Showing papers by "University of Birmingham published in 2013"
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven1, Gdańsk Medical University2, University of Valencia3, Zamorano4, Ghent University5, Charles University in Prague6, University of Glasgow7, University of Naples Federico II8, University Medical Center Utrecht9, Linköping University10, University of Birmingham11, University of Oslo12, Lund University13, Complutense University of Madrid14, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg15, John Radcliffe Hospital16, Tallinn University of Technology17, University of Lausanne18
TL;DR: 2007 Guidelines for the Management of Arterial Hypertension : The Task Force for the management of Arterspertension of the European Society ofhypertension (ESH) and of theEuropean Society of Cardiology (ESC).
Abstract: Because of new evidence on several diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of hypertension, the present guidelines differ in many respects from the previous ones. Some of the most important differences are listed below:
1. Epidemiological data on hypertension and BP control in Europe.
2. Strengthening of the prognostic value of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) and of its role for diagnosis and management of hypertension, next to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
3. Update of the prognostic significance of night-time BP, white-coat hypertension and masked hypertension.
4. Re-emphasis on integration of BP, cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, asymptomatic organ damage (OD) and clinical complications for total CV risk assessment.
5. Update of the prognostic significance of asymptomatic OD, including heart, blood vessels, kidney, eye and brain.
6. Reconsideration of the risk of overweight and target body mass index (BMI) in hypertension.
7. Hypertension in young people.
8. Initiation of antihypertensive treatment. More evidence-based criteria and no drug treatment of high normal BP.
9. Target BP for treatment. More evidence-based criteria and unified target systolic blood pressure (SBP) (<140 mmHg) in both higher and lower CV risk patients.
10. Liberal approach to initial monotherapy, without any all-ranking purpose.
11. Revised schema for priorital two-drug combinations.
12. New therapeutic algorithms for achieving target BP.
13. Extended section on therapeutic strategies in special conditions.
14. Revised recommendations on treatment of hypertension in the elderly.
15. Drug treatment of octogenarians.
16. Special attention to resistant hypertension and new treatment approaches.
17. Increased attention to OD-guided therapy.
18. New approaches to chronic management of hypertensive disease
7,018 citations
TL;DR: Used effectively, with the leadership of an experienced qualitative researcher, the Framework Method is a systematic and flexible approach to analysing qualitative data and is appropriate for use in research teams even where not all members have previous experience of conducting qualitative research.
Abstract: The Framework Method is becoming an increasingly popular approach to the management and analysis of qualitative data in health research. However, there is confusion about its potential application and limitations. The article discusses when it is appropriate to adopt the Framework Method and explains the procedure for using it in multi-disciplinary health research teams, or those that involve clinicians, patients and lay people. The stages of the method are illustrated using examples from a published study. Used effectively, with the leadership of an experienced qualitative researcher, the Framework Method is a systematic and flexible approach to analysing qualitative data and is appropriate for use in research teams even where not all members have previous experience of conducting qualitative research.
5,939 citations
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill1, University of Birmingham2, University of Aberdeen3, University of Barcelona4, Cleveland Clinic5, University of Cambridge6, University of Groningen7, University of Lübeck8, University of Oxford9, University of Paris10, Mayo Clinic11, Boston University12, University of Pennsylvania13, Hacettepe University14, Imperial College London15, Statens Serum Institut16, Medical University of Vienna17, Norwich University18, Harvard University19, Toho University20, University of East Anglia21
TL;DR: 2012 Revised International Chapel Hill Consensus Conference Nomenclature of Vasculitides J. Watts; Arthritis & Rheumatism
Abstract: 2012 Revised International Chapel Hill Consensus Conference Nomenclature of Vasculitides J. Jennette;R. Falk;P. Bacon;N. Basu;M. Cid;F. Ferrario;L. Flores-Suarez;W. Gross;L. Guillevin;E. Hagen;G. Hoffman;D. Jayne;C. Kallenberg;P. Lamprecht;C. Langford;R. Luqmani;A. Mahr;E. Matteson;P. Merkel;S. Ozen;C. Pusey;N. Rasmussen;A. Rees;D. Scott;U. Specks;J. Stone;K. Takahashi;R. Watts; Arthritis & Rheumatism
4,249 citations
TL;DR: Empirical evidence of shared genetic etiology for psychiatric disorders can inform nosology and encourages the investigation of common pathophysiologies for related disorders.
