bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Patient Enrollment in Medicare Part D With Outcomes After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Goyal Abhinav , de Lemos James A. , Peng S. Andrew , Thomas Laine , Amsterdam Ezra A. , Hockenberry Jason M. , Peterson Eric D. , Wang Tracy Y. 
Published: October 2015

Background—
Little is known about whether enrollment versus nonenrollment in Medicare’s prescription drug plan (Part D) is associated with better outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods and Results—

Using Medicare records linked to Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry–Get With The Guidelines, we identified 59 149 Medicare beneficiaries (age ≥65 years) discharged after AMI between January 2007 and December 2010. We described trends in Medicare Part D enrollment, and compared the following 30-day and 1-year outcomes: all-cause death, all-cause readmissions, and major adverse cardiac events (a composite of all-cause death or readmission for AMI or stroke) between Part D enrollees and nonenrollees, after adjustment for patient and hospital factors. From 2007 to 2010, 29 264 (49.5%) patients with AMI enrolled in Medicare were also participating in Part D by hospital discharge. All-cause 30-day death was more common among enrollees versus nonenrollees (4.0% versus 3.3%), but this difference was not statistically significant after multivariable adjustment (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.06 [95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.17]). Enrollees also had higher unadjusted risks of 30-day all-cause readmissions or major adverse cardiac events, and 1-year mortality, all-cause readmissions, or major adverse cardiac events, but these were attenuated after multivariable adjustment. Adherence to key secondary prevention medications (statins, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and P2Y
12
antagonists) remained low (range, 55%–64%) at 1 year post discharge among Part D enrollees.

Conclusions—
Only half of Medicare-insured patients with AMI were enrolled in Part D by hospital discharge, and their 30-day and 1-year adjusted outcomes did not differ substantially from nonenrollees. There remain opportunities for improvement in medication adherence among patients with prescription drug coverage.
Genetic Ablation of Extra Domain A of Fibronectin in Hypercholesterolemic Mice Improves Stroke Outcome by Reducing Thrombo-Inflammation
Authors: Dhanesha Nirav , Ahmad Ajmal , Prakash Prem , Doddapattar Prakash , Lentz Steven R. , Chauhan Anil K. 
Published: October 2015

Background—

The fibronectin-splicing variant containing extra domain A (Fn-EDA) is present in negligible amounts in the plasma of healthy humans but markedly elevated in patients with comorbid conditions, including diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia, which are risk factors for stroke. It remains unknown, however, whether Fn-EDA worsens stroke outcomes in such conditions. We determined the role of Fn-EDA in stroke outcome in a model of hypercholesterolemia, the apolipoprotein E–deficient (Apoe
−/−
) mouse.

Methods and Results—

In a transient cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury model, Apoe
−/−
mice expressing fibronectin deficient in EDA (Fn-EDA
−/−
Apoe
−/−
mice) exhibited smaller infarcts and improved neurological outcomes at days 1 and 8 (
P
<0.05 versus Apoe
−/−
mice). Concomitantly, intracerebral thrombosis [assessed by fibrin(ogen) deposition] and postischemic inflammation (phospho–nuclear factor-κB p65, phospho–IκB kinase α/β, interleukin 1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α) within lesions of Fn-EDA
−/−
Apoe
−/−
mice were markedly decreased (
P
<0.05 versus Apoe
−/−
mice). In an FeCl
3
injury–induced carotid artery thrombosis model, thrombus growth rate and the time to occlusion were prolonged in Fn-EDA
−/−
Apoe
−/−
mice (
P
<0.05 versus Apoe
−/−
mice). Genetic ablation of TLR4 improved stroke outcome in Apoe
−/−
mice (
P
<0.05) but had no effect on stroke outcome in Fn-EDA
−/−
Apoe
−/−
mice. Bone marrow transplantation experiments revealed that nonhematopoietic cell–derived Fn-EDA exacerbates stroke through Toll-like receptor-4 expressed on hematopoietic cells. Infusion of a specific inhibitor of Fn-EDA into Apoe
−/−
mouse 15 minutes after reperfusion significantly improved stroke outcome.

