bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal Trends in Adverse Events After Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Versus Everolimus-Eluting Metallic Stent Implantation
Authors: Montone Rocco A. , Niccoli Giampaolo , De Marco Federico , Minelli Silvia , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Testa Luca , Bedogni Francesco , Crea Filippo 
Published: May 2017

Background:
Bioresorbable coronary stents have been introduced into clinical practice to improve the outcomes of patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. The everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) is the most studied of these stent platforms; however, recent trials comparing BVS with everolimus-eluting metallic stents (EES) raised concerns about BVS safety. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of BVS versus EES in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods:
We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, scientific sessions abstracts, and relevant Web sites for randomized trials with a follow-up of ≥2 years investigating percutaneous coronary interventions with BVS versus EES. The primary outcomes of our analysis were definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST) and target lesion failure (TLF; device-oriented composite end point of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization [TLR]). Secondary outcomes were target vessel myocardial infarction, TLR, and cardiac death. We calculated the risk estimates for main outcomes according to a fixed-effect model.

Results:

We included 7 trials comprising data for 5583 patients randomized to receive either a BVS (n=3261) or an EES (n=2322). Median follow-up was 24 months (range, 24–36 months). Patients treated with BVS had a higher risk of definite/probable ST compared with patients treated with EES (odds ratio, 3.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.97–5.62;
P
<0.00001). In particular, patients with BVS had a higher risk of subacute, late, and very late ST, whereas the risk of acute ST was similar. Patients treated with BVS compared with EES had a higher risk at 2 years of TLF (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.90;
P
=0.003), driven mainly by an increased risk of target vessel myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–2.28;
P
=0.0001;
I
2
=0%) and of TLR (odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.62;
P
=0.05). Of importance, the risk of TLF and TLR for patients with BVS was higher between 1 and 2 years, whereas there was no difference in the first year. Risk of cardiac death was similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:
Our meta-analysis of randomized trials with a follow-up of ≥2 years demonstrated a higher risk of ST and of TLF in patients treated with BVS compared with EES. Of note, BVS had a higher risk of subacute, late, and very late ST, whereas the risk of TLF and TLR was higher between 1 and 2 years.
Role of B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide and N‐Terminal Prohormone BNP as Predictors of Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality in Patients With a Recent Coronary Event and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wolsk Emil , Claggett Brian , Pfeffer Marc A. , Diaz Rafael , Dickstein Kenneth , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Lawson Francesca C. , Lewis Eldrin F. , Maggioni Aldo P. , McMurray John J. V. , Probstfield Jeffrey L. , Riddle Matthew C. , Solomon Scott D. , Tardif Jean‐Claude , Køber Lars 
Published: May 2017

Background

Natriuretic peptides are recognized as important predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure, but less is known about their prognostic importance in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We sought to determine whether B‐type natriuretic peptide (
BNP
) and N‐terminal prohormone B‐type natriuretic peptide (
NT
‐pro
BNP
) could enhance risk prediction of a broad range of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

Patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus were prospectively enrolled in the
ELIXA
trial (n=5525, follow‐up time 26 months). Best risk models were constructed from relevant baseline variables with and without
BNP
/
NT
‐pro
BNP
. C statistics, Net Reclassification Index, and Integrated Discrimination Index were analyzed to estimate the value of adding
BNP
or
NT
‐pro
BNP
to best risk models. Overall,
BNP
and
NT
‐pro
BNP
were the most important predictors of all outcomes examined, irrespective of history of heart failure or any prior cardiovascular disease.
BNP
significantly improved C statistics when added to risk models for each outcome examined, the strongest increments being in death (0.77–0.82,
P
<0.001), cardiovascular death (0.77–0.83,
P
<0.001), and heart failure (0.84–0.87,
P
<0.001).
BNP
or
NT
‐pro
BNP
alone predicted death as well as all other variables combined (0.77 versus 0.77).

