bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Assay to Screen for Acute Rejection in Patients With Heart Transplant
Authors: Patel Parag C. , Hill Douglas A. , Ayers Colby R. , Lavingia Bhavna , Kaiser Patricia , Dyer Adrian K. , Barnes Aliessa P. , Thibodeau Jennifer T. , Mishkin Joseph D. , Mammen Pradeep P.A. , Markham David W. , Stastny Peter , Ring W. Steves , de Lemos James A. , Drazner Mark H. 
Published: April 2014

Background—
A noninvasive biomarker that could accurately diagnose acute rejection (AR) in heart transplant recipients could obviate the need for surveillance endomyocardial biopsies. We assessed the performance metrics of a novel high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assay for this purpose.

Methods and Results—

Stored serum samples were retrospectively matched to endomyocardial biopsies in 98 cardiac transplant recipients, who survived ≥3 months after transplant. AR was defined as International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grade 2R or higher cellular rejection, acellular rejection, or allograft dysfunction of uncertain pathogenesis, leading to treatment for presumed rejection. cTnI was measured with a high-sensitivity assay (Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, IL). Cross-sectional analyses determined the association of cTnI concentrations with rejection and International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grade and the performance metrics of cTnI for the detection of AR. Among 98 subjects, 37% had ≥1 rejection episode. cTnI was measured in 418 serum samples, including 35 paired to a rejection episode. cTnI concentrations were significantly higher in rejection versus nonrejection samples (median, 57.1 versus 10.2 ng/L;
P
<0.0001) and increased in a graded manner with higher biopsy scores (
P
trend
<0.0001). The
c
-statistic to discriminate AR was 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.88). Using a cut point of 15 ng/L, sensitivity was 94%, specificity 60%, positive predictive value 18%, and negative predictive value 99%.

Conclusions—
A high-sensitivity cTnI assay seems useful to rule out AR in cardiac transplant recipients. If validated in prospective studies, a strategy of serial monitoring with a high-sensitivity cTnI assay may offer a low-cost noninvasive strategy for rejection surveillance.
Closing the Gap in Hypertension Control Between Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Egan Brent M. , Li Jiexiang , Shatat Ibrahim F. , Fuller J. Michael , Sinopoli Angelo 
Published: April 2014

Background—
Joint National Committee goal blood pressure for all adults was <140/<90 mm Hg or lower from 1984 to 2013. Adults aged ≥60 years (older) have mainly isolated systolic hypertension, with major trials attaining systolic blood pressure <150 but not <140 mm Hg. The main objective was to assess changes in hypertension control to <140/<90 mm Hg in younger (aged <60 years) and older adults and <150/<90 mm Hg in the latter.

Methods and Results—

National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 1988 to 1994, 1999 to 2004, and 2005 to 2010 were analyzed in adults aged ≥18 years. From 1988 to 1994 to 2005 to 2010, hypertension control to <140/<90 mm Hg improved in older (31.6% to 53.1%;
P
<0.001) and younger (45.7% to 55.9%;
P
<0.001) patients. The age gap in control declined from 14.1% (
P
<0.01) in 1988 to 1994 to 2.8% (
P
=0.13) in 2005 to 2010. Better hypertension control reflected increased percentages of older (55.6% to 77.5%) and younger (34.6% to 54.7%) patients on treatment and treated older (45.7% to 64.9%) and younger (56.8% to 73.4%) patients controlled (all
P
<0.001). Control to <150/<90 mm Hg rose from 48.8% to 69.9% in older adults. Antihypertensive medication number and percentages on ≥3 medications increased in both age groups but increased more in older patients (
P
<0.01). Blood pressure control was higher in both age groups with ≥2 healthcare visits per year and on statin therapy.

Conclusions—
The age gap in hypertension control to <140/<90 mm Hg was virtually eliminated in 2005 to 2010 as clinicians intensified therapy, especially in older patients in whom isolated systolic hypertension predominates, controlling 70% to <150/<90 mm Hg. More frequent healthcare visits and the use of statin therapy may improve hypertension control in all adults.
“Spheres of Influence” in the Epistle to the Galatians
Authors: Thornhill A. Chadwick 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPaul’s discussion of the Law and Christ in Galatians is framed in spherical language. This is seen in his use of three key prepositions (ἐν, ἐκ, and ὑπο). Paul’s chief contrast is between one operating within the Law or within Christ as their basic realm of belonging. Those who are tempted to return to the sphere of the Law as their fundamental relation to God are at risk of transferring out of the realm of Christ, which for Paul is the only place in which favor with God is found.
Euophryine jumping spiders of the Afrotropical Region—new taxa and a checklist (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryinae)
Authors: Wesołowska Wanda , Azarkina Galina N. , Russell-Smith Anthony 
Published: April 2014

