bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone Mineral Density and Risk of Heart Failure in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Fohtung Raymond B. , Brown David L. , Koh William J. H. , Bartz Traci M. , Carbone Laura D. , Civitelli Roberto , Stein Phyllis K. , Chaves Paulo H. M. , Kestenbaum Bryan R. , Kizer Jorge R. 
Published: March 2017

Background

Despite increasing evidence of a common link between bone and heart health, the relationship between bone mineral density (
BMD
) and heart failure (
HF
) risk remains insufficiently studied.

Methods and Results

We investigated whether
BMD
measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry was associated with incident
HF
in an older cohort. Cox models were stratified by sex and interactions of
BMD
with race assessed.
BMD
was examined at the total hip and femoral neck separately, both continuously and by World Health Organization categories. Of 1250 participants, 442 (55% women) developed
HF
during the median follow‐up of 10.5 years. In both black and nonblack women, neither total hip nor femoral neck
BMD
was significantly associated with
HF
; there was no significant interaction by race. In black and nonblack men, total hip, but not femoral neck,
BMD
was significantly associated with
HF
, with evidence of an interaction by race. In nonblack men, lower total hip
BMD
was associated with higher
HF
risk (hazard ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.01–1.26] per 0.1 g/cm
2
decrement), whereas in black men, lower total hip
BMD
was associated with lower
HF
risk (hazard ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.59–0.94]). There were no black men with total hip osteoporosis. Among nonblack men, total hip osteoporosis was associated with higher
HF
risk (hazard ratio, 2.83 [95% CI, 1.39–5.74]) compared with normal
BMD
.

Conclusions

Among older adults, lower total hip
BMD
was associated with higher
HF
risk in nonblack men but lower risk in black men, with no evidence of an association in women. Further research is needed to replicate these findings and to study potential underlying pathways.
Interleukin 6 Inhibition and Coronary Artery Disease in a High‐Risk Population: A Prospective Community‐Based Clinical Study
Authors: Bacchiega Bruno Cesar , Bacchiega Ana Beatriz , Usnayo Magali Justina Gomez , Bedirian Ricardo , Singh Gurkirpal , Pinheiro Geraldo da Rocha Castelar 
Published: March 2017

Background

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, with interleukin 6 (
IL
‐6) as a major player in inflammation cascade.
IL
‐6 blockade may reduce cardiovascular risk, but current treatments to block
IL
‐6 also induce dyslipidemia, a finding with an uncertain prognosis.

Methods and Results

We aimed to determine the endothelial function responses to
the IL
‐6–blocking agent tocilizumab, anti–tumor necrosis factor α, and synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug therapies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a 16‐week prospective study. Sixty consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis were enrolled. Tocilizumab and anti–tumor necrosis factor α therapy were started in 18 patients each while 24 patients were treated with synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs. Forty patients completed the 16‐week follow‐up period. The main outcome was flow‐mediated dilation percentage variation before and after therapy. In the tocilizumab group, flow‐mediated dilation percentage variation increased statistically significantly from a pre‐treatment mean of (3.43% [95% CI, 1.28–5.58] to 5.96% [95% CI, 3.95–7.97];
P
=0.03). Corresponding changes were 4.78% (95% CI, 2.13–7.42) to 6.75% (95% CI, 4.10–9.39) (
P
=0.09) and 2.87% (95% CI, −2.17 to 7.91) to 4.84% (95% CI, 2.61–7.07) (
P
=0.21) in the anti–tumor necrosis factor α and the synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug groups, respectively (both not statistically significant). Total cholesterol increased significantly in the tocilizumab group from 197.5 (95% CI, 177.59–217.36) to 232.3 (201.62–263.09) (
P
=0.003) and in the synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug group from 185.8 (95% CI, 169.76–201.81) to 202.8 (95% CI, 176.81–228.76) (
P
=0.04), but not in the anti–tumor necrosis factor α group. High‐density lipoprotein did not change significantly in any group.