Conclusions

In patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus,
BNP
and
NT
‐pro
BNP
were powerful predictors of cardiovascular outcomes beyond heart failure and death, ie, were also predictive of
MI
and stroke. Natriuretic peptides added as much predictive information about death as all other conventional variables combined.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01147250.
Different Electrophysiological Correlates of Visual Awareness for Detection and Identification
Authors: Koivisto Mika , Grassini Simone , Salminen-Vaparanta Niina , Revonsuo Antti 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Detecting the presence of an object is a different process than identifying the object as a particular object. This difference has not been taken into account in designing experiments on the neural correlates of consciousness. We compared the electrophysiological correlates of conscious detection and identification directly by measuring ERPs while participants performed either a task only requiring the conscious detection of the stimulus or a higher-level task requiring its conscious identification. Behavioral results showed that, even if the stimulus was consciously detected, it was not necessarily identified. A posterior electrophysiological signature 200–300 msec after stimulus onset was sensitive for conscious detection but not for conscious identification, which correlated with a later widespread activity. Thus, we found behavioral and neural evidence for elementary visual experiences, which are not yet enriched with higher-level knowledge. The search for the mechanisms of consciousness should focus on the early elementary phenomenal experiences to avoid the confounding effects of higher-level processes.
An Improved QPE over Complex Terrain Employing Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Occurrences
Authors: Minjarez-Sosa Carlos Manuel , Castro Christopher L. , Cummins Kenneth L. , Waissmann Julio , Adams David K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA lightning–precipitation relationship (LPR) is studied at high temporal and spatial resolution (5 min and 5 km). As a proof of concept of these methods, precipitation data are retrieved from the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) NMQ product for southern Arizona and western Texas while lightning data are provided by the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN). A spatial- and time-invariant (STI) linear model that considers spatial neighbors and time lags is proposed. A data denial analysis is performed over Midland, Texas (a region with good sensor coverage), with this STI model. The LPR is unchanged and essentially equal, regardless of the domain (denial or complete) used to obtain the STI model coefficients. It is argued that precipitation can be estimated over regions with poor sensor coverage (i.e., southern Arizona) by calibrating the LPR over well-covered domains that are experiencing similar storm conditions. To obtain a lightning-estimated precipitation that dynamically updates the model coefficients in time, a Kalman filter is applied to the STI model. The correlation between the observed and estimated precipitation is statistically significant for both models, but the Kalman filter provides a better precipitation estimation. The best demonstration of this application is a heavy-precipitation, high-frequency lightning event in southern Arizona over a region with poor radar and rain gauge coverage. By calibrating the Kalman filter over a data-covered domain, the lightning-estimated precipitation is considerably greater than that estimated by radar alone. Therefore, for regions where both rain gauge and radar data are compromised, lightning provides a viable alternative for improving QPE.
BME Spatiotemporal Estimation of Annual Precipitation and Detection of Drought Hazard Clusters Using Space–Time Scan Statistics in the Yun-Gui-Guang Region, Mainland China
Authors: Wang Chao-Lin , Zhong Shao-Bo , Yao Guan-Nan , Huang Quan-Yi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDrought disasters cause great economic losses in China every year, especially in its southwest, and they have had a major influence on economic development, lives, and property. In this study, precipitation and drought hazards were examined for a region covering Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi Provinces to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of different drought hazard grades in this region. Annual precipitation data from 90 meteorological stations in or around the study area were collected and organized for the period of 1964–2013. A spatiotemporal covariance model was calculated and fitted. The Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) method, which considers physical knowledge bases to reduce errors, was used to provide an optimal estimation of annual precipitation. Regional annual precipitation distributions were determined. To analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of the drought hazard, the annual standardized precipitation index was used to measure drought severity. A method that involves space–time scan statistics was used to detect the most likely spatiotemporal clusters of the drought hazards. Test-significance p values for all of the calculated clusters were less than 0.001, indicating a high significance level. The results showed that Yunnan Province was a drought-prone area, especially in its northwest and center, followed by Guizhou Province. In addition, Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces were cluster areas of severe and extreme drought. The most likely cluster year was 1966; it was clustered five times during the study period. In this study, the evolutionary process of drought hazards, including spatiotemporal distribution and spatiotemporal clustering characteristics, was considered. The results may be used to provide support for prevention and mitigation of drought in the study area such as optimizing the distribution of drought-resisting resources, drought monitoring, and evaluating potential drought impacts.
Recent Trends in Extreme Precipitation and Temperature over Southeastern South America: The Dominant Role of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion in the CESM Large Ensemble
Authors: Wu Yutian , Polvani Lorenzo M. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Observations show an increase in maximum precipitation extremes and a decrease in maximum temperature extremes over southeastern South America (SESA) in the second half of the twentieth century. The Community Earth System Model (CESM) Large Ensemble (LE) experiments are able to successfully reproduce the observed trends of extreme precipitation and temperature over SESA. Careful analysis of a smaller ensemble of CESM-LE single forcing experiments reveals that the trends of extreme precipitation and temperature over SESA are mostly caused by stratospheric ozone depletion. The underlying dynamical mechanism is investigated and it is found that, as a consequence of stratospheric ozone depletion and the resulting southward shift of tropospheric jet streams, anomalous easterly flow and more intense cyclones have occurred over SESA, which are favorable for heavier rainfall extremes and milder heat extremes.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator for the Primary Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cavalcanti Rafael , Aboul-Hosn Nael , Morales Gustavo , Abdel-Latif Ahmed 
Published: May 2017