Conclusions—
Hypercholesterolemic mice deficient in Fn-EDA exhibit reduced cerebral thrombosis and less inflammatory response after ischemia/reperfusion injury. These findings suggest that targeting Fn-EDA could be an effective therapeutic strategy in stroke associated with hypercholesterolemia.
Shock Wave Treatment Protects From Neuronal Degeneration via a Toll‐Like Receptor 3 Dependent Mechanism: Implications of a First‐Ever Causal Treatment for Ischemic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Lobenwein Daniela , Tepeköylü Can , Kozaryn Radoslaw , Pechriggl Elisabeth J. , Bitsche Mario , Graber Michael , Fritsch Helga , Semsroth Severin , Stefanova Nadia , Paulus Patrick , Czerny Martin , Grimm Michael , Holfeld Johannes 
Published: October 2015

Background

Paraplegia following spinal cord ischemia represents a devastating complication of both aortic surgery and endovascular aortic repair. Shock wave treatment was shown to induce angiogenesis and regeneration in ischemic tissue by modulation of early inflammatory response via Toll‐like receptor (
TLR)
3 signaling. In preclinical and clinical studies,
shock wave treatment
had a favorable effect on ischemic myocardium. We hypothesized that
shock wave treatment
also may have a beneficial effect on spinal cord ischemia.

Methods and Results

A spinal cord ischemia model in mice and spinal slice cultures ex vivo were performed. Treatment groups received immediate shock wave therapy, which resulted in decreased neuronal degeneration and improved motor function. In spinal slice cultures, the activation of TLR3 could be observed. Shock wave effects were abolished in spinal slice cultures from
TLR
3
−/−
mice, whereas the effect was still present in
TLR
4
−/−
mice.
TLR
4 protein was found to be downregulated parallel to
TLR
3 signaling. Shock wave–treated animals showed significantly better functional outcome and survival. The protective effect on neurons could be reproduced in human spinal slices.

Conclusions

Shock wave treatment protects from neuronal degeneration via
TLR
3 signaling and subsequent
TLR
4 downregulation. Consequently, it represents a promising treatment option for the devastating complication of spinal cord ischemia after aortic repair.
Benefits of Stroke Treatment Using a Mobile Stroke Unit Compared With Standard Management
Authors: Bowry Ritvij , Parker Stephanie , Rajan Suja S. , Yamal Jose-Miguel , Wu Tzu-Ching , Richardson Laura , Noser Elizabeth , Persse David , Jackson Kamilah , Grotta James C. 
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose—
Faster treatment with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is likely to improve outcomes. Optimizing prehospital triage by mobile stroke units (MSUs) may speed treatment times. The Benefits of Stroke Treatment Delivered Using a Mobile Stroke Unit (BEST-MSU) study was launched in May 2014 using the first MSU in the United States to compare stroke management using an MSU versus standard management (SM). Herein, we describe the results of the prespecified, nonrandomized run-in phase designed to obtain preliminary data on study logistics.

Methods—
The run-in phase consisted of 8 MSU weeks when all-patient care occurred on the MSU and 2 SM weeks when the MSU nurse met personnel on scene or at the emergency department to ensure comparability with MSU patients. Telemedicine was independently performed in 9 MSU cases.

Results—
Of 130 alerts, 24 MSU and 2 SM patients were enrolled. Twelve of 24 MSU patients received tPA on board; 4 were treated within 60 minutes of last seen normal, and 4 went on to endovascular treatment. There were no hemorrhagic complications. Four had primary intracerebral hemorrhage. Agreement on tPA eligibility between the onsite and telemedicine physician was 90%.

