bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Biomarkers in Predicting Renal Recovery from Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Fiorentino Marco , Tohme Fadi A. , Murugan Raghavan , Kellum John A. 
Published: May 2019

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Numerous studies have suggested a possible role for acute kidney injury (AKI) biomarkers in predicting renal recovery both before and after renal replacement therapy (RRT). However, definitions for recovery and whether to include patients dying but free of RRT may influence results. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To validate plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (pNGAL) as a useful biomarker for predicting or improving the ability of clinical predictors alone to predict recovery following AKI, including in our model plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (pBNP) to account for cardiovascular events. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We analyzed 69 patients enrolled in the Acute Renal Failure Trial Network study. pNGAL and pBNP were measured on days 2, 7, and 14. We analyzed their predictive ability for subsequent recovery, defined as alive and independent from dialysis in 60 days. In sensitivity analyses, we explored changes in results with alternative definitions of recovery. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Twenty-nine patients (42%) recovered from AKI. Neither pNGAL nor pBNP, alone or in combination, was accurate predictors of renal recovery-the best area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC) was for pNGAL using the largest relative change (AUC 0.59, 95% CI 0.45–0.74). The best clinical model achieved superior performance to biomarkers (AUC 0.69, 95% CI 0.56–0.81). The AUC was greatest (0.75, 95% CI 0.60–0.91) when pNGAL + pBNP on day 14 were added to the clinical model but this increase did not achieve statistical significance. However, integrated discrimination improvement analysis showed that the addition of pNGAL and pBNP on day 14 to the clinical model significantly improved the prediction of renal recovery (<i>p</i> = 0.008). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> pNGAL and pBNP can improve the accuracy of clinical parameters in predicting AKI recovery and a full model using biomarkers together with age achieved adequate discrimination.
Candidiasis Causing Vocal Fold Leukoplakia: Review of Clinical and Pathological Results of 289 Cases With Vocal Fold Leukoplakia
Authors: Gumussoy Murat , Kucuk Ulku 
Published: May 2019

Objective: In laryngology practice, vocal fold leukoplakia is frequently evaluated by suspension laryngoscopy and biopsy examination upon the patient’s complaints of hoarseness and dysphonia. The purpose of the present study is to investigate and analyze risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up results of cases with Candida leukoplakia. Study Design: Retrospective case control study. Setting: Tertiary medical center. Subjects and Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of vocal fold leukoplakia who underwent direct laryngoscopy and biopsy between 2007 and 2017 and diagnosed as candida or noncandida in their histopathology were assigned into 2 groups. Then they were compared in terms of their demographic characteristics, predisposing factors, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up results. Results: Of the 289 vocal fold leukoplakia cases, 36 were candida, and 253 were noncandida. The mean age of the patients with Candida leukoplakia was 60.86 years. As for the age groups, the largest group (26.1%) was in the seventh decade ( P < .001). The use of inhaled corticosteroids was a significant risk factor ( P < .001). For their medical therapy, the patients were administered fluconazole 200 mg per day for 3 weeks, and the treatment yielded successful results in 91.66% of them. In 5 of the patients, candida leukoplakia and superficial epithelial dysplasia were observed, and no malignant transformation was observed during a mean follow-up of 28 ± 13 months. Conclusion: Candidiasis causing vocal fold leukoplakia is rare, and we report the findings of the largest published case series to date. Eliminating predisposing factors and administrating oral fluconazole 200 mg for 3 weeks are sufficient for medical treatment.
Impact of Marriage on Birth Outcomes: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2012–2014
Authors: Barr Jennifer J. , Marugg Lindsey 
Published: May 2019