Objectives: The benefit of implanting patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICMP) with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention has not been demonstrated in any randomized controlled trial. This also holds true for the most recent study on the subject. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to examine the effectiveness of primary prevention using an ICD in the NICMP population. Methods: We searched the literature for randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of ICD in reducing all-cause mortality in patients with NICMP. The primary outcome of our analysis was all-cause mortality. A fixed-effects model was used for the primary analysis. Results: A total of 5 randomized controlled trials focused on primary prevention of sudden cardiac death for patients with NICMP that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. They have individually failed to consistently show a benefit for the use of an ICD in this population. However, the cumulative effect of ICD implantation in patients with NICMP demonstrated a 21% relative risk reduction in mortality (Relative risk [RR]: 0.79; confidence interval: 0.66-0.95). Conclusion: There is a decrease in mortality with the use of ICD for primary prevention in patients with NICMP having left ventricular ejection fraction <35%.
Reliability of the Perceptual Evaluation of Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia
Authors: Chhetri Dinesh K. , Merati Albert L. , Blumin Joel H. , Sulica Lucian , Damrose Edward J. , Tsai Veling W. 
Published: May 2017

Objectives: Although perceptual assessment by experienced voice clinicians remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and assessment of severity of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD), the interrater reliability of voice experts for this task has not been assessed. In addition, it is unknown whether telephone-recorded or -transmitted voice samples could be used for this task. The aims of this study were 1) to assess the reliability of perceptual analysis of ADSD severity by voice experts and 2) to compare the results between digitally recorded voice samples and those recorded over the telephone. Methods: Five laryngologists randomly selected voice samples from 46 ADSD patients and rated the severity of ADSD on a 5-point rating scale. A set of digital voice recordings and a set of telephone voice recordings made from filtering the digital set via the telephone were rated, and each voice set was rated twice. Measures of intrarater and interrater reliability, as well as a measure of the probability of agreement among the raters, were calculated. Results: There was a high level of agreement on ADSD severity, with excellent interrater and intrarater reliability (Cronbach's alpha, .93 to .96). The probabilities of rater agreement on the digitally recorded and telephone-filtered voice samples were similar (χ2, p = .07). The ratings of digital versus telephone voice samples were highly correlated (Pearson r, 0.99; p<.001). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that voice experts are reliably able to judge and agree on the severity of ADSD. Telephone-filtered voices appear to convey adequate ADSD perceptual cues for expert listeners to judge the severity of spasmodic dysphonia.
Sequential Bilateral Hearing Loss in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Oh Young-Mi , Oh Dong-Hoon , Jeong Seong-Hae , Koo Ja-Won , Kim Ji Soo 
Published: May 2017

Objectives: We describe a case of multiple sclerosis presenting with sequential bilateral hearing loss. Methods: A 46-year-old woman underwent a series of audiological and neurologic evaluations for sequential bilateral hearing losses that occurred 6 months apart. Results: Initially, the patient suffered from sudden left hearing loss, and magnetic resonance imaging documented an enhancing lesion in the left middle cerebellar peduncle. Six months later, another episode of sudden vertigo, right hearing loss, and right facial palsy developed. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a new lesion in the right middle cerebellar peduncle. Conclusions: Sequential bilateral hearing loss may be a manifestation of multiple sclerosis. In younger patients with sudden hearing loss, multiple sclerosis should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Bilateral Stapedectomy: Association between First- and Second-Ear Surgical Findings and Their Effects on the Second-Ear Outcome
Authors: Shine Neville P. , Rodrigues Stephen , Miller Stuart , Packer Peter 
Published: May 2017

Objectives: We assessed the association between first-ear and second-ear surgical findings in patients undergoing second-ear stapedectomy for bilateral otosclerosis and the impact of such findings on the audiometric outcome of the second ear. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all stapedectomy patients who underwent stapes surgery by one of two surgeons in a single tertiary referral institution from 1962 to 2001 was performed, and those patients who underwent bilateral stapedectomy were identified. Patient demographic data, surgical findings, procedure performed, and preoperative and postoperative audiometric data were recorded. Results: A total of 459 patients (918 ears) underwent bilateral stapedectomy for bilateral otosclerosis during the study period, of whom 426 had complete data for analysis. The finding of a white or obliterated footplate in the second ear was significantly higher if the first ear had this disease manifestation (p < .001, χ2 test). The association between a second drill-out's being performed and a drill-out in the first operation was significant (p < .001, χ2 test). Statistical analysis identified that those who underwent a drill-out procedure had a 2.9-fold increase in unsuccessful outcome in comparison to those who did not have a drill-out (odds ratio, 2.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.41 to 5.89). Facial nerve anomalies were infrequently encountered, affecting only 23 patients, of whom 3 had bilateral abnormalities. The finding of an overhanging or dehiscent facial nerve in the second ear was significantly more likely if such an abnormality was identified during the first procedure (23% versus 2.5%; p = .005, Fisher's exact test). Conclusions: Second-ear hearing results are poorer in those who require a drill-out of this ear, and this is more likely to be required if a drill-out was required in the first ear, regardless of a successful outcome of the first procedure. Patients should be aware of the reduced likelihood of success in these cases and be counseled regarding risks and benefits of second-ear surgery based, in part, on the findings from the first ear. This study confirms that bilateral advanced footplate obliteration and overhanging or dehiscent facial nerves may be anticipated in patients found to have these abnormalities during first-ear stapedectomy.
Effects of Cochlear Nuclei Electrical Stimulation with Surface Brain Stem Implants in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Manrique Manuel , Cervera-Paz Francisco Javier , Insausti Ana M. , Nevison Barry 
Published: May 2017

