A study of the two-body decays B^{±}→X_{ccover ¯}K^{±}, where X_{ccover ¯} refers to one charmonium state, is reported by the BABAR Collaboration using a data sample of 424 fb^{-1}. The absolute ...determination of branching fractions for these decays are significantly improved compared to previous BABAR measurements. Evidence is found for the decay B^{+}→X(3872)K^{+} at the 3σ level. The absolute branching fraction BB^{+}→X(3872)K^{+}=2.1±0.6(stat)±0.3(syst)×10^{-4} is measured for the first time. It follows that BX(3872)→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}=(4.1±1.3)%, supporting the hypothesis of a molecular component for this resonance.
The solar zenith angle (SZA) dependence of the conductance is studied and a simple theoretical form for the Hall‐to‐Pedersen conductance ratio is developed, using the peak plasma production height. ...The European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radar observations at Tromsø (67 MLAT) on 30 March 2012 were used to calculate the conductance. The daytime electric conductance is associated with plasma created by solar extreme ultraviolet radiation incident on the neutral atmosphere of the Earth. However, it has been uncertain whether previous conductance models are consistent with the ideal Chapman theory for such plasma productions. We found that the SZA dependence of the conductance is consistent with the Chapman theory after simple modifications. The Pedersen conductance can be understood by approximating the plasma density height profile as being flat in the topside E region and by taking into account the upward gradient of atmospheric temperature. An additional consideration is necessary for the Hall conductance, which decreases with increasing SZA more rapidly than the Pedersen conductance. This rapid decrease is presumably caused by a thinning of the Hall conductivity layer from noon toward nighttime. We expressed this thinning in terms of the peak production height in the Chapman theory.
Key Points
Solar zenith angle dependence of the conductance is theoretically studied
The dependence is different between the Hall and the Pedersen conductances
The Hall conductivity layer thins from noon to sunset
Introduction
In general, women more often experience metformin-associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) than men.
Objectives
We aimed to assess whether sex differences in reported ADRs for metformin ...are observed at different times after initiation, and to explore their concurrence with sex differences in the dose of metformin over time. This may guide future studies in assessing the involved mechanisms of sex differences in metformin-associated ADRs and may guide sex-specific management of ADRs in clinical practice.
Methods
This study has a longitudinal design using data about patients initiating metformin collected by the Dutch National Pharmacovigilance Center Lareb through their Intensive Monitoring program. Patients were asked to complete a web-based questionnaire six times after initiation (i.e., at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). The outcome variables were the proportion of patients reporting any ADR (primary) and the dose of metformin (secondary). Sex differences in the proportions of ADRs and in the dose were tested at each assessment using Pearson Chi-Squared tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, respectively. Using Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing, a
p
value < 0.01 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The number of included patients was 1712 (40.9% women). Women reported an ADR more often than men, which was statistically significant at the assessment at 2 weeks (34% vs 25%,
p
< 0.001), and 6 weeks (37% vs 28%,
p
= 0.001) after initiation. In general, women were reported to be prescribed a lower dose than men, which became statistically significant at the 9-month assessment (
p
< 0.01).
Conclusions
Sex differences in reported ADRs were seen in the first weeks after metformin initiation, whereas statistically significant differences in self-reported prescribed dosing were observed after several months. Patients, in particular women, might benefit from being prescribed lower metformin doses at treatment initiation.
We report the observation of the rare charm decay D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}e^{+}e^{-}, based on 468 fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at or close to the center-of-mass energy of the ϒ(4S) ...resonance with the BABAR detector at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. We find the branching fraction in the invariant mass range 0.675<m(e^{+}e^{-})<0.875 GeV/c^{2} of the electron-positron pair to be B(D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}e^{+}e^{-})=(4.0±0.5±0.2±0.1)×10^{-6}, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic, and the third due to the uncertainty in the branching fraction of the decay D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{+}π^{-} used as a normalization mode. The significance of the observation corresponds to 9.7 standard deviations including systematic uncertainties. This result is consistent with the recently reported D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}μ^{+}μ^{-} branching fraction, measured in the same invariant mass range, and with the value expected in the standard model. In a set of regions of m(e^{+}e^{-}), where long-distance effects are potentially small, we determine a 90% confidence level upper limit on the branching fraction B(D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}e^{+}e^{-})<3.1×10^{-6}.
Guideline-adherent prescribing for treatment of multiple risk factors in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients is expected to improve clinical outcomes. However, the relationship to Health-Related Quality ...of Life (HRQoL) is not straightforward since guideline-adherent prescribing can increase medication burden.
To test whether guideline-adherent prescribing and disease-specific medication burden are associated with HRQoL in patients with T2D.
Cross-sectional study including 1,044 T2D patients from the e-VitaDM/ZODIAC study in 2012 in the Netherlands. Data from the diabetes visit, such as laboratory and physical examinations and prescribed medication, and from two HRQoL questionnaires, the EuroQol 5 Dimensions 3 Levels (EQ5D-3L) and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) were collected. Twenty indicators assessing prescribing of recommended glucose lowering drugs, statins, antihypertensives and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)-inhibitors and potentially inappropriate drugs from a validated diabetes indicator set were included. Disease-specific medication burden was assessed using a modified version of the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI). Associations were tested with regression models, adjusting for age, gender, diabetes duration, comorbidity, body mass index and smoking.
The mean MRCI was 7.1, the median EQ5D-3L-score was 0.86 and the mean WHO-5 score was 72. Seven indicators included too few patients and were excluded from the analysis. The remaining thirteen indicators focusing on recommended start, intensification, current and preferred use of glucose lowering drugs, statins, antihypertensives, RAAS inhibitors, and on inappropriate prescribing of glibenclamide and dual RAAS blockade were not significantly associated with HRQoL. Finally, also the MRCI was not associated with HRQoL.
