bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive Value of Collagen Biomarkers for Heart Failure With and Without Preserved Ejection Fraction: MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)
Authors: Duprez Daniel A. , Gross Myron D. , Kizer Jorge R. , Ix Joachim H. , Hundley William G. , Jacobs David R. 
Published: February 2018

Background

Collagen biomarkers may correlate with incident heart failure (
HF
) and its subtypes. We hypothesized that circulating procollagen type
III
N‐terminal propeptide (
PIIINP
) and collagen type I carboxy‐terminal telopeptide (
ICTP
) predict incident
HF
.

Methods and Results

We used a stratified sampling design in a multiethnic sample of 3187 subjects, initially aged 45 to 84 years and free of cardiovascular disease. We assayed baseline serum
PIIINP
and
ICTP
concentrations using radioimmunoassay. Incident
HF
was adjudicated, distinguishing reduced ejection fraction (
HF
r
EF
;
EF
<45%) from preserved
EF
(
HF
p
EF
;
EF
≥45%). The incidence density for
HF
p
EF
and
HF
r
EF
was computed using Poisson regression per
SD
for each of
PIIINP
and
ICTP
, adjusting in model 1 for age, race, sex, and renal function or in model 2 for these variables plus blood pressure and medication. Mean (
SD
)
ICTP
was 3.38±1.77 μg/L, and mean (
SD
)
PIIINP
was 5.48±2.04 μg/L. Among the
HF
cases, 96 were
HF
r
EF
and 107 were
HF
p
EF
. Neither
ICTP
nor
PIIINP
significantly predicted incident
HF
r
EF
. The incidence density for
HF
p
EF
per 100 people observed for 13 years was 1.65 for low
PIIINP
(lower 6 octiles) versus 3.00 for higher
PIIINP
(
P
=0.002) in model 1 and correspondingly 1.45 versus 2.59 (
P
=0.003) in model 2. For low
ICTP
(lower 7 octiles) versus higher
ICTP
(octile 8), incidence densities were 1.79 versus 3.64 (
P
=0.002) in model 1 and 1.58 versus 3.12 (
P
=0.002) in model 2.

Conclusions

High levels of circulating
ICTP
and
PIIINP
as collagen biomarkers appear to be associated with incident
HF
p
EF
, but not
HF
r
EF
.
Twenty‐Four‐Hour Central Pulse Pressure for Cardiovascular Events Prediction in a Low‐Cardiovascular‐Risk Population: Results From the Bordeaux Cohort
Authors: Cremer Antoine , Boulestreau Romain , Gaillard Prune , Lainé Marion , Papaioannou Georgios , Gosse Philippe 
Published: February 2018

Background
Central blood pressure (BP) is a promising marker to identify subjects with higher cardiovascular risk than expected by traditional risk factors. Significant results have been obtained in populations with high cardiovascular risk, but little is known about low‐cardiovascular‐risk patients, although the differences between central and peripheral BP (amplification) are usually greater in this population. The study aim was to evaluate central BP over 24 hours for cardiovascular event prediction in hypertensive subjects with low cardiovascular risk.

Methods and Results

Peripheral and central BPs were recorded during clinical visits and over 24 hours in hypertensive patients with low cardiovascular risk (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation ≤5%). Our primary end point is the occurrence of a cardiovascular event during follow‐up. To assess the potential interest in central pulse pressure over 24 hours, we performed Cox proportional hazard models analysis and comparison of area under the curves using the contrast test for peripheral and central BP. A cohort of 703 hypertensive subjects from Bordeaux were included. After the first 24 hours of BP measurement, the subjects were then followed up for an average of 112.5±70 months. We recorded 65 cardiovascular events during follow‐up. Amplification was found to be significantly associated with cardiovascular events when added to peripheral 24‐hour pulse pressure (
P
=0.0259). The area under the curve of 24‐hour central pulse pressure is significantly more important than area under the curve of office BP (
P
=0.0296), and there is a trend of superiority with the area under the curve of peripheral 24‐hour pulse pressure.

