bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical implications from daily physiotherapy examination of 131 acute hamstring injuries and their association with running speed and rehabilitation progression
Authors: Whiteley Rod , van Dyk Nicol , Wangensteen Arnlaug , Hansen Clint 
Published: October 2017

AimTo investigate the association of daily clinical measures and the progression of rehabilitation and perceived running effort.MethodsA cohort of 131 athletes with an MRI-confirmed acute hamstring injury underwent a standardised criteria-based rehabilitation protocol. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to investigate the association between daily clinical subjective and objective measures and both the progression of rehabilitation and perceived running effort. These measures included different strength, palpation, flexibility and functional tests. Inter-rater and intrarater reliability and minimal detectable change were established for the clinical measures of strength and flexibility by examining measures taken on consecutive days for the uninjured leg.ResultsThe progression of the daily measures was seen to be non-linear and varied according to the measure. Intra-rater reliability for the strength and flexibility measures were excellent (95% CI ≥0.85 for all measures). Strength (in the outer range position) and flexibility (in maximum hip flexion with active knee extension (MHFAKE) in supine) were best associated with rehabilitation progression and perceived running effort. Additionally, length of pain on palpation was usefully associated with rehabilitation progression. At lower perceived running effort there was a large variation in actual running speed.ConclusionDaily physical measures of palpation pain, outer range strength, MHFAKE and reported pain during daily activity are useful to inform the progression of rehabilitation.Trial registration numberNCT01812564 andNCT02104258.
Crash-test dummy and pendulum impact tests of ice hockey boards: greater displacement does not reduce impact
Authors: Schmitt Kai-Uwe , Muser Markus H , Thueler Hansjuerg , Bruegger Othmar 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundOne injury mechanism in ice hockey is impact with the boards. We investigated whether more flexible hockey boards would provide less biomechanical loading on impact than did existing (reference) boards.MethodsWe conducted impact tests with a dynamic pendulum (mass 60 kg) and with crash test dummies (ES-2 dummy, 4.76 m/s impact speed). Outcomes were biomechanical loading experienced by a player in terms of head acceleration, impact force to the shoulder, spine, abdomen and pelvis as well as compression of the thorax.ResultsThe more flexible board designs featured substantial displacement at impact. Some so-called flexible boards were displaced four times more than the reference board. The new boards possessed less stiffness and up to 90 kg less effective mass, reducing the portion of the board mass a player experienced on impact, compared with boards with a conventional design. Flexible boards resulted in a similar or reduced loading for all body regions, apart from the shoulder. The displacement of a board system did not correlate directly with the biomechanical loading.ConclusionsFlexible board systems can reduce the loading of a player on impact. However, we found no correlation between the displacement and the biomechanical loading; accordingly, displacement alone was insufficient to characterise the overall loading of a player and thus the risk of injury associated with board impact. Ideally, the performance of boards is assessed on the basis of parameters that show a good correlation to injury risk.
Association between self-reported sleep duration and serum lipid profile in a middle-aged and elderly population in Taiwan: a community-based, cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Pu , Chang Kai-Ting , Lin Yan-An , Tzeng I-Shiang , Chuang Hai-Hua , Chen Jau-Yuan 
Published: October 2017

ObjectivesThe association between sleep duration and serum lipid profile in the middle-aged and the elderly is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the relationships between sleep duration and levels of serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides in these populations.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingCommunity-based investigation in Guishan Township of northern Taiwan.ParticipantsA total of 400 community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly individuals were enrolled. All participants underwent a baseline assessment in 2014, which included anthropometrics, blood samples and self-administered questionnaires. Participants were classified into three groups based on their sleep duration.Outcome measuresMultivariate logistic regression was used to obtain ORs and 95% CIs to assess the relationship between sleep duration and lipid profiles.ResultsParticipant mean age was 64.5 years and 35.3% were men. Subjects with longer (>7 hours) and shorter (<6 hours) nightly sleep duration had a higher prevalence of low HDL-C levels (HDL <40 mg/dL) than those with moderate sleep duration (6–7 hours). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that, compared with individuals with sleep duration of 6–7 hours, the ORs of having low HDL-C were 3.68 (95% CI 1.59 to 8.49) greater for individuals with sleep duration of <6 hours and 2.89 (95% CI 1.10 to 7.61) greater for individuals with sleep duration of >7 hours.ConclusionsThere was a U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and HDL-C levels. Sleep duration >7 hours or <6 hours increased the risk of low serum HDL-C levels.
Targeted Adherence Intervention to Reach Glycemic Control with Insulin Therapy for patients with Diabetes (TARGIT-Diabetes): rationale and design of a pragmatic randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lewey Jennifer , Wei Wenhui , Lauffenburger Julie C , Makanji Sagar , Chant Alan , DiGeronimo Jeff , Nanchanatt Gina , Jan Saira , Choudhry Niteesh K 
Published: October 2017

