bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and hypertension in women of the CARDIA study
Authors: Ebong Imo A. , Schreiner Pamela , Lewis Cora E. , Appiah Duke , Ghelani Azmina , Wellons Mellissa 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension in midlife women, characterize the association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and hypertension in women, and describe differences in hypertension prevalence by menopausal stage.

Methods:
We included 1,625 women, aged 43 to 55 years, with measurements of hs-CRP and detailed reproductive histories in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study at follow-up year 25. Prevalent hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg, or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or greater, or use of antihypertensive medications. Logistic regression was used for analysis.

Results:
The prevalence of hypertension was 25.8%, 37.8%, and 39.0% in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women, respectively. The median (25th and 75th percentiles) of hs-CRP was 3.08 (1.12, 7.98) μg/mL and 1.18 (0.48, 3.15) μg/mL in women with and without hypertension, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, metabolic factors and body mass index, a doubling (100% increment) in hs-CRP levels was significantly associated with hypertension in premenopausal (1.27 [1.01-1.59]), but not in perimenopausal (1.12 [0.99-1.27]) or postmenopausal (1.09 [0.95-1.26]) women.

Conclusions:
Hypertension was common in midlife women. The association of hs-CRP and hypertension was consistent across menopausal stages. The association of hs-CRP with hypertension was independent of body mass index in premenopausal but not in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women.
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Temporomandibular Joint: A Unique Presentation
Authors: Pianosi Kiersten , Rigby Matthew , Hart Robert , Trites Jonathan , Taylor S. Mark 
Published: April 2016

Summary:
Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare and benign proliferative disorder of synovium with potentially locally aggressive growth and invasion of the bone. Occurring within the joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae, it is most commonly a monoarticular disease affecting large joints. In particular, most cases of PVNS occur in the knee. PVNS of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a highly rare disorder, with approximately 60 cases reported. Herein, we present a unique case of an elderly male presenting with ear pain and subsequently diagnosed with PVNS of the TMJ with a history of trauma to the area. Initial imaging of the TMJ and the surrounding region looked concerning for invasive and/or malignant disease, but an open biopsy confirmed PVNS.
Success of Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Fitting
Authors: Ortiz-Toquero Sara , Martin Mario , Rodriguez Guadalupe , de Juan Victoria , Martin Raul 
Published: April 2016

Objectives:
To assess the percentage of successful rigid gas permeable (GP) contact lenses (CLs) fit for both refractive and therapeutic reasons.

Methods:
New CLs (soft or GP) fittings were retrospectively analyzed and divided into refractive and therapeutic prescriptions. A standardized fitting protocol that included complete CLs information after a first eye examination, a diagnostic fitting visit, a dispensing visit, and a prescribing visit was used in all fittings. A GP fitting was defined as successful if full-time wear and optimal ocular surface physiology were both achieved at the review assessment 2 to 3 weeks after lens dispensing.

Results:
Of 232 new CLs fittings analyzed, 166 were refractive fittings (71.6%) and 66 were therapeutic (28.4%). Of the refractive fittings, 88 subjects (53%) were initially fitted with GP CLs and 61 (69.3%) of these met the criteria for successful GP fitting. Within this group, a different percentage of successful fits were found for neophyte (72%), previous soft lens wearers (62%), and previous GP wearers (92.3%). Of the therapeutic fittings, 61 subjects (92.4%) were initially fitted with GP CLs and 59 (96.7%) of these met the criteria for successful GP fitting.

Conclusions:
Following a standardized CLs fitting protocol, a relatively high percentage of successful GP fits was achieved for refractive (7/10 subjects) and therapeutic (9/10 subjects) prescriptions. These results will improve the information available to patients and aid in their CL choices by providing them with a realistic attitude. It will also help eye care practitioners in their clinical activities by providing evidence-based information.
Local and Regional Spread of Primary Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Desai Shilpa J. , Pruzan Noelle L. , Geske Michael J. , Jeng Bennie H. , Bloomer Michele M. , Vagefi M. Reza 
Published: April 2016

Abstract:
Two cases of biopsy-proven conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that developed local and regional spread are described. The cases involved a 65-year-old woman and a 79-year-old man who were initially treated at outside institutions for SCC of the conjunctiva. The patients did not have a history of immune compromise. The female patient presented with direct extension into the lacrimal gland but deferred recommended exenteration. Despite eventual exenteration, she developed metastasis to a neck node 6 months later, which was treated with radiotherapy. The male patient presented with local recurrence and a parotid node metastasis treated with exenteration, parotidectomy, selective neck dissection, and postoperative radiotherapy. Review of the outside pathology of both cases revealed positive tumor margins at the time of original resection. Local control of conjunctival SCC is of critical importance to reduce the risk of orbital extension and regional spread.
Correction of Lower Eyelid Retraction Using Acellular Human Dermis During Orbital Decompression
Authors: Kim Kang Yoon , Woo Young Jun , Jang Sun Young , Lee Eun Jig , Yoon Jin Sook 
Published: April 2016

Purpose:
To investigate the surgical outcome of grafting acellular human dermis compared with concurrent lower eyelid retractor recession during swinging eyelid orbital decompression for correction of lower eyelid retraction in patients with Graves’ orbitopathy.

