bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prescription Frequency and Predictors for the Use of Novel Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Secondary Stroke Prevention in the First Year after Their Marketing in Europe – A Multicentric Evaluation
Authors: Luger Sebastian , Hohmann Carina , Kraft Peter , Halmer Ramona , Gunreben Ignaz , Neumann-Haefelin Tobias , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Walter Silke , Haripyan Veronika , Steinmetz Helmuth , Foerch Christian , Pfeilschifter Waltraud 
Published: May 2014

Background Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are alternatives to the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) as oral anticoagulant therapies to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Aims We assembled a representative secondary prevention cohort from four tertiary care stroke centers to identify factors that independently influence therapeutic decision making 1) not to anticoagulate with either VKA or DOAC and 2) to use DOAC if the patient appears suitable for oral anticoagulant therapy. Methods We identified all patients discharged with the diagnoses ‘ischemic stroke’ (ICD-10 code 163) or ‘transient ischemic attack’ (G45) in combination with ‘atrial fibrillation’ (148) during 1 year. We performed binary logistic regression analyses to identify factors independently influencing the aforementioned decisions. Results Our cohort comprised 758 patients. At discharge from the stroke service, 374 patients (49·3%) received oral anticoagulant therapy. Older age, severe stroke, poor recovery in the acute phase, and higher serum creatinine were independent factors to withhold oral anticoagulant therapy, whereas prior oral anticoagulant therapy favored the decision to anticoagulate. Among patients who were anticoagulated, prescription was balanced for VKA (50·3%) and DOAC (49·7%). Renal function and prior oral anticoagulant therapies were the most important factors in this decision. Conclusions Shortly after their marketing, DOAC are used as frequently as VKA for secondary stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. The decision between VKA and DOAC is mainly determined by the patient's renal function and the absence or presence of prior oral anticoagulant therapy.
BiFeO3 Ceramics: Processing, Electrical, and Electromechanical Properties
Authors: Rojac Tadej , Bencan Andreja , Malic Barbara , Tutuncu Goknur , Jones Jacob L. , Daniels John E. , Damjanovic Dragan 
Published: May 2014

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3), a perovskite material, rich in properties and with wide functionality, has had a marked impact on the field of multiferroics, as evidenced by the hundreds of articles published annually over the past 10 years. Studies from the very early stages and particularly those on polycrystalline BiFeO3 ceramics have been faced with difficulties in the preparation of the perovskite free of secondary phases. In this review, we begin by summarizing the major processing issues and clarifying the thermodynamic and kinetic origins of the formation and stabilization of the frequently observed secondary, nonperovskite phases, such as Bi25FeO39 and Bi2Fe4O9. The second part then focuses on the electrical and electromechanical properties of BiFeO3, including the electrical conductivity, dielectric permittivity, high‐field polarization, and strain response, as well as the weak‐field piezoelectric properties. We attempt to establish a link between these properties and address, in particular, the macroscopic response of the ceramics under an external field in terms of the dynamic interaction between the pinning centers (e.g., charged defects) and the ferroelectric/ferroelastic domain walls.
Checklists for external validity: a systematic review
Authors: Dyrvig Anne‐Kirstine , Kidholm Kristian , Gerke Oke , Vondeling Hindrik 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe quality of the current literature on external validity varies considerably. An improved checklist with validated items on external validity would aid decision‐makers in judging similarities among circumstances when transferring evidence from a study setting to an implementation setting. In this paper, currently available checklists on external validity are identified, assessed and used as a basis for proposing a new improved instrument.MethodA systematic literature review was carried out in Pubmed, Embase and Cinahl on English‐language papers without time restrictions. The retrieved checklist items were assessed for (i) the methodology used in primary literature, justifying inclusion of each item; and (ii) the number of times each item appeared in checklists.ResultsFifteen papers were identified, presenting a total of 21 checklists for external validity, yielding a total of 38 checklist items. Empirical support was considered the most valid methodology for item inclusion. Assessment of methodological justification showed that none of the items were supported empirically. Other kinds of literature justified the inclusion of 22 of the items, and 17 items were included on the basis of consensus. On 36 occasions, the items were presented without methodological justification for inclusion. Assessment of frequency/occurrence showed that items were mentioned in one to at most 17 checklists.ConclusionThis paper provides building blocks for the development of a new checklist for external validity. The next step is provision of empirical evidence for the checklist items to be selected, and finally, development and validation of a checklist on external validity.