IntroductionAdherence to and persistence of medications for chronic diseases remains poor and many interventions to improve medication use have only been modestly effective. Targeting interventions to patients who are most likely to benefit should improve their efficiency and clinical impact. This study aims to test the impact of three cost-equivalent pharmacist-led interventions on insulin persistence and glycaemic control among patients with diabetes.Methods and analysisTARGIT-Diabetes (Targeted Adherence Intervention to Reach Glycemic Control with Insulin Therapy for patients with Diabetes) is a randomised controlled trial that will evaluate three different multifaceted pharmacist-outreach strategies for improving long-term insulin use among individuals with diabetes. We will randomise 6000 patients in a large insurer to one of three arms. The arms are designed to deliver an increasingly intensive intervention to a progressively targeted population, identified using predictive analytics. The central component of the intervention in all arms is a tailored telephone consultation with a pharmacist which varies across arms based on the: (A) proportion of patients offered the intervention and (B) intervention intensity, including follow-up frequency and cointerventions such as text reminders and interactions with patients’ providers. The primary outcome is insulin persistence, assessed using pharmacy claims data, and the secondary outcomes are glycaemic control as measured by glycosylated haemoglobin values, healthcare utilisation and healthcare spending.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Privacy Board of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. We plan to present the results of this trial at national meetings and in manuscripts submitted to peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT 02846779.
Identifying patterns of item missing survey data using latent groups: an observational study
Authors: Barnett Adrian G , McElwee Paul , Nathan Andrea , Burton Nicola W , Turrell Gavin 
Published: October 2017

ObjectivesTo examine whether respondents to a survey of health and physical activity and potential determinants could be grouped according to the questions they missed, known as ‘item missing’.DesignObservational study of longitudinal data.SettingResidents of Brisbane, Australia.Participants6901 people aged 40–65 years in 2007.Materials and methodsWe used a latent class model with a mixture of multinomial distributions and chose the number of classes using the Bayesian information criterion. We used logistic regression to examine if participants’ characteristics were associated with their modal latent class. We used logistic regression to examine whether the amount of item missing in a survey predicted wave missing in the following survey.ResultsFour per cent of participants missed almost one-fifth of the questions, and this group missed more questions in the middle of the survey. Eighty-three per cent of participants completed almost every question, but had a relatively high missing probability for a question on sleep time, a question which had an inconsistent presentation compared with the rest of the survey. Participants who completed almost every question were generally younger and more educated. Participants who completed more questions were less likely to miss the next longitudinal wave.ConclusionsExamining patterns in item missing data has improved our understanding of how missing data were generated and has informed future survey design to help reduce missing data.
Maintenance therapy with proton pump inhibitors and risk of gastric cancer: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Sweden
Authors: Brusselaers Nele , Wahlin Karl , Engstrand Lars , Lagergren Jesper 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly prescribed drugs. Concerns have been raised about a potentially increased risk of gastric cancer following long-term use. Our aim is to assess the risk of gastric cancer associated with PPI use, taking into account underlying indications.DesignThis is a population-based cohort study. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% CIs were calculated to compare the risk of gastric cancer among long-term PPI users with the corresponding background population, while taking confounding by indication into account.SettingPopulation-based study in Sweden (2005–2012).ParticipantsThis study included virtually all adults residing in Sweden exposed to maintenance therapy with PPIs.Exposure/InterventionMaintenance use of PPIs, defined as at least 180 days during the study period. Maintenance use of histamine 2 receptor antagonist was evaluated for comparison reasons.Outcome measuresGastric cancer (cardia and non-cardia), and subgroup analysis for gastric adenocarcinoma, as defined by the Swedish Cancer Registry.ResultsAmong 797 067 individuals on maintenance PPI therapy, the SIR of gastric cancer was over threefold increased (SIR=3.38, 95% CI 3.23 to 3.53). Increased SIRs were found in both sexes and all age groups, but were especially increased among PPI users younger than 40 years (SIR=22.76, 95% CI 15.94 to 31.52). Increased SIRs were found for each indication studied, including those without an association with gastric cancer, for example, gastro-oesophageal reflux (SIR=3.04, 95% CI 2.80 to 3.31), and those with a supposedly decreased risk, for example, aspirin users (SIR=1.93, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.18). The association was similar for cardia and non-cardia gastric cancer. Analyses restricted to adenocarcinoma showed similar results to those for all gastric cancers. Long-term users of histamine 2 receptor antagonists, which have the same indications as PPIs, were not at any increased risk.ConclusionsLong-term PPI use might be an independent risk factor for gastric cancer. This challenges broad maintenance PPI therapy, particularly if the indication is weak.
Calculating the proportion of avoidable attendances at UK emergency departments: analysis of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s Sentinel Site Survey data
Authors: Morris Toby , Mason Suzanne M , Moulton Chris , O’Keeffe Colin 
Published: October 2017

