bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of direct and indirect medical intensive care unit admissions from the emergency department of an acute care hospital: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Molina Joseph Antonio D , Seow Eillyne , Heng Bee Hoon , Chong Wai Fung , Ho Benjamin 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine if the risk of adverse outcomes (in-hospital and 60-day mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) and total hospital length of stay (LOS)) was greater for medical ICU (MICU) or high dependency unit (HDU) patients indirectly admitted from the emergency department (ED) than for directly admitted patients.SettingThis study was conducted at a large public acute care hospital in Singapore.ParticipantsIn this retrospective cohort study, hospital records of patients who were admitted directly from the ED, or initially admitted to the general wards from the ED and subsequently transferred to the MICU/HDU within 24 h, were reviewed. Patients were included if they were: (A) discharged from the MICU/HDU in 2009 and were admitted from the ED and (B) transferred to the MICU/HDU within 24 h of presentation at the ED. Data from 706 patients were analysed; 58.4% were men with a median age of 61 years.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe following outcomes were compared: in-hospital mortality, 60-day mortality, LOS at the MICU/HDU, as well as total hospital LOS.ResultsOf the 706 patients, 491 (69.5%) were directly admitted to the MICU/HDU. After adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, interventions at the ED and clinical parameters at the ED (heart rate, respiration, oxygen saturation, mean arterial pressure), as well as the Apache II score on arrival at the MICU/HDU, indirectly admitted patients had a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (OR=3.07, 95% CI 1.39 to 6.80), death within 60 days (OR=3.09, 95% CI 1.40 to 6.83) and risk of staying >1 day at the MICU/HDU (OR=2.54, 95% CI 1.48 to 4.36). There was no significant difference in total in-hospital LOS.ConclusionsIndirectly admitted MICU/HDU patients had generally poorer outcomes. As the magnitude of effect may vary across settings, context-specific studies may be useful for improving outcomes.
A qualitative analysis of messages to promote smoking cessation among pregnant women
Authors: Hoek Janet , Gifford Heather , Maubach Ninya , Newcombe Rhiannon 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesAlthough aware that smoking while pregnant presents serious risks to their unborn children, some women continue to smoke and rationalise their dissonance rather than quit. We explored metaphors women used to frame smoking and quitting, then developed cessation messages that drew on these metaphors and examined the perceived effectiveness of these.ParticipantsWe used a two-phase qualitative study. Phase one involved 13 in-depth interviews with women who were smoking (or who had smoked) while pregnant. Phase two comprised 22 in-depth interviews with a new sample drawn from the same population.AnalysesData were analysed using thematic analysis, which promoted theme identification independently of the research protocol.ResultsParticipants often described smoking as a choice, a frame that explicitly asserted control over their behaviour. This stance allowed them to counter-argue messages to quit, and distanced them from the risks they created and faced. Messages tested in phase 2 used strong affective appeals as well as themes that stimulated cognitive reflection. Without exception, the messages depicting unwell or distressed children elicited strong emotional responses, were more powerful cessation stimuli, and elicited fewer counter-arguments.ConclusionsCessation messages that evoke strong affective responses capitalise on the dissonance many women feel when smoking while pregnant and stimulate stronger consideration of quitting. Given the importance of promoting cessation among pregnant women, future campaigns could make greater use of emotional appeals and place less emphasis on informational approaches, which often prompt vigorous counter-arguments.
CUPID: a protocol of a randomised controlled trial to identify characteristics of similar Chinese patent medicines
Authors: Cao Hongbo , Zhai Jingbo , Li Nan , Cao Hongxia , Lei Xiang , Mu Wei , Liu Zhi , Wang Hui , Shang Hongcai 
Published: November 2014

IntroductionTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has accumulated some experience in curing stable angina pectoris (SAP) and efficacy has been demonstrated. Chinese patent medicines, known as modern dosage forms of TCM, can attain the desired effect in clinical application only with the guidance of TCM syndrome theory. However, due to their use by a large number of persons with little knowledge of TCM theories and practices, their efficacy and reputation have been seriously affected.Method and analysisTwo common syndrome types of SAP in TCM, ‘qi deficiency and blood stasis’ and ‘qi stagnation and blood stasis’, will be studied in 144 subjects from four TCM hospitals in Tianjin in China using a partial crossover design. The two syndromes will be broken down into six symptom combinations; patients will select a combination of the most distressing to them, and then will be randomised into two groups. Each group, on the basis of routine medication, will be administered one kind of Chinese patent drug: Qishenyiqi Dripping Pills or Compound Danshen Dripping Pills. The treatment characteristics of the two medicines will be evaluated with the COME-PIO method developed by our research team.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol has been approved by the medical ethics committee of Tianjin University of TCM (registration number TJUTCM-EC20130005). The study is safe and reliable.Trial registration numberChinese clinical trials register ChiCTR-TTRCC-14004406.
