bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A concept map of death-related anxieties in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Vehling Sigrun , Malfitano Carmine , Shnall Joanna , Watt Sarah , Panday Tania , Chiu Aubrey , Rydall Anne , Zimmermann Camilla , Hales Sarah , Rodin Gary , Lo Christopher 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesFear of death and dying is common in patients with advanced cancer, but can be difficult to address in clinical conversations. We aimed to show that the experience of death anxiety may be deconstructed into a network of specific concerns and to provide a map of their interconnections to aid clinical exploration.MethodsWe studied a sample of 382 patients with advanced cancer recruited from outpatient clinics at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada. Patients completed the 15-item Death and Dying Distress Scale (DADDS). We used item ratings to estimate a regularised partial correlation network of death and dying-related concerns. We calculated node closeness-centrality, clustering and global network characteristics.ResultsDeath-related anxieties were highly frequent, each associated with at least moderate distress in 22%–55% of patients. Distress about ‘Running out of time’ was a central concern in the network. The network was organised into two areas: one about more practical fears concerning the process of dying and another about more psychosocial or existential concerns including relational problems, uncertainty about the future and missed opportunities. Both areas were yet closely connected by bridges which, for example, linked fear of suffering and a prolonged death to fear of burdening others.ConclusionsPatients with advanced cancer may have many interconnected death-related fears that can be patterned in individual ways. The bridging links between more practical and more psychosocial concerns emphasise that the alleviation of death anxiety may require interventions that integrate symptom management, advance care planning and psychological treatment approaches.
Tumour front inflammation and necrosis are independent prognostic predictors in high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Hodgson Anjelica , Xu Bin , Satkunasivam Raj , Downes Michelle R 
Published: August 2017

