bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular and mortality risks in Parkinson's disease patients treated with entacapone
Authors: Graham David J. , Williams James R. , Hsueh Ya‐Hui , Calia Katlyn , Levenson Mark , Pinheiro Simone P. , MaCurdy Thomas E. , Shih David , Worrall Chris , Kelman Jeffrey A. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe controlled trial Stalevo Reduction in Dyskinesia Evaluation in Parkinson's Disease (STRIDE‐PD) reported an unexpected increase in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with entacapone use in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The authors investigated whether entacapone increased cardiovascular and mortality risk compared with the use of a non‐levodopa dopamine agonist (DA) or a selective monoamine oxidase type‐B inhibitor (MAOBI). Using national Medicare data, a new‐user cohort of elderly patients with PD treated with entacapone was propensity score (PS) matched with new users of either DA or MAOBI. The PS model included variables for sociodemographics, cardiovascular disease, medications, prior PD treatment, and comorbidities. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compare on‐therapy time to event for AMI, stroke, and death with DA‐MAOBI as a reference. Study cohorts included 8681 entacapone‐treated and 17,362 DA‐MAOBI‐treated initators who were followed for 2569 and 5385 person‐years, respectively. Cohorts were closely balanced for all covariates. During follow‐up, there were 106 AMIs, 89 strokes, and 201 deaths. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) associated with entacapone use was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.57–1.30) for AMI, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.54–1.35) for stroke, and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.58–1.07) for death. The risk was unchanged for treatment of≤6 months’ and>6 months’ duration and was unaffected by adjustment for time‐varying levodopa use during follow‐up. The risk of each endpoint was not differentially affected by diabetes, ischemic heart disease, or kidney failure status. However, the risk of stroke was modified by the presence (HR, 2.09; 95% CI, 0.98–4.45) or absence (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27–0.95) of advanced PD‐related morbidities (P value for interaction=0.004). Entacapone was not associated with an increased risk of AMI, stroke, or death in elderly patients with PD. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Face transplantation surgical options and open problems in cadaveric models: A review article
Authors: Baccarani Alessio , Follmar Keith E. , Erdmann Detlev , Levin L. Scott 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBeing first conceptualized in 2005–2006, total face transplantation is now a clinical reconstructive option in the treatment of patients with acquired facial deformity. The authors propose a review on the status of total face transplantation based on their clinical experience in dealing with traditional microsurgical head and neck reconstructions and on the basis of their published pre‐clinical research investigating technical aspects of the facial allotransplantation procedure in cadaveric models. The authors first discuss the harvesting options and propose two facial flaps which address different reconstructive needs. Next, the concept of donor–recipient anatomical compatibility is introduced, and the possible outcome of the chimeric face is studied, following the insetting of a fasciocutaneous facial allograft. Finally, the authors address the major technical challenges associated with transplanting the most complex osteomyocutaneous allograft. Significant improvement has been made in the field of vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation over the last 5–6 years. The results of the 13 face transplants performed worldwide are encouraging both functionally and aesthetically, when compared with traditional reconstructive procedures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.
Are Pelvic Floor Muscle Thickness and Size of Levator Hiatus Associated With Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength, Endurance and Vaginal Resting Pressure in Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stages I–III? A Cross Sectional 3D Ultrasound Study
Authors: Brækken Ingeborg Hoff , Majida Memona , Engh Marie Ellström , Bø Kari 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimsTo investigate if pelvic floor muscle (PFM) thickness and area of levator hiatus (LH) are associated with manometry measured PFM function in 109 women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stages I–III.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study pubovisceral muscle thickness and LH area were assessed with three‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound at rest and analyzed in the axial plane. PFM function was assessed with manometry and included strength, endurance, and vaginal resting pressure. Relationships were investigated using univariate linear logistic regressions models, Pearson product‐moment correlation coefficient and hierarchical multiple regression.ResultsThe mean age was 49 (SD 12). There was a significant positive moderate association between muscle thickness and PFM strength (r = 0.49, P < 0.001) and endurance (r = .45, P < 0.001). A moderate negative association was found between LH area and vaginal resting pressure (r = −0.46, P < 0.001), strength (r = −0.41, P < 0.001) and endurance (r = −0.40, P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses included PFM strength, endurance, vaginal resting pressure, age, parity, BMI and socioeconomic status. Muscle thickness was best explained by PFM strength and LH area was best explained by vaginal resting pressure. However, PFM function explained only 20.0% and 26.4% of the variance in muscle thickness and LH area after controlling for age, parity, BMI, and socioeconomic status.ConclusionThere are moderate associations between measurements using ultrasound and manometry in POP women. Thicker muscles and smaller LH were associated with higher strength and endurance. Smaller LH was additionally associated with higher vaginal resting pressure. Ultrasound and manometry measure different aspects of the PFM and cannot be used interchangeably. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:115–120, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measuring donor loyalty: key reasons why Net Promoter Score (NPS) is not the way
