bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Machine Learning Techniques for Heart Failure Readmissions
Authors: Mortazavi Bobak J. , Downing Nicholas S. , Bucholz Emily M. , Dharmarajan Kumar , Manhapra Ajay , Li Shu-Xia , Negahban Sahand N. , Krumholz Harlan M. 
Published: November 2016

Background—
The current ability to predict readmissions in patients with heart failure is modest at best. It is unclear whether machine learning techniques that address higher dimensional, nonlinear relationships among variables would enhance prediction. We sought to compare the effectiveness of several machine learning algorithms for predicting readmissions.

Methods and Results—
Using data from the Telemonitoring to Improve Heart Failure Outcomes trial, we compared the effectiveness of random forests, boosting, random forests combined hierarchically with support vector machines or logistic regression (LR), and Poisson regression against traditional LR to predict 30- and 180-day all-cause readmissions and readmissions because of heart failure. We randomly selected 50% of patients for a derivation set, and a validation set comprised the remaining patients, validated using 100 bootstrapped iterations. We compared C statistics for discrimination and distributions of observed outcomes in risk deciles for predictive range. In 30-day all-cause readmission prediction, the best performing machine learning model, random forests, provided a 17.8% improvement over LR (mean C statistics, 0.628 and 0.533, respectively). For readmissions because of heart failure, boosting improved the C statistic by 24.9% over LR (mean C statistic 0.678 and 0.543, respectively). For 30-day all-cause readmission, the observed readmission rates in the lowest and highest deciles of predicted risk with random forests (7.8% and 26.2%, respectively) showed a much wider separation than LR (14.2% and 16.4%, respectively).

Conclusions—
Machine learning methods improved the prediction of readmission after hospitalization for heart failure compared with LR and provided the greatest predictive range in observed readmission rates.
Identifying Drug–Drug Interactions by Data Mining
Authors: Hansen Peter Wæde , Clemmensen Line , Sehested Thomas S.G. , Fosbøl Emil Loldrup , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Gislason Gunnar H. , Andersson Charlotte 
Published: November 2016

Background—
Knowledge about drug–drug interactions commonly arises from preclinical trials, from adverse drug reports, or based on knowledge of mechanisms of action. Our aim was to investigate whether drug–drug interactions were discoverable without prior hypotheses using data mining. We focused on warfarin–drug interactions as the prototype.

Methods and Results—
We analyzed altered prothrombin time (measured as international normalized ratio [INR]) after initiation of a novel prescription in previously INR-stable warfarin-treated patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Data sets were retrieved from clinical work. Random forest (a machine-learning method) was set up to predict altered INR levels after novel prescriptions. The most important drug groups from the analysis were further investigated using logistic regression in a new data set. Two hundred and twenty drug groups were analyzed in 61 190 novel prescriptions. We rediscovered 2 drug groups having known interactions (β-lactamase-resistant penicillins [dicloxacillin] and carboxamide derivatives) and 3 antithrombotic/anticoagulant agents (platelet aggregation inhibitors excluding heparin, direct thrombin inhibitors [dabigatran etexilate], and heparins) causing decreasing INR. Six drug groups with known interactions were rediscovered causing increasing INR (antiarrhythmics class III [amiodarone], other opioids [tramadol], glucocorticoids, triazole derivatives, and combinations of penicillins, including β-lactamase inhibitors) and two had a known interaction in a closely related drug group (oripavine derivatives [buprenorphine] and natural opium alkaloids). Antipropulsives had an unknown signal of increasing INR.

