bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of endovenous thermal ablation with or without polidocanol endovenous microfoam treatment in patients with great saphenous vein incompetence and visible varicosities
Authors: Vasquez Michael , Gasparis Antonios P ,   on behalf of the Varithena® 017 Investigator Group
Published: March 2016

Objectives * Varithena 017 Investigator Group: Michael Vasquez, MD, Venous Institute of Buffalo, Amherst, NY; Antonios Gasparis, MD, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY; Kathleen Gibson, MD, Lake Washington Vascular, Bellevue, WA; James Theodore King, MD, Vein Clinics of America, Oakbrook Terrace, IL; Nick Morrison, MD, Morrison Vein Institute, Scottsdale, AZ; Girish Munavalli, MD, Dermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, Charlotte, NC; Eulogio J. Sanchez, MD, Batey Cardiovascular Center, Bradenton, FL. Varithena® is a trademark of Provensis Ltd, a BTG International group company. To determine the efficacy and safety of polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM 0.5%, 1.0%) and placebo each administered with endovenous thermal ablation. Methods A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study was conducted in patients with great saphenous vein incompetence and symptomatic and visible superficial venous disease. Co-primary endpoints were physician-assessed and patient-assessed appearance change from Baseline to Week 8. Results A total of 117 patients received treatment (38 placebo, 39 PEM 0.5%, 40 PEM 1%). Physician-rated vein appearance at Week 8 was significantly better with PEM ( p = 0.001 vs. placebo); patient-assessed appearance trended similarly. Polidocanol endovenous microfoam provided improvements in clinically meaningful change in patient-assessed and physician-assessed appearance ( p < 0.05), need for additional treatment ( p < 0.05), saphenofemoral junction reflux elimination, symptoms, and QOL. In PEM recipients, the most frequent adverse event was superficial thrombophlebitis (35.4%) Conclusions Endovenous thermal ablation + PEM significantly improved physician-assessed appearance at Week 8, increased the proportion of patients with a clinically meaningful change in appearance, and reduced need for additional treatment. www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01197833)
Youth perceptions of positive mental health
Authors: Hall Samantha , McKinstry Carol , Hyett Nerida 
Published: March 2016

Introduction Positive mental health underpins individual well-being and occupational participation. Internationally, youth mental health services are expanding to include interventions that promote positive mental health and prevent mental illness, to reduce the growing burden of disease caused by mental illness across the lifespan. Policy initiatives have increased the funding of early intervention initiatives, and evidence is required to inform changes in practice. Method This study aimed to explore youths’ perceptions of positive mental health. An interpretive descriptive qualitative study design was utilized, which involved purposive sampling to recruit three adolescent community mental health service users. Data were collected using the digital storytelling method within a series of three individual interviews. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement was used as a lens to guide thematic analysis. Findings Five main themes emerged, including: Components of spirituality; Occupational factors; Aspirations; Social influences; and Challenges and barriers. Positive mental health was developed through experiences with adversity, primarily mental illness, and being able to increase adequate coping strategies and resilience. Spirituality was expressed through experiences with identity formation and positive mental health was linked with a strong sense of self, being able to accept oneself and embracing one’s identity. Equally important were aspirations and hope, engagement in leisure occupations, role models and positive relationships with family and friends. Conclusion Using the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement, personal, occupational and environment factors were demonstrated as being important in how youth perceive positive mental health, with spirituality being particularly influential. Further exploration of positive mental health for adolescents is required to inform policy and practice for community youth mental health services, and more broadly for preventative public health campaigns. Research, such as through the use of digital storytelling method, should actively engage young people in developing definitions, to ensure that they are meaningful to youth and that services understand their unique developmental needs.
Swipe out Stroke: Feasibility and efficacy of using a smart-phone based mobile application to improve compliance with weight loss in obese minority stroke patients and their carers
Authors: Ifejika Nneka Lotea , Noser Elizabeth Anne , Grotta James C , Savitz Sean I 
Published: March 2016

