bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring the burden of interval cancers in long-standing screening mammography programmes
Authors: Andersen Sune Bangsbøll , Törnberg Sven , Kilpeläinen Sini , Lynge Elsebeth , Njor Sisse Helle , Von Euler-Chelpin My 
Published: January 2015

Objectives Mammography screening programme sensitivity is evaluated by comparing the interval cancer rate (ICR) with the expected breast cancer incidence without screening, ie. the proportional interval cancer rate (PICR). The PICR is usually found by extrapolating pre-screening incidence rates, whereas ICR is calculated from data available in the screening programmes. As there is no consensus regarding estimation of background incidence, we seek to validate the ICR measure against the PICR. Methods Screening data from the three mammography screening programmes of Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Funen in the period 1989-2011 provided data to calculate the ICR. The most commonly described methods of extrapolating pre-screening incidence rates to calculate the PICR were illustrated and PICRs were calculated by year and programme using these different methods and compared with the ICRs. Results PICRs varied greatly, reaching a difference of 32–34% in Stockholm, 79% in Copenhagen, and 100–106% in Funen between the highest and the lowest value, depending on which method was applied. PICRs exhibited large variations yearly and from programme to programme. ICRs did not vary to the same extent, ranging on average from 0.100 to 0.136 in the first 12-months and between 0.201 and 0.225 in the last 12-months of the two-year period after a negative screen across the three programmes. Conclusion The value of the PICR is hugely influenced by which method is applied, whereas the ICR is calculated purely on data available within programmes. We find that the PICR, the establishing indicator for sensitivity, could preferably be replaced by the ICR.
Participation in four rounds of a French colorectal cancer screening programme with guaiac faecal occult blood test: a population-based open cohort study
Authors: Denis Bernard , Gendre Isabelle , Perrin Philippe 
Published: January 2015

Objectives Four randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of screening using a guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) on colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality. Whether their results are transposable to the real world is unknown. This study aimed to assess the determinants of participation in the first four rounds of the CRC screening programme using a gFOBT implemented since 2003 in the Haut-Rhin (Alsace) part of the French national programme. Methods We performed a population-based open cohort study of all residents aged 50–74, around 200,000 people. They were invited by mail to participate every other year. The gFOBT kits (Hemoccult II) were first provided by general practitioners, and then directly mailed to persons who failed to comply. Results The uptake decreased significantly across all rounds, from 54.3% to 47.1% (p < 0.0001), mainly in people younger than 60. The proportion of people screened by general practitioners increased significantly from 77.0% in the first round to 84.2% in the fourth (p < 0.01). Overall, 61.3% of the invited population participated at least once, and 14.3% had completed all the four tests. The colonoscopy uptake was around 91%, among the highest ever reported. Conclusions Despite the involvement of general practitioners, the uptake and adherence to repeat testing are modest and deteriorate with time, so that the reduction in CRC mortality in reality will be significantly lower than that in the trials. The benefit-risk balance of the French programme is, at present, less favourable than that shown in the trials.
Genotype-Guided Dosing of Coumarin Anticoagulants
Authors: Tang Tao , Liu Jie , Zuo Keqiang , Cheng Jie , Chen Linyin , Lu Chenhui , Han Shilong , Xu Jichong , Jia Zhongzhi , Ye Meng , Pei Erli , Zhang Xiaoping , Li Maoquan 
Published: January 2015

Background: Coumarin anticoagulants (acenocoumarol, phenprocoumon, and warfarin) are generally used for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation or for the therapy and prevention of venous thromboembolism. However, the safe use of coumarin anticoagulants is restricted by a narrow therapeutic window and large interindividual dosing variations. Some studies found that the effectiveness and safety of coumarin anticoagulants therapy were increased by pharmacogenetic-guided dosing algorithms, while others found no significant effect of genotype-guided therapy. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched from January 1, 2000, to March 1, 2014, for randomized controlled trials of patients who received coumarin anticoagulants according to genotype-guided dosing algorithms. The primary outcome was the percentage of time that the international normalized ratio (INR) was within the normal range (2.0-3.0). Secondary outcomes included major bleeding events, thromboembolic events, and INR ≥4 events. Results: Eight studies satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Genotype-guided dosing of coumarin anticoagulants improved the percentage of time within the therapeutic INR range (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.28; P = .02; I2 = 70%). Subgroup analysis was performed after dividing the nongenotype-guided group into a standard-dose group (95% CI, 0.14-0.49; P = .0004; I2 = 50%) and a clinical variables-guided dosing algorithm group (95% CI, −0.07-0.15; P = .48; I2 = 34%). There is a statistically significant reduction in numbers of secondary outcomes (INR ≥4 events, major bleeding events, and thromboembolic events; 95% CI, 0.79-1.00; P = .04). Subgroup analysis of secondary outcomes showed no significant difference between genotype-guided dosing and clinical variables-guided dosing (95% CI, 0.84-1.10; P = .57; I2 = 11%), but genotype-guided dosing reduced secondary outcomes compared with standard dosing (95% CI, 0.62-0.92; P = .006; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed that genotype-guided dosing increased the effectiveness and safety of coumarin therapy compared with standard dosing but did not have advantages compared with clinical variables-guided dosing.
Development and validation of a predictive model for all-cause hospital readmissions in Winnipeg, Canada
Authors: Cui Yang , Metge Colleen , Ye Xibiao , Moffatt Michael , Oppenheimer Luis , Forget Evelyn L 
Published: January 2015

