bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
External validation of the HIT Expert Probability (HEP) score
Authors: Joseph Lee , Gomes Marcelo , Al Solaiman Firas , Miro-Casas Elisabet , St John Julie , Ozaki Asuka , Raju Manjunath , Dhariwal Manoj , Kim Esther 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can be challenging. The HIT Expert Probability (HEP) Score has recently been proposed to aid in the diagnosis of HIT. We sought to externally and prospectively validate the HEP score. We prospectively assessed pretest probability of HIT for 51 consecutive patients referred to our Consultative Service for evaluation of possible HIT between August 1, 2012 and February 1, 2013. Two Vascular Medicine fellows independently applied the 4T and HEP scores for each patient. Two independent HIT expert adjudicators rendered a diagnosis of HIT likely or unlikely. The median (interquartile range) of 4T and HEP scores were 4.5 (3.0, 6.0) and 5 (3.0, 8.5), respectively. There were no significant differences between area under receiver-operating characteristic curves of 4T and HEP scores against the gold standard, confirmed HIT [defined as positive serotonin release assay and positive anti-PF4/heparin ELISA] (0.74 vs 0.73, p = 0.97). HEP score ≥ 2 was 100 % sensitive and 16 % specific for determining the presence of confirmed HIT while a 4T score > 3 was 93 % sensitive and 35 % specific. In conclusion, the HEP and 4T scores are excellent screening pretest probability models for HIT, however, in this prospective validation study, test characteristics for the diagnosis of HIT based on confirmatory laboratory testing and expert opinion are similar. Given the complexity of the HEP scoring model compared to that of the 4T score, further validation of the HEP score is warranted prior to widespread clinical acceptance.
ASTRAL-R score predicts non-recanalisation after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Heldner Mirjam R. , Seiffge David , Mueller Hubertus , Eskandari Ashraf , Traenka Christopher , Ntaios George , Mosimann Pascal J. , Sztajzel Roman , Pereira Vitor Mendes , Cras Patrick , Engelter Stefan , Lyrer Philippe , Fischer Urs , Lambrou Dimitris , Arnold Marcel , Michel Patrik , Vanacker Peter 
Published: January 2015

SummaryIntravenous thrombolysis (IVT) as treatment in acute ischaemic strokes may be insufficient to achieve recanalisation in certain patients. Predicting probability of non-recanalisation after IVT may have the potential to influence patient selection to more aggressive management strategies. We aimed at deriving and internally validating a predictive score for post-thrombolytic non-recanalisation, using clinical and radiological variables. In thrombolysis registries from four Swiss academic stroke centres (Lausanne, Bern, Basel and Geneva), patients were selected with large arterial occlusion on acute imaging and with repeated arterial assessment at 24 hours. Based on a logistic regression analysis, an integer-based score for each covariate of the fitted multivariate model was generated. Performance of integerbased predictive model was assessed by bootstrapping available data and cross validation (delete-d method). In 599 thrombolysed strokes, five variables were identified as independent predictors of absence of recanalisation: Acute glucose > 7 mmol/l (A), significant extracranial vessel STenosis (ST), decreased Range of visual fields (R), large Arterial occlusion (A) and decreased Level of consciousness (L). All variables were weighted 1, except for (L) which obtained 2 points based on β-coefficients on the logistic scale. ASTRAL-R scores 0, 3 and 6 corresponded to non-recanalisation probabilities of 18, 44 and 74 % respectively. Predictive ability showed AUC of 0.66 (95 %CI, 0.61–0.70) when using bootstrap and 0.66 (0.63–0.68) when using delete-d cross validation. In conclusion, the 5-item ASTRAL-R score moderately predicts non-recanalisation at 24 hours in thrombolysed ischaemic strokes. If its performance can be confirmed by external validation and its clinical usefulness can be proven, the score may influence patient selection for more aggressive revascularisation strategies in routine clinical practice.
NADPH Oxidase 4 Induces Cardiac Fibrosis and Hypertrophy Through Activating Akt/mTOR and NFκB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhao Qingwei David , Viswanadhapalli Suryavathi , Williams Paul , Shi Qian , Tan Chunyan , Yi Xiaolan , Bhandari Basant , Abboud Hanna E. 
Published: January 2015

Background—
NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) has been implicated in cardiac remodeling, but its precise role in cardiac injury remains controversial. Furthermore, little is known about the downstream effector signaling pathways activated by Nox4-derived reactive oxygen species in the myocardium. We investigated the role of Nox4 and Nox4-associated signaling pathways in the development of cardiac remodeling.

