bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Cardiovascular Risk of Abatacept and Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis With and Without Diabetes Mellitus: A Multidatabase Cohort Study
Authors: Kang Eun Ha , Jin Yinzhu , Brill Gregory , Lewey Jennifer , Patorno Elisabetta , Desai Rishi J. , Kim Seoyoung C. 
Published: January 2018

Background

We examined the cardiovascular risk of abatacept compared with tumor necrosis factor (
TNF
) inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with and without diabetes mellitus (
DM
).

Methods and Results

We conducted a cohort study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who newly started abatacept or
TNF
inhibitors using claims data from Medicare and MarketScan. The primary outcome was a composite cardiovascular end point of myocardial infarction (
MI
), stroke/transient ischemic attack, and coronary revascularization. To account for >60 baseline characteristics, abatacept initiators were 1:1 propensity score (
PS
) matched to
TNF
initiators in each database. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratio (
HR
) and 95% confidence interval (
CI
) in the
PS
‐matched cohort per database. A fixed‐effects meta‐analysis pooled database‐specific
HR
s. We included a total of 13 039
PS
‐matched pairs of abatacept and
TNF
inhibitor initiators (6103 pairs in Medicare and 6936 pairs in MarketScan). A total of 34.7% in Medicare and 19.8% in MarketScan had baseline
DM
. The
HR
(95%
CI
) for the primary outcome associated with abatacept use versus
TNF
inhibitor was 0.81 (0.66–0.99) in Medicare and 0.95 (0.74–1.23) in MarketScan, with a pooled
HR
of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.73–1.01;
P
=0.3 for heterogeneity). The risk of the primary outcome was lower in abatacept initiators versus
TNF
inhibitors in the
DM
subgroup, with a pooled
HR
of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.57–0.96;
P
=0.7 for heterogeneity), but not in the non‐
DM
subgroup, with a pooled
HR
of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.77–1.14;
P
=0.4 for heterogeneity).

Conclusions

In this large population‐based cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, abatacept use appeared to be associated with a modestly reduced cardiovascular risk when compared with
TNF
inhibitor use, particularly in patients with DM.
Long-term Follow-up of Revision Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Ankle
Authors: Gaul Florian , Tírico Luís E. P. , McCauley Julie C. , Bugbee William D. 
Published: January 2018

Background: Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is a useful alternative for treatment of posttraumatic ankle arthritis in young patients but has a relatively high failure rate and further procedures are often required. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of patients who underwent revision OCA transplantation of the ankle after failed primary OCA transplantation. Methods: Twenty patients underwent revision OCA transplantation of the ankle between 1988 and 2015. Mean age was 44 years, 55% (11 of 20) were female. The mean time from primary to revision OCA was 3.0 ± 1.7 years. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Outcomes included the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Module (AAOS-FAM) and questionnaires evaluating pain and satisfaction. Failure of the revision OCA was defined as a conversion to arthroplasty, arthrodesis, or amputation. Results: Ten of 20 ankles required further surgery, of which 30% (6 of 20) were considered OCA revision failures (4 arthrodeses, 1 arthroplasty, and 1 amputation). The mean time to failure was 6.7 (range, 0.6-13.1) years. Survivorship of the revision OCA was 84% at 5 years and 65% at 10 years. The 14 patients with grafts remaining in situ had an average follow-up of 10.3 years; mean AAOS-FAM Core Score was 70.5 (range, 42.3-99). Of the patients who answered the follow-up questions, 4 of 7 reported moderate to severe pain, and 5 of 12 were satisfied with the results of the procedure. Conclusion: Although the results of revision ankle OCA transplantation are not inferior to primary OCA transplantation, the high rates of persistent pain, further surgery, and graft failure suggest that the indications for OCA as a revision procedure should be carefully evaluated, with proper patient selection. Considering the treatment alternatives, revising a failed OCA transplantation can be a useful treatment option, especially for young and active patients who wish to avoid arthrodesis or arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Safety and efficacy of ADS-5102 (amantadine) extended release capsules to improve walking in multiple sclerosis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey A , Hunter Samuel F , Brown Theodore R , Gudesblatt Mark , Thrower Ben W , Llorens Lily , Souza-Prien Cindy J , Ruby April E , Chernoff David N , Patni Rajiv 
Published: January 2018