IntroductionAvoidable attendances (AAs; defined as non-urgent, self-referred patients who could be managed more effectively and efficiently by other services) have been identified as a contributor to ED crowding. Internationally, AAs have been estimated to constitute 10%–90% of ED attendances, with the UK 2013 Urgent and Emergency Care Review suggesting a figure of 40%.MethodsThis pilot study used data from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s Sentinel Site Survey to estimate the proportion of AAs in 12 EDs across England on a standard day (20 March 2014). AAs were defined by an expert panel using questions from the survey. All patients attending the EDs were recorded with details of investigations and treatments received, and the proportion of patients meeting criteria for AA was calculated.ResultsVisits for 3044 patients were included. Based on these criteria, a mean of 19.4% (95% CI 18.0% to 20.8%) of attendances could be deemed avoidable. The lowest proportion of AAs reported was 10.7%, while the highest was 44.3%. Younger age was a significant predictor of AA with mean age of 38.6 years for all patients attending compared with 24.6 years for patients attending avoidably (p≤0.001).DiscussionThe proportion of AAs in this study was lower than many estimates in the literature, including that reported by the 2013 Urgent and Emergency Care Review. This suggests the ED is the most appropriate healthcare setting for many patients due to comprehensive investigations, treatments and capability for urgent referrals.The proportion of AAs is dependent on the defining criteria used, highlighting the need for a standardised, universal definition of an appropriate/avoidable ED attendance. This is essential to understanding how AAs contribute to the overall issue of crowding.
Methylation panel is a diagnostic biomarker for Barrett’s oesophagus in endoscopic biopsies and non-endoscopic cytology specimens
Authors: Chettouh Hamza , Mowforth Oliver , Galeano-Dalmau Núria , Bezawada Navya , Ross-Innes Caryn , MacRae Shona , Debiram-Beecham Irene , O’Donovan Maria , Fitzgerald Rebecca C 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveBarrett’s oesophagus is a premalignant condition that occurs in the context of gastro-oesophageal reflux. However, most Barrett’s cases are undiagnosed because of reliance on endoscopy. We have developed a non-endoscopic tool: the Cytosponge, which when combined with trefoil factor 3 immunohistochemistry, can diagnose Barrett’s oesophagus. We investigated whether a quantitative methylation test that is not reliant on histopathological analysis could be used to diagnose Barrett’s oesophagus.DesignDifferentially methylated genes between Barrett’s and normal squamous oesophageal biopsies were identified from whole methylome data and confirmed using MethyLight PCR in biopsy samples of squamous oesophagus, gastric cardia and Barrett’s oesophagus. Selected genes were then tested on Cytosponge BEST2 trial samples comprising a pilot cohort (n=20 cases, n=10 controls) and a validation cohort (n=149 cases, n=129 controls).ResultsEighteen genes were differentially methylated in patients with Barrett’soesophagus compared with squamous controls. Hypermethylation of TFPI2, TWIST1, ZNF345 and ZNF569 was confirmed in Barrett’s biopsies compared with biopsies from squamous oesophagus and gastric cardia (p<0.05). When tested in Cytosponge samples, these four genes were hypermethylated in patients with Barrett’s oesophagus compared with patients with reflux symptoms (p<0.001). The optimum biomarker to diagnose Barrett’s oesophagus was TFPI2 with a sensitivity and specificity of 82.2% and 95.7%, respectively.ConclusionTFPI2, TWIST1, ZNF345 and ZNF569methylation have promise as diagnostic biomarkers for Barrett’s oesophagus when used in combination with a simple and cost effective non-endoscopic cell collection device.
3-D flow of a compressible viscous micropolar fluid model with spherical symmetry: A brief survey and recent progress
Authors: Dražić Ivan 
Published: October 2017