Objective A number of predictive models have been developed to identify patients at risk of hospital readmission. Most of these have focused on readmission within 30 days of discharge. We used population-based health administrative data to develop a predictive model for hospital readmission within 12 months of discharge in Winnipeg, Canada. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study with derivation and validation data sets. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed and factors significantly associated with readmission were selected to construct a risk scoring tool. Results Several variables were identified that predicted readmission (i.e. older age, male, at least one hospital admission in the previous two years, an emergent (index) hospital admission, Charlson comorbidity score >0 and length of stay). Discrimination power was acceptable (C statistic =0.701). At a median risk score threshold, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 45.5%, 79%, 68.8% and 58.6%. Conclusions This predictive model demonstrated that hospital readmission within 12 months of discharge can be reasonably well predicted based on administrative data. It will help health care providers target interventions to prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions.
Epidemiology and treatment strategies of iliac vein thrombophlebitis
Authors: Dua Anahita , Desai Sapan S , Kumar Naveen , Heller Jennifer 
Published: January 2015

Introduction This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of iliac vein thrombophlebitis and describe gender differences associated with the management of this pathology. Methods The 2010 National Inpatient Sample was retrospectively reviewed to include all inpatients with ICD-9 codes identifying iliac vein thrombophlebitis (451.81). Demographics, disposition, anticoagulation, thrombolytics, stent placement, open operative intervention, complications (deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism), and mortality rates were reported. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Student’s t-testing with P < 0.05 deemed significant. Results The incidence of iliac vein thrombophlebitis was 1/1,000,000 people. Men had an average age of 48 ± 20 years and women were significantly older at 59 ± 18 years (P = 0.02). There were no differences in treatment strategies or rates of complications between men and women including pulmonary embolism (23% for males, 16% of females) and deep vein thrombosis (29% for males and 19% for females). Length of stay between groups was not significant (11 ± 20 days for males and 7.7 ± 6 days for females). Overall mortality was 1.5%. Conclusion Iliac vein thrombophlebitis is a rare disease. Females who develop iliac vein thrombophlebitis are significantly older than their male counterparts. The rates of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and interventional strategies are not different between the sexes.
The impact of abdominal aortic aneurysm on muscle mass and energy expenditure: A novel preliminary investigation
Authors: Delaney CL , Miller MD , Allan RB , Spark JI 
Published: January 2015

Objective Vascular surgical patients, including those with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), are nutritionally vulnerable. The aim of this study was to compare resting energy expenditure (REE) of patients with AAA relative to age- and gender-matched controls and explore relationships between aneurysm size and muscle mass. Methods Twenty patients with AAA underwent assessment of REE using indirect calorimetry. Mid-arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness were measured and corrected arm muscle area calculated. Twenty gender- and age-matched controls were assessed using the same procedures. Results Mean (SD) age of participants with AAA was 74.7 (7.7) years, size of AAA ranged from 45 to 70 mm. Median (IQR) REE was significantly higher than controls [5990 (5469, 7017) kJ/day versus 5086 (4536, 5886) kJ/day, p = .011; or 69 (64, 80) kJ/kg/day versus 66 (61, 69) kJ/kg/day, p = .046]. While weight-adjusted REE was independent of aneurysm size ( r = .200; p = .397), as aneurysm size increased, weight-adjusted corrected arm muscle area decreased ( r = −.576; p = .008). Conclusion The raised REE and decline in muscle mass associated with larger AAA suggest that early detection and attention to nutritional requirements of patients with AAA may be warranted.
The anti-inflammatory effects of acetaminophen and N-acetylcysteine through suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in LPS-challenged piglet mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Liu Yu , Yao Wenxu , Xu Jun , Qiu Yinsheng , Cao Fangyuan , Li Sali , Yang Sheng , Yang Hailan , Wu Zhongyuan , Hou Yongqing 
Published: January 2015