Conclusions
Endothelial function is improved by tocilizumab in a high‐risk population, even as it increases total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein levels.
Acupuncture Attenuated Vascular Dementia–Induced Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation Impairments via Activation of D1/D5 Receptors
Authors: Ye Yang , Li Hui , Yang Jing-Wen , Wang Xue-Rui , Shi Guang-Xia , Yan Chao-Qun , Ma Si-Ming , Zhu Wen , Li Qian-Qian , Li Tian-Ran , Xiao Ling-Yong , Liu Cun-Zhi 
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose—
Emerging evidence suggests that acupuncture could improve cognitive impairment in vascular dementia by enhancing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether dopamine, a key mediator of synaptic plasticity, is involved in this cognitive improvement.

Methods—
Vascular dementia model was established by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion in male Wistar rats. Three days after the operation, animals received acupuncture treatment for 2 weeks, once daily. The D1/D5 receptors antagonist SCH23390 was administered intraperitoneally 15 minutes before each acupuncture treatment. Morris water maze was examined after acupuncture. Long-term potentiation was studied by an electrophysiological technique. Dopamine and metabolites levels were detected by microdialysis and high-performance liquid chromatography from brain tissue. The expression of D1R and D5R was analyzed by immunofluorescence.

Results—
Acupuncture remarkably reversed cognitive deficits in 2-vessel occlusion model (2VO) rats, and the acupuncture points Zusanli (ST36) and Baihui (GV20) were confirmed to be the most effective combination. Electrophysiological recording data showed that 2VO-induced impairments of long-term potentiation were prevented by acupuncture. In addition, acupuncture promoted the release of dopamine and its major metabolites in the hippocampus of 2VO rats. The immunofluorescence experiment showed that the decrease of D1R and D5R in hippocampal dentate gyrus region of 2VO rats was reversed by acupuncture. Furthermore, we found that the effects of acupuncture against 2VO-induced impairments in cognition and synaptic plasticity were abolished by SCH23390.

Conclusions—
Improvement in cognition and hippocampal synaptic plasticity induced by acupuncture was achieved via activation of D1/D5 receptors in 2VO rats.
Stroke and Circulating Extracellular RNAs
Authors: Mick Eric , Shah Ravi , Tanriverdi Kahraman , Murthy Venkatesh , Gerstein Mark , Rozowsky Joel , Kitchen Robert , Larson Martin G. , Levy Daniel , Freedman Jane E. 
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose—
There is increasing interest in extracellular RNAs (ex-RNAs), with numerous reports of associations between selected microRNAs (miRNAs) and a variety of cardiovascular disease phenotypes. Previous studies of ex-RNAs in relation to risk for cardiovascular disease have investigated small numbers of patients and assayed only candidate miRNAs. No human studies have investigated links between novel ex-RNAs and stroke.

Methods—
We conducted unbiased next-generation sequencing using plasma from 40 participants of the FHS (Framingham Heart Study; Offspring Cohort Exam 8) followed by high-throughput polymerase chain reaction of 471 ex-RNAs. The reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction included 331 of the most abundant miRNAs, 43 small nucleolar RNAs, and 97 piwi-interacting RNAs in 2763 additional FHS participants and explored the relations of ex-RNAs and prevalent (n=63) and incident (n=51) stroke and coronary heart disease (prevalent=286, incident=69).

Results—
After adjustment for multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors, 7 ex-RNAs were associated with stroke prevalence or incidence; there were no ex-RNA associated with prevalent or incident coronary heart disease. Statistically significant ex-RNA associations with stroke were specific, with no overlap between prevalent and incident events.

Conclusions—
This is the largest study of ex-RNAs in relation to stroke using an unbiased approach in an observational cohort and the first large study to examine human small noncoding RNAs beyond miRNAs. These results demonstrate that when studied in a large observational cohort, extracellular miRNAs are associated with stroke risk.
Symptomatic Patients Remain at Substantial Risk of Arterial Disease Complications Before and After Endarterectomy or Stenting
Authors: Hobeanu Cristina , Lavallée Philippa C. , Rothwell Peter M. , Sissani Leila , Albers Gregory W. , Bornstein Natan M. , Caplan Louis R. , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Ferro José M. , Hennerici Michael G. , Labreuche Julien , Molina Carlos , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Touboul Pierre-Jean , Uchiyama Shinichiro , Vicaut Éric , Wong Lawrence K.S. , Amarenco Pierre 
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose—
After carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients with transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic stroke, recurrent stroke risk falls to a low rate on modern medical treatment.

