bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PTED study: design of a non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) versus open microdiscectomy for patients with a symptomatic lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Seiger Ankie , Gadjradj Pravesh S , Harhangi Biswadjiet S , van Susante Job LC , Peul Wilco C. , van Tulder Maurits W , de Boer Michiel R , Rubinstein Sidney M 
Published: December 2017

IntroductionLumbosacral radicular syndrome is often caused by a disc herniation. The standard surgical technique to remove a disc herniation is open microdiscectomy. An alternative technique is percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED), which is less invasive. In the Netherlands, PTED is not currently considered as standard care, and therefore not reimbursed within public health insurance. A pragmatic, multicentre, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial has been designed to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of PTED versus open microdiscectomy for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.Method and analysisIn total, 682 patients between 18 and 70 years of age with >10 weeks of radiating pain or with >6 weeks of excessive radiating pain are to be recruited from participating centres. Patients must have an indication for surgery based on an MRI demonstrating compression of the nerve root from a lumbar disc herniation. Patients are to be randomised to PTED or open microdiscectomy. The primary outcome is self-reported leg pain measured by the 0–100 mm Visual Analogue Scale. Secondary outcomes include self-reported health and functional status, back pain, self-perceived recovery and a physical examination. Outcomes will be measured the day following surgery, at 2, 4 and 6 weeks, and at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 months. Physical examination will be performed at 6 weeks, and 3 and 12 months. An economic evaluation will be performed from a societal perspective and cost questionnaires will be used (eg, EQ-5D-5L). The data will be analysed longitudinally; the non-inferiority margin for the primary outcome is 5. Bootstrapping techniques will be used for the economic evaluation.Ethics and disseminationThis study has received approval of the Medical Ethical Committee of the VU Medical Centre Amsterdam: NL50951.029.14. The results will be published in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal.Trial registration numberNCT02602093; Pre-results, recruiting stage.
Clinical characteristics, one-year change in ejection fraction and long-term outcomes in patients with heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction: a multicentre prospective observational study in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Farré Nuria , Lupon Josep , Roig Eulàlia , Gonzalez-Costello Jose , Vila Joan , Perez Silvia , de Antonio Marta , Solé-González Eduard , Sánchez-Enrique Cristina , Moliner Pedro , Ruiz Sonia , Enjuanes C , Mirabet Sonia , Bayés-Genís Antoni , Comin-Colet Josep 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse baseline characteristics and outcome of patients with heart failure and mid-range left ventricular ejection fraction (HFmrEF, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 40%–49%) and the effect of 1-year change in LVEF in this group.SettingMulticentre prospective observational study of ambulatory patients with HF followed up at four university hospitals with dedicated HF units.ParticipantsFourteen per cent (n=504) of the 3580 patients included had HFmrEF.InterventionsBaseline characteristics, 1-year LVEF and outcomes were collected. All-cause death, HF hospitalisation and the composite end-point were the primary outcomes.ResultsMedian follow-up was 3.66 (1.69–6.04) years. All-cause death, HF hospitalisation and the composite end-point were 47%, 35% and 59%, respectively. Outcomes were worse in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (LVEF>50%), without differences between HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (LVEF<40%) and HFmrEF (all-cause mortality 52.6% vs 45.8% and 43.8%, respectively, P=0.001). After multivariable Cox regression analyses, no differences in all-cause death and the composite end-point were seen between the three groups. HF hospitalisation and cardiovascular death were not statistically different between patients with HFmrEF and HFrEF. At 1-year follow-up, 62% of patients with HFmrEF had LVEF measured: 24% had LVEF<40%, 43% maintained LVEF 40%–49% and 33% had LVEF>50%. While change in LVEF as continuous variable was not associated with better outcomes, those patients who evolved from HFmrEF to HFpEF did have a better outcome. Those who remained in the HFmrEF and HFrEF groups had higher all-cause mortality after adjustment for age, sex and baseline LVEF (HR 1.96 (95% CI 1.08 to 3.54, P=0.027) and HR 2.01 (95% CI 1.04 to 3.86, P=0.037), respectively).ConclusionsPatients with HFmrEF have a clinical profile in-between HFpEF and HFrEF, without differences in all-cause mortality and the composite end-point between the three groups. At 1 year, patients with HFmrEF exhibited the greatest variability in LVEF and this change was associated with survival.
Analysis of countercurrent diffusion exchange in blood vessels of the renal medulla
Authors: Marsh D. J. , Segel L. A. 
Published: December 2017

