bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Could molecular pathology testing in lung cancer be more cost-effective?
Authors: Walsh Kathy , Kheng Yuan Chun , Oniscu Anca , Harrison David J , Wallace William A 
Published: July 2016

AimsEGFRandALKanalysis is routinely undertaken prior to targeted treatment of non-squamous non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Increasingly, limited resources require molecular pathology services to be cost-effective without detriment to patient care.MethodsData from an audit of molecular pathology testing in the South East Scotland Cancer Network (SCAN) network have been used to explore different testing strategies with the aim of reducing costs; including investigation of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) expression as a negative predictor forEGFRmutations.ResultsTTF1 immunohistochemistry had a high negative predictive value forEGFRmutations (99%). Reflex testing all non-squamous NSCLC, as expected, had the highest costs, whereas limiting testing to those who might be considered for treatment would lead to a cost reduction of only 7.5%; however, a serial testing model could save 32.7%.ConclusionsTesting only patients being considered for EGFR and ALK inhibitors represented small savings; more significant savings would be achievable if testing algorithms used known associations between clinical biomarkers.
Assessment of myeloid and monocytic dysplasia by flow cytometry in de novo AML helps define an AML with myelodysplasia-related changes category
Authors: Weinberg Olga K , Hasserjian Robert P , Li Betty , Pozdnyakova Olga 
Published: July 2016

AimsIn recent years, multiparameter flow cytometry has been increasingly recognised as an important tool in diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Assessment of myeloid and monocytic ‘immunophenotypic’ dysplasia by flow cytometry in de novo AML has not been evaluated.Methods97 cases of de novo AML cases were identified and reviewed by three hematopathologists. ‘Immunophenotypic’ dysplasia was assessed on blasts, monocytes and granulocytes by mean fluorescence intensity.ResultsUsing the 2008 WHO classification criteria, there were 53 AML-not otherwise specified (NOS) (55%) and 28 AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) (29%), while 16 cases were ambiguous as to AML-MRC status due to limited maturing cells for morphologic but adequate events number for immunophenotypic evaluation (AML-not evaluable, 16%). Compared with AML-NOS, granulocytic cells in AML-MRC had higher CD33 expression but lower CD45, CD11b and CD15. Monocytes in AML-MRC had lower expression of CD14, CD56 and CD45. Morphologic dysplasia was associated with significantly lower granulocytic forward scatter, side scatter and CD10 but higher CD33 expression.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the workup of AML cases should include flow cytometric assessment of granulocytes and monocytes. This analysis can aid a morphologic impression of multilineage dysplasia in distinguishing AML-MRC from AML-NOS, especially in cases with limited maturing myeloid cells.
Haemoglobinopathies that occur with decreased HbA2levels: a gene mutation set involving the δ gene at a Spanish centre
Authors: Villegas Ana , González Fernando Ataúlfo , Nieto Jorge M , de la Fuente-Gonzalo Félix , Martínez Rafael , Torrejón María Josefa , Ropero Paloma 
Published: July 2016

AimsHaemoglobin A2(HbA2) consists of two globin chains, α and β. Alterations in any of these genes influences the level of HbA2. Here, we present cases of structural Hb variants and thalassaemias which present either alone or together and reduce the level of HbA2at varying degrees. Furthermore, we present a novel structural mutation in the δ globin gene, called Hb A2-Madrid.MethodsThe levels of HbA2and HbF and the different haemoglobin variants were measured and analysed by ion exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC, VARIANT II), the types of haemoglobins were determined by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) (Sebia) and the globin chains were determined by reversed-phase HPLC. Genetic analysis was performed by automatic sequencing of the α and δ genes as well as by multiple PCRs for the α globin genes.ResultsIn α thalassaemia (n=94), the HbA2levels ranged from 1.39% to 2.43%. Among individuals with δ thalassaemia (n=5), the HbA2level of those with δ+thalassaemia was 1.77%, and that of those with δ0thalassaemia was 1.70%. Among the individuals with δβ thalassaemia (n=13), those who were homozygous lacked HbA2. All structural haemoglobinopathies (n=97) were heterozygous; the α chain variants (n=84) presented with an HbA2level of 1.76%, while the δ chain variants (n=13) presented with a level of 1.75%.ConclusionHbA2is an essential parameter in the diagnostics of haemoglobinopathies. HPLC-EC and CZE allow the quantification of HbA2. Here, we show that quantification of HbA2is critical for the identification of α, δ and βδ thalassaemias. Structural variants are discovered by HPLC. Molecular genetics is required for the proper identification of the mutations. Only with this knowledge is genetic counselling possible.
Factors associated with perforator stroke after selective basilar artery angioplasty or stenting
Authors: Jia Baixue , Liebeskind David S , Ma Ning , Gao Feng , Mo Dapeng , Luo Gang , Li Xiaobing , Sui Xiaojie , Peng Guangge , Miao Zhongrong 
Published: July 2016