Conclusions
Central pulse pressure over 24 hours improves the prediction of cardiovascular events for hypertensive patients with low cardiovascular risk compared to peripheral pulse pressure.
First record of a rare deep-sea copepod, Gaussia intermedia Defaye, 1998 (Calanoida, Metridinidae), from the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Alves-Júnior F. A. , Bertrand A. , Melo P. A. M. C. , Correia É. P. , Figueiredo L. G. P. , Neumann-Leitão S. 
Published: February 2018

Copepod crustaceans of the genusGaussiainhabit open ocean waters in epipelagic and bathypelagic zones from 0 to 5000 m. They show high-speed vertical migration and bioluminescent characteristics. In the Atlantic Ocean only the speciesG. asymmetricaBjörnberg T. K. S. & Campaner, 1988 andG. princeps(Scott T., 1894) have been recorded previously. We report the first occurrence of the rarely recordedG. intermediaDefaye, 1998 for the Atlantic off Brazil. The specimens were collected around the Rocas Atoll (3°51′S 33°49′W), through the ABRAÇOS (Acoustic along the BRazilian COast) project on board R/V “Antea” in October 2015, using a micronekton net (mesh size 1 mm) and oblique hauls. Five specimens were collected at Rocas Atoll, in depths of 510-525 m. This finding expands the global distribution ofG. intermediaand is the first occurrence in the Atlantic Ocean, updating the checklist of meso-bathypelagic copepods for Brazilian waters.
Pasteuria thornei, a novel biological seed treatment for Pratylenchus brachyurus control in soybean
Authors: Confort Pedro Marcus de Souza , Inomoto Mario Massayuki 
Published: February 2018

Summary
The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Pasteuria thornei as a biological seed treatment for Pratylenchus brachyurus control in soybean (Glycine max). Seeds of soybean ‘SYN1080’ were treated with three concentrations of P. thornei endospores per seed (5 × 106, 107, 1.5 × 107), together with two other treatments for comparison: a commercial control containing abamectin (0.58 mg seed−1) and a mixed treatment containing abamectin (0.58 mg seed−1) and 107 endospores of P. thornei. These seeds were sown in plastic cups containing soil inoculated with 1000 nematodes (Trial 1) and 600 nematodes (Trial 2). The trials were evaluated at 60 and 90 days after inoculation (dai). The total of nematodes extracted from the roots of each plant was used as the assessment criterion. Only the highest concentration of P. thornei endospores (1.5 × 107) consistently reduced the final populations of P. brachyurus by 25-50% compared to the non-treated seeds. The treatments containing abamectin were superior in reducing the nematode population in all trials and evaluations. There was no visible synergistic effect of the combined use of abamectin and P. thornei in the same treatment at 90 dai.
Preoperative Imaging Findings and Cost in Adults With Postlingual Deafness Prior to Cochlear Implant
Authors: Brown C. Scott , Choi Kevin J. , Kaylie David M. 
Published: February 2018

Objective: To assess the imaging findings of computed topography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adults with postlingual deafness and otherwise normal clinical history and physical exam. Additionally, determine the influence and implications of these findings with respect to surgical outcomes and cost. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: Tertiary referral hospital. Patients: Adults with postlingual deafness with no history of prior ear surgery, chronic ear disease, meningitis, otosclerosis, or head trauma. Interventions: Cochlear implantation of 1 or both ears, with preoperative CT, MRI, or both. Main Outcome Measures: Imaging results were classified as normal, abnormal affecting surgery, incidental requiring follow-up, or incidental not requiring follow-up. Average cost of each imaging modality was determined. Results: A total of 128 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 82 (64.1%) had both CT and MRI performed, 33 (25.8%) had CT, and 13 (10.2%) had MRI prior to cochlear implant (CI). Scans were normal in 125 (97.7%) of cases. Of the remaining 3 (2.3%) patients, there were incidental findings requiring follow-up. All implants were placed successfully, and in no instance did the results of the scan influence the surgery. The average cost of imaging per patient was $4707. Conclusion: In adults with postlingual deafness with an otherwise benign clinical history, CT and MRI are unlikely to affect or preclude surgery. With new MRI safe cochlear implants, imaging can be performed safely postoperatively if needed.
A Simple Endoscopic Technique for Measuring the Cross-Sectional Area of the Upper Airway in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Wistermayer Paul R. , McIlwain Wesley R. , Ieronimakis Nicholas , Rogers Derek J. 
Published: February 2018

