bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban versus warfarin for treatment and prevention of recurrence of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Bunz Thomas J. , Turpie Alexander G. G. , Coleman Craig I. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe efficacy and safety or rivaroxaban versus enoxaparin/vitamin K antagonist for treatment and prevention recurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was demonstrated in the randomised EINSTEIN trials. We assessed the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban versus warfarin in VTE patients managed in routine practice. Using US MarketScan claims from 1/2012–6/2015, we included adults with a primary diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) during a hospitalisation/emergency department visit, newly-initiated on rivaroxaban or warfarin within 30-days after the VTE and with ≥180-days of continuous medical/prescription benefits prior to the VTE (baseline). Patients with a claim for anticoagulation at baseline were excluded. Recurrent VTE, major bleeding, intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) and gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) were assessed. Differences in baseline characteristics between cohorts were adjusted for using inverse probability of treatment weights based on propensity-scores. Patients had a maximum of 12-months period of follow-up post-VTE or until endpoint occurrence, switch/discontinuation of index anticoagulation, insurance disenrollment or end-of-follow-up. Cox regression was performed and reported as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In total, 13,609 rivaroxaban and 32,244 warfarin users experiencing VTE were included. Rivaroxaban was associated with an 19% (95%CI=10–27%) reduction in recurrent VTE and a 21% (95%CI=4–35%) reduction in major bleeding hazard versus warfarin. Rivaroxaban was also associated with significantly decreased hazards of ICH (HR=0.40) and GIB (HR=0.72). Rivaroxaban appears to reduce patients’ hazard of both recurrent VTE and major bleeding in routine practice. These results appear consistent with EINSTEIN and post-marketing registry studies.Supplementary Material to this article is available at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Increased Proximal Aortic Diameter is Associated With Risk of Cardiovascular Events and All‐Cause Mortality in Blacks The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Kamimura Daisuke , Suzuki Takeki , Musani Solomon K. , Hall Michael E. , Samdarshi Tandaw E. , Correa Adolfo , Fox Ervin R. 
Published: June 2017

Background
Enlargement of the proximal aorta is associated with aortic wall tissue remodeling, including fragmentation of the elastin fibers, increased synthesis of collagen, and calcification, all of which are associated with aortic wall stiffening. We hypothesized that the proximal aortic diameter (AoD) is associated with cardiovascular events in a community‐based cohort of blacks.

Methods and Results

We investigated the associations between AoD and cardiovascular events among 3018 black participants (mean age, 55.9 years; 69% women) without past history of cardiovascular disease in the Jackson Heart Study. AoD was measured using echocardiography at the level of the sinuses of Valsalva at end diastole. Cardiovascular event was defined as incident myocardial infarction, fatal coronary artery disease, stroke, or heart failure hospitalization. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association between baseline AoD and cardiovascular events. Over a median follow‐up of 8.3 years, there were 258 cardiovascular events (incident rate, 10.5 per 1000 person‐years). After adjustment for traditional risk factors, increased AoD was significantly associated with cardiovascular events (hazard ratio per 1‐cm increase, 1.72; 95%
CI
, 1.10–2.69;
P
<0.05). Participants in the top AoD quintile had a higher incidence of cardiovascular events compared to those not in the top quintile (hazard ratio, 1.47; 95%
CI
, 1.11–1.94;
P
<0.005) after adjustment for risk factors.

Conclusions
Greater AoD was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in a community‐based cohort of blacks. AoD may be useful as a predictor of incident cardiovascular events and further investigation is warranted.
The American Heart Association Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Blacks: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Effoe Valery S. , Carnethon Mercedes R. , Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B. , Chen Haiying , Joseph Joshua J. , Norwood Arnita F. , Bertoni Alain G. 
Published: June 2017

Background
The concept of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH), defined by the American Heart Association primarily for coronary heart disease and stroke prevention, may apply to diabetes mellitus prevention among blacks.

Methods and Results
Our sample included 2668 adults in the Jackson Heart Study with complete baseline data on 6 of 7 American Heart Association CVH metrics (body mass index, healthy diet, smoking, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and physical activity). Incident diabetes mellitus was defined as fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, physician diagnosis, use of diabetes mellitus drugs, or glycosylated hemoglobin ≥6.5%. A summary CVH score from 0 to 6, based on presence/absence of ideal CVH metrics, was derived for each participant. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios. Mean age was 55 years (65% women) with 492 incident diabetes mellitus events over 7.6 years (24.6 cases/1000 person‐years). Three quarters of participants had only 1 or 2 ideal CVH metrics; no participant had all 6. After adjustment for demographic factors (age, sex, education, and income) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, each additional ideal CVH metric was associated with a 17% diabetes mellitus risk reduction (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74–0.93). The association was attenuated with further adjustment for homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79–1.00). Compared with participants with 1 or no ideal CVH metric, diabetes mellitus risk was 15% and 37% lower in those with 2 and ≥3 ideal CVH metrics, respectively.