Conclusions—
The run-in phase provided a tPA treatment rate of 1.5 patients per week, assured us that treatment within 60 minutes of onset is possible, and enabled enrollment of patients on SM weeks. We also recognized the opportunity to assess the effect of the MSU on endovascular treatment and intracerebral hemorrhage. Challenges include the need to control biased patient selection on MSU versus SM weeks and establish inter-rater agreement for tPA treatment using telemedicine.
Keys to genera of the spider wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) of Russia and neighbouring countries, with check-list of genera
Authors: LOKTIONOV VALERY M. , LELEJ ARKADY S. 
Published: October 2015

Keys to 55 genera of spider wasps of Russia and neighbouring countries in females and males are given. Of them 34 genera are distributed in Russia. An annotated list of genera with type species and distribution data within Russia and biogeographical regions is given. The genus Xenaporus Ashmead, 1902 and X. eremocanus Wolf, 1990 are newly recorded from Russia. According to ICZN 1995 (Opinion 1820) new synonymy (valid name first) is proposed for the type species of genus Cryptocheilus Panzer, 1806: Sphex annulata Fabricius, 1798 (=Pompilus alternatus Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau, 1845, syn. nov.; =Pompilus comparatus Smith, 1855, syn. nov.; =Priocnemis culpabilis Costa, 1893, syn. nov.; Salius annulatilis Richards, 1935, syn. nov.).
Validity and reliability of a simple ‘low-tech’ test for measuring choice stepping reaction time in older people
Authors: Delbaere K , Gschwind YJ , Sherrington C , Barraclough E , Garrués-Irisarri MA , Lord SR 
Published: October 2015

Objective: To establish the psychometric properties of a simple ‘low-tech’ choice stepping reaction time test (CSRT-M) by investigating its validity and test–retest reliability. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Community. Subjects: A total of 169 older people from the control arm of a clinical trial and a convenience sample of 30 older people. Main measures: Demographic, physical, cognitive and prospective falls data were collected in addition to CSRT-M. The CSRT-M time was taken as the total time to complete 20 steps onto four targets printed on a portable rubber mat. Assessment of the original electronic version (CSRT-E) and re-administration of the CSRT-M the next day was done in 30 participants. Results: Multivariate regression analysis showed that the CSRT-M time was best explained by leaning balance control, quadriceps strength and cognitive functioning (R2 = 0.44). Performance on the CSRT-M was worse in older participants and participants with a presence of fall risk factors, supporting good discriminant validity. The odds of suffering multiple future falls increased by 74% (odds ratio (OR) = 1.74, 95% CI (confidence interval) = 1.14–2.65, p = 0.010) for each standard deviation increase in CSRT-M, supporting good predictive validity. Criterion validity was confirmed by a strong bivariate correlation between CSRT-M and CSRT-E (0.81, p < 0.001). Test–retest reliability for the CSRT-M was good (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.45–0.88, p < 0.001). Conclusions: A simple test of unplanned volitional stepping (CSRT-M) has excellent predictive validity for future falls, good inter-day test–retest reliability and excellent criterion validity with respect to the well-validated CSRT-E. The CSRT-M, therefore, may be a useful fall risk screening tool for older people.
MRI and CT imaging characteristics of myoepithelioma of the parotid gland
Authors: Ding Jianhui , Wang Wei , Peng Weijun , Zhou Xiaoyan , Chen Tongzhen 
Published: October 2015

Background Myoepithelioma is a rare tumor of the salivary gland and only few reports have focused on its imaging characteristics. Purpose To characterize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) characteristics of myoepithelioma of the parotid gland. Material and Methods We retrospectively analyzed the MRI and CT findings of nine patients with myoepithelioma in the parotid gland as demonstrated by pathologic analysis. The MRI and CT findings were analyzed regarding the tumor position, size, marginal morphology, and degree and patterns of enhancement. Results Unilocular and multilocular tumors were found in seven cases (7/9, 77.8%) and two cases (2/9, 22.2%), respectively. Most of the tumors were located in the superficial lobe (6/9, 66.7%) and abutted the capsule of the parotid gland (7/9, 77.8%). Six of the seven unilocular tumors were round. Most of the tumors displayed smooth contours (6/9, 66.7%) and well-defined margins (5/9, 55.6%). Four of five tumors (80%) display the capsule on T2-weighted (T2W) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (T1W) imaging. All five examined tumors exhibited homogeneous intermediate signal intensity on T1W imaging and high signal intensity on T2W imaging. On contrast-enhanced T1W imaging, the tumors displayed homogeneous ( n = 4) or heterogeneous ( n = 1) moderate to marked contrast enhancement. Based on the enhanced CT scans, four tumors exhibited moderate homogeneous ( n = 2) or heterogeneous ( n = 2) contrast enhancement. Conclusion Myoepitheliomas are characterized as small, unilocular, round tumors with smooth contours that are located in the superficial lobe and abut the capsule of the parotid gland, display the capsule on T2W and contrast-enhanced T1W imaging, and exhibit homogeneous signal intensities or densities based on MRI and CT.
Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: magnetic resonance imaging findings with diffusion MRI
Authors: Aslan Hulya , Pourbagher Aysin , Colakoglu Tamer 
Published: October 2015

