Showing papers by "University of Auckland published in 2015"
TL;DR: In the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 (GBD 2013) as discussed by the authors, the authors used the GBD 2010 methods with some refinements to improve accuracy applied to an updated database of vital registration, survey, and census data.
5,792 citations
Mohammad H. Forouzanfar1, Lily Alexander, H. Ross Anderson, Victoria F Bachman1 +733 more•Institutions (289)
TL;DR: The Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor study 2013 (GBD 2013) as discussed by the authors provides a timely opportunity to update the comparative risk assessment with new data for exposure, relative risks, and evidence on the appropriate counterfactual risk distribution.
5,668 citations
TL;DR: In the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 (GBD 2013) as mentioned in this paper, the authors estimated the quantities for acute and chronic diseases and injuries for 188 countries between 1990 and 2013.
4,510 citations
Mohammad H. Forouzanfar1, Lily Alexander1, H. Ross Anderson2, Victoria F Bachman1 +718 more•Institutions (295)
TL;DR: The Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor study 2013 (GBD 2013) as mentioned in this paper provides a timely opportunity to update the comparative risk assessment with new data for exposure, relative risks, and evidence on the appropriate counterfactual risk distribution.
1,656 citations
Christopher J L Murray1, Ryan M Barber, Kyle J Foreman2, Ayse Abbasoglu Ozgoren +608 more•Institutions (251)
TL;DR: Patterns of the epidemiological transition with a composite indicator of sociodemographic status, which was constructed from income per person, average years of schooling after age 15 years, and the total fertility rate and mean age of the population, were quantified.
1,609 citations
TL;DR: A measurement of the Higgs boson mass is presented based on the combined data samples of the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the CERN LHC in the H→γγ and H→ZZ→4ℓ decay channels.
Abstract: A measurement of the Higgs boson mass is presented based on the combined data samples of the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the CERN LHC in the H→γγ and H→ZZ→4l decay channels. The results are obtained from a simultaneous fit to the reconstructed invariant mass peaks in the two channels and for the two experiments. The measured masses from the individual channels and the two experiments are found to be consistent among themselves. The combined measured mass of the Higgs boson is mH=125.09±0.21 (stat)±0.11 (syst) GeV.
1,567 citations
University of Edinburgh1, University of Greifswald2, University of London3, Queen Mary University of London4, University of Trieste5, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University6, University of Tartu7, National Institutes of Health8, University of Oxford9, Johns Hopkins University10, Erasmus University Rotterdam11, University of Verona12, University of Iceland13, University of Otago14, Uppsala University15, University of Lübeck16, University of Split17, Harvard University18, University Hospital of Lausanne19, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich20, University of Auckland21, VU University Amsterdam22, University of Regensburg23, Max Planck Society24, Greifswald University Hospital25, University of Helsinki26, Charles III University of Madrid27, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute28, University College London29, Leiden University30, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart31, University of Bern32, University of Freiburg33
TL;DR: Interactions between body mass index (BMI) and common genetic variants affecting serum urate levels, genome-wide, and regression-type analyses in a non BMI-stratified overall sample suggested a role for N-glycan biosynthesis as a prominent urate-associated pathway in the lean stratum.
Abstract: We tested for interactions between body mass index (BMI) and common genetic variants affecting serum urate levels, genome-wide, in up to 42569 participants. Both stratified genome-wide association (GWAS) analyses, in lean, overweight and obese individuals, and regression-type analyses in a non BMI-stratified overall sample were performed. The former did not uncover any novel locus with a major main effect, but supported modulation of effects for some known and potentially new urate loci. The latter highlighted a SNP at RBFOX3 reaching genome-wide significant level (effect size 0.014, 95% CI 0.008-0.02, Pinter= 2.6 x 10-8). Two top loci in interaction term analyses, RBFOX3 and ERO1LB-EDARADD, also displayed suggestive differences in main effect size between the lean and obese strata. All top ranking loci for urate effect differences between BMI categories were novel and most had small magnitude but opposite direction effects between strata. They include the locus RBMS1-TANK (men, Pdifflean-overweight= 4.7 x 10-8), a region that has been associated with several obesity related traits, and TSPYL5 (men, Pdifflean-overweight= 9.1 x 10-8), regulating adipocytes-produced estradiol. The top-ranking known urate loci was ABCG2, the strongest known gout risk locus, with an effect halved in obese compared to lean men (Pdifflean-obese= 2 x 10-4). Finally, pathway analysis suggested a role for N-glycan biosynthesis as a prominent urate-associated pathway in the lean stratum. These results illustrate a potentially powerful way to monitor changes occurring in obesogenic environment.
