bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity and Prognosis in the TOPCAT Trial (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist)
Authors: Hegde Sheila M. , Claggett Brian , Shah Amil M. , Lewis Eldrin F. , Anand Inder , Shah Sanjiv J. , Sweitzer Nancy K. , Fang James C. , Pitt Bertram , Pfeffer Marc A. , Solomon Scott D. 
Published: June 2017

Background:
Physical activity (PA) is inversely associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in healthy populations, but the impact of physical activity in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction is less well characterized.

Methods:
The baseline self-reported PA of 1751 subjects enrolled in the Americas region of the TOPCAT trial (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist) was categorized as poor, intermediate, or ideal PA with American Heart Association criteria. PA was related to the primary composite outcome (HF hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, or aborted cardiac arrest), its components, and all-cause mortality with the use of multivariable Cox models.

Results:
The mean age at enrollment was 68.6±9.6 years. Few patients met American Heart Association criteria for ideal activity (11% ideal, 14% intermediate, 75% poor). Over a median follow-up of 2.4 years, the primary composite outcome occurred in 519 patients (397 HF hospitalizations, 222 cardiovascular deaths, and 6 aborted cardiac arrests). Compared with those with ideal baseline PA, poor and intermediate baseline PA was associated with a greater risk of the primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28–3.28; HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.15–3.33, respectively), HF hospitalization (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.16–3.22; HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.02–3.31), cardiovascular mortality (HR, 4.36; 95% CI, 1.37–13.83; HR, 4.05; 95% CI, 1.17–14.04), and all-cause mortality (HR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.44–6.02; HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 0.90–4.67) after multivariable adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusions:
In patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction, both poor and intermediate self-reported PA were associated with higher risk of HF hospitalization and mortality.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00094302.
Naqāʾiḍ Poetry in the Post-Umayyad Era
Authors: Alqarni Hussain Mohammed 
Published: June 2017

Naqāʾiḍ(biting refutations) are a type of lampoon in which two poets exchange satirical poems that make use of the same prosodic meter and rhyme. Although satire had already been a staple of Arabic poetry in the pre-Islamic era,naqāʾiḍwere further developed and enhanced as an art form in the Umayyad period thanks to three poets: Jarīr, al-Farazdaq and al-Akhṭal.A distinctive feature of earlynaqāʾiḍwas the centrality of tribalism as a key motivator of composition. This paper seeks to show thatnaqāʾiḍpoetry did not disappear, as some have suggested, nor did it become limited to the personal or sectarian; rather, it continued to flourish throughout the Abbasid period as an expression of tribal pride. Two cases ofnaqāʾiḍfrom the Abbasid period are investigated; the poets in question were regarded as belonging to the group ofsāqat al-shuʿarāʾ(rearguard poets).
Weakening and Shifting of the Saharan Shallow Meridional Circulation during Wet Years of the West African Monsoon
Authors: Shekhar Ravi , Boos William R. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The correlation between increased Sahel rainfall and reduced Saharan surface pressure is well established in observations and global climate models and has been used to imply that increased Sahel rainfall is caused by a stronger shallow meridional circulation (SMC) over the Sahara. This study uses two atmospheric reanalyses to examine interannual variability of Sahel rainfall and the Saharan SMC, which consists of northward near-surface flow across the Sahel into the Sahara and southward flow near 700 hPa out of the Sahara. During wet Sahel years, the Saharan SMC shifts poleward, producing a drop in low-level geopotential and surface pressure over the Sahara. Statistically removing the effect of the poleward shift from the low-level geopotential eliminates significant correlations between this geopotential and Sahel precipitation. As the Saharan SMC shifts poleward, its midtropospheric divergent outflow decreases, indicating a weakening of its overturning mass flux. The poleward shift and weakening of the Saharan SMC during wet Sahel years is reproduced in an idealized model of West Africa; a wide range of imposed sea surface temperature and land surface albedo perturbations in this model produce a much larger range of SMC variations that nevertheless have similar quantitative associations with Sahel rainfall, as in the reanalyses. These results disprove the idea that enhanced Sahel rainfall is caused by strengthening of the Saharan SMC. Instead, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that a stronger SMC inhibits Sahel rainfall, perhaps by advecting midtropospheric warm and dry air into the precipitation maximum.
Short-form 6D assessment in compression module of the American College of Phlebology Patient Reported Outcome Venous Registry
Authors: Chi Yung-Wei , Durbin-Johnson Blythe , Schul Marlin 
Published: June 2017

