bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Admission systolic blood pressure and outcomes in large vessel occlusion strokes treated with endovascular treatment
Authors: Goyal Nitin , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Iftikhar Sulaiman , Khorchid Yasser , Fawad Ishfaq Muhammad , Doss Vinodh T , Zand Ramin , Chang Jason , Alsherbini Khalid , Choudhri Asim , Hoit Daniel , Alexandrov Andrei V , Arthur Adam S , Elijovich Lucas 
Published: April 2016

Background and purposeHigh admission blood pressure (BP) levels have been associated with lower recanalization rates after endovascular treatment (EVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO). We sought to evaluate the association of admission BP with early outcomes in patients with ELVO treated with EVT.MethodsConsecutive patients with AIS presenting with ELVO in a tertiary stroke center during a 4-year period were prospectively evaluated. Admission systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured using automated cuff recordings. A blinded neuroradiologist calculated the final infarct volume (FIV) using standardized ABC/2 methodology. A favorable functional outcome (FFO) at 3 months was defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2.ResultsOur study population consisted of 116 patients with AIS (mean age 63±13 years, median NIH Stroke Scale score 17 points (IQR 14–21), median FIV 30 cm3(IQR 8–94)). Higher admission SBP correlated with higher FIV (r +0.225; p=0.020). Patients with FFO had lower admission SBP (151±24 mm Hg vs 165±28 mm Hg; p=0.010), while admission SBP levels were higher in patients who died during hospitalization (169±34 mm Hg vs 156±24 mm Hg; p=0.043). A 10 mm Hg increment in admission SBP was independently (p=0.010) associated with an increase of 12 cm3in FIV (95% CI 3 to 21) in multiple linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders. A 10 mm Hg increment in admission SBP was independently (p=0.012) associated with a lower likelihood of FFO at 3 months (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.91) in multiple logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders.ConclusionsHigher admission SBP is an independent predictor of increased FIV and lower likelihood of 3-month FFO in patients with ELVO treated with EVT.
Relationship between clinical and patient-reported outcomes in a phase 3 trial of tofacitinib or MTX in MTX-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fleischmann Roy , Strand Vibeke , Wilkinson Bethanie , Kwok Kenneth , Bananis Eustratios 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo compare the relationship between clinical measures and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tofacitinib or methotrexate (MTX).MethodsIn a phase 3 randomised controlled trial, patients (N=956) who were MTX-naïve or had received ≤3 doses were randomised and received tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily or MTX titrated to 20 mg/week. Outcomes included: per cent of patients achieving American College of Rheumatology 70% responses (ACR70), ACR50, low disease activity (LDA) by Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI ≤11) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI ≤10), remission by SDAI (≤3.3) and CDAI (≤2.8), patient-reported Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI scores <0.5), pain and global assessment of disease activity.ResultsAt month 6, most patients who achieved LDA/remission by one definition achieved LDA/remission with others; however, discordance between measures was greater with MTX than with tofacitinib. As expected, concordance between CDAI and SDAI responses was high. Overall, patients achieving LDA or ACR50 responses reported less improvement in PROs (HAQ-DI, pain and patient global assessment) compared with clinical measures (tender and swollen joint counts).ConclusionsVariability in levels of responses between clinical outcomes and PROs should be considered when setting treat-to-target goals in patients with RA.Trial registration numberNCT01039688; Post-results.
The Effect of Patient and Contextual Characteristics on Racial/Ethnic Disparity in Breast Cancer Mortality
Authors: Sposto Richard , Keegan Theresa H.M. , Vigen Cheryl , Kwan Marilyn L. , Bernstein Leslie , John Esther M. , Cheng Iona , Yang Juan , Koo Jocelyn , Kurian Allison W. , Caan Bette J. , Lu Yani , Monroe Kristine R. , Shariff-Marco Salma , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Wu Anna H. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Background: Racial/ethnic disparity in breast cancer–specific mortality in the United States is well documented. We examined whether accounting for racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of clinical, patient, and lifestyle and contextual factors that are associated with breast cancer–specific mortality can explain this disparity.
