bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short axial length and hyperopic refractive error are risk factors of central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Terao Nobuhiro , Koizumi Hideki , Kojima Kentaro , Kusada Natsuki , Nagata Kenji , Yamagishi Tetsuya , Yoneda Kazuhito , Yoshii Kengo , Kinoshita Shigeru , Sotozono Chie 
Published: November 2019

Background/aims
To evaluate the axial length (AL) and refractive status in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Methods
This retrospective observational case series involved 140 patients with CSC (180 eyes) and 78 age-matched and gender-matched control subjects. A detailed ophthalmic examination was performed, including an interferometer measurement of AL. Multimodal imaging comprised colour fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, fundus autofluorescence photography and spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Results
Eighty eyes of 40 patients were categorised into the bilateral-CSC (b-CSC) group and 100 eyes of 100 patients were categorised into the unilateral-CSC (u-CSC) group. AL of the b-CSC (23.19 mm) and u-CSC (23.75 mm) groups was significantly shorter than that of the control (24.85 mm) group (p<0.001 for both). Moreover, AL was significantly shorter in the b-CSC group than in the u-CSC group (p=0.020). Spherical equivalent (SE) in the b-CSC (0.25 D) group was significantly greater than in the u-CSC (−0.81 D) and control (−1.38 D) groups (p<0.001 for both). Gender (male; OR 4.55; 95% CI 1.13 to 18.40; p=0.033), AL (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.63; p<0.001), area of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.13; p=0.002) and presence of descending tract (OR 7.22; 95% CI 1.86 to 28.00; p=0.004) were the variables found to be significantly associated with b-CSC via multiple regression analyses.

Conclusion
Anatomical features, such as shorter AL and greater SE, may be associated with the pathogenesis of CSC.
Short term exposure to fine particulate matter and hospital admission risks and costs in the Medicare population: time stratified, case crossover study
Authors: Wei Yaguang , Wang Yan , Di Qian , Choirat Christine , Wang Yun , Koutrakis Petros , Zanobetti Antonella , Dominici Francesca , Schwartz Joel D 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess risks and costs of hospital admission associated with short term exposure to fine particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) for 214 mutually exclusive disease groups.DesignTime stratified, case crossover analyses with conditional logistic regressions adjusted for non-linear confounding effects of meteorological variables.SettingMedicare inpatient hospital claims in the United States, 2000-12 (n=95 277 169).ParticipantsAll Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 or older admitted to hospital.Main outcome measuresRisk of hospital admission, number of admissions, days in hospital, inpatient and post-acute care costs, and value of statistical life (that is, the economic value used to measure the cost of avoiding a death) due to the lives lost at discharge for 214 disease groups.ResultsPositive associations between short term exposure to PM2.5and risk of hospital admission were found for several prevalent but rarely studied diseases, such as septicemia, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and acute and unspecified renal failure. Positive associations were also found between risk of hospital admission and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, and thromboembolism, confirming previously published results. These associations remained consistent when restricted to days with a daily PM2.5concentration below the WHO air quality guideline for the 24 hour average exposure to PM2.5. For the rarely studied diseases, each 1 µg/m3increase in short term PM2.5was associated with an annual increase of 2050 hospital admissions (95% confidence interval 1914 to 2187 admissions), 12 216 days in hospital (11 358 to 13 075), US$31m (£24m, €28m; $29m to $34m) in inpatient and post-acute care costs, and $2.5bn ($2.0bn to $2.9bn) in value of statistical life. For diseases with a previously known association, each 1 µg/m3increase in short term exposure to PM2.5was associated with an annual increase of 3642 hospital admissions (3434 to 3851), 20 098 days in hospital (18 950 to 21 247), $69m ($65m to $73m) in inpatient and post-acute care costs, and $4.1bn ($3.5bn to $4.7bn) in value of statistical life.ConclusionsNew causes and previously identified causes of hospital admission associated with short term exposure to PM2.5were found. These associations remained even at a daily PM2.5concentration below the WHO 24 hour guideline. Substantial economic costs were linked to a small increase in short term PM2.5.
