bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipoprotein(a) and Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Death in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Bajaj Archna , Damrauer Scott M. , Anderson Amanda H. , Xie Dawei , Budoff Matthew J. , Go Alan S. , He Jiang , Lash James P. , Ojo Akinlolu , Post Wendy S. , Rahman Mahboob , Reilly Muredach P. , Saleheen Danish , Townsend Raymond R. , Chen Jinbo , Rader Daniel J. 
Published: August 2017

Objective—

To investigate the effect of
LPA
gene variants and renal function on lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels in people with chronic kidney disease and determine the association between elevated Lp(a) and myocardial infarction and death in this setting.

Approach and Results—

The CRIC Study (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort) is an ongoing prospective study of 3939 participants with chronic kidney disease. In 3635 CRIC participants with genotype data, carriers of the rs10455872 or rs6930542 variants had a higher median Lp(a) level (mg/dL) compared with noncarriers (73 versus 23;
P
<0.001 and 56 versus 22;
P
<0.001, respectively). The 3744 participants (55% male and 41% non-Hispanic White) with available baseline Lp(a) levels were stratified into quartiles of baseline Lp(a) (mg/dL): <9.8, 9.8 to 26.0, 26.1 to 61.3, and >61.3. There were 315 myocardial infarctions and 822 deaths during a median follow-up of 7.5 years. The second quartile had the lowest event rate. After adjusting for potential confounders and using a Cox proportional hazards model, the highest quartile of Lp(a) was associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–2.11), death (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.57), and the composite outcome (hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.56) compared with the second quartile of Lp(a).

Conclusions—
Among adults with chronic kidney disease, elevated Lp(a) is independently associated with myocardial infarction and death. Future studies exploring pharmacological Lp(a) reduction in this population are warranted.
Do resettlement variables predict psychiatric treatment outcomes in a sample of asylum-seeking survivors of torture?
Authors: Whitsett David , Sherman Martin F 
Published: August 2017

Purpose: Mental health clinicians who work with asylum seekers provide services to patients who face stressful everyday living conditions. However, little is known about how these problems potentially impact psychiatric treatment within these populations. The purpose of this study was thus to examine whether resettlement factors predict outcomes of a mental health intervention for a sample of asylum-seeking survivors of torture. Methods: The study included data from a US outpatient clinic that specialized in treating asylum-seeking survivors of torture. Patients (primarily from Iraq, Afghanistan and African Countries) were evaluated on demographic factors at intake and psychiatric symptoms throughout the course of treatment. Results: Patients experienced significant reductions in depression, anxiety and trauma symptoms, although symptoms still remained near or above clinical thresholds. Stable, uncrowded housing conditions significantly predicted lower depression, anxiety and trauma symptoms at follow-up. Conclusion: These findings support the hypotheses that individuals seeking asylum within the United States who have survived torture can benefit from psychiatric treatment and emphasize the importance of stable living conditions in improving treatment effectiveness. This suggests the need for further research on social predictors of treatment outcomes, as well as the need for clinicians and policymakers to target improved housing as a potentially important tool to reduce psychiatric problems related to torture and forced migration.
Neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance: Implications on the development and surgical treatment of obesity
Authors: Farias Gisele , Netto Bárbara Dal Molin , Bettini Solange Cravo , Dâmaso Ana Raimunda , de Freitas Alexandre Coutinho Teixeira 
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Obesity, a serious public health problem, occurs mainly when food consumption exceeds energy expenditure. Therefore, energy balance depends on the regulation of the hunger–satiety mechanism, which involves interconnection of the central nervous system and peripheral signals from the adipose tissue, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract, generating responses in short-term food intake and long-term energy balance. Increased body fat alters the gut- and adipose-tissue-derived hormone signaling, which promotes modifications in appetite-regulating hormones, decreasing satiety and increasing hunger senses. With the failure of conventional weight loss interventions (dietary treatment, exercise, drugs and lifestyle modifications), bariatric surgeries are well-accepted tools for the treatment of severe obesity, with long-term and sustained weight loss. Bariatric surgeries may cause weight loss due to restriction/malabsorption of nutrients from the anatomical alteration of the gastrointestinal tract that decreases energy intake, but also by other physiological factors associated with better results of the surgical procedure. Objective: This review discusses the neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance, with description of the predominant hormones and peptides involved in the control of energy balance in obesity and all currently available bariatric surgeries. Conclusions: According to the findings of our review, bariatric surgeries promote effective and sustained weight loss not only by reducing calorie intake, but also by precipitating changes in appetite control, satiation and satiety, and physiological changes in gut-, neuro- and adipose-tissue-derived hormone signaling.
Infant and Young Child Feeding Decision Making and Practices: Malawian Mothers’ and Fathers’ Roles in the Context of HIV
Authors: Chintalapudi Nainisha , Hamela Gloria , Mofolo Innocent , Maman Suzanne , Hosseinipour Mina C. , Hoffman Irving F. , Flax Valerie L. 
Published: August 2017