Objective: Validate an accurate and reproducible method of measuring the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the upper airway. Subjects and Methods: This is a prospective animal study done at a tertiary care medical treatment facility. Control images were obtained using endotracheal tubes of varying sizes. In vivo images were obtained from various timepoints of a concurrent study on subglottic stenosis. Using a 0° rod telescope, an instrument was placed at the level of interest, and a photo was obtained. Three independent and blinded raters then measured the CSA of the narrowest portion of the airway using open source image analysis software. Results: Each blinded rater measured the CSA of 79 photos. The t testing to assess for accuracy showed no difference between measured and known CSAs of the control images ( P = .86), with an average error of 1.5% (SD = 5.5%). All intraclass correlation (ICC) values for intrarater agreement showed excellent agreement (ICC > .75). Interrater reliability among all raters in control (ICC = .975; 95% CI, .817-.995) and in vivo (ICC = .846;, 95% CI, .780-.896) images showed excellent agreement. Conclusions: We validate a simple, accurate, and reproducible method of measuring the CSA of the airway that can be used in a clinical or research setting.
A Pilot Study of the Snap & Sniff Threshold Test
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Liang Kai-Li 
Published: February 2018

Objectives: The Snap & Sniff® Threshold Test (S&S) has been recently developed to determine the olfactory threshold. The aim of this study was to further evaluate the validity and test–retest reliability of the S&S. Methods: The olfactory thresholds of 120 participants were determined using both the Smell Threshold Test (STT) and the S&S. The participants included 30 normosmic volunteers and 90 patients (60 hyposmic, 30 anosmic). The normosmic participants were retested using the STT and S&S at an intertest interval of at least 1 day. Results: The mean olfactory threshold determined with the S&S was −6.76 for the normosmic participants, −3.79 for the hyposmic patients, and −2 for the anosmic patients. The olfactory thresholds were significantly different across the 3 groups ( P < .001). Snap & Sniff–based and STT-based olfactory thresholds were correlated weakly in the normosmic group (correlation coefficient = 0.162, P = .391) but more strongly correlated in the patient groups (hyposmic: correlation coefficient = 0.376, P = .003; anosmic: correlation coefficient = 1.0). The test–retest correlation for the S&S-based olfactory thresholds was 0.384 ( P = .036). Conclusion: Based on validity and test–retest reliability, we concluded that the S&S is a proper test for olfactory thresholds.
Motivational impairment predicts functional remission in first-episode psychosis: 3-Year follow-up of the randomized controlled trial on extended early intervention
Authors: Chang Wing Chung , Kwong Vivian Wing Yan , Or Chi Fai Philip , Lau Emily Sin Kei , Chan Gloria Hoi Kei , Jim Olivia Tsz Ting , Hui Christy Lai Ming , Chan Sherry Kit Wa , Lee Edwin Ho Ming , Chen Eric Yu Hai 
Published: February 2018

Objective: Functional remission represents an intermediate functional milestone toward recovery. Differential relationships of negative symptom sub-domains with functional remission in first-episode psychosis are understudied. We aimed to examine rate and predictors of functional remission in people with first-episode psychosis in the context of a 3-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial comparing 1-year extension of early intervention (i.e. 3-year early intervention) with step-down psychiatric care (i.e. 2-year early intervention). Method: A total of 160 participants were recruited upon completion of a 2-year specialized early intervention program for first-episode psychosis in Hong Kong and underwent a 1-year randomized controlled trial comparing 1-year extended early intervention with step-down care. Participants were followed up and reassessed 3 years after inclusion to the trial (i.e. 3-year follow-up). Functional remission was operationalized as simultaneous fulfillment of attaining adequate functioning (measured by Social and Occupational Functioning Scale and Role Functioning Scale) at 3-year follow-up and sustained employment in the last 6 months of 3-year study period. Negative symptom measure was delineated into amotivation (i.e. motivational impairment) and diminished expression (i.e. reduced affect and speech output). Data analysis was based on 143 participants who completed follow-up functional assessments. Results: A total of 31 (21.7%) participants achieved functional remission status at 3-year follow-up. Multivariate regression analysis showed that lower levels of amotivation ( p = 0.010) and better functioning at study intake ( p = 0.004) independently predicted functional remission (Final model: Nagelkerke R2 = 0.40, χ2 = 42.9, p < 0.001). Extended early intervention, duration of untreated psychosis and diminished expression did not predict functional remission. Conclusion: Only approximately one-fifths of early psychosis patients were found to achieve functional remission. Functional impairment remains an unmet treatment need in the early stage of psychotic illness. Our results further suggest that amotivation may represent a critical therapeutic target for functional remission attainment in early psychosis.
Falling through the gaps: exploring the role of integrated commissioning in improving transition from children’s to adults' services for young people with long-term health conditions in England
Authors: Maniatopoulos Gregory , Le Couteur Ann , Vale Luke , Colver Allan 
Published: February 2018