AimsInflammation and necrosis have been associated with prognosis in multiple epithelial malignancies. Our objective was to evaluate inflammation and necrosis in a cohort of patients with high-grade urothelial carcinomas of the bladder to determine their association with pathological parameters and their prognostic effect on relapse-free and disease-specific survival.MethodsA retrospective cohort that underwent radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinomas (n=235) was evaluated for invasive front and central inflammation using the Klintrup-Makinen assessment method. Necrosis was scored using a four-point scale. The relationship of inflammation and necrosis with stage, nodal status, carcinoma in situ, tumour size, margin status and vascular space invasion and the impact on relapse-free and disease-specific survival were calculated using appropriate statistical tests.ResultsOn multivariate analysis, invasive front inflammation (p=0.003) and necrosis (p=0.000) were independent predictors of relapse-free survival. Both invasive front inflammation (p=0.009) and necrosis (p=0.002) again were independent predictors of disease-specific survival. For pathological features, low invasive front inflammation was associated with lymphovascular space invasion (p=0.008), a positive soft tissue margin (p=0.028) and carcinoma in situ (p=0.042). Necrosis was statistically associated with tumours >3â€‰cm in size (p=0.013) and carcinoma in situ (p<0.001).ConclusionsNecrosis and invasive front inflammation are additional histological variables with independent prognostic relevance in high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
Sofia intermediate catheter and the SNAKE technique: safety and efficacy of the Sofia catheter without guidewire or microcatheter construct
Authors: Heit Jeremy J , Wong Johnny HY , Mofaff Adrienne M , Telischak Nicholas A , Dodd Robert L , Marks Michael P , Do Huy M 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundNeurointerventional surgeries (NIS) benefit from supportive endovascular constructs. Sofia is a soft-tipped, flexible, braided single lumen intermediate catheter designed for NIS. Sofia advancement from the cervical to the intracranial circulation without a luminal guidewire or microcatheter construct has not been described.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new Sofia Non-wire Advancement techniKE (SNAKE) for advancement of the Sofia into the cerebral circulation.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent NIS using Sofia were identified. Patient information, SNAKE use, and patient outcome were determined from electronic medical records. Sofia advancement to the cavernous internal carotid artery or the V2/V3 segment junction of the vertebral artery was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included arterial vasospasm and arterial dissection.Results263 Patients (181 females, 69%) who underwent a total of 305 NIS using Sofia were identified. SNAKE (SNAKE+) was used in 187 procedures (61%). Two hundred and ninety-three procedures (96%) were technically successful, which included 184 SNAKE+ NIS and 109 SNAKE− NIS. Primary outcome was achieved in all SNAKE+ procedures, but not in five SNAKE− procedures (2%). No arterial dissections were identified among 305 interventions. In the intracranial circulation, a single SNAKE+ patient (0.5%) had non-flow limiting arterial vasospasm involving the petrous internal carotid. Three SNAKE+ patients (1.6%) and one SNAKE− patient (0.8%) demonstrated external carotid artery branch artery vasospasm during dural arteriovenous fistula or facial arteriovenous malformation treatment.ConclusionSNAKE is a safe and effective technique for Sofia advancement. Sofia is a highly effective and safe intermediate catheter for a variety of NIS.
Rabbit aneurysm models mimic histologic wall types identified in human intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Wang Shunli , Dai Daying , Kolumam Parameswaran Praveen , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Ding Yong-Hong , Robertson Anne M , Kallmes David F 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundSemiquantitative scales correlate histopathologic findings in the walls of human aneurysms with rupture status.ObjectiveTo apply a semiquantitative scale to the rabbit elastase-induced aneurysm model to determine whether rabbit histologic types mimic the full range of histologic subtypes of humans.Materials and methodsTwenty-seven elastase-induced female rabbit aneurysms were studied, harvested at 2 weeks (n=5) and 12 weeks (n=22). Paraffin-embedded sections received hematoxylin-eosin and Verhoeff-Van Gieson staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed for α-smooth muscle actin and CD31 for endothelial cells. A semiquantitative scale was used for scoring based on human aneurysm tissue, divided into four subtypes according to cellular and extracellular matrix findings: type A, linear organized smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and intact endothelium; type B, thickened wall with disorganized, proliferating SMCs; type C, thick, collagenized and hypocellular wall with or without organizing thrombosis, and type D, extremely thin, hypocellular wall. Separate scoring was performed of the aneurysm neck and proximal and distal zones.ResultsFindings compatible with all subtypes of human aneurysm tissue were identified. Types A and C were found in 13 (48%) and 11 (41%) of 27 aneurysms and in the proximal and distal wall at both time points. Type B was found in 16 aneurysms (59%), exclusively at the neck at both time points; type D, in 14 aneurysms (52%), exclusively at proximal and distal zones of 12-week aneurysms.ConclusionsThe wall of elastase-induced rabbit aneurysm demonstrates histologic findings similar to the four categories of human cerebral aneurysms based on cellular and extracellular wall content.
Co-injection of mesenchymal stem cells with endothelial progenitor cells accelerates muscle recovery in hind limb ischemia through an endoglin-dependent mechanism
Authors: Rossi Elisa , Goyard Céline , Cras Audrey , Dizier Blandine , Bacha Nour , Lokajczyk Anna , Guerin Coralie , Gendron Nicolas , Planquette Benjamin , Mignon Virginie , Bernabeu Carmelo , Sanchez Olivier , Smadja David 
Published: August 2017

SummaryEndothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are progenitor cells committed to endothelial lineages and have robust vasculogenic properties. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been described to support ECFC-mediated angiogenic processes in various matrices. However, MSC-ECFC interactions in hind limb ischemia (HLI) are largely unknown. Here we examined whether co-administration of ECFCs and MSCs bolsters vasculogenic activity in nude mice with HLI. In addition, as we have previously shown that endoglin is a key adhesion molecule, we evaluated its involvement in ECFC/MSC interaction. Foot perfusion increased on day 7 after ECFC injection and was even better at 14 days. Co-administration of MSCs significantly increased vessel density and foot perfusion on day 7 but the differences were no longer significant at day 14. Analysis of mouse and human CD31, and in situ hybridization of the human ALU sequence, showed enhanced capillary density in ECFC+MSC mice. When ECFCs were silenced for endoglin, coinjection with MSCs led to lower vessel density and foot perfusion at both 7 and 14 days (p<0.001). Endoglin silencing in ECFCs did not affect MSC differentiation into perivascular cells or other mesenchymal lineages. Endoglin silencing markedly inhibited ECFC adhesion to MSCs. Thus, MSCs, when combined with ECFCs, accelerate muscle recovery in a mouse model of hind limb ischemia, through an endoglindependent mechanism.Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Comparison of clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer and age-adjusted D-dimer interpretation to exclude venous thromboembolism
Authors: Julian Jim , Linkins Lori-Ann , Bates Shannon , Kearon Clive , Lapner Sarah Takach 
Published: August 2017