Background: Few studies in low- and middle-income countries have examined the roles of couples in infant and young child feeding decision making and practices, and there is no corresponding data in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Research aim: This study aimed to explore mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of their roles in feeding decision making and practices. Methods: The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 15 mothers and their male partners, recruited from the catchment areas of two urban and two rural government clinics in Lilongwe District, Malawi. The mothers were ≥ 18 years of age, were HIV positive, and had a child < 24 months of age. Twelve of the 15 fathers were also HIV positive. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Mothers were responsible for child care, including breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Fathers provided monetary support for purchasing food and offered verbal support to encourage mothers to implement recommended feeding practices. Many fathers found it difficult to support adequate complementary feeding because of household food insecurity. Mothers were advised on child feeding during prevention of mother-to-child transmission clinic visits. No fathers in this study accompanied women to clinic appointments, so they were less well-informed about feeding than mothers. Fathers usually deferred to mothers in feeding decision making. One-third of mothers wanted fathers to be more involved in child feeding. Conclusion: Malawian mothers’ and fathers’ roles in feeding decision making in the context of HIV align with local gender norms. Strategies are needed to improve fathers’ knowledge of and involvement in child feeding, as desired by mothers.
Comparison of three blood transfusion guidelines applied to 31 feline donors to minimise the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections
Authors: Marenzoni Maria Luisa , Lauzi Stefania , Miglio Arianna , Coletti Mauro , Arbia Andrea , Paltrinieri Saverio , Antognoni Maria Teresa 
Published: August 2017

Objectives The increased demand for animal blood transfusions creates the need for an adequate number of donors. At the same time, a high level of blood safety must be guaranteed and different guidelines (GLs) deal with this topic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of different GLs in preventing transfusion-transmissible infections (TTI) in Italian feline blood donors. Methods Blood samples were collected from 31 cats enrolled as blood donors by the owners’ voluntary choice over a period of approximately 1 year. Possible risk factors for TTI were recorded. Based on Italian, European and American GLs, specific TTI, including haemoplasmas, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia species, Bartonella species, Babesia species, Theileria species, Cytauxzoon species, Leishmania donovani sensu lato and feline coronavirus (FCoV), were screened. Rapid antigen and serological tests and biomolecular investigations (PCR) were used. Several PCR protocols for haemoplasma and FeLV DNA were compared. Results The presence of at least one recognised risk factor for TTI was reported in all cats. Results for FIV and FeLV infections were negative using rapid tests, whereas five (16.1%) cats were positive for FCoV antibodies. Four (12.9%) cats were PCR positive for haemoplasma DNA and one (3.2%) for FeLV provirus, the latter being positive only using the most sensitive PCR protocol applied. Other TTI were not detected using PCR. Conclusions and relevance Blood safety increases by combining the recommendations of different GLs. To reduce the risk of TTI, sensitive tests are needed and the choice of the best protocol is a critical step in improving blood safety. The cost and time of the screening procedures may be reduced if appropriate tests are selected. To this end, the GLs should include appropriate recruitment protocols and questionnaire-based risk profiles to identify suitable donors.
Outcomes of open and endovascular repair of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Duque Santos África , Reyes Valdivia Andrés , Romero Lozano María Asunción , Aracil Sanus Enrique , Ocaña Guaita Julia , Gandarias Claudio 
Published: August 2017