1,293 citations
University of Melbourne1, United States Environmental Protection Agency2, North Carolina State University3, University of Sheffield4, University of Exeter5, Heriot-Watt University6, University of Auckland7, University of Lyon8, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research9, Technical University of Denmark10, WSP Global11, Münster University of Applied Sciences12, Université de Montréal13, Luleå University of Technology14
TL;DR: The history, scope, application and underlying principles of terms used in urban drainage and recommendations for clear communication of these principles are provided.
Abstract: The management of urban stormwater has become increasingly complex over recent decades. Consequently, terminology describing the principles and practices of urban drainage has become increasingly diverse, increasing the potential for confusion and miscommunication. This paper documents the history, scope, application and underlying principles of terms used in urban drainage and provides recommendations for clear communication of these principles. Terminology evolves locally and thus has an important role in establishing awareness and credibility of new approaches and contains nuanced understandings of the principles that are applied locally to address specific problems. Despite the understandable desire to have a ‘uniform set of terminology’, such a concept is flawed, ignoring the fact that terms reflect locally shared understanding. The local development of terminology thus has an important role in advancing the profession, but authors should facilitate communication between disciplines and between regio...
1,152 citations
TL;DR: Global stroke burden continues to increase globally, and more efficient stroke prevention and management strategies are urgently needed to halt and eventually reverse the stroke pandemic, while universal access to organized stroke services should be a priority.
Abstract: Background: Global stroke epidemiology is changing rapidly. Although age-standardized rates of stroke mortality have decreased worldwide in the past 2 decades, the absolute numbers of people who have a stroke every year, and live with the consequences of stroke or die from their stroke, are increasing. Regular updates on the current level of stroke burden are important for advancing our knowledge on stroke epidemiology and facilitate organization and planning of evidence-based stroke care. Objectives: This study aims to estimate incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and years lived with disability (YLDs) and their trends for ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) for 188 countries from 1990 to 2013. Methodology: Stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, DALYs and YLDs were estimated using all available data on mortality and stroke incidence, prevalence and excess mortality. Statistical models and country-level covariate data were employed, and all rates were age-standardized to a global population. All estimates were produced with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Results: In 2013, there were globally almost 25.7 million stroke survivors (71% with IS), 6.5 million deaths from stroke (51% died from IS), 113 million DALYs due to stroke (58% due to IS) and 10.3 million new strokes (67% IS). Over the 1990-2013 period, there was a significant increase in the absolute number of DALYs due to IS, and of deaths from IS and HS, survivors and incident events for both IS and HS. The preponderance of the burden of stroke continued to reside in developing countries, comprising 75.2% of deaths from stroke and 81.0% of stroke-related DALYs. Globally, the proportional contribution of stroke-related DALYs and deaths due to stroke compared to all diseases increased from 1990 (3.54% (95% UI 3.11-4.00) and 9.66% (95% UI 8.47-10.70), respectively) to 2013 (4.62% (95% UI 4.01-5.30) and 11.75% (95% UI 10.45-13.31), respectively), but there was a diverging trend in developed and developing countries with a significant increase in DALYs and deaths in developing countries, and no measurable change in the proportional contribution of DALYs and deaths from stroke in developed countries. Conclusion: Global stroke burden continues to increase globally. More efficient stroke prevention and management strategies are urgently needed to halt and eventually reverse the stroke pandemic, while universal access to organized stroke services should be a priority.