SummaryTwo new strategies for interpreting D-dimer results have been proposed: i) using a progressively higher D-dimer threshold with increasing age (age-adjusted strategy) and ii) using a D-dimer threshold in patients with low clinical probability that is twice the threshold used in patients with moderate clinical probability (clinical probability-adjusted strategy). Our objective was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of age-adjusted and clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer interpretation in patients with a low or moderate clinical probability of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical data and blood samples from two prospective studies. We compared the negative predictive value (NPV) for VTE, and the proportion of patients with a negative D-dimer result, using two D-dimer interpretation strategies: the age-adjusted strategy, which uses a progressively higher D-dimer threshold with increasing age over 50 years (age in years × 10 µg/L FEU); and the clinical probability-adjusted strategy which uses a D-dimer threshold of 1000 µg/L FEU in patients with low clinical probability and 500 µg/L FEU in patients with moderate clinical probability. A total of 1649 outpatients with low or moderate clinical probability for a first suspected deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism were included. The NPV of both the clinical probability-adjusted strategy (99.7%) and the age-adjusted strategy (99.6%) were similar. However, the proportion of patients with a negative result was greater with the clinical probability-adjusted strategy (56.1% vs, 50.9%; difference 5.2%; 95% CI 3.5% to 6.8%). These findings suggest that clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer interpretation is a better way of interpreting D-dimer results compared to age-adjusted interpretation.
Low Endothelial Shear Stress Predicts Evolution to High-Risk Coronary Plaque Phenotype in the Future
Authors: Yamamoto Erika , Siasos Gerasimos , Zaromytidou Marina , Coskun Ahmet U. , Xing Lei , Bryniarski Krzysztof , Zanchin Thomas , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Lee Hang , Stone Peter H. , Jang Ik-Kyung 
Published: August 2017

Background—
Low endothelial shear stress (ESS) is associated with plaque progression and vulnerability. To date, changes in plaque phenotype over time in relation to ESS have not been studied in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate whether local ESS can predict subsequent changes to plaque phenotype using optical coherence tomography.

Methods and Results—

A total of 25 coronary arteries from 20 patients who underwent baseline and 6-month follow-up optical coherence tomography were included. Arteries were divided into serial 3-mm segments, and plaque characteristics were evaluated in each segment. A total of 145 segments were divided into low-ESS group (ESS <1 Pa) and higher-ESS group (ESS ≥1 Pa) based on baseline computational flow dynamics analyses. At baseline, low-ESS segments had significantly thinner fibrous cap thickness compared with higher-ESS segments (128.2±12.3 versus 165.0±12.0 μm;
P
=0.03), although lipid arc was similar. At follow-up, fibrous cap thickness remained thin in low-ESS segments, whereas it significantly increased in higher-ESS segments (165.0±12.0 to 182.2±14.1 μm;
P
=0.04). Lipid arc widened only in plaques with low ESS (126.4±15.2° to 141.1±14.0°;
P
=0.01). After adjustment, baseline ESS was associated with fibrous cap thickness (β, 9.089; 95% confidence interval, 2.539–15.640;
P
=0.007) and lipid arc (β, −4.381; 95% confidence interval, −6.946 to −1.815;
P
=0.001) at follow-up.