We consider the non-stationary 3-D flow of a compressible viscous and heat-conducting micropolar fluid with the assumption of spherical symmetry. We analyze the flow between two concentric spheres that present solid thermo-insulated walls. The fluid is perfect and polytropic in the thermodynamical sense and the initial density and temperature are strictly positive. The corresponding problem has homogeneous boundary data. In this work, we present the described model and provide a brief overview of the progress in the mathematical analysis of the associated initial-boundary problem. We consider existence and uniqueness of the generalized solution, asymptotic behavior of the solution and regularity of the solution.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Monotherapy Ontuxizumab (MORAb-004) Plus Best Supportive Care in Patients with Chemorefractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Grothey Axel , Strosberg Jonathan R. , Renfro Lindsay A. , Hurwitz Herbert I. , Marshall John L. , Safran Howard , Guarino Michael J. , Kim George P. , Hecht J.R. , Weil Susan C. , Heyburn John , Wang Wenquan , Schweizer Charles , O'Shannessy Daniel J. , Diaz Luis Alberto 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ontuxizumab (MORAb-004), a monoclonal antibody that interferes with endosialin (tumor endothelial marker-1) function, in patients with chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer and to identify a responsive patient population based on biomarkers.
Experimental Design: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II study. Patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive weekly intravenous ontuxizumab (8 mg/kg) or placebo plus best supportive care until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Tissue and blood biomarkers were evaluated for their ability to identify a patient population that was responsive to ontuxizumab.
Results: A total of 126 patients were enrolled. No significant difference between the ontuxizumab and placebo groups was evident for the primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS), with a median PFS of 8.1 weeks in each group (HR, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–1.67; P = 0.53). There were no significant differences between groups for overall survival (OS) or overall response rate (ORR). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in the ontuxizumab group (vs. the placebo group, respectively) were fatigue (53.7% vs. 47.5%), nausea (39.0% vs. 35.0%), decreased appetite (34.1% vs. 27.5%), and constipation (28.0% vs. 32.5%). The most common grade 3/4 TEAE in the ontuxizumab group versus placebo was back pain (11.0% vs. 0%). No single biomarker clearly identified patients responsive to ontuxizumab.
Conclusions: No benefit with ontuxizumab monotherapy compared with placebo for clinical response parameters of PFS, OS, or ORR was demonstrated. Ontuxizumab was well tolerated. Clin Cancer Res; 24(2); 316–25. ©2017 AACR.
Clinical and Immunologic Biomarkers for Histologic Regression of High-Grade Cervical Dysplasia and Clearance of HPV16 and HPV18 after Immunotherapy
Authors: Morrow Matthew P. , Kraynyak Kimberly A. , Sylvester Albert J. , Dallas Michael , Knoblock Dawson , Boyer Jean D. , Yan Jian , Vang Russell , Khan Amir S. , Humeau Laurent , Sardesai Niranjan Y. , Kim J. Joseph , Plotkin Stanley , Weiner David B. , Trimble Cornelia L. , Bagarazzi Mark L. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPurpose: As previously reported, treatment of high-grade cervical dysplasia with VGX-3100 resulted in complete histopathologic regression (CR) concomitant with elimination of HPV16/18 infection in 40.0% of VGX-3100–treated patients compared with only 14.3% in placebo recipients in a randomized phase IIb study. Here, we identify clinical and immunologic characteristics that either predicted or correlated with therapeutic benefit from VGX-3100 to identify parameters that might guide clinical decision-making for this disease.Experimental Design: We analyzed samples taken from cervical swabs, whole blood, and tissue biopsies/resections to determine correlates and predictors of treatment success.Results: At study entry, the presence of preexisting immunosuppressive factors such as FoxP3 and PD-L1 in cervical lesions showed no association with treatment outcome. The combination of HPV typing and cervical cytology following dosing was predictive for both histologic regression and elimination of detectable virus at the efficacy assessment 22 weeks later (negative predictive value 94%). Patients treated with VGX-3100 who had lesion regression had a statistically significant &gt;2-fold increase in CD137+perforin+CD8+ T cells specific for the HPV genotype causing disease. Increases in cervical mucosal CD137+ and CD103+ infiltrates were observed only in treated patients. Perforin+ cell infiltrates were significantly increased &gt;2-fold in cervical tissue only in treated patients who had histologic CR.Conclusions: Quantitative measures associated with an effector immune response to VGX-3100 antigens were associated with lesion regression. Consequently, these analyses indicate that certain immunologic responses associate with successful resolution of HPV-induced premalignancy, with particular emphasis on the upregulation of perforin in the immunotherapy-induced immune response. Clin Cancer Res; 24(2); 276–94. ©2017 AACR.
Facial Age Estimation Using Spatial Weber Local Descriptor
Authors: Günay Asuman , Nabiyev Vasif V. 
Published: October 2017

This paper introduces a novel age estimation method using a new texture descriptor Weber Local Descriptor (WLD). This texture descriptor is analyzed in depth for age estimation problem. In the study, the multi-scale versions of holistic and spatial WLD (SWLD) descriptors are used to extract the age related features from normalized facial images. After finding a lower dimensional feature subspace, age estimation is performed using multiple linear regression. In addition the age estimation accuracy of each of the distinct and intersection block used in spatial texture extraction are investigated. Experiments on FGNET, MORPH and PAL databases have shown that similar age estimation performances can be obtained by using more effective blocks in spatial histogram generation. This also provides us to reduce the number of features and computational cost.