Abstract: Most psychiatric disorders are moderately to highly heritable. The degree to which genetic variation is unique to individual disorders or shared across disorders is unclear. To examine shared genetic etiology, we use genome-wide genotype data from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) for cases and controls in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We apply univariate and bivariate methods for the estimation of genetic variation within and covariation between disorders. SNPs explained 17-29% of the variance in liability. The genetic correlation calculated using common SNPs was high between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (0.68 ± 0.04 s.e.), moderate between schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (0.43 ± 0.06 s.e.), bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (0.47 ± 0.06 s.e.), and ADHD and major depressive disorder (0.32 ± 0.07 s.e.), low between schizophrenia and ASD (0.16 ± 0.06 s.e.) and non-significant for other pairs of disorders as well as between psychiatric disorders and the negative control of Crohn's disease. This empirical evidence of shared genetic etiology for psychiatric disorders can inform nosology and encourages the investigation of common pathophysiologies for related disorders.
2,058 citations
TL;DR: The state of the art in preprocessing of End-of-life materials containing rare-earth elements (REEs) and the final recovery is discussed in detail in this article, where the relevance of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for REE recycling is emphasized.
1,718 citations
TL;DR: The CARD integrates disparate molecular and sequence data, provides a unique organizing principle in the form of the Antibiotic Resistance Ontology (ARO), and can quickly identify putative antibiotic resistance genes in new unannotated genome sequences.
Abstract: The field of antibiotic drug discovery and the monitoring of new antibiotic resistance elements have yet to fully exploit the power of the genome revolution. Despite the fact that the first genomes sequenced of free living organisms were those of bacteria, there have been few specialized bioinformatic tools developed to mine the growing amount of genomic data associated with pathogens. In particular, there are few tools to study the genetics and genomics of antibiotic resistance and how it impacts bacterial populations, ecology, and the clinic. We have initiated development of such tools in the form of the Comprehensive Antibiotic Research Database (CARD; http://arpcard.mcmaster.ca). The CARD integrates disparate molecular and sequence data, provides a unique organizing principle in the form of the Antibiotic Resistance Ontology (ARO), and can quickly identify putative antibiotic resistance genes in new unannotated genome sequences. This unique platform provides an informatic tool that bridges antibiotic resistance concerns in health care, agriculture, and the environment.
1,444 citations
TL;DR: Huang et al. as mentioned in this paper developed ultrathin plasmonic metasurfaces to provide 3D optical holographic image reconstruction in the visible and near-infrared regions for circularly polarized light.
Abstract: Holographic techniques allow for the construction of 3D images by controlling the wave front of light beams. Huang et al. develop ultrathin plasmonic metasurfaces to provide 3D optical holographic image reconstruction in the visible and near-infrared regions for circularly polarized light.
1,129 citations
TL;DR: How prognostic models are developed and validated are reviewed and assessed for their impact on practice and patient outcomes are addressed, illustrating these ideas with examples.
Abstract: Prognostic models are abundant in the medical literature yet their use in practice seems limited In this article, the third in the PROGRESS series, the authors review how such models are developed and validated, and then address how prognostic models are assessed for their impact on practice and patient outcomes, illustrating these ideas with examples
1,016 citations
University of Paris1, Haukeland University Hospital2, Uppsala University3, University of Liverpool4, Charité5, Goethe University Frankfurt6, Southampton General Hospital7, Princess Alexandra Hospital8, University of Birmingham9, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer10, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven11
TL;DR: Overall survival data after long-term follow-up found no difference in overall survival with the addition of perioperative chemotherapy with FOLFOX4 compared with surgery alone for patients with resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer, however, the previously observed benefit in PFS means it should remain the reference treatment for this population of patients.