Rationale Swipe out Stroke (SOS) examines the use of a smartphone-based mobile application to reduce obesity in high-risk minority stroke patients. At record-high levels in the United States, obesity disproportionately affects minorities and is highly correlated with cerebrovascular disease. Unfortunately, structured weight loss programs are expensive, and compliance significantly decreases upon program completion. Mobile health (mHealth) technology is an innovative, cost-effective way to bridge this gap. Minorities spend over 4.5 billion dollars annually on consumer electronics, making studies that utilize mHealth applications ideal for health promotion and disease prevention. Aims and design SOS is a prospective, randomized-controlled trial with open blinded endpoint comparing an mHealth based dietary intervention to usual care to facilitate weight reduction. Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke survivors and their carers are recruited from the acute care service of a Houston-based comprehensive stroke center. A neurorehabilitation physician or vascular neurologist meets with participants during the index hospitalization, a baseline clinic visit, followed by visits at 1, 3, and 6 month intervals. The SOS Team focuses on feasible modifications to the Southern dietary pattern (fried foods, fatty foods, added fats, eggs, processed meats, such as bacon and ham, organ meats (e.g., liver), and sweetened drinks) and caloric restriction to facilitate a 5% reduction in total body weight. Practical barriers to adherence are addressed, such as access to transportation, financial limitations, and depression. Study outcomes The primary dependent measure is a reduction of total body weight. Secondary outcomes include systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and Factor VIII. Conclusion SOS will determine whether a Phase III effectiveness trial of a smartphone-based mobile application to address obesity-related health disparities is warranted throughout the Southeastern United States (Stroke Belt).
Morphological classification of penetrating artery pontine infarcts and association with risk factors and prognosis: The SPS3 trial
Authors: Wilson Laura K , Pearce Lesly A , Arauz Antonio , Anderson David C , Tapia Jorge , Bazan Carlos , Benavente Oscar R , Field Thalia S 
Published: March 2016

Background Pontine infarcts are common and often attributed to small vessel disease (“small deep infarcts”) or basilar branch atherosclerosis (“wedge shaped”). A well-described morphological differentiation using magnetic resonance images has not been reported. Furthermore, whether risk factors and outcomes differ by morphology, or whether infarct morphology should guide secondary prevention strategy, is not well characterized. Methods All participants in the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes Study with magnetic resonance imaging -proven pontine infarcts were included. Infarcts were classified as well-circumscribed small deep (small deep infarct, i.e. lacunar), paramedian, atypical paramedian, or other based on diffusion-weighted imaging, T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and T1-magnetic resonance images. Inter-rater reliability was high (90% agreement, Cohen’s kappa = 0.84). Clinical and radiologic features independently associated with small deep infarct versus paramedian infarcts were identified (multivariable logistic regression). Differences in stroke risk and death were assessed using Cox proportional hazards. Results Of the 3020 patients enrolled, 644 had pontine infarcts; 619 images were available: 302(49%) small deep infarct, 245 (40%) paramedian wedge, 35 (6%) atypical paramedian, and 37 (6%) other. Among vascular risk factors, only smoking (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.3) was independently associated with small deep infarct versus paramedian infarcts; on neuroimaging, old lacunes on T1/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (OR 1.8, 1.3–2.6) and intracranial stenosis (any location) ≥50% (OR 0.62, 0.41–0.96). Small deep infarct versus paramedian was not predictive of either recurrent stroke or death, and there was no interaction with assigned treatment. Conclusions Pontine infarcts can be reliably classified based on morphology using clinical magnetic resonance images. Few risk factors differed between small deep infarct and paramedian infarcts with no differences in recurrent stroke or mortality. There was no difference in response to different antiplatelet or blood pressure treatment strategies between these two groups. Registration http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT00059306 .
A cross-sectional survey of the acceptability of data collection processes for validation of a European point prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use
Authors: Price Lesley , Reilly Jacqui , Godwin Jon , Cairns Shona , Hopkins Susan , Cookson Barry , Malcolm William , Hughes Gareth , Lyytikäinen Outi , Coignard Bruno , Hansen Sonja 
Published: March 2016