Page 817: D. J. Marsh and L. A. Segel. "Analysis of countercurrent diffusion exchange in blood vessels of the renal medulla." Page 822, column 2, lines 13 and 14 should read, in lower case roman, paragraphed and run in, "The method used to measure linear flow speed tracks erythrocytes." Page 826, column 1, the equation in footnote 1 should read: (See PDF) Page 826, the figure labeled Fig. 5 is Fig. 6; the figure labeled Fig. 6 is Fig. 5. The legends are correct.
Ca-induced Ca release: lessons regarding cell models
Authors: Harder David R. 
Published: December 2017

This essay looks at the historical significance of an APS classic paper that is freely available online: Fabiato A. Calcium-induced release of calcium from the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 245: C1–C14, 1983 ( http://ajpcell.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/245/1/C1 ).
Letters to the Editor
Authors: Mazess Richard B. 
Published: December 2017

The following is the abstract of the article discussed in the subsequent letter: Bracco, David, Daniel Thiébaud, René L. Chioléro, Michel Landry, Peter Burckhardt, and Yves Schutz.Segmental body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and DEXA in humans. J. Appl. Physiol. 81(6): 2580–2587, 1996.—The present study assessed the relative contribution of each body segment to whole body fat-free mass (FFM) and impedance and explored the use of segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate segmental tissue composition. Multiple frequencies of whole body and segmental impedances were measured in 51 normal and overweight women. Segmental tissue composition was independently assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The sum of the segmental impedance values corresponded to the whole body value (100.5 ± 1.9% at 50 kHz). The arms and legs contributed to 47.6 and 43.0%, respectively, of whole body impedance at 50 kHz, whereas they represented only 10.6 and 34.8% of total FFM, as determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The trunk averaged 10.0% of total impedance but represented 48.2% of FFM. For each segment, there was an excellent correlation between the specific impedance index (length2/impedance) and FFM ( r = 0.55, 0.62, and 0.64 for arm, trunk, and leg, respectively). The specific resistivity was in a similar range for the limbs (159 ± 23 cm for the arm and 193 ± 39 cm for the leg at 50 kHz) but was higher for the trunk (457 ± 71 cm). This study shows the potential interest of segmental body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis and provides specific segmental body composition equations for use in normal and overweight women.
Letters to the Editor
Authors: Ferretti Guido 
Published: December 2017

The following is the abstract of the article discussed in the subsequent letter: Koga, Shunsaku, Tomoyuki Shiojiri, Narihiko Kondo, and Thomas J. Barstow. Effect of increased muscle temperature on oxygen uptake kinetics during exercise. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(4): 1333–1338, 1997.—To test whether increased muscle temperature (Tm) would improve O2 uptake (V˙o 2) kinetics, seven men performed transitions from rest to a moderate work rate [below the estimated lactate threshold (LTest)] and a heavy work rate (V˙o 2 = 50% of the difference between LTest and peakV˙o 2) under conditions of normal Tm (N) and increased Tm (H), produced by wearing hot water-perfused pants before exercise. Quadriceps Tm was significantly higher in H, but rectal temperature was similar for the two conditions. There were no significant differences in the amplitudes of the fast component ofV˙o 2 or in the time constants of the on and off transients for moderate and heavy exercise between the two conditions. The increment inV˙o 2 between the 3rd and 6th min of heavy exercise was slightly but significantly smaller for H than for N. These data suggest that elevated Tm before exercise onset, which would have been expected to increase O2delivery and off-loading to the muscle, had no appreciable effect on the fast exponential component ofV˙o 2 kinetics (invariant time constant). These data further suggest that elevated Tm does not contribute to the slow component ofV˙o 2 during heavy exercise.
Maternal and Cord Blood Adiponectin Concentrations in Small for Gestational Age: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Goto Eita 
Published: December 2017