Methods and Results—
Cardiac-specific human Nox4 transgenic mice (c-hNox4Tg) were generated. Four groups of mice were studied: (1) control mice, littermates that are negative for hNox4 transgene but Cre positive; (2) c-hNox4 Tg mice; (3) angiotensin II (AngII)–infused control mice; and (4) c-hNox4Tg mice infused with AngII. The c-hNox4Tg mice exhibited an ≈10-fold increase in Nox4 protein expression and an 8-fold increase in the production of reactive oxygen species, and manifested cardiac interstitial fibrosis. AngII infusion to control mice increased cardiac Nox4 expression and induced fibrosis and hypertrophy. The Tg mice receiving AngII exhibited more advanced cardiac remodeling and robust elevation in Nox4 expression, indicating that AngII worsens cardiac injury, at least in part by enhancing Nox4 expression. Moreover, hNox4 transgene and AngII infusion induced the expression of cardiac fetal genes and activated the Akt-mTOR and NFκB signaling pathways. Treatment of AngII-infused c-hNox4Tg mice with GKT137831, a Nox4/Nox1 inhibitor, abolished the increase in oxidative stress, suppressed the Akt-mTOR and NFκB signaling pathways, and attenuated cardiac remodeling.

Conclusions—
Upregulation of Nox4 in the myocardium causes cardiac remodeling through activating Akt-mTOR and NFκB signaling pathways. Inhibition of Nox4 has therapeutic potential to treat cardiac remodeling.
Resting Heart Rate and Risk of Incident Heart Failure: Three Prospective Cohort Studies and a Systematic Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Khan Hassan , Kunutsor Setor , Kalogeropoulos Andreas P. , Georgiopoulou Vasiliki V. , Newman Anne B. , Harris Tamara B. , Bibbins‐Domingo Kirsten , Kauhanen Jussi , Gheorghiade Mihai , Fonarow Gregg C. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Laukkanen Jari A. , Butler Javed 
Published: January 2015

Background

The relationship between resting heart rate (
RHR
) and incident heart failure (
HF
) has been questioned.

Methods and Results

RHR was assessed at baseline in 7073 participants in 3 prospective cohorts (Cardiovascular Health Study, Health
ABC
study and Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Study) that recorded 1189 incident
HF
outcomes during 92 702 person‐years of follow‐up. Mean age of participants was 67 (9.9) years and mean
RHR
was 64.6 (11.1) bpm. Baseline
RHR
correlated (
P
<0.001) positively with body mass index (
r
=0.10), fasting glucose (
r
=0.18), and C‐reactive protein (
r
=0.20); and inversely with serum creatinine (
r
=−0.05) and albumin (
r
=−0.05). Baseline
RHR
was non‐linearly associated with
HF
risk. The age and sex‐adjusted hazard ratio for
HF
comparing the top (>72 bpm) versus the bottom (<57 bpm) quartile of baseline
RHR
was 1.48 (95% confidence interval [
CI
] 1.26 to 1.74) and was modestly attenuated (1.30, 95%
CI
1.10 to 1.53) with further adjustment for body mass index, history of diabetes, hypertension, smoking status, serum creatinine, and left ventricular hypertrophy. These findings remained consistent in analyses accounting for incident coronary heart disease, excluding individuals with prior cardiovascular events, or those taking beta‐blockers; and in subgroups defined by several individual participant characteristics. In a pooled random effects meta‐analysis of 7 population‐based studies (43 051 participants and 3476
HF
events), the overall hazard ratio comparing top versus bottom fourth of
RHR
was 1.40 (95%
CI
: 1.19 to 1.64).

