bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eosinophil Cationic Protein, Carotid Plaque, and Incidence of Stroke
Authors: Sundström Johannes , Söderholm Martin , Borné Yan , Nilsson Jan , Persson Margaretha , Östling Gerd , Melander Olle , Orho-Melander Marju , Engström Gunnar 
Published: September 2017

Background and Purpose—
ECP (eosinophil cationic protein) is a marker of eosinophil activity and degranulation, which has been linked to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. We examined the relationship between ECP, carotid plaque, and incidence of stroke in a prospective population-based cohort.

Methods—
The subjects participated in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study between 1991 and 1994. A total of 4706 subjects with no history of stroke were included (40% men; mean age, 57.5 years). Carotid plaque was determined by B-mode ultrasound of the right carotid artery. Incidence of stroke was followed up during a mean period of 16.5 years in relation to plasma ECP levels.

Results—

Subjects in the third tertile (versus first tertile) of ECP tended to have higher prevalence of carotid plaque (odds ratio: 1.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.003–1.39;
P
=0.044 after multivariate adjustments). A total of 258 subjects were diagnosed with ischemic stroke (IS) during follow-up. ECP was associated with increased incidence of IS after risk factor adjustment (hazard ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval: 1.13–2.18; for third versus first tertile;
P
=0.007). High ECP was associated with increased risk of IS in subjects with carotid plaque. The risk factor–adjusted hazard ratio for IS was 1.86 (95% confidence interval: 1.32–2.63) in subjects with carotid plaque and ECP in the top tertile, compared with those without plaque and ECP in the first or second tertiles.

Conclusions—
High ECP is associated with increased incidence of IS. The association between ECP and IS was also present in the subgroup with carotid plaque.
Isolated cortical vasogenic edema and hyperintense vessel signs may be early features of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: Case reports
Authors: Murase Sho , Gon Yasufumi , Watanabe Akihiro , Todo Kenichi , Kohara Nobuo , Mochizuki Hideki , Sakaguchi Manabu 
Published: September 2017

Background The temporal and anatomical features of vasoconstriction in patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome within hours after symptom onset, in the hyperacute phase, are unclear. Case result Herein we report the cases of two patients with acute severe headache who were diagnosed with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging within hours after symptom onset revealed multiple areas of isolated cortical vasogenic edema and hyperintense vessel signs of the distal cerebral arteries. Follow-up imaging performed four days later in both cases showed diffuse segmental arterial vasoconstriction in the proximal regions of the cerebral arteries. Both patients received antivasoconstrictive therapy shortly after admission, and neither had neurological sequelae at discharge. The magnetic resonance imaging findings improved gradually within three months after symptom onset. Conclusion Isolated cortical vasogenic edema and hyperintense vessel signs, when observed within hours from sudden severe headache onset, may be useful early markers of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.
Effect of Preoperative Fatty Degeneration of the Rotator Cuff Muscles on the Clinical Outcome of Patients With Intact Tendons After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair of Large/Massive Cuff Tears
Authors: Ohzono Hiroki , Gotoh Masafumi , Nakamura Hidehiro , Honda Hirokazu , Mitsui Yasuhiro , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Okawa Takahiro , Shiba Naoto 
Published: September 2017

Background:Fatty degeneration of the rotator cuff muscles is associated not only with postoperative retear but also with postoperative muscle weakness; therefore, fatty changes in the muscles may affect the clinical outcome even in patients with these tears who have intact tendons after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).Purpose:To evaluate the effect of fatty infiltration on the clinical outcome in patients with intact tendons after arthroscopic repair of large/massive cuff tears.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:One hundred fifty-five consecutive patients with large/massive rotator cuff tears underwent ARCR. Of these, 55 patients (mean ± SD age, 64.4 ± 9.1 years) in whom intact tendons after surgery were confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging at final follow-up (mean ± SD, 2.5 ± 1.4 years) were included in this study. Depending on their University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score at the final follow-up, they were assigned to either the unsatisfactory group (score ≤27; n = 12) or the satisfactory group (score >27; n = 43). Various clinical parameters affecting the clinical outcome were examined through univariate and multivariate analyses.Results:The UCLA score of all patients significantly improved from 18.1 ± 4.4 points preoperatively to 29.8 ± 4.5 points postoperatively ( P < .0001). The mean preoperative UCLA scores were not significantly different between the satisfactory and unsatisfactory groups ( P = .39). Multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative Goutallier stages of the infraspinatus (odds ratio [OR], 8.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-52.0; P = .016) and/or subscapularis (OR, 7.53; 95% CI, 1.58-35.9; P = .011) were significantly associated with outcome. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed a cutoff value of Goutallier stage 1 in both muscles, with area under the curve values of 0.79 (sensitivity 91% and specificity 51%) and 0.84 (sensitivity 100% and specificity 54%) in the infraspinatus and subscapularis, respectively.Conclusion:Preoperative fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus and/or subscapularis with Goutallier stage 2 or higher was significantly associated with worse outcome in patients with large/massive tears who had intact tendons after ARCR.
A Comparison of 2-Year Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Tibiofemoral or Patellofemoral Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Ebert Jay R. , Schneider Adrian , Fallon Michael , Wood David J. , Janes Gregory C. 
Published: September 2017