Performance of UK National Health Service compared with other high income countries: observational study
Authors: Papanicolas Irene , Mossialos Elias , Gundersen Anders , Woskie Liana , Jha Ashish K 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Objective
To determine how the UK National Health Service (NHS) is performing relative to health systems of other high income countries, given that it is facing sustained financial pressure, increasing levels of demand, and cuts to social care.

Design
Observational study using secondary data from key international organisations such as Eurostat and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Setting
Healthcare systems of the UK and nine high income comparator countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the US.

Main outcome measures
79 indicators across seven domains: population and healthcare coverage, healthcare and social spending, structural capacity, utilisation, access to care, quality of care, and population health.

Results
The UK spent the least per capita on healthcare in 2017 compared with all other countries studied (UK $3825 (£2972; €3392); mean $5700), and spending was growing at slightly lower levels (0.02% of gross domestic product in the previous four years, compared with a mean of 0.07%). The UK had the lowest rates of unmet need and among the lowest numbers of doctors and nurses per capita, despite having average levels of utilisation (number of hospital admissions). The UK had slightly below average life expectancy (81.3 years compared with a mean of 81.7) and cancer survival, including breast, cervical, colon, and rectal cancer. Although several health service outcomes were poor, such as postoperative sepsis after abdominal surgery (UK 2454 per 100 000 discharges; mean 2058 per 100 000 discharges), 30 day mortality for acute myocardial infarction (UK 7.1%; mean 5.5%), and ischaemic stroke (UK 9.6%; mean 6.6%), the UK achieved lower than average rates of postoperative deep venous thrombosis after joint surgery and fewer healthcare associated infections.

Conclusions
The NHS showed pockets of good performance, including in health service outcomes, but spending, patient safety, and population health were all below average to average at best. Taken together, these results suggest that if the NHS wants to achieve comparable health outcomes at a time of growing demographic pressure, it may need to spend more to increase the supply of labour and long term care and reduce the declining trend in social spending to match levels of comparator countries.
Randomised controlled trial of gradual antipsychotic reduction and discontinuation in people with schizophrenia and related disorders: the RADAR trial (Research into Antipsychotic Discontinuation and Reduction)
Authors: Moncrieff Joanna , Lewis Glyn , Freemantle Nick , Johnson Sonia , Barnes Thomas R E , Morant Nicola , Pinfold Vanessa , Hunter Rachael , Kent Lyn J , Smith Ruth , Darton Katherine , Horne Robert , Crellin Nadia E , Cooper Ruth E , Marston Louise , Priebe Stefan 
Published: November 2019

IntroductionAntipsychotic medication is effective in reducing acute symptoms of psychosis, but it has a range of potentially serious and debilitating adverse effects and is often disliked by patients. It is therefore essential it is only used when benefits outweigh harms. Although multiple trials conducted with people with schizophrenia indicate an increased risk of relapse in the short-term following abrupt antipsychotic discontinuation, there is little evidence about the long-term outcome of a gradual process of reduction and discontinuation on social functioning, relapse and other outcomes.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre, randomised controlled trial involving people with schizophrenia and related disorders who have had more than one episode. Participants are randomised to have a clinically-supervised, gradual reduction of antipsychotic medication, leading to discontinuation when possible, or to continue with maintenance treatment. Blinded follow-up assessments are conducted at 6, 12 and 24 months and the primary outcome is social functioning, measured by the Social Functioning Scale at 24 months. A minimum of 134 evaluable participants provides 90% power to detect a five-point difference, and 206 to detect a four-point difference. Secondary outcomes include severe relapse (admission to hospital) and the study is also intended to detect a minimum 10% difference in severe relapse, which requires 402 participants, assuming a 15% loss to follow-up. Other secondary outcomes include all relapses, as identified by an independent and blinded endpoint committee, symptoms measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, quality of life, adverse effects, self-rated recovery and neuropsychological measures. Enrolment started in 2016. The trial is scheduled to finish in June 2022.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was initially obtained on 27 October 2016 (UK Research Ethics Committee reference 16/LO/1507). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated to the public.Trial registration numberISRCTN90298520. EudraCT: 2016-000709-36. Pre-results.
