bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generating Health Estimates by Zip Code: A Semiparametric Small Area Estimation Approach Using the California Health Interview Survey
Authors: Wang Yueyan , Ponce Ninez A. , Wang Pan , Opsomer Jean D. , Yu Hongjian 
Published: November 2015

Objectives. We propose a method to meet challenges in generating health estimates for granular geographic areas in which the survey sample size is extremely small. Methods. Our generalized linear mixed model predicts health outcomes using both individual-level and neighborhood-level predictors. The model’s feature of nonparametric smoothing function on neighborhood-level variables better captures the association between neighborhood environment and the outcome. Using 2011 to 2012 data from the California Health Interview Survey, we demonstrate an empirical application of this method to estimate the fraction of residents without health insurance for Zip Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs). Results. Our method generated stable estimates of uninsurance for 1519 of 1765 ZCTAs (86%) in California. For some areas with great socioeconomic diversity across adjacent neighborhoods, such as Los Angeles County, the modeled uninsured estimates revealed much heterogeneity among geographically adjacent ZCTAs. Conclusions. The proposed method can increase the value of health surveys by providing modeled estimates for health data at a granular geographic level. It can account for variations in health outcomes at the neighborhood level as a result of both socioeconomic characteristics and geographic locations.
Columbia Public Health Core Curriculum: Short-Term Impact
Authors: Begg Melissa D. , Fried Linda P. , Glover Jim W. , Delva Marlyn , Wiggin Maggie , Hooper Leah , Saxena Roheeni , de Pinho Helen , Slomin Emily , Walker Julia R. , Galea Sandro 
Published: November 2015

We evaluated a transformed core curriculum for the Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health (New York, New York) master of public health (MPH) degree. The curriculum, launched in 2012, aims to teach public health as it is practiced: in interdisciplinary teams, drawing on expertise from multiple domains to address complex health challenges. We collected evaluation data starting when the first class of students entered the program and ending with their graduation in May 2014. Students reported being very satisfied with and challenged by the rigorous curriculum and felt prepared to integrate concepts across varied domains and disciplines to solve public health problems. This novel interdisciplinary program could serve as a prototype for other schools that wish to reinvigorate MPH training.
Statistical Sampling Properties of the Coefficients of Three Phenotypic Selection Indices
Authors: Cerón‐Rojas J. Jesus , Crossa José , Sahagún‐Castellanos Jaime 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTThe aim of the Smith phenotypic selection index (SPSI), the restricted phenotypic selection index (RPSI), and the predetermined proportional gains phenotypic selection index (PPG‐PSI) is to maximize the response to selection and provide the breeder with an objective rule for evaluating and selecting several traits. When the phenotypic and genotypic variances and covariances are known, these three indices are the best linear predictors. When these parameters are estimated, the three indices will be optimal only if the estimators of the index weights are unbiased and have minimal variance. There are many methods for determining the sampling properties of the SPSI but there is no method for determining the sampling properties of RPSI and PPG‐PSI coefficients. Using the canonical correlation theory, we proposed an asymptotic method for determining the statistical sampling properties of the estimators of the coefficients of the three phenotypic selection indices. We showed that under some assumptions, the sampling properties of the RPSI and PPG‐PSI coefficient estimators could be obtained using the sampling properties of the SPSI coefficient estimator. We validated the theoretical results using two real datasets. The theoretical and numerical results indicated that the three estimators of the weights for the three indices were unbiased with minimal variances. We concluded that when the number of genotypes is large, the proposed method could be used to find the sampling properties of the coefficient of the three indices.
Association between small heat shock protein B11 and the prognostic value of MGMT promoter methylation in patients with high-grade glioma
Authors: Cheng Wen , Li Mingyang , Jiang Yang , Zhang Chuanbao , Cai Jinquan , Wang Kuanyu , Wu Anhua 
Published: November 2015

OBJECT
This study investigated the role and prognostic value of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in glioma.

METHODS
Data from 3 large databases of glioma samples (Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas, Repository for Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data, and GSE16011), which contained whole-genome messenger RNA microarray expression data and patients’ clinical data, were analyzed. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to validate protein expression in another set of 50 glioma specimens.