Background: Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) has demonstrated encouraging clinical results in the treatment of knee chondral defects. However, earlier studies suggested that chondrocyte implantation in the patellofemoral (PF) joint was less effective than in the tibiofemoral (TF) joint. Purpose: To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of those undergoing MACI to either the femoral condyles or PF joint. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 194 patients were included in this analysis, including 127 undergoing MACI to the medial (n = 94) and lateral (n = 33) femoral condyle, as well as 67 to the patella (n = 35) or trochlea (n = 32). All patients were evaluated clinically (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], visual analog scale, Short Form–36) before surgery and at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was undertaken at 3, 12, and 24 months, with the MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) scoring system employed to evaluate the quality and quantity of repair tissue, as well as an MRI composite score. Patient satisfaction was evaluated. Results: No significant group differences ( P > .05) were seen in demographics, defect size, prior injury, or surgical history, while the majority of clinical scores were similar preoperatively. All clinical scores significantly improved over time ( P < .05), with a significant group effect observed for KOOS activities of daily living ( P = .008), quality of life ( P = .008), and sport ( P = .017), reflecting better postoperative scores in the TF group. While the PF group had significantly lower values at baseline for the KOOS activities of daily living and quality of life subscales, it actually displayed a similar net improvement over time compared with the TF group. At 24 months, 93.7% (n = 119) and 91.0% (n = 61) of patients were satisfied with the ability of MACI to relieve their knee pain, 74.0% (n = 94) and 65.7% (n = 44) with their ability to participate in sport, and 90.5% (n = 115) and 83.6% (n = 56) satisfied overall, in the TF and PF groups, respectively. MRI evaluation via the MOCART score revealed a significant time effect ( P < .05) for the MRI composite score and graft infill over the 24-month period. While subchondral lamina scored significantly better ( P = .002) in the TF group, subchondral bone scored significantly worse ( P < .001). At 24 months, the overall MRI composite score was classified as good/excellent in 98 TF patients (77%) and 54 PF patients (81%). Conclusion: MACI in the PF joint with concurrent correction of PF maltracking if required leads to similar clinical and radiological outcomes compared with MACI on the femoral condyles.
Preliminary pharmacokinetics of intravenous and subcutaneous dolasetron and pharmacodynamics of subcutaneous dolasetron in healthy cats
Authors: Herndon Andrea K , Quimby Jessica M , Sieberg Liberty G , Davis Leigh , Caress Amber L , Ligas Sabina , Hansen Ryan J , Wittenburg Luke A , Gustafson Danial L 
Published: September 2017

Objectives The objectives were to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) dolasetron and the pharmacodynamics (PD) of SC dolasetron in healthy cats. Methods Five cats with unremarkable complete blood count, serum biochemistry and urinalyses were utilized. In the PK study, cats received 0.8 mg/kg SC and IV dolasetron in a crossover format. Serum samples were obtained via a jugular catheter at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after the administration of dolasetron. Dolasetron and the active metabolite hydrodolasetron were measured using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Non-compartmental PK analysis was performed. In the PD study, SC dolasetron (0.8 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg) and saline were administered 30 mins prior to administration of 0.44 mg/kg intramuscular xylazine in a randomized three-way crossover. Number of emetic events, lip licks, time to onset of emesis and visual nausea score were scored by a blinded observer. Results In the PK study, dolasetron was quickly metabolized to the active metabolite hydrodolasetron, limiting assessment of dolasetron PK parameters. Median (range) PK parameters for IV hydrodolasetron were as follows: maximum serum concentration (Cmax) 116 ng/ml (69–316 ng/ml), time to maximum concentration (Tmax) 0.5 h (0.3–0.5 h), half-life 3.3 h (2.9–7.2 h) and area under the curve until the last measurable concentration (AUClast) 323 h/ng/ml (138–454 h/ng/ml). Median (range) PK parameters for SC hydrodolasetron were as follows: Cmax 67.9 ng/ml (60.4–117 ng/ml), Tmax 0.5 h (0.5–1.0 h), half-life 3.8 h (2.9–5.3 h) and AUClast 437 h/ng/ml (221.5–621.8 h/ng/ml). There was no significant difference in exposure to hydrodolasetron between the routes of administration. With regard to PD, when dolasetron was administered prior to xylazine, there was no significant difference in the mean number of emetic events, lip licks, time to onset of emesis or visual nausea score when compared with saline. Conclusions and relevance Administration of 0.8 mg/kg dolasetron does not maintain serum concentrations of active metabolite for 24 h. Administration of dolasetron at 0.8 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg did not prevent xylazine-induced vomiting. Additional feline dose studies are needed to determine if a higher dose is efficacious.
Distress among Prostate Cancer Patients and Spouses is Associated with Hormone Treatment and Participation in Decision-Making
Authors: Salminen E.K. , Portin R. , Nurmi M.J. 
Published: September 2017