Conclusions

There is a non‐linear association between
RHR
and incident
HF
. Further research is needed to understand the physiologic foundations of this association.
Behavioural syndrome in juvenile eels and its ecological implications
Authors: Geffroy Benjamin , Sadoul Bastien , Bardonnet Agnès 
Published: January 2015

Behavioural syndrome, which refers to a suite of correlated behaviours across differing situations, has been identified in numerous animals, including fish. The presence and conservation of a behavioural syndrome throughout evolutionary times suggests it confers various advantages at a population level. In eels, such as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), activity and aggressiveness are important factors in their life history, since both traits influence dispersal and territoriality. In the present study we investigated whether these behavioural traits were consistent at both the nychtemeral scale (24 h) and over a long time period (7 months). In addition, we investigated if aggressiveness and activity were positively correlated. Both activity and aggressiveness were significantly repeatable, indicating that both behavioural traits could be considered as personality traits. Interestingly, nocturnal activity was correlated to diurnal activity, indicating that this personality trait was highly stable at the circadian scale. Both aggressiveness and activity were correlated in the course of the experiment, underlining the presence of a behavioural syndrome. The detection of two behaviourally distinct groups in juvenile eels: aggressive and active individuals versus their counterpart have implications in the understanding of the colonization profile of the watershed. We discuss these findings in relation to the ecology of this species.
The non-Siphonophoran Hydrozoa (Cnidaria) of Salento, Italy with notes on their life-cycles: an illustrated guide
Authors: GRAVILI CINZIA , VITO DORIS DE , CAMILLO CRISTINA GIOIA DI , MARTELL LUIS , PIRAINO STEFANO , BOERO FERDINANDO 
Published: January 2015

The majority of Hydrozoa is represented by not readily noticeable, small species. In recent decades, however, taxonomic knowledge of the group has increased worldwide, with a significant number of investigations focused on the Mediterranean Sea. Over more than two decades, 115 species of hydrozoans were recorded from coastal waters along nearly 300 km of the Salento Peninsula (Apulia, Italy). For each species, records from different collections were merged into single sheets of a general database. For each species, the following information is reported: description, cnidome, biology, occurrence in Salento, worldwide distribution, and bibliography. Descriptions refer to the benthic hydroid stage and, when present, also to the planktonic medusa stage. The 115 species of Hydrozoa, recorded along the Salento coastline, represent 25% of the Mediterranean Hydrozoa fauna (totaling 461 species), and nearly 3% of 3,702 world's known species covered in a recent monograph. Four species are non-indigenous, three of them with invasive behavior (Clytia hummelincki, Clytia linearis, and Eudendrium carneum), and one species now very common (Eudendrium merulum) in Salento. The complete life cycle of Clytia paulensis (Vanhöffen, 1910) is described for the first time.
Contribution to the taxonomy of the family Membracidae Rafinesque (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) in Colombia
Authors: FLÓREZ-V CAMILO , WOLFF MARTA I. , CARDONA-DUQUE JULIANA 
Published: January 2015

The Membracidae are a relatively diverse group with nearly 400 genera and 3200 species. For Colombia 93 genera and 394 species were previously known. Study of the literature and 3744 specimens deposited in ten colections in Colombia, as well as non-systematic collections and field observations done in Colombia between 2011 and 2014, led us to record 116 genera and 474 species grouped in 9 subfamilies and 23 tribes, distributed in 24 departments. Thirteen genera were new country records. In addition, 1449 records of host plants and 262 records of associated Hymenoptera were obtained from literature, the examined collections and new, non-systematic field trips. For each genus a differential diagnosis is presented, as well as notes on biology, distribution and some taxonomic comments. Illustrated keys for the genera of Colombian Membracidae and known distributional maps are given. After examination of several Anobilia species, we propose the new combinations Stilbophora flava (Tode, 1966) n. comb., Stilbophora luteimaculata (Funkhouser, 1914) n. comb., Stilbophora sagitatta (Tode, 1966) n. comb., Stilbophora silvana (Tode, 1966) n. comb., Stilbophora tripartita (Fairmaire, 1846) n. comb., and Stilbophora variabilis (Tode, 1966) n. comb. The male of Sakakibarella sinuosa Creão-Duarte is described.
Citizen participation and bureaucratization: the participatory turn seen through a Weberian lens
Authors: Tholen Berry 
Published: January 2015