Background: Walking impairment causes disability and reduced quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: Characterize the safety and efficacy of ADS-5102 (amantadine) extended release capsules, 274 mg administered once daily at bedtime in patients with MS with walking impairment. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-week study was conducted at 14 trial sites in the United States. Study objectives included safety and tolerability of ADS-5102, and efficacy assessments (Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 2-Minute Walk Test, and Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12). Fatigue, depression, and cognition also were assessed. Results: A total of 60 patients were randomized (30 to ADS-5102 and 30 to placebo); 59 of whom were treated. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were dry mouth, constipation, and insomnia. Five ADS-5102 patients and no placebo patients discontinued treatment due to AEs. One patient in the ADS-5102 group experienced a serious AE—suspected serotonin syndrome. A 16.6% placebo-adjusted improvement was seen in the T25FW test ( p < 0.05). A 10% placebo-adjusted improvement in TUG was also observed. No changes in fatigue, depression, or cognition were observed. Conclusion: ADS-5102 was generally well tolerated. These data demonstrate an effect of ADS-5102 on walking speed. Further studies are warranted to confirm these observations.
Plasma renin activity in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction on optimal medical therapy
Authors: Nijst Petra , Verbrugge Frederik H , Martens Pieter , Bertrand Philippe B , Dupont Matthias , Francis Gary S , Tang WH Wilson , Mullens Wilfried 
Published: January 2018

Background: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) is detrimental through promotion of ventricular remodeling and salt and water retention. Aims: The aims of this article are to describe RAAS activity in distinct HFREF populations and to assess its prognostic impact. Methods: Venous blood samples were prospectively obtained in 76 healthy volunteers, 72 patients hospitalized for acute decompensated HFREF, and 78 ambulatory chronic HFREF patients without clinical signs of congestion. Sequential measurements were performed in patients with acute decompensated HFREF. Results: Plasma renin activity (PRA) was significantly higher in ambulatory chronic HFREF (7.6 ng/ml/h (2.2; 18.1)) compared to patients with acute decompensated HFREF (1.5 ng/ml/h (0.8; 5.7)) or healthy volunteers (1.4 ng/ml/h (0.6; 2.3)) (all p < 0.05). PRA was significantly associated with arterial blood pressure and renin-angiotensin system blocker dose. A progressive rise in PRA (+4 ng/ml/h (0.4; 10.9); p < 0.001) was observed in acute decompensated HFREF patients after three consecutive days of decongestive treatment. Only in acute HFREF were PRA levels associated with increased cardiovascular mortality or HF readmissions ( p = 0.035). Conclusion: PRA is significantly elevated in ambulatory chronic HFREF patients but is not associated with worse outcome. In contrast, in acute HFREF patients, PRA is associated with cardiovascular mortality or HF readmissions.
Haplotype-based association of renin gene polymorphisms with essential hypertension in Han population of northern china
Authors: Zhang Guoping , Li Xueyan , Zhang Keyong , Zhao Jingbo , Qiu Changchun 
Published: January 2018

Introduction: The renin gene has been suggested as a good candidate in the study of genetic mechanism of essential hypertension. However, studies on the contribution of renin gene polymorphisms to essential hypertension, have not had consistent outcomes. The purpose of the present study is to explore the association of renin gene polymorphisms with essential hypertension in the Han population of northern China. Methods: A case-control study was conducted among 3090 Han farmers (1533 essential hypertension patients and 1557 normotensives). Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and polymerase chain reaction-sequencing. Results: The genotypic and allelic distributions of rs2368564 in essential hypertension and control was significant statistically ( p<0.001). The allelic distribution of rs10900557 showed marginal statistical significance ( p=0.048). There were no significant differences in other genotypic and allelic distributions ( p>0.05). In the haplotypes comprised by the six single-nucleotide polymorphisms, there were differences in the distribution of haplotypes A-T-C-G-C-A, A-T-C-G-C-G, G-C-T-G-T-A and G-C-T-G-T-G in both groups, and their differences reached to significant levels, respectively. After having corrected for false discovery rate, this association still remained significant. Conclusions: The current study provides evidence for a possible association of renin gene polymorphisms with essential hypertension in a Han population of northern China.
miR-448 inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells by directly targeting the E-cadherin repressor ZEB1/2
Authors: Ma Peng , Ni Kan , Ke Jing , Zhang Wenyi , Feng Ying , Mao Qinsheng 
Published: January 2018