Background and purposePerforator stroke is one of the most common complications of elective intracranial angioplasty and/or stenting, particularly in the basilar artery. Factors associated with the risk of post-procedural perforator stroke remain unexplored. We investigated factors affecting the risk of perforator stroke after basilar artery angioplasty and/or stenting.Materials and methodsConsecutive patients undergoing basilar artery angioplasty and/or stenting due to symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis were retrospectively included in this single-center study. Analyzed variables including demographic data, risk factors of atherosclerosis, symptoms, characteristics of imaging, and procedure factors were extracted from electronic health records or imaging data. The main outcome was perforator stroke associated with the procedure. Multivariate analysis that correlated factors with the occurrence of perforator stroke in these patients was performed.ResultsA total of 255 patients were included in the study. Perforator stroke associated with angioplasty and/or stenting was identified in 13 patients (5.1%). Variables with significant correlation with post-procedural perforator stroke included diabetes (OR 6.496; 95% CI 1.741 to 24.241; p=0.005), time from last symptom to procedure <18 days (OR 5.669; 95% CI 1.174 to 27.371; p=0.031), and pre-procedure stenosis percentage <88.4% (OR 5.882; 95% CI 1.465 to 23.608; p=0.012).ConclusionsDiabetes, time from last symptom to procedure, and pre-procedure stenosis percentage may be factors affecting the risk of perforator stroke associated with basilar artery angioplasty and/or stenting. These factors should be considered in planning of potential basilar artery angioplasty and/or stenting and prospectively evaluated in future multicenter trials.
Impact of etanercept tapering on work productivity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: results from the PRIZE study
Authors: Zhang Wei , Bansback Nick , Sun Huiying , Pedersen Ronald , Kotak Sameer , Anis Aslam H 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveTo assess changes in work productivity in patients who have achieved response using etanercept (ETN) 50 mg+methotrexate (MTX) (phase I) are randomised to ETN 25 mg+MTX versus MTX versus placebo (phase II) and then withdrawn from treatment (phase III).MethodsPatients included in the analysis were in employment entering phase II of the PRIZE trial and had one or more follow-ups. Phase II was a 39-week, randomised and double-blind comparison of the 3 dose-reduction treatments. Phase III was a 26-week observational study where treatment was withdrawn. The Valuation of Lost Productivity was completed approximately every 13 weeks to estimate productivity impacts from a societal perspective.ResultsA total of 120 participants were included in our analyses. During phase II, ETN25+MTX or MTX improved paid work productivity by over 100 hours compared with placebo, amounting to a gain of €1752 or €1503, respectively. ETN25+MTX compared with placebo gains €1862 in total paid/unpaid productivity. At week 52, the 3-month paid work productivity loss was 21.8, 12.8 and 14.0 hours, respectively. The productivity loss increased at week 64 from week 52, dropped at week 76 for all treatment groups and then continued rising after week 76 for the placebo group (71.9 hours at week 91) but not for the other 2 groups (21.9 hours for ETX25+MTX and 27.6 hours for MTX).ConclusionsThe work productivity gain in phase I as a result of ETN50+MTX was marginally lost in the dose-reduction treatment groups, ETN25+MTX and MTX, but substantially lost in the placebo group during phase II.Trial registration numberNCT00913458; Results.
Thermoelectric properties of bulk MoSi2 synthesized by solid state microwave heating
Authors: Lan Yu , Xie Mianyu , Ouyang Ting , Yue Song 
Published: July 2016