959 citations
McMaster University1, Dalhousie University2, University of Calgary3, Charité4, Kaiser Permanente5, University of Auckland6, Matsumoto Dental University7, University of California, Los Angeles8, University of Florence9, University of Alberta10, University of Sheffield11, University of Toronto12, McGill University13, Jordan Hospital14, University of Southampton15, University of Oxford16, University of Alabama at Birmingham17, Medical University of Graz18, Aarhus University19, University of Victoria20, University of British Columbia21, University of Oulu22, International Osteoporosis Foundation23, King Saud University24, Laval University25, University of Cambridge26
TL;DR: In those patients at high risk for the development of ONJ, including cancer patients receiving high‐dose BP or Dmab therapy, consideration should be given to withholding antiresorptive therapy following extensive oral surgery until the surgical site heals with mature mucosal coverage.
Abstract: This work provides a systematic review of the literature from January 2003 to April 2014 pertaining to the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), and offers recommendations for its management based on multidisciplinary international consensus. ONJ is associated with oncology-dose parenteral antiresorptive therapy of bisphosphonates (BP) and denosumab (Dmab). The incidence of ONJ is greatest in the oncology patient population (1% to 15%), where high doses of these medications are used at frequent intervals. In the osteoporosis patient population, the incidence of ONJ is estimated at 0.001% to 0.01%, marginally higher than the incidence in the general population (<0.001%). New insights into the pathophysiology of ONJ include antiresorptive effects of BPs and Dmab, effects of BPs on gamma delta T-cells and on monocyte and macrophage function, as well as the role of local bacterial infection, inflammation, and necrosis. Advances in imaging include the use of cone beam computerized tomography assessing cortical and cancellous architecture with lower radiation exposure, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scanning, and positron emission tomography, although plain films often suffice. Other risk factors for ONJ include glucocorticoid use, maxillary or mandibular bone surgery, poor oral hygiene, chronic inflammation, diabetes mellitus, ill-fitting dentures, as well as other drugs, including antiangiogenic agents. Prevention strategies for ONJ include elimination or stabilization of oral disease prior to initiation of antiresorptive agents, as well as maintenance of good oral hygiene. In those patients at high risk for the development of ONJ, including cancer patients receiving high-dose BP or Dmab therapy, consideration should be given to withholding antiresorptive therapy following extensive oral surgery until the surgical site heals with mature mucosal coverage. Management of ONJ is based on the stage of the disease, size of the lesions, and the presence of contributing drug therapy and comorbidity. Conservative therapy includes topical antibiotic oral rinses and systemic antibiotic therapy. Localized surgical debridement is indicated in advanced nonresponsive disease and has been successful. Early data have suggested enhanced osseous wound healing with teriparatide in those without contraindications for its use. Experimental therapy includes bone marrow stem cell intralesional transplantation, low-level laser therapy, local platelet-derived growth factor application, hyperbaric oxygen, and tissue grafting.
TL;DR: The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has risen substantially worldwide in less than one generation as discussed by the authors and the average weight of a child has risen by more than 5 kg within three decades, to a point where a third of the country's children are overweight or obese.
TL;DR: A reframing of obesity is proposed that emphasises the reciprocal nature of the interaction between the environment and the individual, and concludes that people bear some personal responsibility for their health, but environmental factors can readily support or undermine the ability of people to act in their own self-interest.
Book•
24 Nov 2015TL;DR: Point patterns Statistical methodology for point patterns Statistical inference for Poisson models Alternative fitting methods More flexible models Theory Coarse quadrature approximation Fine pixel approximation Conditional logistic regression Approximate Bayesian inference Non-loglinear models Local likelihood FAQ Hypothesis Tests and Simulation Envelopes Introduction concepts and terminology.
