bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic angiographic embolisation after endoscopic control of bleeding to high-risk peptic ulcers: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lau James Y W , Pittayanon Rapat , Wong Ka-Tak , Pinjaroen Nutcha , Chiu Philip Wai Yan , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Holster Ingrid Lisanne , Kuipers Ernst J , Wu Kai-Chun , Au Kim W L , Chan Francis K L , Sung Joseph J Y 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesIn the management of patients with bleeding peptic ulcers, recurrent bleeding is associated with high mortality. We investigated if added angiographic embolisation after endoscopic haemostasis to high-risk ulcers could reduce recurrent bleeding.DesignAfter endoscopic haemostasis to their bleeding gastroduodenal ulcers, we randomised patients with at least one of these criteria (ulcers≥20 mm in size, spurting bleeding, hypotensive shock or haemoglobin<9 g/dL) to receive added angiographic embolisation or standard treatment. Our primary endpoint was recurrent bleeding within 30 days.ResultsBetween January 2010 and July 2014, 241 patients were randomised (added angiographic embolisation n=118, standard treatment n=123); 22 of 118 patients (18.6%) randomised to angiography did not receive embolisation. In an intention-to-treat analysis, 12 (10.2%) in the embolisation and 14 (11.4%) in the standard treatment group reached the primary endpoint (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.53 to 2.46; p=0.745). The rate of reinterventions (13 vs 17; p=0.510) and deaths (3 vs 5, p=0.519) were similar. In a per-protocol analysis, 6 of 96 (6.2%) rebled after embolisation compared with 14 of 123 (11.4%) in the standard treatment group (HR 1.89, 95% CI 0.73 to 4.92; p=0.192). None of 96 patients died after embolisation compared with 5 (4.1%) deaths in the standard treatment group (p=0.108). In a posthoc analysis, embolisation reduced recurrent bleeding only in patients with ulcers≥15 mm in size (2 (4.5%) vs 12 (23.1%); p=0.027).ConclusionsAfter endoscopic haemostasis, added embolisation does not reduce recurrent bleeding.Trial registration numberNCT01142180.
Sir Thomas Boverton Redwood (1846–1919): a watershed in the British oil industry
Authors: Sorkhabi Rasoul 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Sir Thomas Boverton Redwood (1846–1919) stands as a giant in the history of petroleum science and technology. This paper pieces together scattered information about his life and work, and discusses his contributions, directly or indirectly, to petroleum exploration and production in various parts of the world, especially Burma (Myanmar), Persia, Mexico and the West Indies with which British colonial and commercial interests were related. Redwood established one of the first and most successful consulting firms for petroleum companies, and, in this way, trained generations of petroleum geologists and engineers. His masterpiece,
Petroleum: A Treatise
, which went through five editions from 1896 to 1926, summed up the knowledge of petroleum of its age, and still remains a valuable book for historical reference. Redwood's mediatory position between scientific, industrial and political circles in Britain enabled him to play a leading role in the development of petroleum technology, as well as Britain's oil operations around the world during the 1880s–1910s. He served as a technical advisor to many government committees and oil companies, and his total dedication to Britain's oil security during World War I and during the transformation of the Royal Navy's fleet from coal to oil fuel were the climax of his professional life.
Neratinib: Inching Up on the Cure Rate of HER2+ Breast Cancer?
Authors: Unni Nisha , Sudhan Dhivya R. , Arteaga Carlos L. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Neratinib was recently approved by the FDA for extended adjuvant treatment of HER2+ breast cancer. The ExteNET trial showed improvement in invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) in the neratinib arm compared with placebo. The benefit was more pronounced in patients with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+)/HER2+ tumors, suggesting bidirectional cross-talk between the ER and HER pathways. Clin Cancer Res; 24(15); 3483–5. ©2018 AACR.
See related article by Singh et al., p. 3486
Enhanced Cardiomyocyte NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Promotes Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Yao Chunxia , Veleva Tina , Scott Larry , Cao Shuyi , Li Luge , Chen Gong , Jeyabal Prince , Pan Xiaolu , Alsina Katherina M. , Abu-Taha Issam , Ghezelbash Shokoufeh , Reynolds Corey L. , Shen Ying H. , LeMaire Scott A. , Schmitz Wilhelm , Müller Frank U. , El-Armouche Ali , Tony Eissa N. , Beeton Christine , Nattel Stanley , Wehrens Xander H.T. , Dobrev Dobromir , Li Na 
Published: May 2018

Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently associated with enhanced inflammatory response. The NLRP3 (NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain containing protein 3) inflammasome mediates caspase-1 activation and interleukin-1β release in immune cells but is not known to play a role in cardiomyocytes (CMs). Here, we assessed the role of CM NLRP3 inflammasome in AF.

Methods:

NLRP3 inflammasome activation was assessed by immunoblot in atrial whole-tissue lysates and CMs from patients with paroxysmal AF or long-standing persistent (chronic) AF. To determine whether CM-specific activation of NLPR3 is sufficient to promote AF, a CM-specific knockin mouse model expressing constitutively active NLRP3 (CM-KI) was established. In vivo electrophysiology was used to assess atrial arrhythmia vulnerability. To evaluate the mechanism of AF, electric activation pattern, Ca
2+
spark frequency, atrial effective refractory period, and morphology of atria were evaluated in CM-KI mice and wild-type littermates.

Results:

NLRP3 inflammasome activity was increased in the atrial CMs of patients with paroxysmal AF and chronic AF. CM-KI mice developed spontaneous premature atrial contractions and inducible AF, which was attenuated by a specific NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, MCC950. CM-KI mice exhibited ectopic activity, abnormal sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
release, atrial effective refractory period shortening, and atrial hypertrophy. Adeno-associated virus subtype-9–mediated CM-specific knockdown of
Nlrp3
suppressed AF development in CM-KI mice. Finally, genetic inhibition of
Nlrp3
prevented AF development in CREM transgenic mice, a well-characterized mouse model of spontaneous AF.

Conclusions:
Our study establishes a novel pathophysiological role for CM NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, with a mechanistic link to the pathogenesis of AF, and establishes the inhibition of NLRP3 as a potential novel AF therapy approach.
Single‐ Versus 2‐Stent Strategies for Coronary Bifurcation Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Trials With Long‐Term Follow‐up
Authors: Ford Thomas J. , McCartney Peter , Corcoran David , Collison Damien , Hennigan Barry , McEntegart Margaret , Hildick‐Smith David , Oldroyd Keith G. , Berry Colin 
Published: May 2018

Background
The majority of coronary bifurcation lesions are treated with a provisional single‐stent strategy rather than an up‐front 2‐stent strategy. This approach is supported by multiple randomized controlled clinical trials with short‐ to medium‐term follow‐up; however, long‐term follow‐up data is evolving from many data sets.

Methods and Results

Meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating long‐term outcomes (≥1 year) according to treatment strategy for coronary bifurcation lesions. Nine randomized controlled trials with 3265 patients reported long‐term clinical outcomes at mean weighted follow‐up of 3.1±1.8 years. Provisional single stenting was associated with lower all‐cause mortality (2.94% versus 4.23%; risk ratio: 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.48–1.00;
P
=0.049; I
2
=0). There was no difference in major adverse cardiac events (15.8% versus 15.4%;
P
=0.79), myocardial infarction (4.8% versus 5.5%;
P
=0.51), target lesion revascularization (9.3% versus 7.6%;
P
=0.19), or stent thrombosis (1.8% versus 1.6%;
P
=0.28) between the groups. Prespecified sensitivity analysis of long‐term mortality at a mean of 4.7 years of follow‐up showed that the provisional single‐stent strategy was associated with reduced all‐cause mortality (3.9% versus 6.2%; risk ratio: 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.97;
P
=0.036; I
2
=0).