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Adiponectin, which may have a growth-promoting effect through its insulin-sensitizing action, is thought to play a key role in fetal growth. This study was performed to determine whether maternal and/or cord blood adiponectin concentrations differ between small for gestational age (SGA) and healthy controls. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Databases were searched to identify good quality English language studies providing the number of SGA and healthy controls, and the means and standard deviations of maternal or cord blood adiponectin concentration in both groups. A meta-analysis was performed to summarize the standardized mean differences (SMDs) in maternal and cord blood adiponectin concentrations between SGA and healthy controls. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was no statistically significant difference in maternal blood adiponectin concentration between SGA and healthy controls (<i>n</i> = 8, <i>p</i> = 0.951). However, cord blood adiponectin concentration was significantly lower in SGA than in healthy controls (<i>n</i> = 6, <i>p</i> = 0.028), and the effect was large (i.e., SMD &#x3e;0.7). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Maternal blood adiponectin concentration is not low in SGA compared with healthy controls. However, SGA shows lower cord blood adiponectin concentration than healthy controls.
O edifício sede da Pavan Engenharia e Indústria projetado por Vilanova Artigas em São Paulo
Authors: Florio Wilson , Tagliari Ana 
Published: December 2017

Durante os anos de 2012 e 2014, foi realizada a pesquisa “Análise de projetos não construídos de Vilanova Artigas”, com o apoio do CNPq, na qual foram analisados doze projetos não construídos de Vilanova Artigas disponíveis no acervo digital da Biblioteca da Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade de São Paulo, a partir de simulações e animações computacionais, no objetivo de se investigar esses espaços por meio dos passeios virtuais, além de relacioná-los com exemplares de sua obra construída, agregando esse conhecimento ao tema. Este texto apresenta parte dessa pesquisa com a análise do projeto do edifício sede da Pavan Engenharia Ltda., concebido em 1972, que seria construído na cidade de São Paulo. O objetivo deste texto é apresentar os resultados da pesquisa realizada, especificamente sobre esse projeto selecionado, realçando o material inédito, os procedimentos de pesquisa, a metodologia de investigação dos projetos, a análise realizada, os resultados obtidos, a discussão e a relação com a obra do arquiteto. Pudemos constatar a importância das novas tecnologias para o auxílio no processo de análise e representação de projetos não construídos. Sobre os resultados atingidos, é possível concluir que a pesquisa contribui para o enriquecimento do debate em torno da arquitetura de Vilanova Artigas, agregando material original a partir de fontes primárias, que permitem a interpretação e investigação da obra desse grande arquiteto.
Effect of Smoking and Folate Levels on the Efficacy of Folic Acid Therapy in Prevention of Stroke in Hypertensive Men
Authors: Zhou Ziyi , Li Jianping , Yu Yaren , Li Youbao , Zhang Yan , Liu Lishun , Song Yun , Zhao Min , Wang Yu , Tang Genfu , He Mingli , Xu Xiping , Cai Yefeng , Dong Qiang , Yin Delu , Huang Xiao , Cheng Xiaoshu , Wang Binyan , Hou Fan Fan , Wang Xiaobin , Qin Xianhui , Huo Yong 
Published: December 2017

Background and Purpose—
We aimed to examine whether the efficacy of folic acid therapy in the primary prevention of stroke is jointly affected by smoking status and baseline folate levels in a male population in a post hoc analysis of the CSPPT (China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial).

Methods—
Eligible participants of the CSPPT were randomly assigned to a double-blind daily treatment of a combined enalapril 10-mg and folic acid 0.8-mg tablet or an enalapril 10-mg tablet alone. In total, 8384 male participants of the CSPPT were included in the current analyses. The primary outcome was first stroke.

Results—

The median treatment duration was 4.5 years. In the enalapril-alone group, the first stroke risk varied by baseline folate levels and smoking status (never versus ever). Specifically, there was an inverse association between folate levels and first stroke in never smokers (
P
for linear trend=0.043). However, no such association was found in ever smokers. A test for interaction between baseline folate levels and smoking status on first stroke was significant (
P
=0.045). In the total sample, folic acid therapy significantly reduced the risk of first stroke in never smokers with folate deficiency (hazard risk, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.83) and in ever smokers with normal folate levels (hazard risk, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.48–0.99).