Abstract: BASICS Introduction Point patterns Statistical methodology for point patterns About this book Software Essentials Introduction to RR Packages for R Introduction to spatstat Getting started with spatstat FAQ Collecting and Handling Point Pattern Data Surveys and experiments Data handling Entering point pattern data into spatstat Data errors and quirks Windows in spatstat Pixel images in spatstat Line segment patterns Collections of objects Interactive data entry in spatstat Reading GIS file formats FAQ Inspecting and Exploring Data Plotting Manipulating point patterns and windows Exploring images Using line segment patterns Tessellations FAQ Point Process Methods Motivation Basic definitions Complete spatial randomness Inhomogeneous Poisson process A menagerie of models Fundamental issues Goals of analysis EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS Intensity Introduction Estimating homogeneous intensity Technical definition Quadrat counting Smoothing estimation of intensity function Investigating dependence of intensity on a covariate Formal tests of (non-)dependence on a covariate Hot spots, clusters, and local features Kernel smoothing of marks FAQ Correlation Introduction Manual methods The K-function Edge corrections for the K-function Function objects in spatstat The pair correlation function Standard errors and confidence intervals Testing whether a pattern is completely random Detecting anisotropy Adjusting for inhomogeneity Local indicators of spatial association Third- and higher-order summary statistics Theory FAQ Spacing Introduction Basic methods Nearest-neighbour function G and empty-space function F Confidence intervals and simulation envelopes Empty-space hazard J-function Inhomogeneous F-, G- and J-functions Anisotropy and the nearest-neighbour orientation Empty-space distance for a spatial pattern Distance from a point pattern to another spatial pattern Theory for edge corrections Palm distribution FAQ STATISTICAL INFERENCE Poisson Models Introduction Poisson point process models Fitting Poisson models in spatstat Statistical inference for Poisson models Alternative fitting methods More flexible models Theory Coarse quadrature approximation Fine pixel approximation Conditional logistic regression Approximate Bayesian inference Non-loglinear models Local likelihood FAQ Hypothesis Tests and Simulation Envelopes Introduction Concepts and terminology Testing for a covariate effect in a parametric model Quadrat counting tests Tests based on the cumulative distribution function Monte Carlo tests Monte Carlo tests based on summary functions Envelopes in spatstat Other presentations of envelope tests Dao-Genton test and envelopes Power of tests based on summary functions FAQ Model Validation Overview of validation techniques Relative intensity Residuals for Poisson processes Partial residual plots Added variable plots Validating the independence assumption Leverage and influence Theory for leverage and influence FAQ Cluster and Cox Models Introduction Cox processes Cluster processes Fitting Cox and cluster models to data Locally fitted models Theory FAQ Gibbs Models Introduction Conditional intensity Key concepts Statistical insights Fitting Gibbs models to data Pairwise interaction models Higher-order interactions Hybrids of Gibbs models Simulation Goodness-of-fit and validation for fitted Gibbs models Locally fitted models Theory: Gibbs processes Theory: Fitting Gibbs models Determinantal point processes FAQ Patterns of Several Types of Points Introduction Methodological issues Handling multitype point pattern data Exploratory analysis of intensity Multitype Poisson models Correlation and spacing Tests of randomness and independence Multitype Gibbs models Hierarchical interactions Multitype Cox and cluster processes Other multitype processes Theory FAQ ADDITIONAL STRUCTURE Higher-Dimensional Spaces and Marks Introduction Point patterns with numerical or multidimensional marks Three-dimensional point patterns Point patterns with any kinds of marks and coordinates FAQ Replicated Point Patterns and Designed Experiments Introduction Methodology Lists of objects Hyperframes Computing with hyperframes Replicated point pattern datasets in spatstat Exploratory data analysis Analysing summary functions from replicated patterns Poisson models Gibbs models Model validation Theory FAQ Point Patterns on a Linear Network Introduction Network geometry Data handling Intensity Poisson models Intensity on a tree Pair correlation function K-function FAQ
Vardan Khachatryan1, Albert M. Sirunyan1, Armen Tumasyan1, Wolfgang Adam +2134 more•Institutions (142)
TL;DR: The couplings of the Higgs boson are probed for deviations in magnitude from the standard model predictions in multiple ways, including searches for invisible and undetected decays, and no significant deviations are found.