Bayesian bivariate meta‐analysis of sensitivity and specificity: summary of quantitative findings in 50 meta‐analyses
Authors: Menke Jan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesMeta‐analyses of diagnostic test accuracy are important elements in evidence‐based medicine. However, currently there is no overview of related quantitative findings that were obtained in a large number of real meta‐analyses. This study aimed at providing such empirical summary.MethodsFrom the literature 50 meta‐analyses were randomly selected that had reported their 2 × 2 count data of sensitivity and specificity. Descriptive statistics, assessment of between‐study heterogeneity and bivariate random‐effects meta‐analysis of sensitivity and specificity were performed with a novel Bayesian program code. The bivariate model parameters were also converted to the parameters of the closely related hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model.ResultsAmong the 50 meta‐analyses, the studies per meta‐analysis ranged from 5 to 45 and the disease prevalence from 2.3 to 71%. Significant between‐study heterogeneity was found in 43 of 50 meta‐analyses, favouring a random‐effects model over a fixed‐effects model. Empirical distributions of sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and other model results are presented in the full text numerically and graphically.ConclusionsStudies of diagnostic test accuracy can be well meta‐analysed within a Bayesian framework, and the presented quantitative findings provide an orientation when interpreting the results of the standard bivariate/HSROC model.
E‐Learning Module on Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: Evidence of Effect on Medical Student Objective Structured Clinical Examination Performance
Authors: Weiner Debra K. , Morone Natalia E. , Spallek Heiko , Karp Jordan F. , Schneider Michael , Washburn Carol , Dziabiak Michael P. , Hennon John G. , Elnicki D. Michael ,   the University of Pittsburgh Center of Excellence in Pain Education
Published: May 2014

The Institute of Medicine has highlighted the urgent need to close undergraduate and graduate educational gaps in treating pain. Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common pain conditions, and older adults are particularly vulnerable to potential morbidities associated with misinformed treatment. An e‐learning case‐based interactive module was developed at the University of Pittsburgh Center of Excellence in Pain Education, one of 12 National Institutes of Health–designated centers, to teach students important principles for evaluating and managing CLBP in older adults. A team of six experts in education, information technology, pain management, and geriatrics developed the module. Teaching focused on common errors, interactivity, and expert modeling and feedback. The module mimicked a patient encounter using a standardized patient (the older adult with CLBP) and a pain expert (the patient provider). Twenty‐eight medical students were not exposed to the module (Group 1) and 27 were exposed (Group 2). Their clinical skills in evaluating CLBP were assessed using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Mean scores were 62.0 ± 8.6 for Group 1 and 79.5 ± 10.4 for Group 2 (P < .001). Using an OSCE pass–fail cutoff score of 60%, 17 of 28 Group 1 students (60.7%) and 26 of 27 Group 2 students (96.3%) passed. The CLBP OSCE was one of 10 OSCE stations in which students were tested at the end of a Combined Ambulatory Medicine and Pediatrics Clerkship. There were no between‐group differences in performance on eight of the other nine OSCE stations. This module significantly improved medical student clinical skills in evaluating CLBP. Additional research is needed to ascertain the effect of e‐learning modules on more‐advanced learners and on improving the care of older adults with CLBP.