Conclusions
Coronary bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention using a provisional single‐stent strategy is associated with a reduction in all‐cause mortality at long‐term follow‐up.
Metapragmatic stereotypes about geographical diversity in Greece
Authors: Papazachariou Dimitris , Fterniati Anna , Archakis Argiris , Tsami Vasia 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Over the past decades, contemporary sociolinguistics has challenged the existence of fixed and rigid linguistic boundaries, thus focusing on how the speakers themselves define language varieties and how specific linguistic choices end up being perceived as language varieties. In this light, the present paper explores the influence of metapragmatic stereotypes on elementary school pupils’ attitudes towards geographical varieties. Specifically, we investigate children’s beliefs as to the acceptability of geographical varieties and their perception of the overt and covert prestige of geographical varieties and dialectal speakers. Furthermore, we explore the relationship between the children’s specific beliefs and factors such as gender, the social stratification of the school location and the pupils’ performance in language subjects. The data of the study was collected via questionnaires with closed questions. The research findings indicate that the children of our sample associate geographical varieties with rural settings and informal communicative contexts. Moreover, children recognize a lack of overt prestige in geographical variation; at the same time, they evaluate positively the social attractiveness and the personal reliability of the geographical varieties and their speakers. Our research showed that pupils’ beliefs are in line with the dominant metapragmatic stereotypes which promote language homogeneity.
Reducing costs at the end of life through provider incentives for hospice care: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Bradley , Kuo Chin-Chi , Huang Nicole , Fan Victoria Y 
Published: May 2018

Background: Costs of medical care have been found to be highest at the end of life. Aim: To evaluate the effect of provider reimbursement for hospice care on end-of-life costs. Design: The policy expanded access to hospice care for end-stage renal disease patients, a policy previously limited to cancer patients only. This study employed a difference-in-differences analysis using a generalized linear model. The main outcome is inpatient expenditures in the last 30 days of life. Setting/participants: A cohort of 151,509 patients with chronic kidney disease or cancer, aged 65 years or older, who died between 2005 and 2012 in the National Health Insurance Research Database, which contains all enrollment and inpatient claims data for Taiwan. Results: Even as end-of-life costs for cancer are declining over time, expanding hospice care benefits to end-stage renal disease patients is associated with an additional reduction of 7.3% in end-of-life costs per decedent, holding constant patient and provider characteristics. On average, end-of-life costs are also high for end-stage renal disease (1.88 times higher than those for cancer). The cost savings were larger among older patients—among those who died at 80 years of age or higher, the cost reduction was 9.8%. Conclusion: By expanding hospice care benefits through a provider reimbursement policy, significant costs at the end of life were saved.
Medication management for community palliative care patients and the role of a specialist palliative care pharmacist: A qualitative exploration of consumer and health care professional perspectives
Authors: Kuruvilla Lisha , Weeks Greg , Eastman Peter , George Johnson 
Published: May 2018

Background: Pharmacists have a key role to play in optimisation of medication regimens and promotion of medication safety. The role of specialist pharmacists as part of the multidisciplinary palliative care team, especially in the primary care setting, is not widely recognised. Aim: To explore the perspectives of stakeholders about the gaps in the current model of community palliative care services in relation to medication management and to assess their opinions pertaining to the role of a specialist palliative care pharmacist in addressing some of those gaps. Design: Qualitative study utilising three focus groups involving 20 stakeholders. Thematic analysis was carried out using a framework approach and interpreted in the context of the Chronic Care Model for improving primary care for patients with chronic illness. Setting/Participants: Setting was a large regional Australian palliative care service. Participants included palliative care consumers and clinicians specifically patients, caregivers, physicians, nurses and pharmacists. Results: Five major themes emerged from the focus groups: access to resources, medicines and information; shared care; challenges of polypharmacy; informal caregiver needs and potential roles of a palliative care pharmacist. Gaps in access to medicines/resources, training for generalist practitioners, communication between treating teams and lack of support for patients and carers were cited as factors adversely impacting medication management in community-based palliative care. Conclusion: While community-based palliative care is an essential aspect of meeting the health care demands of an ageing society, the current model has several gaps and limitations. An appropriately qualified and skilled pharmacist within the palliative care team may help to address some of the gaps in relation to medication access and appropriateness.
Large-Scale Food Fortification and Biofortification in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review of Programs, Trends, Challenges, and Evidence Gaps
Authors: Osendarp Saskia J. M. , Martinez Homero , Garrett Greg S. , Neufeld Lynnette M. , De-Regil Luz Maria , Vossenaar Marieke , Darnton-Hill Ian 
Published: May 2018