Methods—
We used data from 4583 patients with recent transient ischemic attack or minor stroke enrolled in the TIAregistry.org to perform a nested case–control analysis to evaluate pre- and post-CEA/CAS risk. Cases were defined as patients with a CEA/CAS during the 1-year follow-up period. For each case, 2 controls with a follow-up time greater than the time from qualifying event to CEA/CAS were randomly selected, matched by age and sex. Primary outcome was defined as major vascular events (MVE, including stroke, cardiovascular death, and myocardial infarction).

Results—

The median delay from symptom onset of qualifying event to CEA/CAS was 11 days (interquartile range, 6–23). Overall, patients with CEA/CAS had a higher 1-year risk of MVE than other patients (14.8% versus 5.8%; adjusted hazard ratio, 2.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.61–3.60;
P
<0.001). During the matched preprocedural period, MVE occurred in 14 (7.5%) cases and in 13 (3.5%) controls, with an adjusted odds ratio =2.46 (95% confidence interval, 1.07–5.64;
P
=0.03). In the postprocedural period, the risk of MVE was also higher in cases than in controls (adjusted
P
<0.03).

Conclusions—
Patients with CEA/CAS had a higher 12-month risk of MVE, as well as during pre- and postprocedural periods. These results suggest that patients in whom CEA/CAS is anticipated are likely to be an informative population for inclusion in studies testing new antithrombotic strategies started soon after symptom onset.
PAIS 2 (Paracetamol [Acetaminophen] in Stroke 2)
Authors: de Ridder Inger R. , den Hertog Heleen M. , van Gemert H. Maarten A. , Schreuder A.H.C.M.L. (Tobien) , Ruitenberg Annemieke , Maasland E. (Lisette) , Saxena Ritu , van Tuijl Jordie H. , Jansen Ben P.W. , Van den Berg-Vos Renske M. , Vermeij Frederique , Koudstaal Peter J. , Kappelle L. Jaap , Algra Ale , van der Worp H. Bart , Dippel Diederik W.J. ,   Trial Organization, Lingsma H.F. , El Ghannouti N. , Vermey F. , Vermeulen M. , Tijssen J.G.P. , van Dijk E.J. 
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose—
Subfebrile body temperature and fever in the first days after stroke are strongly associated with unfavorable outcome. A subgroup analysis of a previous trial suggested that early treatment with paracetamol may improve functional outcome in patients with acute stroke and a body temperature of ≥36.5°C. In the present trial, we aimed to confirm this finding.

Methods—
PAIS 2 (Paracetamol [Acetaminophen] in Stroke 2) was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. We aimed to include 1500 patients with acute ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage within 12 hours of symptom onset. Patients were treated with paracetamol in a daily dose of 6 g or matching placebo for 3 consecutive days. The primary outcome was functional outcome at 3 months, assessed with the modified Rankin Scale and analyzed with multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Because of slow recruitment and lack of funding, the study was stopped prematurely.

Results—
Between December 2011 and October 2015, we included 256 patients, of whom 136 (53%) were allocated to paracetamol. In this small sample, paracetamol had no effect on functional outcome (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–1.79). There was no difference in the number of serious adverse events (paracetamol n=35 [26%] versus placebo n=28 [24%]).