Methods: The California Breast Cancer Survivorship Consortium combined interview data from six California-based breast cancer studies with cancer registry data to create a large, racially diverse cohort of women with primary invasive breast cancer. We examined the contribution of variables in a previously reported Cox regression baseline model plus additional contextual, physical activity, body size, and comorbidity variables to the racial/ethnic disparity in breast cancer–specific mortality.
Results: The cohort comprised 12,098 women. Fifty-four percent were non-Latina Whites, 17% African Americans, 17% Latinas, and 12% Asian Americans. In a model adjusting only for age and study, breast cancer–specific HRs relative to Whites were 1.69 (95% CI, 1.46–1.96), 1.00 (0.84–1.19), and 0.52 (0.33–0.85) for African Americans, Latinas, and Asian Americans, respectively. Adjusting for baseline-model variables decreased disparity primarily by reducing the HR for African Americans to 1.13 (0.96–1.33). The most influential variables were related to disease characteristics, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and smoking status at diagnosis. Other variables had negligible impact on disparity.
Conclusions: Although contextual, physical activity, body size, and comorbidity variables may influence breast cancer–specific mortality, they do not explain racial/ethnic mortality disparity.
Impact: Other factors besides those investigated here may explain the existing racial/ethnic disparity in mortality. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(7); 1064–72. ©2016 AACR.
Phase I Clinical Trial of Marizomib (NPI-0052) in Patients with Advanced Malignancies Including Multiple Myeloma: Study NPI-0052-102 Final Results
Authors: Harrison Simon J. , Mainwaring Paul , Price Timothy , Millward Michael J. , Padrik Peeter , Underhill Craig R. , Cannell Paul K. , Reich Steven D. , Trikha Mohit , Spencer Andrew 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurpose: Marizomib (NPI-0052) is an irreversible proteasome inhibitor, derived from a marine actinomycete, with activity and specificity that is distinct from other proteasome inhibitors.Experimental Design: Phase I study (NPI-0052-102) evaluated the MTD, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of marizomib intravenously on two dosing schedules.Results: Forty-two patients with advanced malignancies received Schedule A (0.1–0.9 mg/m2 over 1–10 minutes on days 1, 8, 15 in 4-week cycles); 44 patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) and other hematologic malignancies received Schedule B (0.075–0.6 mg/m2 over 1 minute to 2 hours on days 1, 4, 8, 11, in 3-week cycles). The Schedule A recommended phase II dose was 0.7 mg/m2 over 10 minutes; Schedule B was 0.5 mg/m2 over 2 hours. The most common (&gt;25% of patients) related adverse events were fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and infusion site pain (Schedule A); and fatigue (Schedule B). Overall response rate of 11% was seen in 27 efficacy-evaluable RRMM Schedule B patients (1 very good partial response, 3 partial responses, 4 minimal responses, and 12 stable disease). One Schedule A patient with transformed marginal zone lymphoma had complete response. Marizomib has a short half-life (&lt;30 minutes), with high volume of distribution (∼15–416 L) and clearance (∼0.9–22 L/minutes).Conclusions: Marizomib does not exhibit the severe peripheral neuropathy or hematologic toxicity observed with other proteasome inhibitors. Marizomib was generally well tolerated with low-dose dexamethasone, demonstrated activity in heavily pretreated RRMM patients, and warrants further evaluation. Clin Cancer Res; 22(18); 4559–66. ©2016 AACR.
Influence of apoptosis induced mesenchymal stem cells to dna fragmentation level and activity of sphingosine sitsemy under an experimental modeling of pathological processes
Authors: Komarevtseva I. О. , Chebotaryova A. A. 
Published: April 2016

During the studying the level of DNA fragmentation and free sphingosine in animals had been modeled acute renal failure, we obtained results which indicate stimulation ischemic process apoptotic activity in kidney tissue or 3, 7 and 14 day of study, which was confirmed by increased levels of the studied marker. Further use of mesenchymal stem cells cultured in apoptosis-induced environment near modeled pathological process led to the initial sharp rise in both fragmented DNA and free sphingosine in renal tissue on day 3, with a consequent reduction in theirconcentrations to 14 days of the experiment almost to the figures obtained by us in the group of intact animals.
