bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk-adjusted mortality of VLBW infants in high-volume versus low-volume NICUs
Authors: Hentschel Roland , Guenther Kilian , Vach Werner , Bruder Ingo 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveTo examine whether the number of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants treated annually in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) (hospital volume) has an effect on their in-hospital mortality under the regulatory conditions in Germany.SettingThe study included VLBW infants with <33 weeks of gestational age and birth weight below 1500 g admitted to NICUs in the state of Baden-Wüerttemberg, Germany, from 2003 to 2008. Cases were extracted from the compulsory German neonatal quality assurance programme with variables essential for calculation of the Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB) and PREM birth model (PREM(bm)) scores. The cohort was divided into four subgroups corresponding to their disease severity (low, intermediate, high and very high) according to each score. Low-volume NICUs (LV-NICUs) were defined as treating up to 50 cases per year, while high-volume NICUs >50 cases.ResultsAfter exclusion of infants with lethal malformations, 5340 cases from 32 units were analysed. While raw mortality was comparable, infants in LV-NICUs had an increased mortality after risk adjustment with the CRIB and PREM(bm) scores (OR 1.48 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.90), p=0.002 with CRIB; and OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.76), p=0.005 with PREM(bm)). In a subgroup analysis mortality was significantly higher for LV-NICUs in the intermediate disease severity group (OR 1.49 (95% CI 1.02 to 2.17), p=0.037 with CRIB) and in the high-risk group (OR 1.70 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.90), p=0.002 with CRIB; and OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.76), p=0.005 with PREM(bm)), but not in the low-risk and very high-risk subgroups.ConclusionDepending on the severity of the disease, the risk-adjusted mortality in German NICUs with 50 or less annual cases of VLBW infants may be significantly increased.
Validation of billing code combinations to identify cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging scans in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Roifman Idan , Qiu Feng , Connelly Kim A , Wright Graham A , Farkouh Michael , Jimenez-Juan Laura , Wijeysundera Harindra C 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesCardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is the gold-standard test for the assessment of heart function. Despite its importance, many jurisdictions lack specific billing codes that can be used to identify patient receipt of CMR in administrative databases, limiting the ability to perform ‘big data’ CMR studies. Our objective was to identify the optimal billing code combination to identify patients who underwent CMR using administrative data in Ontario.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingQuaternary care academic referral centre in Ontario, Canada.ParticipantsWe tested all billing code combinations in order to identify the optimal one to determine receipt of CMR. The reference gold standard was a list of all cardiothoracic magnetic resonance scans performed at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016, verified by chart audit. We assessed the diagnostic performance (accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value) for all code combinations.ResultsOur gold-standard cohort consisted of 2339 thoracic MRIs that were performed at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016. Of these, 2139 (91.5%) were CMRs and 200 (8.5%) were chest MRIs. We identified the most accurate billing combination for the determination of patient receipt of CMR. This combination resulted in an accuracy of 95.3% (95% CI 94.4% to 96.2%), sensitivity of 97.4% (95% CI 96.6% to 98.1%), specificity of 86.4% (95% CI 83.1% to 89.6%), positive predictive value of 96.9% (95% CI 96.1% to 97.6%) and negative predictive value of 88.4% (95% CI 85.4% to 91.5%).ConclusionsOur study is the first to verify the ability to accurately identify patient receipt of CMR using administrative data, facilitating more robust population-based CMR studies in the future.
