bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ischemic Cerebroprotection Conferred by Myeloid Lineage-Restricted or Global CD39 Transgene Expression
Authors: Baek Amy E. , Sutton Nadia R. , Petrovic-Djergovic Danica , Liao Hui , Ray Jessica J. , Park Joan , Kanthi Yogendra , Pinsky David J. 
Published: April 2017

Background:
Cerebral tissue damage after an ischemic event can be exacerbated by inflammation and thrombosis. Elevated extracellular ATP and ADP levels are associated with cellular injury, inflammation, and thrombosis. Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (CD39), an enzyme expressed on the plasmalemma of leukocytes and endothelial cells, suppresses platelet activation and leukocyte infiltration by phosphohydrolyzing ATP/ADP. To investigate the effects of increased CD39 in an in vivo cerebral ischemia model, we developed a transgenic mouse expressing human CD39 (hCD39).

Methods:
A floxed-stop sequence was inserted between the promoter and the hCD39 transcriptional start site, generating a mouse in which the expression of hCD39 can be controlled tissue-specifically using Cre recombinase mice. We generated mice that express hCD39 globally or in myeloid-lineage cells only. Cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Infarct volumes were quantified by MRI after 48 hours.

Results:
Both global and transgenic hCD39- and myeloid lineage CD39-overexpressing mice (transgenic, n=9; myeloid lineage, n=6) demonstrated significantly smaller cerebral infarct volumes compared with wild-type mice. Leukocytes from ischemic and contralateral hemispheres were analyzed by flow cytometry. Although contralateral hemispheres had equal numbers of macrophages and neutrophils, ischemic hemispheres from transgenic mice had less infiltration (n=4). Transgenic mice showed less neurological deficit compared with wild-type mice (n=6).

Conclusions:
This is the first report of transgenic overexpression of CD39 in mice imparting a protective phenotype after stroke, with reduced leukocyte infiltration, smaller infarct volumes, and decreased neurological deficit. CD39 overexpression, either globally or in myeloid lineage cells, quenches postischemic leukosequestration and reduces stroke-induced neurological injury.
Circulating microRNAs: Potential Markers of Cardiotoxicity in Children and Young Adults Treated With Anthracycline Chemotherapy
Authors: Leger Kasey J. , Leonard David , Nielson Danelle , de Lemos James A. , Mammen Pradeep P.A. , Winick Naomi J. 
Published: April 2017

Background

Biomarkers for early detection of anthracycline (AC)‐induced cardiotoxicity may allow cardioprotective intervention before irreversible damage. Circulating micro
RNA
s (mi
RNAs
) are promising biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, however, have not been studied in the setting of AC‐induced cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to identify AC‐induced alterations in plasma mi
RNA
expression in children and correlate expression with markers of cardiac injury.

Methods and Results

Candidate plasma profiling of 24 mi
RNA
s was performed in 33 children before and after a cycle of AC (n=24) or noncardiotoxic chemotherapy (n=9). Relative mi
RNA
changes between the pre‐ and postcycle time points (6, 12, and 24 hours) were determined within each treatment group and compared across groups. Plasma mi
RNA
expression patterns were further explored with respect to AC dose and high‐sensitivity troponin T. Greater chemotherapy‐induced dysregulation was observed in this panel of candidate, cardiac‐related plasma mi
RNA
s in patients receiving anthracyclines compared with those receiving noncardiotoxic chemotherapy (24‐hour
MANOVA
;
P
=0.024). Specifically, plasma miRs‐29b and ‐499 were upregulated 6 to 24 hours post‐AC, and their postchemotherapy expression significantly correlated with AC dose. Patients with acute cardiomyocyte injury (high‐sensitivity troponin T increase ≥5 ng/L from baseline) demonstrated higher expression of miR‐29b and miR‐499 post‐AC compared with those without.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, cardiac‐related plasma mi
RNA
s are dysregulated following ACs. Plasma miR‐29b and ‐499 are acutely elevated post‐AC, with dose response relationships observed with anthracycline dose and markers of cardiac injury. Further evaluation of mi
RNA
s may provide mechanistic insight into AC‐induced cardiotoxicity and yield biomarkers to facilitate earlier intervention to mitigate cardiotoxicity.
Evaluation of Diagnostic Codes in Morbidity and Mortality Data Sources for Heat-Related Illness Surveillance
Authors: Harduar Morano Laurel , Watkins Sharon 
Published: April 2017

