bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Estimated Plasma Volume Reduction on Renal Function for Acute Heart Failure Differs Between Patients With Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Takei Makoto , Kohsaka Shun , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Goda Ayumi , Izumi Yuki , Yagawa Mayuko , Mizuno Atsushi , Sawano Mitsuaki , Inohara Taku , Kohno Takashi , Fukuda Keiichi , Yoshikawa Tsutomu 
Published: March 2015

Background—
The prognostic relevance of plasma volume reduction (PVR) in acute heart failure patients remains unclear because of the confounding hemodynamic effect of left ventricular ejection fraction impairment on kidney function.

Methods and Results—

Subjects enrolled in the West Tokyo Heart Failure Registry were examined. The PV at admission and discharge was estimated from the subjects’ body weight and its deviation from the ideal body weight. Patients in the top tertile of estimated PVR were classified as PVR+. Of the 381 patients with acute heart failure, 181 (47.5%) had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Estimated PVR was associated with worsening renal function in the HFpEF (odds ratio, 3.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.55–6.96;
P
=0.002) but not in the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction cohort (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–2.42;
P
=0.57). This association in the HFpEF cohort remained significant after adjusting for a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (odds ratio, 3.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.52–7.33;
P
=0.003). The use of intravenous diuretics was a significant predictor of PVR in the HFpEF and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction groups.

Conclusions—
The effect of estimated PVR differs by HF type, and the estimated PVR during hospitalization is a predictor of worsening renal function in patients with HFpEF but not in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.html
. Unique identifier: UMIN000001549.
Late Systolic Central Hypertension as a Predictor of Incident Heart Failure: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Chirinos Julio A. , Segers Patrick , Duprez Daniel A. , Brumback Lyndia , Bluemke David A. , Zamani Payman , Kronmal Richard , Vaidya Dhananjay , Ouyang Pamela , Townsend Raymond R. , Jacobs David R. 
Published: March 2015

Background
Experimental studies demonstrate that high aortic pressure in late systole relative to early systole causes greater myocardial remodeling and dysfunction, for any given absolute peak systolic pressure.

Methods and Results

We tested the hypothesis that late systolic hypertension, defined as the ratio of late (last one third of systole) to early (first two thirds of systole) pressure–time integrals (
PTI
) of the aortic pressure waveform, independently predicts incident heart failure (
HF
) in the general population. Aortic pressure waveforms were derived from a generalized transfer function applied to the radial pressure waveform recorded noninvasively from 6124 adults. The late/early systolic
PTI
ratio (L/

E
SPTI

) was assessed as a predictor of incident
HF
during median 8.5 years of follow‐up. The L/

E
SPTI

was predictive of incident
HF
(hazard ratio per 1% increase=1.22; 95%
CI
=1.15 to 1.29;
P
<0.0001) even after adjustment for established risk factors for
HF
(
HR
=1.23; 95%
CI
=1.14 to 1.32:
P
<0.0001). In a multivariate model that included brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure and other standard risk factors of
HF
, L/

E
SPTI

was the modifiable factor associated with the greatest improvements in model performance. A high L/

E
SPTI

(>58.38%) was more predictive of
HF
than the presence of hypertension. After adjustment for each other and various predictors of
HF
, the
HR
associated with hypertension was 1.39 (95%
CI
=0.86 to 2.23;
P
=0.18), whereas the
HR
associated with a high L/E was 2.31 (95%
CI
=1.52 to 3.49;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

Independently of the absolute level of peak pressure, late systolic hypertension is strongly associated with incident
HF
in the general population.
Alternative Calculations of Individual Patient Time in Therapeutic Range While Taking Warfarin: Results From the ROCKET AF Trial
Authors: Singer Daniel E. , Hellkamp Anne S. , Yuan Zhong , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Patel Manesh R. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Hankey Graeme J. , Breithardt Günter , Halperin Jonathan L. , Becker Richard C. , Hacke Werner , Nessel Christopher C. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Fox Keith A. A. , Califf Robert M. ,   for the ROCKET AF Investigators
Published: March 2015

Background

In the
ROCKET AF
(Rivaroxaban–Once‐daily, oral, direct Factor Xa inhibition Compared with vitamin K antagonism for prevention of stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation) trial, marked regional differences in control of warfarin anticoagulation, measured as the average individual patient time in the therapeutic range (
iTTR
) of the international normalized ratio (
INR
), were associated with longer inter‐
INR
test intervals. The standard
R
osendaal approach can produce biased low estimates of
TTR
after an appropriate dose change if the follow‐up
INR
test interval is prolonged. We explored the effect of alternative calculations of
TTR
that more immediately account for dose changes on regional differences in mean
iTTR
in the
ROCKET AF
trial.