Objectives To explore the role of integrated commissioning in improving the transition of young people with long-term conditions from child to adult services. We aimed to identify organizational and policy gaps around transition services and provide recommendations for integrated commissioning practice. Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with two groups of participants: (1) twenty-four stakeholders involved in the commissioning and provision of transition services for young people with long-term conditions in two regions in England; (2) five professionals with national roles in relation to planning for transition. Transcripts were interrogated using thematic analysis. Results There is little evidence of integrated commissioning for transitional care for young people with long-term conditions. Commissioners perceive there to be a lack of national and local policy to guide integrated commissioning for transitional care; and limited resources for transition. Furthermore, commissioning organizations responsible for transition have different cultures, funding arrangements and related practices which make inter- and intra-agency co-ordination and cross-boundary continuity of care difficult to achieve. Conclusions Integrated commissioning may be an effective way to achieve successful transitional care for young people with long-term health conditions. However, this innovative relational approach to commissioning requires a national steer together with recognition of common values and joint ownership between relevant stakeholders.
EFFORT-D study process evaluation: challenges in conducting a trial into the effects of running therapy in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Kruisdijk Frank , Hendriksen Ingrid , Tak Erwin , Beekman Aart-Jan , Hopman-Rock Marijke 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Background
Exercise is currently seen as an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, existing studies have focused mainly on mild-to-moderate depression. The moderate positive effect of exercise found in meta-analyses concerning these studies differs, however, from the harsh daily clinical practice, when trying to implement exercise as an adjunctive treatment. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of aerobic exercise in MDD and identify future problems for implementation.

Methods
The EFFect Of Running Therapy on Depression (EFFORT-D) study was a randomized clinical trial examining the effectiveness of running therapy or Nordic walking in inpatients and outpatients with MDD. We conducted a process evaluation based on the method of Linnan and Steckler. Participant inclusion, dropout and no show were registered qualitatively and quantitatively.

Results
The inclusion and delivered dose of the exercise interventions were limited (60 and 75%, respectively), leading to 80% less inclusion than foreseen. Motivational doubts were the main reason not to participate in the study. The unexpected high dropout rates (40% after 3 months and 80% after 12 months) were frequently related to lack of motivation due to disease characteristics and severity. The duration of the intervention, longer than 3 months was another underlying factor for poor adherence.

Conclusions
Depression severity appeared to be the key factor determining dropout, followed by the duration of exercise intervention, expressed by a pre- and post-inclusion lack of motivation. Both running therapy and Nordic walking were apparently unsuitable for most patients with MDD in the current format. Emphasis on motivational issues is necessary from the early start of the intervention in these patients with MDD. Also a tailored and stepped-care approach is advised for future implementation.
Trial registration The randomized controlled trial protocol of EFFORT-D was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee for Mental Health (Metigg Kamer Noord), CCMO (Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects) Protocol Number: NL.26169.097.08. Registration in the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR1894 on July 2, 2009
Rabbit health practices of 202 rabbit owners
Authors: Dalley Florence , Oxley James A , Montrose V Tamara , Wills Alison P , Williams Jane 
Published: February 2018