Background: Food fortification and biofortification are well-established strategies to address micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations. However, the effectiveness of fortification programs is not only determined by the biological efficacy of the fortified foods but also by effective and sustainable implementation, which requires continual monitoring, quality assurance and control, and corrective measures to ensure high compliance. Objective: To provide an overview of efficacy, effectiveness, economics of food fortification and biofortification, and status of and challenges faced by large-scale food fortification programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Methods: A literature review of PubMed publications in English from 2000 to 2017, as well as gray literature, targeting nongovernmental organizations whose work focuses on this topic, complemented by national reports and a “snowball” process of citation searching. The article describes remaining technical challenges, barriers, and evidence gap and prioritizes recommendations and next steps to further accelerate progress and potential of impact. Results: The review identifies and highlights essential components of successful programs. It also points out issues that determine poor program performance, including lack of adequate monitoring and enforcement and poor compliance with standards by industry. Conclusions: In the last 17 years, large-scale food fortification initiatives have been reaching increasingly larger segments of populations in LMIC. Large-scale food fortification and biofortification should be part of other nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive efforts to prevent and control micronutrient deficiencies. There are remaining technical and food system challenges, especially in relation to improving coverage and quality of delivery and measuring progress of national programs.
Evaluating Screening Tests for Depression in Post-Stroke Older Adults
Authors: Wang Elizabeth Y. , Meyer Craig , Graham Glenn D. , Whooley Mary A. 
Published: May 2018

Background: Uncertainty surrounds which screening test to use in older patients with poststroke depression, in whom symptoms of depression are more complex and often occur in conjunction with other comorbidities. We evaluated screening tests for depression among a cohort of older ambulatory individuals with comorbid ischemic heart disease and prior stroke. Methods: We administered 4 depression screening instruments to 148 participants with ischemic heart disease and self-reported stroke from The Heart and Soul Study. Instruments included the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), 9-item and 2-item versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 and PHQ-2), and the Whooley questions, a 2-item yes/no questionnaire. We administered the computerized version of the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule as a gold standard. Results: Of the 148 participants, 35 (24%) had major depression. The Whooley questions demonstrated the highest sensitivity for detection (89%), followed by the CES-D (80%), PHQ-2 with cut point ≥2 (79%), PHQ-9 (51%), and PHQ-2 with cut point ≥3 (32%). The Whooley questions had a specificity of 0.66, a positive likelihood ratio of 2.61, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.82. We observed no significant difference in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve across the 4 instruments. Conclusion: In a cohort of ambulatory older adults with coronary heart disease and prior stroke, depression occurred in a fourth of the participants. The simple Whooley questions screening instrument can efficiently detect depression with a high sensitivity in this population, one representative of older patients commonly encountered within a primary care setting.
Feasibility of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) computerized adaptive tests in systemic lupus erythematosus outpatients
Authors: Kasturi S , Burket J C , Berman J R , Kirou K A , Levine A B , Sammaritano L R , Mandl L A 
Published: May 2018