Influence of Initial Snowpack Properties on Runoff Formation during Rain-on-Snow Events
Authors: Würzer Sebastian , Jonas Tobias , Wever Nander , Lehning Michael 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Rain-on-snow (ROS) events have caused severe floods in mountainous areas in the recent past. Because of the complex interactions of physical processes, it is still difficult to accurately predict the effect of snow cover on runoff formation for an upcoming ROS event. In this study, a detailed physics-based energy balance snow cover model (SNOWPACK) was used to assess snow cover processes during more than 1000 historical ROS events at 116 locations in the Swiss Alps. The simulations of the mass and energy balance, liquid water flow, and the temporal evolution of structural properties of the snowpack were used to analyze runoff formation characteristics during ROS events. Initial liquid water content and snow depth at the onset of rainfall were found to influence the temporal dynamics, intensities, and cumulative amount of runoff. The meteorological forcing is modulated by processes within the snowpack, leading to an attenuation of runoff intensities for intense and short rain events and an amplifying effect for longer rain events. The timing of runoff generation relative to the rainfall seems to be strongly dependent on initial liquid water content, snow depth, and rainfall intensities. As these snowpack and meteorological conditions usually exhibit a strong seasonality, cumulative runoff generation during ROS also varies seasonally. ROS events with intensified snowpack runoff were found to be most common during late snowmelt season, with several such events also occurring in late autumn. These results demonstrate the strong influence of initial snowpack properties on runoff formation during ROS events in the Swiss Alps.
Variability of the Turbulent Kinetic Energy Dissipation along the A25 Greenland–Portugal Transect Repeated from 2002 to 2012
Authors: Ferron Bruno , Kokoszka Florian , Mercier Herlé , Lherminier Pascale , Huck Thierry , Rios Aida , Thierry Virginie 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe variability of the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation due to internal waves is quantified using a finescale parameterization applied to the A25 Greenland–Portugal transect repeated every two years from 2002 to 2012. The internal wave velocity shear and strain are estimated for each cruise at 91 stations from full depth vertical profiles of density and velocity. The 2002–12 averaged dissipation rate 〈ε2002–2012〉 in the upper ocean lays in the range 1–10 × 10−10 W kg−1. At depth, 〈ε2002–2012〉 is smaller than 1 × 10−10 W kg−1 except over rough topography found at the continental slopes, the Reykjanes Ridge, and in a region delimited by the Azores–Biscay Rise and Eriador Seamount. There, the vertical energy flux of internal waves is preferentially oriented toward the surface and 〈ε2002–2012〉 is in the range 1–20 × 10−10 W kg−1. The interannual variability in the dissipation rates is remarkably small over the whole transect. A few strong dissipation rate events exceeding the uncertainty of the finescale parameterization occur at depth between the Azores–Biscay Rise and Eriador Seamount. This region is also marked by mesoscale eddying flows resulting in enhanced surface energy level and enhanced bottom velocities. Estimates of the vertical energy fluxes into the internal tide and into topographic internal waves suggest that the latter are responsible for the strong dissipation events. At Eriador Seamount, both topographic internal waves and the internal tide contribute with the same order of magnitude to the dissipation rate while around the Reykjanes Ridge the internal tide provides the bulk of the dissipation rate.
Relating Wind and Stress under Tropical Cyclones with Scatterometer
Authors: Liu W. Timothy , Tang Wenqing 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOcean surface stress, the turbulent transport of momentum, is largely derived from wind through a drag coefficient. In tropical cyclones (TCs), scatterometers have difficulty measuring strong wind and there is large uncertainty in the drag coefficient. This study postulates that the microwave backscatter from ocean surface roughness, which is in equilibrium with local stress, does not distinguish between weather systems. The reduced sensitivity of scatterometer wind retrieval algorithms under the strong wind is an air–sea interaction problem that is caused by a change in the behavior of the drag coefficient rather than a sensor problem. Under this assumption, a stress retrieval algorithm developed over a moderate wind range is applied to retrieve stress under the strong winds of TCs. Over a moderate wind range, the abundant wind measurements and the more established drag coefficient value allow for sufficient stress data to be computed from wind to develop a stress retrieval algorithm for the scatterometer. Using 0.9 million coincident stress and wind pairs, the study shows that the drag coefficient decreases with wind speed at a much steeper rate than previously revealed, for wind speeds over 25 m s−1. The result implies that the ocean applies less drag to inhibit TC intensification, and that TCs cause less ocean mixing and surface cooling than previous studies indicated.