Abstract: Properties of the Higgs boson with mass near 125 GeV are measured in proton-proton collisions with the CMS experiment at the LHC. Comprehensive sets of production and decay measurements are combined. The decay channels include gamma gamma, ZZ, WW, tau tau, bb, and mu mu pairs. The data samples were collected in 2011 and 2012 and correspond to integrated luminosities of up to 5.1 inverse femtobarns at 7 TeV and up to 19.7 inverse femtobarns at 8 TeV. From the high-resolution gamma gamma and ZZ channels, the mass of the Higgs boson is determined to be 125.02 +0.26 -0.27 (stat) +0.14 -0.15 (syst) GeV. For this mass value, the event yields obtained in the different analyses tagging specific decay channels and production mechanisms are consistent with those expected for the standard model Higgs boson. The combined best-fit signal relative to the standard model expectation is 1.00 +/- 0.09 (stat) +0.08 -0.07 (theo) +/- 0.07 (syst) at the measured mass. The couplings of the Higgs boson are probed for deviations in magnitude from the standard model predictions in multiple ways, including searches for invisible and undetected decays. No significant deviations are found.
TL;DR: In this paper, the current status of heat transfer fluid, which is one of the critical components for storing and transferring thermal energy in concentrating solar power systems, is reviewed in detail, particularly regarding the melting temperature, thermal stability limit and corrosion issues.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a critical review of water-energy-food nexus approaches and identify potential linkages with sustainable livelihoods theory and practice, to deepen our understanding of the interrelated dynamics between human populations and the natural environment.
TL;DR: Defect-rich ultrathin ZnAl-layered double hydroxide nanosheets are successfully prepared and are superior efficient catalysts for the photoreduction of CO2 to CO with water.
Abstract: Defect-rich ultrathin ZnAl-layered double hydroxide nanosheets are successfully prepared. Under UV-vis irradiation, these nanosheets are superior efficient catalysts for the photoreduction of CO2 to CO with water. The formed oxygen vacancies lead to the formation of coordinatively unsaturated Zn(+) centers within the nanosheets, responsible for the very high photocatalytic activities.
TL;DR: Among patients with coronary heart disease, the use of a lifestyle-focused text messaging service compared with usual care resulted in a modest improvement in LDL-C level and greater improvement in other cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Abstract: Importance Cardiovascular disease prevention, including lifestyle modification, is important but underutilized. Mobile health strategies could address this gap but lack evidence of therapeutic benefit. Objective To examine the effect of a lifestyle-focused semipersonalized support program delivered by mobile phone text message on cardiovascular risk factors. Design and Setting The Tobacco, Exercise and Diet Messages (TEXT ME) trial was a parallel-group, single-blind, randomized clinical trial that recruited 710 patients (mean age, 58 [SD, 9.2] years; 82% men; 53% current smokers) with proven coronary heart disease (prior myocardial infarction or proven angiographically) between September 2011 and November 2013 from a large tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia. Interventions Patients in the intervention group (n = 352) received 4 text messages per week for 6 months in addition to usual care. Text messages provided advice, motivational reminders, and support to change lifestyle behaviors. Patients in the control group (n=358) received usual care. Messages for each participant were selected from a bank of messages according to baseline characteristics (eg, smoking) and delivered via an automated computerized message management system. The program was not interactive. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level at 6 months. Secondary end points included systolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and smoking status. Results At 6 months, levels of LDL-C were significantly lower in intervention participants (mean difference, −5 mg/dL [95% CI, −9 to 0]; P = .04). There were concurrent reductions in systolic blood pressure (−7.6 mm Hg [95% CI, −9.8 to −5.4]; P P P P Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with coronary heart disease, the use of a lifestyle-focused text messaging service compared with usual care resulted in a modest improvement in LDL-C level and greater improvement in other cardiovascular disease risk factors. The duration of these effects and hence whether they result in improved clinical outcomes remain to be determined. Trial Registration anzctr.org.au Identifier:ACTRN12611000161921
Boston University1, Radboud University Nijmegen2, University of Auckland3, University of Pennsylvania4, University of Otago5, University of Florida6, Paris Diderot University7, McMaster University Medical Centre8, University of Edinburgh9, University of Alabama at Birmingham10, Duke University11, Hospital General de México12, University of Michigan13
TL;DR: The new classification criteria, developed using a data-driven and decision-analytic approach, have excellent performance characteristics and incorporate current state-of-the-art evidence regarding gout.