Background The aim of this study was to chart cancer experience and distress shared between prostate cancer (PC) patients and their spouses, focusing on effects of hormone treatment and treatment decision-making. Patients and methods This observational prospective study involved 203 PC patients and 194 spouses surveyed within 5 years from being diagnosed with PC. Fifty percent of the patients had received hormone treatment. Results Younger (<65 years) patients and spouses were significantly more distressed than the older. Patients receiving hormone treatment tended to be more distressed than those not treated (sum of scores, 5.6 vs 4.3, p = 0.017), and the same trend was seen in their spouses (p = 0.08). The spouse experienced difficulties in concentration and decision-making (Chi-squared test, p = 0.012) and somatic symptoms (p = 0.049) more often if the patient suffered the same problems. Use of alcohol/drugs was significantly more common among younger (<65 years) spouses (27.8% vs 7.2%, p < 0.001) and in those with higher level of education (26.1% vs 12.2%, p = 0.015). Conclusions Significant associations were observed in distress variables between prostate cancer patients and spouses, especially among younger patients and when hormone treatment was used. Distress among patients was associated with participation in treatment-decision making, and among spouses with age and educational level.
Perceptions of U.S. Veterans Affairs and community healthcare providers regarding cross-system care for heart failure
Authors: Pope Charlene A , Davis Boyd H , Wine Leticia , Nemeth Lynne S , Haddock K Sue , Hartney Tom , Axon R Neal 
Published: September 2017

Objectives This study explores perceptions of US Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA healthcare providers caring for Veterans with heart failure (HF) regarding Veteran knowledge and motivations for dual use, provider roles in recommending and coordinating dual use, systems barriers and facilitators, and suggestions for improving cross-system care. Methods Twenty VA and 11 non-VA providers participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using parallel qualitative content and discourse analysis. Results VA and non-VA providers described variable HF knowledge and self-management among Veterans, and both groups described the need for improved education addressing medication adherence, self-care, and management of acute symptoms. Both groups described highly limited roles for providers in shaping choices surrounding dual use. VA and non-VA providers had significantly different perceptions regarding the availability, quality, and effectiveness of VA HF services. Multiple non-VA providers expressed frustration with and difficulty in contacting VA providers, accessing records, and making referrals into the VA system. Suggestions for improved care focused on patient education and care coordination. Discussion Dual healthcare system use for Veterans is increasingly common. Similarities and contrasts in perceptions of VA and non-VA providers are instructive and should be incorporated into future policy and program initiatives.
Reliability of three-dimensional kinematic gait data in adults with spinal cord injury
Authors: Wedege Pia , Steffen Kathrin , Strøm Vegard , Opheim Arve Isak 
Published: September 2017

Objectives Three-dimensional gait analysis has been recommended as part of standardized gait assessment in people with spinal cord injury. The aim was to investigate inter- and intra-session reliabilities of gait kinematics in people with spinal cord injury. Methods Fifteen adults with spinal cord injury performed two test sessions on separate days. Six infrared cameras, 16 reflective markers and the Plug-in gait model were used. For each subject, five gait trials from both sessions were included. The Gait Profile Score and the Gait Variable Score were used as kinematic outcome measures. Reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, and Bland–Altman plots. Results Inter-session intraclass correlation coefficient for all variables was >0.82 and standard error of measurement <1.8°, except for hip rotation. Intra-session reliability was found to be high (≥0.78) and slightly better than that for inter-session. Minimal detectable change for all variables was <4.7°, except for hip rotation. Conclusions The high inter- and intra-session reliabilities indicate small intrinsic variation of gait. Thus, three-dimensional gait analysis seems to be a reliable tool to evaluate kinematic gait in adults with spinal cord injury, but caution is warranted especially for hip rotation evaluation.
Renal volumetry with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Christensen Rolf H , Lundgren Torbjörn , Stenvinkel Peter , Brismar Torkel B 
Published: September 2017