Physical activity and sedentary time among young children in full-day kindergarten: Comparing traditional and balanced day schedules
Authors: Vanderloo Leigh M , Tucker Patricia 
Published: April 2016

Objective: To compare physical activity and sedentary time among young children whose schools adhere to traditional (i.e. three outdoor playtimes = 70 minutes) versus balanced day (i.e. two outdoor playtimes = ~55 minutes) schedules in Ontario full-day kindergarten classrooms. Design: The project was part of a larger, 2-year cross-sectional study. Setting: Full-day kindergarten classrooms across London, Ontario, Canada. Methods: Participants included 113 young children (mean age = 4.69 years; standard deviation [ SD] = 0.66 years) from eligible full-day kindergarten programmes. Participants’ physical activity and sedentary data were collected using Actical accelerometers worn for five consecutive days during school hours only. Type of school schedule and periods of outdoor play were captured using the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation tool. Results: Participants mean activity rates (i.e. sedentary time, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA] and total physical activity [TPA]) during school hours were similar across both formats. Participants’ overall daily physical activity and sedentary time did not significantly differ across school schedule type ( p > .05); however, participants adhering to the traditional schedule accumulated significantly more TPA outdoors than those following the balanced day schedule. Conclusion: Neither schedule format appeared to be superior with regard to supporting overall daily physical activity nor minimising sedentary time in school, although children adhering to the traditional schedule format did accumulate more physical activity during periods of outdoor play. Regardless of schedule type, steps are warranted to encourage additional movement (and minimise sedentary behaviours) in the school setting by school and public health officials.
Tablet Audiometry in Canada’s North
Authors: Rourke Ryan , Kong David Chan Chun , Bromwich Matthew 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundAccess to hearing health care is limited in many parts of the world, creating a lack of prompt diagnosis, which further complicates treatment. The use of portable audiometry for hearing loss testing can improve access to diagnostics in marginalized populations. Our study objectives were twofold: (1) to determine the prevalence of hearing loss in children aged 4 to 11 years in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and (2) to test and demonstrate the use of our tablet audiometer as a portable hearing‐testing device in a remote location.Study DesignProspective cross‐sectional observational.SettingRemote elementary schools in 3 Canadian Northern communities.Subjects and MethodsTablet audiometers were used to test hearing in 218 children. Air conduction pure tones thresholds were obtained at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Children with hearing loss ≥30 dB in either ear were referred for audiology services.ResultsTablet audiometry screening testing revealed abnormal results in 14.8% of the study participants. No significant difference in the rate of hearing loss was seen by sex; however, the rate of hearing loss decreased significantly with increasing age. The median duration of the hearing test was 5 minutes 30 seconds.ConclusionsOf the study population, 14.8% tested positive for hearing loss based on our interactive tablet audiometer. In this setting, the tablet audiometer was both time efficient and largely language independent. This type of testing is valuable for providing much‐needed hearing health care for high‐risk populations in rural and remote areas where audiology services are often unavailable.