Visibility of tobacco products and advertisement at the point of sale: a systematic audit of retailers in Amsterdam
Authors: Nuyts Paulien A W , Kuipers Mirte A G , Cakir Alp , Willemsen Marc C , Veldhuizen Eleonore M , Kunst Anton E 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesVisibility of tobacco products at the point of sale (PoS), in settings where open display of tobacco is allowed, is one of the last remaining ways in which the tobacco industry can legally promote their products. The aim of this study was to map the visibility of tobacco products and advertisement both inside and outside retailers, among different types of retailers.SettingThe study was conducted in two districts in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.ParticipantsAll potential tobacco retailers were visited within the districts, and were mapped using Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates.InterventionObservational data was collected for each tobacco retailer using a checklist with characteristics of the internal and external visibility of tobacco products and advertisement. Retailers were categorised into supermarkets, hospitality industry, tobacconists and ‘other retailers’ (convenience stores, office supply stores, gas stations, drug stores and telephone communication stores). Data were collected in April-May 2017.ResultsEighty-two tobacco retailers were identified. Among all retailers, 52.4% had external and 91.5% internal visibility of tobacco products. Tobacconists had the highest level of internal and external visibility of tobacco products (both 100%), followed by ‘other retailers’ (100% and 56% respectively) and supermarkets (79% and 47%, respectively). Retailers in the hospitality industry had low external visibility (28%), but high internal visibility (90%), as 83% sold tobacco through vending machines.ConclusionVisibility of tobacco products was high among all types of retailers, including those previous studies show are commonly visited by youth.
Nutrition and physical performance in older people—effects of marine protein hydrolysates to prevent decline in physical performance: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Nygård Linda Anette Kornstad , Mundal Ingunn , Dahl Lisbeth , Šaltytė Benth Jūratė , Rokstad Anne Marie Mork 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionAge-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle function (sarcopenia) leads to a decline in physical performance, loss of independence and reduced quality of life. Nutritional supplements may delay the progression of sarcopenia. The aim of this randomised, double-blinded controlled trial including 100 participants (≥65 years) is to assess the effect of a marine protein hydrolysate (MPH) on sarcopenia-related outcomes like hand grip strength, physical performance or gait speed and to study the associations between physical performance and nutritional intake and status.Method and analysisThe intervention group (n=50) will receive 3 g of MPH per day in 12 months. The control group (n=50) receive placebo. Assessments of Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), hand grip strength, anthropometric measurements, nutritional status as measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment, dietary intake, supplement use, biomarkers of protein nutrition and vitamin D, and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), will be performed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of intervention. Linear mixed models will be estimated to assess the effect of MPH on SPPB, hand grip strength and quality of life, as well as associations between physical performance and nutrition.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Regional Committee in Ethics in Medical Research in Mid-Norway in September 2016 with the registration ID 2016/1152. The results will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, social media, broadcast media and print media.Trial registration numberNCT02890290.
Predictors and impact of hemorrhagic transformations after endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute large vessel occlusions
Authors: Lee Yu Bin , Yoon Woong , Lee Yun Young , Kim Seul Kee , Baek Byung Hyun , Kim Joon-Tae , Park Man-Seok 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundPredictors and impact of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after thrombectomy remain to be elucidated.ObjectiveTo investigate the independent predictors and impact of each hemorrhagic infarction (HI) and parenchymal hematoma (PH) after thrombectomy in patients with acute stroke due to intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO).Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from 400 patients with acute LVO who underwent thrombectomy. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of HI and PH on post-treatment CT scans. Associations between HT and poor outcome (modified Rankin Scalescore ≥3) at 90 days were analyzed.ResultsHT was observed in 98 patients (62 HIs (15.5%) and 36 PHs (9%)). Independent predictors of HI were male sex, atrial fibrillation, and time from symptom onset to groin puncture. Hyperlipidemia (OR=0.221, 95% CI 0.064 to 0.767, P=0.017) and successful reperfusion (OR=0.246, 95% CI 0.093 to 0.651, P=0.005) were independently associated with a lower chance of PH, while hypertension (OR=2.260, 95% CI 1.014 to 5.035, P=0.046) and longer procedure duration (OR=1.046, 95% CI 1.016 to 1.077, P=0.003) were independently associated with a higher chance of PH. Only PH (OR=10.154, 95% CI 3.260 to 31.632, P<0.001) was an independent predictor of poor outcome.ConclusionsPH is independently associated with poor outcome, whereas HI does not predict outcome after thrombectomy in patients with acute LVO. Our findings suggest that rapid and successful reperfusion is essential to prevent PH in patients undergoing thrombectomy for acute LVO. In addition, our study suggests that hyperlipidemia is associated with a lower risk of PH in such patients.