Recently, accumulating evidence provides that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is considered to play vital roles in tumor progression. Based on microRNA arrays, we found that microRNA-448 (miR-448) was significantly downregulated in breast cancer tissue specimens. In our study, we were in an effort to clarify the function, the direct target gene, and the molecular mechanisms of miR-448 in breast cancer. By quantitative RT–PCR, we analyzed the expression of miR-448 in 16 patients with BC. Overexpression of miR-448 was established by transfecting miR-448-mimics into MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, methyl thiazolyl- tetrazolium and colony formation assays were performed to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation. We also performed cell migration and invasion assays in breast cells overexpressing miRNA-448. All the results indicated that overexpression of miR-448 in breast cancer cells markedly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Through the quantitative RT–PCR and Western Blots, we also evaluated epithelial–mesenchymal transition. We found that overexpression of miR-448 also downregulated the expression of vimentin, a well-known mesenchymal marker. Meanwhile, the epithelial marker E-cadherin was unregulated, suggesting that miR-448 inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition . Bioinformatics assay coupled with Western Blot and luciferase assays revealed that miR-448 directly binds to the 3′UTR of E-cadherin repressor ZEB1/2, resulting in suppression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells. Impact statement In our study, we revealed that miR-448 played a vital role in breast cancer development and we also uncovered the mechanisms of it. Following is the short description of the main findings: miR-448 is downregulated in BC. miR-448 regulates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in BC. miR-448 specifically regulates ZEB1/2  through binding to the 3′UTR in BC cells. miR-448 inhibits cell migration, invasion,  and EMT by targeting to the 3′UTR of  ZEB1/2.
Levels of agreement in the measurements of carotid artery ultrasound across a regional vascular network
Authors: McKenna Mervyn Alexander , Bonfield Michelle Clare , Robinson Teresa 
Published: January 2018

Introduction Duplex ultrasound is often the sole imaging modality used in diagnosing carotid artery disease. However, the reproducibility and repeatability of scientists in determining the peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity of the internal carotid artery and common carotid artery (CCA) is widely debated. Study aim To investigate intra- and inter-operator variability in diagnostic ultrasound of the carotid arteries across a centralised vascular network using a healthy test subject. To identify potential causes of variability and highlight areas for improvement. Methods Fifteen vascular scientists across four hospital Trusts in the Bristol, Bath and Weston vascular network measured the peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity of the internal carotid artery and common carotid artery in a subject using a single portable ultrasound machine. A double blind assessment of spectral Doppler images was performed by two vascular clinical scientists for optimal caliper placement, spectral gain and angle correction. Results were compared for intra- and inter-operator variability. Results Initial quality assessment of the Doppler images revealed that three out of 15 scientists produced suboptimal results. Box plot analysis of the common carotid artery and internal carotid artery for each scientist revealed significant variance (ANOVA p < 0.05). However, a Levene’s test revealed no single operator who consistently produced highly variable results ( p = 0.569). Conclusion This study highlights the difficulty in obtaining consistent velocity measurements from a subject. Despite the variability in absolute peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity, scientists were generally consistent in obtaining an optimal spectral Doppler trace. Some issues with consistency were, however, identified which were subsequently addressed.
The Correlation between the Dermatology Life Quality Index and the Psoriasis Area Severity Index
Authors: Leon Argentina , Beroukhim Kourosh , Danesh Melissa , Nguyen Catherine , Lee Kristina , Farahnik Benjamin , Hao Zhu Tian , Abrouk Michael , Wang Eva , Malakouti Mona , Brown Gabrielle , Levin Ethan , Koo John 
Published: January 2018

Background Psoriasis patients experience a significant decrease in quality of life (QoL). Objectives This study was conducted to prospectively measure changes in QoL of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who are treated with ustekinumab. We performed a review of the literature, and discussed the significance of our results in the context of the controversy regarding the correlation between the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). Methods Seventeen patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis received 36 weeks of ustekinumab and were followed every 4 weeks. Results All patients demonstrated significant improvement, both in terms of QoL and physical assessments. The data suggest a strong linear correlation between mean percent reduction in PASI and mean reduction in DLQI (R2=0.94). Conclusion Psoriasis patients treated with ustekinumab achieved significant improvement of QoL, which correlated with physical improvement. This study demonstrates a strong correlation between mean percent reduction in PASI and mean reduction in DLQI.
Validation and Comparison of Psoriasis Case-Finding Algorithms Using International Classification of Diseases Nosology
Authors: Besen Justin , McDermott Laura E. , Lam Christina , Legler Aaron , Burris Katy , Garg Amit 
Published: January 2018