RESULTS
Of 28 HSPs, 11 were overexpressed in high-grade glioma (HGG) compared with low-grade glioma. A univariate Cox analysis revealed that HSPB11 has significant prognostic value for each glioma grade, which was validated by a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. HSPB11 expression was associated with poor prognosis and was independently correlated with overall survival (OS) in HGG. This study further explored the combined role of HSPB11 and other molecular markers in HGG, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status. HSPB11 expression was able to refine the prognostic value of IDH1 mutation in patients with HGG. However, when combined with MGMT promoter methylation status, among patients with a methylated MGMT promoter, those with lower levels of HSPB11 expression had longer OS and progression-free survival than patients with higher levels of HSPB11 expression or with an unmethylated MGMT promoter. Moreover, within the MGMT promoter methylation group, patients with low levels of HSPB11 expression were more sensitive to combined radiochemotherapy than those with high levels of HSPB11 expression, which may explain why some patients with HGG with a methylated MGMT promoter show tolerance to radiochemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS
HSPB11 was identified as a novel prognostic marker in patients with HGG. Together with MGMT promoter methylation status, HSPB11 expression can predict outcome for patients with HGG and identify those who would most benefit from combined radiochemotherapy.
Calvarial slope affecting accuracy of Ghajar Guide technique for ventricular catheter placement
Authors: Park Jaechan , Son Wonsoo , Park Ki-Su , Kim Min Young , Lee Joomi 
Published: November 2015

OBJECT
The Ghajar Guide technique is used to direct a ventricular catheter at a 90° angle to the skull surface at Kocher’s point. However, the human calvaria is not completely spherical. Lateral to the sagittal midline, the calvaria slopes downward with individual variation and thereby affects the accuracy of ventricular catheter placement. Accordingly, the authors investigated the accuracy of the orthogonal catheter trajectory using radiographic simulation and examined the effect of the calvarial slope on this accuracy.

METHODS
A catheter trajectory orthogonal to the skull surface at Kocher’s point and the ideal catheter trajectory to the foramen of Monro were drawn bilaterally on coronal head images of 52 patients with hydrocephalus. The correction angle, the difference between the 2 catheter trajectories, was then measured. Meanwhile, the calvarial slope was measured around Kocher’s point by using a coronal head image. The correlation between the correction angle and factors such as the calvarial slope and bicaudate index was then assessed using a Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS
The ventricular catheter trajectory orthogonal to the skull at Kocher’s point in the patients with hydrocephalus led to a catheter trajectory into the ipsilateral (70.2%) or contralateral (29.8%) lateral ventricles. The correction angles ranged from −3.3° to 16.4° (mean ± SD 5.7° ± 3.7°). In 87 (83.7%) head sides, lateral deviation from the orthogonal trajectory was required to approximate the ideal trajectory, and the correction angle ranged from 2.0° to 16.4° (mean 6.7° ± 2.9°). The calvarial slope in the 104 head sides ranged from 15.6° to 32.5° (mean 24.2° ± 3.1°). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.733) between the calvarial slope and the correction angle.

CONCLUSIONS
The accuracy of ventricular catheter placement using the Ghajar Guide technique is affected primarily by the calvarial slope around Kocher’s point. A radiographic analysis of a preoperative coronal head image can be used to estimate the accuracy of ventricular catheter placement and enable adjustment to approximate the ideal catheter trajectory.
Age-related outcomes following intracranial aneurysm treatment with the Pipeline Embolization Device: a subgroup analysis of the IntrePED registry
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Kallmes David F. , Cloft Harry J. , Lanzino Giuseppe 
Published: November 2015

OBJECT
The association between age and outcomes following aneurysm treatment with flow diverters such as the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) have not been well established. Using the International Retrospective Study of the Pipeline Embolization Device (IntrePED) registry, the authors assessed the age-related clinical outcomes of patients undergoing aneurysm embolization with the PED.