Acetaminophen (AAP) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects via the TLR–NF-κB pathway in LPS-challenged piglets. However, the action mechanisms employed by AAP and NAC have yet to be completely understood. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of AAP and NAC on LPS-induced inflammatory responses via the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in piglet mononuclear phagocytes. The results show that mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-18 and NLRP3, as well as the protein level of cleaved caspase-1, are significantly increased after LPS challenge in vitro. LPS stimulation did not change ASC and caspase-1 mRNA levels, which were components of NLRP3 inflammasome complex. AAP (0.5–1.0 mM) and NAC (0.5–1.0 mM) used individually or in combination could down-regulate protein expression of cleaved caspase-1 and mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-18 and NLRP3. NAC could significantly enhance the above inhibition actions of AAP. The combined use of AAP plus NAC had better inhibition action on the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. These results indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of AAP and NAC occur via the regulation on mRNA expression of NLRP3 and activation of caspase-1. The anti-inflammatory activity of AAP and NAC could be related to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway under LPS stimulation.
The OneTogether collaborative approach to reduce the risk of surgical site infection: identifying the challenges to assuring best practice
Authors: Wilson Jennie , Topley Katherine , Stott Dawn , Neachell Jonathan , Gallagher Rose 
Published: January 2015

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) account for 16% of healthcare associated infections, and are associated with considerable morbidity, mortality and increased costs of care. Ensuring evidence-based practice to prevent SSI is incorporated across the patient’s surgical journey is complex. OneTogether is a quality improvement collaborative of infection prevention and operating department specialists, formed to support the spread and adoption of best practice to prevent SSI. This paper describes the findings of an expert workshop on infection prevention in operating departments. Methods: A total of 84 delegates from 75 hospitals attended the workshop, comprising 46 (55%) theatre nurses/operating department practitioners; 16 (19%) infection control practitioners and 22 (26%) other healthcare practitioners. Discussion focused on evidence, policy implementation and barriers to best practice. Responses were synthesised into a narrative review. Results: Delegates reported significant problems in translating evidence-based guidance into everyday practice, lack of local polices and poor compliance. Major barriers were lack of leadership, poorly defined responsibilities, and lack of knowledge/training. Conclusions: This workshop has provided important insights into major challenges in assuring compliance with best practice in relation to the prevention of SSI. The OneTogether partnership aims to support healthcare practitioners to improve the outcomes of patients undergoing surgery by reducing the risk of SSI.
Is objective and accurate cognitive assessment across the menstrual cycle possible? A feasibility study
Authors: Farrar Diane , Neill Jo , Scally Andy , Tuffnell Derek , Marshall Kay 
Published: January 2015

Objectives: Variation in plasma hormone levels influences the neurobiology of brain regions involved in cognition and emotion processing. Fluctuations in hormone levels across the menstrual cycle could therefore alter cognitive performance and wellbeing; reports have provided conflicting results, however. The aim of this study was to assess whether objective assessment of cognitive performance and self-reported wellbeing during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle is feasible and investigate the possible reasons for variation in effects previously reported. Methods: The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were used to assess the cognitive performance and wellbeing of 12 women. Data were analysed by self-reported and hormone-estimated phases of the menstrual cycle. Results: Recruitment to the study and assessment of cognition and wellbeing was without issue. Plasma hormone and peptide estimation showed substantial individual variation and suggests inaccuracy in self-reported menstrual phase estimation. Conclusion: Objective assessment of cognitive performance and self-assessed wellbeing across the menstrual cycle is feasible. Grouping data by hormonal profile rather by self-reported phase estimation may influence phase-mediated results. Future studies should use plasma hormone and peptide profiles to estimate cycle phase and group data for analyses.
Disseminated cryptococcosis in a patient with HIV/AIDS at a teaching hospital in Ghana
Authors: Akakpo KP , Quayson SE , Lartey M 
Published: January 2015

Objective: To raise awareness of the existence of cryptococcal infections in HIV/AIDS patients in Ghana. Method: Detailed postmortem gross and histopathological analysis of an HIV/AIDS patient suspected to have cryptococcal meningitis was carried out and histopathological findings correlated with clinical findings. Results: showed disseminated Cryptococcosis in an HIV/AIDS patient which was confirmed with special stains. Conclusion: cryptococcal infection occurs in HIV /AIDS patients in Ghanaian and when clinically suspected the diagnosis should be pursued vigorously.
Conversion rates of abstracts to publications from the Irish Society of Urology Annual Meeting (2005–2011) – Questioning the scientific value of national urological meetings for smaller European nations
Authors: O’Kelly F , Nason GJ , Bell S , Galbraith A , McLoughlin LC , Quinlan DM , Thornhill JA 
Published: January 2015