Abstract: Objective Existing criteria for the classification of gout have suboptimal sensitivity and/or specificity, and were developed at a time when advanced imaging was not available. The current effort was undertaken to develop new classification criteria for gout. Methods An international group of investigators, supported by the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism, conducted a systematic review of the literature on advanced imaging of gout, a diagnostic study in which the presence of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals in synovial fluid or tophus was the gold standard, a ranking exercise of paper patient cases, and a multi-criterion decision analysis exercise. These data formed the basis for developing the classification criteria, which were tested in an independent data set. Results The entry criterion for the new classification criteria requires the occurrence of at least one episode of peripheral joint or bursal swelling, pain, or tenderness. The presence of MSU crystals in a symptomatic joint/bursa (ie, synovial fluid) or in a tophus is a sufficient criterion for classification of the subject as having gout, and does not require further scoring. The domains of the new classification criteria include clinical (pattern of joint/bursa involvement, characteristics and time course of symptomatic episodes), laboratory (serum urate, MSU-negative synovial fluid aspirate), and imaging (double-contour sign on ultrasound or urate on dual-energy CT, radiographic gout-related erosion). The sensitivity and specificity of the criteria are high (92% and 89%, respectively). Conclusions The new classification criteria, developed using a data-driven and decision-analytic approach, have excellent performance characteristics and incorporate current state-of-the-art evidence regarding gout.
TL;DR: In this paper, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-Energy) gave DE-AR0000471 and DE-ARM0000181 for the first time, respectively.
Abstract: United States. Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (Awards DE-AR0000471 and DE-AR0000181)
Vardan Khachatryan1, Albert M. Sirunyan1, Armen Tumasyan1, Wolfgang Adam2 +2802 more•Institutions (215)
TL;DR: In this paper, the branching fractions of the B meson (B-s(0)) and the B-0 meson decaying into two oppositely charged muons (mu(+) and mu(-)) were observed.
Abstract: The standard model of particle physics describes the fundamental particles and their interactions via the strong, electromagnetic and weak forces. It provides precise predictions for measurable quantities that can be tested experimentally. The probabilities, or branching fractions, of the strange B meson (B-s(0)) and the B-0 meson decaying into two oppositely charged muons (mu(+) and mu(-)) are especially interesting because of their sensitivity to theories that extend the standard model. The standard model predicts that the B-s(0)->mu(+)mu(-) and B-0 ->mu(+)mu(-) decays are very rare, with about four of the former occurring for every billion B-s(0) mesons produced, and one of the latter occurring for every ten billion B-0 mesons(1). A difference in the observed branching fractions with respect to the predictions of the standard model would provide a direction in which the standard model should be extended. Before the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN2 started operating, no evidence for either decay mode had been found. Upper limits on the branching fractions were an order of magnitude above the standard model predictions. The CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) and LHCb(Large Hadron Collider beauty) collaborations have performed a joint analysis of the data from proton-proton collisions that they collected in 2011 at a centre-of-mass energy of seven teraelectronvolts and in 2012 at eight teraelectronvolts. Here we report the first observation of the B-s(0)->mu(+)mu(-) decay, with a statistical significance exceeding six standard deviations, and the best measurement so far of its branching fraction. Furthermore, we obtained evidence for the B-0 ->mu(+)mu(-) decay with a statistical significance of three standard deviations. Both measurements are statistically compatible with standard model predictions and allow stringent constraints to be placed on theories beyond the standard model. The LHC experiments will resume taking data in 2015, recording proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 teraelectronvolts, which will approximately double the production rates of B-s(0) and B-0 mesons and lead to further improvements in the precision of these crucial tests of the standard model.
Boston University1, Radboud University Nijmegen2, University of Auckland3, University of Pennsylvania4, University of Otago5, University of Florida6, Paris Diderot University7, McMaster University Medical Centre8, University of Edinburgh9, University of Alabama at Birmingham10, Hospital General de México11, University of Michigan12
TL;DR: Existing criteria for the classification of gout have suboptimal sensitivity and/or specificity, and were developed at a time when advanced imaging was not available.