We found no evidence for associations between guideline-adherent prescribing or disease-specific medication burden and HRQoL in T2D patients. This gives no rise to refrain from prescribing intensive treatment in T2D patients as recommended, but the interpretation of these results is limited by the cross-sectional study design and the selection of patients included in some indicators.
Track finding efficiency in Allmendinger, T.; Bhuyan, B.; Brown, D. N. ...
Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment,
12/2012, Letnik:
704, Številka:
C
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
We describe several studies to measure the charged track reconstruction efficiency and asymmetry of the BaBar detector. The first two studies measure the tracking efficiency of a charged particle ...using τ and initial state radiation decays. The third uses the τ decays to study the asymmetry in tracking, the fourth measures the tracking efficiency for low momentum tracks, and the last measures the reconstruction efficiency of K$0\atop{S}$ particles. The first section also examines the stability of the measurements vs. BaBar running periods.
To develop and pilot an algorithm to select older people for different types of medication review based on their case complexity.
Experts rated complexity of patient cases through a Delphi-consensus ...method. The case characteristics were included in a regression model predicting complexity to develop a criteria-based algorithm. The algorithm was piloted in four community pharmacies with 38 patients of high and low complexity. Pharmacists conducted medication reviews according to their personal judgment and rated the patients' complexity. Time needed for reviewing and number of interventions (proposed and implemented) were assessed. Feasibility was evaluated with in-depth interviews.
We developed the algorithm with 75 cases proceeding from patients in average 79 years old and using 10 prescribed medications. The regression model (adjusted
= 0.726,
< 0.0001) resulted in the following criteria for the algorithm: "number of medications" × 1 + "number of prescribers" × 3 + "recent fall incident" × 7 + "does not collect own medication" × 4. The pharmacists performed advanced medication reviews with all patients. The time needed to perform the medication review did not differ significantly according to case complexity (76.9 min for high complexity; 66.1 min for low complexity). Agreement between the algorithm scores and the pharmacists' ratings on complexity degree was slight to moderate (Kappa 0.16-0.42). The pharmacists had mixed opinions about the feasibility of applying the algorithm, particularly regarding the criterion "fall incidents."
We developed an algorithm with four criteria that distinguished between high and low complexity patients as rated by experts. Additional validation steps are needed before implementation.
Using a data set of 2.93 fb taken at a center-of-mass energy root s = 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we perform a search for an extra U(1) gauge boson, also denoted as a ...dark photon. We examine the initial state radiation reactions e(+)e(-) -> e(+)e(-) gamma(ISR) and e(+)e(-) -> mu(+)mu(-) gamma(ISR) for this search, where the dark photon would appear as an enhancement in the invariant mass distribution of the leptonic pairs. We observe no obvious enhancement in the mass range between 1.5 and 3.4 GeV/c(2) and set a 90% confidence level upper limit on the mixing strength of the dark photon and the Standard Model photon. We obtain a competitive limit in the tested mass range.
Introduction
National competent authorities (NCAs) use Direct Healthcare Professional Communications (DHPCs) to communicate new drug safety issues to healthcare professionals (HCPs). More knowledge ...is needed about the effectiveness of DHPCs and the extent to which they raise awareness of new safety issues among HCPs.
Objective
The objective was to assess and compare general practitioners’ (GPs’), cardiologists’, and pharmacists’ familiarity with DHPCs as communication tools, their awareness of specific drug safety issues, and the sources through which they had become aware of the specific issues.
Methods
GPs, cardiologists, and pharmacists from nine European countries (Croatia, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the UK) completed a web-based survey. The survey was conducted in the context of the Strengthening Collaboration for Operating Pharmacovigilance in Europe (SCOPE) Joint Action. Respondents were asked about their familiarity with DHPCs in general and their awareness of safety issues that had recently been communicated and involved the following drugs: combined hormonal contraceptives, diclofenac, valproate, and ivabradine. Those HCPs who were aware of the specific safety issues were subsequently asked to indicate the source through which they had become aware of them. Differences between professions in familiarity with DHPCs and awareness were tested using a Pearson
χ
2
test per country and post hoc Pearson
χ
2
tests in the case of statistically significant differences.
Results
Of the 3288 included respondents, 54% were GPs, 40% were pharmacists, and 7% were cardiologists. The number of respondents ranged from 67 in Denmark to 916 in Spain. Most respondents (92%) were familiar with DHPCs, with one significant difference between the professions: pharmacists were more familiar than GPs in Italy (99 vs 90%,
P
= 0.004). GPs’ awareness ranged from 96% for the diclofenac issue to 70% for the ivabradine issue. A similar pattern was shown for pharmacists (91% aware of the diclofenac issue to 66% of the ivabradine issue). Cardiologists’ awareness ranged from 91% for the ivabradine issue to 34% for the valproate issue. Overall, DHPCs were a common source through which GPs (range: 45% of those aware of the contraceptives issue to 60% of those aware of the valproate issue), cardiologists (range: 33% for the contraceptives issue to 61% for the valproate issue), and pharmacists (range: 41% for the contraceptives issue to 51% for the ivabradine issue) had become aware of the specific safety issues, followed by information on websites or in newsletters.
Conclusions
GPs, cardiologists, and pharmacists were to a similar extent (highly) familiar with DHPCs, but they differed in awareness levels of specific safety issues. Cardiologists were less aware of safety issues associated with non-cardiology drugs even if these had cardiovascular safety concerns. This implies that additional strategies may be needed to reach specialists when communicating safety issues regarding drugs outside their therapeutic area but with risks related to their field of specialisation. DHPCs were an important source for the different professions to become aware of specific safety issues, but other sources were also often used. NCAs should consider the use of a range of sources when communicating important safety issues to HCPs.
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