SAFE study (Safety and efficacy Analysis of FRED Embolic device in aneurysm treatment): 1-year clinical and anatomical results
Authors: Pierot Laurent , Spelle Laurent , Berge Jérôme , Januel Anne-Christine , Herbreteau Denis , Aggour Mohamed , Piotin Michel , Biondi Alessandra , Barreau Xavier , Mounayer Charbel , Papagiannaki Chrisanthi , Lejeune Jean-Paul , Gauvrit Jean-Yves , Derelle Anne-Laure , Chabert Emmanuel , Costalat Vincent 
Published: October 2018

Background and purposeFlow diversion is an innovative and increasingly used endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms. Its initial evaluation with the first devices available showed good efficacy of this treatment with variable safety results. The Flow Direction Endoluminal Device (FRED) has a specific design and was evaluated in a single-arm, multicenter, prospective, Good Clinical Practice study: SAFE (Safety and efficacy Analysis of FRED Embolic device in aneurysm treatment). This analysis reports clinical results at 1 year and anatomical results at 6 months and 1 year.MethodsPatients with unruptured and recanalized aneurysms located in the anterior circulation treated with FRED and FRED Jr were prospectively included. A Clinical Event Committee and a Core Laboratory independently evaluated clinical outcome and anatomical results.ResultsThirteen interventional neuroradiology centers included 103 patients/aneurysms. Aneurysm locations were supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) in 71 (68.9%), cavernous ICA in 15 (14.6%), anterior cerebral or anterior communicating artery in 9 (8.7%), and middle cerebral artery in 8 (7.8%). Most aneurysms were small (<10 mm) in 71 patients (68.9%). Cumulative 1-year mortality and morbidity rates were 2/103 (1.9%) and 3/103 (2.9%), respectively, one death being related to cancer. At 1 year, anatomical results were: complete occlusion in 66/90 patients (73.3%), neck remnant in 7/90 patients (7.8%), and aneurysm remnant in 17/90 patients (18.9%).ConclusionsSAFE study analysis at 1 year confirms the excellent safety profile of the FRED device for aneurysm treatment, with low morbidity and mortality rates (2.9% and 1.9%, respectively) and demonstrates its efficacy (adequate occlusion in 73/90 (81.1%)).Clinical trial registrationUnique identifier:NCT02921698; Results.
How to improve the assessment of the impact of occupational diseases at a national level? The Netherlands as an example
Authors: van der Molen Henk F , Hulshof Carel TJ , Kuijer P Paul FM 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of occupational diseases (ODs) through estimations of population attributable fractions (PAFs) in a national context.MethodsPAFs were calculated for eight prevalent ODs using existing data on the prevalence of exposure to risk factors at work and the strength of their association with diseases based on systematic reviews. Six systematic reviews with meta-analyses and two overview papers were selected. All addressed the relationship between occupational exposure to work-related risk factors for these eight prevalent ODs. Prevalence figures for exposure to work-related risk factors were retrieved from the Dutch National Working Conditions Survey (NWCS) based on self-reports by approximately 40 000 workers. The specific risk factors retrieved from the reviews were matched with the available and dichotomised self-reported exposure items from the NWCS by two authors.ResultsThe eight frequently reported ODs among the Dutch working population revealed PAFs varying between 3% and 25%. Lateral epicondylitis and distress/burnout had the highest attributable fractions, with percentages of 25% and 18%, respectively. For knee osteoarthritis (13%), shoulder soft tissue disorders (10%) and non-specific low back pain (10%) approximately 1 in 10 cases were attributable to work. PAFs for irritant contact dermatitis, noise-induced hearing loss and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were 15%, 6% and 3%, respectively.ConclusionData from systematic reviews and self-reported data on exposure provide opportunities to estimate the impact of ODs. For the Netherlands, they revealed substantial and varying attributions of work for prevalent diseases.