Conclusions—
We were able to identify known warfarin–drug interactions without a prior hypothesis using clinical registries. Additionally, we discovered a few potentially novel interactions. This opens up for the use of data mining to discover unknown drug–drug interactions in cardiovascular medicine.
Linkage and Association Analysis Identifies
TRAF1
Influencing Common Carotid Intima–Media Thickness
Authors: Heßler Nicole , Geisel Marie Henrike , Coassin Stefan , Erbel Raimund , Heilmann Stefanie , Hennig Frauke , Hoffmann Barbara , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Moebus Susanne , Moskau-Hartmann Susanna , Nürnberg Gudrun , Nürnberg Peter , Vens Maren , Klockgether Thomas , Kronenberg Florian , Scherag André , Ziegler Andreas 
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—
Carotid intima–media thickness is a marker for subclinical atherosclerosis that predicts subsequent clinical cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to identify chromosomal loci with linkage or association to common carotid intima–media thickness.

Methods—
Nuclear families were recruited using the single parental proband sib-pair design. Genotype data were available for 546 individuals from 132 nuclear families of the Bonn IMT Family Study using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Mapping 250K Sty chip. Multipoint logarithm of the odds (LOD) scores were determined with the quantitative trait locus statistic implemented in multipoint engine for rapid likelihood. Linkage analysis and family-based association tests were conducted. Data from 2471 German participants from the HNR (Heinz Nixdorf Recall) Study were used for subsequent replication.

Results—

Two new genomic regions with suggestive linkage (LOD>2) were identified on chromosome 4 (LOD=2.26) and on chromosome 17 (LOD=2.01). Previously reported linkage findings were replicated on chromosomes 13 and 14. Fifteen single nucleotide polymorhisms, located on chromosomes 4, 6, and 9, revealed
P
<10
–4
in the family-based association analyses. One of these signals was replicated in HNR (rs2416804, 1-sided
P
=1.60×10
–3
, located in the gene
TRAF1
).

Conclusions—

This study presents the first genome-wide linkage and association study of common carotid intima–media thickness in the German population. Alleles of rs2416804 in
TRAF1
were identified as being linked and associated with carotid intima–media thickness. Further studies are needed to evaluate the contribution of this locus to the development of atherosclerosis.
Selective Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 1 Agonist Is Protective Against Ischemia/Reperfusion in Mice
Authors: Brait Vanessa H. , Tarrasón Gema , Gavaldà Amadeu , Godessart Núria , Planas Anna M. 
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—
Growing evidence supports that the immunomodulatory drug fingolimod is protective in stroke. Fingolimod binds to 4 of 5 sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors and, among other actions, it induces lymphopenia. In this study, we investigated whether a selective S1P1 agonist is protective in experimental stroke.

Methods—
Drug selectivity was studied in vitro in cells overexpressing the human S1P receptors. Mice (n=54) received different doses of LASW1238 (3 or 10 mg/kg), fingolimod (1 mg/kg), or the vehicle intraperitoneal, and lymphopenia was studied at different time points. After intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion for 45 minutes and immediately after reperfusion, mice (n=56) received the drug treatment. At 24 hours, a neurological test was performed and infarct volume was measured. Treatment and all the analyses were performed in a blind fashion.

Results—
In vitro functional assays showed that LASW1238 is a selective agonist of the S1P1 receptor. At 10 mg/kg, this compound induced sustained lymphopenia in mice comparable with fingolimod, whereas at 3 mg/kg it induced short-lasting lymphopenia. After ischemia, both LASW1238 (10 mg/kg) and fingolimod reduced infarct volume, but only LASW1238 (10 mg/kg) showed statistically significant differences versus the vehicle. The neurological function and plasma cytokine levels were not different between groups.