Conclusions
The AHA concept of ideal CVH is applicable to diabetes mellitus prevention among blacks. These associations were largely explained by insulin resistance.
Coordination between the eu Member States’ Embassies and the eu Delegation in Turkey: A Case of European Diplomatic Representation
Authors: Terzi Özlem 
Published: June 2017

Summary
This article analyses how the changes brought about by the Lisbon Treaty have influenced the performance of the eu Delegation in Ankara and the relationship between the eu Delegation, member states’ embassies and Turkish government during times of crisis. Based on numerous interviews, the article analyses how European diplomacy conducted by the eu Delegation and eu member states’ embassies functions in three categorically different situations: 1) a political crisis in the host country; 2) an international crisis involving a neighbouring region to the host country; and 3) negotiations between the host government and the eu on an issue important for eu member states, against the background of a stalled accession process. Based on an investigation of the relationship of the eu Delegation, eu member states’ embassies and Turkey in those three distinct contexts, the article sheds light on the opportunities and constraints of the new way of European diplomatic representation.
Perceived barriers and facilitators of exercise and healthy dietary choices: A study of employees and managers within a large transport organisation
Authors: Donaldson-Feilder Emma , Lewis Rachel , Pavey Louisa , Jones Bethan , Green Melanie , Webster Angela 
Published: June 2017

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine employees’ perceived barriers and facilitators of physical activity and healthy dietary choices, and managers’ perceptions of how best to facilitate physical activity and healthy dietary choices among their team members. Design: Single time-point survey with categorical and open-ended questions. Setting: Participants were employees from a large public sector organisation ( N = 121), who were asked about the barriers to and facilitators of maintaining regular exercise and healthy dietary choices. Managers were additionally asked about methods for facilitating physical activity and healthy dietary choices among their team members. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative methodology, with categorical and open-ended survey questions. Results: Thematic analysis revealed similar themes for both physical activity and healthy dietary choices, with participants citing working patterns, commuting times, family commitments, job characteristics and lack of motivation as barriers to exercise and healthy dietary choices. Both employees and managers identified similar facilitators of exercise and healthy dietary choices such as improved information, facilities and working routines. Conclusion: Results provide insight into the perceived barriers and facilitators to adopting a healthy lifestyle among a sample of employees with differing shift patterns and job roles. The results are discussed in relation to suggested methods for promoting physical activity and healthy dietary choices at work.
Advancing the Certified in Public Health Examination: A Job Task Analysis
Authors: Kurz Richard S. , Yager Christopher , Yager James D. , Foster Allison , Breidenbach Daniel H. , Irwin Zachary 
Published: June 2017

Objectives: In 2014, the National Board of Public Health Examiners performed a job task analysis (JTA) to revise the Certified in Public Health (CPH) examination. The objectives of this study were to describe the development, administration, and results of the JTA survey; to present an analysis of the survey results; and to review the implications of this first-ever public health JTA. Methods: An advisory committee of public health professionals developed a list of 200 public health job tasks categorized into 10 work domains. The list of tasks was incorporated into a web-based survey, and a snowball sample of public health professionals provided 4850 usable responses. Respondents rated job tasks as essential (4), very important (3), important (2), not very important (1), and never performed (0). Results: The mean task importance ratings ranged from 2.61 to 3.01 (important to very important). The highest mean ratings were for tasks in the ethics domain (mean rating, 3.01). Respondents ranked 10 of the 200 tasks as the most important, with mean task rankings ranging from 2.98 to 3.39. We found subtle differences between male and female respondents and between master of public health and doctor of public health respondents in their rankings. Conclusion: The JTA established a set of job tasks in 10 public health work domains, and the results provided a foundation for refining the CPH examination. Additional steps are needed to further modify the content outline of the examination. An empirical assessment of public health job tasks, using methods such as principal components analysis, may provide additional insight.
Compression treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome
Authors: Gavrilov SG , Karalkin AV , Turischeva OO 
Published: June 2017