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to identify patients with heat-related illness (HRI) using codes for heat-related injury diagnosis and external cause of injury in 3 administrative data sets: emergency department (ED) visit records, hospital discharge records, and death certificates. Methods: We obtained data on ED visits, hospitalizations, and deaths for Florida residents for May 1 through October 31, 2005-2012. To identify patients with HRI, we used codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification ( ICD-9-CM) to search data on ED visits and hospitalizations and codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision ( ICD-10) to search data on deaths. We stratified the results by data source and whether the HRI was work related. Results: We identified 23 981 ED visits, 4816 hospitalizations, and 140 deaths in patients with non–work-related HRI and 2979 ED visits, 415 hospitalizations, and 23 deaths in patients with work-related HRI. The most common diagnosis codes among patients were for severe HRI (heat exhaustion or heatstroke). The proportion of patients with a severe HRI diagnosis increased with data source severity. If ICD-9-CM code E900.1 and ICD-10 code W92 (excessive heat of man-made origin) were used as exclusion criteria for HRI, 5.0% of patients with non–work-related deaths, 3.0% of patients with work-related ED visits, and 1.7% of patients with work-related hospitalizations would have been removed. Conclusions: Using multiple data sources and all diagnosis fields may improve the sensitivity of HRI surveillance. Future studies should evaluate the impact of converting ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM codes on HRI surveillance of ED visits and hospitalizations.
A rapid tool for emission outlet concentration simulation of scrubber and make-up air unit at different inlet concentrations
Authors: Kuo Chi-Wen , Chuang Tzu-Sou , Chang Luh-Maan 
Published: April 2017

Currently in the cleanroom-related industries, both the air quality of indoors intake and outdoors emission should be controlled at a certain level. Wet scrubbers and air washers are the main facilities to clean up air for the process required. However, previous studies have found that these devices typically have lower removal efficiency for low inlet concentration contaminations; little information is available to explain the efficiency deterioration and only on the empirical basis. A theoretical model is proposed, which applies Fick’s second law to derive a rapid efficiency simulating formula. This model is different from the empirical equations of former studies, and is able to describe the relationship between the inlet concentration and removal efficiency of the air washing facilities. Moreover, the calculation time of the nonlinear recurrence equation is effectively lessened by the Euler equation and proven to be practical and concise for the rapid efficiency determination. Confirmation of the simulation formula was conducted by using the experimental data from the previous studies of the wet scrubber and in situ historical record of a make-up air unit. In this article, we describe how an outlet concentration and removal efficiency can be predicted using a generic simulating formula, leading to better design with less effort. The proposed model and equation minimize the design complexity and help to optimize the sizing and operational control of the air washing facilities. This not only decreases the construction and operating costs, but also lead to better energy usage. Practical application: Engineers can use the output of this paper to optimize air washer facility designs instead of intuitively extending the rinsing duration or enlarging the scale of the equipment. The model can be applied to both residential and industrial air washers to predict the efficiency and evaluate the performance. It also allows the quantitative analysis and risk assessment of an abrupt air washer breakdown in the clean manufacturing industries.
Surgical approach to posterior mediastinal lesions and long-term outcomes
Authors: Kocaturk Celalettin I , Sezen Celal B , Aker Cemal , Kalafat Cem E , Bilen Salih , Kutluk Ali C , Karapinar Kemal , Erdogan Sertan , Saydam Ozkan 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundPosterior mediastinal lesions are classified as solid lesions and cysts. The treatment for both types is surgery. We evaluated the surgical outcomes and recurrence rates after video-assisted thoracic surgery and thoracotomy for posterior mediastinal lesions.MethodsData of 66 resections for posterior mediastinal masses between 2000 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-two patients were treated by video-assisted thoracic surgery (group V) and 44 underwent thoracotomy (group T); 29 (43.9%) were female and 37 (56.1%) were male, the mean age was 45.9 ± 14.7 years.ResultsBronchogenic cyst was the most common cystic lesion (10/12, 83.3%), and benign schwannoma was the most common solid lesion (32/54, 59.2%). The mean diameter of solid lesions was 5.19 ± 2.4 cm (group V 3.98 ± 1.8 vs. group T 5.78 ± 2.5 cm, p = 0.006). The tumor diameter was 4.06 ± 1.9 cm in asymptomatic patients and 6.93 ± 2.2 cm ( p < 0.001) in symptomatic patients. In group V, hospital stay and duration of drainage were significantly shorter than in group T ( p = 0.02, p = 0.01). Local recurrence was detected in 4 (6.1%) patients. Cystic lesions had a higher recurrence rate than solid lesions ( p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in recurrence rates in groups V and T ( p = 0.59).ConclusionVideo-assisted thoracic surgery is a safe method for surgical treatment of posterior mediastinal lesions, with a shorter drainage time and postoperative hospitalization and similar recurrence rates. More recurrences are seen in patients with cystic lesions.
Restoring effective sleep tranquility (REST): A feasibility and pilot study
Authors: Eakman Aaron M , Schmid Arlene A , Henry Kimberly L , Rolle Natalie R , Schelly Catherine , Pott Christine E , Burns Joshua E 
Published: April 2017