Objective Reports on inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm treatment are scarce. Traditionally, open surgery has been validated as the gold standard of treatment; however, high technical skills are required. Endovascular aortic repair has been suggested as a less invasive treatment by some authors offering good results. The purpose of our study was to report our experience and outcomes in the treatment of inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm using both approaches. Material and methods A retrospective review and data collection of all patients treated for inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm between 2000 and 2015 was done in one academic center. Diagnosis of inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm was based on preoperative CT-scan imaging. Type of treatment, postoperative and long-term morbidity and mortality are described. Abdominal compressive symptoms (hydronephrosis) severity and relief after treatment are described. Results Thirty-four patients with intact inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm were included. Twenty-nine (85.3%) patients were treated by open means and the remaining five (14.7%) with endovascular aortic repair. Nearly 90% were considered high-risk patients. Median follow-up was 46 months (range 24–112). The two groups were comparable, except for the age and preoperative hydronephrosis. There was no statistical significance in blood transfusion requirements, intensive care hospitalization, 30-day and long-term mortality between the two groups. Preoperative hydronephrosis was diagnosed in four (13.8%) patients in the open surgery group and three (60%) patients in the endovascular aortic repair group. Improvement of hydronephrosis was recognized in three out of the four patients in the open repair group and two out of the three in the endovascular aortic repair group. Renal function remained stable in both groups during follow-up. Conclusions Open surgery remains a safe and valid option for the treatment of inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm. Although our study included a small number of patients with endovascular aortic repair treatment, results are promising. Further randomized controlled studies may be necessary to assess long-term effectiveness of endovascular aortic repair treatment in this disease.
Evaluation and performance of a newly developed patient-reported outcome instrument for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome in a clinical study population
Authors: Delgado-Herrera Leticia , Lasch Kathryn , Zeiher Bernhardt , Lembo Anthony J. , Drossman Douglas A. , Banderas Benjamin , Rosa Kathleen , Lademacher Christopher , Arbuckle Rob 
Published: August 2017

Background: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the newly developed seven-item Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Diarrhea predominant (IBS-D) Daily Symptom Diary and four-item Event Log using phase II clinical trial safety and efficacy data in patients with IBS-D. This instrument measures diarrhea (stool frequency and stool consistency), abdominal pain related to IBS-D (stomach pain, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps), immediate need to have a bowel movement (immediate need and accident occurrence), bloating, pressure, gas, and incomplete evacuation. Methods: Psychometric properties and responsiveness of the instrument were evaluated in a clinical trial population [ ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01494233]. Results: A total of 434 patients were included in the analyses. Significant differences were found among severity groups ( p < 0.01) defined by IBS Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S) and IBS Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI-C). Severity scores for each Diary and Event Log item score and five-item, four-item, and three-item summary scores were calculated. Between-group differences in changes over time were significant for all summary scores in groups stratified by changes in PGI-S ( p < 0.05), two of six Diary items, and three of four Event Log items; a one-grade change in PGI-S was considered a meaningful difference with mean change scores on all Diary items −0.13 to −0.86 [standard deviation (SD) 0.79–1.39]. Similarly, for patients who reported being ‘slightly improved’ (considered a clinically meaningful difference) on the PGI-C, mean change scores on Diary items ranged from −0.45 to −1.55 (SD 0.69–1.39). All estimates of clinically important change for each item and all summary scores were small and should be considered preliminary. These results are aligned with the previous standalone psychometric study regarding reliability and validity tests. Conclusions: These analyses provide evidence of the psychometric properties of the IBS-D Daily Symptom Diary and Event Log in a clinical trial population.
Twitter and traumatic brain injury: A content and sentiment analysis of tweets pertaining to sport-related brain injury
Authors: Workewych Adriana M , Ciuffetelli Muzzi Madeline , Jing Rowan , Zhang Stanley , Topolovec-Vranic Jane , Cusimano Michael D 
Published: August 2017

Objectives: Sport-related traumatic brain injuries are a significant public health burden, with hundreds of thousands sustained annually in North America. While sports offer numerous physical and social health benefits, traumatic brain injuries such as concussion can seriously impact a player’s life, athletic career, and sport enjoyment. The culture in many sports encourages winning at all costs, placing athletes at risk for traumatic brain injuries. As social media has become a central part of everyday life, the content of users’ messages often reflects the prevailing culture related to a particular event or health issue. Methods: We hypothesized that Twitter data might be useful for understanding public perceptions and misperceptions of sport-related traumatic brain injuries. We performed a content and sentiment analysis of 7483 Twitter® tweets related to traumatic brain injuries in sports collected during June and July 2013. Results: We identified five major themes. Users tweeted about personal traumatic brain injuries experiences, reported traumatic brain injuries in professional athletes, shared research about sport-related concussions, and discussed policy and safety in injury prevention, such as helmet use. We identified mixed perceptions of and sentiment toward traumatic brain injuries in sports: both an understanding that brain injuries are serious and disregard for activities that might reduce the public burden of traumatic brain injuries were prevalent in our Twitter analysis. Conclusion: While the scientific and medical community considers a concussion a form of traumatic brain injuries, our study demonstrates a misunderstanding of this fact among the public. In our current digital age, social media can provide useful insight into the culture around a health issue, facilitating implementation of prevention and treatment strategies.
Hypertrophy of the abductor hallucis muscle: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kurashige Toshinori 
Published: August 2017