In this research, single phase [Formula: see text]-MoSi2 was prepared by solid state hybrid microwave heating within 90 min at relatively low temperature 1273 K. Such precursor powders were then ball milled and sintered by microwave heating at different temperatures. The thermoelectric (TE) properties of MoSi2 bulks were investigated in the temperature range of 300–673 K. When the sintering temperature increases from 973 K to 1273 K, the electrical resistivity decreases significantly and the Seebeck coefficients increase obviously, leading to the maximum TE powder factor of [Formula: see text] at 673 K. These results demonstrate the feasibility of high efficient and economical synthesis of MoSi2 by microwave heating technique, with the final products having comparable TE performance in comparison to those from typical methods with long duration and energy-extensive consumption.
Influence of sintering temperature on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of barium hexaferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Shafqat M. Burhan , Arif Omer , Atiq Shahid , Saleem Murtaza , Ramay Shahid M. , Mahmood Asif , Naseem Shahzad 
Published: July 2016

Barium hexaferrite nanoparticles are attractive for modern data storage and microwave devices due to their unique properties. Single phase synthesis of barium hexaferrite using sol–gel auto-combustion route was optimized by varying sintering temperature and time. X-ray diffraction confirmed single phase hexagonal crystal structure of the sample sintered at 1100[Formula: see text]C for 2 h. Crystallite size, as determined using Scherrer’s formula, was increased with the increase in sintering temperature while the porosity remained nearly unchanged. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) revealed that grain size was increased from nanometers to micrometers by rising the sintering temperature and the shape of particles was platelet-like hexagonal at 900[Formula: see text]C. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) exhibited that saturation magnetization and coercivity increased with the increase of sintering temperature. Maximum saturation magnetization and coercivity values were 36.80 emu/g and 5365 Oe, respectively, for the sample sintered at 1100[Formula: see text]C for 2 h.
Regression Analysis Based Software Effort Estimation Method
Authors: Yücalar Fatih , Kilinc Deniz , Borandag Emin , Ozcift Akin 
Published: July 2016

Estimating the development effort of a software project in the early stages of the software life cycle is a significant task. Accurate estimates help project managers to overcome the problems regarding budget and time overruns. This paper proposes a new multiple linear regression analysis based effort estimation method, which has brought a different perspective to the software effort estimation methods and increased the success of software effort estimation processes. The proposed method is compared with standard Use Case Point (UCP) method, which is a well-known method in this area, and simple linear regression based effort estimation method developed by Nassif et al. In order to evaluate and compare the proposed method, the data of 10 software projects developed by four well-established software companies in Turkey were collected and datasets were created. When effort estimations obtained from datasets and actual efforts spent to complete the projects are compared with each other, it has been observed that the proposed method has higher effort estimation accuracy compared to the other methods.
The risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Ambrosino Pasquale , Tarantino Luciano , Criscuolo Livio , Nasto Aurelio , Celentano Aldo , Di Minno Matteo Nicola 
Published: July 2016