Marriage has been associated with improved pregnancy outcomes. However, as Americans become increasingly accepting of pregnancy and childbearing outside of marriage, many believe the father can support the mother without the parents being married. Some question whether the present normalization of childbearing outside of marriage will negate the protective effect of marriage on pregnancy outcomes. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System were used to obtain data from a sample of 138,118 live singleton deliveries from 2012 to 2014. Odds ratios were compared between married and unmarried mothers for outcomes of preterm delivery, a small for gestational age infant, neonatal intensive care unit admission, vaginal delivery, and breastfeeding initiation. Logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for maternal age, maternal and paternal race, maternal medical comorbidities, maternal smoking status, and receipt of Medicaid. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) showed married women had a lower risk of preterm delivery (AOR = .877, 95% confidence interval [CI; .811–.948]), a small for gestational age baby (AOR = .838, 95% CI [.726–.967]), and a neonatal intensive care admission (AOR = .808, 95% CI [.754–.866]). Women who were married were more likely to have a vaginal delivery (AOR = 1.144, 95% CI [1.085–1.211]) and to initiate breastfeeding (AOR = 1.601, 95% CI [1.490–1.719]). These data demonstrate that despite a normalization in society of childbearing outside of marriage, there continues to be an association of marriage with improved birth outcomes. Summary: Marriage is associated with a lower risk of preterm delivery, small for gestational age infants, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. These differences persist even after correcting for potentially confounding socioeconomic factors.
Cooking Education Improves Cooking Confidence and Dietary Habits in Veterans
Authors: Dexter Ashley S. , Pope Janet F. , Erickson Dawn , Fontenot Catherine , Ollendike Elizabeth , Walker Emily 
Published: May 2019

Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate a 12-week cooking education class on cooking confidence, dietary habits, weight status, and laboratory data among veterans with prediabetes and diabetes. Methods The sample for this study included 75 veterans within the Overton Brooks Veteran Affairs Medical Center who completed the 12-week class in an in-person group setting in Shreveport, Louisiana, or via Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) in Longview, Texas. Veterans were referred to the Healthy Teaching Kitchen by their primary care provider or primary care dietitian. Enrollment in the class was on a volunteer basis. The cooking and nutrition education classes included topics such as carbohydrate counting, safety and sanitation, meal planning, and creating budget-friendly recipes. Participants completed 2 questionnaires for assessment of healthy dietary habits and confidence related to cooking. Changes in body weight, lipid panel, and hemoglobin A1C were assessed. Differences in class settings were tested via independent samples t tests. Paired samples t tests were completed to compare changes in mean laboratory results, weight, and questionnaire responses. Results Subjects lost a mean 2.91 ± 5.8 lbs ( P < .001). There was no significant difference in percent change in laboratory data and weight between subjects participating via CVT and subjects in the live class. Overall, there was significant improvement in the confidence questionnaire ratings and Healthy Habits Questionnaire responses. Conclusions Cooking and nutrition education can increase cooking confidence and dietary quality. These results provide support for the need for further research on the long-term effects of nutrition cooking education and for the benefits of using CVT software to provide education to remote facilities.
The impact of regulation on the seasoned equity offering decision
Authors: Melia Adrian , Docherty Paul , Easton Steve 
Published: May 2019

The rarity of rights issues in the United States makes it difficult to examine the choice between alternative seasoned equity offering (SEO) methods in that market. In Australia, however, both rights issues and private placements are prevalent. We therefore use the Australian market to test whether regulation influences a firm’s choice between rights issues and private placements. When a firm decides to issue seasoned equity in Australia, regulation favours private placements if the issue is small or needs to be completed quickly. Consistent with regulations affecting the choice between SEO types, our empirical results provide evidence that firms in Australia are more likely to choose a private placement for small issues or when taking advantage of temporary periods of overvaluation. JEL Classification: G12, G14
Analysis of Defect Size and Ratio to Condylar Size With Respect to Outcomes After Isolated Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Lee Simon , Frank Rachel M. , Christian David R. , Cole Brian J. 
Published: May 2019

