bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Appropriateness of Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban Prescribing in Qatar: A 5-Year Experience
Authors: Elewa Hazem , El-Makaty Honain , Ali Zainab 
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Over the past few years, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been gradually replacing warfarin. Inappropriate prescribing of DOACs in real-life practice settings can affect their perceived safety and efficacy, especially with the lack of a surrogate marker for guidance. Objectives: To describe the appropriateness of DOACs prescribing, compare dabigatran to rivaroxaban in terms of inappropriate prescribing, and determine other factors associated with inappropriate DOACs use. Methods: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, 5-year DOAC prescriptions data were extracted. Appropriateness was evaluated based on approved dosing and indications in Canada and the United States. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS. Results: From 2011 to 2015, there were 1049 DOACs prescriptions, among which 572 (54.5%) were for dabigatran and 477(45.5%) were for rivaroxaban. The DOACs were prescribed for inappropriate indication in 35 (3.3%) patients, while inappropriate dosing was found in 352 (33.6%) prescriptions. There were significantly more inappropriate dabigatran prescriptions compared to rivaroxaban both in terms of indication (4.7% vs 1.7%, P = .004) and dosing (50.9% vs 12.8%, P < .001). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that dabigatran prescribing was the only factor associated with inappropriate indications (odds ratio [OR] = 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-6.5). Factors associated with inappropriate dosing included dabigatran prescriptions (OR = 7.6, 95% CI: 5.5-10.5) and poor renal function (OR = 14.6, 95% CI: 3.6-58.4). Conclusion: Direct oral anticoagulants have been gradually replacing warfarin in Qatar; however, they are not always prescribed appropriately especially in patients on dabigatran and those with renal impairment. Educating health-care practitioners is necessary. Future studies comparing the clinical safety and effectiveness of the DOACs especially when used at an inappropriate dose are also warranted.
Use of telehealth in the management of non-critical emergencies in rural or remote emergency departments: A systematic review
Authors: du Toit Marie , Malau-Aduli Bunmi , Vangaveti Venkat , Sabesan Sabe , Ray Robin A 
Published: October 2017

Background Telehealth has been used extensively in emergency departments to improve healthcare provision. However, its impact on the management of non-critical emergency presentations within rural and remote emergency department settings has not been adequately explored. The objective of this systematic review is to identify how telehealth has been used to assist in the management of non-critical presentations in rural and remote emergency departments and the outcomes. Methods Articles were identified through database searches of CINAHL, Cochrane, MEDLINE (OVID), Informit and SCOPUS, as well as the screening of relevant article reference and citation lists. To determine how telehealth can assist in the management of non-critical emergencies, information was extracted relating to telehealth programme model, the scope of service and participating health professionals. The outcomes of telehealth programmes were determined by analysing the uptake and usage of telehealth, the impact on altering a diagnosis or management plan as well as patient disposition including patient transfer, discharge, local hospital admission and rates of discharge against medical advice. Results Of the 2532 identified records, 15 were found to match the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Uptake and usage increased for telehealth programmes predominantly utilised by nursing staff with limited local medical support. Teleconsultation conservatively altered patient diagnosis or management in 18–66% of consultations. Although teleconsultation was associated with increased patient transfer rates, unnecessary transfers were reduced. Simultaneously, an increase in local hospital admission was noted and fewer patients were discharged home. Discharge against medical advice rates were low at 0.9–1.1%. Conclusion The most widely implemented hub-and-spoke telehealth model could be incorporated into existing referral frameworks. Telehealth programmes may assist in reducing unnecessary patient transfer and secondary overtriage, while increasing the capacity of emergency department staff to diagnose and manage patients locally, which may translate into increased local hospital admission and reduced discharge rates following teleconsultation.
A scoping review of community pharmacists and patients at risk of suicide
Authors: Murphy Andrea Lynn , Hillier Katelyn , Ataya Randa , Thabet Pierre , Whelan Anne Marie , O’Reilly Claire , Gardner David 
Published: October 2017