Abstract: Summary Background Previous results of the EORTC intergroup trial 40983 showed that perioperative chemotherapy with FOLFOX4 (folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin) increases progression-free survival (PFS) compared with surgery alone for patients with initially resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Here we present overall survival data after long-term follow-up. Methods This randomised, controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 study recruited patients from 78 hospitals across Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong. Eligible patients aged 18–80 years who had histologically proven colorectal cancer and up to four liver metastases were randomly assigned (1:1) to either perioperative FOLFOX4 or surgery alone. Perioperative FOLFOX4 consisted of six 14-day cycles of oxaliplatin 85mg/m 2 , folinic acid 200 mg/m 2 (DL form) or 100 mg/m 2 (L form) on days 1–2 plus bolus, and fluorouracil 400 mg/m 2 (bolus) and 600 mg/m 2 (continuous 22 h infusion), before and after surgery. Patients were centrally randomised by minimisation, adjusting for centre and risk score and previous adjuvant chemotherapy to primary surgery for colorectal cancer, and the trial was open label. Analysis of overall survival was by intention to treat in all randomly assigned patients. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00006479. Findings Between Oct 10, 2000, and July 5, 2004, 364 patients were randomly assigned to a treatment group (182 patients in each group, of which 171 per group were eligible and 152 per group underwent resection). At a median follow-up of 8·5 years (IQR 7·6–9·5), 107 (59%) patients in the perioperative chemotherapy group had died versus 114 (63%) in the surgery-only group (HR 0·88, 95% CI 0·68–1·14; p=0·34). In all randomly assigned patients, median overall survival was 61·3 months (95% CI 51·0–83·4) in the perioperative chemotherapy group and 54·3 months (41·9–79·4) in the surgery alone group. 5-year overall survival was 51·2% (95% CI 43·6–58·3) in the perioperative chemotherapy group versus 47·8% (40·3–55·0) in the surgery-only group. Two patients in the perioperative chemotherapy group and three in the surgery-only group died from complications of protocol surgery, and one patient in the perioperative chemotherapy group died possibly as a result of toxicity of protocol treatment. Interpretation We found no difference in overall survival with the addition of perioperative chemotherapy with FOLFOX4 compared with surgery alone for patients with resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer. However, the previously observed benefit in PFS means that perioperative chemotherapy with FOLFOX4 should remain the reference treatment for this population of patients. Funding Norwegian and Swedish Cancer Societies, Cancer Research UK, Ligue Nationale Contre Cancer, US National Cancer Institute, Sanofi-Aventis.
952 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the development of the CONSORT PRO extension based on the methodological framework for guideline development proposed by the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) Network.
Abstract: The CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) Statement aims to improve the reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs); however, it lacks guidance on the reporting of patient-reported outcomes (PROs), which are often inadequately reported in trials, thus limiting the value of these data. In this article, we describe the development of the CONSORT PRO extension based on the methodological framework for guideline development proposed by the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) Network. Five CONSORT PRO checklist items are recommended for RCTs in which PROs are primary or important secondary end points. These recommendations urge that the PROs be identified as a primary or secondary outcome in the abstract, that a description of the hypothesis of the PROs and relevant domains be provided (ie, if a multidimensional PRO tool has been used), that evidence of the PRO instrument's validity and reliability be provided or cited, that the statistical approaches for dealing with missing data be explicitly stated, and that PRO-specific limitations of study findings and generalizability of results to other populations and clinical practice be discussed. Examples and an updated CONSORT flow diagram with PRO items are provided. It is recommended that the CONSORT PRO guidance supplement the standard CONSORT guidelines for reporting RCTs with PROs as primary or secondary outcomes. Improved reporting of PRO data should facilitate robust interpretation of the results from RCTs and inform patient care.
900 citations
TL;DR: Although the economics of the pharmaceutical industry continue to restrict investment in novel biomedical responses, action must be taken to avoid the conjunction of factors that promote evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance.