IntroductionThe purpose of this pilot study was to establish the feasibility of completing a future controlled trial of a multi-component cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia program for military veterans with sleep disturbance.MethodThis was a single-arm feasibility and pilot study. Participants were United States post-9/11 veterans with service-connected injuries, university students, and had self-reported sleep disturbances. Restoring Effective Sleep Tranquility was a multi-component cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia intervention consisting of seven sessions of group therapy and eight 1:1 sessions delivered by occupational therapists. Feasibility and pilot indicators were process, resources, management, and scientific, including pre–post-assessments of sleep difficulties, dysfunctional sleep beliefs, participation, and pain interference.FindingsIndicators were supportive of feasibility, including reduced sleep difficulties (for example Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Measure [ t = 3.29, p = .02]), reduced nightmares: t = 2.79, p = .03; fewer dysfunctional sleep beliefs: t = 3.63, p = .01, and greater ability to participate in social roles: t = –2.86, p = .03, along with trends towards improved satisfaction with participation and reduced pain interference.ConclusionThe Restoring Effective Sleep Tranquility program may reduce sleep difficulties and improve participation in US veterans with service-connected injuries, and evidence indicates a controlled trial would be feasible to deliver.
Analysis of PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident Candidate Letters of Recommendation at an Academically Affiliated Residency Program
Authors: McLaughlin Milena M. , Masic Dalila , Gettig Jacob P. 
Published: April 2017

Background: Letters of recommendation (LORs) are a critical component for differentiating among similarly qualified pharmacy residency candidates. These letters contain information that is difficult to ascertain from curricula vitae and pharmacy school transcripts. LOR writers may use any words or phrases appropriate for each candidate as there is no set framework for LORs. Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize descriptive themes in postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) pharmacy residency candidates’ LORs and to examine which themes of PGY-1 pharmacy residency candidates’ LORs are predictive of an interview invitation at an academically affiliated residency program. Methods: LORs for candidates from the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application System (PhORCAS) from 2013 and 2014 for the Midwestern University PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency were analyzed. LOR characteristics and descriptive themes were collected. All scores for candidate characteristics and overall PhORCAS recommendation were also recorded. Results: A total of 351 LORs for 111 candidates from 2013 (n = 47 candidates) and 2014 (n = 64 candidates) were analyzed; 36 (32.4%) total candidates were offered an interview. Themes that were identified as predictors of an interview included a higher median (interquartile range) number of standout words (3 words [1.3-4] vs 3.8 words [2.5-5.5], P < .01) and teaching references (3.7 words [2.7-6] vs 5.7 words [3.7-7.8], P = .01). Conclusion: For this residency program, standout words and teaching references were important when offering interviews.
Comparison of health parameters in normal cats fed a limited iodine prescription food vs a conventional diet
Authors: Paetau-Robinson Inke , Melendez Lynda D , Forrester S Dru , Armbrust Laura J , Refsal Kent R , Burris Patricia A 
Published: April 2017