Background: Statistical measurements alone are insufficient to ensure robust data for point prevalence surveys (PPS) of healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Data quality is determined by the type of data, data collection methods and available resources. Data collectors’ views regarding the acceptability of data collection process for validation studies are also important to consider. Aim: To explore data collectors’ views on the acceptability of data collection processes used for a European validation PPS of HAI and antimicrobial use (AMU). Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted with 67 data collectors from 10 European countries involved in the study. Findings: Twenty-five (64.1%) participants viewed AMU data collection as easy/quite easy whereas only five (12.8%) thought HAI data collection was easy/quite easy. Six (17%) participants indicated that incentives and 21 (56.8%) that disincentives were possibly/definitely present for reporting cases of HAI. Engagement of staff was not thought to have adversely affected data collection as only one (2.6%) and five (15.4%) participants thought involvement of hospital PPS teams and administration was low/very low, respectively. Discussion: Participants believed the approaches used were appropriate but that more training was required prior to data collection, some case definitions should be reviewed and the number of variables reduced.
A dynamic intron retention program in the mammalian megakaryocyte and erythrocyte lineages
Authors: Edwards Christopher R. , Ritchie William , Wong Justin J.-L. , Schmitz Ulf , Middleton Robert , An Xiuli , Mohandas Narla , Rasko John E. J. , Blobel Gerd A. 
Published: March 2016

Key Points
Dynamic intron retention programs exist in the murine megakaryocyte and erythroid and human erythroid lineages. Intron retention inversely correlates with expression levels of a large set of transcripts.
Mesenchymal stem cells and cutaneous wound healing: novel methods to increase cell delivery and therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Lee Dylan E. , Ayoub Nagi , Agrawal Devendra K. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (also known as multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells) possess the capacity for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation, and their ability to enhance cutaneous wound healing has been well characterized. Acting via paracrine interactions, MSCs accelerate wound closure, increase angiogenesis, promote resolution of wound inflammation, favorably regulate extracellular matrix remodeling, and encourage regeneration of skin with normal architecture and function. A number of studies have employed novel methods to amplify the delivery and efficacy of MSCs. Non-traditional sources of MSCs, including Wharton’s jelly and medical waste material, have shown efficacy comparable to that of traditional sources, such as bone marrow and adipose tissue. The potential of alternative methods to both introduce MSCs into wounds and increase migration of MSCs into wound areas has also been demonstrated. Taking advantage of the associations between MSCs with M2 macrophages and microRNA, methods to enhance the immunomodulatory capacity of MSCs have shown success. New measures to enhance angiogenic capabilities have also exhibited effectiveness, often demonstrated by increased levels of proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor. Finally, hypoxia has been shown to have strong wound-healing potential in terms of increasing MSC efficacy. We have critically reviewed the results of the novel studies that show promise for the continued development of MSC-based wound-healing therapies and provide direction for continued research in this field.
Linesearch algorithms for split equilibrium problems and nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Dinh Bui Van , Son Dang Xuan , Jiao Liguo , Kim Do Sang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we first propose a weak convergence algorithm, called the linesearch algorithm, for solving a split equilibrium problem and nonexpansive mapping (SEPNM) in real Hilbert spaces, in which the first bifunction is pseudomonotone with respect to its solution set, the second bifunction is monotone, and fixed point mappings are nonexpansive. In this algorithm, we combine the extragradient method incorporated with the Armijo linesearch rule for solving equilibrium problems and the Mann method for finding a fixed point of an nonexpansive mapping. We then combine the proposed algorithm with hybrid cutting technique to get a strong convergence algorithm for SEPNM. Special cases of these algorithms are also given.
Defensin gene variation and HIV/AIDS: a comprehensive perspective needed
Authors: Mehlotra Rajeev K , Zimmerman Peter A , Weinberg Aaron 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Both α- and β-defensins have anti–human immunodeficiency virus activity. These defensins achieve human immunodeficiency virus inhibition through a variety of mechanisms, including direct binding with virions, binding to and modulation of host cell-surface receptors with disruption of intracellular signaling, and functioning as chemokines or cytokines to augment and alter adaptive immune responses. Polymorphisms in the defensin genes have been associated with susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus infection and disease progression. However, the roles that these defensins and their genetic polymorphisms have in influencing human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome outcomes are not straightforward and, at times, appear contradictory. Differences in populations, study designs, and techniques for genotyping defensin gene polymorphisms may have contributed to this lack of clarity. In addition, a comprehensive approach, where both subfamilies of defensins and their all-inclusive genetic polymorphism profiles are analyzed, is lacking. Such an approach may reveal whether the human immunodeficiency virus inhibitory activities of α- and β-defensins are based on parallel or divergent mechanisms and may provide further insights into how the genetic predisposition for susceptibility or resistance to human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is orchestrated between these molecules.
ReCAP: Pattern of Duplicate Presentations at National Hematology-Oncology Meetings: Influence of the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Ramchandren Radhakrishnan , Schiffer Charles A. , Ramchandren Radhakrishnan , Schiffer Charles A. 
Published: March 2016