Methods:
Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective nonrandomized study of 54 Graves’ orbitopathy patients (95 eyes) from 2008 to 2012. Patients who received decompression were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 with conjunctival lengthening using 0.3-mm thickness AlloDerm (36 eyes), Group 2 with inferior retractor recession (33 eyes), and Group 3 with decompression only (26 eyes). Outcome measures included lower eyelid height, inferior sclera show, cosmetic appearance, and complications.

Results:
Baseline clinical characteristics and the degree of improvement of exophthalmos were not different between groups. Preoperative MRD2 was higher in group 1 (8.0 mm) than in groups 2 (6.9 mm, p < 0.001) and 3 (6.6 mm, p < 0.001). Mean improvement of MRD2 as well as postoperative improvement of inferior scleral show at postoperative 4 to 6 months were significantly higher in group 1 (2.7 mm) than in groups 2 (1.8 mm, p < 0.001) and 3 (1.2 mm, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Simultaneous correction of lower eyelid retraction using thin AlloDerm during swinging eyelid orbital decompression maximizes improvement of lower eyelid retraction compared with concurrent inferior retractor recession.
Legionnaires' Disease
Authors: Castillo Natalia E. , Rajasekaran Arun , Ali Sayed K. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Almost 40 years ago, Legionella pneumophila was initially recognized as the cause of a major respiratory outbreak. Since the first description of Legionnaires' disease, surveillance schemes have been implemented worldwide; however, legionellosis is still an underdiagnosed and underreported entity. Legionella pneumophila causes a severe inflammatory pneumonia that primarily affects susceptible patients as a result of advanced age, underlying debilitating conditions, and immunosuppression. Organ-specific and extrapulmonary manifestations have also been described. Cooling towers and water systems in buildings and hospitals have been reported to be environmental reservoirs that commonly harbor this pathogen. Numerous prevention guidelines vary in scope, and effective surveillance and detection systems are required for early clinical intervention. Various diagnostic tests are available, but they do not offer the desired sensitivity. To date, urinary antigen testing is still the most rapid and inexpensive method used in the diagnosis of Legionella infection. Culture and isolation of L. pneumophila from clinical specimens are not as cost-effective as other diagnostic methods, but they continue to be the criterion standard for the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease. The newer macrolides and respiratory tract fluoroquinolones are highly effective in the treatment of Legionella infection. Current understanding of Legionnaires' disease is crucial in the identification and management of major outbreaks.
Infections Leading to Broncholithiasis
Authors: Shenoy Rahul , Nanjappa Sowmya , Toloza Eric M. , Greene John N. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Broncholithiasis is a condition where there is a presence of broncholiths or calcified masses in the airways. The broncholiths commonly are calcified peribronchial lymph nodes that are formed in response to chronic granulomatous infections. The calcified masses either compress the bronchi or erode through the walls into the lumen. They then may be aspirated or expectorated (lithoptysis). Infections with bacteria and fungi have been associated with the development of broncholiths. We present a case of histoplasma infection leading to the formation of broncholiths that were surgically resected along with a literature review of other infectious and noninfectious causes of broncholiths.
Affective instability in patients with chronic pain: a diary approach
Authors: Rost Silke , Van Ryckeghem Dimitri M.L. , Koval Peter , Sütterlin Stefan , Vögele Claus , Crombez Geert 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Affective instability, conceptualized as fluctuations in mood over time, has been related to ill-health and psychopathology. In this study, we examined the role of affective instability on daily pain outcomes in 70 patients with chronic pain (Mage = 49.7 years; 46 females) using an end-of-day diary. During a baseline phase, patients completed self-reported questionnaires of pain severity, pain duration, disability, depression, and anxiety. During a subsequent diary phase, patients filled out an electronic end-of-day diary over 14 consecutive days assessing daily levels of pain severity, disability, cognitive complaints, negative affect (NA) and positive affect. Affective instability was operationalized as the mean square of successive differences in daily mood (separately for NA and positive affect), which takes into account the size of affective changes over consecutive days. Results indicated that NA instability was positively associated with daily disability, beyond the effects of daily pain severity. Furthermore, NA instability moderated the relationship between daily pain severity and daily disability and the relationship between daily pain severity and daily cognitive complaints. Positive affect instability, however, showed to be unrelated to all outcomes. Current findings extend previous results and reveal the putative role of affective instability on pain-related outcomes and may yield important clinical implications. Indeed, they suggest that targeting NA instability by improving emotion regulation skills may be a strategy to diminish disability and cognitive complaints in patients with chronic pain.
Cognitive behavioral training reverses the effect of pain exposure on brain network activity
Authors: Kucyi Aaron , Salomons Tim V. , Davis Karen D. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Repeated sensory exposures shape the brain's function and its responses to environmental stimuli. An important clinical and scientific question is how exposure to pain affects brain network activity and whether that activity is modifiable with training. We sought to determine whether repeated pain exposure would impact brain network activity and whether these effects can be reversed by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based training. Healthy subjects underwent 8 experimental sessions on separate days on which they received painful thermal stimuli. They were randomly assigned to groups receiving either CBT-based training (regulate group, n = 17) or a non–pain-focused treatment (control group, n = 13). Before and after these sessions, participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during painful stimulation and at rest. The effect of repeated pain over time in the control group was a decrease in the neurotypical pain-evoked default mode network (DMN) deactivation. The regulate group did not show these DMN effects but rather had decreased deactivation of the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (R vlPFC) of the executive control network. In the regulate group, reduced pain-evoked DMN deactivation was associated with greater individual reduction in pain intensity and unpleasantness over time. Finally, the regulate group showed enhanced resting functional connectivity between areas of the DMN and executive control network over time, compared with the control group. Our study demonstrates that trainable cognitive states can alter the effect of repeated sensory exposure on the brain. The findings point to the potential utility of cognitive training to prevent changes in brain network connectivity that occur with repeated experience of pain.
Gender Differences in Cognitive Test Performance in Adults With Heart Failure
Authors: Rochette Amber D. , Spitznagel Mary Beth , Sweet Lawrence H. , Cohen Ronald A. , Josephson Richard , Hughes Joel , Gunstad John 
Published: April 2016