Background Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare benign breast disease with unknown etiology which can mimic breast carcinoma, both clinically and radiologically. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of IGM have been previously described; however there is no study evaluating diffusion-weighted MRI findings of IGM. Purpose To analyze conventional, dynamic contrast-enhanced, and diffusion-weighted MRI signal characteristics of IGM by comparing it with the contralateral normal breast parenchyma. Material and Methods A total of 39 patients were included in the study. On dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, the distribution and enhancement patterns of the lesions were evaluated. We also detected the frequencies of involving quadrants, retroareolar involvement, accompanying abscess, and skin edema. T2-weighted (T2W) and STIR signal intensities and both mean and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were compared with the contralateral normal parenchyma. Results IGM showed significantly lower mean and minimum ADC values when compared with the normal parenchyma. Signal intensities on T2W and STIR sequences of the lesion were significantly higher than the normal parenchyma. On dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, 7.7% of the patients had mass-like contrast enhancement, 92.3% of the patients had non-mass-like contrast enhancement. Abscess was positive in 33.3% of the patients. Conclusion As a result, IGM showed commonly non-mass-like lesions with restricted diffusion. Although it is a benign pathology, it may show clustered ring-like enhancement like malignant lesions.
Ultrasound of the coracoacromial ligament in asymptomatic volunteers and patients with shoulder impingement
Authors: Dietrich Tobias J , Jonczy Maciej , Buck Florian M , Sutter Reto , Puskas Gabor J , Pfirrmann Christian WA 
Published: October 2015

Background The coracoacromial ligament is part of the coracoacromial arch, which is considered to be involved in shoulder impingement. Purpose To compare the coracoacromial ligament on ultrasound in asymptomatic volunteers and in patients with subacromial shoulder impingement. Material and Methods Twenty-nine asymptomatic volunteers (mean age, 35.5 years) and 29 patients (mean age, 49.9 years) with shoulder impingement, diagnosed by experienced shoulder surgeons, were prospectively included. Two radiologists obtained and analyzed ultrasound images of the coracoacromial ligament in the longitudinal axis. Results The ligament thickness was 1.4 ± 0.2 mm at its midportion, 1.8 ± 0.4 mm at the coracoid, and 2.1 ± 0.6 mm at the acromion in asymptomatic volunteers compared with 1.3 ± 0.2 mm, 1.9 ± 0.5 mm, and 1.9 ± 0.5 mm in impingement patients for observer 1. The ligament length was 30.6 ± 2.4 mm in asymptomatic volunteers compared with 30.4 ± 3.6 mm in impingement patients for observer 1. An anteriorly convex shape of the superficial contour of the coracoacromial ligament was significantly more frequent in impingement patients compared with asymptomatic volunteers for both observers (observer 1: 10% (3/29) versus 45% (13/29), P value <0.01; observer 2: 10% (3/29) versus 38% (11/29), P value <0.03). The comparison of the remaining parameters of the coracoacromial ligament, such as the thickness, length, echogenicity, and fibrillation did not reveal significant differences between volunteers and patients. Conclusion While thickness or length of the coracoacromial ligament were similar in volunteers and patients with shoulder impingement, an anteriorly convex shape of the superficial contour of the coracoacromial ligament was significantly more frequent in impingement patients compared with asymptomatic volunteers.
Prostate cancer-specific mortality after radical prostatectomy: value of preoperative MRI
Authors: Woo Sungmin , Cho Jeong Yeon , Ku Ja Hyeon , Kim Sang Youn , Kim Seung Hyup 
Published: October 2015