METHODS
Patients with unruptured aneurysms in the IntrePED registry were divided into 4 age groups: ≤ 50, 51–60, 61–70, and > 70 years old. The rates of the following postoperative complications were compared between age groups using chi-square tests: spontaneous rupture, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), ischemic stroke, parent artery stenosis, cranial neuropathy, neurological morbidity, neurological mortality, combined neurological morbidity and mortality, and all-cause mortality. The association between age and these complications was tested in a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex, number of PEDs, and aneurysm size, location, and type.

RESULTS
Seven hundred eleven patients with 820 unruptured aneurysms were included in this study. Univariate analysis demonstrated no significant difference in ICH rates across age groups (lowest 1.0% for patients ≤ 50 years old and highest 5.0% for patients > 70 years old, p = 0.097). There was no difference in ischemic stroke rates (lowest 3.6% for patients ≤ 50 years old and highest 6.0% for patients 50–60 years old, p = 0.73). Age > 70 years old was associated with higher rates of neurological mortality; patients > 70 years old had neurological mortality rates of 7.4% compared with 3.3% for patients 61–70 years old, 2.7% for patients 51–60 years old, and 0.5% for patients ≤ 50 years old (p = 0.006). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, increasing age was associated with higher odds of combined neurological morbidity and mortality (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.05; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS
Increasing age is associated with higher neurological morbidity and mortality after Pipeline embolization of intracranial aneurysms. However, the overall complication rates of PED treatment in this group of highly selected elderly patients (> 70 years) were acceptably low, suggesting that age alone should not be considered an exclusion criterion when considering treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the PED.
Paraplegia after contrast media application: a transient or devastating rare complication? Case report
Authors: Mielke Dorothee , Kallenberg Kai , Hartmann Marius , Rohde Veit 
Published: November 2015

The authors report the case of a 76-year-old man with a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula. The patient suffered from sudden repeated reversible paraplegia after spinal digital subtraction angiography as well as CT angiography. Neurotoxicity of contrast media (CM) is the most probable cause for this repeated short-lasting paraplegia.
Intolerance to toxicity of CM to the vulnerable spinal cord is rare, and probably depends on the individual patient. This phenomenon is transient and can occur after both intraarterial and intravenous CM application.
Platelet-rich plasma stimulates dermal microvascular endothelial cells and adipose derived stem cells after external radiation
Authors: Haubner F. , Muschter D. , Schuster N. , Pohl F. , Ahrens N. , Prantl L. , Gassner H.G. 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) products are currently suggested in the treatment of chronic wounds due to possible pro-angiogenic effects. Microvascular compromise represents the major component in radiogenic wound healing complications. The effects of PRP on irradiated cells of the cutaneous wound healing process are still poorly understood. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) and human adipose derived stem cells (hASC) were cultured and irradiated with doses of 2 to 12 Gy. PRP was activated, characterized and added to the incubation media in different concentrations after external radiation. Cell count was determined 48 h after radiation using a semi-automated cell counting system. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in the supernatants of HDMEC and hASC co-cultures were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Non-irradiated hASC and HDMEC served as controls. RESULTS: The employed PRP preparations were characterized and contained platelet derived growth factor (PDGF-AB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bFGF and high levels of sICAM-1. Addition of PRP to irradiated cultures of HDMEC and hASC prevented profound radiation-induced decline in cell numbers. 10% PRP restored cell numbers to levels of untreated, non-irradiated cultures. Basic FGF expression was decreased significantly in hASC monocultures treated with 10% PRP without external radiation and after irradiation with 6 and 12 Gy. These inhibitory effects of PRP were also observed in HDMEC. In contrast, co-cultures of HDMEC-ASC showed a dose-dependent increase in bFGF expression when treated with 5 or 10% PRP. Doses of 6 and 12 Gy increased IL-6 expression in cultures stimulated with 5% PRP. CONCLUSIONS: Use of PRP in co-cultures of hASC and HDMEC restores proliferative defects caused by external radiation probably by induction of bFGF. Under irradiated conditions, PRP might induce pro-inflammatory stimuli which could be beneficial in treatment of chronic wounds where healing processes are defective. Combined use of hASC and PRP products might be helpful in the treatment of radiogenic wounds.
Influence of Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate on migration rate and differentiation of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (CD34+)
Authors: Manz Patrick , Cadeddu Ron-Patrick , Wilk Matthias , Fischer Johannes C. , Fritz Birgit , Haas Rainer , Wenzel Folker 
Published: November 2015