Abstract: Objective
Existing criteria for the classification of gout have suboptimal sensitivity and/or specificity, and were developed at a time when advanced imaging was not available. The current effort was undertaken to develop new classification criteria for gout.
Methods
An international group of investigators, supported by the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism, conducted a systematic review of the literature on advanced imaging of gout, a diagnostic study in which the presence of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals in synovial fluid or tophus was the gold standard, a ranking exercise of paper patient cases, and a multicriterion decision analysis exercise. These data formed the basis for developing the classification criteria, which were tested in an independent data set.
Results
The entry criterion for the new classification criteria requires the occurrence of at least 1 episode of peripheral joint or bursal swelling, pain, or tenderness. The presence of MSU crystals in a symptomatic joint/bursa (i.e., synovial fluid) or in a tophus is a sufficient criterion for classification of the subject as having gout, and does not require further scoring. The domains of the new classification criteria include clinical (pattern of joint/bursa involvement, characteristics and time course of symptomatic episodes), laboratory (serum urate, MSU-negative synovial fluid aspirate), and imaging (double-contour sign on ultrasound or urate on dual-energy computed tomography, radiographic gout-related erosion). The sensitivity and specificity of the criteria are high (92% and 89%, respectively).
Conclusion
The new classification criteria, developed using a data-driven and decision analytic approach, have excellent performance characteristics and incorporate current state-of-the-art evidence regarding gout.
TL;DR: The Brief IPQ has been administered to patients from age 8 to over 80, with a wide range of illnesses, in 26 languages from 36 countries, and has good psychometric properties.
Abstract: Objective: This paper aims to systematically review the use and performance of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ).Design: Electronic databases were searched for papers administering the Brief IPQ published in peer-reviewed journals. Data were extracted from the results for meta-analysis.Main outcome measures: Use by illness population, country, language and study design. The questionnaire’s concurrent validity, predictive validity, sensitivity to change, discriminant validity and mean scores for different populations were summarised.Results: The review included 188 papers. The Brief IPQ has been administered to patients from age 8 to over 80, with a wide range of illnesses, in 26 languages from 36 countries. Pooled correlations between illness perceptions and depression, anxiety, blood glucose levels and quality of life were consistent with previous research and theory (range .25–.49 for consequences, identity and emotional representations; −.12 to −.27 for personal control). All items...
Duke University1, University of Ottawa2, University of Alabama at Birmingham3, Emory University4, Kaiser Permanente5, Cornell University6, University of California, San Francisco7, Harvard University8, University of Auckland9, University of Puerto Rico10, University of Otago11, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai12, Veterans Health Administration13, University of Miami14, University of Pennsylvania15, University of Toronto16, Johns Hopkins University17
TL;DR: Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir as a single fixed-dose combination for 12 weeks provided high rates of sustained virologic response in patients coinfected with HIV-1 and HCV genotype 1 or 4.
Abstract: BackgroundEffective treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remains an unmet medical need. MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, single-group, open-label study involving patients coinfected with HIV-1 and genotype 1 or 4 HCV receiving an antiretroviral regimen of tenofovir and emtricitabine with efavirenz, rilpivirine, or raltegravir. All patients received ledipasvir, an NS5A inhibitor, and sofosbuvir, a nucleotide polymerase inhibitor, as a single fixed-dose combination for 12 weeks. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of therapy. ResultsOf the 335 patients enrolled, 34% were black, 55% had been previously treated for HCV, and 20% had cirrhosis. Overall, 322 patients (96%) had a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of therapy (95% confidence interval [CI], 93 to 98), including rates of 96% (95% CI, 93 to 98) in patients with HCV genotype 1a, 96% (95% CI, 89 to 99) in those w...
Vardan Khachatryan1, Albert M. Sirunyan1, Armen Tumasyan1, Wolfgang Adam2 +2119 more•Institutions (141)
TL;DR: In this paper, a search for particle dark matter (DM), extra dimensions, and unparticles using events containing a jet and an imbalance in transverse momentum was conducted at the LHC.