Objective The goal of this American College of Phlebology Patient Reported Outcome Venous Registry analysis was to examine the clinical efficacy of compression stockings using short-form 6D questionnaire (SF-6D). Method SF-6D scores were modeled over time using linear mixed effects model. Changes of SF-6D score from baseline to the last encounter were examined using a paired t-test. Analysis of variance was used to compare changes from baseline in SF-6D scores between C classifications. All analyses were conducted using SAS software, version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary NC). Results Baseline mean SF-6D score was 0.83 and at follow-up, 0.85. Mean SF-6D change was +0.02 points (P = .001) over an average time period of 5.5 months. Patients’ SF-6D scores were estimated to increase by +0.03 points (P = .005) per year of usage of compression stockings. SF-6D score changes across C classifications did not demonstrate significant differences (P = .265). Conclusion There was an improvement of SF-6D score in the registry participants who used circular knit compression stockings.
A study of burden of care and its correlates among family members supporting relatives and loved ones with traumatic spinal cord injuries
Authors: Castellano-Tejedor Carmina , Lusilla-Palacios Pilar 
Published: June 2017

Objective: To understand and describe in a sample of caregivers of persons with spinal cord injury, their burden of care, resilience and life satisfaction and to explore the relationship between these variables. Design: Cross-sectional design. Setting: One Spinal Cord Injury Acute Inpatient Unit from a general hospital. Subjects: Seventy-five relatives of persons with spinal cord injuries (84% women) with a mean age of 48.55 ( SD = 12.55) years. Interventions: None. Measures: Demographics (neurological loss and severity according to the American Spinal Injury Association criteria), the Zarit Burden Interview, the Resilience Scale and the Life Satisfaction Checklist. Results: All caregivers experienced feelings of different intensities of burden (52% mild-to-moderate, 43% moderate-to-severe and 5% severe), and none of them expressed little or no burden at the assessment moment. Caregivers’ main worries were “dependence” and “the future of the injured.” Resilience was medium-to-high (mean = 141.93, SD = 23.44) for the whole sample with just a minority of them revealing low (15%) or very low resilience (7%). The highest scores were obtained in relation to “caregivers’ independence” and “meaning of their lives.” Life satisfaction scores were medium-to-high (mean = 36.6, SD = 6). These scores were not related to demographics or the severity of the injury. Zarit Burden Interview scores were negatively correlated to Resilience Scale ( r = −.370, P = .001) and Life Satisfaction Checklist scores ( r = −.412, P < .001). Conclusion: More resilient and satisfied caregivers experienced lower burden. Burden is moderate-to-high and mainly related to uncertainty about the future, caregivers’ insecurity with caregiving and dependence of the injured.
Exploring the Phenotype in Mild Cognitive Impairment to Aid the Prediction of Those at Risk of Transitioning to Parkinson Disease and Dementia With Lewy Bodies
Authors: Szeto Jennifer Y. Y. , Halliday Glenda M. , Naismith Sharon L. , Lewis Simon J. G. 
Published: June 2017

To date, only limited research has concurrently investigated the presence of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and other features associated with Parkinson disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in people presenting with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). As a first step towards a longitudinal research project, the present study explored the relationships between MCI, RBD, and depression in 108 older adults who presented with subjective memory complaints but were not known to have a neurodegenerative condition. The present study found that RBD was a frequent feature in individuals with MCI (35%). Furthermore, MCI patients with RBD were more likely to exhibit nonamnestic MCI (89%) rather than an amnestic MCI phenotype (χ2 = 4.99, P = .025). Specifically, nonamnestic MCI patients with RBD had selective deficits in executive function and verbal memory, as well as a higher level of depressive symptoms. This cognitive and psychiatric profile is aligned with PD and DLB patients at their time of initial diagnosis and suggests that targeting nonamnestic MCI patients who report RBD with additional biomarker testing including smell, color vision, and neuroimaging (eg, dopamine transporters scan and transcranial ultrasonography) may aid in early diagnosis and prediction of these α-synucleinopathies.
Short-Term Immunosuppression Enhances Long-Term Survival of Bovine Chromaffin Cell Xenografts in Rat Cns
Authors: Ortega John D. , Sagen Jacqueline , Pappas George D. 
Published: June 2017