SummarySome studies suggest that patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Unfortunately, available data on this association are contrasting. A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature studies was performed to evaluate the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with HCV. Studies reporting on VTE risk associated with HCV were systematically searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE databases. Six studies (10 data-sets) showed a significantly increased VTE risk in 100,364 HCV patients as compared with 8,471,176 uninfected controls (odds ratio [OR]: 1.900; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.406, 2.570; p<0.0001). These results were confirmed when specifically considering the risk of DVT (6 studies, OR: 1.918; 95 %CI: 1.351, 2.723; p<0.0001), whereas a trend towards an increased risk of PE was documented in HCV patients (4 studies, OR: 1.811; 95 %CI: 0.895, 3.663; p=0.099). The increased VTE risk associated with HCV infection was consistently confirmed when analysing four studies reporting adjusted risk estimates (OR: 1.876; 95 %CI: 1.326, 2.654; P<0.0001), and after excluding studies specifically enrolling populations exposed to transient risk factors for VTE (4 studies, OR: 1.493; 95 %CI: 1.167, 1.910; p=0.001). Meta-regression models suggested that age and male gender may significantly impact on the risk of VTE associated with HCV-positivity. Results of our metaanalysis suggest that HCV-infected subjects may exhibit an increased risk of VTE. However, further high quality studies are needed to extend and confirm our findings.Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Entre polaridades e porosidades: aberturas plurais nas mídias
Authors: Soares Rosana De Lima , Limberto Andrea 
Published: July 2016

RuMoRes, revista científica online dedicada aos estudos de comunicação, linguagem e mídias apresenta, em sua décima nona edição, um conjunto de textos que atravessam seus objetos para pensar as dinâmicas na cultura e os processos comunicacionais. Nas tensões e fricções entre polaridades e porosidades, os artigos buscam descrever e analisar objetos originais e atuais a partir de seu movimento de circulação.
Changing patient perspectives after compulsory admission and the risk of re-admission during 5 years of follow-up: The Amsterdam Study of Acute Psychiatry IX
Authors: Setkowski Kim , van der Post Louk FM , Peen Jaap , Dekker Jack JM 
Published: July 2016

Objective: Given increasing numbers of compulsory admissions, it is important to assess patient risk profiles and identify factors that are appropriate for intervention. Methods: A sample of 116 patients who were compulsorily admitted was studied. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Patients were interviewed twice using the Verona Service Satisfaction Scale and the Birchwood Insight Scale. Changes in insight and satisfaction during 2 years were linked to the incidence of involuntary re-admissions in the next three follow-up years. Results: A higher mean score for patient satisfaction was found (mean=3.77, standard deviation ( SD)=0.56; p⩽.001) in the second interview than in the baseline interview (mean=3.26, SD=0.65). There was also an improvement in insight (in the second interview: mean=7.22, SD=2.86 and in the baseline interview: mean=6.34, SD=3.18; p=.027). There was an inverse correlation between increasing satisfaction (in years 1–2) and the incidence of involuntary admission in years 3–5 (odds ratio (OR)=0.445, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.252–0.793; p=.006). This association proved to be dependent on a history of involuntary admission. Conclusion: Increasing patient satisfaction in the first 2 years was associated with a lower risk of compulsory re-admission in the subsequent follow-up period, but this association proved to be dependent on a history of involuntary admissions in these first two follow-up years. Increase in insight during the same period did not show any effect whatsoever.
Fiber Composite Columns Under Compression
Authors: Lanir Y. , Fung Y. C. B. 
Published: July 2016