Conclusions—
The selective S1P1 agonist LASW1238 reduces infarct volume after ischemia/reperfusion in mice, but only when lymphopenia is sustained for at least 24 hours. S1P1 and lymphocytes are potential targets for drug treatment in stroke. Defining the best drug dosing regimens to control the extent and duration of lymphopenia is critical to achieve the desired effects.
Using Synthetic Brightness Temperatures to Address Uncertainties in Cloud-Top-Height Verification
Authors: Nachamkin Jason E. , Jin Yi , Grasso Lewis D. , Richardson Kim 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCloud-top verification is inherently difficult because of large uncertainties in the estimates of observed cloud-top height. Misplacement of cloud top associated with transmittance through optically thin cirrus is one of the most common problems. Forward radiative models permit a direct comparison of predicted and observed radiance, but uncertainties in the vertical position of clouds remain. In this work, synthetic brightness temperatures are compared with forecast cloud-top heights so as to investigate potential errors and develop filters to remove optically thin ice clouds. Results from a statistical analysis reveal that up to 50% of the clouds with brightness temperatures as high as 280 K are actually optically thin cirrus. The filters successfully removed most of the thin ice clouds, allowing for the diagnosis of very specific errors. The results indicate a strong negative bias in midtropospheric cloud cover in the model, as well as a lack of land-based convective cumuliform clouds. The model also predicted an area of persistent stratus over the North Atlantic Ocean that was not apparent in the observations. In contrast, high cloud tops associated with deep convection were well simulated, as were mesoscale areas of enhanced trade cumulus coverage in the Sargasso Sea.
Effects of Urban Plume Aerosols on a Mesoscale Convective System
Authors: Kawecki Stacey , Henebry Geoffrey M. , Steiner Allison L. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
This study examines the effects of urban aerosols on a mesoscale convective system (MCS) in the central Great Plains with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem). Urban emissions from Kansas City, Missouri, were scaled by factors of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 to investigate the impact of urban aerosol load on MCS propagation and strength. The first half of the storm development is characterized by a stationary front to the north of Kansas City (phase I; 1800 UTC 26 May–0600 UTC 27 May), which develops into a squall line south of the urban area (phase II; 0600–1800 UTC 27 May). During phase I, doubling urban emissions shifts the precipitation accumulation, with enhancement downwind of the storm propagation and suppression upwind. During phase II, a squall line develops in the baseline and doubled emissions scenarios but not when emissions are halved. These changes in MCS propagation and strength are a function of cold pool strength, which is determined by microphysical processes and directly influenced by aerosol load. Overall, changes in urban emissions drive changes in cloud microphysics, which trigger large-scale changes in storm morphology and precipitation patterns. These results show that urban emissions can play an important role in mesoscale weather systems.
Brain energy metabolism and neuroinflammation in ageing APP/PS1-21 mice using longitudinal 18F-FDG and 18F-DPA-714 PET imaging
Authors: Takkinen Jatta S , López-Picón Francisco R , Al Majidi Rana , Eskola Olli , Krzyczmonik Anna , Keller Thomas , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Solin Olof , Rinne Juha O , Haaparanta-Solin Merja 
Published: November 2016

Preclinical animal model studies of brain energy metabolism and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease have produced conflicting results, hampering both the elucidation of the underlying disease mechanism and the development of effective Alzheimer’s disease therapies. Here, we aimed to quantify the relationship between brain energy metabolism and neuroinflammation in the APP/PS1-21 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease using longitudinal in vivo18F-FDG and 18F-DPA-714) PET imaging and ex vivo brain autoradiography. APP/PS1-21 (TG, n = 9) and wild type control mice (WT, n = 9) were studied longitudinally every third month from age 6 to 15 months with 18F-FDG and 18F-DPA-714 with a one-week interval between the scans. Additional TG (n = 52) and WT (n = 29) mice were used for ex vivo studies. In vivo, the 18F-FDG SUVs were lower and the 18F-DPA-714 binding ratios relative to the cerebellum were higher in the TG mouse cortex and hippocampus than in WT mice at age 12 to 15 months ( p < 0.05). The ex vivo cerebellum binding ratios supported the results of the in vivo18F-DPA-714 studies but not the 18F-FDG studies. This longitudinal PET study demonstrated decreased energy metabolism and increased inflammation in the brains of APP/PS1-21 mice compared to WT mice.
Therapeutic inertia and intensified treatment in diabetes mellitus prescription patterns: A nationwide population-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Li-Ying , Yeh Hseng-Long , Yang Ming-Chin , Shau Wen-Yi , Su Syi , Lai Mei-Shu 
Published: November 2016