Aim: Owners often underestimate the management needs of pet rabbits. Determining rabbit owners' health management practices, and where they gain healthcare information, will facilitate veterinary professionals in providing advice to rabbit owners. Method: Rabbit owners in the UK (n=202) completed an online questionnaire providing information on health checking, vaccination and parasite control practices. Where owners gain information on rabbit health care was also determined. Results: The majority of owners performed daily health checks of their rabbit's appetite, posterior, skin, faeces, face and behaviour; weekly checks of their coat; monthly checks of teeth and occasional checks of bodyweight and gums. Most owners had vaccinated their rabbits against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease but were not using parasite prevention methods. The majority of owners stated that they would respond promptly to seek veterinary assistance in response to inappetance. Owners preferred to obtain health information from veterinary professionals, though suggested more information on digestive problems and dental disease would be useful. Conclusion: Greater education of owners on the appropriate frequency of health checking is warranted. Veterinary practices could play an integral role in improving owner knowledge of rabbit health practices via providing leaflets in centres, information on veterinary centre websites, and dedicated rabbit clinics.
Maximizing the fixation strength of modular components by impaction without tissue damage
Authors: Krull A. , Morlock M. M. , Bishop N. E. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTaper junctions between modular hip arthroplasty femoral heads and stems fail by wear or corrosion which can be caused by relative motion at their interface. Increasing the assembly force can reduce relative motion and corrosion but may also damage surrounding tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of increasing the impaction energy and the stiffness of the impactor tool on the stability of the taper junction and on the forces transmitted through the patient’s surrounding tissues.MethodsA commercially available impaction tool was modified to assemble components in the laboratory using impactor tips with varying stiffness at different applied energy levels. Springs were mounted below the modular components to represent the patient. The pull-off force of the head from the stem was measured to assess stability, and the displacement of the springs was measured to assess the force transmitted to the patient’s tissues.ResultsThe pull-off force of the head increased as the stiffness of the impactor tip increased but without increasing the force transmitted through the springs (patient). Increasing the impaction energy increased the pull-off force but also increased the force transmitted through the springs.ConclusionsTo limit wear and corrosion, manufacturers should maximize the stiffness of the impactor tool but without damaging the surface of the head. This strategy will maximize the stability of the head on the stem for a given applied energy, without influencing the force transmitted through the patient’s tissues. Current impactor designs already appear to approach this limit. Increasing the applied energy (which is dependent on the mass of the hammer and square of the contact speed) increases the stability of the modular connection but proportionally increases the force transmitted through the patient’s tissues, as well as to the surface of the head, and should be restricted to safe levels. Cite this article: A. Krull, M. M. Morlock, N. E. Bishop. Maximizing the fixation strength of modular components by impaction without tissue damage. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:196–204. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.72.BJR-2017-0078.R2.
Staphylococcal enterotoxin C2 promotes osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells and accelerates fracture healing
Authors: Wu T. , Zhang J. , Wang B. , Sun Y. , Liu Y. , Li G. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesAs one of the heat-stable enterotoxins, Staphylococcal enterotoxin C2 (SEC2) is synthesized by Staphylococcus aureus, which has been proved to inhibit the growth of tumour cells, and is used as an antitumour agent in cancer immunotherapy. Although SEC2 has been reported to promote osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the in vivo function of SCE2 in animal model remains elusive. The aim of this study was to further elucidate the in vivo effect of SCE2 on fracture healing.Materials and MethodsRat MSCs were used to test the effects of SEC2 on their proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potentials. A rat femoral fracture model was used to examine the effect of local administration of SEC2 on fracture healing using radiographic analyses, micro-CT analyses, biomechanical testing, and histological analyses.ResultsWhile SEC2 was found to have no effect on rat MSCs proliferation, it promoted the osteoblast differentiation of rat MSCs. In the rat femoral fracture model, the local administration of SEC2 accelerated fracture healing by increasing fracture callus volumes, bone volume over total volume (BV/TV), and biomechanical recovery. The SEC2 treatment group has superior histological appearance compared with the control group.ConclusionThese data suggest that local administration of SEC2 may be a novel therapeutic approach to enhancing bone repair such as fracture healing. Cite this article: T. Wu, J. Zhang, B. Wang, Y. Sun, Y. Liu, G. Li. Staphylococcal enterotoxin C2 promotes osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells and accelerates fracture healing. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:179–186. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.72.BJR-2017-0229.R1.