Background:Medications are commonly used in suicide attempts. Pharmacists are inextricably linked to medications and may have roles in helping those at risk of suicide. We conducted a scoping review to characterize the existing literature and make recommendations about future research.Methods:We used a 6-step approach based on an existing scoping review methodological framework, including identifying the research question; identifying relevant studies and other literature; study and literature selection; data charting; collating, summarizing and reporting results; and dissemination of results. We searched electronic databases, various grey literature sources and mobile app stores.Results:Thirty-five articles were included following screening of 1013 database citations. Of 1085 results from grey literature searches, we included 12. Most publications were opinion pieces ( n = 22), followed by survey studies ( n = 9), primarily assessing pharmacists’ knowledge and attitudes. Themes included education and training to impact knowledge and attitudes, gatekeeping of medication supply, collaboration and integration, and role perception. Public perspectives on pharmacists’ roles were limited.Conclusions:Research regarding pharmacists’ roles in the care of people at risk for suicide is limited. The areas that have dominated the literature include legal liability, especially with respect to gatekeeping medications, ethical decision making and education and training. Research is needed to determine what methods, outcomes and measures are required to best serve in building the evidence base for policy and practice decisions in this area.
Activities performed by pharmacists integrated in family health teams: Results from a web-based survey
Authors: Gillespie Ulrika , Dolovich Lisa , Dahrouge Simone 
Published: October 2017

Objectives: Family health teams (FHTs), an interprofessional primary care practice model, were established in Ontario in 2005. As of October 2014, 191 FHT organizations were in operation, and 111 (58%) included one or several pharmacists. The objective of this study was to document the focus of pharmacist activities in FHTs. Approach: We invited all 155 known FHT pharmacists to a web-based survey. The survey was constructed using information obtained from previously done semi-structured telephone interviews with pharmacists working in FHTs. The survey consisted of a list of activities, grouped into 5 main categories, and participants were asked to estimate time spent on each category. Free-text response questions allowed participants to identify activities not listed. Survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis for open-ended responses. Results: Seventy (45%) pharmacists completed the survey. The mean respondent age was 43 years, and the average length of time working in an FHT was 4 years. All pharmacists reported being engaged in some form of direct patient care, including managing single therapeutic issues (96%), conducting general medication reviews (70%) and medication reconciliation after hospitalization (63%). Most reported providing education and drug information (83%). Pharmacists felt their work would increase patient medication adherence (94%) and physician adherence to recommended guidelines (86%), as well as reduce inappropriate prescribing (93%), polypharmacy (90%), emergency room and hospital utilization (70%-81%). Conclusion: Pharmacists in FHTs are strongly focused on direct patient care activities, managing specific medication issues and unstructured drug information to physicians. The majority of pharmacists reported that their activities had a substantial impact on patient medication use and health. The findings from this survey can assist pharmacists new to FHT practice, health policy planning and health research to assess associations between pharmacist activities and measures of health and health care system performance.
Comparison of objective and subjective factors in the adherence to antimuscarinics when treating overactive bladder in employed persons
Authors: Kosilov Kirill Vladimirovich , Loparev Sergey , Kuzina Irina , Prokofyeva Alexandra 
Published: October 2017

Background: This study examines subjective reasons for the refusal of treatment and the state of objective status markers of various factors influencing the resistance of patients when treating overactive bladder by antimuscarinic drugs (AMs). Methods: The socioeconomic and medical parameters were studied in 2465 patients aged 18–60 years (1446 women (58.7%), 1019 men (41.3%); mean age was 52.1) taking AMs during the year. The study control was carried out by studying passport data, employers’ income certificates, patients’ ambulatory medical records, the use of OABq-SF and MOS SF-36 questionnaires, voiding diaries and uroflowmetry. Results: The average time to reach the 30-day break in the AM administration was 177 days. During the 12-month follow up, 74.7% of patients discontinued their participation. In total, 35.9% of patients stated medical reasons for the refusal of AM treatment; in 31.9% of individuals in the group the deviation of objective health status markers from average sample values was established. Economic reasons for the refusal were given by 20.4% of patients; in 18.5% of individuals economic status markers were different from average sample values. In 24.1% of cases of refusal of treatment, patients indicated social and psychological reasons; objective social and psychological status markers were altered in 35.9%. Conclusions: The percentage of patients indicating economic and medical reasons for the refusal of AM treatment is statistically uniform with respect to the percentage of patients with objective disturbances of health and economic statuses. The percentage of patients indicating social and psychological factors as a reason for the refusal of treatment was significantly lower than the percentage of patients with altered social and psychological status markers. These results can be used in practical healthcare when predicting adherence to AM use.
Eptifibatide is associated with significant cost savings and similar clinical outcomes to abciximab when used during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: An observational cohort study of 3863 patients
Authors: Rathod KS , Antoniou S , Avari P , Ding N , Wright P , Knight C , Jain AK , Mathur A , Smith EJ , Weerackody R , Wragg A , Jones DA 
Published: October 2017

