bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recurrence of stroke amongst women of reproductive age: impact of and on subsequent pregnancies
Authors: Cruz‐Herranz A. , Illán‐Gala I. , Martínez‐Sánchez P. , Fuentes B. , Díez‐Tejedor E. 
Published: February 2015

Background and purposeThe risk of recurrence of stroke after pregnancy is poorly known.MethodsThis was an observational study of women younger than 45 years of age with transient ischaemic attack (TIA), cerebral infarction (CI), cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) treated in a stroke unit (January 1996–2011). The clinical data were prospectively collected in a database. Information on reproductive history after stroke was obtained using telephone surveys (2011). The variables were demographic data, vascular risk factors, stroke type, outcomes, medical advice concerning pregnancies after stroke, number of pregnancies after stroke, neurological assessment during pregnancy, antithrombotic treatments during pregnancy/puerperium, fertility treatments administered and information about hemorrhagic/ischaemic stroke recurrence.ResultsOverall, 102 women were included: 24 TIA, 64 CI (four large vessel disease, 14 cardioembolic, 12 small vessel disease, 17 undetermined etiology, 17 uncommon etiology), 12 CVT and two ICH. Mean age at the time of first stroke was 35 (±7.5) years. Median follow‐up was 7.4 years (range 1–17). Thirty‐two pregnancies occurred in 27 patients (previous diagnosis: four TIA, 17 CI, five CVT and one ICH). One woman became pregnant using in vitro fertilization. Only eight pregnancies were followed up by a neurologist. Of 26 pregnancies without previous history of ICH, 18 (62%) underwent preventive antithrombotic treatment. No recurrence of stroke was observed during pregnancy/puerperium. Of the women without pregnancies after the first cerebrovascular event, four CIs and three TIAs were observed.ConclusionThe recurrence of stroke after pregnancy is very low, which should be considered when counseling these patients.
Patients' expectations of medicines – a review and qualitative synthesis
Authors: Dohnhammar Ulrica , Reeve Joanne , Walley Tom 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundAn increasing part of prescribing of medicines is done for the purpose of managing risk for disease and is motivated by clinical and economic benefit on a long‐term, population level. This makes benefit from medicines less tangible for individuals. Sociology of pharmaceuticals includes personal and social perspectives in the study of how medicines are used. We use two characterizations of patients' expectations of medicines to start forming a description of how individuals conceptualize benefits from risk management medicines.Search strategy and synthesisWe reviewed the literature on patients' expectations with a focus on the influences on expectations regarding medicines prescribed for long‐term conditions. Searches in Medline and Scopus identified 20 studies for inclusion, describing qualitative aspects of beliefs, views, thoughts and expectations regarding medicines.ResultsA qualitative synthesis using a constant comparative thematic analysis identified four themes describing influences on expectations: a need to achieve a specific outcome; the development of experiences and evaluation over time; negative values such as dependency and social stigma; and personalized meaning of the necessity and usefulness of medicines.ConclusionsThe findings in this synthesis resonate with previous research into expectations of medicines for prevention and treatment of different conditions. However, a gap in the knowledge regarding patients' conceptualization of future benefits with medicines is identified. The study highlights suggestions for further empirical work to develop a deeper understanding of the role of patients' expectations in prescribing for long‐term risk management.
Efficacy of topical application of human breast milk on atopic eczema healing among infants: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kasrae Hengameh , Amiri Farahani Leila , Yousefi Parsa 
Published: February 2015

AbstractInfant atopic eczema is an inflammatory lesion usually involving the epidermis of the skin. About 50% of infants are affected by this lesion in the first years of their lives. Studies show human breast milk (HBM) as a preventive measure and effective treatment of some sores and infections. This article evaluates the short‐term efficacy ofHBMversus hydrocortisone 1% ointment in infants with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD). We conducted a randomized clinical trial among infants with diagnosedADwithin a pediatrics unit. The majority ofADcases in both groups were considered moderate severity. There were no significant differences between these two groups at days 0, 7, 14, and 21, and the interventions of both groups were found to have the same effects. The external validity and consequently the ability to generalize the findings may be diminished as this study was conducted in a single site. Owing toHBMand the hydrocortisone 1% ointment providing the same results in the healing ofAD,HBMwas used because of low cost and accessibility.