Challenges in making standardisation work in healthcare: lessons from a qualitative interview study of a line-labelling policy in a UK region
Authors: Kriznik Natasha Marie , Lamé Guillaume , Dixon-Woods Mary 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveTo identify and learn from efforts to design and implement a standardised policy for labelling of invasive tubing and lines across a regional health system.DesignSingle case study involving qualitative interviews and documentary analysis.SettingA devolved health system in the UK National Health Service (NHS).ParticipantsNHS staff (n=10) and policy-makers (n=8) who were involved in the design and/or implementation of the standardised policy.ResultsThough standardising labelling of invasive tubing and lines was initially seen as a common-sense technical change, challenges during the process of developing and implementing the policy were multiple and sociotechnical in nature. Major challenges related to defining the problem and the solution, limited sustained engagement with stakeholders and users, prototyping/piloting of the solution, and planning for implementation. Some frontline staff remained unconvinced of the need for or value of the policy, since they either did not believe that there was a problem or did not agree that standardised labelling was the right solution. Mundane practical issues such authorisation and resourcing, supply chains for labels, the need to restructure work practices to accommodate the new standard, and the physical features of the labels in specific clinical settings all had important impacts.ConclusionsNewly standardised tools and practices have to fit within a system of pre-existing norms, practices and procedures. We identified a number of practical, social and cultural challenges when designing and implementing a standardised policy in a regional healthcare system. Taking account of both sociocultural and technical aspects of standardisation, combined with systems thinking, could lead to more effective implementation and increase acceptability and usability of new standards.
Combined health risks of cigarette smoking and low levels of physical activity: a prospective cohort study in England with 12-year follow-up
Authors: Jackson Sarah E , Brown Jamie , Ussher Michael , Shahab Lion , Steptoe Andrew , Smith Lee 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo (1) estimate the combined risks of cigarette smoking and physical inactivity for chronic disease, disability and depressive symptoms and (2) determine whether risks associated with these behaviours are additive or synergistic.Design and settingLongitudinal observational population study using data from Waves 2 (2004/2005) through 8 (2016/2017) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a prospective study of community-dwelling older adults in England.Participants6425 men and women aged ≥52 years (mean (SD) 65.88 (9.34) years) at baseline.Main outcome measuresSmoking status (never, former, current) and level of physical activity (high, defined as moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) more than once a week; low, defined as MVPA once a week or less) were self-reported at Wave 2 baseline. Self-rated health, limiting long-standing illness, chronic conditions (coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, cancer, chronic lung disease) and depressive symptoms were reported in each biennial wave.ResultsBoth smoking and low levels of physical activity were associated with increased risk of incident health problems over the 12-year follow-up period. Current smokers with low levels of physical activity had especially high risks of developing fair/poor self-rated health, CHD, stroke, cancer and chronic lung disease compared with highly active never smokers (adjusted relative risk range 1.89–14.00). While additive effects were evident, tests of multiplicative interactions revealed no evidence of large synergistic effects of smoking and low physical activity (Bayes factor range 0.04–0.61), although data were insensitive to detect smaller effects.ConclusionsAmong older adults in England, there was no evidence of large synergistic effects of smoking and low levels of physical activity on risk of developing chronic disease or depressive symptoms over 12 years. However, additive effects of smoking and low levels of physical activity were evident, underscoring the importance of each of these lifestyle risk behaviours for disease onset.