Variation in pre-PCR processing of FFPE samples leads to discrepancies inBRAFandEGFRmutation detection: a diagnostic RING trial
Authors: Kapp Joshua R , Diss Tim , Spicer James , Gandy Michael , Schrijver Iris , Jennings Lawrence J , Li Marilyn M , Tsongalis Gregory J , de Castro David Gonzalez , Bridge Julia A , Wallace Andrew , Deignan Joshua L , Hing Sandra , Butler Rachel , Verghese Eldo , Latham Gary J , Hamoudi Rifat A 
Published: November 2014

AimsMutation detection accuracy has been described extensively; however, it is surprising that pre-PCR processing of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples has not been systematically assessed in clinical context. We designed a RING trial to (i) investigate pre-PCR variability, (ii) correlate pre-PCR variation withEGFR/BRAFmutation testing accuracy and (iii) investigate causes for observed variation.Methods13 molecular pathology laboratories were recruited. 104 blinded FFPE curls including engineered FFPE curls, cell-negative FFPE curls and control FFPE tissue samples were distributed to participants for pre-PCR processing and mutation detection. Follow-up analysis was performed to assess sample purity, DNA integrity and DNA quantitation.ResultsRate of mutation detection failure was 11.9%. Of these failures, 80% were attributed to pre-PCR error. Significant differences in DNA yields across all samples were seen using analysis of variance (p<0.0001), and yield variation from engineered samples was not significant (p=0.3782). Two laboratories failed DNA extraction from samples that may be attributed to operator error. DNA extraction protocols themselves were not found to contribute significant variation. 10/13 labs reported yields averaging 235.8 ng (95% CI 90.7 to 380.9) from cell-negative samples, which was attributed to issues with spectrophotometry. DNA measurements using Qubit Fluorometry demonstrated a median fivefold overestimation of DNA quantity by Nanodrop Spectrophotometry. DNA integrity and PCR inhibition were factors not found to contribute significant variation.ConclusionsIn this study, we provide evidence demonstrating that variation in pre-PCR steps is prevalent and may detrimentally affect the patient's ability to receive critical therapy. We provide recommendations for preanalytical workflow optimisation that may reduce errors in down-stream sequencing and for next-generation sequencing library generation.
Coiling and clipping of middle cerebral artery aneurysms: a systematic review on clinical and imaging outcome
Authors: Zijlstra IJsbrand A , Verbaan Dagmar , Majoie Charles B , Vandertop Peter , van den Berg Rene 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThere is an ongoing debate on the preferred treatment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and imaging outcomes comparing conventional coiling and clipping of unruptured and ruptured MCA aneurysms.MethodsWe searched the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane from January 1990 to May 2014.Results51 studies were included in the analysis. Favorable outcome was reported in 97.0% and 77.1%, and in 97.2% and 72.8% of patients after coiling and clipping of unruptured and ruptured aneurysms, respectively. Death rates were 1.1% and 8.4% after coiling and 0.3% and 14.7% after clipping of unruptured and ruptured aneurysms, respectively. Initial adequate occlusion was obtained in 89.6% and 92.1% after coiling of unruptured and ruptured aneurysms, respectively. Only three studies on clipping reported on aneurysm occlusion during follow-up.ConclusionsBoth coiling and clipping are procedures with low mortality and morbidity rates and, although it may seem that coiling is better for ruptured aneurysms and clipping for unruptured aneurysms, no firm conclusions can be drawn due to the variation in study design and lack of standardized reporting on MCA aneurysm treatments. Standardized observational studies from prospectively kept databases are needed to allow stronger conclusions to be drawn on what is the best treatment for MCA aneurysms. Comparable with aneurysms in other locations, a multidisciplinary approach is therefore recommended with selection of treatment modality based on the clinical condition of the patient and the morphological aspects of the aneurysm.