A stochastic cross‐efficiency data envelopment analysis approach for supplier selection under uncertainty
Authors: Dotoli Mariagrazia , Epicoco Nicola , Falagario Marco , Sciancalepore Fabio 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis paper addresses one of the key objectives of the supply chain strategic design phase, that is, the optimal selection of suppliers. A methodology for supplier selection under uncertainty is proposed, integrating the cross‐efficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Monte Carlo approach. The combination of these two techniques allows overcoming the deterministic feature of the classical cross‐efficiency DEA approach. Moreover, we define an indicator of the robustness of the determined supplier ranking. The technique is able to manage the supplier selection problem considering nondeterministic input and output data. It allows the evaluation of suppliers under uncertainty, a particularly significant circumstance for the assessment of potential suppliers. The novel approach helps buyers in choosing the right partners under uncertainty and ranking suppliers upon a multiple sourcing strategy, even when considering complex evaluations with a high number of suppliers and many input and output criteria.
Case of ketoacidosis by a sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor in a diabetic patient with a low‐carbohydrate diet
Authors: Hayami Tomohide , Kato Yoshiro , Kamiya Hideki , Kondo Masaki , Naito Ena , Sugiura Yukako , Kojima Chika , Sato Sami , Yamada Yuichiro , Kasagi Rina , Ando Toshihito , Noda Saeko , Nakai Hiromi , Takada Eriko , Asano Emi , Motegi Mikio , Watarai Atsuko , Kato Koichi , Nakamura Jiro 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe present a case of a 32‐year‐old diabetic woman with Prader–Willi syndrome who developed severe ketoacidosis caused by a sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, a novel class of antihyperglycemic agents, during a strict low‐carbohydrate diet. At admission, a serum glucose level of 191 mg/dL was relatively low, though laboratory evaluations showed severe ketoacidosis. This is the first report of ketoacidosis caused by a SGLT2 inhibitor. It is necessary to not only pay attention when using a SGLT2 inhibitor in patients following a low‐carbohydrate diet, but also to start a low‐carbohydrate diet in patients treated with a SGLT2 inhibitor because of a high risk for developing ketoacidosis.
What effect does medicine advice provided by UK Medicines Information pharmacists have on prescriber practice and patient care: a qualitative primary care study
Authors: Rutter Jill , Fitzpatrick Raymond , Rutter Paul 
Published: February 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesUK Medicines Information (UKMI) is pharmacist‐led service funded by the National Health Service providing evidence‐based advice about medicines to health care professionals. Service evaluations have repeatedly shown high user satisfaction but few studies have assessed how this advice influences the care patients receive. Furthermore, no study has assessed how prescribers actually use this information in shaping their decision making. The aim was to explore how UKMI advice influences prescriber decision making and patient care.MethodsDoctors and dentists (referred to as prescribers) working in primary care in England and Wales who received reactive medicines advice from a medicines information centre were contacted by telephone to determine how they used the advice provided. Forty semi‐structured interviews were analysed and coded using constant comparative content analysis.ResultsFive key themes were identified that affected prescriber decision making, these were: prescriber action, patient outcome, medicines information advice, risk management and time factors. Prescribers acted directly on the advice provided enabling them to provide the right care for their patients. Advice had a positive effect on how they viewed a medication problem and empowered them to make decisions that appeared to confer greater confidence in managing patient problems. A favourable patient outcome was described by over half of the prescribers, for example, the advice enabled them to provide patient reassurance, avoid a potential allergic reaction, stabilize the patient's condition or stop treatment.ConclusionsMedicines information advice empowered prescribers in helping them to make decisions about medicines that shaped patient care.