Methods and Results

We used an
INR
imputation method that accounts for dose change. We compared group mean
iTTR
values between our dose change–based method with the standard
R
osendaal method and determined that the differences between approaches depended on the balance of dose changes that produced in‐range
INR
s (“corrections”) versus
INR
s that were out of range in the opposite direction (“overshoots”). In
ROCKET AF
, the overall mean
iTTR
of 55.2% (Rosendaal) increased up to 3.1% by using the dose change–based approach, depending on assumptions. However, large inter‐regional differences in anticoagulation control persisted.

Conclusions

TTR
, the standard measure of control of warfarin anticoagulation, depends on imputing daily
INR
values for the vast majority of follow‐up days. Our
TTR
calculation method may better reflect the impact of warfarin dose changes than the Rosendaal approach. In the
ROCKET AF
trial, this dose change–based approach led to a modest increase in overall mean
iTTR
but did not materially affect the large inter‐regional differences previously reported.

Clinical Trial Registration
URL: ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00403767.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Is Associated With the Progression of Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
Authors: Moon Jae Hoon , Lim Soo , Han Ji Won , Kim Kyoung Min , Choi Sung Hee , Park Kyong Soo , Kim Ki Woong , Jang Hak Chul 
Published: March 2015

Background and Purpose—
We investigated the association between cardiovascular risk factors, including carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and future risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in elderly subjects.

Methods—
We conducted a population-based prospective study as a part of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging. Our study included 348 participants who were nondemented at the baseline (mean age, 71.7±6.3 years) and underwent cognitive evaluation at the 5-year follow-up. Baseline cardiovascular risk factors were compared according to the development of MCI or dementia during the study period.

Results—
At the baseline evaluation, 278 subjects were cognitively normal and 70 subjects had MCI. Diagnoses of cognitive function either remained unchanged or improved during the study period in 292 subjects (nonprogression group), whereas 56 subjects showed progression of cognitive impairment to MCI or dementia (progression group). The progression group exhibited a higher prevalence of hypertension and greater CIMT compared with the nonprogression group. Other baseline cardiovascular risk factors, including sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, waist-to-hip ratio, visceral fat, pulse wave velocity, and ankle-brachial index, were not significantly different between 2 groups. The association between greater baseline CIMT and the progression of cognitive impairment was maintained after adjustment for conventional baseline risk factors of cognitive impairment. Greater baseline CIMT was also independently associated with the development of MCI in the subjects whose baseline cognitive function was normal.

Conclusions—
Greater baseline CIMT was independently associated with the risk of cognitive impairment, such as MCI and dementia in elderly subjects.
Distribution, abundance and diet of the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata)
Authors: Irshad Nausheen , Mahmood Tariq , Hussain Riaz , Nadeem Muhammad Sajid 
Published: March 2015

Endangered species often inhabit specific habitats and are dependent on specific prey. The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is an “endangered”, inimitable mammal currently in jeopardy in Pakistan. Very little data are available about its ecology that could serve as baseline for its conservation. In the current study, we investigated the Indian pangolin’s distribution, abundance and diet in four districts of Potohar Plateau. The species was found evenly distributed in two study districts, while it showed patchy distribution in the remaining two districts, and it occurred up to a maximum elevation of 862 m a.s.l. Population density showed a sharp and significant decline over a period of three years from 2010 to 2013. Faecal matter of the species was found to contain remains of ants (head, abdominal parts, legs) as the second-most voluminous component of the droppings, following soil or clay. Remains of other food sources, like termites, bugs, wood and grasses, were found in minor percentages. Our study reveals that the main prey items of Indian pangolins include two species of black ants (Camponotus confucii and Camponotus compressus), and one species of termite (Odontotermis obesus). The recorded population decline indicates that conservation measures may be needed.
Discovery of the male Tiradelphe schneideri (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Danainae)—missing piece in an insect evolution puzzle
Authors: WILLS LAURIE 
Published: March 2015

For 30 years the highly distinctive Schneider’s Surprise butterfly, Tiradelphe schneideri Ackery & Vane-Wright, 1984, has been known only from the two original type specimens, both female. Here we describe and illustrate the previously unknown male of this Guadalcanal endemic member of the Danaina—the subtribe of Nymphalidae: Danainae to which Tiradelphe has always been assigned. Unexpectedly, male T. schneideri completely lack alar androconia, and are thus unlike all other species of Danaina and its sister group, the Amaurina. The new information will permit a reassessment of the phylogenetic relationships of Tiradelphe. This enigmatic genus may well be more isolated than previously supposed, with implications not only for our understanding of pheromone communication in these insects, but also the evolution and biogeography of the tribe Danaini in the Indo-Pacific.
Hermit crabs (Decapoda: Crustacea) from deep Mauritanian waters (NW Africa) with the description of a new species
Authors: DE MATOS-PITA SUSANA S. , RAMIL FRAN 
Published: March 2015