Objectives The objective was to compare the effect on thyroid function in healthy, adult cats fed a limited-iodine food or conventional diet for 24 months. Methods Cats in the limited-iodine group (n = 14) were fed a commercial, dry food containing 0.2 ppm iodine on a dry-matter basis (DMB). Cats in the conventional diet group (n = 12) were fed an identical diet except that the iodine content was 3.2 ppm on a DMB. Both groups were maintained on their respective diets for 24 months. The median age of the cats at baseline was 3.2 years (interquartile range 2.4–4.3). Diagnostic samples were obtained for measurement of serum biochemistry parameters, thyroid hormone concentrations, complete blood count and urinalysis, and thyroid ultrasound examination was performed at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Results Median serum concentrations of free and total thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone were within respective reference intervals for both test groups at all sampling intervals. Median urine iodine concentrations in the limited-iodine group declined significantly ( P = 0.0001) from baseline and were significantly different than conventional diet ( P ⩽0.0007). Ultrasound examination revealed no significant change in median thyroid height in the limited-iodine group at any time point. Conclusions and relevance Normal serum thyroid hormone concentrations and results of urinalysis and routine biochemical testing confirmed that the limited-iodine food was safely fed for 2 years to healthy, adult cats. Ultrasound examination showing that cats on limited-iodine did not develop a change in thyroid gland height was a further indication of the absence of iatrogenic hypothyroidism in the limited iodine diet group. These results support the lack of obvious side effects associated with feeding a limited-iodine diet for 2 years to healthy, adult cats, a situation that may occur in multi-cat households where healthy cats have access to a limited-iodine diet being used to manage cats with feline hyperthyroidism.
Attitude of US obstetricians and gynaecologists to global warming and medical waste
Authors: Thiel Cassandra , Duncan Paula , Woods Noe 
Published: April 2017

Objectives Global warming (or climate change) is a major public health issue, and health services are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in high-income countries. Despite the scale of the health care sector’s resource consumption, little is known about the attitude of physicians and their willingness to participate in efforts to reduce the environmental impact of health services. Methods A survey of 236 obstetricians and gynaecologists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Western Pennsylvania, USA. Survey responses were compared to Gallup poll data from the general population using a one-sample test of proportions, Fisher’s exact tests, Chi-square test, and logistic regression. Results Physicians in obstetrics and gynaecology were more likely than the public (84% vs. 54%; p<0.001) to believe that global warming is occurring, that media portrayal of its seriousness is accurate, and that it is caused by human activities. Two-thirds of physicians felt the amount of surgical waste generated is excessive and increasing. The majority (95%) would support efforts to reduce waste, with 66% favouring the use of reusable surgical tools over disposable where clinically equivalent. Despite their preference for reusable surgical instruments, only 20% preferred the reusable devices available to them. Conclusions Health care providers engaging in sustainability efforts may encounter significant support from physicians and may benefit from including physician leaders in their efforts.
Management of Isolated Atherosclerotic Stenosis of the Common Femoral Artery: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Halpin David , Erben Young , Jayasuriya Sasanka , Cua Bennett , Jhamnani Sunny , Mena-Hurtado Carlos 
Published: April 2017

