bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nurse-led vs. usual-care for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wijtvliet E P J Petra , Tieleman Robert G , van Gelder Isabelle C , Pluymaekers Nikki A H A , Rienstra Michiel , Folkeringa Richard J , Bronzwaer Patrick , Elvan Arif , Elders Jan , Tukkie Raymond , Luermans Justin G L M , Van Asselt A D I Thea , Van Kuijk Sander M J , Tijssen Jan G , Crijns Harry J G M ,   RACE 4 Investigators
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
Nurse-led integrated care is expected to improve outcome of patients with atrial fibrillation compared with usual-care provided by a medical specialist.

Methods and results
We randomized 1375 patients with atrial fibrillation (64 ± 10 years, 44% women, 57% had CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2) to receive nurse-led care or usual-care. Nurse-led care was provided by specialized nurses using a decision-support tool, in consultation with the cardiologist. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death and cardiovascular hospital admissions. Of 671 nurse-led care patients, 543 (81%) received anticoagulation in full accordance with the guidelines against 559 of 683 (82%) usual-care patients. The cumulative adherence to guidelines-based recommendations was 61% under nurse-led care and 26% under usual-care. Over 37 months of follow-up, the primary endpoint occurred in 164 of 671 patients (9.7% per year) under nurse-led care and in 192 of 683 patients (11.6% per year) under usual-care [hazard ratio (HR) 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.04, P = 0.12]. There were 124 vs. 161 hospitalizations for arrhythmia events (7.0% and 9.4% per year), and 14 vs. 22 for heart failure (0.7% and 1.1% per year), respectively. Results were not consistent in a pre-specified subgroup analysis by centre experience, with a HR of 0.52 (95% CI 0.37–to 0.71) in four experienced centres and of 1.24 (95% CI 0.94–1.63) in four less experienced centres (P for interaction &lt;0.001).

Conclusion
Our trial failed to show that nurse-led care was superior to usual-care. The data suggest that nurse-led care by an experienced team could be clinically beneficial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01740037).

Trial Registration number
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01740037).
Data envelopment analysis applications in primary health care: a systematic review
Authors: Zakowska Izabela , Godycki-Cwirko Maciek 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
Strategic management of primary health care centres is necessary for creating an efficient global health care system that delivers good care.

Objectives
To perform a systematic literature review of the use of data envelopment analysis in estimating the relative technical efficiency of primary health care centres, and to identify the inputs, outputs and models used.

Methods
PubMed, MEDLINE Complete, Embase and Web of Science were searched for papers published before the 25 March 2019.

Results
Of a total of 4231 search results, 54 studies met the inclusion criteria. The identified inputs included personnel costs, gross expenditures, referrals and days of hospitalization, as well as prescriptions and investigations. Outputs included consultations or visits, registered patients, procedures, treatments and services, prescriptions and investigations. A variety of data envelopment analysis models used was identified, with no standard approach.

Conclusions
Data envelopment analysis extends the scope of tools used to analyse primary care functioning. It can support health economic analyses when assessing primary care efficiency. The main issues are setting outputs and inputs and selecting a model best suited for the range of products and services in the primary health care sector. This article serves as a step forward in the standardization of data envelopment analysis, but further research is needed.
Analysis of ballistic waves in seismic noise monitoring of water table variations in a water field site: added value from numerical modelling to data understanding
Authors: Garambois S , Voisin C , Romero Guzman M A , Brito D , Guillier B , Réfloch A 
Published: August 2019