Thirteen hermit crab species of the families Diogenidae, Paguridae and Parapaguridae were captured in deep waters off Mauritania during Maurit surveys. A new species of the genus Paguristes, Paguristes candelae n. sp., is described. Areopaguristes mauritanicus n. comb. is proposed for Paguristes mauritanicus Bouvier, 1906 and Pseudopaguristes marocanus n. comb. for Paguristes marocanus A. Milne-Edwards & Bouvier, 1892; the females of the latter species are reported for the first time. Our data extends the geographical distribution of Pseudopaguristes marocanus southwards and that of Paragiopagurus macroceros northwards. Both species, together with Diogenes pugilator (Roux, 1829), are recorded for the first time in Mauritanian waters. New data about bathymetric ranges are also reported for Pseudopaguristes marocanus n. comb., Areopaguristes mauritanicus n. comb. and Paragiopagurus macroceros.
Effect of three-size too large strong stocking on venous hemodynamics in normal subjects
Authors: Suehiro K , Morikage N , Murakami M , Yamashita O , Harada T , Ueda K , Samura M , Tanaka Y , Hamano K 
Published: March 2015

Objectives To study the differences in impact on venous hemodynamics between larger size strong graduated elastic compression stockings (GECS) and appropriate size strong/moderate GECS. Method In healthy legs fitted for a small (Group S; n = 8) and large (Group L; n = 8) GECS, air plethysmography was performed without GECS, with an appropriate size strong GECS (GECS1), with a three-size too large strong GECS (GECS2), and with an appropriate size moderate GECS (GECS3) in this order. Results In Group S, interface pressure with GECS2 was equal to or higher than that with GECS3. Decreased venous volume, unchanged ejection volume, and decreased residual volume were achieved by GECS, but differences in these parameters among GECS were not observed. Although insignificant, a similar tendency was found in Group L. Conclusions A larger size strong GECS seemed to have equivalent interface pressure and impact on venous hemodynamics compared to an appropriate size moderate or strong GECS.
Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Closed Surgical Incision After Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Matsumoto Takumi , Parekh Selene G. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Wound healing problems of the anterior ankle incision are among the most common complications after total ankle arthroplasty, possibly resulting in exposure of the prostheses and infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in decreasing the rate of wound healing problems after total ankle arthroplasty. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty by a single surgeon at a single institution between 2009 and 2013. The incisional negative pressure dressing was applied to all patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty between 2012 and 2013 with a continuous application of −80 mm Hg negative pressure for 6 days postoperatively. The control group consisted of patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty between 2009 and 2012 with a conventional nonadherent gauze dressing. Seventy-four patients were involved in this study: 37 in the control group and 37 in the incisional NPWT group. Results: All patients tolerated the incisional NPWT to completion without any dressing failures or skin problems. Both groups showed similar distributions in demographics and perioperative risk factors for wound healing. There were 9 (24%) wound healing problems in the control group and 1 (3%) in the incisional NPWT group. Incisional NPWT was found to reduce wound healing problems with an odds ratio of 0.10 (95% CI, 0.01-0.50; P = .004). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that there was a decreased incidence of wound healing problems following total ankle arthroplasty with incisional NPWT dressings. This is the first study evaluating the efficacy of incisional NPWT as an adjunct treatment for wound healing after total ankle arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Challenges and opportunities for the school system
Authors: Capogna Stefania 
Published: March 2015

Educational agencies are going through a difficult transition, with important consequences in terms of de-legitimacy of the social mandate historically assigned to the school. The reason for this widespread unease can be traced to the fact that today we live in a complex system. This paper arises within this problematic framework with the intent to outline the most important lines of change affecting education agencies during the last fifteen years, paying particular attention to the new institutional and normative framework that redefined the whole educational structure in Italy. The objective of this paper is to contribute to the development of a new vision of the education system, more in line with the challenges posed by the global and complex society that emphasizes both the importance of evaluation of education agencies, on the basis of Quality Assurance more attentive to results, and the community’s responsibility to education.
Increasing ultraviolet light exposure is associated with reduced mortality from Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Govani Shail M , Waljee Akbar K , Stidham Ryan W , Higgins Peter DR 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundClostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an increasingly common cause of inpatient mortality. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with more aggressive CDI. We aimed to determine if average annual ultraviolet light (UV) exposure was associated with mortality in patients with CDI.MethodsWe used the US National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2004–2011 to assess the mortality risk in patients with a diagnosis of CDI (as per ICD‐9CM 008.45). Annual average state UV exposure was assigned to each hospitalization. Logistic regression was used to determine the effects of UV exposure on mortality, controlling for age, gender, race and other comorbidities.ResultsDuring the study period, there were 2.61 million hospitalizations with a diagnosis of CDI. The mortality rate was 9.0%. In univariate analysis, the odds ratio (OR) of inpatient mortality for the UV index was 0.97 (95% CI 0.95–0.99; p  = 0.008) per unit of UV exposure. In a multivariable model adjusting for age, gender, race, Charlson‐Deyo index, season and coexisting inflammatory bowel disease, the UV index remained a protective predictor, with an OR of 0.94 (95% CI 0.92–0.96; p  < 0.001). In the multivariate model, a seasonal effect was also present, with the highest risk of inpatient mortality in the period from January to March (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.08–1.14) and the lowest risk, from July to September (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.92–0.98).ConclusionsAn increase in UV exposure index is associated with a reduced risk of inpatient mortality in patients with CDI. A seasonal effect is also present, with the highest risk of death during winter months. Further studies exploring the role of UV light in CDI are necessary.
Risk factors for polyp retrieval failure in colonoscopy
Authors: Fernandes Carlos , Pinho Rolando , Ribeiro Iolanda , Silva Joana , Ponte Ana , Carvalho João 
Published: March 2015