Objective To measure therapeutic inertia by characterizing prescription patterns using secondary data obtained from the nationwide diabetes mellitus pay-for-performance (DM-P4P) programme in Taiwan. Methods Using reimbursement claims from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, a nationwide retrospective cohort study was undertaken of patients with diabetes mellitus who participated in the DM-P4P programme from 2006–2008. Glycosylated haemoglobin results were used to evaluate modifications in therapy in response to poor diabetes control. Prescription patterns were used to assign patients to either a therapeutic inertia group or an intensified treatment group. Therapeutic inertia was defined as the failure to act on a known problem. Results The research sample comprised of 168 876 patients with diabetes mellitus who had undergone 899 135 tests. Of these, 37.4% (336 615 visits) of prescriptions were for a combination of two types of drug and 27.7% (248 788 visits) were for a combination of three types of drug. The proportion of patients in the intensified therapy group who were prescribed more than two types of drug was considerably higher than that in the therapeutic inertia group. Conclusion In many cases in the therapeutic inertia group only a single type of hypoglycaemic drug was prescribed or the dosage remained unchanged.
The adaption and evaluation of a Latvian version of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
Authors: Jurjāns Kristaps , Noviks Iļja , Volčeka Diāna , Zandersone Linda , Meilerte Kristīne , Miglāne Evija , Stepens Ainars , Millers Andrejs 
Published: November 2016

Objectives To determine the validity and reliability of a Latvian version of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (LV-NIHSS) for evaluating Latvian stroke patients. Methods The adaption of the LV-NIHSS followed standard methods used for the adaption and validation of clinical assessment tools. The scale validity was tested by comparison with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the modified Rankin scale (mRs). The reliability of the LV-NIHSS was evaluated by intra-rater and inter-rater agreement using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Results A total of 296 stroke patients and 101 control subjects were evaluated. The mean age of the overall study population was 73.6 years (range, 37 – 94 years; 227 [57.2%] were female). The mean LV-NIHSS score of the patients with stroke was 8.4 ± 6.2. In terms of construct validity of the LV-NIHSS, it correlated with the GCS ( r = −0.571) and mRs ( r = 0.755). In terms of the reliability of the LV-NIHSS, the inter-rater agreement had an ICC of 0.99 and the intra-rater agreement had an ICC of 0.99. Conclusion The adaption of LV-NIHSS was successful and the evaluation showed that the scale was valid and reliable for evaluating Latvian stroke patients.
Segmental portal/superior mesenteric vein resection and reconstruction with the iliac vein after pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Zhao Xin , Li Li-xin , Fan Hua , Kou Jian-tao , Li Xian-liang , Lang Ren , He Qiang 
Published: November 2016

Objective The results of segmental venous resection (VR) combined with pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) are controversial but may be promising. Few studies have described reconstruction of the portal/superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) with the iliac vein harvested from donation after cardiac death (DCD). Methods From January 2014 to April 2016, PD combined with segmental excision of the PV/SMV (VR group) was performed in 21 patients with adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas (ADHP). The authors established a new technique of venous reconstruction using the iliac vein from DCD and analysed patients’ long-term survival. Results The tumour dimensions and tumour staging were greater and the operation time was longer in the VR than PD group; however, no differences in the resection degree, blood loss, complications, reoperation rate, or mortality rate were found. The median survival was similar between the VR and PD groups. The long-term patency of the donor iliac vein was 90%. The degree of resection was a strong predictor of long-term survival. Conclusion Segmental PV/SMV resection combined with PD is applicable to selective patients with venous invasion by ADHP if R0 resection has probably been achieved. An iliac vein obtained by DCD provides an effective graft for venous reconstruction.
Clinical features and biological markers of lung cancer-associated stroke
Authors: Xie Xingrui , Chen Li , Zeng Jinsheng , Qin Chao , Cheng Daobin , Wei Xinxian , Liang Zhijian 
Published: November 2016