SUMMARYPassive seismic interferometry allows to track continuously the weak seismic velocity changes in any medium by correlating the ambient seismic noise between two points to reconstruct the Green’s function. The ballistic surface waves of the reconstructed Green’s functions are used to monitor the changes of water table induced by a controlled experiment in the Crépieux-Charmy (France) exploitation field. Viscoelastic numerical modelling of the monitoring experiment reproduces quite satisfactorily the sensitivity of the surface waves to the water table previously observed with seismic noise data. This numerical approach points out that this sensitivity is controlled by mode mixing of Rayleigh waves. It also made it possible to identify the refracted P wave and to extract its anticorrelated sensitivity to water table variations. Depending on the offset between receivers, it was observed numerically that the interferences between the different waves (with different velocities) composing the seismic wavefield slightly affect the quantitative sensitivity to water table changes. This suggests the use of an optimal spatial and temporal observation window for which wave interference is minor and does not blur the quantitative response to water table variations. We were thus able to determine the relationship between velocity and water table variations for all waves involved. From numerical computations, we identify a weak signal-to-noise ratio phase in the noise correlograms, with a anticorrelated sensitivity to the water table: the reconstructed refracted waves.
Predictors of Perianal Fistula Relapse in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Malian Audrey , Rivière Pauline , Bouchard Dominique , Pigot François , Eléouet-Kaplan Marianne , Favreau-Weltzer Charlotte , Poullenot Florian , Laharie David 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
Despite an optimal medico-surgical management of perineal Crohn’s disease (PCD), fistula relapse still occurs in 30% of patients. Our aim was to determine predictors of fistula relapse in patients in remission after treatment of a PCD lesion.

Methods
Consecutive patients treated for fistulizing PCD have been included in a retrospective study when they achieved fistula remission within 3 months after the surgery. Remission was defined as the absence of any draining fistula at clinical examination. Primary outcome was the occurrence of a fistula relapse, defined as a subsequent perianal draining fistula or an abscess confirmed clinically and/or by pelvic MRI.