Recently, many scholars in public administration have argued for a participatory turn: the introduction of deliberative arrangements to include citizens in policymaking. In this article, the arguments and likely consequences of these proposals are assessed by using Max Weber’s classical analysis of the interplay between democracy and bureaucratization. It is argued that advocacy for a participatory turn contains blind spots. In consequence, the proposed measures are likely to increase the problems that they were intended to remedy. Points for practitioners The conclusion for practitioners is that direct participatory arrangements are not the panacea to the multiple problems they are often presented to be. The view through a Weberian lens urges caution on those who consider introducing such arrangements, as they might lead to a diminishing of predictability and accountability of public administration, a decrease in (substantial) expertise within government, and a general dissatisfaction with arrangements that do not provide citizens with what they were led to expect. More direct participation, then, easily contributes to the problems they were meant to remedy.
The relationship between deprivation and alcohol-related presentation at Accident and Emergency (A&E) over a three-month period
Authors: Dolan R , Paterson B 
Published: January 2015

Objectives To identify any relationship between deprivation and the level of presentation to Accident and Emergency with alcohol-related conditions in a busy East Coast teaching hospital in Scotland. Methods Over an 87-day-period initial screening to determine whether alcohol played a part in each presentation was conducted at triage. These patients were then streamed according to their Paddington Alcohol Test (Pat) score into Pat +ve and Pat −ve groups. The postcode of each patient was recorded before they were assigned deprivation levels using the DepCat scoring system. This information was then compiled in Microsoft Excel 2003 and a graph showing the differences in the number of presentations across the social spectrum was constructed. Results Nine hundred and forty four patients were screened as attending due to alcohol with 43.86% being Pat +ve and 56.14% being Pat −ve. Overall 66.42% of the Pat +ve group and 54.42% of Pat −ve were from deprived or very deprived areas. Conclusions The use of electronic-based screening was effective at highlighting patients presenting to Accident and Emergency with alcohol-related problems, and these presentations highlighted a direct link between the level of deprivation and attendances.
Provider Advice on Exercise and Diet Among Adults With Comorbid Serious Psychological Distress and Diabetes or Diabetes Risk Factors
Authors: Xiang Xiaoling , Hernandez Rosalba , Larrison Christopher R. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose To examine the lifetime prevalence and correlates of provider advice to increase exercise and reduce dietary fat intake among adults with comorbid serious psychological distress (SPD) and diabetes or diabetes risk factors. Methods Study sample (n = 5942) was selected from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component (MEPS-HC) series of 2007-2011. SPD was defined as a score of ≥13 on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine correlates of lifetime provider advice. Results Less than half of adults with SPD had been advised to increase exercise (49.4%) or reduce dietary fat intake (45.6%). The prevalence of receiving provider advice increased in a linear fashion as the number of diabetes risk factors increased and was the highest among those with diabetes. Provision of provider advice was strongly associated with clinical factors rather than individuals’ sociodemographic characteristics and current health behaviors. Conclusions Health care providers are missing opportunities to provide exercise and low-fat dietary advice to patients with SPD before they manifest clinical risk factors associated with diabetes. It is important that providers counsel them as early as possible about exercise and nutritional changes that reduce the risks associated with diabetes.
Compression regimes after endovenous ablation for superficial venous insufficiency – A survey of members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland
Authors: El-Sheikha J , Nandhra S , Carradice D , Acey C , Smith GE , Campbell B , Chetter IC 
Published: January 2015

Introduction The optimal compression regime following ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for varicose veins is not known. The aim of this study was to document current practice. Methods Postal questionnaire sent to 348 consultant members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Results Valid replies were received from 41% ( n = 141) surgeons representing at least 68 (61%) vascular units. UGFS was used by 74% surgeons, RFA by 70% and EVLA by 32%, but fewer patients received UGFS (median 30) annually, than endothermal treatment (median 50) – P = 0.019. All surgeons prescribed compression: following UGFS for median seven days (range two days to three months) and after endothermal ablation for 10 days (range two days to six weeks) – P = 0.298. Seven different combinations of bandages, pads and compression stockings were reported following UGFS and four after endothermal ablation. Some surgeons advised changing from bandages to stockings from five days (range 1–14) after UGFS. Following endothermal ablation, 71% used bandages only, followed by compression stockings after two days (range 1–14). The majority of surgeons (87%) also treated varicose tributaries: 65% used phlebectomy, the majority (65%) synchronously with endothermal ablation. Concordance of compression regimes between surgeons within vascular units was uncommon. Only seven units using UGFS and six units using endothermal ablation had consistent compression regimes. Conclusion Compression regimes after treatments for varicose veins vary significantly: more evidence is needed to guide practice.
Predicting fears of intimacy among individuals with post-traumatic stress symptoms by their sensory profile
Authors: Engel-Yeger Batya , Palgy-Levin Dafna , Lev-Wiesel Rachel 
Published: January 2015