Abstract: During the past 10 years, multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae have become a substantial challenge to infection control. It has been suggested by clinicians that the effectiveness of antibiotics is in such rapid decline that, depending on the pathogen concerned, their future utility can be measured in decades or even years. Unless the rise in antibiotic resistance can be reversed, we can expect to see a substantial rise in incurable infection and fatality in both developed and developing regions. Antibiotic resistance develops through complex interactions, with resistance arising by de-novo mutation under clinical antibiotic selection or frequently by acquisition of mobile genes that have evolved over time in bacteria in the environment. The reservoir of resistance genes in the environment is due to a mix of naturally occurring resistance and those present in animal and human waste and the selective effects of pollutants, which can co-select for mobile genetic elements carrying multiple resistant genes. Less attention has been given to how anthropogenic activity might be causing evolution of antibiotic resistance in the environment. Although the economics of the pharmaceutical industry continue to restrict investment in novel biomedical responses, action must be taken to avoid the conjunction of factors that promote evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed the nature of the particle emissions from road vehicles including both exhaust and non-exhaust (abrasion and re-suspension sources) and briefly reviewed the various methods available for quantification of the road traffic contribution.
TL;DR: A critical assessment of the current understanding of silver nanoparticle toxicity is provided and a set of pointers and guidelines for experimental design of future studies to assess the environmental and biological impacts of nanosilver are provided.
Abstract: Nanosilver, due to its small particle size and enormous specific surface area, facilitates more rapid dissolution of ions than the equivalent bulk material; potentially leading to increased toxicity of nanosilver. This, coupled with their capacity to adsorb biomolecules and interact with biological receptors can mean that nanoparticles can reach sub-cellular locations leading to potentially higher localized concentrations of ions once those particles start to dissolve or degrade in situ. Further complicating the story is the capacity for nanoparticles to generate reactive oxygen species, and to interact with, and potentially disturb the functioning of biomolecules such as proteins, enzymes and DNA. The fact that the nanoparticle size, shape, surface coating and a host of other factors contribute to these interactions, and that the particles themselves are evolving or ageing leads to further complications in terms of elucidating mechanisms of interaction and modes of action for silver nanoparticles, in contrast to dissolved silver species. This review aims to provide a critical assessment of the current understanding of silver nanoparticle toxicity, as well as to provide a set of pointers and guidelines for experimental design of future studies to assess the environmental and biological impacts of silver nanoparticles. In particular; in future we require a detailed description of the nanoparticles; their synthesis route and stabilisation mechanisms; their coating; and evolution and ageing under the exposure conditions of the assay. This would allow for comparison of data from different particles; different environmental or biological systems; and structure-activity or structure-property relationships to emerge as the basis for predictive toxicology. On the basis of currently available data; such comparisons or predictions are difficult; as the characterisation and time-resolved data is not available; and a full understanding of silver nanoparticle dissolution and ageing under different conditions is observed. Clear concerns are emerging regarding the overuse of nanosilver and the potential for bacterial resistance to develop. A significant conclusion includes the need for a risk-benefit analysis for all applications and eventually restrictions of the uses where a clear benefit cannot be demonstrated.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors inject squeezed states to improve the performance of one of the detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) beyond the quantum noise limit, most notably in the frequency region down to 150 Hz.
Abstract: Nearly a century after Einstein first predicted the existence of gravitational waves, a global network of Earth-based gravitational wave observatories1, 2, 3, 4 is seeking to directly detect this faint radiation using precision laser interferometry. Photon shot noise, due to the quantum nature of light, imposes a fundamental limit on the attometre-level sensitivity of the kilometre-scale Michelson interferometers deployed for this task. Here, we inject squeezed states to improve the performance of one of the detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) beyond the quantum noise limit, most notably in the frequency region down to 150 Hz, critically important for several astrophysical sources, with no deterioration of performance observed at any frequency. With the injection of squeezed states, this LIGO detector demonstrated the best broadband sensitivity to gravitational waves ever achieved, with important implications for observing the gravitational-wave Universe with unprecedented sensitivity.
TL;DR: New oral anticoagulant drugs are an alternative for vitamin K antagonists to prevent stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and many unresolved questions on how to optimally use these drugs in specific clinical situations remain.