Results
One hundred and thirty-seven patients (57% female, median age: 35 years) corresponding to 157 abscess events, including 120 (76.4%) treated by anti-TNF after drainage, achieved fistula remission after surgery. During the follow-up period (median duration: 43 months [interquartile range 26 to 64]), 34 (22%) patients experienced a fistula relapse within a median time of 1.8 years. Survival without fistula was 96.7% at 1 year, 78.4% at 3 years, and 74.4% at 5 years. Fistula relapse rates were not different in patients receiving infliximab or adalimumab (P = 0.66). In patients treated by anti-TNF at inclusion, discontinuation of anti-TNF therapy (odds ratio 3.49, P = 0.04), colonic location (OR 6.25, P = 0.01), and stricturing phenotype (odds ratio 4.39, P = 0.01) were independently associated with fistula relapse in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion
In patients achieving fistula remission of PCD, relapse rates are low and are not different between infliximab and adalimumab. Discontinuation of anti-TNF therapy is associated with increased relapse rate.
Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Kabani Nazia , Ross Shannon A 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCongenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is a leading cause of hearing loss and neurological disabilities in children, with the disease burden and disabilities due to cCMV greater than many other well recognized childhood conditions. A minority of infants with cCMV will have symptoms at birth. Infants with symptomatic cCMV are at higher risk for sequelae than those born without symptoms. The majority of infants with cCMV are asymptomatic at birth, but 10%–15% will develop hearing loss. Although clinical symptoms can help predict which infants will have sensorineural hearing loss, among asymptomatic cCMV there are currently no predictors of adverse outcome. The identification of a biomarker to identify those at highest risk of sequelae is highly desirable to target interventions to those who could potentially benefit. Because there is increasing rationale for establishing both targeted and universal screening programs for cCMV in the United States and worldwide, this is an urgent priority.
High Rates of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Functional Cure Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-HBV Coinfected Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Zambia
Authors: Chihota Belinda V , Wandeler Gilles , Chilengi Roma , Mulenga Lloyd , Chung Raymond T , Bhattacharya Debika , Egger Mathias , Vinikoor Michael J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Among 284 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfected adults starting tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Zambia, median baseline CD4+ count was 202 cells/mm3 and 41.6% were hepatitis B e-antigen positive. Within 2 years of therapy, 29 (10.2%) participants experienced HBV functional cure (confirmed loss of hepatitis B surface antigen). In multivariable analysis, baseline CD4 count &lt;350 cells/mm3, female sex, and lower baseline HBV deoxyribonucleic acid were associated with increased odds of functional cure. Immune recovery during HIV-HBV treatment with ART may drive higher rates of functional cure than during HBV monoinfection treatment. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon could inform immunomodulatory therapies for HBV cure.
Galactic chimney sweeping: the effect of ‘gradual’ stellar feedback mechanisms on the evolution of dwarf galaxies
Authors: Garratt-Smithson Lilian , Wynn Graham A , Power Chris , Nixon C J 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
We investigate the impact of time-resolved ‘gradual’ stellar feedback processes in high redshift dwarf spheroidal galaxies. Here ‘gradual’ feedback refers to individual stellar feedback events which deposit energy over a period of time. We conduct high-resolution hydrodynamical simulations of dwarf spheroidal galaxies with halo masses of 107–108 M⊙, based on z = 6 progenitors of the Milky Way’s dwarf spheroidal galaxies. We also include a novel feedback prescription for individual massive stars, which includes stellar winds and an HMXB (high mass X-ray binary) phase, on top of supernovae. We find the mass of gas unbound across a 1 Gyr starburst is uniformly lowered if gradual feedback mechanisms are included across the range of metallicities, halo concentration parameters, and galaxy masses studied here. Furthermore, we find including gradual feedback in the smallest galaxies delays the unbinding of the majority of the gas and facilitates the production of ‘chimneys’ in the dense shell surrounding the feedback generated hot, pressurized ‘superbubble’. These ‘chimneys’ vent hot gas from the galaxy interior, lowering the temperature of the central 10 kpc of the gaseous halo. Additionally, we find radiative cooling has little effect on the energetics of simulations that include a short, violent starburst compared with those that have a longer, less concentrated starburst. Finally, we investigate the relative impact of HMXB feedback and stellar winds on our results, finding the ubiquity of stellar winds throughout each starburst makes them a defining factor in the final state of the interstellar medium.
Reconstructing probability distributions with Gaussian processes
Authors: McClintock Thomas , Rozo Eduardo 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
Modern cosmological analyses constrain physical parameters using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) or similar sampling techniques. Oftentimes, these techniques are computationally expensive to run and require up to thousands of CPU hours to complete. Here we present a method for reconstructing the log-probability distributions of completed experiments from an existing chain (or any set of posterior samples). The reconstruction is performed using Gaussian process regression for interpolating the log-probability. This allows for easy resampling, importance sampling, marginalization, testing different samplers, investigating chain convergence, and other operations. As an example use case, we reconstruct the posterior distribution of the most recent Planck 2018 analysis. We then resample the posterior, and generate a new chain with 40 times as many points in only 30 min. Our likelihood reconstruction tool is made publicly available online.
UGC 1378 – a Milky Way sized galaxy embedded in a giant low surface brightness disc
Authors: Saburova Anna S , Chilingarian Igor V , Kasparova Anastasia V , Katkov Ivan Yu , Fabricant Daniel G , Uklein Roman I 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
The dominant physical processes responsible for the formation and longevity of giant gaseous and stellar discs in galaxies remain controversial. Although they are rare (less than 10 confirmed as of now), giant low-surface brightness (gLSB) discy galaxies provide interesting insights given their extreme nature. We describe observations of UGC 1378 including deep spectroscopy with the Russian 6-m telescope and multiband imaging with Binospec at the MMT. Galaxy UGC 1378 has both high surface brightness and an extended low surface brightness discs. Our stellar velocity dispersion data for the high surface brightness, Milky Way sized, disc appears inconsistent with a recent major merger, a widely discussed formation scenario for the very extended low surface brightness disc. We estimate the star formation rates (SFRs) from archival Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer data. The SFR surface density in the LSB disc is low relative to its gas density, consistent with recent gas accretion. We argue that the unusually large size of UGC 1378’s disc may be the product of a rich gas reservoir (e.g. a cosmic filament) and an isolated environment that has preserved the giant disc.
Barycentric interpolation on Riemannian and semi-Riemannian spaces
Authors: Pihajoki Pauli , Mannerkoski Matias , Johansson Peter H 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
Interpolation of data represented in curvilinear coordinates and possibly having some non-trivial, typically Riemannian or semi-Riemannian geometry is a ubiquitous task in all of physics. In this work, we present a covariant generalization of the barycentric coordinates and the barycentric interpolation method for Riemannian and semi-Riemannian spaces of arbitrary dimension. We show that our new method preserves the linear accuracy property of barycentric interpolation in a coordinate-invariant sense. In addition, we show how the method can be used to interpolate constrained quantities so that the given constraint is automatically respected. We showcase the method with two astrophysics related examples situated in the curved Kerr space–time. The first problem is interpolating a locally constant vector field, in which case curvature effects are expected to be maximally important. The second example is a general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics simulation of a turbulent accretion flow around a black hole, wherein high intrinsic variability is expected to be at least as important as curvature effects.
Utility of the Hijdra Sum Score in Predicting Risk of Aneurysm in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Single-Center Experience With 550 Patients
Authors: Kole Matthew J , Shea Phelan , Albrecht Jennifer S , Cannarsa Gregory J , Wessell Aaron P , Miller Timothy R , Jindal Gaurav , Gandhi Dheeraj , Aldrich E Francois , Simard J Marc 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is most commonly caused by a ruptured vascular lesion. A significant number of patients presenting with SAH have no identifiable cause despite extensive cerebrovascular imaging at presentation. Significant neurological morbidity or mortality can result from misdiagnosis of aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE
To generate a model to assist in predicting the risk of aneurysm in this patient population.

METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study of all patients aged ≥18 yr admitted to a single center from March 2008 to March 2018 with nontraumatic SAH (n = 550). Patient information was compared between those with and without aneurysm to identify potential predictors. Odds ratios obtained from a logistic regression model were converted into scores which were summed and tested for predictive ability.

RESULTS
Female sex, higher modified Fisher or Hijdra score, nonperimesencephalic location, presence of intracerebral hemorrhage, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) score ≥3, need for cerebrospinal fluid diversion on admission, and history of tobacco use were all entered into multivariable analysis. Greater modified Fisher, greater Hijdra score, WFNS ≥3, and hydrocephalus present on admission were significantly associated with the presence of an aneurysm. A model based on the Hijdra score and SAH location was generated and validated.

CONCLUSION
We show for the first time that the Hijdra score, in addition to other factors, may assist in identifying patients at risk for aneurysm on cerebrovascular imaging. A simple scoring tool based on patient sex, SAH location, and SAH burden can assist in predicting the presence of an aneurysm in patients with nontraumatic SAH.
Postoperative Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Spinal Metastases and the Impact of Epidural Disease Grade
Authors: Alghamdi Majed , Sahgal Arjun , Soliman Hany , Myrehaug Sten , Yang Victor X D , Das Sunit , Wilson Jefferson , Campbell Mikki , Lee Young K , Cawricz Monica , Da Costa Leo , Atenafu Eshetu G , Tseng Chia-Lin 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Postoperative stereotactic body radiotherapy (pSBRT) is an emerging indication for spinal metastases (SM).

OBJECTIVE
To report our experience with pSBRT for SM.

METHODS
A retrospective chart review was performed for prospectively collected data of patients treated between September 2008 to December 2015 with pSBRT and followed with serial spinal MRIs every 2 to 3 mo until death or last follow-up. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictive factors.

RESULTS
A total of 83 spinal segments in 47 patients treated with a median dose of 24 Gy in 2 fractions were included, with mostly lung and breast primaries. A total of 59.3% had preoperative high-grade epidural disease (ED) and 39.7% were unstable. The 12-mo cumulative incidence of local failure was 17% for all segments, and 33.3%, 21.8%, and 0% in segments with postoperative high-grade, low-grade, and no ED, respectively. Downgrading preoperative ED was predictive of better local control (P = .03). The grade of postoperative ED was also predictive for local control (P < .0001), as was a longer interval between prior radiotherapy and pSBRT in those previously irradiated (P = .004). The 12-mo overall survival rate was 55%. One case of radiculopathy, 3 vertebral compression fractures, and no cases of myelopathy, hardware failure, or skin breakdown were observed.