IntroductionColonoscopy is able to diagnose, resect and retrieve colonic polyps. Although retrieval of resected polyps is still globally advised, it is not always successful. We aimed to define the risk factors for polyp retrieval failure in colonoscopy.MethodsA single‐center, retrospective study assessed 3507 consecutive and non‐urgent colonoscopies, performed between September 2011 and December 2012. Colonoscopies were included in our analysis if the diagnosis of at least one polyp was established, and one or more snare polypectomies were performed. Demographic and technical data were collected according to the patient's endoscopy report.ResultsA total of 1109 polyps were analyzed, corresponding to 496 colonoscopies from 483 different patients. We found that 53 (4.8%) of the resected polyps were not retrieved. In a univariate analysis, the factors associated with polyp retrieval failure were: age, polyp size, resection technique, bowel preparation, location and the presence of a previous colorectal surgery (p  < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, a previous colorectal surgery, resection by cold snare, location in the right colon, inadequate bowel preparation and a polyp size up to 5 mm were independently associated with higher polyp retrieval failure (p  < 0.05).DiscussionDifferent and well‐defined factors were associated with polyp retrieval failure. Because bowel preparation was the only modifiable factor identified, a special focus should be given to this topic.
A “Google Image” diagnosis of Madelung’s disease
Authors: Mumoli Nicola , Vitale Josè , Sabatini Silvia , Manni Carolina , Masi Lorenzo , Mazzi Valeria , Cei Marco , Giorgetti Silvia , Rossi Monica , Comassi Mario , Camaiti Alberto 
Published: March 2015

Lesson Given the rare nature of Madelung's disease many clinicians will not have seen a patient with it and will not be able to recognise them: subsequently a diagnosis is unlikely to be made.
Generation of human memory stem T cells after haploidentical T-replete hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Cieri Nicoletta , Oliveira Giacomo , Greco Raffaella , Forcato Mattia , Taccioli Cristian , Cianciotti Beatrice , Valtolina Veronica , Noviello Maddalena , Vago Luca , Bondanza Attilio , Lunghi Francesca , Marktel Sarah , Bellio Laura , Bordignon Claudio , Bicciato Silvio , Peccatori Jacopo , Ciceri Fabio , Bonini Chiara 
Published: March 2015

Key Points
TSCM lymphocytes are preferentially generated from naive precursors in vivo early after haploidentical HSCT. TSCM represent relevant novel players in the diversification of immunological memory after haploidentical HSCT.
OnabotulinumtoxinA for Hemicrania Continua: open label experience in 9 patients
Authors: Miller Sarah , Correia Fernando , Lagrata Susie , Matharu Manjit S 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background
Hemicrania continua is a strictly unilateral, continuous headache, typically mild to moderate in severity, with severe exacerbations commonly accompanied by cranial autonomic features and migrainous symptoms. It is exquisitely responsive to Indomethacin. However, some patients cannot tolerate treatment, often due to gastrointestinal side effects. Therapeutic alternatives are limited and controlled evidence lacking.

Methods
We present our experience of nine patients treated with OnabotulinumtoxinA for hemicrania continua. All patients were injected using the PREEMPT (Phase 3 REsearch Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy) protocol for migraine.

Results
Five of nine patients demonstrated a 50% or more reduction in moderate to severe headache days with OnabotulinumtoxinA with a median reduction in moderate to severe headache days of 80%. Patient estimate of response was 80% or more in five subjects. The median and mean duration of response in the five responders was 11 and 12 weeks (range 6–20 weeks). Improvements were also seen in headache-associated disability

Conclusions
OnabotulinumtoxinA adds a potential option to the limited therapeutic alternatives available in hemicrania continua.