Conclusions—
Treatment with high-dose paracetamol seemed to be safe. The effect of high-dose paracetamol on functional outcome remains uncertain. Therefore, a large trial of early treatment with high-dose paracetamol is still needed.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.trialregister.nl
. Unique identifier: NTR2365.
Volume, Heat, and Salt Transports through the Soya Strait and Their Seasonal and Interannual Variations
Authors: Ohshima Kay I. , Simizu Daisuke , Ebuchi Naoto , Morishima Shuta , Kashiwase Haruhiko 
Published: March 2017

AbstractVolume, heat, and salt transports through the Soya Strait are estimated based on measurements from high-frequency ocean radars during 2003–15 and all available hydrographic data. The baroclinic velocity structure derived from the climatological geopotential anomaly is combined with the sea surface gradient obtained from radar-derived surface velocities to estimate the absolute velocity structure. The annual-mean volume, heat, and salt transports are 0.91 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1), 25.5 TW, and 31.15 × 106 kg s−1, respectively. The volume transport exhibits strong seasonal variations, with a maximum of 1.41 Sv in August and a minimum of 0.23 Sv in January. The seasonal amplitude and phase roughly correspond to those of the Tsushima–Korea Strait. Time series of the monthly transport is presented for the 12 yr, assuming that the baroclinic components are the monthly climatological values. In cold seasons (November to April), the monthly volume transport is strongly correlated with the sea level difference between the Japan and Okhotsk Seas, and an empirical formula to estimate the transport from the sea level difference is introduced. It is likely that the sea level setup by the wind stress along the east coast of Sakhalin determines the sea level difference, which explains the seasonal and interannual wintertime variations of transport through the strait. The annual flux of water through the Soya Strait with a density greater than 26.8σθ, a potential source of Okhotsk Sea Intermediate Waters, is estimated to be 0.18 Sv.
Coral Reef Drag Coefficients – Water Depth Dependence
Authors: Lentz S. J. , Davis K. A. , Churchill J. H. , DeCarlo T. M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA major challenge in modeling the circulation over coral reefs is uncertainty in the drag coefficient because existing estimates span two orders of magnitude. Current and pressure measurements from five coral reefs are used to estimate drag coefficients based on depth-average flow, assuming a balance between the cross-reef pressure gradient and the bottom stress. At two sites wind stress is a significant term in the cross-reef momentum balance and is included in estimating the drag coefficient. For the five coral reef sites and a previous laboratory study, estimated drag coefficients increase as the water depth decreases consistent with open channel flow theory. For example, for a typical coral reef hydrodynamic roughness of 5 cm, observational estimates, and the theory indicate that the drag coefficient decreases from 0.4 in 20 cm of water to 0.005 in 10 m of water. Synthesis of results from the new field observations with estimates from previous field and laboratory studies indicate that coral reef drag coefficients range from 0.2 to 0.005 and hydrodynamic roughnesses generally range from 2 to 8 cm. While coral reef drag coefficients depend on factors such as physical roughness and surface waves, a substantial fraction of the scatter in estimates of coral reef drag coefficients is due to variations in water depth.
Convective-Scale Data Assimilation for the Weather Research and Forecasting Model Using the Local Particle Filter
Authors: Poterjoy Jonathan , Sobash Ryan A. , Anderson Jeffrey L. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Particle filters (PFs) are Monte Carlo data assimilation techniques that operate with no parametric assumptions for prior and posterior errors. A data assimilation method introduced recently, called the local PF, approximates the PF solution within neighborhoods of observations, thus allowing for its use in high-dimensional systems. The current study explores the potential of the local PF for atmospheric data assimilation through cloud-permitting numerical experiments performed for an idealized squall line. Using only 100 ensemble members, experiments using the local PF to assimilate simulated radar measurements demonstrate that the method provides accurate analyses at a cost comparable to ensemble filters currently used in weather models. Comparisons between the local PF and an ensemble Kalman filter demonstrate benefits of the local PF for producing probabilistic analyses of non-Gaussian variables, such as hydrometeor mixing ratios. The local PF also provides more accurate forecasts than the ensemble Kalman filter, despite yielding higher posterior root-mean-square errors. A major advantage of the local PF comes from its ability to produce more physically consistent posterior members than the ensemble Kalman filter, which leads to fewer spurious model adjustments during forecasts. This manuscript presents the first successful application of the local PF in a weather prediction model and discusses implications for real applications where nonlinear measurement operators and nonlinear model processes limit the effectiveness of current Gaussian data assimilation techniques.
Implementation of Resonance Tracking for Assuring Reliability in Resonance Enhanced Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy and Imaging
Authors: Ramer Georg , Reisenbauer Florian , Steindl Benedikt , Tomischko Wolfgang , Lendl Bernhard 
Published: March 2017

