bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between the Metabolic Syndrome, Its Individual Components, and Unprovoked Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Ageno Walter , Di Minno Matteo N.D. , Ay Cihan , Jang Moon Ju , Hansen John-Bjarne , Steffen Lyn M. , Vayà Amparo , Rattazzi Marcello , Pabinger Ingrid , Oh Doyeun , Di Minno Giovanni , Braekkan Sigrid K. , Cushman Mary , Bonet Elena , Pauletto Paolo , Squizzato Alessandro , Dentali Francesco 
Published: September 2014

Objective—
The metabolic syndrome (MetS) may contribute to the pathogenesis of venous thromboembolism (VTE), but this association requires additional investigation.

Approach and Results—

We performed a patient-level meta-analysis of case–control and cohort studies that evaluated the role of MetS and risk of unprovoked VTE. For case–control studies, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression analysis to estimate the influence of individual variables on the risk of VTE; χ
2
tests for trend were used to investigate the effect of increasing number of components of MetS on the risk of VTE and to explore the influence of abdominal obesity on this relationship. For cohort studies, hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval were calculated using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Six case–control studies were included (908 cases with unprovoked VTE and 1794 controls): in multivariate analysis, MetS was independently associated with VTE (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.57–2.33), and both MetS and abdominal obesity were better predictors of unprovoked VTE than obesity defined by the body mass index. Two prospective cohort studies were included (26 531 subjects and 289 unprovoked VTE events): age, obesity, and abdominal obesity, but not MetS were associated with VTE.

Conclusions—
Case–control but not prospective cohort studies support an association between MetS and VTE. Abdominal adiposity is a strong risk factor for VTE.
Importance of Exercise Capacity in Predicting Outcomes and Determining Optimal Timing of Surgery in Significant Primary Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Naji Peyman , Griffin Brian P. , Barr Tyler , Asfahan Fadi , Gillinov A. Marc , Grimm Richard A. , Rodriguez L. Leonardo , Mihaljevic Tomislav , Stewart William J. , Desai Milind Y. 
Published: September 2014

Background
In primary mitral regurgitation (MR), exercise echocardiography aids in symptom evaluation and timing of mitral valve (MV) surgery. In patients with grade ≥3 primary MR undergoing exercise echocardiography followed by MV surgery, we sought to assess predictors of outcomes and whether delaying MV surgery adversely affects outcomes.

Methods and Results

We studied 576 consecutive such patients (aged 57±13 years, 70% men, excluding prior valve surgery and functional MR). Clinical, echocardiographic (MR, LVEF, indexed LV dimensions, RV systolic pressure) and exercise data (metabolic equivalents) were recorded. Composite events of death, MI, stroke, and congestive heart failure were recorded. Mean LVEF was 58±5%, indexed LV end‐systolic dimension was 1.7±0.5 mm/m
2
, rest RV systolic pressure was 32±13 mm Hg, peak‐stress RV systolic pressure was 47±17 mm Hg, and percentage of age‐ and gender‐predicted metabolic equivalents was 113±27. Median time between exercise and MV surgery was 3 months (MV surgery delayed ≥1 year in 28%). At 6.6±4 years, there were 53 events (no deaths at 30 days). On stepwise multivariable survival analysis, increasing age (hazard ratio of 1.07 [95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.12],
P
<0.01), lower percentage of age‐ and gender‐predicted metabolic equivalents (hazard ratio of 0.82 [95% confidence interval, 0.71 to 0.94],
P
=0.007), and lower LVEF (0.94 [0.89 to 0.99],
P
=0.04) independently predicted outcomes. In patients achieving >100% predicted metabolic equivalents (n=399), delaying surgery by ≥1 year (median of 28 months) did not adversely affect outcomes (
P
=0.8).

Conclusion
In patients with primary MR that underwent exercise echocardiography followed by MV surgery, lower achieved metabolic equivalents were associated with worse long‐term outcomes. In those with preserved exercise capacity, delaying MV surgery by ≥1 year did not adversely affect outcomes.
Predictors of Carotid Thickness and Plaque Progression During a Decade
Authors: Tattersall Matthew C. , Gassett Amanda , Korcarz Claudia E. , Gepner Adam D. , Kaufman Joel D. , Liu Kiang J. , Astor Brad C. , Sheppard Lianne , Kronmal Richard A. , Stein James H. 
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose—
Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque are noninvasive markers of subclinical arterial injury that predict incident cardiovascular disease. We evaluated predictors of longitudinal changes in IMT and new plaque during a decade in a longitudinal multiethnic cohort.