INTRODUCTION: Phthalates are a group of synthetic plasticizers that are ubiquitous environmental pollutants with toxic and endocrine disrupting characteristics. DEHP is the most commonly used plasticizer in the world and is still applied to stem cell transfusion bags used for storage of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (CD34+ HSPC), which are transferred during stem cell transplantation. Here we examined the effect of DEHP on vitality of CD34+ HSPC as well as stem cell specific properties like migration and differentiation capacity – both important for successful stem cell transplantations. MATERIAL AND METHODs: CD34+ HSPC were incubated for 24 h and 72 h with DEHP concentrations ranging from 1 μg/ml to 250 μg/ml. DEHP was diluted in DMSO. Migration rate was analyzed along an SDF-1 α gradient using Transwell migration inserts. Differentiation of CD34+ HSPC was investigated after two weeks in methylcellulose with colony stimulating factors. Apoptosis rate was measured via Annexin V and 7-AAD staining. RESULTS: 24 h of incubation with 10 μg/ml DEHP led to a significant ( p <  0.01) decrease in migration rate of CD34+ HSPC (70.70% ± 7.53% ) with a minimum migration rate of 48.33% ± 6.72% in relation to control after incubation with 100 μg/ml DEHP for 72 h. Incubation with the highest tested DEHP concentrations (50 and 100 μg/ml) significantly ( p <  0.05) altered colony formation rate and cell type distribution. Apoptosis rate of CD34+ HSPC significantly ( p <  0.05) increased after incubation with concentrations of 10 μg/ml DEHP for 24 h (1.46 ± 0.19) with a maximum apoptosis rate of 2.71 ± 0.66 after 24 h incubation with the highest DEHP concentration (250 μg/ml) in relation to control. CONCLUSIONS: As shown, DEHP takes impact on migration rate, apoptosis rate, and differentiation of CD34+ HSPC. As these are functions with an important role in stem cell transplantations, the usage of DEHP-free stem cell transfusion bags should be considered.
Evaluation of multimodality imaging using image fusion with MRI and CEUS in an experimental animal model
Authors: Paprottka P.M. , Zengel P. , Cyran C.C. , Paprottka K.J. , Ingrisch M. , Nikolaou K. , Reiser M.F. , Clevert D.A. 
Published: November 2015

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic benefits of multimodality imaging using image fusion with magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) and contrast-enhanced-ultrasound (CEUS) in an experimental small-animal-squamous-cell-carcinoma-model for the assessment of tissue hemodynamics and morphology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human hypopharynx-carcinoma-cells were injected subcutaneously into the left flank of 15 female athymic nude rats. After 10 daysof subcutaneous tumor growth, CEUS and MRI measurements were performed using a high-end-ultrasound-system and 3-T-MRI. After successful point-to-point or plan registration, the registered MR-images were simultaneously shown with the respective ultrasound sectional plane. Data evaluation was performed using the digitally stored video sequence data sets by two experienced radiologists using a subjective 5-point scale. RESULTS: CEUS and MRI are well-known techniques for the assessment of tissue hemodynamics (score: mean 3.8 ± 0.4 SD and score 3.8 ± 0.4 SD). Real-time image fusion of MRI and CEUS yielded a significant ( p <  0.001) improvement in score (score 4.8 ± 0.4 SD). Reliable detection of small necrotic areas was possible in all animals with necrotic tumors. No significant intraobserver and interobserver variability was detected (kappa coefficient = +1). CONCLUSION: Image fusion of MRI and CEUS gives a significant improvement for reliable differentiation between different tumor tissue areas and simplifies investigations by showing the morphology as well as surrounding macro-/microvascularization.
Shell matters: Magnetic targeting of SPIONs and in vitro effects on endothelial and monocytic cell function
Authors: Matuszak Jasmin , Dörfler Philipp , Zaloga Jan , Unterweger Harald , Lyer Stefan , Dietel Barbara , Alexiou Christoph , Cicha Iwona 
Published: November 2015