The micromechanics of fiber composite columns under compression is investigated theoretically. The model is based on the assumption that the fiber buckles inside the matrix. In the postbuckling range the fiber is considered as a beam on elastic foundation. The value of the foundation constant is evaluated for a cylindrical fiber. It is shown that prebuckling separation between fiber and matrix affects the critical buckling load and the postbuckling behavior of the fiber. Computations show that in the linear elastic range of common materials the buckling of the fiber does not affect significantly the overall mechanical behavior of the composite.
Headache in recent onset hypothyroidism: Prevalence, characteristics and outcome after treatment with levothyroxine
Authors: Lima Carvalho Marise de Farias , de Medeiros Josian Silva , Valença Marcelo Moraes 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to analyze the features of headache attributed to hypothyroidism (HAH), evaluate the differences between groups with and without HAH, between “overt” and “subclinical” hypothyroidism groups, and evaluate outcomes after levothyroxine treatment.MethodsPatients with hypothyroidism were selected in a cross-sectional study, followed prospectively for 12 months, and classified as subclinical or overt hypothyroidism. The patients were divided into two groups: with and without HAH.ResultsHAH was reported by 73/213 (34%) patients, involving the following areas: fronto-orbital (49%), temporal (37%), and posterior part of the head (15%). The HAH features were as follows: pulsatile (63%), four to 72 hours’ duration (78%), unilateral (47%), nausea/vomiting (60%), and moderate-severe intensity (72%). Hypothyroidism symptomatology was similar in both groups, except for a greater frequency of hoarseness in the group with HAH. Migraine history was more frequent in the patients with HAH (53% vs 38%, p < 0.05). The frequency of HAH was similar both in overt and subclinical hypothyroidism. After levothyroxine treatment 78% reported a decrease in HAH frequency. Subclinical and overt hypothyroid patients reported a similar alleviation of their headaches.ConclusionPatients with HAH may present with unilateral, pulsatile, episodic pattern, and nausea/vomiting, which is at odds with the criteria for HAH established by ICHD 3 beta. Not all individuals responded to levothyroxine, and patients with the subclinical form of hypothyroidism benefit from this treatment.
Effectiveness of the sequential organ failure assessment, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II, and simplified acute physiology score II prognostic scoring systems in paraquat-poisoned patients in the intensive care unit
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Hwang Seong Youn , Kim Hye Ran , Kim Yang Won , Kang Mun Ju , Cho Kwang Won , Lee Dong Woo , Kim Yong Hwan 
Published: July 2016

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the ability of the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II scoring systems, as well as the simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II method to predict group mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients who were poisoned with paraquat. This will assist physicians with risk stratification. Material and methods: The medical records of 244 paraquat-poisoned patients admitted to the ICU from January 2010 to April 2015 were examined retrospectively. The SOFA, APACHE II, and SAPS II scores were calculated based on initial laboratory data in the emergency department and during the first 24 h of ICU admission. The probability of death was calculated for each patient based on the SOFA score, APACHE II score, and SAPS II. The ability of the SOFA score, APACHE II score, and SAPS II method to predict group mortality was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration analyses. Results: A total of 219 patients (mean age, 63 years) were enrolled. Sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies were 58.5%, 86.1%, and 64.0% for the SOFA, respectively; 75.1%, 86.1%, and 77.6% for the APACHE II scoring systems, respectively; and 76.1%, 79.1%, and 76.7% for the SAPS II, respectively. The areas under the curve in the ROC curve analysis for the SOFA score, APACHE II scoring system, and SAPS II were 0.716, 0.850, and 0.835, respectively. Conclusion: The SOFA, APACHE II, and SAPS II had different capabilities to discriminate and estimate early in-hospital mortality of paraquat-poisoned patients. Our results show that although the SOFA and SAPS II are easier and more quickly calculated than APACHE II, the APACHE II is superior for predicting mortality. We recommend use of the APACHE II for outcome predictions and risk stratification in paraquat-poisoned patients in the ICU.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of an algorithm intervention in reducing inappropriate faecal samples sent for Clostridium difficile testing
Authors: Thompson Irene , Lavelle Colin , Leonard Laurence 
Published: July 2016

Background: Clostridium difficile ( C. difficile) is a leading cause of infectious diarrhoea in hospitals. Sending faecal samples for testing expedites diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Clinical suspicion of C. difficile based on patient history, signs and symptoms is the basis for sampling. Sending faecal samples from patients with diarrhoea ‘just in case’ the patient has C. difficile may be an indication of poor clinical management. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention by an Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) in reducing inappropriate faecal samples sent for C. difficile testing. Method: An audit of numbers of faecal samples sent before and after a decision-making algorithm was introduced. The number of samples received in the laboratory was retrospectively counted for 12-week periods before and after an algorithm was introduced. Findings: There was a statistically significant reduction in the mean number of faecal samples sent post the algorithm. Results were compared to a similar intervention carried out in 2009 in which the same message was delivered by a memorandum. In 2009 the memorandum had no effect on the overall number of weekly samples being sent. Conclusion: An algorithm intervention had an effect on the number of faecal samples being sent for C. difficile testing and thus contributed to the effective use of the laboratory service.