Methods—
Carotid IMT and plaque were evaluated in Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants at exams 1 and 5, a mean (standard deviation) of 9.4 (0.5) years later. Far wall carotid IMT was measured in both common and internal carotid arteries. A plaque score was calculated from all carotid segments. Mixed-effects longitudinal and multivariate regression models evaluated associations of baseline risk factors and time-updated medication use with IMT progression and plaque formation.

Results—

The 3441 MESA participants were aged 60.3 (9.4) years (53% women; 26% blacks, 22% Hispanic, 13% Chinese); 1620 (47%) had carotid plaque. Mean common carotid artery IMT progression was 11.8 (12.8) μm/year, and 1923 (56%) subjects developed new plaque. IMT progressed more slowly in Chinese (β=−2.89;
P
=0.001) and Hispanic participants (β=−1.81;
P
=0.02), and with higher baseline high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (per 5 mg/dL; β=−0.22;
P
=0.03), antihypertensive use (β=−2.06;
P
=0.0004), and time on antihypertensive medications (years; β=−0.29;
P
<0.0001). Traditional risk factors were associated with new plaque formation, with strong associations for cigarette use (odds ratio, 2.31;
P
<0.0001) and protection by black ethnicity (odds ratio, 0.68;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—
In a large, multiethnic cohort with a decade of follow-up, ethnicity was a strong, independent predictor of carotid IMT and plaque progression. Antihypertensive medication use was associated with less subclinical disease progression.
Trends in Incidence and Early Outcomes in a Black Afro-Caribbean Population From 1999 to 2012
Authors: Olindo Stephane , Chausson Nicolas , Mejdoubi Mehdi , Jeannin Severine , Rosillette Karine , Saint-Vil Martine , Signate Aissatou , Edimonana-Kaptue Mireille , Larraillet Veronique , Cabre Philippe , Smadja Didier , Joux Julien 
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose—
Seldom studies are available on trends in stroke incidence in blacks. We aimed to evaluate whether stroke risk prevention policies modified first-ever stroke incidence and outcomes in the black Afro-Caribbean population of Martinique.

Methods—
Etude Réalisée en Martinique et Centrée sur l’Incidence des Accidents Vasculaires Cérébraux (ERMANCIA) I and II are 2 sequential prospective population-based epidemiological studies. There have assessed temporal trends in first-ever stroke incidence, risk factors, pathological types, and early outcomes in the black Afro-Caribbean population of Martinique comparing two 12-month periods (1998–1999 and 2011–2012). Crude and age-standardized incidence and 30-day outcomes for stroke in the 2 study periods were compared using Poisson regression.

Results—

We identified 580 and 544 first-ever strokes in the 2 studies. World age-standardized incidence rates decreased by 30.6% in overall (111 [95% confidence interval, 102–120] versus 77 [95% confidence interval, 70–84]). Rate decline was greater in women than in men (34% versus 26%) particularly in women aged 65 to 74 years (−69%) and 75 to 84 years (−43%). Frequencies of hypertension and diabetes mellitus were unchanged, whereas dyslipidemia, smoking, and atrial fibrillation significantly increased. Only ischemic stroke types showed significant rate reduction in overall and in women, incidence rate ratio (95% confidence intervals) of 0.69 (0.50–0.97) and 0.61 (0.42–0.88), respectively. The overall 30-day case-fatality ratio remained stable (19.3%/17.6%), whereas a better 30-day outcome was found (modified Rankin Score, ≤2 in 47%/37.6%;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—
Over 13 years, there has been a significant decrease (30.6%) in the age-specific first-ever stroke incidence in our Afro-Carribean population. Although prevention policies seem effective, we need to focus on new risk factors limitation and on male population adherence to prevention program.
Growth and reproduction of the deep-water rose shrimp, Parapenaeus longirostris (Lucas, 1846) (Decapoda, Penaeidae), in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea
Authors: Arculeo Marco , Arculeo Marco , Lo Brutto Sabrina , Arculeo Marco , Lo Brutto Sabrina , Cannizzaro Leonardo , Arculeo Marco , Lo Brutto Sabrina , Cannizzaro Leonardo , Vitale Sergio 
Published: September 2014