Authors: Schulman Kevin , Sargeant Adrian 
Published: February 2013

Our paper reviewed the weaknesses of the Net Promoter Score (NPS) as a measure of donor loyalty for fundraisers working in nonprofit organizations, argued that the measure is fundamentally flawed and inappropriate for use in this context, and outlined six major critiques of the NPS approach and offered an alternative way of measuring future loyalty and value. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Obesity and insulin resistance in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia worsens during maintenance therapy
Authors: Esbenshade Adam J. , Simmons Jill H. , Koyama Tatsuki , Lindell Robert B. , Friedman Debra L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundPediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors are at increased risk for the metabolic syndrome (MS). To establish the trajectory of development during active treatment, we followed patients longitudinally over the first year of maintenance therapy.ProcedureIn a prospective cohort of 34 pediatric ALL patients, followed over the first 12 months of ALL maintenance, we evaluated changes in body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting insulin and glucose, lipids, Homeostatic Metabolic Assessment (HOMA), leptin, and adiponectin.ResultsOver the study time period, the median BMI z‐score increased from 0.29 to 0.66 (P = 0.001), median fasting insulin levels increased from 2.9 to 3.1 µU/ml (P = 0.023), and the proportion of patients with insulin resistance by HOMA (>3.15) increased from 3% to 24% (P = 0.016). Median leptin increased from 2.5 to 3.5 ng/ml (P = 0.001), with levels correlated with BMI z‐score. Median adiponectin level decreased from 18.0 to 14.0 µg/ml (P = 0.009), with levels inversely correlated to BMI z‐score. No change in median total cholesterol and LDL levels was observed. Median triglycerides decreased (P < 0.001) and there was a trend to increase in HDL (P = 0.058). Blood pressure did not significantly change, although overall prevalence of systolic and diastolic hypertension was high (23.5% and 26.4%, respectively).ConclusionsFollowing patients over the first year of ALL maintenance therapy demonstrated that components of the MS significantly worsen over time. Preventive interventions limiting increases in BMI and insulin resistance during maintenance therapy should be targeted during this time period to avoid long‐term morbidity associated with the MS in long‐term survivors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;601287‐1291. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intellectual and academic outcome following two chemotherapy regimens and radiotherapy for average‐risk medulloblastoma: COG A9961
Authors: Ris M. Douglas , Walsh Karin , Wallace Dana , Armstrong F. Daniel , Holmes Emi , Gajjar Amar , Zhou Tianni , Packer Roger J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPurposeAssess the intellectual and academic outcomes as well as risk factors associated with treatment for average‐risk medulloblastoma in childhood using 23.4 Gy of craniospinal radiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy.MethodsFrom an overall sample of 379 enrolled in the parent study (COG A9961), 110 patients received a total of 192 assessments over more than 5 years with standardized IQ and academic achievement tests. Random coefficient models of the various outcomes were developed that incorporated covariates including chemotherapy regimen, age at diagnosis, sex, initial Full Scale IQ, and mutism.ResultsParticipants in this study were found to be comparable to the overall sample in all demographic, disease, and treatment factors, except there were more gross total resections in the subsample undergoing intellectual and academic assessment. Major findings include significant decline in both intellectual and academic domains over time that were greater in children who were younger at diagnosis and had higher initial intelligence test scores. Children with mutism were at higher risk for initial effects on intelligence. No effects of sex were found.ConclusionThese results show progressive decline over several years post‐treatment in standardized intellectual and academic scores. Despite recent improvements in therapies for these children, most notably a decrease dose of craniospinal radiation, they remain at risk. The pursuit of less toxic treatments, particularly for younger children, should continue. Neuropsychological surveillance should be routine at centers treating children with brain tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;601350‐1357. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Communicating quantitative risks and benefits in promotional prescription drug labeling or print advertising