Prevention of materno‐foetal transmission of hepatitis B in sub‐Saharan Africa: the evidence, current practice and future challenges
Authors: Howell J. , Lemoine M. , Thursz M. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryHepatitis B (HBV) infection is highly endemic in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), where more than 8% of the population remain chronic HBV carriers. SSA has one of the highest HBV‐related liver cancer rates in the world (CA Cancer J Clin, 55, 2005, 74) and HBV‐related liver cancer is the most common cause of premature death in West Africa (Lancet Oncol, 9, 2008, 683; Hepatology, 39, 2004, 211). As such, HBV represents a significant global threat to health in the African continent. Most SSA countries have elected to vaccinate all children against HBV through the WHO‐sponsored Expanded Program of Immunization and the current recommendation from WHO‐AFRO is for birth‐dose HBV vaccination to prevent maternal/child transmission (MFT) and early horizontal transmission of HBV. However, in Africa, HBV vaccine coverage remains low and HBV birth‐dose vaccination has not been implemented. HBV transmission from mother to child in the early perinatal period therefore remains a significant contributor to the burden of HBV‐related disease in SSA. This review explores the evidence for materno‐foetal transmission of HBV in SSA, outlining current practice for HBV MFT prevention and identifying the significant challenges to implementation of HBV prevention in SSA.
What's the Point of Blame? A Paradigm Based Explanation
Authors: Fricker Miranda 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWhen we hope to explain and perhaps vindicate a practice that is internally diverse, philosophy faces a methodological challenge. Such subject matters are likely to have explanatorily basic features that are not necessary conditions. This prompts a move away from analysis to some other kind of philosophical explanation. This paper proposes a paradigm based explanation of one such subject matter: blame. First, a paradigm form of blame is identified—‘Communicative Blame’—where this is understood as a candidate for an explanatorily basic form of blame. Second, its point and purpose in our lives is investigated and found to reside in its power to increase the alignment of the blamer and the wrongdoer's moral understandings. Third, the hypothesis that Communicative Blame is an explanatorily basic form of blame is tested out by seeing how far other kinds of blame can reasonably be understood as derivative, especially in respect of blame's point and purpose. Finally, a new and quasi‐political worry about blame is raised.
Dutch Books, Coherence, and Logical Consistency
Authors: Mahtani Anna 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this paper I present a new way of understanding Dutch Book Arguments: the idea is that an agent is shown to be incoherent iff (s)he would accept as fair a set of bets that would result in a loss under any interpretation of the claims involved. This draws on a standard definition of logical inconsistency. On this new understanding, the Dutch Book Arguments for the probability axioms go through, but the Dutch Book Argument for Reflection fails. The question of whether we have a Dutch Book Argument for Conditionalization is left open.
Update of the HLA class I eplet database in the website based registry of antibody‐defined HLA epitopes
Authors: Duquesnoy R. J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEplets are small configurations of polymorphic amino acid residues on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules and are considered as essential components of HLA epitopes recognized by antibodies. This report describes a new design of the eplet repertoire in HLA‐ABC alleles used in Luminex kits for antibody testing. There were three steps (1): identify all combinations of polymorphic residues with HLA molecular modeling within a 3‐Å radius, (2) determine polymorphic residue compositions of 3 Å patches from amino acid sequences of HLA alleles in Luminex panels and (3) annotate eplets from one or more patches present on one allele or shared by the same group of alleles. There are now 270 HLA‐ABC eplets in the Registry, of which 219 are in antibody‐accessible positions on the molecular surface and 51 are defined solely by residue polymorphisms located below the molecular surface. Each eplet has a list of Luminex and non‐Luminex alleles for which mismatch acceptability can be determined.