Conclusions—
Low ESS is significantly associated with baseline high-risk plaque phenotype and progression to higher-risk phenotype at 6 months.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01110538.
Factors Associated With Time to Site Activation, Randomization, and Enrollment Performance in a Stroke Prevention Trial
Authors: Demaerschalk Bart M. , Brown Robert D. , Roubin Gary S. , Howard Virginia J. , Cesko Eldina , Barrett Kevin M. , Longbottom Mary E. , Voeks Jenifer H. , Chaturvedi Seemant , Brott Thomas G. , Lal Brajesh K. , Meschia James F. , Howard George 
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose—
Multicenter clinical trials attempt to select sites that can move rapidly to randomization and enroll sufficient numbers of patients. However, there are few assessments of the success of site selection.

Methods—
In the CREST-2 (Carotid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Trials), we assess factors associated with the time between site selection and authorization to randomize, the time between authorization to randomize and the first randomization, and the average number of randomizations per site per month. Potential factors included characteristics of the site, specialty of the principal investigator, and site type.

Results—
For 147 sites, the median time between site selection to authorization to randomize was 9.9 months (interquartile range, 7.7, 12.4), and factors associated with early site activation were not identified. The median time between authorization to randomize and a randomization was 4.6 months (interquartile range, 2.6, 10.5). Sites with authorization to randomize in only the carotid endarterectomy study were slower to randomize, and other factors examined were not significantly associated with time-to-randomization. The recruitment rate was 0.26 (95% confidence interval, 0.23–0.28) patients per site per month. By univariate analysis, factors associated with faster recruitment were authorization to randomize in both trials, principal investigator specialties of interventional radiology and cardiology, pre-trial reported performance >50 carotid angioplasty and stenting procedures per year, status in the top half of recruitment in the CREST trial, and classification as a private health facility. Participation in StrokeNet was associated with slower recruitment as compared with the non-StrokeNet sites.

Conclusions—
Overall, selection of sites with high enrollment rates will likely require customization to align the sites selected to the factor under study in the trial.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02089217.
MicroRNA Changes in Cerebrospinal Fluid After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Bache Søren , Rasmussen Rune , Rossing Maria , Laigaard Finn Pedersen , Nielsen Finn Cilius , Møller Kirsten 
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose—
Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) accounts for a major part of the morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are pathophysiologically involved in acute cerebral ischemia. This study compared miRNA profiles in cerebrospinal fluid from neurologically healthy patients, as well as SAH patients with and without subsequent development of DCI.

Methods—
In a prospective case–control study of SAH patients treated with external ventricular drainage and neurologically healthy patients, miRNA profiles in cerebrospinal fluid were screened and validated using 2 different high-throughput real-time quantification polymerase chain reaction techniques. The occurrence of DCI was documented in patient charts and subsequently reviewed independently by 2 physicians.

Results—

MiRNA profiles from 27 SAH patients and 10 neurologically healthy patients passed quality control. In the validation, 66 miRNAs showed a relative increase in cerebrospinal fluid from SAH patients compared with neurologically healthy patients (
P
<0.001); 2 (miR-21 and miR-221) showed a relative increase in SAH patients with DCI compared with those without (
P
<0.05) in both the screening and validation.