Sedatives and sedation at the end of life: a nursing home retrospective cohort study
Authors: Schildmann Eva , Bolzani Anna , Meesters Sophie , Grüne Bettina , Marheineke Alina , Remi Constanze , Bausewein Claudia 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesSedatives are frequently used at the end of life in specialist palliative care. There is scarce information about their use in nursing homes. Therefore, we aimed to assess the use of (1) sedatives generally and (2) ‘sedatives with continuous effect’, based on objective operational criteria, within the last week of life in a nursing home.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of residents who died in a German nursing home between 1/2015 and 12/2017, using the nursing home’s medical records, which contained drug sheets and nurses’ notes. Sedatives analysed were those recommended by guidelines for ‘palliative sedation’: benzodiazepines, levomepromazine, haloperidol (≥5 mg/day) and propofol. Exploratory statistical analysis was conducted using R V.3.6.1.Results46/165 (28%) deceased residents received a sedative during the last week of life, all without use of the term ‘sedation’. 26/165 residents (16%) received ‘sedatives with continuous effect’, for median 4 days (range 1–7). Oral lorazepam was used most frequently, mainly for agitation, anxiety and dyspnoea, but also due to palliative status and patients wish. The median total daily dose of lorazepam within the last week of life was 1.5 mg (range 0.5–7.5). The term ‘palliative’ was significantly more often used for residents receiving sedatives (p=0.001).ConclusionsCompared with published data on continuous deep sedation, moderate or deep sedation was less frequent in this nursing home and never labelled as ‘sedation’. Multicentre mixed-methods research is needed to gain representative and more detailed data on sedation practices at the end of life in nursing homes.
Mechanical behavior of in vitro blood clots and the implications for acute ischemic stroke treatment
Authors: Johnson Sarah , Chueh Juyu , Gounis Matthew J , McCarthy Ray , McGarry J Patrick , McHugh Peter E , Gilvarry Michael 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundClot mechanical properties are influenced by composition and the arrangement of components within the clot. This work investigates the effects of platelet-driven contraction on blood clot microstructure and mechanical behavior, and provides insight into some implications for mechanical thrombectomy.MethodsPlatelet-contracted clot analogues (PCCs) and non-contracted clot analogues (NCCs) were prepared from blood mixtures of various hematocrits (%H), that is, the volume percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in the mixture. Mechanical testing was performed to compare the behavior of the analogues with previously tested human thromboemboli. Scanning electron microscopy and histology investigated the clot microstructure and composition. The association between clot properties and their behavior during mechanical behavior was also investigated.ResultsOverall, PCCs were found to be stiffer than NCCs, across all hematocrits. PCCs with a low %H resisted complete ingestion via contact aspiration alone or complete retrieval with stent-retrievers. PCCs with a higher %H and all NCCs were fully retrievable, although the likelihood of fragmentation was increased in clots with a greater %H. Histologically, there was little difference in the RBC and fibrin content between PCCs and NCCs with the same %H. However, the microstructure of the two groups differed significantly.ConclusionA selection of repeatable clot analogues with a range of mechanical properties have been developed for in vitro modeling of acute ischemic stroke. Platelet contraction significantly affects clot volume and microstructure, and in turn clot stiffness. The significant difference in mechanical properties and microstructure, but without an appreciable difference in histology, implies that histological studies of explanted human clots alone may not prove to be predictive of the mechanical behavior of the clots in thrombectomy.