Photothermal-induced resonance (PTIR) is a method for optical spectroscopy that allows for infrared (IR) chemical imaging at spatial resolution below the limit of diffraction. By using the mechanical resonance of the cantilever for amplification the technique has been shown to allow sensitivity down to single monolayers. In this work, we discuss the challenges that must be overcome for performing stable resonant PTIR measurements and how imprecise experimental procedures can lead to irreproducible or even erroneous results. We also present a controller design that continuously readjusts the excitation frequency of a PTIR setup back to the resonance frequency in order to allow for accurate resonance-enhanced PTIR measurements. This controller can be used together with a broad range of atomic force microscopes. Schematics and program code for the controller are made freely available.
Gland Preservation in Patients Undergoing Sialoendoscopy
Authors: Achim Virginie , Light Tyler J. , Andersen Peter E. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveSialoendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of obstructive sialadenitis. We aim to describe treatment considerations and report our ultimate rate of gland preservation.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAcademic tertiary hospital.Subject and MethodsA total of 128 consecutive sialoendoscopy cases for obstructive sialadenitis between 2009 and 2015 were evaluated. Procedures included endoscopic stricture dilation, basket‐assisted stone retrieval, Holmium laser lithotripsy, and combined endoscopic transoral stone excision. Resolution of symptoms, need for additional procedures, and rate of subsequent adenectomy were investigated.ResultsSialoendoscopy was completed in 120 of 128 patients (94%). There were 87 parotid gland cases and 41 submandibular gland cases. Endoscopic stricture dilation was attempted in 97 patients and successful in 99%. A sialolith was identified in 31 cases and removed by basket‐assisted stone retrieval (10 cases), Holmium:YAG laser stone fragmentation (10 cases), and combined endoscopic transoral stone extraction (4 cases). In 8 cases overall, sialoendoscopy failed, with immediate adenectomy. At a mean follow‐up of 18 months, 39 patients (33%) reported recurrence of symptoms, with 90% in the stricture group. For the entire cohort, gland preservation occurred in 112 of 128 patients (88%).ConclusionsSialoendoscopy is an effective technique, with few patients requiring additional procedures. Newer interventional approaches allow for stone retrieval without adenectomy. Patients in the stricture group were more likely to have recurrent symptoms as compared with the sialolithiasis group but often benefit from additional sialoendoscopic procedures, leading to a high overall rate of long‐term gland preservation of 91%.
Association between Nasal Obstruction and Risk of Depression in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Phillips Katie M. , Hoehle Lloyd P. , Bergmark Regan W. , Campbell Adam P. , Caradonna David S. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with an increased risk for depression. Since nasal obstruction is a symptom of CRS that is treatable, we sought to characterize its impact on the risk for depression in CRS.Study DesignProspective cross‐sectional cohort of 94 patients with CRS.SettingAcademic tertiary care rhinology clinic.Subjects and MethodsPatients with CRS without vasculitis, cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, immunodeficiency, or sinonasal malignancy. Risk for depression was assessed with the 2‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐2) while nasal obstruction was assessed with the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) instrument. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to seek association between NOSE and PHQ‐2 scores. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves defined a NOSE threshold for detecting participants with PHQ‐2 greater than 1.ResultsOf the 94 participants, the mean NOSE score was 47.3, and 29.8% of patients had a PHQ‐2 score greater than 1. We found an elevated NOSE score was associated with having a PHQ‐2 score greater than 1 (adjusted odds ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.05; P =. 001). Alternatively, a 23‐point increase in NOSE score was associated with a 1.5‐fold increase in PHQ‐2 score (adjusted relative risk, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.03; P <. 001). ROC analysis identified an optimal NOSE threshold of 42.5 for detecting participants with PHQ‐2 greater than 1, with 82.1% sensitivity and 50.0% specificity.ConclusionsThe impact of nasal obstruction is associated with an increased risk for depression in patients with CRS. Assessing for severe nasal obstruction may help to identify those patients with CRS with the highest risk for depression.