Characteristics and Effectiveness of Fall Prevention Programs in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Vlaeyen Ellen , Coussement Joke , Leysens Greet , Van der Elst Elisa , Delbaere Kim , Cambier Dirk , Denhaerynck Kris , Goemaere Stefan , Wertelaers Arlette , Dobbels Fabienne , Dejaeger Eddy , Milisen Koen ,   the Center of Expertise for Fall and Fracture Prevention Flanders
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo determine characteristics and effectiveness of prevention programs on fall‐related outcomes in a defined setting.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.SettingA clearly described subgroup of nursing homes defined as residential facilities that provide 24‐hour‐a‐day surveillance, personal care, and limited clinical care for persons who are typically elderly and infirm.ParticipantsNursing home residents (N = 22,915).MeasurementsThe primary outcomes were number of falls, fallers, and recurrent fallers.ResultsThirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Six fall prevention programs were single (one intervention component provided to the residents), one was multiple (two or more intervention components not customized to individual fall risk), and six were multifactorial (two or more intervention components customized to each resident's fall risk). Meta‐analysis found significantly fewer recurrent fallers in the intervention groups (4 studies, relative risk (RR) = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.65–0.97) but no significant effect of the intervention on fallers (6 studies, RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.84–1.11) or falls (10 studies, RR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.76–1.13). Multifactorial interventions significantly reduced falls (4 studies, RR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.55–0.82) and the number of recurrent fallers (4 studies, RR = 0.79, CI = 0.65–0.97), whereas single or multiple interventions did not. Training and education showed a significant harmful effect in the intervention groups on the number of falls (2 studies, RR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.23–1.36).ConclusionThis meta‐analysis failed to reveal a significant effect of fall prevention interventions on falls or fallers but, for the first time, showed that fall prevention interventions significantly reduced the number of recurrent fallers by 21%.
End‐of‐Life Decisions in Individuals Dying with Dementia in Belgium
Authors: Chambaere Kenneth , Cohen Joachim , Robijn Lenzo , Bailey S. Kathleen , Deliens Luc 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence and characteristics of end‐of‐life decisions in individuals dying with dementia in Belgium.DesignRetrospective mail survey.SettingBrussels and Flanders, Belgium.ParticipantsPhysicians certifying a large random sample of deaths (n = 8,627).MeasurementsEnd‐of‐life decision‐making in individuals dying with dementia (n = 361) was compared through bivariate and multivariable analyses with decision‐making in individuals dying from cancer (n = 1,276) as reference group.ResultsResponse rate was 54.7%. The intense pain and symptoms of individuals with dementia was alleviated less often than those of individuals with cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 0.50, P < .001), and individuals with dementia were more likely to have life‐prolonging treatment withheld or withdrawn (OR = 1.40, P = .048). Five individuals with dementia (1.3%) requested euthanasia but did not receive it; 60 (4.7%) individuals with cancer who requested euthanasia received it, and 48 (3.8%) who requested it did not (OR = 0.04, P = .047). Individuals with dementia rarely had capacity to participate in decision‐making, which more often involved their families than in individuals with cancer (OR = 1.99, P = .009). Little prospect of improvement (59.7%), pointless life prolongation (54.5%), poor quality of life (46.2%), and prevention of further suffering (37.6%) were important reasons for end‐of‐life decisions in individuals with dementia.ConclusionEnd‐of‐life decision‐making in individuals dying with dementia differs from that in individuals with cancer, more often involving forgoing of life‐prolonging treatment and less often involving intensifying pain and symptom treatment. Considerations typically involve the prospects of the individual with dementia as opposed to the severity of their present situation. Optimal processes of advance care planning may address the burdensome decision falling to physicians and family regarding when to allow the individual to die.