Association of pulse pressure with all-cause mortality in young adults
Authors: LI Jie , Huang Jia-Yi , Lo Kenneth , Zhang Bin , Huang Yu-Qing , Feng Ying Qing 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundPulse blood pressure was significantly associated with all-cause mortality in middle-aged and elderly populations, but less evidence was known in young adults.ObjectiveTo assess the association of pulse pressure (PP) with all-cause mortality in young adults.MethodsThis cohort from the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey included adults aged 18–40 years. All included participants were followed up until the date of death or 31 December 2015. PP was categorised into three groups: &lt;50, 50~60, ≥60 mm Hg. Cox proportional hazards models and subgroup analysis were performed to estimate the adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for all-cause mortality.ResultsAfter applying the exclusion criteria, 8356 participants (median age 26.63±7.01 years, 4598 women (55.03%)) were included, of which 265 (3.17%) have died during a median follow-up duration of 152.96±30.45 months. When treating PP as a continuous variable, multivariate Cox analysis showed that PP was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.69; p=0.0422). When using PP&lt;50 mm Hg as referent, from the 50~60 mm Hg to the ≥60 mm Hg group, the risks of all-cause mortality for participants with PP ranging 50–60 mm Hg or ≥60 mm Hg were 0.93 (95% CI 0.42 to 2.04) and 1.15 (95% CI 0.32 to 4.07) (P for tend was 0.959). Subgroup analysis showed that PP (HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.82; p=0.0360) was associated with all-cause mortality among non-hypertensive participants.ConclusionAmong young adults, higher PP was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, particularly among those without hypertension.
Determinants of medical specialty competitiveness
Authors: Lefebvre Cedric , Hartman Nicholas , Tooze Janet , Manthey David 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the concept of medical specialty competitiveness may seem intuitive, there are very little existing empirical data on the determinants of specialty competitiveness in USA. An understanding of the determinants of specialty competitiveness may inform career choices among students and their advisors. Specialty competitiveness correlates with availability and appeal.MethodsThis narrative review examines 2019 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) data and the existing literature to define the determinants of specialty competitiveness. A statistical analysis of key elements of the 2019 NRMP data was performed.ResultsUsing US senior applicant fill rate as a measure of competitiveness, medical specialty competitiveness follows general principles of supply and demand. The demand, or appeal, of a specialty correlates with several factors, including salary, prestige and lifestyle. Salary correlates strongly with US senior fill rate (r=0.78, p=0.001). Relatively few positions are available for the most competitive specialties in the NRMP match. The negative correlation between US senior fill rate and position availability is also strong (r=−0.85; p&lt;0.0001).ConclusionA ‘competitive specialty’ correlates strongly with high earnings potential and limited position availability. In an ideal world, a student’s pursuit of a medical specialty should be guided by interest, qualifications and ability to succeed in that field. However, students must contend with the realities of competition created by the residency matching system.
Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) alone is insufficient to monitor disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis in clinical practice
Authors: Boone Niels W , Sepriano Alexandre , van der Kuy Paul-Hugo , Janknegt Rob , Peeters Ralph , Landewé Robert B M 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveTo test the longitudinal association between patient-reported outcome, Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) and the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints that includes the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) in routine-care patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsPatients with RA treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were included in this prospective observational cohort. The longitudinal association between RAPID3 (0–10) and DAS28-ESR and its individual components (swollen joint count (SJC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (mm/hour), tender joint count (TJC) and patient global assessment (PGA)) was tested using generalised estimating equations in patients with more than two consecutive visits with data on RAPID3 and DAS28-ESR. Interactions between RAPID3 and gender, pain, PGA and age at baseline were tested, and if significant (p<0.20) and clinically relevant, models were fit in the corresponding strata.ResultsIn total, 330 patients were included (mean follow-up 10.7 (SD 9.7) months, female gender 67.9%). The longitudinal association between RAPID3 and DAS28-ESR was weak (β=0.29 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.35), n=207), meaning that one unit increase in RAPID3 corresponded to a 0.29 unit increase in Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). RAPID3 was most strongly associated with subjective (TJC: β=0.89 (95% CI 0.61 to 1.17); PGA: β=0.94 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.04)) and not with objective components of DAS28 (SJC: β=0.29 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.41), n=172). The association between RAPID3 and ESR was poor but modified by gender, being only significant in men (β=0.37 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.67)).ConclusionsThese data suggest that RAPID3 does not sufficiently capture changes in objective inflammatory signs. Monitoring by RAPID3 alone is therefore insufficient to follow disease activity in patients wth RA in clinical practice.