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are versatile and easily functionalized agents with high potential for diagnostic and therapeutic intravascular applications. In this study, we analyzed the responses of endothelial (ECs) and monocytic cells to three different types of SPIONs, in order to assess the influence of physico-chemical properties on the biological reactions to SPIONs. The following formulations were used: (1) Lauric acid-coated and BSA-stabilized SPION-1,(2) Lauric acid/BSA-coated SPION-2 and (3) dextran-coated SPION-3. SPION-1 were strongly internalized by ECs and reduced their viability in static conditions. Additionally, they had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on monocytic cell chemotaxis to MCP-1, but did not affect monocytic cell recruitment by ECs. SPION-2 uptake was less pronounced, both in ECs and monocytic cells, and these particles were better tolerated by the vascular cells. Not being internalized by endothelial or monocytic cells, SPION-3 did not induce relevant effects on cell viability, motility or endothelial-monocytic cell interactions. Taken together, localized accumulation of circulating SPION under physiologic-like flow conditions and their cellular uptake depends on the physicochemical characteristics. Our findings suggest that SPION-2 are suitable for magnetic targeting of atherosclerotic plaques. Due to their excellent biocompatibility and low internalization, SPION-3 may represent a suitable imaging agent for intravascular applications.
Determining cut-off points in functional assessment scales in stroke
Authors: Balasch i Bernat Mercè , Balasch i Parisi Sebastiá , Sebastián Enrique Noé , Moscardó Lirios Dueñas , Ferri Campos Joan , López Bueno Laura 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: A wide variety of well-validated assessment scales of functioning and disability have been developed for stroke population. However, these instruments have limitations in their interpretation. Therefore, determining cut-off points for their categorization becomes necessary. OBJECTIVES: To determine cut-off points for the BI, FIM and FAM scales to differentiate clinical disability categories and to establish the relationship between mRS and DOS scales. METHODS: One hundred and six adults with ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke were mainly recruited from a rehabilitation facility (Hospitales Nisa, Valencia, Spain). RESULTS: A high correlation was observed between the DOS and mRS scales (Kendall’s tau-b = 0.475; p = 0.000) although a certain amount of disagreement between the two scales was detected. The cut-off points were 62.90 (95% CI, 57.26–69.29) and 21.30 (95% CI, 16.34–26.03) for the BI; 70.62 (95% CI, 66.65–75.22) and 38.29 (95% CI, 34.07–42.25) for the FIM; and 116.07 (95% CI, 110.30–122.68) and 66.02 (95% CI, 59.20–72.35) for the FAM. CONCLUSION(S): DOS was observed to be more demanding than the mRS, in terms of patient independence. Additionally, the lower cut-off points separating the levels of severe and moderate disability in the BI, FIM and FAM were determined. These findings would facilitate practitioners clinical interpretation of disability levels in post-stroke patients.
Comparison between treadmill training with rhythmic auditory stimulation and ground walking with rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait ability in chronic stroke patients: A pilot study
Authors: Park Jin , Park So-yeon , Kim Yong-wook , Woo Youngkeun 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: Generally, treadmill training is very effective intervention, and rhythmic auditory stimulation is designed to feedback during gait training in stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the gait abilities in chronic stroke patients following either treadmill walking training with rhythmic auditory stimulation (TRAS) or over ground walking training with rhythmic auditory stimulation (ORAS). METHODS: Nineteen subjects were divided into two groups: a TRAS group (9 subjects) and an ORAS group (10 subjects). Temporal and spatial gait parameters and motor recovery ability were measured before and after the training period. Gait ability was measured by the Biodex Gait trainer treadmill system, Timed up and go test (TUG), 6 meter walking distance (6MWD) and Functional gait assessment (FGA). RESULTS: After the training periods, the TRAS group showed a significant improvement in walking speed, step cycle, step length of the unaffected limb, coefficient of variation, 6MWD, and, FGA when compared to the ORAS group ( p <  0.05). CONCLUSION: Treadmill walking training during the rhythmic auditory stimulation may be useful for rehabilitation of patients with chronic stroke.