Xenogeneic donors, a largely untapped resource, would solve many of the problems associated with the limited availability of human donor tissue for neural transplantation. Previous work in our laboratory has revealed that xenografts of isolated bovine chromaffin cells survive transplantation into the periaqueductal gray (PAG) of immunosuppressed adult rats. Electron microscopic analysis reveals that graft sites contain healthy chromaffin cells, but do not contain host immune cells typical of graft rejection. The aim of the current study was to assess the necessary conditions for long-term survival of bovine chromaffin cell xenografts in the central nervous system (CNS). In particular, the need for short-course vs. permanent immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine A (CsA) for the long-term survival of grafted bovine chromaffin cells was addressed. Grafts from animals receiving continuous CsA treatment for either 3, 6, or 12 wk contained large clumps of dopamines-β-hydroxylase (DBH) positive cells in contrast to the few surviving cells observed in nonimmunosuppressed animals. In addition, grafts from animals that had CsA treatment terminated at 3 or 6 wk contained similarly large clumps of DBH-positive cells. Furthermore, short-term immunosuppression (3 wk) appeared to enhance the long-term survival of grafted cells, since clumps of DBH staining cells could still be positively identified in the host PAG at least 1 yr after transplantation. Complete rejection of graft tissue depends on several factors, such as blood–brain barrier integrity, the presence of major histocompatability complex (MHC) antigens in either the host or graft, and the status of the host immune system. By using a suspension of isolated bovine chromaffin cells, potential MHC antigen presenting cells, such as endothelial cells, are eliminated. In addition, CsA treatment may negate the immunologic consequences of increased blood–brain barrier permeability following surgical trauma by attenuating the host cell mediated response. In summary, long-term survival of isolated chromaffin cell xenografts in the rat CNS may be attained by a short-term course of CsA.
Ethanol-induced symptoms in patients receiving gemcitabine diluted from a concentrate for solution for infusion containing ethanol
Authors: Diez-Fernández Raúl , Vázquez-Sánchez Rocío , López-Esteban Laura , Enrech-Frances Santos , Sánchez-Peña Ana María , Díaz-Paniagua Laura , Soria-Tristán Miguel , Martín Martínez José Miguel , Molina-García Teresa 
Published: June 2017

Purpose Ethanol as an excipient is used to enhance the solubility of gemcitabine, but, sometimes, the dose of ethanol a patient may be given is much higher than the dose considered to be toxic. We aimed to assess ethanol-related symptoms and signs in patients receiving two formulations of gemcitabine, with and without ethanol. Methods A randomized double blind cross-over study was conducted. All patients being treated with gemcitabine received two consecutive doses of the drug, one diluted from a concentrate for solution for infusion (CSI) containing ethanol and the other from a lyophilized powder, without ethanol, which was used as control group. After each administration, patients were surveyed in order to assess the appearance of any alcohol consumption symptoms (dizziness, difficulty speaking, unsteady walking, impaired balance, mood swings and slower reactions). Widmark formula and the amount of alcohol measured on the breath (breathalyzer) were used to estimate blood alcohol concentration. Results Twenty-four patients received both formulations and were included in the analysis. Mean administered ethanol dose when prepared from CSI was 15.81 ± 2.25 g (mean ± SD). When using CSI gemcitabine, estimated blood ethanol concentration was 0.033 g/dl according to Widmark formula and 0.02 g/dl according to breathalyzer results. Although overall incidence of symptoms was higher in the study group, the difference was not statistically significant (33% vs. 25%; p = 0.53). Conclusions These findings prove there is no difference in the onset of ethanol related symptoms when using CSI instead of lyophilized powder on the reconstitution of gemcitabine.
Effect of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Treatment by Combination Therapy on Cardiovascular System
Authors: Biomy Reda , Abdelshafy Mohamed , Abdelmonem Ahmed , Abu-Elenin Hesham , Ghaly George 
Published: June 2017

Background: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Egypt is quite high, and the combined oral direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) may have impressive results. Objective: To assess the cardiovascular effects of DAAs in patients with HCV. Methods: A total of 170 patients with HCV were divided into 2 groups: first group (100 patients) received triple combination therapy (pegylated interferon alfa, sofosbuvir, and ribavirin, whereas the second group (70 patients) received dual combination therapy (sofosbuvir and simeprevir). Group 1 patients were followed up for 1 year more than 3 visits, whereas group 2 patients were followed up for 6 months more than 2 visits; and the end point of the study was the development of a major cardiovascular event (eg, congestive heart failure, echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular dysfunction, occurrence of significant arrhythmias, or acute coronary syndrome). The following parameters were accomplished: medical history and clinical examination, electrocardiogram, echo-Doppler study, and laboratory investigations. Results: No significant differences were found between the 2 study groups regarding demographic criteria. None of the both group patients had developed any major cardiac event. No significant changes were observed regarding ST-T wave abnormalities, arrhythmias, or QT interval. None of the both group patients developed echocardiographic regional wall motion abnormalities at baseline or at study end. Systolic function parameters showed minute nonsignificant changes over study visits. Diastolic function parameters showed nonsignificant changes between baseline and 6-month and 12-month visits. Conclusions: The DAAs used in combination regimen with interferon or used orally in combination do not significantly affect the cardiovascular system.
Atypical Primary Cutaneous Rosai Dorfman Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Kinio Anna E. , Sawchuk Michael A. , Pratt Melanie 
Published: June 2017