Background: Osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) is a successful knee joint preservation technique; however, the effects of defect size and defect size:condyle ratio (DSCR) are poorly understood. Purpose: To quantify clinical outcomes of isolated OCA of the knee based on defect size and DSCR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data from patients who underwent OCA of the knee without major concomitant procedures by a single surgeon were analyzed at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Osteochondral defect size was measured intraoperatively, and femoral condyle size was measured with preoperative imaging. Patient-reported outcomes, reoperations, and survival rates were analyzed per defect size and DSCR, comparing males and females and patients <40 and ≥40 years old. Results: Sixty-eight patients were included, of whom 57% were male (mean ± SD: age, 34.5 ± 10.3 years; follow-up, 5.2 ± 2.6 years). Mean osteochondral defect size and DSCR were 3.48 ± 1.72 cm2 and 0.2 ± 0.1, respectively. Defect size was larger among males as compared with females (3.97 ± 1.71 cm2 vs 2.81 ± 1.16 cm2, P = .005), while DSCRs were not significantly different between sexes ( P = .609). The cohort as a whole demonstrated improvements in the following scores: Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical ( P < .05). There were 27 reoperations (39.7%) at a mean of 2.5 ± 1.92 years and 8 failures (11.8%) at a mean of 2.62 ± 1.3 years. Mean DCSR was higher among patients with graft failure (0.26 ± 0.20 vs 0.19 ± 0.07, P = .049). After stratification by age, failures among patients ≥40 years old were associated with a larger defect size (mean 5.37 ± 3.50 cm2 vs 3.22 ± 1.32 cm2, P = .03) and higher DSCR (mean 0.30 ± 0.25 vs 0.19 ± 0.06, P = .05) when compared with nonfailures. Failures among patients <40 years old were not significantly associated with defect size or DSCR ( P > .05) as compared with nonfailures. Conclusion: Patients undergoing isolated OCA transplantation demonstrated significant clinical improvements and a graft survival of 88.2% at 5.2 years. Failures overall were associated with a larger DSCR, and failures among patients ≥40 years old with a larger DSCR and larger defect size. Increasing defect size among males was positively correlated with some improved outcomes, although this was not maintained in analysis of the DSCR, suggesting similar prognosis after OCA regardless of sex. Clinical Relevance: Failed osteochondral allografts are associated with larger defect sizes and defect:condyle ratios in this study, providing additional information to surgeons for appropriate patient consultation.
Assessing the relative impact of lupus nephritis on mortality in a population-based systemic lupus erythematosus cohort
Authors: Reppe Moe S E , Molberg Ø , Strøm E H , Lerang K 
Published: May 2019

Objective There is limited knowledge on the relative impact of lupus nephritis (LN) on morbidity and mortality in population-based systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) cohorts. Here, the primary aim was to compare mortality rates between patients with and without LN in a population-based SLE cohort. Methods The study cohort included all SLE patients resident in the city of Oslo during 1999–2008. Follow-up time was median 14 (0–15) years. Presence of LN was defined according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE. LN class was determined by renal biopsy. Data on kidney function, including presence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), were obtained from patient charts. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were estimated by comparing deaths in the SLE cohort with age- and gender-matched population controls. Results We found that 98/325 SLE patients (30%) developed LN, 92% of whom had occurrence within the first five years from disease onset. Incidence rate of ESRD was 2.3 per 1000 patient-years. A total of 56 deaths occurred during the study period, corresponding to an overall SMR in the SLE cohort of 2.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–3.4). Estimated SMR for LN patients was 3.8 (95% CI 2.1–6.2), and for SLE patients without LN it was 1.7 (95% CI 0.9–2.7). Conclusion In this population-based SLE cohort, we found that LN was associated with increased morbidity and mortality, whereas SLE patients who did not develop LN had good overall prognoses regarding survival.
Design and analysis of stratified clinical trials in the presence of bias
Authors: Hilgers Ralf-Dieter , Manolov Martin , Heussen Nicole , Rosenberger William F 
Published: May 2019