Authors: West Suzanne L. , Squiers Linda B. , McCormack Lauren , Southwell Brian G. , Brouwer Emily S. , Ashok Mahima , Lux Linda , Boudewyns Vanessa , O'Donoghue Amie , Sullivan Helen W. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeUnder the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, all promotional materials for prescription drugs must strike a fair balance in presentation of risks and benefits. How to best present this information is not clear. We sought to determine if the presentation of quantitative risk and benefit information in drug advertising and labeling influences consumers’, patients’, and clinicians’ information processing, knowledge, and behavior by assessing available empirical evidence.MethodsWe used PubMed for a literature search, limiting to articles published in English from 1990 forward. Two reviewers independently reviewed the titles and abstracts for inclusion, after which we reviewed the full texts to determine if they communicated risk/benefit information either: (i) numerically (e.g., percent) versus non‐numerically (e.g., using text such as “increased risk”) or (ii) numerically using different formats (e.g., “25% of patients”, “one in four patients”, or use of pictographs). We abstracted information from included articles into standardized evidence tables. The research team identified a total of 674 relevant publications, of which 52 met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 37 focused on drugs.Results and conclusionsPresenting numeric information appears to improve understanding of risks and benefits relative to non‐numeric presentation; presenting both numeric and non‐numeric information when possible may be best practice. No single specific format or graphical approach emerged as consistently superior. Numeracy and health literacy also deserve more empirical attention as moderators. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving adverse drug event detection in critically ill patients through screening intensive care unit transfer summaries
Authors: Anthes Ananth M. , Harinstein Lisa M. , Smithburger Pamela L. , Seybert Amy L. , Kane‐Gill Sandra L. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeThis study aimed to determine the frequency and type of adverse drug events (ADEs) identified in intensive care unit (ICU) transfer summaries and in the hospital discharge summaries to demonstrate the effectiveness of ICU transfer summary surveillance in the identification of ADEs.MethodsA retrospective electronic medical record review was conducted for medical ICU patients admitted between January 2009 and April 2009 to a large, academic medical center. The Harvard Practice Scale and the modified Leonard Assessment Scale were used to evaluate the presence of an ADE from the ICU transfer and hospital discharge summaries.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty‐four patients were identified for inclusion with a median medical ICU length of stay of 4.5 days and hospital length of stay of 13 days. The ICU transfer summary review revealed 173 ADEs among 124 unique patients with a rate of 33.9 ADEs per 1000 hospital patient days. Sixty‐nine ADEs among 63 unique patients were identified through the hospital discharge summary with a rate of 13.5 ADEs per 1000 hospital patient days. Only 23.1% of ADEs discussed in the ICU transfer summary were also discussed in the hospital discharge summary.ConclusionsThe use of ICU transfer summaries is an effective tool to increase ADE detection. The use of an ICU transfer summary should be considered as an adjunct method to an existing ADE surveillance system for heightened pharmacovigilance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of drift, diffusion, and recombination in time‐resolved photoluminescence of CdTe solar cells determined through numerical simulation
Authors: Kanevce A. , Levi D. H. , Kuciauskas D. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTime‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements are one of the key metrics available to determine the minority‐carrier lifetime in the absorber layer of direct band gap photovoltaic devices. Direct measurement of the minority‐carrier lifetime is essential to understanding the impact of changes in deposition and processing on material quality. Unfortunately, the TRPL signal is determined by a complex convolution of multiple physical factors including bulk carrier lifetime, interface recombination velocity, electric field, doping density, photo‐excited carrier density, and carrier mobility. To gain clarity, we have used numerical simulations to analyze the carrier dynamics after a CdTe device is illuminated with a short light pulse. After the light pulse, the photo‐generated carriers undergo complex dynamics including drift, diffusion, interface, and bulk recombination. In this work, we develop a new formalism that enables much greater insight into which factors dominate the TRPL decay dynamics. By breaking down the carrier dynamics into drift, diffusion, and recombination terms, we have developed six‐factor, four‐factor, and two‐factor analyses that provide clear understanding of which physical factors dominate the decay dynamics under various conditions and at different times during the decay. We show that in a typical CdTe device under the typical experimental conditions used in our laboratories, the faster part of the decay is dominated by charge separation, whereas the slower part is dominated by carrier recombination. Therefore, under the conditions investigated in this study, the slower part of the decay is a better parameter to explain the defect density in the CdTe layer. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elevated peri‐transplant distress in caregivers of allogeneic blood or marrow transplant patients