CONTEXT AND QUESTION ASKED: The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meetings are two of the largest conferences in the fields of hematology and oncology. These meetings are attended by physicians, researchers, pharmaceutical industry colleagues, and representatives from the media and business sectors. The intention of both societies, as stated in their submission guidelines, is to accept abstracts that have not previously been presented. These policies are presumably in place to minimize redundancy and, due to time and space constraints, allow the largest number of researchers to present their findings. Hence, we asked, are there duplicative presentations at these two large meetings, and if so, how often do they occur? METHODS—WHAT WE DID: To date, however, the success of the societies in eliminating duplication has not been carefully analyzed. In addition, the motivations behind re-presentation have not been evaluated objectively. Therefore, we conducted a review of 327 malignant hematology (non-transplantation) abstracts presented at ASCO 2010 and compared them with prior and subsequent ASCO and ASH meetings to evaluate the incidence of duplicate presentations and their relationship to funding sources over a 2 year time frame. RESULTS—WHAT WE FOUND: Our analysis indicated that 31% of accepted abstracts were duplicated during the 2-year time frame, with those indicating pharmaceutical support three times more likely to be duplicated ( Figure 1 ). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE & LIMITATIONS OF DATA: These findings suggest that a substantial number of duplicative abstracts are re-presented, with a disproportionate number having pharma sponsorship. The motivations for duplication are varied but may include an influence of pharma marketing strategies. Although these results are limited by our search strategy and to this 2-year time frame, the results were similar when we analyzed ASH and ASCO 2014 leukemia abstracts. These findings demonstrate the need for a more effective abstract selection system and that further study of the role of marketing in large meetings such as ASCO and ASH would be appropriate. [Figure: see text]
ReCAP: Identifying Severe Adverse Event Clusters Using the National Cancer Institute’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events
Authors: Zhong Xiaobo , Lim Emerson A. , Hershman Dawn L. , Moinpour Carol M. , Unger Joseph , Lee Shing M. , Zhong Xiaobo , Lim Emerson A. , Hershman Dawn L. , Moinpour Carol M. , Unger Joseph , Lee Shing M. 
Published: March 2016