Background: Rosai Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare disorder that typically presents with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy and follows a benign course. Objective: We present a case of late-onset atypical primary cutaneous RDD that is resistant to treatment modalities described in the literature. Methods: Case report. Results: An 84-year-old woman presented with a 7-year history of cutaneous lesions histologically consistent with RDD. She later failed initial treatments of acitretin and thalidomide. Conclusion: Physicians must be aware of unusual presentations of RDD. Also, further treatment options must be explored for patients resistant to classical management of RDD.
Midterm Analysis of Survival and Cause of Death Following Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Healy Gerard M. , Redmond Ciaran E. , Gray Sam , Iacob Lucian , Sheehan Stephen , Dowdall Joseph F. , Barry Mary , Cantwell Colin P. , Brophy David P. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose: To assess rates of complications, secondary interventions, survival, and cause of death following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair over a 10-year period. Materials and Methods: Single-institution retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing primary endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) between July 2006 and June 2015. The population constituted 175 patients with 163 fusiform and 12 saccular AAAs. Of these, 149 (85%) were male, with mean age 75.4 (±7.1) years. Patients were followed up until June 30, 2016. Cause of death was determined from the national death register. Results: Mean follow-up was 34.4 (±24.4) months. The secondary intervention rate was 9.7%, and there were 4 aneurysm ruptures (0.8% annual incidence). Thirty-day mortality was 0.6%. Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 93.1%, 84%, and 64.9%, respectively. Forty-eight patients died during follow-up, 3 secondary to rupture, leading to overall and aneurysm-related death rates of 9.7 and 0.6 per 100 person-years. All other deaths were due to nonaneurysm causes, most commonly cardiovascular (n = 15), pulmonary (n = 13), and malignancy (n = 9). Baseline renal impairment ( P < .001), ischemic heart disease ( P < .05), age greater than 75 years ( P < .05), and urgent/emergency EVAR were associated with inferior long-term survival. Type II endoleak negatively influenced fusiform aneurysm sac regression ( P = .02), but there was no association between survival and occurrence of any complication or secondary intervention. Conclusion: The majority of deaths during medium-term follow-up post-EVAR are due to nonaneurysm-related causes. Survival is determined by the following baseline factors: renal impairment, ischemic heart disease, advanced age, and the presence of a symptomatic/ruptured aneurysm.
Active and passive labour market policies in Austria and Hungary
Authors: Risak Martin , Kovács Erika 
Published: June 2017

This article analyses the benefits/assistance and activation initiatives for the unemployed provided by Austria and Hungary, highlighting recent changes and trends in the regulation. These two European states, which represent the Continental and the Eastern European systems, differ significantly in their history and approaches: Austria’s labour market and social security system remained quite stable in recent decades but underwent some changes that reflect a stricter and more activating approach. Hungary, on the other hand, is a post-socialist state that only had to establish an unemployment system in the 1990s and which recently limited the benefits and increased activation.
The Influence of Incision Type on Patient Satisfaction After Plate Fixation of Clavicle Fractures
Authors: Shukla Dave R. , Rubenstein William J. , Barnes Leslie A. , Klion Mark J. , Gladstone James N. , Kim Jaehon M. , Cleeman Edmond , Forsh David A. , Parsons Bradford O. 
Published: June 2017

Background: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the clavicle is a common procedure that has been shown to have improved outcomes over nonoperative treatment. Several incisions can be used to approach clavicle fractures, the decision of which is variable among surgeons. Purpose: To compare patient satisfaction and subjective outcomes between patients with a longitudinal incision versus those with a necklace incision for the treatment of diaphyseal clavicle fractures. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Thirty-six patients with a diaphyseal clavicle fracture (Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 15-B) were treated by 1 of 7 orthopaedic surgeons. The intervention was ORIF with anatomic contoured plates. Patients were divided into a necklace incision group and a longitudinal incision group depending on the surgical approach used. Medical records were reviewed, and participants completed an online survey with questions related to pain, numbness, scar appearance, and satisfaction. Function was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score. Statistical significance was determined with P < .05. Results: There were 16 patients in the necklace incision group and 20 in the longitudinal incision group. Patients in the necklace incision group were significantly more satisfied with the appearance of their scars ( P = .01), which correlated with overall satisfaction ( P = .05). There were no differences in overall satisfaction, pain, numbness, or reoperation rates for hardware removal between the necklace (6%) and longitudinal groups (15%). Conclusion: Patients undergoing clavicle ORIF with a necklace incision are more satisfied with their scar appearance than those with a longitudinal incision. The overall satisfaction, rate of numbness, and plate removal were similar in both groups.