Authors: Simoneau Teresa L. , Mikulich‐Gilbertson Susan K. , Natvig Crystal , Kilbourn Kristin , Spradley Janet , Grzywa‐Cobb Rachel , Philips Samuel , McSweeney Peter , Laudenslager Mark L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPurposeA full‐time 24/7 caregiver is required for 100 days or longer following an allogeneic blood or marrow transplant during which time caregivers have multiple demands. Although distress in caregivers is documented, generalization is limited by small sample sizes, restricted range of assessments, and lack of information as to which caregivers may be more vulnerable to distress. The purpose of this study was to describe the peri‐transplant psychological status of a sample of caregivers of allogeneic transplant patients.MethodsWe assessed caregiver mood, stress, burden, and sleep using valid self‐report measures in 109 caregivers of allogeneic transplant patients prior to stem cell transplantation. Caregivers' scores were compared with norms or established cutoff scores for behavioral measures. Additionally, demographic characteristics such as age and sex were tested as predictors of distress.ResultsCaregivers showed significant levels of anxiety, stress, intrusion and avoidance behaviors, and poor sleep at the start of transplant compared with established norms. Younger caregivers were more distressed than older caregivers. There were no differences in levels of distress between male and female caregivers.ConclusionThe peri‐transplant period is a time of heightened anxiety and distress for caregivers of allogeneic transplant patients. This study indicates that caregivers would benefit from support programs in the peri‐transplant period. Recommendations for types of support that may be helpful to caregivers are provided, but additional research is needed to validate that these programs would help caregivers providing care to patients receiving an allogeneic transplant in the peri‐transplant period. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced Central European summer precipitation in the late 19th century: a link to the Tropics
Authors: Bichet A. , Folini D. , Wild M. , Schär C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn Central Europe, an unusually large number of floods were recorded in the summers and autumns of the late 19th century, causing considerable damage. Different factors contributing to the recurrence of these floods have been discussed in the literature, including the unusually high precipitation anomalies recorded at the time. Based on the frequency and spatial pattern of these floods, previous studies suggest that changes in the large‐scale circulation may have played a relevant role. Here, we use an atmospheric global climate model forced with observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and atmospheric forcings (greenhouse gas concentrations and aerosol emissions) to test this hypothesis and identify the causes for the associated atmospheric circulation pattern.We find that our model is able to reproduce the high summer precipitation anomalies observed in Central Europe in the late 19th century, and we show that between 1875 and 1890, transient SSTs, as opposed to climatological ones, are the primary driver for this precipitation increase. Using a series of numerical experiments, we find that the SST variability in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (associated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation region) was the primary driver for these anomalies. In addition, SST variability in the Indian Ocean as well as increasing anthropogenic aerosol emissions substantially enhanced European precipitation.The atmospheric circulation anomalies associated with this precipitation increase show a Pacific North American (PNA)‐like pattern over North America and a substantially weakened mid‐troposphere westerly flow over Europe and the North Atlantic, as well as increased pressure over Greenland and reduced pressure over Europe, resembling the negative phase of the summer North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO).
Assimilation procedures for updating ionospheric profiles below the F2 peak
Authors: McNamara Leo F. , Angling Matthew J. , Elvidge Sean , Fridman Sergey V. , Hausman Mark A. , Nickisch L. J. , McKinnell Lee‐Anne 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper describes and compares two real‐time assimilative ionospheric models, with an emphasis on their ability to provide accurate profiles of the electron density below the peak of the F2 layer at a midlatitude location, given automatically processed vertical incidence ionograms at a single location. The two models are specifically oriented toward several important practical applications of high‐frequency (HF) radio propagation: HF communications, single station location of HF transmitters, and coordinate registration for OTHR. Both models start with the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) as a background ionosphere and assimilate digisonde observations (either the ionogram or the profile) and available GPS total electron content observations. The digisonde data from one site in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) provide the ionosonde assimilation data, while the other three digisondes in the RSA provide the ground‐truth observations of foF2, hmF2, and the plasma frequency profile. Since the four RSA digisondes receive each other's transmissions, maximum observed frequencies have also been used as ground truth. The models tested have both been found to provide significant improvements over the IRI and to have similar accuracies for the study interval (September 2011). The errors of the models are very close to the minimum achievable errors for all the validation parameters, which seem to be set by the ubiquitous traveling ionospheric disturbances being different at the different locations. For the optimum ground‐truth location ~685 km from the digisonde providing the assimilation data, the RMS errors in foF2 were found to be 0.2 MHz (night) and 0.5 MHz (day).