Background:Cognitive deficits are found in up to 73% of persons with heart failure (HF) and are associated with increased mortality and other poor clinical outcomes. It is known that women have better memory test performance than men do in healthy samples, but gender differences in cognitive performance in the context of HF are not well understood and may have important clinical implications.Objective:The objective of this study was to examine possible gender differences in cognitive function in a sample of individuals with HF (98.9% New York Heart Association class II and III).Methods:A total of 183 adults with HF (116 men and 67 women) completed a neuropsychological test battery as part of a larger project. Measures were chosen to assess functioning in attention/executive function and memory.Results:After controlling for demographic and medical factors, multivariate analysis of covariance revealed that men and women differed on memory test performance (λ= 0.90,F4, 169= 4.76,P= .001). Post hoc comparisons revealed that women performed better on California Verbal Learning Test Learning, Short Recall, and Delayed Recall. No differences emerged on tests of attention/executive function (λ= 0.97,F5, 168= 0.96,P= .44).Conclusions:In this sample of persons with HF, men exhibited poorer performance on memory measures than women did. Future studies are needed to determine the underlying mechanisms for this pattern and its possible influence on daily function.
Short article: Negative small-bowel cross-sectional imaging does not exclude capsule retention in high-risk patients
Authors: Rondonotti Emanuele , Soncini Marco , Girelli Carlo M. , Russo Antonio , de Franchis Roberto 
Published: April 2016

Background and aims
Both Agile patency capsule (PC) and small-bowel cross-sectional imaging (SBCSI) techniques have been used to assess small-bowel patency in patients at high risk of capsule retention. The present study aimed to compare capsule retention rates in high-risk patients with negative PC or SBCSI.

Materials and methods
Between January 2011 and December 2013, consecutive patients undergoing small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) in the Lombardia region were prospectively entered into a dedicated registry. They were classified as being at high or low risk of capsule retention by the local investigator according to predefined clinical criteria. High-risk patients underwent either PC or SBCSI depending on local expertise and availability; those who tested negative underwent SBCE.

Results
Out of 3117 patients (male/female: 1667/1450, mean age: 63.1±17.7), 2942 (94.4%) were classified as being at low risk and 175 (5.6%) were classified as being at high risk for capsule retention. Among 175 high-risk patients, 151 (86.3%) had negative PC and 24 (13.7%) had negative SBCSI: capsule retention occurred in two patients with negative SBCSI (8.3%) and in one patient (0.7%) with negative PC (P=0.049). The capsule retention rates in high-risk patients with negative PC and in low-risk patients (20/2942; 0.7%) were comparable (P=1.0).

Conclusion
The capsule retention rate is similar in low-risk and negative PC high-risk patients. Conversely, high-risk patients with negative SBCSI have a significantly higher capsule retention rate. Our data suggest that in high-risk patients, negative SBCSI examination is not reassuring and, when SBCE is indicated, PC should be performed.
Alendronate for the Treatment of Osteoporosis in Men: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xu Zhiguo 
Published: April 2016

Background:
Alendronate has been widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis. However, the effect of alendronate in the male osteoporosis remains controversial.