Abstract: New oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are an alternative for vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to prevent stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Both physicians and patients will have to learn how to use these drugs effectively and safely in clinical practice. Many unresolved questions on how to optimally use these drugs in specific clinical situations remain. The European Heart Rhythm Association set out to coordinate a unified way of informing physicians on the use of the different NOACs. A writing group listed 15 topics of concrete clinical scenarios and formulated as practical answers as possible based on available evidence. The 15 topics are: (1) Practical start-up and follow-up scheme for patients on NOACs; (2) How to measure the anticoagulant effect of NOACs; (3) Drug–drug interactions and pharmacokinetics of NOACs; (4) Switching between anticoagulant regimens; (5) Ensuring compliance of NOAC intake; (6) How to deal with dosing errors; (7) Patients with chronic kidney disease; (8) What to do if there is a (suspected) overdose without bleeding, or a clotting test is indicating a risk of bleeding? (9) Management of bleeding complications; (10) Patients undergoing a planned surgical intervention or ablation; (11) Patients undergoing an urgent surgical intervention; (12) Patients with AF and coronary artery disease; (13) Cardioversion in a NOAC-treated patient; (14) Patients presenting with acute stroke while on NOACs; (15) NOACs vs. VKAs in AF patients with a malignancy. Since new information is becoming available at a rapid pace, an EHRA Web site with the latest updated information accompanies this text ([www.NOACforAF.eu][1]).
[1]: http://www.NOACforAF.eu
TL;DR: The genetic diversity of related M tuberculosis strains in the UK Midlands is estimated and the technique could identify super-spreaders and predict the existence of undiagnosed cases, potentially leading to early treatment of infectious patients and their contacts.
Abstract: Summary Background Tuberculosis incidence in the UK has risen in the past decade. Disease control depends on epidemiological data, which can be difficult to obtain. Whole-genome sequencing can detect microevolution within Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. We aimed to estimate the genetic diversity of related M tuberculosis strains in the UK Midlands and to investigate how this measurement might be used to investigate community outbreaks. Methods In a retrospective observational study, we used Illumina technology to sequence M tuberculosis genomes from an archive of frozen cultures. We characterised isolates into four groups: cross-sectional, longitudinal, household, and community. We measured pairwise nucleotide differences within hosts and between hosts in household outbreaks and estimated the rate of change in DNA sequences. We used the findings to interpret network diagrams constructed from 11 community clusters derived from mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit–variable-number tandem-repeat data. Findings We sequenced 390 separate isolates from 254 patients, including representatives from all five major lineages of M tuberculosis . The estimated rate of change in DNA sequences was 0·5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) per genome per year (95% CI 0·3–0·7) in longitudinal isolates from 30 individuals and 25 families. Divergence is rarely higher than five SNPs in 3 years. 109 (96%) of 114 paired isolates from individuals and households differed by five or fewer SNPs. More than five SNPs separated isolates from none of 69 epidemiologically linked patients, two (15%) of 13 possibly linked patients, and 13 (17%) of 75 epidemiologically unlinked patients (three-way comparison exact p Interpretation Whole-genome sequencing can delineate outbreaks of tuberculosis and allows inference about direction of transmission between cases. The technique could identify super-spreaders and predict the existence of undiagnosed cases, potentially leading to early treatment of infectious patients and their contacts. Funding Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, National Institute for Health Research, and the Health Protection Agency.
01 Dec 2013
TL;DR: This second edition of Human Factors Methods: A Practical Guide for Engineering and Design now presents 107 design and evaluation methods as well as numerous refinements to those that featured in the original.
TL;DR: In the absence of crossreactive neutralizing antibodies, CD8+ T cells specific to conserved viral epitopes correlated with crossprotection against symptomatic influenza, which could guide universal influenza vaccine development.