Aim To study the influence of compression treatment on clinical manifestations and venous hemodynamics of the pelvis in patients with pelvic congestion syndrome. Materials and methods A prospective study of the various options and modes of compression treatment was carried out and included 74 patients with pelvic congestion syndrome in 2008–2015. The patients were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of 48 patients with symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome and chronic pelvic pain. They used Class II compression shorts. In the second group, there were 14 patients with pelvic congestion syndrome, vulvar varicosities without pelvic pain. They used Class II compression shorts and stockings. In the third group, 12 women with pelvic congestion syndrome and chronic pelvic pain used only the Class II compression stockings. The treatment continued for 14 days. A clinical criterion was the change of severity of chronic pelvic pain. The evaluation of the treatments has been performed using radionuclide venography and emission computed tomography with labeled in vivo red blood cells. Results Group 1: The compression shorts had a positive effect on the disease in 81.3% of patients. Chronic pelvic pain decreased from 6.4 ± 1.6 to 1.2 ± 0.7 points. The coefficient of pelvic congestion syndrome (Cpcs) decreased from 1.73 ± 0.32 to 1.12 ± 0.27 (p < 0.05). In 18.8% of patients, no positive effect was observed. Group 2: The results of radionuclide venographyshowed accelerating outflow of blood from the lower limbs and reduction of insufficiency of perforating veins. Mean radionuclide transit time decreased in all patients in the tendon, muscle pump parts, popliteal vein and was respectively: 23.6 ± 2.2 s, 29.6 ± 3.4 s, 32.3 ± 4.2 s and after treatment 16.4 ± 3.1 s, 22.1 ± 2.5 s, 25.7 ± 1.9 s (p < 0.05). Group 3: The use of compression stockings class II on the clinical manifestations of pelvic congestion syndrome in the patients. Cpcs also remained unchanged. Conclusion Research has shown the efficiency of class II compression shorts in the treatment of patients with isolated extension of intrapelvic venous plexuses. Class II compression stockings do not have any impact on the clinical manifestations of pelvic congestion syndrome.
Osteogenesis in Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Cell Porous Ceramic Composites Transplanted Subcutaneously: Effect of Fibronectin and Laminin on Cell Retention and Rate of Osteogenic Expression
Authors: Dennis James E. , Haynesworth Stephen E. , Young Randell G. , Caplan Arnold I. 
Published: June 2017

Cultured-expanded rat marrow-derived mesenchymal cells differentiate into osteoblasts when combined with a porous calcium phosphate delivery vehicle and subsequently implanted in vivo. In this study, the effects of ceramic pretreatment with the cell-binding proteins fibronectin and laminin on the osteogenic expression of marrow-derived mesenchymal cells were assessed by scanning electron microscopy, [3H]-thymidine-labeled cell quantitation, and histological evaluation of bone formation. Scanning electron microscopic observations showed that marrow-derived mesenchymal cells rapidly spread and attach to both fibronectin- or laminin-adsorbed ceramic surfaces but retain a rounded morphology on untreated ceramic surfaces. Quantitation of [3H]-thymidine labeled cells demonstrated that laminin and fibronectin preadsorbed ceramics retain approximately double the number of marrow-derived mesenchymal cells than do untreated ceramics harvested 1 wk postimplantation. Histological observations indicate that the amount of time required to first detect osteogenesis was shortened significantly by pretreatment of the ceramic with either fibronectin or laminin. Fibronectin- and laminin-coated ceramic composite samples were observed to contain bone within 2 wk postimplantation, while in untreated ceramic the earliest observation of bone was at 4 wk postimplantation. A comparison was made of the initial cell-loading, in vivo cell retention characteristics, and rate of osteogenesis initiation of marrow-derived mesenchymal cells on two types of ceramic with different pore structure and chemical composition, with and without preadsorption with fibronectin or laminin. “Biphasic” ceramics contain randomly distributed pores 200-400 μm in diameter, and “coral-based” ceramics have continuous pores of approximately 200 μm in diameter. Laminin or fibronectin preadsorption significantly increases the number of cells retained in all ceramic test groups by day 7 postimplantation. In addition, by day 7 postimplantation, the biphasic ceramics retain a significantly greater number of cells for all test groups than do coral-based ceramics. The biphasic ceramics consistently have more specimens positive for bone with the identical cell-loading conditions used throughout this study. These results indicate that the retention of cells within the ceramic is an important factor for optimization of marrow mesenchymal cell initiated bone formation. The retention of cells within ceramics is augmented by the adsorption of the cell-binding proteins laminin and fibronectin, but this effect varies depending on ceramic pore structure and/or chemical composition.
Influence of Different Substrates in Detoxification Activity of Adult Rat Hepatocytes in Long-Term Culture: Implications for Transplantation
Authors: Naik Sharda , Santangini Henry , Gann Kathryn , Jauregui Hugo 
Published: June 2017