Conclusions—
SAH is associated with marked changes in the cerebrospinal fluid miRNA profile. These changes could be associated to the development of DCI.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01791257.
Processing of Ice Cloud In Situ Data Collected by Bulk Water, Scattering, and Imaging Probes: Fundamentals, Uncertainties, and Efforts toward Consistency
Authors: McFarquhar Greg M. , Baumgardner Darrel , Bansemer Aaron , Abel Steven J. , Crosier Jonathan , French Jeff , Rosenberg Phil , Korolev Alexei , Schwarzoenboeck Alfons , Leroy Delphine , Um Junshik , Wu Wei , Heymsfield Andrew J. , Twohy Cynthia , Detwiler Andrew , Field Paul , Neumann Andrea , Cotton Richard , Axisa Duncan , Dong Jiayin 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
In situ observations of cloud properties made by airborne probes play a critical role in ice cloud research through their role in process studies, parameterization development, and evaluation of simulations and remote sensing retrievals. To determine how cloud properties vary with environmental conditions, in situ data collected during different field projects processed by different groups must be used. However, because of the diverse algorithms and codes that are used to process measurements, it can be challenging to compare the results. Therefore it is vital to understand both the limitations of specific probes and uncertainties introduced by processing algorithms. Since there is currently no universally accepted framework regarding how in situ measurements should be processed, there is a need for a general reference that describes the most commonly applied algorithms along with their strengths and weaknesses. Methods used to process data from bulk water probes, single-particle light-scattering spectrometers and cloud-imaging probes are reviewed herein, with emphasis on measurements of the ice phase. Particular attention is paid to how uncertainties, caveats, and assumptions in processing algorithms affect derived products since there is currently no consensus on the optimal way of analyzing data. Recommendations for improving the analysis and interpretation of in situ data include the following: establishment of a common reference library of individual processing algorithms, better documentation of assumptions used in these algorithms, development and maintenance of sustainable community software for processing in situ observations, and more studies that compare different algorithms with the same benchmark datasets.
Longitudinal Perioperative Pain Assessment in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Authors: Buchakjian Marisa R. , Davis Andrew B. , Sciegienka Sebastian J. , Pagedar Nitin A. , Sperry Steven M. 
Published: August 2017

Objective:To evaluate perioperative pain in patients undergoing major head and neck cancer surgery and identify associations between preoperative and postoperative pain characteristics.Methods:Patients undergoing head and neck surgery with regional/free tissue transfer were enrolled. Preoperative pain and validated screens for symptoms (neuropathic pain, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia) were assessed. Postoperatively, patients completed a pain diary for 4 weeks.Results:Twenty-seven patients were enrolled. Seventy-eight percent had pain prior to surgery, and for 38%, the pain had neuropathic characteristics. Thirteen patients (48%) completed at least 2 weeks of the postoperative pain diary. Patients with moderate/severe preoperative pain report significantly greater pain scores postoperatively, though daily pain decreased at a similar linear rate for all patients. Patients with more severe preoperative pain consumed greater amounts of opioids postoperatively, and this correlated with daily postoperative pain scores. Patients who screened positive for neuropathic pain also reported worse postoperative pain.Conclusion:Longitudinal perioperative pain assessment in head and neck patients undergoing surgery suggests that patients with worse preoperative pain continue to endorse worse pain postoperatively and require more narcotics. Patients with preoperative neuropathic pain also report poor pain control postoperatively, suggesting an opportunity to identify these patients and intervene with empiric neuropathic pain treatment.
Slant Perception Under Stereomicroscopy
Authors: Horvath Samantha , Macdonald Kori , Galeotti John , Klatzky Roberta L. 
Published: August 2017

Objective These studies used threshold and slant-matching tasks to assess and quantitatively measure human perception of 3-D planar images viewed through a stereomicroscope. The results are intended for use in developing augmented-reality surgical aids. Background Substantial research demonstrates that slant perception is performed with high accuracy from monocular and binocular cues, but less research concerns the effects of magnification. Viewing through a microscope affects the utility of monocular and stereo slant cues, but its impact is as yet unknown. Method Participants performed in a threshold slant-detection task and matched the slant of a tool to a surface. Different stimuli and monocular versus binocular viewing conditions were implemented to isolate stereo cues alone, stereo with perspective cues, accommodation cue only, and cues intrinsic to optical-coherence-tomography images. Results At magnification of 5x, slant thresholds with stimuli providing stereo cues approximated those reported for direct viewing, about 12°. Most participants (75%) who passed a stereoacuity pretest could match a tool to the slant of a surface viewed with stereo at 5x magnification, with mean compressive error of about 20% for optimized surfaces. Slant matching to optical coherence tomography images of the cornea viewed under the microscope was also demonstrated. Conclusion Despite the distortions and cue loss introduced by viewing under the stereomicroscope, most participants were able to detect and interact with slanted surfaces. Application The experiments demonstrated sensitivity to surface slant that supports the development of augmented-reality systems to aid microscope-aided surgery.