Abstract: The role of T cells in mediating heterosubtypic protection against natural influenza illness in humans is uncertain. The 2009 H1N1 pandemic (pH1N1) provided a unique natural experiment to determine whether crossreactive cellular immunity limits symptomatic illness in antibody-naive individuals. We followed 342 healthy adults through the UK pandemic waves and correlated the responses of pre-existing T cells to the pH1N1 virus and conserved core protein epitopes with clinical outcomes after incident pH1N1 infection. Higher frequencies of pre-existing T cells to conserved CD8 epitopes were found in individuals who developed less severe illness, with total symptom score having the strongest inverse correlation with the frequency of interferon-γ (IFN-γ)(+) interleukin-2 (IL-2)(-) CD8(+) T cells (r = -0.6, P = 0.004). Within this functional CD8(+)IFN-γ(+)IL-2(-) population, cells with the CD45RA(+) chemokine (C-C) receptor 7 (CCR7)(-) phenotype inversely correlated with symptom score and had lung-homing and cytotoxic potential. In the absence of crossreactive neutralizing antibodies, CD8(+) T cells specific to conserved viral epitopes correlated with crossprotection against symptomatic influenza. This protective immune correlate could guide universal influenza vaccine development.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a review of the current literature concerning the high temperature polymer electrolylyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell, ranging from cell materials to stack and stack testing, and show that only acid doped PBI membranes meet the US DOE (US Department of Energy) targets for high temperature membranes operating under no humidification on both anode and cathode sides.
TL;DR: The epidemiological evidence from cross-sectional, prospective and intervention studies for the impact of periodontal disease on diabetes incidence, control and complications is reported and recommendations for patients/the public are provided.
Abstract: Background: Diabetes and periodontitis are complex chronic diseases with an established bidirectional relationship. There is long-established evidence that hyperglycaemia in diabetes is associated with adverse periodontal outcomes. However, given the ubiquity of periodontal diseases and the emerging global diabetes epidemic, the complications of which contribute to significant morbidity and premature mortality, it is timely to review the role of periodontitis in diabetes. Aims: To report the epidemiological evidence from cross-sectional, prospective and intervention studies for the impact of periodontal disease on diabetes incidence, control and complications and to identify potential underpinning mechanisms. Epidemiology: Over the last 20 years, consistent and robust evidence has emerged that severe periodontitis adversely affects glycaemic control in diabetes and glycaemia in non-diabetes subjects. In diabetes patients, there is a direct and dose-dependent relationship between periodontitis severity and diabetes complications. Emerging evidence supports an increased risk for diabetes onset in patients with severe periodontitis. Biological mechanisms: Type 2 diabetes is preceded by systemic inflammation, leading to reduced pancreatic b-cell function, apoptosis and insulin resistance. Increasing evidence supports elevated systemic inflammation (acute-phase and oxidative stress biomarkers) resulting from the entry of periodontal organisms and their virulence factors into the circulation, providing biological plausibility for the effects of periodontitis on diabetes. AGE (Advanced Glycation Endproducts)– RAGE (Receptor for AGEs) interactions and oxidative-stress-mediated pathways provide plausible mechanistic links in the diabetes to periodontitis direction. Interventions: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) consistently demonstrate that mechanical periodontal therapy associates with approximately a 0.4% reduction in HbA1C at 3 months, a clinical impact equivalent to adding a second drug to a pharmacological regime for diabetes. RCTs are needed with larger numbers of subjects and longer term follow-up, and if results are substantiated, adjunctive periodontal therapies subsequently need to be evaluated. There is no current evidence to support adjunctive use of antimicrobials for periodontal management of diabetes patients. Guidelines: Given the current evidence, it is timely to provide guidelines for periodontal care in diabetes patients for medical and dental professionals and recommendations for patients/the public.
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of the four LEP experiments were combined to determine fundamental properties of the W boson and the electroweak theory, including the branching fraction of W and the trilinear gauge-boson self-couplings.
TL;DR: Little information has been reported on regional and time trends of human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence rates of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and non‐OPC.
Abstract: Background Little information has been reported on regional and time trends of human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence rates of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and non-OPC. Methods The study consisted of a systematic review and meta-analysis using random effects logistic regression models. Results Overall HPV prevalence in OPC (47.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 42.9-52.5%) increased significantly over time: from 40.5% (95% CI, 35.1-46.1) before 2000, to 64.3% (95% CI, 56.7-71.3) between 2000 and 2004, and 72.2% (95% CI, 52.9-85.7) between 2005 and 2009 (p Conclusions The sharp increase in the proportion of HPV-positive OPC over the last decade has occurred at a faster rate in Europe compared with that in North America. In contrast, the relatively low prevalence of HPV in non-OPC remains unchanged.