Substrates used to immobilize hepatocytes for transplantation govern attachment and long-term metabolic activity of these cells. The choice of these substrates is based on the familiarity with proteinaceous materials that are constituents of the extracellular matrix. The use of substrates that recognize carbohydrates on the cell surface may provide an alternative method to attach adult mammalian hepatocytes. In this study, immobilized lectins on tissue culture plasticware were used to support hepatocyte attachment. Long-term cultures with these substrates were compared with control cultures seeded on a mixture of collagen types I and III (Vitrogen). To evaluate the attachment efficiency and long-term maintenance of diazepam metabolic activity of hepatocytes seeded on different commercially available plasticware, four different types of polymers (supplied as 60-mm dishes) were tested. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine metabolized by the P450 intracytoplasmic pathway, is associated with a synaptic receptor (GABA-benzodiazepine receptor) which plays an important role in hepatic coma. Polymethylpentene, a derivative of polypropylene treated by plasma discharge, was the best polymer to maintain P450 phenotypic expression, although other polymers provided similar cell attachment efficiencies. The amounts of adsorbed concanavalin A, Arachis hypogaea (peanut), Lens culinaris, and Pisum sativum agglutinin correlate with the percentage values of hepatocyte attachment. Cell attachment to wheat germ agglutinin increased with increased lectin concentrations in spite of constant amounts of adsorbed lectin, whereas hepatocyte attachment to Bandieraea simplicifolia agglutinin was lower and did not change at different lectin concentrations. Long-term cultures of hepatocytes seeded on Vitrogen, concanavalin A, or wheat germ agglutinin showed similar diazepam metabolic activities up to the 10th day, but by day 25, cells seeded on Vitrogen metabolized diazepam at higher values. This study showed that a polymer used for the manufacture of tissue culture plasticware, which permits a better exchange of gases, contributes to the long-term expression of P450 activity. Lectins proved to be nontoxic for hepatocyte survival, maintained hepatocyte viability, and can be used as an alternative substrate to immobilize hepatocytes to be transplanted in animal models of acute or chronic liver failure.
Triptorelin for the relief of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with advanced prostate cancer: results of a prospective, observational, grouped-analysis study
Authors: Gil Thierry , Aoun Fouad , Cabri Patrick , Perrot Valérie , van Velthoven Roland 
Published: June 2017

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) may develop in men with prostate cancer (PCa) and can impact quality of life (QoL). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists as androgen deprivation therapy are standard treatment for PCa, however, data are limited on their effects on LUTSs. A grouped analysis of national observational, non-interventional studies initiated in clinical practice was performed to assess the effectiveness of triptorelin in reducing moderate or severe LUTSs, measured using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in men with advanced or metastatic PCa. Methods: Men with PCa and LUTSs scheduled to receive triptorelin (3-month or 1-month extended release formulation) were recruited into prospective, non-interventional studies at centres in Algeria, Australia, Belgium, China, Hungary, Romania and South Korea. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the proportion of patients with moderate or severe LUTSs, assessed by IPSS, after 48 weeks. Secondary endpoints included: total IPSS, QoL due to urinary symptoms (IPSS Question 8) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels at 24 and 48 weeks. Results: A total of 2701 patients were recruited; 1851 patients with moderate or severe LUTSs at baseline (IPSS > 7), received triptorelin and had follow-up IPSS (efficacy population). The proportion of patients with moderate or severe LUTSs was reduced to 67.2% from baseline at week 48, following a reduction to 75.9% at week 24: the overall time effect was significant ( p < 0.001). QoL due to urinary symptoms significantly improved from a mean score of 3.7 at baseline, to adjusted means of 2.5 and 2.1, at weeks 24 and 48, respectively ( p < 0.001 versus baseline). Mean PSA levels were reduced from 158.8 ng/ml at baseline to 11.5 and 16.0 ng/ml at weeks 24 and 48, respectively. Conclusions: Within the limitations of these observational studies, improvements in LUTSs and QoL observed after 24 weeks and maintained at 48 weeks indicate that triptorelin-induced effects improve LUTSs in patients with advanced PCa.
Prolonged duration of apnea test during brain death examination in a case of intraparenchymal hemorrhage
Authors: Nattanmai Premkumar , Newey Christopher R , Singh Ishpreet , Premkumar Keerthivaas 
Published: June 2017

Objective: Apnea test is required as part of the brain death examination. The duration of the apnea test is variable but typically requires 8–10 min. Prolonged apnea tests have been reported in the setting of hypothermia. Here, we describe a case of prolonged duration of apnea test secondary to a phenomenon called cardiac ventilation. Methods: The patient presented in coma with brainstem areflexia after having an intracerebral hemorrhage resulting in subfalcine, central, uncal, and tonsillar herniations. Confounding variables were excluded. Brain death testing was performed, and she was found to have brainstem areflexia. Pre-requisites for apnea test were then met. Results: Apnea testing, however, was prolonged at 110 min. When reconnected to ventilator, it was noted that she had small (30–35 cc) tidal volumes at a rate of her heart rate without respiratory effort. Ancillary testing with four-vessel cerebral angiogram confirmed cerebral circulatory arrest. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the longest reported case of apnea testing during brain death testing. Variables known to cause a delay in the rise of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels were excluded. We suspect the hyperdynamic cardiac state caused cardiac ventilations resulting in slow increase in carbon dioxide levels.