Disparity in spatial distribution of pericardial calcifications in constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Senapati Alpana , Isma’eel Hussain A , Kumar Arnav , Ayache Ayman , Ala Chandra K , Phelan Dermot , Schoenhagen Paul , Johnston Douglas , Klein Allan L 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundPericardial calcification is seen among patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP). However, the pattern of pericardial calcium distribution and the association with clinical outcomes and imaging data are not well described.MethodsThis was a retrospective study from 2007 to 2013 to evaluate the pattern of pericardial calcium distribution by CT in CP using a semiquantitative calcium scoring system to calculate total pericardial calcium burden and distribution. Calcium localisation was allocated to 20 regions named after the corresponding heart structure. Baseline clinical data, imaging data and clinical outcomes were collected and compared between the calcified pericardium and non-calcified pericardium groups. We assessed the effect of pericardial calcium on clinical outcomes and echocardiographic data between the two groups.ResultsOf the 123 consecutive patients with CP (93 male; mean age 61±13 years) between 2007 and 2013, 49 had calcified pericardium and 74 had non-calcified pericardium. Distribution of calcium on the left ventricle (LV) basal anterior, mid-anterior and apical segments in addition to right ventricle (RV) apical segment was involved in <30% of the cases with the remaining segments involved in >35% of cases. A potential protective role of RV calcium on regional myocardial mechanics was noted.ConclusionPreferential distribution of calcium in CP in a partial band-like pattern (from basal anterolateral LV going inferiorly and then encircling the heart to reach the RV outflow tract) with extension into the mitral and tricuspid annuli was noted. Pericardial calcium was not significantly associated to clinical outcomes.
Provocative biomarker stress test: stress-delta N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide
Authors: Limkakeng Jr Alexander T , Leahy J Clancy , Griffin S Michelle , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Jaffa Elias , Christenson Robert H , Newby L Kristin 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveStress testing is commonly performed in emergency department (ED) patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We hypothesised that changes in N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations from baseline to post-stress testing (stress-delta values) differentiate patients with ischaemic stress tests from controls.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 320 adult patients with suspected ACS in an ED-based observation unit who were undergoing exercise stress echocardiography. We measured plasma NT-proBNP concentrations at baseline and at 2 and 4  hours post-stress and compared stress-delta NT-proBNP between patients with abnormal stress tests versus controls using non-parametric statistics (Wilcoxon test) due to skew. We calculated the diagnostic test characteristics of stress-delta NT-proBNP for myocardial ischaemia on imaging.ResultsAmong 320 participants, the median age was 51 (IQR 44–59) years, 147 (45.9%) were men, and 122 (38.1%) were African–American. Twenty-six (8.1%) had myocardial ischaemia. Static and stress-deltas NT-proBNP differed at all time points between groups. The median stress-deltas at 2  hours were 10.4 (IQR 6.0–51.7) ng/L vs 1.7 (IQR −0.4 to 8.7) ng/L, and at 4  hours were 14.8 (IQR 5.0–22.3) ng/L vs 1.0 (−2.0 to 10.3) ng/L for patients with ischaemia versus those without. Areas under the receiver operating curves were 0.716 and 0.719 for 2-hour and 4-hour stress-deltas, respectively. After adjusting for baseline NT-proBNP levels, the 4-hour stress-delta NT-proBNP remained significantly different between the groups (p=0.009).ConclusionAmong patients with ischaemic stress tests, static and 4-hour stress-delta NT-proBNP values were significantly higher. Further study is needed to determine if stress-delta NT-proBNP is a useful adjunct to stress testing.