CONCLUSION
pSBRT is an effective and safe treatment. The association between downgrading preoperative ED and better local control following pSBRT is confirmed and supports the concept of separation surgery.
Comparative study of obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) and non-criteria obstetric APS (NC-OAPS): report of 1640 cases from the EUROAPS registry
Authors: Alijotas-Reig Jaume , Esteve-Valverde Enrique , Ferrer-Oliveras Raquel , Sáez-Comet Luis , Lefkou Elmina , Mekinian Arsène , Belizna Cristina , Ruffatti Amelia , Hoxha Ariela , Tincani Angela , Nalli Cecilia , Marozio Luca , Maina Aldo , Espinosa Gerard , Ríos-Garcés Roberto , Cervera Ricard , Carolis Sara De , Monteleone Giuseppina , Latino Omar , Udry Sebastian , LLurba Elisa , Garrido-Gimenez Carmen , Trespidi Laura , Gerosa Maria , Chighizola Cecilia Beatrice , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Canti Valentina , Mayer-Pickel Karoline , Tabacco Sara , Arnau Anna , Trapé Jaume , Ruiz-Hidalgo Domingo , Sos Laia , Farran-Codina Inmaculada ,   for the EUROAPS Study Group
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To compare clinical features, laboratory data and fetal-maternal outcomes between 1000 women with obstetric APS (OAPS) and 640 with aPL-related obstetric complications not fulfilling Sydney criteria (non-criteria OAPS, NC-OAPS).

Methods
This was a retrospective and prospective multicentre study from the European Registry on Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome.

Results
A total of 1650 women with 5251 episodes, 3601 of which were historical and 1650 latest episodes, were included. Altogether, 1000 cases (OAPS group) fulfilled the Sydney classification criteria and 650 (NC-OAPS group) did not. Ten NC-OAPS cases were excluded for presenting thrombosis during follow-up. All cases were classified as category I (triple positivity or double positivity for aPL) or category II (simple positivity). Overall, aPL laboratory categories showed significant differences: 29.20% in OAPS vs 17.96% in NC-OAPS (P &lt; 0.0001) for category I, and 70.8% in OAPS vs 82% in NC-OAPS (P &lt; 0.0001) for category II. Significant differences were observed when current obstetric complications were compared (P &lt; 0.001). However, major differences between groups were not observed in treatment rates, livebirths and thrombotic complications. In the NC-OAPS group, 176/640 (27.5%) did not fulfil Sydney clinical criteria (subgroup A), 175/640 (27.34%) had a low titre and/or non-persistent aPL positivity but did meet the clinical criteria (subgroup B) and 289/640 (45.15%) had a high aPL titre but did not fulfil Sydney clinical criteria (subgroup C).

Conclusion
Significant clinical and laboratory differences were found between groups. Fetal-maternal outcomes were similar in both groups when treated. These results suggest that we could improve our clinical practice with better understanding of NC-OAPS patients.
The bulge sign – a simple physical examination for identifying progressive knee osteoarthritis: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Teichtahl Andrew J , Wluka Anita E , Hussain Sultana Monira , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Cicuttini Flavia M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To examine whether the presence of bulge sign or patellar tap was associated with frequent knee pain, progression of radiographic OA (ROA) and total knee replacement (TKR).

Methods
This study included 4344 Osteoarthritis Initiative participants examined at baseline for bulge sign and/or patellar tap. The clinical signs were categorized as no (none at baseline and 2 years), resolved (present at baseline only), developed (present at 2 years only) and persistent (present at both time points). Frequent knee pain and progression of ROA over 4 years and TKR over 6 years were assessed. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the associations.

Results
A total of 12.7% of participants had bulge sign only, 2.0% had patellar tap only and 3.3% had both. A positive baseline bulge sign was associated with an increased risk of frequent knee pain [OR 1.31 (95% CI 1.04, 1.64), P = 0.02] and TKR [OR 1.47 (95% CI 1.06, 2.05), P = 0.02]. Developed bulge sign was associated with an increased risk of frequent knee pain [OR 1.75 (95% CI 1.34, 2.29), P &lt; 0.001] and progressive ROA [OR 1.67 (95% CI 1.11, 2.51), P = 0.01]. Persistent bulge sign was associated with an increased risk of frequent knee pain [OR 1.60 (95% CI 1.09, 2.35), P = 0.02], progressive ROA [OR 1.84 (95% CI 1.01, 3.33), P = 0.045] and TKR [OR 2.13 (95% CI 1.23, 3.68), P = 0.007]. Patellar tap was not examined for its association with joint outcomes due to its low prevalence.

Conclusion
The presence of bulge sign identifies individuals at increased risk of frequent knee pain, progression of ROA and TKR. This provides clinicians with a quick, simple, inexpensive method for identifying those at higher risk of progressive knee OA who should be targeted for therapy.