Introduction Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are recommended by guidelines in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. There are few studies directly comparing these agents. The aim of this study was to assess whether eptifibatide is a safe and cost-effective alternative to abciximab in the treatment of primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods This was an observational cohort study of 3863 patients who received a GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor whilst undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention from 2007 to 2014. Patients who did not receive a GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor were excluded. Time to first major adverse cardiac event defined as death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke or target vessel revascularization, and total hospital costs were compared between the groups. Results In all, 1741 patients received abciximab with 2122 receiving eptifibatide. Patients who received eptifibatide had higher rates of previous MI/percutaneous coronary intervention and were more likely to undergo a procedure from the radial route. Unadjusted Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed no significant difference in the 1-year event rates between patients given eptifibatide versus abciximab (p = 0.201). Age-adjusted Cox analysis demonstrated no difference in 1-year outcome between abciximab and eptifibatide (hazard ratio: 0.83; 95% confidence interval: 0.73–1.39), which persisted after multivariate adjustment (hazard ratio: 0.92; 95% confidence interval: 0.79–1.56) including the incorporation of a propensity score (hazard ratio: 0.88; 95% confidence interval: 0.71–1.44). Eptifbatide was associated with significant cost savings being 87% cheaper overall compared to abciximab (on average £650 cheaper per patient and saving approximately £950,000). Conclusion This observational data suggest that eptifibatide is associated with similar outcomes and significant cost savings compared to abciximab when used in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
Previous Rotator Cuff Repair Is Associated With Inferior Clinical Outcomes After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Shields Edward J.W. , Koueiter Denise M. , Maerz Tristan , Schwark Adam , Wiater J. Michael 
Published: October 2017

Background: Although recent evidence suggests that any prior shoulder surgery may cause inferior shoulder arthroplasty outcomes, there is no consensus on whether previous rotator cuff repair (RCR) is associated with inferior outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Purpose: To retrospectively compare outcomes in patients who underwent RTSA with and without previous RCR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients with prior RCR and those without previous shoulder surgery (control) who underwent RTSA for cuff tear arthropathy or irreparable cuff tear were retrospectively identified from a prospective database. Exclusion criteria included revision arthroplasty, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, dislocations, infection, prior non-RCR procedures, less than 12 months of follow-up, and latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, ASES Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and range of motion (ROM) were compared between groups. Results: Patients with previous RCR (n = 83 shoulders) were younger (mean ± SD, 67 ± 10 vs 72 ± 8 years; P < .001) and more likely to be male (46% vs 32%, P = .033) than controls (n = 189 shoulders). No differences were found in follow-up duration (25 ± 13 vs 26 ± 13 months, P = .734), body mass index, or any preoperative outcome variable or ROM measure. At final follow-up, patients with previous RCR had significantly lower ASES (76.5 [95% CI, 71.2-81.7] vs 85.0 [82.6-87.5], P = .015), lower SSV (76 [72-81] vs 86 [83-88], P < .001), worse pain (2.0 [1.4-2.6] vs 0.9 [0.6-1.1], P < .001), and less improvement in the ASES, ASES ADL, VAS, SSV, and forward elevation measures than controls. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that previous RCR was significantly associated with lower postoperative ASES score ( B = –9.5, P < .001), lower ASES improvement ( B = –7.9, P = .012), worse postoperative pain ( B = 0.9, P = .001), worse improvement in pain ( B = –1.0, P = .011), lower postoperative SSV ( B = –9.2, P < .001), lower SSV improvement ( B = –11.1, P = .003), and lower forward elevation ROM improvement ( B = –12.7, P = .008). Conclusion: Patients with previous RCR attempts may experience fewer short-term gains in functional and subjective outcome scores after RTSA compared with patients with no history of shoulder surgery who undergo RTSA. However, the differences between groups were small and below the minimal clinically important differences for the outcome measures analyzed.
Marginal zone B cells are critical to factor VIII inhibitor formation in mice with hemophilia A
Authors: Zerra Patricia E. , Cox Courtney , Baldwin W. Hunter , Patel Seema R. , Arthur Connie M. , Lollar Pete , Meeks Shannon L. , Stowell Sean R. 
Published: October 2017