Background: Large annual scientific meetings such as the American Urological Association (AUA) and the European Association of Urology (EUA) have abstract conversion rates into publication of 37%−48%. There are no data on the conversion rates from national meetings of smaller European countries. Our objective was to present the conversion rates and manuscript characteristics of the Irish Society of Urology (ISU) annual meeting over a seven-year period (2005–2011), and to demonstrate the value, viability and sustainability of such a meeting as a model for other small national research programmes. Methods: All abstracts presented at the ISU annual meeting between 2005 and 2011 were identified. The subsequent publication rate following the meetings was established for the corresponding studies based on a Medline scan. A range of characteristics associated with subsequent publication were analysed using the logistic regression of the dichotomous variable of publications vs. non-publication of each factor. Results: Overall, 46% of the 322 abstracts presented at the ISU meeting were followed by publication into Medline-indexed journals with a mean impact factor of 2.6. A total of 74% abstracts were published within two years. Oral presentations were more likely to be published than posters ( p < 0.0001), and prospective clinical research was more likely to be published in a journal with a higher impact factor than retrospective analyses ( p = 0.033); the mean time to publication was 16.7 months. Conclusions: Almost half the abstracts presented at the ISU were subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals, the majority within two years. This compares favourably with larger urological meetings, and provides an incentive to other smaller countries within Europe to continue with national research programmes.
Risk assessment in the management of newly diagnosed classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Connors Joseph M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTreatment of Hodgkin lymphoma is associated with 2 major types of risk: that the treatment may fail to cure the disease or that the treatment will prove unacceptably toxic. Careful assessment of the amount of the lymphoma (tumor burden), its behavior (extent of invasion or specific organ compromise), and host related factors (age; coincident systemic infection; and organ dysfunction, especially hematopoietic, cardiac, or pulmonary) is essential to optimize outcome. Elaborately assembled prognostic scoring systems, such as the International Prognostic Factors Project score, have lost their accuracy and value as increasingly effective chemotherapy and supportive care have been developed. Identification of specific biomarkers derived from sophisticated exploration of Hodgkin lymphoma biology is bringing promise of further improvement in targeted therapy in which effectiveness is increased at the same time off-target toxicity is diminished. Parallel developments in functional imaging are providing additional potential to evaluate the efficacy of treatment while it is being delivered, allowing dynamic assessment of risk during chemotherapy and adaptation of the therapy in real time. Risk assessment in Hodgkin lymphoma is continuously evolving, promising ever greater precision and clinical relevance. This article explores the past usefulness and the emerging potential of risk assessment for this imminently curable malignancy.
Programmable 3D silk bone marrow niche for platelet generation ex vivo and modeling of megakaryopoiesis pathologies
Authors: Di Buduo Christian A. , Wray Lindsay S. , Tozzi Lorenzo , Malara Alessandro , Chen Ying , Ghezzi Chiara E. , Smoot Daniel , Sfara Carla , Antonelli Antonella , Spedden Elise , Bruni Giovanna , Staii Cristian , De Marco Luigi , Magnani Mauro , Kaplan David L. , Balduini Alessandra 
Published: January 2015

Key PointsNatural silk protein sponge and vascular tubes reproduce human bone marrow niche environments for functional platelet generation ex vivo. Programmable bioengineered model for the investigation and therapeutic targeting of altered platelet formation.
Ribosomopathies and the paradox of cellular hypo- to hyperproliferation
Authors: De Keersmaecker Kim , Sulima Sergey O. , Dinman Jonathan D. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRibosomopathies are largely congenital diseases linked to defects in ribosomal proteins or biogenesis factors. Some of these disorders are characterized by hypoproliferative phenotypes such as bone marrow failure and anemia early in life, followed by elevated cancer risks later in life. This transition from hypo- to hyperproliferation presents an intriguing paradox in the field of hematology known as “Dameshek’s riddle.” Recent cancer sequencing studies also revealed somatically acquired mutations and deletions in ribosomal proteins in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and solid tumors, further extending the list of ribosomopathies and strengthening the association between ribosomal defects and oncogenesis. In this perspective, we summarize and comment on recent findings in the field of ribosomopathies. We explain how ribosomopathies may provide clues to help explain Dameshek’s paradox and highlight some of the open questions and challenges in the field.
Intraperitoneal administration of activated protein C prevents postsurgical adhesion band formation
Authors: Dinarvand Peyman , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Weiler Hartmut , Rezaie Alireza R. 
Published: January 2015

Key Points
APC exhibits anticoagulant, antifibrinolytic, and antiinflammatory properties. Intraperitoneal administration of APC effectively prevents postsurgical adhesion band formation.