Objective The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility of administering Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) computerized adaptive tests (CATs) to outpatients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Adults with SLE were recruited during routine outpatient visits at an SLE Center of Excellence. Participants completed 14 PROMIS CATs and provided feedback on their experience. Differences in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics between participants and non-participants were evaluated. Results A total of 204 (86%) of 238 socioeconomically and racially diverse SLE patients completed PROMIS CATs. There were no significant differences between participants and non-participants. Time constraints were cited most frequently as reasons for non-participation. More than 75% of individuals submitted positive comments, including approval of the content and format of questions, and the survey’s promotion of self-reflection. A minority of participants cited challenges, most often related to question phrasing (8%) and technical difficulties (6%). Conclusions The administration of PROMIS CATs was feasible and positively received in a diverse cohort of SLE outpatients. Neither socio-demographic nor disease characteristics were significant barriers to successful completion of PROMIS CATs. PROMIS CATs have great potential for efficiently measuring important patient-centered outcomes in routine clinical care of a wide range of SLE patients.
Dignity Impact as a Primary Outcome Measure for Dignity Therapy
Authors: Scarton Lisa , Oh Sungho , Sylvera Ashley , Lamonge Ralph , Yao Yingwei , Chochinov Harvey , Fitchett George , Handzo George , Emanuel Linda , Wilkie Diana 
Published: May 2018

Background: Feasibility of dignity therapy (DT) is well established in palliative care. Evidence of its efficacy, however, has been inconsistent and may stem from DT’s primary effects differing from the outcomes measured in previous studies. We proposed that DT effects were in the spiritual domain and created a new outcome measure, Dignity Impact Scale (DIS), from items previously used in a large randomized controlled trial (RCT). Objective: The purpose of this secondary analysis study was to examine properties of a new measure of dignity impact. Design: Using the DIS, we conducted reanalysis of posttest data from a large 3-arm, multi-site RCT study. Setting/Participants: Participants were receiving hospice/palliative care (n = 326, 50.6% female, mean age = 65.1 years, 89.3% white, all with a terminal illness with 6 months or less life expectancy). They had been randomized to standard palliative care (n = 111), client-centered care (n = 107), or DT (n = 108). Measurement: The 7-item DIS was derived from selected items in a posttest DT Patient Feedback Questionnaire. The DIS had strong internal consistency (α = 0.85). Results: The DT group mean DIS score (21.4 ± 5.0) was significantly higher than the usual care group mean score (17.7 ± 5.5; t = 5.2, df = 216, P < .001) and a client-centered intervention group mean score (17.9 ± 4.9; t = 5.2, df = 213, P < .001). Conclusion: We found that, compared to both other groups, patients who received DT reported significantly higher DIS ratings, which is consistent with the DT focus on meaning-making, preparation for death, and life completion tasks. We propose that the DIS be used as the primary outcome measure in evaluating the effects of DT.
Effect of β-blocker Therapy on Hospital Readmission and Mortality in Heart Failure Patients With Concurrent Cocaine Use
Authors: Egbuche Obiora , Ekechukwu Ifunanya , Effoe Valery , Maduabum Nnamdi , Millard Heather R. , Maihemuti Axiyan , Cross Jo Ann , Adedinsewo Demilade , Onwuanyi Anekwe E. 
Published: May 2018

Background: β-Blockers are first-line agents for reduction in symptoms, hospitalization, and mortality in patients with heart failure having reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, the safety and efficacy of continuous β-blocker therapy (BBT) in patients who actively use cocaine remain controversial, and available literature is limited. We aimed to evaluate the effect of BBT on hospital readmission and mortality in patients having HFrEF with concurrent cocaine use. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with a diagnosis of HFrEF between 2011 and 2014 based on International Classification of Diseases 9-Clinical Modification codes. We included patients aged 18 and older who tested positive for cocaine on a urine toxicology test obtained at the time of index admission. Patients were followed for 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the effect of BBT on the 30-day, all-cause and heart failure–related readmissions. Results: The 30-day readmission rates for BBT versus no BBT groups were 20% versus 41% (odds ratio [OR]: 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05-0.56, P = .004) for heart failure-related readmissions and 25% versus 46% (OR: 0.19, 95% CI = 0.06-0.64, P = .007) for all-cause readmissions. Conclusion: The BBT reduced 30-day, all-cause and heart failure–related readmission rate but not 1-year mortality in patients having HFrEF with concurrent cocaine use.