Background Among various design aspects, the choice of randomization procedure have to be agreed on, when planning a clinical trial stratified by center. The aim of the paper is to present a methodological approach to evaluate whether a randomization procedure mitigates the impact of bias on the test decision in clinical trial stratified by center. Methods We use the weighted t test to analyze the data from a clinical trial stratified by center with a two-arm parallel group design, an intended 1:1 allocation ratio, aiming to prove a superiority hypothesis with a continuous normal endpoint without interim analysis and no adaptation in the randomization process. The derivation is based on the weighted t test under misclassification, i.e. ignoring bias. An additive bias model combing selection bias and time-trend bias is linked to different stratified randomization procedures. Results Various aspects to formulate stratified versions of randomization procedures are discussed. A formula for sample size calculation of the weighted t test is derived and used to specify the tolerated imbalance allowed by some randomization procedures. The distribution of the weighted t test under misclassification is deduced, taking the sequence of patient allocation to treatment, i.e. the randomization sequence into account. An additive bias model combining selection bias and time-trend bias at strata level linked to the applied randomization sequence is proposed. With these before mentioned components, the potential impact of bias on the type one error probability depending on the selected randomization sequence and thus the randomization procedure is formally derived and exemplarily calculated within a numerical evaluation study. Conclusion The proposed biasing policy and test distribution are necessary to conduct an evaluation of the comparative performance of (stratified) randomization procedure in multi-center clinical trials with a two-arm parallel group design. It enables the choice of the best practice procedure. The evaluation stimulates the discussion about the level of evidence resulting in those kind of clinical trials.
Acetabular Growth Potential in the Dysplastic and Normal Hip. A Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Specchiulli F. , Scialpi L. , Solafino G. , Battelli L. , Nitti L. 
Published: May 2019

In CHD (Congenital Hip Dislocation), the elements which determine the degree and quality of acetabular growth are not clear. This has caused a great deal of controversy on the capability of development of the cotyloid cavity, hence on the indications to reconstructive surgical treatment. In order to study the behavior of che cotyloid cavity, two groups of patients were taken into consideration: normal subjects and subjects with CHD. In normal subjects the median value of the Hingelreiner angle was 19°–4'± 1° (normal limit), at 1 year old. The acetabular index decreases rapidly until becoming stable at adult values at the age of 8-10 years of age. The distinctive characteristics of the hip with spontaneous recovery from cotyloid dysplasia could be defined as follows: a) the higher critical value on average is reached after 24 months of treatment; b) once the borderline is reached, the dislocated hip evolves in the same way as the healthy hip; c) the earlier treatment is started, the sooner correction of the H angle is obtained; d) the cotyloid cavity continues to develop even after 5 years from reduction. In CHD with terminal residual dysplasia, an initial correction of the H angle is followed by a sudden interruption in acetabular development, which remains inadequate and will never reach normal values. These data allow not only the definition of the acetabular growth potential, but also the establishment of more precise indications for reconstructive surgical treatment.
Clinical Results and Radiologic Findings Four to Eight Years after Total Hip Replacement with the Link RS Endoprosthesis System
Authors: Savilahti S. , Myllyneva I. , Pajamäki K.J.J. , Nevalainen J. , Lindholm T.S. 
Published: May 2019

A total of 102 uncemented Link Rippen System (RS) total hip prostheses were implanted in 100 patients whose mean age was 57 years. The Merle d'Aubigné hip score was 9.3 preoperatively and 15.3 at the latest follow-up. The thigh was painful in 56 per cent; 5 per cent had moderate or severe pain. Forty-five per cent of patients had a slight limp and 9 per cent a severe limp at the most recent follow-up. Fifteen per cent still needed a cane. A Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis revealed a 74 per cent probability of survival at 6 years. Serial radiographic evaluations revealed that 16 per cent of patients (non-revised hips) had acetabular component migration, 10 per cent had continuous femoral radiolucen-cies, 14 per cent had subsidence and 31 per cent progressive varus migration.
Does Acute Urinary Retention after Total Joint Replacement Predispose to Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Authors: Murray D.W. , Gibbons C.L.M.H. , Gregg-Smith S.J. 
Published: May 2019