Key PointsFVIII colocalizes with MZ B cells following infusion into hemophilia A mice. Depletion of MZ B cells prevents FVIII inhibitor development in hemophilia A mice.
Distinct TP73–DAPK2–ATG5 pathway involvement in ATO-mediated cell death versus ATRA-mediated autophagy responses in APL
Authors: Humbert Magali , Federzoni Elena A , Tschan Mario P 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that the death-associated protein kinase 2 (DAPK2) expression is significantly reduced in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) blast cells. In this study, we aimed at further understanding DAPK2 function and regulation during arsenic trioxide (ATO) cytotoxic or all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) differentiation therapy in APL cells. We found that the p53 family member transactivation domain-p73 isoform (TAp73) binds to and activates the DAPK2 promoter, whereas the dominant-negative ΔNp73 isoform inhibits DAPK2 transcription. Furthermore, the knocking down of tumor protein p73 (TP73) in NB4 cells resulted in reduced DAPK2 expression associated with decreased cell death and autophagy upon ATO and ATRA treatment, respectively. Moreover, the silencing of DAPK2 revealed that DAPK2 is an important downstream effector of p73 in ATO-induced apoptosis but not autophagy responses of APL cells. In contrast, the p73–DAPK2 pathway is essential for ATRA-induced autophagy that is mediated by an interaction of DAPK2 with the key autophagy-related protein (ATG)5. Lastly, we show that DAPK2 binds and stabilizes the p73 protein; thus, we propose a novel mechanism by which ATO- or ATRA-induced therapy responses initiate a positive p73–DAPK2 feedback loop.
Where Are the Opportunities for Reducing Health Care Spending Within Alternative Payment Models?
Authors: Rocque Gabrielle B. , Williams Courtney P. , Kenzik Kelly M. , Jackson Bradford E. , Halilova Karina I. , Sullivan Margaret M. , Rocconi Rod P. , Azuero Andres , Kvale Elizabeth A. , Huh Warner K. , Partridge Edward E. , Pisu Maria 
Published: October 2017

Purpose: The Oncology Care Model (OCM) is a highly controversial specialty care model developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid aimed to provide higher-quality care at lower cost. Because oncologists will be increasingly held accountable for spending as well as quality within new value-based health care models like the OCM, they need to understand the drivers of total spending for their patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients ≥ 65 years of age with primary fee-for-service Medicare insurance who received antineoplastic therapy at 12 cancer centers in the Southeast from 2012 to 2014. Medicare administrative claims data were used to identify health care spending during the prechemotherapy period (from cancer diagnosis to antineoplastic therapy initiation) and during the OCM episodes of care triggered by antineoplastic treatment. Total health care spending per episode includes all types of services received by a patient, including nononcology services. Spending was further characterized by type of service. Results: Average total health care spending in the three OCM episodes of care was $33,838 (n = 3,427), $23,811 (n = 1,207), and $19,241 (n = 678). Antineoplastic drugs accounted for 27%, 32%, and 36% of total health care spending in the first, second, and third episodes. Ten drugs, used by 31% of patients, contributed 61% to drug spending ($18.8 million) in the first episode. Inpatient spending also substantially contributed to total costs, representing 17% to 20% ($30.5 million) of total health care spending. Conclusion: Health care spending was heavily driven by both antineoplastic drugs and hospital use. Oncologists’ ability to affect these types of spending will determine their success under alternative payment models.
Germ Cell Neoplasia in Situ and Preserved Fertility Despite Suppressed Gonadotropins in a Patient With Testotoxicosis
Authors: Juel Mortensen Li , Blomberg Jensen Martin , Christiansen Peter , Rønholt Ann-Margrethe , Jørgensen Anne , Frederiksen Hanne , Nielsen John E , Loya Anand C , Grønkær Toft Birgitte , Skakkebæk Niels E , Rajpert-De Meyts Ewa , Juul Anders 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Context
Testotoxicosis is an autosomal-dominant, male-limited disorder. Activating mutations in the luteinizing hormone receptor gene (LHCGR) cause high autonomous testosterone secretion, resulting in early-onset peripheral precocious puberty. Little is known about long-term consequences of testotoxicosis.

Case Description
We present a rare case of a patient followed for 25 years with two remarkable outcomes: preserved fertility and germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). He presented with precocious puberty at 10 months of age and was diagnosed with testotoxicosis due to a de novo heterozygous Asp578Tyr mutation in LHCGR. Testicular biopsy in childhood showed Leydig cell hyperplasia with altered cell maturation. From infancy throughout adulthood, elevated testosterone and estradiol, low inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone, and completely suppressed follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were noted. Height acceleration and advanced bone age resulted in a reduced final height. Semen analysis revealed ongoing spermatogenesis, and the patient fathered a child by natural conception. Ketoconazole treatment decreased circulating testosterone in childhood, supported by experimental suppression of testosterone production in his adult testis tissue cultured ex vivo. At 25 years of age, ultrasound revealed a testicular tumor, identified as a Leydig cell adenoma, but unexpectedly with GCNIS present in adjacent seminiferous tubules.

Conclusion
The case illustrates that absence of gonadotropins but high intratesticular testosterone concentration is sufficient for spermatogenesis and to allow fatherhood. Our study is also the first description, to our knowledge, of GCNIS in a patient with testotoxicosis. We recommend regular clinical examination and ultrasonic evaluation of the testes in these patients due to potential increased risk of malignancy.