From June 2006 to May 2007, monthly samples ofParapenaeus longirostris(Lucas, 1846) were collected on land from the landings of two different, although contiguous, fishing grounds exploited by the bottom trawl fisheries of the two fishing harbours of Terrasini and Porticello, located on the north-western coast of Sicily. Carapace length (CL) of the female and male deep-water rose shrimp in Terrasini ranged from 9 to 32 mm and 13 to 26 mm, respectively, whereas in Porticello the length ranged from 8 to 31 mm and 13 to 26 mm, respectively. The Von Bertalanffy Growth Function parameters for Terrasini females and males were CL∞ = 38.5 mm, year−1and CL∞ = 32.5 mm, year−1, respectively. For Porticello females and males, the parameters were CL∞ = 40 mm, year−1and CL∞ = 30 mm, year−1, respectively. Analysis of maturity stages indicates that the deep-water rose shrimp is an asynchronous batch of almost continuous spawners, although one to two peaks of activity can be detected. In both fishing areas, the reproductive phase peaked twice, once in January and again from August to September. The sizes at first maturity (CL50%) were 27.8 and 26.6 mm CL for Terrasini and Porticello, respectively.
Evaluation of the Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)/Pluronic F127 for Injection Laryngoplasty in Rabbits
Authors: Lee Jin Ho , Kim Dong Wook , Kim Eun Na , Park Seok‐Won , Kim Hee‐Bok , Oh Se Heang , Kwon Seong Keun 
Published: September 2014

ObjectivePoly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) is an aliphatic polyester and one of the most commonly used synthetic biodegradable polymers for tissue engineering. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the biocompatibility of PLGA/Pluronic F127 in the vocal fold.Study DesignA randomized, prospective, controlled animal study.SettingUniversity laboratory.Subjects and MethodsWe used 18 New Zealand white rabbits, which were divided into 5% PLGA solution (n = 9) and 10% PLGA solution (n = 9) groups. The PLGA/Pluronic F127 solutions were injected into the rabbit vocal fold. Laryngoscopic exams were performed at 1, 4, and 8 weeks after implantation; then larynx specimens were sampled. High‐speed video camera examination was performed for functional analysis of vocal mucosa vibration at 8 weeks after implantation. Also, we evaluated the amplitude of the mucosal wave from the laryngeal midline on high‐speed recording. Histologic study of larynx specimen was performed at 4 and 8 weeks.ResultsAll animals survived until the scheduled period. Laryngoscopic analysis showed that both 5% and 10% PLGA/Pluronic F127 maintained after 8 weeks after injection without significant inflammatory response. On functional analysis, high‐speed camera examination revealed regular and symmetric contact of vocal fold mucosa without a distorted movement by injected PLGA/Pluronic F127. Histologically, no significant inflammation was observed in the injected vocal fold.ConclusionAs a vocal fold injection material, PLGA/Pluronic F127 showed a good bio‐compatibility without significant inflammatory response. Further experiment will follow to elucidate its role for drug or gene delivery into the vocal fold.
Diagnostic Approach, Treatment, and Outcomes of Cervical Sympathetic Chain Schwannomas: A Global Narrative Review
Authors: Navaie Maryam , Sharghi Leighla H. , Cho‐Reyes Soojin , Keefe Michael A. , Howie Benjamin A. , Setzen Gavin 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveThis review examined the diagnostic approach, surgical treatment, and outcomes of cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas (CSCS) to guide clinical decision making.Data SourcesMedline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases.Review MethodsA literature review from 1998 to 2013 identified 156 articles of which 51 representing 89 CSCS cases were evaluated in detail. Demographic, clinical, and outcomes data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers with high interrater reliability (κ =. 79). Cases were mostly international (82%), predominantly from Asia (50%) and Europe (27%).ConclusionsOn average, patients were 42.6 years old (SD = 13.3) and had a neck mass ranging between 2 to 4 cm (52.7%) or >4 cm (43.2%). Nearly 70% of cases were asymptomatic at presentation. Presurgical diagnosis relied on CT (63.4%), MRI (59.8%), or both (19.5%), supplemented by cytology (33.7%), which was nearly always inconclusive (96.7%). US‐treated cases were significantly more likely to receive presurgical MRI than internationally treated cases but less likely to have cytology (P <. 05). Presurgical diagnosis was challenging, with only 11% confirmatory accuracy postsurgically. Irrespective of mass size, extracapsular resection (ie, complete resection with nerve sacrifice) was the most frequently (87.6%) performed surgical procedure. Common postsurgical adverse events included Horner's syndrome (91.1%), first bite syndrome (21.1%), or both (15.7%), with higher prevalence when mass size was >4 cm. Adverse events persisted in 82.3% of cases at an average 30.0 months (SD = 30.1) follow‐up time.Implications for PracticeGiven the typical CSCS patient is young and asymptomatic and the likelihood of persistent morbidity is high with standard surgical approaches, less invasive treatment options warrant consideration.
The Epidemiology of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Leroux Timothy , Wasserstein David , Dwyer Tim , Ogilvie-Harris Darrell J. , Marks Paul H. , Bach Bernard R. , Townley John B. , Mahomed Nizar , Chahal Jaskarndip 
Published: September 2014