Background The methodology of utilizing ICD nosology to identify psoriasis case cohorts within an EMR database has not been validated extensively. Objective To appraise the validity of the psoriasis case definition utilizing ICD-9 nosology and to compare performances of six distinct algorithms. Design Retrospective chart review of a randomly selected subset (n=966) of 2,737 cases with ≥1 ICD-9 diagnosis code for psoriasis in 2004–2013. Results Positive Predictive Values for the six algorithms ranged from 84.7% {Any Provider (AP) ≥ 1} to 97.7% {Dermatologist (Derm) ≥ 3}. Negative Predictive Values for the six algorithms evaluated ranged from 24.1% (‘Derm ≥ 3’) to 80.9% (‘Derm≥1’). NPV for ‘Derm≥1’ was 80.9%, while NPV for all other algorithms was ≤ 35.1%. Percent misclassification for the six algorithms ranged from 11.0% (‘Derm≥ 1’) to 46.3% (‘Derm≥ 3’). Increased frequency of code applied also resulted in corresponding significant increases in percent misclassification. Within class, percent misclassification for ‘Derm ≥ 1’ (11.0%) was significantly lower than for ‘AP≥ 1’ (15.3%, P<0.01). Conclusions At least one ICD-9 code applied by a dermatologist represents the strongest performing algorithm to identify psoriasis cases.
Improvement in Quality of Life in Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Treated with Adalimumab or Ustekinumab
Authors: Nakamura Mio , Zhu Tian Hao , Abrouk Michael , Farahnik Benjamin , Singh Rasnik , Lee Kristina , Koo John , Bhutani Tina 
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) is an important issue in psoriatic disease that should be included when assessing therapeutic efficacy of treatments. The objective of this study was to compare improvement in the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) between patients treated with adalimumab and ustekinumab. Methods: Analysis was based on two separate open-label 24-week clinical trials assessing DLQI and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) at four-week intervals in adult subjects with moderate to severe psoriasis treated with adalimumab or ustekinumab. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the improvement in DLQI and PASI between the adalimumab and ustekinumab groups except at week 12 for DLQI and week 8 for PASI (ustekinumab > adalimumab). Discussion: Both adalimumab and ustekinumab improve QoL, but further research is necessary to determine specific factors that improve QoL and if one medication improves QoL more than another.
Painting with recycled materials: on the morphology of calcite pseudomorphs as evidence of the use of wood ash residues in Baroque paintings
Authors: Carò Federico , Centeno Silvia A. , Mahon Dorothy 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The nature of ground preparations is of critical interest to those engaging in the study of historical painting techniques, as certain materials can be identified with specific regions and school of painting. This is the case of a particular ash-based, calcite-rich material obtained as a byproduct of lye production, recently identified for the first time in ground preparations by means of chemical analysis, and which is considered specific to Baroque artists of Spanish school. Because of limitations in the size of the samples that can be removed from works of art, and because of the intrinsic variability of ash composition, chemical analysis alone may not be representative of the whole ash-containing layer, thus limiting the identification of this material. By comparing the morphology, texture and composition of calcite pseudomorphs in laboratory ash to the ground preparations in three Baroque paintings, we provide additional, unequivocal tools to identify calcite particles from ashes in paint cross sections. The results demonstrate that the chemical composition of the ash can vary, but that the morphology and size of the calcite pseudomorph crystals abundantly present in the recycled ash applied to the canvas supports are consistent and extremely characteristic. The unique polygonal shapes and skeletal morphology of the pseudomorphs and their abundance make them ideal markers to recognize ash in paintings’ ground layers, even when very limited amounts of sample are available. The study shows also that the practice of using recycled ash in the preparation of ground layers occurred outside Spain, by artists with direct or indirect Spanish lineage.
Examining self-care, self-compassion and compassion for others: a cross-sectional survey of palliative care nurses and doctors
Authors: Mills Jason , Wand Timothy , Fraser Jennifer A 
Published: January 2018

This study examined levels of, and relationships between, self-care ability, self-compassion, and compassion among palliative care nurses and doctors. Methods: A total of 369 participants across Australia completed a cross-sectional survey comprising a demographic questionnaire and outcome measures for each variable. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed, controlling for potential social-desirability bias. Results: Levels of compassion, self-compassion and self-care ability varied, with some individuals scoring high or low in each. Self-compassion and self-care ability were positively correlated (r = .412, p<.001), whereas a negative correlation was observed between compassion and self-compassion (r = -.122, p<.05). Linear regression further indicated that: increased compassion was associated with a decrease in self-compassion, and increased self-care ability was associated with an increase in self-compassion. Conclusion: These results suggest important implications for self-care in the palliative care workforce. Moreover, this study contributes an empirical basis to inform future research and education to promote balanced compassion and compassion literacy in palliative care practice.
Neuroimaging within the scope of art
Authors: Plerou Antonia 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Brain imaging and neuroimaging are used both to perceive brain structure and function and to assess any outcome after intervention. Brain imaging and neuroimaging accessed within the scope of art is an innovative scientific field. The experience of brain imaging and neuroimaging of art emerges from the interaction of multiple cognitive processes. The author’s basic objective is to present the way that human brain functions, blended with state-of-the-art techniques, could be translated into an art experience. Moreover, the way brain region networks act is used to produce exceptional and moving art experiences, which are analysed henceforth.