Non-invasive assessment of functionally significant coronary stenoses through mathematical analysis of spectral ECG components
Authors: Amano Tetsuya , Shinoda Norihiro , Kunimura Ayako , Harada Ken , Uetani Tadayuki , Takashima Hiroaki , Ando Hirohiko , Kumagai Soichiro , Gosho Masahiko , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Multifunction CardioGram (MCG) in detecting the presence of functionally significant coronary ischaemia.Methods and resultsThis prospective study evaluated the accuracy of the MCG, a new ECG analysis device used to diagnose ischaemic coronary artery disease (CAD). A consecutive 112 participants suspected to have CAD who were scheduled for elective coronary angiography (CAG) from October 2012 to December 2013 were examined. Their predictive values of relevant ischaemia were measured by MCG, standard ECG and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and compared. Five levels of ischaemia based on CAG findings adjusted by fractional flow reserve (FFR) values and three levels of MCG score of high, borderline or low were used. The MCG (OR=2.67 (1.60 to 4.44), p<0.001) was the only test significantly associated with ischaemia level. The FFR values for individual MCG scores with low, borderline and high were 0.77 (0.70 to 0.86), 0.78 (0.71 to 0.82) and 0.69 (0.65 to 0.77), respectively, p=0.042. A high MCG score had a specificity of 90.4% (87.0% to 93.9%) in model 1 adjusted by FFR≤0.8 threshold and of 87.0% (83.2% to 90.8%) in model 2 adjusted by FFR≤0.75 threshold, and a negative predictive value of 82.5% (78.3% to 86.7%) in model 1 and of 83.8% (79.6% to 87.9%) in model 2 for the prediction of severe ischaemia.ConclusionsThe MCG showed high specificity with a high negative predictive value, suggesting that the MCG could be used not only to identify functionally significant ischaemia but to reduce unnecessary CAGs.Trial registration numberUMIN ID: 000009992.
Global stone heritage: Larvikite, Norway
Authors: Heldal Tom , Meyer G. B. , Dahl R. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Larvikite is a peculiar and unique monzonitic rock originating in the Carboniferous–Permian Oslo Rift, SE Norway. The blue iridescence in the feldspar crystals made the rock particularly attractive as ornamental stone, and since the start of industrial scaled production in 1884, the use of larvikite has reached every corner of the global community. With resources for hundreds of years, the region will produce larvikite blocks far into the future. The production of larvikite has changed significantly during the last decades, towards more sustainable production finding new applications and markets for excess rock in the quarries. The significance of larvikite in the global market has also created a wider appreciation of the rock in the Norwegian society, acknowledging the rich history of larvikite production and use.
Villamayor Stone (Golden Stone) as a Global Heritage Stone Resource from Salamanca (NW of Spain)
Authors: Garcia-Talegón J. , Iñigo A. C. , Alonso-Gavilán G. , Vicente-Tavera S. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Villamayor Stone (VS) is an arkosic stone and is known by several names: (i) VS because the quarries are located in Villamayor de Armuña village (Salamanca, Spain); (ii) Golden Stone due to its patina, which gives the stone a ochreous/golden colour; (iii) Franca Stone is known locally and in historical documents. VS has several varieties ranging from channel to floodplain facies. In this work, we have selected three varieties. VS was quarried and used in the construction of Romanesque monuments such as the Old Cathedral, Gothic monuments including the New Cathedral and the University façade, and Baroque monuments, notably the Main Square. Also, VS was used in the reconstruction of the Roman Bridge (Salamanca, Spain). Currently, VS is quarried by a small number of family businesses, using traditional methods for cladding façades of new buildings. Unfortunately, part of the construction sector went bankrupt in the 2008 crisis. However, VS is still the main stone used in the city of Salamanca for the restoration of monuments, even though used in relatively small quantities in comparison with usage before the economic crisis. It is thus of great importance for future generations that their quarries and the craft of masonry be protected. This work proposes that VS should be designated as a Global Heritage Stone Resource.