Background: Knowledge of the rate of and risk factors for re-revision, reoperation, and readmission after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is limited. Purpose: To determine the rate of and risk factors for re-revision, reoperation, and readmission after revision ACLR. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: All patients who underwent first revision ACLR in Ontario, Canada, from January 2004 to December 2010 were identified and followed until December 2012. Exclusions included age <16 years, previous osteotomy, or multiligament knee reconstruction. The main outcome was re-revision ACLR. Secondary outcomes included reoperation (irrigation and debridement [I&D], meniscectomy, manipulation under anesthesia, contralateral ACLR, and total knee arthroplasty) and readmission. Survival to re-revision was determined using the Kaplan-Meier approach. A Cox proportional hazards model or logistic regression were used to determine the influence of patient, surgical, and provider factors on outcomes. A post hoc analysis was performed to determine the influence of the aforementioned factors on postoperative infection risk. Results: Overall, 827 patients were included (median age, 30 years; 58.8% males). Single-stage revisions comprised 92.9% of cases, and a meniscal procedure (repair or debridement) was performed in 45.3% of cases. The re-revision rate at a mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 2.2 years was 4.4%, and the 5-year survival rate was 95.4%. The rates of I&D, meniscectomy, contralateral ACLR, and readmission were 0.8%, 3.1%, 3.4%, and 4.1%, respectively. Manipulation under anesthesia and total knee arthroplasty were rare. Young age significantly increased contralateral ACLR risk (risk decreased by 5.1% with each year of age >16 years; P = .02) but not re-revision ACLR risk. Low surgeon’s annual volume of revision ACLR (<4 revisions/year: odds ratio, 1.2; P = .02) and male sex (odds ratio, 13.3; P = .01) significantly increased overall infection risk; male sex also influenced I&D risk. Conclusion: Re-revision, reoperation, and readmission rates after revision ACLR were low, and the risk for I&D, infection, and contralateral ACLR were influenced by male sex, low surgeon volume, and young age, respectively. Clinical Relevance: This is the first study to determine morbidity rates and risk factors after revision ACLR, providing reference data from the general population.
Achilles Tendons Hypertrophy in Response to High Loading Training
Authors: Milgrom Yael , Milgrom Charles , Altaras Talya , Globus Opher , Zeltzer Ehud , Finestone Aharon S. 
Published: September 2014

Background: Whether the human Achilles tendon undergoes hypertrophic changes as measured by an increase in cross-sectional area, in response to endurance training exercise remains in question. We investigated the hypothesis that transition from civilian life through 6 months of elite infantry training would induce adaptive Achilles tendon hypertrophy. Methods: Seventy-two new elite infantry recruits had the cross-sectional area of their Achilles tendons measured at a point 2.5 cm proximal to the Achilles insertion by ultrasound before beginning elite infantry training. Measurements were repeated by the same ultrasonographer for those recruits who were still in the training program at 6 months. Prior to beginning the study the intraobserver reliability of the ultrasonographer’s Achilles tendon measurements was calculated (intraclass correlation coefficient = .96). Fifty-five recruits completed 6 months of training. Results: The mean cross-sectional area of their right Achilles tendon increased from 47.0 ± 11.2 to 50.2 ± 9.6 mm2 ( P = .037) and the left Achilles tendon from 47.2 ± 8.9 to 51.1 ± 8.3 mm2 ( P = .013). The change in cross-sectional area did not correlate with subject height, weight, prior sport history, or jumping and running abilities. Conclusions: An abrupt stimulus of 6 months of elite infantry training was adequate to induce hypertrophic changes in the Achilles tendon. This is the first human prospective study showing an increase in the Achilles tendon cross-sectional area in response to rigorous endurance type training. The finding supports the hypothesis that the Achilles tendon in response to sufficiently high and sustained loading can remodel its morphological properties and thereby strengthen itself. Level of Evidence: Level II, etiology study.
Material property models for polyethylene-based conductive blends suitable for PEM fuel cell bipolar plates
Authors: Greenwood P , Thring RH , Chen R 
Published: September 2014