Study Question:
We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of alendronate in the treatment of men with osteoporosis.

Study Design:
PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from their inception to October 25, 2015. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of alendronate in the male osteoporosis.

Measures and Outcomes:
The outcomes included mean percentage changes in bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, trochanter, and total body, and the incidence of new vertebral fractures. Results were expressed with weighted mean difference (WMD), and risk ratio with 95% CIs. A fixed-effects model or random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis according to heterogeneity.

Results:
Eight studies involving 988 patients met the inclusion criteria. Alendronate significantly increased the mean percentage BMD at the lumbar spine (WMD = 4.95, 95% CI, 2.40–7.49; P < 0.001), femoral neck (WMD = 2.59, 95% CI, 1.52–3.66; P < 0.001), and total hip (WMD = 2.39, 95% CI, 1.05–3.27; P < 0.001), but not at the trochanter (WMD = 1.76, 95% CI, −0.69 to 4.21; P = 0.158) and total body (WMD = 3.29, 95% CI, −0.04 to 6.62; P = 0.053). Moreover, alendronate was also decreased the incidence of vertebral fractures (risk ratio = 0.46, 95% CI, 0.28–0.77; P = 0.003). Subgroup analysis showed that among the male osteoporosis, greater increase in the lumbar spine BMD (WMD = 5.99, 95% CI, 3.42–8.56; P < 0.001) and femoral neck BMD (WMD = 3.66, 95% CI, 2.57–4.76; P = 0.023) was observed when the alendronate was administrated with a dose of 10 mg.

Conclusion:
Based on current evidence, alendronate shows beneficial effect on the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip BMD, and the incidence of new vertebral fractures.
Temporal Trends in the Use of Investigations After Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Ng Vivian T. , Bayoumi Ahmed M. , Fang Jiming , Burton Kirsteen R. , Stamplecoski Melissa , Edwards Jodi D. , Kapral Moira K. 
Published: April 2016

Background:
Guidelines recommend that patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) undergo neuroimaging and cardiac investigations to determine etiology and guide treatment. It is not known how the use of these investigations has changed over time and whether there have been associated changes in management.

Objectives:
To evaluate temporal trends in the use of brain and vascular imaging, echocardiography, and antithrombotic and surgical therapy after stroke or TIA.

Research Design:
We analyzed 42,738 patients with stroke or TIA presenting to any of the 11 regional stroke centers in Ontario, Canada between 2003 and 2012 using the Ontario Stroke Registry database. The study period was divided into 1-year intervals and we used the Cochran-Armitage test to determine trends over time.

Results:
Between 2003/2004 and 2011/2012, the proportion of patients undergoing brain imaging increased from 96% to 99%, as did the proportion receiving ≥3 brain scans (21%–39%), magnetic resonance imaging (13%–50%), vascular imaging (62%–88%), or echocardiography (52%–70%) (P<0.0001 for all comparisons). There was an increase in the proportion receiving any antithrombotic therapy (83%–91%, P<0.0001) but no change in use of anticoagulation (25% overall and 68% in subgroup with atrial fibrillation) or carotid revascularization (1.4%–1.5%, P=0.49).

Conclusions:
The use of investigations after stroke has increased over time without concomitant changes in medical or surgical management. Although initial neurovascular imaging is in accordance with practice guidelines, the use of multiple imaging procedures and routine echocardiography are of uncertain clinical effectiveness.
Diet, lipids, and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Siri-Tarino Patty W. , Krauss Ronald M. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose of review
Modulation of diet is the primary lifestyle approach for reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, with a major focus of current guidelines being to lower LDL cholesterol by reducing intake of saturated fatty acids. However, dietary effects on lipid-related CVD risk factors extend beyond LDL cholesterol, with growing emphasis on the prevention and management of atherogenic dyslipidemia, which includes elevated triglyceride, small dense LDL, and reduced HDL cholesterol, and which is associated with excess adiposity and insulin resistance. We here review recent studies of dietary macronutrient effects on CVD risk that may act through effects on plasma lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.

Recent findings
Effects of reducing saturated fatty acids on CVD risk have been evaluated both in terms of the replacement macronutrient(s) and the food and dietary context in which the macronutrients are consumed. Although weight loss remains the most important goal for reducing cardiometabolic risk among overweight and obese individuals, a variety of lines of evidence support limitation of added sugars and processed starches for improving features of atherogenic dyslipidemia.

Summary
Increasing understanding of the complexity of nutrient–disease relationships has shifted the framework for CVD prevention from a focus on macronutrient content of diets to foods and dietary patterns.