Prevalence of left ventricle non-compaction criteria in adult patients with bicuspid aortic valve versus healthy control subjects
Authors: Shen Mylène , Capoulade Romain , Tastet Lionel , Guzzetti Ezequiel , Clavel Marie-Annick , Salaun Erwan , Bédard Élisabeth , Arsenault Marie , Chetaille Philippe , Tizón-Marcos Helena , Le Ven Florent , Pibarot Philippe , Larose Éric 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of left ventricle non-compaction (LVNC) criteria (or hypertrabeculation) in a cohort of patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and healthy control subjects (CTL) without cardiovascular disease using cardiovascular MR (CMR).Methods79 patients with BAV and 85 CTL with tricuspid aortic valve and free of known cardiovascular disease underwent CMR to evaluate the presence of LVNC criteria. The left ventricle was assessed at end-systole and end-diastole, in the short-axis, two-chamber and four-chamber views and divided into the 16 standardised myocardial segments. LVNC was assessed using the non-compacted/compacted (NC/C) myocardium ratio and was considered to be present if at least one of the myocardial segments had a NC/C ratio superior to the cut-off values defined in previous studies: Jenniet al(>2.0 end-systole); Petersenet al(>2.3 end-diastole); or Fazioet al(>2.5 end-diastole).Results15 CTL (17.6%) vs 8 BAV (10.1%) fulfilled Jenniet al’s criterion; 69 CTL (81.2%) vs 49 BAV (62.0%) fulfilled Petersenet al’s criterion; and 66 CTL (77.6%) vs 43 BAV (54.4%) fulfilled Fazioet al’s criterion. Petersenet aland Fazioet al’s LVNC criteria were met more often by CTL (p=0.006 and p=0.002, respectively) than patients with BAV, whereas this difference was not statistically significant according to Jenniet al’s criterion (p=0.17). In multivariable analyses, after adjusting for age, sex, the presence of significant valve dysfunction (>mild stenosis or >mild regurgitation), indexed LV mass, indexed LV end-diastolic volume and LV ejection fraction, BAV was not associated with any of the three LVNC criteria.ConclusionPatients with BAV do not harbour more LVNC than the general population and there is no evidence that they are at higher risk for the development of LVNC cardiomyopathy.
Targeting PARP1 in XRCC1-Deficient Sporadic Invasive Breast Cancer or Preinvasive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Induces Synthetic Lethality and Chemoprevention
Authors: Ali Reem , Al-Kawaz Abdulbaqi , Toss Michael S. , Green Andrew R. , Miligy Islam M. , Mesquita Katia A. , Seedhouse Claire , Mirza Sameer , Band Vimla , Rakha Emad A , Madhusudan Srinivasan 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Targeting PARP1 for synthetic lethality is a new strategy for breast cancers harboring germline mutations in BRCA. However, these mutations are rare, and reactivation of BRCA-mediated pathways may result in eventual resistance to PARP1 inhibitor therapy. Alternative synthetic lethality approaches targeting more common sporadic breast cancers and preinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are desirable. Here we show that downregulation of XRCC1, which interacts with PARP1 and coordinates base excision repair, is an early event in human breast cancer pathogenesis. XRCC1-deficient DCIS were aggressive and associated with increased risk of local recurrence. Human invasive breast cancers deficient in XRCC1 and expressing high PARP1 levels also manifested aggressive features and poor outcome. The PARP1 inhibitor olaparib was synthetically lethal in XRCC1-deficient DCIS and invasive breast cancer cells. We conclude that targeting PARP1 is an attractive strategy for synthetic lethality and chemoprevention in XRCC1-deficient breast cancers, including preinvasive DCIS.

Significance:
These findings show that loss of XRCC1, which is associated with more malignant DCIS, can be exploited by PARP inhibition, suggesting its application as a promising therapeutic and chemoprevention strategy in XRCC1-deficient tumor cells.