Objectives: Muscle hypertrophy is a relatively rare condition that may cause nerve entrapment syndromes. We report the case of a 14-year-old girl with unilateral hypertrophy of the abductor hallucis muscle with entrapment of the medial plantar nerve and review the literature. Methods: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed unilateral hypertrophy of the abductor hallucis muscle. Results: Two injections of steroid and lidocaine at the point of tenderness resulted in resolution of the pain. Conclusions: We report a rare case of hypertrophy of the abductor hallucis muscle considered with entrapment of the medial plantar nerve. Treatment of this condition should be selected according to the pathological condition of each patient.
Automating Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Quality Measure NHL78a
Authors: Mansour Richard , Master Samip 
Published: August 2017

Purpose Quality measurement and improvement is a focus of ASCO. In the era of electronic health records (EHRs), computerized order entry, and medication administration records, quality monitoring can be an automated process. The EHR data are usually stored within tables in a relational database management system. ASCO Quality Oncology Practice Initiative measure NHL78a (hepatitis B virus antigen test and hepatitis B core antibody test within 3 months before initiation of obinutuzumab, ofatumumab, or rituximab for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma) presents an opportunity for automation of a quality measure using existing data in the EHR. Methods We used a locally developed Structured Query Language (SQL) language procedure in the Microsoft SQL Query Manager to access the EPIC CLARITY database. Access to the relational database management system of the EHR permits rapid case identification (the denominator set) of the unique ID of all of the patients who have received one of the target medications (ie, obinutuzumab, ofatumumab, or rituximab). Then, we went through a six-step process to find the number of patients who passed or failed the quality measure. Results When the final SQL procedure executes, it takes < 5 seconds to see the result set for a 12-month period. The procedure can be changed to incorporate a desired date range. Once the SQL procedure is created, there is essentially no labor and low costs to run the procedure at specific time intervals. Conclusion Our method of quality measurement using EHRs is cost effective, fast, and precise, and can be reproduced at other centers.
Efficacy and Safety Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Melanoma Who Discontinued Treatment With Nivolumab and Ipilimumab Because of Adverse Events: A Pooled Analysis of Randomized Phase II and III Trials
Authors: Schadendorf Dirk , Wolchok Jedd D. , Hodi F. Stephen , Chiarion-Sileni Vanna , Gonzalez Rene , Rutkowski Piotr , Grob Jean-Jacques , Cowey C. Lance , Lao Christopher D. , Chesney Jason , Robert Caroline , Grossmann Kenneth , McDermott David , Walker Dana , Bhore Rafia , Larkin James , Postow Michael A. 
Published: August 2017

Purpose Approximately 40% of patients with advanced melanoma who received nivolumab combined with ipilimumab in clinical trials discontinued treatment because of adverse events (AEs). We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of nivolumab plus ipilimumab in patients who discontinued treatment because of AEs. Methods Data were pooled from phase II and III trials of patients who received nivolumab 1 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg, every 3 weeks for four doses, followed by nivolumab monotherapy 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (N = 409). Efficacy was assessed in all randomly assigned patients who discontinued because of AEs during the induction phase (n = 96) and in those who did not discontinue because of AEs (n = 233). Safety was assessed in treated patients who discontinued because of AEs (n = 176) at any time and in those who did not discontinue because of AEs (n = 231). Results At a minimum follow-up of 18 months, median progression-free survival was 8.4 months for patients who discontinued treatment because of AEs during the induction phase and 10.8 months for patients who did not discontinue because of AEs ( P = .97). Median overall survival had not been reached in either group ( P = .23). The objective response rate was 58.3% for patients who discontinued because of AEs during the induction phase and 50.2% for patients who did not discontinue. The vast majority of grade 3 or 4 AEs occurred during the induction phase, with most resolving after appropriate management. Conclusion Efficacy outcomes seemed similar between patients who discontinued nivolumab plus ipilimumab treatment because of AEs during the induction phase and those who did not discontinue because of AEs. Therefore, even after discontinuation, many patients may continue to derive benefit from combination therapy.