Conclusions—
Baseline folate levels and smoking status can interactively affect the risk of first stroke. Our data suggest that compared with never smokers, ever smokers may require a higher dosage of folic acid to achieve a greater beneficial effect on stroke. Our findings need to be confirmed by future randomized trials.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00794885.
Dihydrolipoic Acid Inhibits Lysosomal Rupture and NLRP3 Through Lysosome-Associated Membrane Protein-1/Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II/TAK1 Pathways After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rat
Authors: Zhou Keren , Enkhjargal Budbazar , Xie Zhiyi , Sun Chengmei , Wu Lingyun , Malaguit Jay , Chen Sheng , Tang Jiping , Zhang Jianmin , Zhang John H. 
Published: December 2017

Background and Purpose—
The NLRP3 (nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome is a crucial component of the inflammatory response in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In this study, we investigated a role of dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) in lysosomal rupture, NLRP3 activation, and determined the underlying pathway.

Methods—
SAH was induced by endovascular perforation in male Sprague–Dawley rats. DHLA was administered intraperitoneally 1 hour after SAH. Small interfering RNA for lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 and CaMKIIα (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II α) was administered through intracerebroventricular 48 hours before SAH induction. SAH grade evaluation, short- and long-term neurological function testing, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining experiments were performed.

Results—
DHLA treatment increased the expression of lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 and decreased phosphorylated CaMKIIα and NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby alleviating neurological deficits after SAH. Lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 small interfering RNA abolished the neuroprotective effects of DHLA and increased the level of phosphorylated CaMKIIα, p-TAK1 (phosphorylated transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase), p-JNK (phosphorylated c-Jun-N-terminal kinase), and NLRP3 inflammasome. CaMKIIα small interfering RNA downregulated the expression of p-TAK1, p-JNK, and NLRP3 and improved the neurobehavior after SAH.

Conclusions—
DHLA treatment improved neurofunction and alleviated inflammation through the lysosome-associated membrane protein-1/CaMKII/TAK1 pathway in early brain injury after SAH. DHLA may provide a promising treatment to alleviate early brain injury after SAH.
Bone disease in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: results from a screened population-based study
Authors: Thorsteinsdottir Sigrun , Lund Sigrun H. , Lindqvist Ebba K. , Thordardottir Marianna , Sigurdsson Gunnar , Costello Rene , Burton Debra , Steingrimsdottir Hlif , Gudnason Vilmundur , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Siggeirsdottir Kristin , Harris Tamara B. , Landgren Ola , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y. 
Published: December 2017

Key PointsIndividuals with MGUS did not have a decreased BMD compared with others in a screened population. Individuals with MGUS had an increased bone volume at the hip and lumbar spine compared with others.
Circulating Tumor Cell Number as a Response Measure of Prolonged Survival for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Comparison With Prostate-Specific Antigen Across Five Randomized Phase III Clinical Trials
Authors: Heller Glenn , McCormack Robert , Kheoh Thian , Molina Arturo , Smith Matthew R. , Dreicer Robert , Saad Fred , de Wit Ronald , Aftab Dana T. , Hirmand Mohammad , Limon Ana , Fizazi Karim , Fleisher Martin , de Bono Johann S. , Scher Howard I. 
Published: December 2017