Beneficial effects of mineralocorticoid receptor blockade in experimental non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Pizarro Margarita , Solís Nancy , Quintero Pablo , Barrera Francisco , Cabrera Daniel , Rojas‐de Santiago Pamela , Arab Juan P. , Padilla Oslando , Roa Juan C. , Moshage Han , Wree Alexander , Inzaugarat Eugenia , Feldstein Ariel E. , Fardella Carlos E. , Baudrand Rene , Riquelme Arnoldo , Arrese Marco 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundTherapeutic options to treat Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are limited. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation could play a role in hepatic fibrogenesis and its modulation could be beneficial for NASH.AimTo investigate whether eplerenone, a specific MR antagonist, ameliorates liver damage in experimental NASH.MethodsC57bl6 mice were fed a choline‐deficient and amino acid‐defined (CDAA) diet for 22 weeks with or without eplerenone supplementation. Serum levels of aminotransferases and aldosterone were measured and hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis scored histologically. Hepatic triglyceride content (HTC) and hepatic mRNA levels of pro‐inflammatory pro‐fibrotic, oxidative stress‐associated genes and of MR were also assessed.ResultsCDAA diet effectively induced fibrotic NASH, and increased the hepatic expression of pro‐inflammatory, pro‐fibrotic and oxidative stress‐associated genes. Hepatic MR mRNA levels significantly correlated with the expression of pro‐inflammatory and pro‐fibrotic genes and were significantly increased in hepatic stellate cells obtained from CDAA‐fed animals. Eplerenone administration was associated to a reduction in histological steatosis and attenuation of liver fibrosis development, which was associated to a significant decrease in the expression of collagen‐α1, collagen type III, alpha 1 and Matrix metalloproteinase‐2.ConclusionThe expression of MR correlates with inflammation and fibrosis development in experimental NASH. Specific MR blockade with eplerenone has hepatic anti‐steatotic and anti‐fibrotic effects. These data identify eplerenone as a potential novel therapy for NASH. Considering its safety and FDA‐approved status, human studies are warranted.
Electrical Stimulation of Vascular Autonomic Nerves: Effects on Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Arrhythmias
Authors: SUN JIAN , SCHERLAG BENJAMIN J. , HE BO , SHEN XIAOHUA , GAO MEI , ZHANG LING , LI YIGANG , PO SUNNY S. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundRecent clinical studies have shown conflicting results of the efficacy of renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) to mitigate hypertension. In this study, we compared electrical stimulation (ES) of autonomic nerves on the surface of the left pulmonary artery (LPA) and renal arteries (RAs) on heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and cardiac arrhythmias.MethodsIn 16 pentobarbital anesthetized dogs, standard electrocardiography leads and blood pressure (BP) were continuously recorded. After a left thoracotomy, a circumferential multielectrode catheter was secured around the LPA. Atrial pacing was coupled to the ES applied around the LPA during the QRS complex to avoid ventricular excitation. Flank incisions allowed retroperitoneal expose of the RAs and the aortico‐renal ganglia (ARG). HR and SBP/DBP were determined at baseline (BL) and during ES of LPA, RA, or ARG.ResultsDuring ES applied to the LPA, HR was unchanged compared to BL values. In four of six animals, ventricular tachyarrhythmias were induced by ES. SBP increased significantly (BL vs ES, 129 ± 17 mm Hg vs 163 ± 21 mm Hg, P ≤ 0.05). ES applied to the RAs and ARG did not affect the HR, but significantly increased SBP/DBP (baseline: 134 ± 24/96 ± 18 mm Hg; RAs stimulation: 157 ± 26/114 ± 18 mm Hg; ARG stimulation: 207 ± 44/147 ± 26 mm Hg, P < 0.05).ConclusionES of vascular autonomic nerves on LPA, RAs, and ARG significantly increased BP but without effects on HR. ES of ARG induced substantially greater hypertensive responses than ES of RAs, implying that ES of ARG may serve as a biomarker or ablation targets for RSD.
Stabilizing Knowledge
Authors: Hannon Michael 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIf epistemic contextualism is correct, then knowledge attributions do not have stable truth‐conditions across different contexts. John Hawthorne, Timothy Williamson, and Patrick Rysiew argue that this unstable picture of knowledge attributions undermines the role that knowledge reports play in storing, retrieving, and transmitting useful information. Contrary to this view, I argue that the truth‐conditions of knowledge attributions are more stable than critics have claimed, and that contextualism is compatible with the role knowledge attributions play in storing, retrieving, and transmitting information across contexts. In particular, I discuss a social dimension of ‘knowledge’ that limits contextual variability. This indicates a new way of characterizing contextualism.