Electrical and thermal conductivity models from Mamunya et al. and Kerner’s equation for elastic and flexural modulus have been applied to experimental data to assess model accuracies. Experimental data were gained from a previous study where polyethylene and carbon black, graphite and magnetite composites produced by injection and compression moulding were tested. The electrical conductivity modelling gave accurate fits to the data, though available data were limited and the thermal conductivity modelling produced good fits with R2 values greater than 0.93. The electrical and thermal model exponents were tuned for best fit and used to compare the modelling results with the literature and gain information about conduction mechanisms such as tunnelling and links, nodes and blobs and variations in local filler concentrations. A modified Kerner’s equation to effectively allow for filler type and variations in composite processing was used to improve upon the original equation which modelled modulus behaviour based on the pure matrix. The new equation proved to be a better predictor of elastic modulus than flexural modulus.
The Comparative Experiences of Women in Control
Authors: Mitchell Suzanne E. , Mako Morgan , Sadikova Ekaterina , Barnes Linda , Stone Abriella , Rosal Milagros C. , Wiecha John 
Published: September 2014

Purpose: The purpose was to characterize participants’ experiences of a diabetes self-management (DSM) education program delivered via a virtual world (VW) versus a face-to-face (F2F) format. Methods: Participants included a randomly selected sample of participants who completed the Women in Control study. Four focus groups were conducted with 32 participants. Four researchers coded the data and conducted a qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Four overarching themes were identified. Three domains apply to both VW and F2F formats, including (1) the value of DSM knowledge gained, (2) cultivating DSM attitudes and skills, and (3) the value of peer-derived social support. The fourth domain is labeled positive technological development for DSM (VW condition only). VW and F2F groups both reported mastery of DSM knowledge, attitudes, and skills, and there were no differences in peer-derived social support between groups. The technological aspects of VW participation afforded VW participants a unique sense of personal agency and diabetes self-efficacy not reported by F2F participants. Conclusions: DSM education in a VW is feasible and educational outcomes are similar to a F2F classroom experience. Furthermore, learning DSM skills in a VW offers unique advantages in supporting personal agency for health behavior change. Further research is warranted.
Epigenetic Regulation of Spinal Cord Gene Expression Controls Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia
Authors: Liang De-Yong , Sun Yuan , Shi Xiao-You , Sahbaie Peyman , Clark J David 
Published: September 2014

Background: The long term use of opioids for the treatment of pain leads to a group of maladaptations which includes opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). OIH typically resolves within few days after cessation of morphine treatment in mice but is prolonged for weeks if histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity is inhibited during opioid treatment. The present work seeks to identify gene targets supporting the epigenetic effects responsible for OIH prolongation. Results: Mice were treated with morphine according to an ascending dose protocol. Some mice also received the selective HDAC inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) additionally. Chronic morphine treatment with simultaneous HDAC inhibition enhanced OIH, and several spinal cord genes were up-regulated. The expression of Bdnf (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and Pdyn (Prodynorphin) were most closely related to the observed behavioral changes. ChIP (Chromatin immuoprecipation) assays demonstrated that promoter regions of Pdyn and Bdnf were strongly associated with aceH3K9 (Acetylated histone H3 Lysine9) after morphine and SAHA treatment. Furthermore, morphine treatment caused an increase in spinal BDNF and dynorphin levels, and these levels were further increased in SAHA treated mice. The selective TrkB (tropomyosin-receptor-kinase) antagonist ANA-12 reduced OIH when given one or seven days after cessation of morphine. Treatment with the selective kappa opioid receptor antagonist nor-BNI also reduced established OIH. The co-administration of either receptor antagonist agent daily with morphine resulted in attenuation of hyperalgesia present one day after cessation of treatment. Additionally, repeated morphine exposure induced a rise in BDNF expression that was associated with an increased number of BDNF+ cells in the spinal cord dorsal horn, showing strong co-localization with aceH3K9 in neuronal cells. Lastly, spinal application of low dose BDNF or Dynorphin A after resolution of OIH produced mechanical hypersensitivity, with no effect in controls. Conclusions: The present study identified two genes whose expression is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms during morphine exposure. Treatments aimed at preventing the acetylation of histones or blocking BDNF and dynorphin signaling may reduce OIH and improve long-term pain using opioids.