Introduction The purpose of the research was: (1) to compare fears of intimacy between people with post-traumatic stress symptoms and healthy controls; (2) to examine the relationships between sensory processing patterns and fears of intimacy among people with post-traumatic stress symptoms; (3) to examine the ability of post-traumatic stress symptoms and sensory processing patterns to predict fears of intimacy. Method The study consisted of 60 people between 24 and 62 years old. Thirty of the participants had post-traumatic stress symptoms and the other 30 were healthy controls. All participants were involved in an intimate relationship. Participants completed the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale, the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, and the Fear of Close Personal Relationship Questionnaire. Findings Higher prevalence of extreme sensory sensitivity, avoidance, and low registration was found among the study group. These patterns significantly correlated with impaired emotional responses associated with intimacy. Low registration and group membership predicted fears of intimacy. Conclusion Sensory processing difficulties may contribute to the impaired intimate relationships of people with post-traumatic stress symptoms. Occupational therapists may help people with post-traumatic stress symptoms to be aware of their sensory processing difficulties and their impact on social/intimate relationships. This awareness may contribute to the person's ability to cope with post-traumatic stress symptoms, enable better emotional performance, and elevate quality of life.
Exploring paid employment options with a person with severe learning disabilities and high support needs: An exploratory case study
Authors: Ineson Rachel 
Published: January 2015

Introduction This case-study research followed the journey of one person who has severe learning and high support needs as, supported by occupational therapy, she attempted to gain a real paid job. Method Qualitative triangulated methodology was used, combining a reflexive account of clinical occupational therapy intervention with interview data and secondary documentary analysis. The link between policy and practice was also explored. Findings Ultimately, the participant was unsuccessful in gaining a paid job, but remained motivated towards this goal. She became empowered to aspire for paid work, voiced opinions, and developed pre-vocational skills enabling continued pursuit of her goals. Negotiating access to potential employers on behalf of the participant was a significant barrier for the occupational therapist. Conclusion The journey of the participant in seeking paid employment was a new experience for everyone involved. There was a clear dichotomy between the aspirational language of policy and the reality of putting those aspirations into practice. As occupational therapists increasingly move into emerging fields, exploring employment for this client group presents opportunities to apply and expand core occupational therapy skills, to achieve mutually rewarding co-occupation and to influence an outstanding issue of occupational injustice.
Definitions of occupational balance and their coverage by instruments
Authors: Dür Mona , Unger Julia , Stoffer Michaela , Drăgoi Răzvan , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Fialka-Moser Veronika , Smolen Josef , Stamm Tanja 
Published: January 2015

Introduction Occupational balance is an important and widely used concept in occupational therapy and occupational science. There is, however, not one unified definition in use, but several different ones, and thus instruments that measure the concept in research studies are diverse as well. Consequently, it is unclear how instruments and definitions correspond. The purpose of this study was to examine the coverage of occupational balance definitions by occupational balance instruments. Method Within a mixed-methods design we conducted a qualitative and quantitative content analysis of definitions and items of existing instruments. Definitions and items were extracted from articles identified in a systematic literature search. The extent of congruence and coverage between definitions and instruments was examined. Results The definitions used in 47 articles were structured into 19 categories. The categories which were found in most definitions were a balance of ‘various occupational patterns and areas’ (42; 89%) and ‘occupational accomplishment, performance, roles and responsibilities’ (35; 75%); 20 instruments were explored. Together they covered 16 (84%) of the 19 categories. Conclusion Knowing which instruments cover which dimensions of occupational balance can support occupational therapists, other health professionals and health researchers in their selection of an instrument to measure occupational balance.