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and acute urinary retention are both common complications of total hip replacement. Previous experimental studies have demonstrated that bladder distension obstructs the iliac veins causing a decrease in venous outflow from the legs, and that after hip replacement a decrease in venous outflow is associated with the development of DVT. This suggests that acute urinary retention after joint replacement predisposes to DVT and that routine catheterisation would reduce the risk of DVT. The aim of the study was to determine, using strain gauge venous plethysmography, whether acute urinary retention after joint replacement causes a decrease in venous outflow from the legs. It was found that acute retention did not significantly alter the venous outflow. We therefore conclude that acute urinary retention after joint replacement does not predispose to DVT.
Blood Loss and Visibility with Esmolol vs Labetalol in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Lavere Philip F , Rana Nikunj A , Kinsky Michael P , Funston J Sean , Mohamed Sharif S , Chaaban Mohamad R 
Published: May 2019

Objectives: Improved intraoperative visibility during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) decreases the risk of serious orbital or skull base injuries. Esmolol and labetalol have been used to reduce bleeding and achieve better visibility, but it remains unclear which drug is more effective. This study aims to measure visibility scores and mucosal bleeding rates for esmolol and labetalol in FESS. Methods: This is a 1-year randomized double-blind trial of adults undergoing FESS at a tertiary academic center. The inclusion criteria were as follows: age 18 or older; history of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without nasal polyps; undergoing FESS for CRS; and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1 (healthy) or 2 (patient with mild systemic disease). The exclusion criteria were as follows: pregnancy; asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bradycardia, heart failure, end-stage renal disease, cerebrovascular accident, diabetes mellitus; preoperative use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, or beta-blockers; and body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 kg/m2. Patients received either dose-infused esmolol or intravenous push labetalol. The primary outcome was intraoperative visibility determined by surgeon using validated scoring systems (Boezaart, Wormald). The secondary outcome was hemodynamic control (rate of blood loss, average mean arterial pressure [MAP], average heart rate [HR]). Hypothesis of no difference between drugs formed before data collection. Results: Of the 32 adults given drug (mean age = 50), 28 patients (13 esmolol and 15 labetalol) with complete data were included in the final analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between esmolol and labetalol in rate of blood loss (0.59 [0.28] vs 0.66 [0.37] mL/min, P = 0.62), average MAP (79.7 [7.5] vs 79.4 [7.7] mm Hg, P = .93), HR (72 [8.7] vs 68 [11.7] bpm, P = .26), or mean visibility scores for the Boezaart (3.1 [0.69] vs 3.1 [0.89], P = .85) and Wormald (6.1 [1.7] vs 5.9 [1.9], P = .72) grading scales. Conclusions: There were no significant differences between esmolol and labetalol in rate of blood loss, MAP control, HR, or surgical visibility in FESS. Either drug may be used, and other considerations (availability, cost) can dictate choice.
Cultural factors and the circadian rhythm of ST elevation myocardial infarction in patients in a Mediterranean island
Authors: Protopapas Andreas , Lambrinou Ekaterini 
Published: May 2019

Introduction: The circadian rhythm of onset of myocardial infarction shows an increased risk during the morning hours. However, it is not clear whether habits, culture and sunshine hours differentiate circadian rhythm. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of cultural factors on the circadian rhythm of acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation in a Mediterranean island. Method: The study was a retrospective correlational survey. It included 123 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (mean age 60.7±12.6; 82% men). The 24 h of a day were divided into four six-hour periods of time for study purposes (00:01–06:00; 06:01–12:00; 12:01–18:00; and 18:01–24:00) and the chi-square test was used for the analysis. Results: A morning peak of symptoms onset of ST-elevation myocardial infarction was detected during the period 06:01–12:00 ( p=0.044). In patients who were smokers, a bimodal pattern involving a morning (06:01 –12:00) and an afternoon-to-night peak (18:01–24:00) ( p=0.005) was detected. For patients with a history of hypertension, a morning peak of their symptoms was also detected ( p=0.028). Different circadian variations were found between patients over the age of 60 years old and patients under the age of 60 years old ( p=0.025). Conclusions: Patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction seem to follow a circadian rhythm with a peak of onset of symptoms in the morning. In the smokers’ subgroup, a different circadian pattern was found. The habit of smoking is likely to affect the circadian rhythm of the onset of ST elevation myocardial infarction in the Mediterranean area and culture.