Abstract: Results are presented from a search for particle dark matter (DM), extra dimensions, and unparticles using events containing a jet and an imbalance in transverse momentum. The data were collected by the CMS detector in proton-proton collisions at the LHC and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb$^{-1}$ at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV. The number of observed events is found to be consistent with the standard model prediction. Limits are placed on the DM-nucleon scattering cross section as a function of the DM particle mass for spin-dependent and spin-independent interactions. Limits are also placed on the scale parameter $M_\mathrm{D}$ in the ADD model of large extra dimensions, and on the unparticle model parameter $\Lambda_\mathrm{U}$. The constraints on ADD models and unparticles are the most stringent limits in this channel and those on the DM-nucleon scattering cross section are an improvement over previous collider results.
TL;DR: In this article, a survey of 150 Finnish technology-intensive firms showed that external knowledge sharing has a positive effect on innovation performance, but high levels of accidental and intentional knowledge leakage by a firm's employees negatively moderate this relationship.
TL;DR: Honey healed infected post-operative wounds more quickly than antiseptic washes followed by gauze and was associated with fewer adverse events, but it is unclear if there is a difference in rates of adverse events (very low quality evidence) or infection (low quality evidence).
Abstract: Honey is a viscous, supersaturated sugar solution derived from nectar gathered and modified by the honeybee, Apis mellifera. Honey has been used since ancient times as a remedy in wound care. Evidence from animal studies and some trials has suggested honey may accelerate wound healing. The objective was to determine whether honey increases the rate of healing in acute wounds (burns, lacerations and other traumatic wounds) and chronic wounds (venous ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infected surgical wounds).
Vardan Khachatryan, Albert M. Sirunyan, Armen Tumasyan, Wolfgang Adam1 +2114 more•Institutions (146)
TL;DR: In this article, the spin-parity and tensor structure of the interactions of the recently discovered Higgs boson is performed using the H to ZZ, Z gamma*, gamma* gamma* to 4 l, H to WW to l nu l nu, and H to gamma gamma decay modes.
Abstract: The study of the spin-parity and tensor structure of the interactions of the recently discovered Higgs boson is performed using the H to ZZ, Z gamma*, gamma* gamma* to 4 l, H to WW to l nu l nu, and H to gamma gamma decay modes. The full dataset recorded by the CMS experiment during the LHC Run 1 is used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of up to 5.1 inverse femtobarns at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV and up to 19.7 inverse femtobarns at 8 TeV. A wide range of spin-two models is excluded at a 99% confidence level or higher, or at a 99.87% confidence level for the minimal gravity-like couplings, regardless of whether assumptions are made on the production mechanism. Any mixed-parity spin-one state is excluded in the ZZ and WW modes at a greater than 99.999% confidence level. Under the hypothesis that the resonance is a spin-zero boson, the tensor structure of the interactions of the Higgs boson with two vector bosons ZZ, Z gamma, gamma gamma, and WW is investigated and limits on eleven anomalous contributions are set. Tighter constraints on anomalous HVV interactions are obtained by combining the HZZ and HWW measurements. All observations are consistent with the expectations for the standard model Higgs boson with the quantum numbers J[PC]=0[++].
TL;DR: The need to study problems from multiple perspectives, to move beyond narrow considerations of the IT artifact, and to venture into underexplored organizational contexts, such as the public sector are among the key issues emerged.
Abstract: Information systems success and failure are among the most prominent streams in IS research. Explanations of why some IS fulfill their expectations, whereas others fail, are complex and multi-factorial. Despite the efforts to understand the underlying factors, the IS failure rate remains stubbornly high. A Panel session was held at the IFIP Working Group 8.6 conference in Bangalore in 2013 which forms the subject of this Special Issue. Its aim was to reflect on the need for new perspectives and research directions, to provide insights and further guidance for managers on factors enabling IS success and avoiding IS failure. Several key issues emerged, such as the need to study problems from multiple perspectives, to move beyond narrow considerations of the IT artifact, and to venture into underexplored organizational contexts, such as the public sector.