Background Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently indispensable in the preoperative setting of biopsy-proven prostate cancer, the value of preoperative MRI for predicting prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) is not well known. Purpose To evaluate the value of MRI for predicting PCSM in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer. Material and Methods A total of 318 patients underwent MRI followed by RP. MRI was assessed for the presence of clinically significant cancer using a five-point Likert scale, where ≥4 was considered positive. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses was used to determine the relationship of preoperative factors with PCSM. PCSM was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between factors using the log-rank test. Results After a median follow-up of 104 months, 11 (3.5%) patients died of prostate cancer. One hundred and four (32.7%) patients had clinically significant prostate cancer on MRI. Univariate analysis revealed that Gleason grade, greatest percentage of involved core length (GPCL), and clinically significant cancer on MRI were significantly related to PCSM ( P = 0.001–0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that GPCL (hazard ratio [HR], 1.028; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.000–1.057; P = 0.048) and clinically significant cancer on MRI (HR, 10.903; 95% CI, 1.287–92.374; P = 0.028) were independent predictors of PCSM. The 5 - and 10-year PCSM rates were 0.6% and 1.3% in patients with GPCL <50% and 5.1% and 8.6% in those with GPCL ≥50% ( P = 0.012). Patients without clinically significant cancer on MRI showed 5 - and 10-year PCSM rates of 0% and 0.5%, respectively, whereas those with clinically significant cancer on MRI showed rates of 8% and 14.2%, respectively ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Preoperative MRI and GPCL may be used to predict PCSM after RP.
Migraine and subclinical atherosclerosis in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)
Authors: Goulart Alessandra C , Santos Itamar S , Bittencourt Márcio S , Lotufo Paulo A , Benseñor Isabela M 
Published: October 2015

Introduction The relationship between migraine and coronary heart disease (CHD) remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the association of subclinical atherosclerosis and migraine with or without aura compared to a non-migraine subgroup (reference) in a large Brazilian multicentric cohort study, the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Methods Migraine diagnostic was based on International Headache Society criteria, and aura symptoms were validated by a medical doctor in a sub-sample of the ELSA-Brasil, who also underwent coronary artery calcium score (CAC) and carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) evaluations. Subclinical atherosclerosis indexes (CAC and C-IMT) were analyzed as dependent variables and migraine (all, with aura, without aura) as an independent variable in the linear and multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for possible confounders. Results Of 3217 ELSA participants free from CVD at baseline, we found a migraine frequency of 11.9% (5.1% with aura and 6.8% without aura). Overall, migraineurs were mostly women, younger and had lower frequency of CV risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes and low HDL-cholesterol, compared to non-migraineurs. The strongest inverse correlation between migraine and subclinical atherosclerosis was verified with CAC score. However, all associations lost their significance after multivariate adjustment. Conclusions In this cross-sectional evaluation of the ELSA study, migraine was not associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, regardless of aura symptoms.
The effect of controlled microrobotized blasting on implant surface texturing and early osseointegration
Authors: Gil Luiz F , Marin Charles , Teixeira Hellen , Marão Heloisa F , Tovar Nick , Khan Rehan , Bonfante Estevam A , Janal Malvin , Coelho Paulo G 
Published: October 2015

Surface topography modifications have become a key strategy for hastening the host-to-implant response to implantable materials. The present study evaluated the effect of three different carefully controlled surface texture patterns achieved through microrobotized blasting (controlled to high, medium and low roughness) relative to a larger scale blasting procedure (control) in early osseointegration in a canine model. Four commercially pure grade 2 titanium alloy implants (one of each surface) were bilaterally placed in the radii of six beagle dogs and allowed end points of 1 and 6 weeks in vivo. Following sacrifice, implants in bone were non-decalcified processed for bone morphologic and histometric (bone-to-implant contact; bone area fraction occupancy) evaluation. Surface topography was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and optical interferometry. Results showed initial osteogenic tissue interaction at one week and new bone in intimate contact with all implant surfaces at 6 weeks. At 1 and 6 weeks in vivo, higher bone-to-implant and bone area fraction occupancy were observed for the high texture pattern microrobotized blasted surface relative to others.