Person-specific Theory of Mind in Medial pFC
Authors: Welborn B. Locke , Lieberman Matthew D. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Although research on theory of mind has strongly implicated the dorsomedial pFC (incuding medial BA 8 and BA 9), the unique contributions of medial pFC (MPFC; corresponding to medial BA 10) to mentalizing remain uncertain. The extant literature has considered the possibility that these regions may be specialized for self-related cognition or for reasoning about close others, but evidence for both accounts has been inconclusive. We propose a novel theoretical framework: MPFC selectively implements “person-specific theories of mind” (ToMp) representing the unique, idiosyncratic traits or attributes of well-known individuals. To test this hypothesis, we used fMRI to assess MPFC responses in Democratic and Republican participants as they evaluated more or less subjectively well-known political figures. Consistent with the ToMp account, MPFC showed greater activity to subjectively well-known targets, irrespective of participants' reported feelings of closeness or similarity. MPFC also demonstrated greater activity on trials in which targets (whether politicians or oneself) were judged to be relatively idiosyncratic, making a generic theory of mind inapplicable. These results suggest that MPFC may supplement the generic theory of mind process, with which dorsomedial pFC has been associated, by contributing mentalizing capacities tuned to individuated representations of specific well-known others.
An evaluation of daily, seasonal and population-level variation in the thermal preference of a group-living lizard, Ouroborus cataphractus (Sauria: Cordylidae)
Authors: Truter Johannes Christoff , van Wyk Johannes Hendrik , Mouton Pieter le Fras Nortier 
Published: November 2014

Ectotherms are known to function optimally within a specific range of body
temperatures, bordered by two set-point values (i.e. preferred temperature
range; ). Preferred body temperature stands central in understanding
behavioural thermoregulation in a thermally dynamic temperate environment. In
this study we determined for the group-living cordylid lizard, Ouroborus
cataphractus, during the respective annual peak periods in food
availability and scarcity. Body temperatures were recorded in ecologically
realistic photo-thermal gradients using body-mounted, modified iButtons. In
addition to studying seasonal and spatial variation in we also assessed daily variation and among-day repeatability of
estimates. The mean among populations and across seasons was 29.8 ±
2.3°C (range: 26.8-32.6°C) and represents the lowest mean
and range recorded for any cordylid lizard to date. Literature
reports on the seasonal activity patterns and micro-spatial variation in thermal
habitat quality of O. cataphractus suggest that the low
minimizes thermoregulatory costs during summer, autumn, late winter
and spring. The low is therefore expected to relax energy budgets and function as part
of the adaptive strategy of the species to survive seasonal food stress in a
semi-arid environment. The among-day repeatability of mean varied among populations and across seasons despite exposure
conditions that were kept constant. The results of the present study suggest
that estimates based on short term laboratory trials may be inaccurate
due to potential high among-day individual variation and low repeatability in
thermal preference.