Purpose Measures of response that are clinically meaningful and occur early are an unmet need in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer clinical research and practice. We explored, using individual patient data, week 13 circulating tumor cell (CTC) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response end points in five prospective randomized phase III trials that enrolled a total of 6,081 patients—COU-AA-301, AFFIRM, ELM-PC-5, ELM-PC-4, and COMET-1— ClinicalTrials.Gov identifiers: NCT00638690, NCT00974311, NCT01193257, NCT01193244, and NCT01605227, respectively. Methods Eight response end points were explored. CTC nonzero at baseline and 0 at 13 weeks (CTC0); CTC conversion (≥ 5 CTCs at baseline, ≤ 4 at 13 weeks—the US Food and Drug Administration cleared response measure); a 30%, 50%, and 70% decrease in CTC count; and a 30%, 50%, and 70% decrease in PSA level. Patients missing week-13 values were considered nonresponders. The discriminatory strength of each end point with respect to overall survival in each trial was assessed using the weighted c-index. Results Of the eight response end points, CTC0 and CTC conversion had the highest weighted c-indices, with smaller standard deviations. For CTC0, the mean (standard deviation) was 0.81 (0.04); for CTC conversion, 0.79 (0.03); for 30% decrease in CTC count, 0.72 (0.06); for 50% decrease in CTC count, 0.72 (0.06); for 70% decrease in CTC count, 0.73 (0.05); for 30% decrease in PSA level, 0.71 (0.03); for 50% decrease in PSA level, 0.72 (0.06); and for 70% decrease in PSA level, 0.74 (0.05). Seventy-five percent of eligible patients could be evaluated with the CTC0 end point, compared with 51% with the CTC conversion end point. Conclusion The CTC0 and CTC conversion end points had the highest discriminatory power for overall survival. Both are robust and meaningful response end points for early-phase metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer clinical trials. CTC0 is applicable to a significantly higher percentage of patients than CTC conversion.
99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT for the characterization of renal masses: a pictorial guide
Authors: Campbell Scott P , Tzortzakakis Antonios , Javadi Mehrbod S , Karlsson Mattias , Solnes Lilja B , Axelsson Rimma , Allaf Mohamad E , Gorin Michael A , Rowe Steven P 
Published: December 2017

In parallel to the increased utilization of cross-sectional imaging, the incidence of small renal masses has steadily risen in recent years. At the present time, anatomical imaging techniques are limited in their ability to differentiate benign from malignant renal masses. Moreover, renal mass biopsy has a high non-diagnostic rate, poor negative-predictive ability, and carries potential risks as well as substantial costs. As a result, benign renal masses are often unnecessarily resected for the false presumption of cancer. 99mTc-sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) is a molecular imaging test that allows for the differentiation of benign renal oncocytomas and hybrid oncocytomic/chromophobe tumours apart from malignant renal cell carcinomas on the basis of differences in mitochondrial content as well as multidrug resistant pump expression. Herein, we review the principles of 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT administration and image interpretation for the purpose of renal mass characterization.
18F-DOPA uptake parameters in glioma: effects of patients’ characteristics and prior treatment history
Authors: Carideo Luciano , Minniti Giuseppe , Mamede Marcelo , Scaringi Claudia , Russo Ivana , Scopinaro Francesco , Cicone Francesco 
Published: December 2017

Objective:
In amino acid positron emission tomography brain tumour imaging, tumour-to-background uptake parameters are often used for treatment monitoring. We studied the effects of patients’ characteristics and anticancer treatments on 18F–fluoro-l–phenylalanine uptake of normal brain and tumour lesions, with particular emphasis on temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy.

Methods:
155 studies from 120 patients with glioma were analysed. Average uptake of normal background (standardized uptake value, SUVbckgr) and basal ganglia (SUVbg), as well as tumour-to-brain ratios (TBR) were compared between positron emission tomography/CT studies acquired before (Group A, n = 48), after (Group B, n = 50) or during (Group C, n = 57) TMZ treatment, using analysis of variance.

Results:
Overall, mean SUVbckgr and mean SUVbg were 1.06 ± 0.26 and 2.12 ± 0.47, respectively. Female had significantly higher SUVbckgr (p = 0.002) and SUVbg (p = 0.012) than male patients. Age showed a positive correlation with SUVbg (p = 0.001). In the overall cohort, there were significant effects of TMZ on SUVbckgr (p = 0.0237) and TBR (p = 0.0138). In particular, SUVbckgr was lower in Group C than in Group B (1.00 ± 0.25 vs 1.14 ± 0.31, p = 0.0173). Significant variations of SUVbckr could be observed in female only. TBR was significantly higher in Group C than in Group B (2.37 ± 0.54 vs 2.06 ± 0.38, p = 0.010). Variations of SUVbg between groups slightly missed significance (p = 0.0504).

Conclusion:
Temozolomide chemotherapy and patients’ characteristics, including gender and age, affect physiological [18F]–fluoro-l–phenylalanine uptake and, consequently, the calculation of TBRs.

Advances in knowledge:
For the first time, the effects of past or concurrent temozolomide chemotherapy on brain physiological amino acid uptake have been investigated. Such effects are relevant and should be taken into account when evaluating tumour-to-background ratios.