DKWSLLL, a Versatile DXXXLL‐Type Signal with Distinct Roles in the Cu+‐Regulated Trafficking of ATP7B
Authors: Lalioti Vasiliki , Hernandez‐Tiedra Sonia , Sandoval Ignacio V. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn the liver, the P‐type ATPase and membrane pump ATP7B plays a crucial role in Cu+ donation to cuproenzymes and in the elimination of excess Cu+. ATP7B is endowed with a COOH‐cytoplasmic (DE)XXXLL‐type traffic signal. We find that accessory (Lys −3, Trp −2, Ser −1 and Leu +2) and canonical (D −4, Leu 0 and Leu +1) residues confer the DKWSLLL signal with the versatility required for the Cu+‐regulated cycling of ATP7B between the trans‐Golgi network (TGN) and the plasma membrane (PM). The separate mutation of these residues caused a disruption of the signal, resulting in different ATP7B distribution phenotypes. These phenotypes indicate the key roles of specific residues at separate steps of ATP7B trafficking, including sorting at the TGN, transport from the TGN to the PM and its endocytosis, and recycling to the TGN and PM. The distinct roles of ATP7B in the TGN and PM and the variety of phenotypes caused by the mutation of the canonical and accessory residues of the DKWSLLL signal can explain the separate or joined presentation of Wilson's cuprotoxicosis and the dysfunction of the cuproenzymes that accept Cu+ at the TGN.
Prophylactic platelet transfusions in patients with blood malignancies: cost analysis of a randomized trial
Authors: Campbell Helen E. , Estcourt Lise J. , Stokes Elizabeth A. , Llewelyn Charlotte A. , Murphy Michael F. , Wood Erica M. , Stanworth Simon J. ,   TOPPS Study Investigators
Published: May 2014

BackgroundThis cost analysis uses data from a randomized trial comparing a no prophylaxis versus prophylactic platelet (PLT) transfusion policy (counts <10 × 109/L) in adult patients with hematologic malignancies. Results are presented for all patients and separately for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (autoHSCT) and chemotherapy/allogeneic HSCT (chemo/alloHSCT) patients.Study Design and MethodsData were collected to 30 days on PLT and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, major bleeds, serious adverse events, critical care, and hematology ward stay. Data were costed using 2011 to 2012 UK unit costs and converted into US$. Sensitivity analyses were performed on uncertain cost variables.ResultsAcross the whole trial no prophylaxis saved costs compared to prophylaxis: −$1760 per patient (95% confidence interval [CI], −$3250 to −$249; p < 0.05). For autoHSCT patients there was no cost difference between arms: −$110 per patient (95% CI, −$1648 to $1565; p = 0.89). For chemo/alloHSCT patients no prophylaxis cost significantly less than prophylaxis: −$5686 per patient (95% CI, −$8580 to −$2853; p < 0.01). The cost impact of no prophylaxis differed significantly between subgroups. Sensitivity analyses varying daily treatment costs and ward stay for chemo/alloHSCT patients reduced cost differences to −$941 per patient (p = 0.21) across the whole trial and −$2927 per patient (p < 0.05) in chemo/alloHSCT subgroup.ConclusionsIt is unclear whether a no‐prophylaxis policy saves costs overall. In chemo/alloHSCT patients cost savings are apparent but their magnitude is sensitive to a number of variables and must be considered alongside clinical data showing increased bleeding rates. In autoHSCT patients savings generated through lower PLT use in no‐prophylaxis arm were offset by cost increases elsewhere, for example, additional RBC transfusions. Cost‐effectiveness analyses of alternative PLT transfusion policies simultaneously considering costs and patient‐reported outcomes are warranted.
Primary autoimmune neutropenia in adults: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mariotti Jacopo , Caberlon Sabrina , Bertinato Elena , Podda Gianmarco , Pugliano Maria Teresa , Cattaneo Marco 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundPrimary autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) is a rare and often unrecognized disorder in adults.Study Design and MethodsWe report the case of a patient referred to our institution for weight loss and severe chronic neutropenia with a negative personal history for severe recurrent infections.ResultsThe patient was diagnosed with a lung infiltrate, and a bronchoalveolar lavage was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibiotic therapy was performed with resolution of infection, but persistence of neutropenia. Several investigations excluded the most common causes of neutropenia and a marrow trephine showed a maturation arrest of the myeloid lineage. Treatment with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) caused a transient increase in neutrophil counts. Based on the mild clinical history and the short‐lived increase in neutrophil count after G‐CSF, primary AIN was suspected. Intravenous immunoglobulins induced a short‐lived increase in neutrophil count; primary AIN was confirmed about 5 months after discharge by direct and indirect granulocyte immunofluorescence tests. The patient was discharged and no further therapy was required for persistent severe neutropenia in the absence of recurrent infections.ConclusionPrimary AIN should be considered early in the diagnostic process of isolated neutropenia, to avoid expensive and time‐consuming unnecessary diagnostic procedures.