Objective: Common femoral endarterectomy (CFE) remains the standard of care for treatment of atherosclerotic stenosis of the common femoral artery (CFA). Endovascular interventions have become the first-line therapy for atherosclerotic disease of the aortoiliac and femoropopliteal systems. Recent reports have documented high rates of technical success and low rates of complications with endovascular management of CFA stenosis. This study is a contemporary review of the surgical and endovascular literature on the management CFA stenosis and compares the results of these methods. Methods: A search of OVID Medline identified all published reports of revascularization of isolated atherosclerotic CFA stenosis. For each study selected for review, the number of patients, number of limbs treated, percentage of patients with critical limb ischemia, and mean length of follow-up was recorded. Study end points included survival, primary patency, freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR), freedom from amputation, and complications. Results: The review included 7 CFE studies and 4 endovascular studies. Survival was similar between the groups. Primary patency was consistently higher with CFE compared to endovascular therapy. Freedom from TLR was lower with CFE compared to endovascular therapy. Morbidity and mortality was also higher with CFE compared to endovascular therapy. Freedom from amputation was not consistently reported in the endovascular studies. Conclusion: There is limited data to support endovascular treatment of isolated CFA atherosclerosis. CFE has durable results, but there is significant morbidity and mortality resulting from this procedure. Endovascular interventions have low rates of complications, high rates of technical success, good short-term patency but increased need for repeat interventions when compared to surgery. Further trial data comparing CFE with endovascular therapy is needed to guide the management of CFA stenosis.
Breast conserving surgery and re-excision rates: A single-institution’s experience.
Authors: Dubrovsky Esther , Chun Jennifer , Schwartz Shira , Guth Amber , Axelrod Deborah M. , Schnabel Freya Ruth 
Published: April 2017

181 Background: Quality measures (QM) in breast surgery vary among organizations world-wide. Although the rate of breast conserving surgery is an accepted QM, the incorporation of a standard for re-excision rates (RER) remains controversial. RER clearly has an impact on cost and efficiency of care. The purpose of this study is to look at techniques that can reduce burden to the patient and the healthcare system by decreasing RER. Methods: Our institutional Breast Cancer Database was queried to identify all patients from 2010-2016 who underwent lumpectomy for Stage 0-III breast cancer by three high-volume breast surgeons. We analyzed the RER based on method of detection, localization technique, use of circumferential cavity shave margins, and use of device MarginProbe (DUNE Medical Devices). Results: Of 1420 women, the overall RER was 22% (312/1420). The RER was not decreased by addition of pre-operative MRI. Localization techniques were used for all non-palpable tumors and did not affect RER. The use of shave margins decreased RER from 28% to 17% (p<0.0001). The use of MarginProbe decreased RER from 24 to 11% (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Adjunctive use of circumferential cavity shave margins or directed margin excision with the MarginProbe during breast-conserving surgery decreased the RER to less than 20%. The burden of each additional surgery in financial cost, missed work, child care, and transportation can be significant. Rate of re-operation in Breast Surgery should be considered strongly within the quality efforts of any institution. [Table: see text]
Estimating health care costs for advanced metastatic bladder cancer patients who are lost to follow-up: Applications of the Kaplan-Meier sampling average (KMSA).
Authors: Yue Binglin , Lankford Maria L. , Landsman-Blumberg Pamela 
Published: April 2017

21 Background: There is an increasing need to evaluate the quality and cost of care within oncology. Estimating health care costs for patients who are lost to follow-up or censored often results in underestimating costs, biasing comparative assessments. This study compared traditional costing approaches with that of KMSA methods for patients treated for metastatic bladder cancer. Methods: Advanced metastatic bladder cancer patients receiving second line chemotherapy were identified from the Truven Health MarketScan Claims Databases (04/2011 to 09/2014). All-cause health care costs represent the total dollars paid to all providers of care regardless of diagnosis and were inflated to 2014 USD. Total, medical, pharmacy, and site-of-care costs from treatment initiation to death, end-of-enrollment, or end-of-study period were compared using the KMSA and traditional methods. In KMSA, the follow-up period is divided into small uniform intervals; total cost in each interval is then multiplied by the individual patient’s survival probability at the beginning of each interval and then summed across the intervals. Results: The censoring rate of patients’ follow-up was 49%. The mean per patient total health care captured by traditional method was only 72% of the total cost estimated by KMSA method or $32,930 less per patient. Overall, underestimates ranged from 28% to 41% with pharmacy, ER, and lab service costs underestimated the largest when using the traditional method. Conclusions: The KMSA produced estimates more reflective of actual patient-level health care costs in this claims-based observational cancer study compared to traditional methods by accounting for the effect of censoring. Researchers should consider KMSA when evaluating and comparing costs of care in the presence of variable follow-up.[Table: see text]