant object search task, we demonstrate that top-down signals found in IT cannot be described as being inherited from V4 but rather must be integrated directly within IT itself.
Neural and muscular determinants of maximal rate of force development
Authors: Dideriksen Jakob L. , Del Vecchio Alessandro , Farina Dario 
Published: October 2019

The ability to produce rapid forces requires quick motor unit recruitment, high motor unit discharge rates, and fast motor unit force twitches. The relative importance of these parameters for maximum rate of force development (RFD), however, is poorly understood. In this study, we systematically investigated these relationships using a computational model of motor unit pool activity and force. Across simulations, neural and muscular properties were systematically varied in experimentally observed ranges. Motor units were recruited over an interval starting from contraction onset (range: 22–233 ms). Upon recruitment, discharge rates declined from an initial rate (range: 89–212 pulses per second), with varying likelihood of doublet (interspike interval of 3 ms; range: 0–50%). Finally, muscular adaptations were modeled by changing average twitch contraction time (range: 42–78 ms). Spectral analysis showed that the effective neural drive to the simulated muscle had smaller bandwidths than the average motor unit twitch, indicating that the bandwidth of the motor output, and thus the capacity for explosive force, was limited mainly by neural properties. The simulated RFD increased by 1,050 ± 281% maximal voluntary contraction force per second from the longest to the shortest recruitment interval. This effect was more than fourfold higher than the effect of increasing the initial discharge rate, more than fivefold higher than the effect of increasing the chance of doublets, and more than sixfold higher than the effect of decreasing twitch contraction times. The simulated results suggest that the physiological variation of the rate by which motor units are recruited during ballistic contractions is the main determinant for the variability in RFD across individuals. NEW & NOTEWORTHY An important limitation of human performance is the ability to generate explosive movements by means of rapid development of muscle force. The physiological determinants of this ability, however, are poorly understood. In this study, we show using extensive simulations that the rate by which motor units are recruited is the main limiting factor for maximum rate of force development.
Increased Risk of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Following Gastric Conditions IndicatingHelicobacter pyloriInfection: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Larfors Gunnar , Richter Johan , Själander Anders , Stenke Leif , Höglund Martin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackground:On the basis of a previous report of increased chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) risk following peptic ulcer, we hypothesized that chronic Helicobacter pylori infection could serve as a risk factor for CML.Methods:In a population-based, retrospective case–control study, we used Swedish registry data on 980 patients with CML and 4,960 age- and sex-matched controls to investigate associations between markers of previous infection with Helicobacter pylori and CML incidence.Results:Previous diagnoses of dyspepsia, gastritis or peptic ulcers, as well as previous proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication, were all associated with a significantly increased risk of CML (RRs, 1.5–2.0; P = 0.0005–0.05). Meanwhile, neither inflammatory bowel disease nor intake of NSAIDs were associated with CML, indicating that it is not gastrointestinal ulcer or inflammation per se that influences risk.Conclusions:The consistent associations suggest a shared background between gastric conditions and CML, and strengthen the case that Helicobacter pylori could constitute this common risk factor.Impact:As the etiology of CML is practically unknown, and Helicobacter pylori could potentially be a therapeutic target, even this indirect evidence encourages further studies on the potential involvement of Helicobacter pylori in CML etiology.