University of Birmingham1, Wayne State University2, National Taiwan University3, Chang Gung University4, Pusan National University5, Samsung Medical Center6, University of Paris-Est7, Sungkyunkwan University8, Kindai University9, Sichuan University10, Mahidol University11, Russian Academy12, Kyungpook National University13, Bristol-Myers Squibb14
TL;DR: Brivanib had an acceptable safety profile, but was less well-tolerated than sorafenib, and both agents had similar antitumor activity, based on secondary efficacy end points.
Abstract: Purpose Brivanib is a dual inhibitor of vascular-endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor receptors that are implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our multinational, randomized, double-blind, phase III trial compared brivanib with sorafenib as first-line treatment for HCC. Patients and Methods Advanced HCC patients who had no prior systemic therapy were randomly assigned (ratio, 1:1) to receive sorafenib 400 mg twice daily orally (n = 578) or brivanib 800 mg once daily orally (n = 577). Primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included time to progression (TTP), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) based on modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST), and safety. Results The primary end point of OS noninferiority for brivanib versus sorafenib in the per-protocol population (n = 1,150) was not met (hazard ratio [HR], 1.06; 95.8% CI, 0.93 to 1.22), based on the prespecified margin (upper CI limit for ...
TL;DR: A measurement of form-factor-independent angular observables in the decay B(0)→K*(892)(0)μ(+)μ(-) is presented, based on a data sample collected by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV.
Abstract: We present a measurement of form-factor-independent angular observables in the decay B-0 -> K*(892)(0)mu(+)mu(-). The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb(-1), collected by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. Four observables are measured in six bins of the dimuon invariant mass squared q(2) in the range 0.1 < q(2) < 19.0 GeV2/c(4). Agreement with recent theoretical predictions of the standard model is found for 23 of the 24 measurements. A local discrepancy, corresponding to 3.7 Gaussian standard deviations is observed in one q(2) bin for one of the observables. Considering the 24 measurements as independent, the probability to observe such a discrepancy, or larger, in one is 0.5%.
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute1, University of Liverpool2, University of London3, Imperial College London4, Imperial College Healthcare5, Cardiff University6, Yonsei University7, Singapore General Hospital8, National Institutes of Health9, University of Calgary10, University of Exeter11, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust12, Health Protection Agency13, University of Western Australia14, Iowa State University15, University of Leeds16, Leiden University17, University of Birmingham18
TL;DR: This analysis identifies key genetic changes linked to the rapid transcontinental dissemination of epidemic C. difficile 027/BI/NAP1 and highlights the routes by which it spreads through the global healthcare system.
Abstract: Epidemic C. difficile (027/BI/NAP1) has rapidly emerged in the past decade as the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea worldwide. However, the key events in evolutionary history leading to its emergence and the subsequent patterns of global spread remain unknown. Here, we define the global population structure of C. difficile 027/BI/NAP1 using whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. We show that two distinct epidemic lineages, FQR1 and FQR2, not one as previously thought, emerged in North America within a relatively short period after acquiring the same fluoroquinolone resistance-conferring mutation and a highly related conjugative transposon. The two epidemic lineages showed distinct patterns of global spread, and the FQR2 lineage spread more widely, leading to healthcare-associated outbreaks in the UK, continental Europe and Australia. Our analysis identifies key genetic changes linked to the rapid transcontinental dissemination of epidemic C. difficile 027/BI/NAP1 and highlights the routes by which it spreads through the global healthcare system.
TL;DR: In this paper, the spin and parity quantum numbers of the Higgs boson were studied based on the collision data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, and the results showed that the standard model spin-parity J(...
TL;DR: The role of prognostic factors in current clinical practice, randomised trials, and developing new interventions are discussed, and why and how prognostic factor research should be improved are explained.