Objective To identify the unique clinical features and biological markers of lung cancer-associated stroke. Methods We recruited 102 patients with lung cancer plus stroke, 102 with lung cancer, and 102 with stroke. Detailed information was analysed and compared among groups. Results The groups were age-matched. Patients with lung cancer plus stroke showed multiple lesions involving multiple cerebral artery territories on magnetic resonance imaging, compared with stroke-alone patients. These patients also had a poorer modified Rankin Scale score at 30 days, and high mortality (18.6%). Patients with lung cancer plus stroke had a higher incidence of metastasis, and higher blood levels of D-dimer, CA125 and CA199 compared with patients with lung cancer alone. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that levels of D-dimer, CA125 and CA199 were independently related to lung cancer-associated stroke. Conclusion Elevated plasma D-dimer, CA125 and CA199 may be independent risk factors for and biomarkers of lung cancer-associated stroke.
Association between ascending aortic diameter and coronary artery dilation: a demographic data analysis
Authors: Hatemi Ali Can , Tongut Aybala , Özyedek Zeki , Çerezci İsmail , Özgöl İlhan , Perk Gürün Hande 
Published: November 2016

Objective Coronary artery dilations (CDs), a subgroup of coronary artery anomalies (CAAs), are relatively rare but important cardiac pathologies. They are considered to be linked to coronary atherosclerosis in most cases. Methods The demographic data, multi-slice computed tomographic coronary angiography data, coronary calcium score, and ascending aortic diameter (AAD) of 1538 patients were reviewed. In total, 197 (12.8%) patients (166 men, 31 women; age 15 – 84 years; mean 55.78 ± 12.32 years) with CAAs were identified, and 81 (5.3%) patients (70 men, 11 women; age 27 – 80 years; mean 56.63 ± 12.06 years) had CDs. Multiple regression and correlation analyses were performed in all 1538 patients to predict the association between the AAD and the presence of CD and thus their correlation with atherosclerosis. Results The AAD was significantly larger in patients with than without CAAs and CDs. Male sex was significantly more prevalent in patients with CAAs and CDs. According to the multiple logistic regression model, male sex increased the risk of CD by 2.650 and the risk of CAA by 2.017, while hyperlipidaemia decreased the risk of CAA by 0.681. While a moderately weak correlation between the AAD and age was observed in patients with CDs, no correlation was found between the AAD and coronary calcium score. Conclusion Although the natural history and physiopathology of CDs is not yet fully understood, the present study shows an association between the AAD and the presence of CDs but a lack of association between atherosclerosis and CDs.
Association between telomere length and diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Jianfei , Dong Xu , Cao Li , Sun Yangyang , Qiu Yu , Zhang Yi , Cao Ruoqiong , Covasa Mihai , Zhong Li 
Published: November 2016

Objective We investigated the relationship between diabetes and telomere length by meta-analysis. Methods We searched five popular databases for articles published between 1990 and 2015 using “diabetes” and “telomere” as search terms. Data were processed with RevMan5, and random- or fixed-effects meta-analysis was applied. The effects of geographical region, diabetes type, body mass index (BMI), age and sex were examined. Funnel plots were applied to evaluate publication bias. Results Seventeen articles were obtained from 571 references. We identified a significant association between telomere length and diabetes mellitus (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −3.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −4.01, −2.80; heterogeneity, I2 = 99%) by comparing 5575 patients with diabetes and 6349 healthy individuals. The pooled SMD by geographic region indicated a significant association between shortened telomere length and diabetes mellitus (SMD: −3.41; 95% CI: −4.01, −2.80; heterogeneity, I2 = 99%). In addition, telomere length was significantly associated with age (SMD: −3.41; 95% CI: −4.01, −2.80), diabetes type (SMD: −3.41; 95% CI: −4.01, −2.80), BMI (SMD: −1.61; 95% CI: −1.98, −1.23) and sex (SMD: −4.94; 95% CI: −9.47, −0.40). Conclusions The study demonstrated a close relationship between diabetes mellitus and telomere length, which was influenced by region, age, diabetes type, BMI and sex.