Association between Magnesium Disorders and Hypocalcemia following Thyroidectomy
Authors: Nellis Jason C. , Tufano Ralph P. , Gourin Christine G. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo identify factors associated with postoperative hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery and to understand the relationship among hypocalcemia, length of hospitalization, and costs of care.Study DesignRetrospective database analysis.MethodsDischarge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 620,744 patients who underwent thyroid surgery from 2001 to 2010 were analyzed through cross‐tabulations and multivariate regression modeling. Hypocalcemia, length of stay, and costs were examined as dependent variables. Secondary independent variables included magnesium and phosphate metabolism disorders, vitamin D deficiency, menopause, sex, extent of surgery, malignancy, and surgeon volume.ResultsHypocalcemia was reported in 6% of patients and was significantly more common for the following variables: women, age <65 years, patients from the Northeast, total thyroidectomy ± neck dissection patients, low‐volume surgical care, malignancy, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and patients with disorders of magnesium or phosphate metabolism (P <. 001). Magnesium and phosphate disorders were present in <1% of patients. Magnesium disorders were significantly more likely for patients with hypocalcemia (7%; P <. 001), and hypocalcemia was present in 52% of patients with magnesium disorders (P <. 001). On multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds of hypocalcemia were greatest for patients with magnesium disorders (odds ratio, 12.71; 95% confidence interval, 8.59‐18.82). This relationship was not attenuated by high‐volume surgical care. Hypocalcemia and magnesium disorders were both associated with increased length of stay and costs, with a greater effect for magnesium disorders than for hypocalcemia (P <. 001).ConclusionsDisorders of magnesium metabolism are an independent risk factor for postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia and are associated with significantly increased costs and length of stay.
De Novo Glutamine Synthesis
Authors: He Qiao , Shi Xinchong , Zhang Linqi , Yi Chang , Zhang Xuezhen , Zhang Xiangsong 
Published: April 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of de novo glutamine (Gln) synthesis in the proliferation of C6 glioma cells and its detection with 13N-ammonia. Methods: Chronic Gln-deprived C6 glioma (0.06C6) cells were established. The proliferation rates of C6 and 0.06C6 cells were measured under the conditions of Gln deprivation along with or without the addition of ammonia or glutamine synthetase (GS) inhibitor. 13N-ammonia uptake was assessed in C6 cells by gamma counting and in rats with C6 and 0.06C6 xenografts by micro–positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. The expression of GS in C6 cells and xenografts was assessed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: The Gln-deprived C6 cells showed decreased proliferation ability but had a significant increase in GS expression. Furthermore, we found that low concentration of ammonia was sufficient to maintain the proliferation of Gln-deprived C6 cells, and 13N-ammonia uptake in C6 cells showed Gln-dependent decrease, whereas inhibition of GS markedly reduced the proliferation of C6 cells as well as the uptake of 13N-ammoina. Additionally, microPET/computed tomography exhibited that subcutaneous 0.06C6 xenografts had higher 13N-ammonia uptake and GS expression in contrast to C6 xenografts. Conclusion: De novo Gln synthesis through ammonia–glutamate reaction plays an important role in the proliferation of C6 cells. 13N-ammonia can be a potential metabolic PET tracer for Gln-dependent tumors.
Methods to improve patient recruitment and retention in stroke trials
Authors: Berge Eivind , Stapf Christian , Al-Shahi Salman Rustam , Ford Gary A , Sandercock Peter , van der Worp H Bart , Petersson Jesper , Dippel Diederik WJ , Krieger Derk W , Lees Kennedy R ,   on behalf of the ESO Trials Network Committee
Published: April 2016

Background The success of randomized-controlled stroke trials is dependent on the recruitment and retention of a sufficient number of patients, but fewer than half of all trials meet their target number of patients. Methods We performed a search and review of the literature, and conducted a survey and workshop among 56 European stroke trialists, to identify barriers, suggest methods to improve recruitment and retention, and make a priority list of interventions that merit further evaluation. Results The survey and workshop identified a number of barriers to patient recruitment and retention, from patients’ incapacity to consent, to handicaps that prevent patients from participation in trial-specific follow-up. Methods to improve recruitment and retention may include simple interventions with individual participants, funding of research networks, and reimbursement of new treatments by health services only when delivered within clinical trials. The literature review revealed that few methods have been formally evaluated. The top five priorities for evaluation identified in the workshop were as follows: short and illustrated patient information leaflets, nonwritten consent, reimbursement for new interventions only within a study, and monetary incentives to institutions taking part in research (for recruitment); and involvement of patient groups, remote and central follow-up, use of mobile devices, and reminders to patients about their consent to participate (for retention). Conclusions Many interventions have been used with the aim of improving recruitment and retention of patients in stroke studies, but only a minority has been evaluated. We have identified methods that could be tested, and propose that such evaluations may be nested within on-going clinical trials.