Hepatitis B virus quasispecies evolution after liver transplantation in patients under long‐term lamivudine prophylaxis with or without hepatitis B immune globulin
Authors: Buti M. , Tabernero D. , Mas A. , Homs M. , Prieto M. , Rodríguez‐Frías F. , Casafont F. , Casillas R. , González A. , Miras M. , Herrero J.I. , Castells L. , Esteban R. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimsTo investigate an optimal long‐term prophylactic strategy for prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after liver transplantation, we conducted a randomized study of 29 transplant recipients receiving a short course of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIg) + lamivudine (LAM), followed by randomization to long‐term prophylaxis with LAM with or without HBIg.MethodsThe efficacy and safety, and impact on survival and HBV recurrence of these 2 prophylactic regimens were compared over a mean period of 10 years. In patients with viral recurrence, the HBV quasispecies in the surface/polymerase region were studied by ultra‐deep pyrosequencing (UDPS).ResultsThe 10‐year survival rate was 76% and was not affected by the type of prophylaxis. Four patients had hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) recurrence within the first 48 months after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). HBsAg‐positive and ‐negative patients showed similar mean survival times, with no differences between the 2 regimens. Low HBV DNA levels were transiently detected in 32% of HBsAg‐negative patients. UDPS showed major changes after OLT in the HBV quasispecies of patients with viral recurrence, which may be explained by a “bottleneck” effect of OLT together with prophylactic therapy.ConclusionLong‐term survival after OLT in end‐stage chronic hepatitis B patients was good with both prophylactic strategies. However, low, transient HBV DNA levels were detected even in the absence of HBsAg, showing the importance of continuing HBV prophylaxis.
Red blood cell depletion from bone marrow and peripheral blood buffy coat: a comparison of two new and three established technologies
Authors: Sorg Nadine , Poppe Carolin , Bunos Milica , Wingenfeld Eva , Hümmer Christiane , Krämer Ariane , Stock Belinda , Seifried Erhard , Bonig Halvard 
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUNDRed blood cell (RBC) depletion is a standard technique for preparation of ABO‐incompatible bone marrow transplants (BMTs). Density centrifugation or apheresis are used successfully at clinical scale. The advent of a bone marrow (BM) processing module for the Spectra Optia (Terumo BCT) provided the initiative to formally compare our standard technology, the COBE2991 (Ficoll, manual, “C”) with the Spectra Optia BMP (apheresis, semiautomatic, “O”), the Sepax II NeatCell (Ficoll, automatic, “S”), the Miltenyi CliniMACS Prodigy density gradient separation system (Ficoll, automatic, “P”), and manual Ficoll (“M”). C and O handle larger product volumes than S, P, and M.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTechnologies were assessed for RBC depletion, target cell (mononuclear cells [MNCs] for buffy coats [BCs], CD34+ cells for BM) recovery, and cost/labor. BC pools were simultaneously purged with C, O, S, and P; five to 18 BM samples were sequentially processed with C, O, S, and M.RESULTSMean RBC removal with C was 97% (BCs) or 92% (BM). From both products, O removed 97%, and P, S, and M removed 99% of RBCs. MNC recovery from BC (98% C, 97% O, 65% P, 74% S) or CD34+ cell recovery from BM (92% C, 90% O, 67% S, 70% M) were best with C and O. Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) were depleted from BCs by P, S, and C, while O recovered 50% of PMNs. Time savings compared to C or M for all tested technologies are considerable.CONCLUSIONAll methods are in principle suitable and can be selected based on sample volume, available technology, and desired product specifications beyond RBC depletion and MNC and/or CD34+ cell recovery.
Effects of Progressive Resistance Exercise Training on the Motor and Nonmotor Features of Parkinson's Disease: A Review
Authors: Lamotte Guillaume , Skender Elizabeth , Rafferty Miriam R. , David Fabian J. , Sadowsky Steve , Corcos Daniel M. 
Published: February 2015

Objective:This paper reviews the therapeutically beneficial effects of progressive resistance exercise training (PRET) on motor and nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods:First, we perform a systematic review of the literature on the effects of PRET on motor signs of PD, functional outcomes, quality of life, and patient perceived improvement, strength, and cognition in PD. Second, we perform a meta-analysis on the motor section of the UPDRS. Finally, we discuss the results of our review and we identify current knowledge gaps regarding PRET in PD.Conclusion:This systematic review synthesizes evidence that PRET can improve strength and motor signs of Parkinsonism in PD and may also be beneficial for physical function in individuals with PD. Further research is needed to explore the effects of PRET on nonmotor symptoms such as depression, cognitive impairment, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and quality of life in individuals with PD.