Początek świata: żywoty proroków jako źródła religijnych dystynkcji w narracjach bułgarskojęzycznych muzułmanów
Authors: Lubańska Magdalena 
Published: November 2014

The beginning of the world: Lives of the prophets as a source of religious distinctions in the narratives of Bulgarian-speaking MuslimsThis paper draws on data collected through the ethnographic fieldwork carried out between 2002 and 2009 in the Central and Western Rhodope Mountains. In my studies I aimed to verify the thesis of Bulgarian-speaking Muslims’ syncretic religiosity, believed by some Bulgarian scholars to preserve strong crypto-Christian components.Asked about motivations behind their religious practices, Muslims often evoked cosmological narratives. These narratives are of crucial importance in the process of legitimising their religion in a multi-faith neighborhood. Referring to the main topic of this volume of “Slavia Meridionalis” I focus on the possible “ideological” backgrounds to these stories. I consider them as examples of the vanishing post-Ottoman influences on Bulgarian Muslims’ religious culture. Początek świata: żywoty proroków jako źródła religijnych dystynkcji w narracjach bułgarskojęzycznych muzułmanówArtykuł opiera się na materiałach zgromadzonych podczas etnograficznych badań terenowych przeprowadzonych w latach 2002–2009 w Centralnych i Zachodnich Rodopach. W swoich badaniach starałam się zweryfikować tezę o synkretycznych charakterze religijności bułgarskojęzycznych muzułmanów, według niektórych bułgarskich badaczy zawierającej silne kryptochrześcijań­skie komponenty.Gdy pytałam muzułmanów o motywacje wykonywanych przez nich religijnych praktyk, często powoływali się oni na narracje komologiczne. Oka­zało się, że mają one kluczowe znaczenie w procesie legitymizacji ich religii w wielowyznaniowym sąsiedztwie. W artykule koncentruję się na możliwych „ideologicznych” kontekstach tych narracji. Odnosząc się do głównego tematu niniejszego tomu „Slavii Meridionalis” pokazuję owe kosmologiczne motywy jako przejawy zanikających wpływów postosmańskich w kulturze religijnej bułgarskojęzycznych muzułmanów w Bułgarii.
Understanding dementia in the sociocultural context: A review
Authors: Cipriani Gabriele , Borin Gemma 
Published: November 2014

Background: The perception of old age differs in different societies and cultures: in the Western societies, the loss of youth, multiple losses of functions and independence resulting in inability produce a social stigma. Dementia is common among the elderly, regardless of their ethnic background. In countries dominated by Western philosophical thought, the cognitive domain has been privileged over other mental domains. Knowledge of cultural factors is essential to an understanding of aging and dementia; studies are currently dominated by biomedical models that consider dementing disorders solely as a pathological entity caused by neuronal and neurotrasmitters loss, and focus on the individual without regard to sociocultural context. Aim: The purpose of this study is to explore how the phenomenon of dementia is perceived in ethnically diverse groups and cultures. Methods: Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters and books published before 2014. Search terms used included anthropology, culture, ethnic elderly and dementia. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. Results: The experience of dementia is not universal, but is profoundly shaped by culture in which the demented person lives. Sociocultural conceptualization of the symptoms of dementing diseases remains obscure in many countries. Conclusion: Sociocultural conceptualization of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is of growing interest in shaping the interpretation of the symptoms of dementing diseases. To explore the intersection of culture with the expression of dementia may optimize the management of these complex and chronic conditions.
Long-term experience with onabotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of chronic migraine: What happens after one year?
Authors: Cernuda-Morollón Eva , Ramón César , Larrosa Davinia , Alvarez Rocío , Riesco Nuria , Pascual Julio 
Published: November 2014

Background OnabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) has shown its efficacy over placebo in chronic migraine (CM), but clinical trials lasted only up to one year. Objective The objective of this article is to analyse our experience with onabotA treatment of CM, paying special attention to what happens after one year. Patients and methods We reviewed the charts of patients with CM on onabotA. Patients were injected quarterly during the first year but the fifth appointment was delayed to the fourth month to explore the need for further injections. Results We treated 132 CM patients (mean age 47 years; 119 women). A total of 108 (81.8%) showed response during the first year. Adverse events, always transient and mild-moderate, were seen in 19 (14.4%) patients during the first year; two showed frontotemporal muscle atrophy after being treated for more than five years. The mean number of treatments was 7.7 (limits 2–29). Among those 108 patients with treatment longer than one year, 49 (45.4%) worsened prior to the next treatment, which obliged us to return to quarterly injections and injections were stopped in 14: in 10 (9.3%) due to a lack of response and in four due to the disappearance of attacks. In responders, after an average of two years of treatment, consumption of any acute medication was reduced by 53% (62.5% in triptan overusers) and emergency visits decreased 61%. Conclusions Our results confirm the long-term response to onabotA in three-quarters of CM patients. After one year, lack of response occurs in about one out of 10 patients and injections can be delayed, but not stopped, to four months in around 40% of patients. Except for local muscle atrophy in two cases treated more than five years, adverse events are comparable to those already described in short-term clinical trials.