Objectives: We undertook morphological evaluation of the cochlear nucleus complex (CNC) after implantation of a surface auditory brain stem implant (ABI). Methods: We used 14 nonhuman primates (Macaca fascicularis). They underwent translabyrinthine bilateral auditory deafferentation and simultaneous unilateral implantation of an ABI. In 6 cases the ABI was not activated, whereas it was activated in 8 cases. The ABI array consisted of 3 platinum disc electrodes mounted on a silicone pad with the back side covered with polyethylene terephthalate mesh, connected via a cable to an external stimulator in animals undergoing electrical stimulations. Results: All animals tolerated the procedures well. In both groups of animals, neuropathologic lesions or changes attributed to surgical trauma were found. The biotolerance of neural tissue to the materials used was adequate. The stimulation times ranged from 0 to 732 hours. Neuropathologic examination and stereological assessment revealed that the animals showed no signs of significant neural damage after CNC chronic stimulation if this took place within the safety limits. Time of stimulation did not seem to play a significant role in changes. Conclusions: Besides surgical trauma, the most important factors responsible for CNC changes are the electrical stimulation parameters.
Inflammatory Cytokine Responses to Synthetic Extracellular Matrix Injection to the Vocal Fold Lamina Propria
Authors: Thibeault Susan L. , Duflo Suzy 
Published: May 2017

Objectives: We determined cytokine profiles for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-la, and IL-Iβ after injection of a synthetic extracellular matrix into the vocal fold lamina propria. Methods: Transcript expression of inflammatory cytokines was measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction on postoperative days 1,3,5,10, and 21 in 25 rabbits that underwent bilateral vocal fold biopsy with Extracel-LG (Carbylan-GSX 5%) immediately injected into the wound in the left vocal fold and saline solution injected into the wound in the right vocal fold. Two unwounded normal rabbit larynges were also harvested for controls. Results: Significantly elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-Iβ, and IL-6 were measured on day 3 in a comparison between Extracel-LG-injected vocal folds and saline solution-injected control vocal folds and between Extracel-LG-injected vocal folds and normal vocal folds. All cytokine levels returned to baseline by day 21. Conclusions: A mild short-term inflammatory response was measured early after injection of a synthetic extracellular matrix into the vocal fold lamina propria.
Impact of Bilaterality and Headache on Health-Related Quality of Life in Meniere's Disease
Authors: Lopez-Escamez Jose A. , Viciana David , Garrido-Fernandez Pablo 
Published: May 2017

Objectives We analyzed the impact of bilaterality and headache on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with Meniere's disease (MD). Methods A case series including 86 patients with a diagnosis of definite MD according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) diagnostic criteria was evaluated by the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Instrument and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory Short Form (DHI-S). Results The scores on all scales of the SF-36 were significantly lower for bilateral MD than for unilateral cases, except for body pain. Both groups had scores worse than those of their sex- and age-matched normative population on all SF-36 scales (p = 0.017 to p = 0.0001), except for body pain in men. The DHI-S scores were also better for unilateral than for bilateral cases (p = 0.04), suggesting that the dizziness is perceived to be more disabling in bilateral MD. Migraine was significantly associated with bilateral MD (odds ratio, 3.58 [95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 10.31]; p = 0.021). Headache and score on the AAO-HNS functional scale, which evaluates the effect of vertigo attacks on daily activities, were two independent factors that explained a great part of the variability on all SF-36 scales, except for “role emotional” in bilateral MD. Conclusions Patients with bilateral MD perceived their dizziness to be more disabling and had a worse HRQL than did patients with unilateral MD. Migraine was more frequently found in patients with bilateral involvement. Headache and score on the AAO-HNS functional scale were factors associated with the HRQL in bilateral MD.