Abstract: Prognostic factor research aims to identify factors associated with subsequent clinical outcome in people with a particular disease or health condition. In this article, the second in the PROGRESS series, the authors discuss the role of prognostic factors in current clinical practice, randomised trials, and developing new interventions, and explain why and how prognostic factor research should be improved.
20 Aug 2013-Materials Science and Engineering A-structural Materials Properties Microstructure and Processing
TL;DR: In this article, the tensile properties measured before and after HIPing were analyzed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Abstract: Ti–6Al–4V samples have been prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) with varied processing conditions. Some of the samples were stress-relieved or hot isostatically pressed (HIPed). The microstructures of all samples were characterised using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the tensile properties measured before and after HIPing. It was found that the porosity level generally decreased with increase of laser power and laser scanning speed. Horizontally built samples were found to have a higher level of porosity than vertically built samples. The as-fabricated microstructure was dominated by columnar grains and martensites. HIPing closed the majority of the pores and also fully transformed the martensite into α and β phases. The as-fabricated microstructure exhibits very high tensile strengths but poor ductility with elongation generally smaller than 10%. The horizontally built samples show even lower elongation than vertically built samples. HIPing considerably improved ductility but led to a reduction in strength. With HIPing, the SLMed samples were found to show tensile properties comparable with those thermomechanically processed and annealed samples.
TL;DR: Observational evidence suggested that volunteering may benefit mental health and survival although the causal mechanisms remain unclear, and there was limited robustly designed research to guide the development of volunteering as a public health promotion intervention.
Abstract: Background: Volunteering has been advocated by the United Nations, and American and European governments as a way to engage people in their local communities and improve social capital, with the potential for public health benefits such as improving wellbeing and decreasing health inequalities Furthermore, the US Corporation for National and Community Service Strategic Plan for 2011–2015 focused on increasing the impact of national service on community needs, supporting volunteers’ wellbeing, and prioritising recruitment and engagement of underrepresented populations The aims of this review were to examine the effect of formal volunteering on volunteers’ physical and mental health and survival, and to explore the influence of volunteering type and intensity on health outcomes Methods: Experimental and cohort studies comparing the physical and mental health outcomes and mortality of a volunteering group to a non-volunteering group were identified from twelve electronic databases (Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, HMIC, SSCI, ASSIA, Social Care Online, Social Policy and Practice) and citation tracking in January 2013 No language, country or date restrictions were applied Data synthesis was based on vote counting and random effects meta-analysis of mortality risk ratios Results: Forty papers were selected: five randomised controlled trials (RCTs, seven papers); four non-RCTs; and 17 cohort studies (29 papers) Cohort studies showed volunteering had favourable effects on depression, life satisfaction, wellbeing but not on physical health These findings were not confirmed by experimental studies Meta-analysis of five cohort studies found volunteers to be at lower risk of mortality (risk ratio: 078; 95% CI: 066, 090) There was insufficient evidence to demonstrate a consistent influence of volunteering type or intensity on outcomes Conclusion: Observational evidence suggested that volunteering may benefit mental health and survival although the causal mechanisms remain unclear Consequently, there was limited robustly designed research to guide the development of volunteering as a public health promotion intervention Future studies should explicitly map intervention design to clear health outcomes as well as use pragmatic RCT methodology to test effects
TL;DR: The recent advances made with graphene‐related materials in the biomedical field and the challenges facing these exciting new tools both in terms of biological activity and toxicological profiling in vitro and in vivo are described.
Abstract: Graphene materials have entered a phase of maturity in their development that is characterized by their explorative utilization in various types of applications and fields from electronics to biomedicine. Herein, we describe the recent advances made with graphene-related materials in the biomedical field and the challenges facing these exciting new tools both in terms of biological activity and toxicological profiling in vitro and in vivo. Graphene materials today have mainly been explored as components of biosensors and for construction of matrices in tissue engineering. Their antimicrobial activity and their capacity to act as drug delivery platforms have also been reported, however, not as coherently. This report will attempt to offer some perspective as to which areas of biomedical applications can expect graphene-related materials to constitute a tool offering improved functionality and previously unavailable options.