Characterization of an Experimental Vaccine for Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Hägglund Sara , Hu Kefei , Blodörn Krister , Makabi-Panzu Boby , Gaillard Anne-Laure , Ellencrona Karin , Chevret Didier , Hellman Lars , Bengtsson Karin Lövgren , Riffault Sabine , Taylor Geraldine , Valarcher Jean François , Eléouët Jean-François 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTBovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) are major causes of respiratory disease in calves and children, respectively, and are priorities for vaccine development. We previously demonstrated that an experimental vaccine, BRSV-immunostimulating complex (ISCOM), is effective in calves with maternal antibodies. The present study focuses on the antigenic characterization of this vaccine for the design of new-generation subunit vaccines. The results of our study confirmed the presence of membrane glycoprotein (G), fusion glycoprotein (F), and nucleoprotein (N) proteins in the ISCOMs, and this knowledge was extended by the identification of matrix (M), M2-1, phosphoprotein (P), small hydrophobic protein (SH) and of cellular membrane proteins, such as the integrins αVβ1, αVβ3, and α3β1. The quantity of the major protein F was 4- to 5-fold greater than that of N (∼77 μg versus ∼17 μg/calf dose), whereas G, M, M2-1, P, and SH were likely present in smaller amounts. The polymerase (L), M2-2, nonstructural 1 (NS1), and NS2 proteins were not detected, suggesting that they are not essential for protection. Sera from the BRSV-ISCOM-immunized calves contained high titers of IgG antibody specific for F, G, N, and SH. Antibody responses against M and P were not detected; however, this does not exclude their role in protective T-cell responses. The absence of immunopathological effects of the cellular proteins, such as integrins, needs to be further confirmed, and their possible contribution to adjuvant functions requires elucidation. This work suggests that a combination of several surface and internal proteins should be included in subunit RSV vaccines and identifies absent proteins as potential candidates for differentiating infected from vaccinated animals.
Molecular Tools for Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy
Authors: de Ruiter C. M. , van der Veer C. , Leeflang M. M. G. , Deborggraeve S. , Lucas C. , Adams E. R. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Molecular methods have been proposed as highly sensitive tools for the detection of
Leishmania
parasites in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients. Here, we evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these tools in a meta-analysis of the published literature. The selection criteria were original studies that evaluate the sensitivities and specificities of molecular tests for diagnosis of VL, adequate classification of study participants, and the absolute numbers of true positives and negatives derivable from the data presented. Forty studies met the selection criteria, including PCR, real-time PCR, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The sensitivities of the individual studies ranged from 29 to 100%, and the specificities ranged from 25 to 100%. The pooled sensitivity of PCR in whole blood was 93.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.0 to 95.2), and the specificity was 95.6% (95% CI, 87.0 to 98.6). The specificity was significantly lower in consecutive studies, at 63.3% (95% CI, 53.9 to 71.8), due either to true-positive patients not being identified by parasitological methods or to the number of asymptomatic carriers in areas of endemicity. PCR for patients with HIV-VL coinfection showed high diagnostic accuracy in buffy coat and bone marrow, ranging from 93.1 to 96.9%. Molecular tools are highly sensitive assays for
Leishmania
detection and may contribute as an additional test in the algorithm, together with a clear clinical case definition. We observed wide variety in reference standards and study designs and now recommend consecutively designed studies.