CONTEXT & QUESTION ASKED: Exploring the relationship among adverse events is important because those that arise from a common mechanism are amenable to a common intervention, which can improve symptom management, quality of life, and treatment adherence. To date, symptom cluster studies have used patient-reported data, which are not always available in clinical trials. In this study, we proposed using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) to identify adverse event clusters because the CTCAE are collected as standard practice and can therefore be used when patient-reported outcomes are unavailable. Hence, is it feasible to identify severe adverse events clusters from data captured using the CTCAE in clinical trials? SUMMARY ANSWER: Six severe adverse events clusters were identified in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Identifying adverse events clusters using CTCAE data from clinical trials is feasible. METHODS: A variable-based hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted using the CTCAE data captured from 323 patients who experienced at least one grade 3 or higher adverse event in an advanced prostate cancer randomized clinical trial conducted by SWOG (S9916). BIAS, CONFOUNDING FACTOR(S), DRAWBACKS: The difficulty of using adverse event data from clinical trials is that often not all adverse events are recorded. In our study, only the highest severity grade for each adverse event type was recorded, and only grade 3 or higher adverse events were captured reliably. Moreover, in contrast to previous publications on symptom cluster that used patient-reported outcomes, the CTCAE is clinician reported and may not accurately reflect the presence of patient symptoms and the severity of these symptoms. REAL-LIFE IMPLICATIONS: Capturing adverse events using the CTCAE, which is standard practice in all clinical trials, can be used to understand the relationships among adverse events and to identify adverse events clusters when patient-reported outcomes are unavailable. [Figure: see text]
Continuous Popliteal Sciatic Blocks: Does Varying Perineural Catheter Location Relative to the Sciatic Bifurcation Influence Block Effects? A Dual-Center, Randomized, Subject-Masked, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Monahan Amanda M. , Madison Sarah J. , Loland Vanessa J. , Sztain Jacklynn F. , Bishop Michael L. , Sandhu NavParkash S. , Bellars Richard H. , Khatibi Bahareh , Schwartz Alexandra K. , Ahmed Sonya S. , Donohue Michael C. , Nomura Scott T. , Wen Cindy H. , Ilfeld Brian M. 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:
Multiple studies have demonstrated that, for single-injection popliteal sciatic nerve blocks, block characteristics are dependent upon local anesthetic injection relative to the sciatic nerve bifurcation. In contrast, this relation remains unexamined for continuous popliteal sciatic nerve blocks. We, therefore, tested the hypothesis that postoperative analgesia is improved with the perineural catheter tip at the level of the bifurcation compared with 5 cm proximal to the bifurcation.

METHODS:
Preoperatively, subjects having moderately painful foot or ankle surgery were randomly assigned to receive an ultrasound-guided subepimyseal perineural catheter inserted either at or 5 cm proximal to the sciatic nerve bifurcation. Subjects received a single injection of mepivacaine 1.5% either via the insertion needle preoperatively or the perineural catheter postoperatively, followed by an infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% (6 mL/h basal, 4 mL bolus, and 30-min lockout) for the study duration. The primary end point was the average pain measured on a numeric rating scale (0–10) in the 3 hours before a data collection telephone call the morning after surgery.

RESULTS:
The average numeric rating scale of subjects with a catheter inserted at the sciatic nerve bifurcation (n = 64) was a median (10th, 25th to 75th, and 90th quartiles) of 3.0 (0.0, 2.4–5.0, and 7.0) vs 2.0 (0.0, 1.0–4.0, and 5.0) for subjects with a catheter inserted proximal to the bifurcation (n = 64; P = 0.008). Similarly, maximum pain scores were greater in the group at the bifurcation: 6.0 (3.0, 4.4–8.0, and 9.0) vs 5.0 (0.0, 3.0–8.0, and 10.0) (P = 0.019). Differences between the groups for catheter insertion time, opioid rescue dose, degree of numbness in the foot/toes, catheter dislodgement, and fluid leakage did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS:
For continuous popliteal sciatic nerve blocks, a catheter inserted 5 cm proximal to the sciatic nerve bifurcation provides superior postoperative analgesia in subjects having moderately painful foot or ankle surgery compared with catheters located at the bifurcation. This is in marked contrast with single-injection popliteal sciatic nerve blocks for which benefits are afforded to local anesthetic injection distal, rather than proximal, to the bifurcation.