Background No gold standard exists for renal volumetry in vivo. Purpose To devise and evaluate segmentation methods on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets. Material and Methods Five combinations of MRI pulse sequences and measuring methods were used to measure the renal volumes of five men aged 54–72 years scanned before autologous renal stem cell transplantation and three, six, and 12 months post transplantation. Results Renal volume did not change after stem cell transplantation. The results varied considerably: the reproducibility (coefficient of variation) was 4.0–6.0% and measurements took 1–13 min per kidney. Manual segmentation of images from the volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) without fat saturation sequence provided best reproducibility but was time-consuming. Use of the ellipsoid formula from half Fourier acquisition single shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) provided the fastest measurement, but resulted in lower reproducibility. Conclusion Renal volumetry based on images from the pulse sequence VIBE without fat saturation acquired using an out-of-phase TE may be investigated further, possibly in combination with the quick ellipsoid formula.
General Health Adverse Events Within 30 Days Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in US Patients: A Comparison of Spine Surgeons’ Perceptions and Reported Data for Rates and Risk Factors
Authors: Ondeck Nathaniel T. , Bohl Daniel D. , Bovonratwet Patawut , Geddes Benjamin J. , Cui Jonathan J. , McLynn Ryan P. , Samuel Andre M. , Grauer Jonathan N. 
Published: September 2017

Study Design: Survey study and retrospective review of prospective data. Objectives: To contrast surgeons’ perceptions and reported national data regarding the rates of postoperative adverse events following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and to assess the accuracy of surgeons in predicting the impact of patient factors on such outcomes. Methods: A survey investigating perceived rates of perioperative complications and the perceived effect of patient risk factors on the occurrence of complications following ACDF was distributed to spine surgeons at the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) 2015 Annual Meeting. The equivalent reported rates of adverse events and impacts of patient risk factors on such complications were assessed in patients undergoing elective ACDF from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Results: There were 110 completed surveys from attending physicians at CSRS (response rate = 44%). There were 18 019 patients who met inclusion criteria in NSQIP years 2011 to 2014. The rates of 11 out of 17 (65%) postoperative adverse events were mildly overestimated by surgeons responding to the CSRS questionnaire in comparison to reported NSQIP data (overestimates ranged from 0.24% to 1.50%). The rates of 2 out of 17 (12%) postoperative adverse events were mildly underestimated by surgeons (range = 0.08% to 1.2%). The impacts of 5 out of 10 (50%) patient factors were overestimated by surgeons (range relative risk = 0.56 to 1.48). Conclusions: Surgeon estimates of risk factors for and rates of adverse events following ACDF procedures were reasonably nearer to national data. Despite an overall tendency toward overestimation, surgeons’ assessments are roughly appropriate for surgical planning, expectation setting, and quality improvement initiatives.
Therapeutic potential of SGN-CD19B, a PBD-based anti-CD19 drug conjugate, for treatment of B-cell malignancies
Authors: Ryan Maureen C. , Palanca-Wessels Maria Corinna , Schimpf Brian , Gordon Kristine A. , Kostner Heather , Meyer Brad , Yu Changpu , Van Epps Heather A. , Benjamin Dennis 
Published: September 2017

Key PointsSGN-CD19B is broadly active in vitro against malignant B-cell lines, including double-hit and triple-hit lymphoma cell lines. SGN-CD19B shows significant antitumor activity in vivo in preclinical models of B-NHL and B-cell–derived acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM 2017) International Conference Held for a Second Time in Canada
Authors: Karpak Birsen 
Published: September 2017

The 24th International Conference on Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM 2017) was held at the Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, on July 10-14, 2017. This was the second time this conference was held in Canada; the first time being in Whistler in 2004, organized by Bill Wedley. We had a wonderful welcome by the school of management; and the scientific program as well as the social events were outstanding. There is a very good essay about the conference by Sarah Ben Amor (General Chair) at http://www.mcdmsociety.org/newsletters/92017-september-2017 My reviews will be limited to the sessions I attended which were mostly those related to AHP/ANP Theory and Applications. https://doi.org/10.13033/ijahp.v9i2.502
Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation: Basic Concepts and Novel Perspectives
Authors: Hamani Clement , Florence Gerson , Heinsen Helmut , Plantinga Birgit R. , Temel Yasin , Uludag Kamil , Alho Eduardo , Teixeira Manoel J. , Amaro Edson , Fonoff Erich T. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractOver the last decades, extensive basic and clinical knowledge has been acquired on the use of subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is now clear that mechanisms involved in the effects of this therapy are far more complex than previously anticipated. At frequencies commonly used in clinical practice, neural elements may be excited or inhibited and novel dynamic states of equilibrium are reached. Electrode contacts used for chronic DBS in PD are placed near the dorsal border of the nucleus, a highly cellular region. DBS may thus exert its effects by modulating these cells, hyperdirect projections from motor cortical areas, afferent and efferent fibers to the motor STN. Advancements in neuroimaging techniques may allow us to identify these structures optimizing surgical targeting. In this review, we provide an update on mechanisms and the neural elements modulated by STN DBS.