Two new genera, Rumburak gen. nov. and Yimbulunga gen. nov., of euophryine jumping spiders are established from the Afrotropical Region. Thirty three new species included in this subfamily are diagnosed and described: Chinophrys trifasciata sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), Euophrys bifida sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), E. cochlea sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), E. elizabethae sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), E. falciger sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), E. gracilis sp. nov. (♂♀, Lesotho, South Africa), E. griswoldi sp. nov. (♂, Namibia), E. limpopo sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), E. maseruensis sp. nov. (♂, Lesotho), E. meridionalis sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), E. miranda sp. nov. (♀, South Africa), E. nana sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), E. recta sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), E. subtilis sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), Rumburak bellus sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), R. hilaris sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), R. lateripunctatus sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), R. mirabilis sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), R. tuberatus (♂, South Africa), R. virilis (♂♀, South Africa), Tanzania parvulus sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), T. striatus sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), Thyenula alotama sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), T. cheliceroides sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), T. clarosignata sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), T. dentatidens sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), T. haddadi (♂♀, South Africa), T. montana sp. nov. (♂, Lesotho), T. rufa sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa), T. tenebrica sp. nov. (♀, South Africa), T. virgulata sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), T. vulnifica sp. nov. (♂♀, South Africa) and Yimbulunga foordi sp. nov. (♂, South Africa). Two species names are newly synonymized: Thyenula hortensis Wesołowska & Cumming, 2008 with T. munda (Peckham & Peckham, 1903) and Thyenula nelshoogte Zhang & Maddison, 2012 with T. laxa Zhang & Maddison, 2012. Three new combinations are proposed: Heliophanus kittenbergeri (Caporiacco, 1947) (ex Euophrys), Rumburak laxus (Zhang & Maddison, 2012) (ex Thyenula) and Thyenula munda (Peckham & Peckham, 1903) (ex Saitis). Two names are recognized as nomina dubia: Euophrys nigrescens Caporiacco, 1940 and Saitis magnus Caporiacco, 1947. The first member of the genus Chinophrys Zhang & Maddison, 2012 is reported from Africa. The males of Euophrys leipoldti Peckham & Peckham, 1903 and Thyenula sempiterna Wesołowska, 2000 are described for the first time. Tanzania minutus (Wesołowska & Russell-Smith, 2000) is recorded from South Africa for the first time. A list of valid species of Afrotropical Euophryinae with data on their distribution in the region is provided. A key is supplied for the known genera of the region (based on males).
A Formulation of Three-Dimensional Residual Mean Flow and Wave Activity Flux Applicable to Equatorial Waves
Authors: Kinoshita Takenari , Sato Kaoru 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The large-scale waves that are known to be trapped around the equator are called equatorial waves. The equatorial waves cause mean zonal wind acceleration related to quasi-biennial and semiannual oscillations. The interaction between equatorial waves and the mean wind has been studied by using the transformed Eulerian mean (TEM) equations in the meridional cross section. However, to examine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the interaction, the 3D residual mean flow and wave activity flux for the equatorial waves are needed. The 3D residual mean flow is expressed as the sum of the Eulerian mean flow and Stokes drift. The present study derives a formula that is approximately equal to the 3D Stokes drift for equatorial waves on the equatorial beta plane (EQSD). The 3D wave activity flux for equatorial waves whose divergence corresponds to the wave forcing is also derived using the EQSD. It is shown that the meridionally integrated 3D wave activity flux for equatorial waves is proportional to the group velocity of equatorial waves.
The effects of a physiotherapy programme on patients with a pleural effusion: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Valenza-Demet G , Valenza MC , Cabrera-Martos I , Torres-Sánchez I , Revelles-Moyano F 
Published: April 2014

Objective: To investigate the effects of a physiotherapy protocol on patients with pleural effusion. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: University hospital. Participants: A total of 104 consecutive inpatients with a medical diagnosis of pleural effusion. Intervention: Patients were randomly allocated to a control group receiving standard treatment (medical treatment and drainage) or an intervention group treated with physiotherapy added to standard treatment. The physiotherapy programme included deep breathing exercises, mobilizations and incentive spirometry. Main outcome measures: Spirometric predicted values and chest radiographs were measured before treatment and at discharge and the length of hospital stay was recorded. Assessors were blinded to the intervention. Results: A comparative analysis showed a significant improvement of spirometric parameters in the intervention group; pre-to-post hospitalization predicted values showed significant changes in vital capacity (73.1 ± 12.6% to 72.13 ± 13.7 %, P<0.001 ), forced expiratory volume in first second (72.13 ± 13.7% to 78.98 ± 16.9%, P<0.001) and forced expiratory flow at 25-75 % (64.8 ± 35.1% to 76.78 ± 35.3%, P=0.198) compared to the control group that showed no significant changes across treatment. The radiographic findings showed better scores on the affected side of the thorax at discharge in the physiotherapy group. Length of hospital stay was also significantly ( P=0.014) shorter in the intervention group (26.7 ± 8.8 days) compared to the control group (38.6 ± 10.7 days). Conclusions: A physiotherapy programme added to standard treatment improves the spirometric parameters and the radiological findings and reduces the hospital stay in patients with a pleural effusion.
Results of a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, single-dose study comparing the fixed combination of acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, and caffeine with ibuprofen for acute treatment of patients with severe migraine
Authors: Goldstein Jerome , Hagen Martina , Gold Morris 
Published: April 2014

Introduction In a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, single-dose study ( n = 1555), a fixed combination of acetaminophen 500 mg, acetylsalicylic acid 500 mg, and caffeine 130 mg (AAC) was compared with ibuprofen 400 mg (IB) and placebo (PLA) for acute treatment of migraine. Subjects and methods An exploratory post-hoc analysis compared AAC with IB and PLA in the subset of patients with severe pain at baseline ( n = 660). Results At most time points, AAC and IB relieved the pain and associated symptoms of severe migraine significantly better than PLA ( p ≤ 0.05). AAC was significantly superior to IB for pain relief at 45 minutes and at one, two, three, and four hours postdose ( p < 0.04); pain intensity difference from one hour through three hours ( p < 0.05); headache response at two hours ( p = 0.04); functional disability reduced to little or none at three hours ( p = 0.013); freedom from phonophobia at three hours ( p = 0.04) and photophobia at 15 minutes postdose ( p = 0.03); and use of rescue medication ( p = 0.018). AAC patients also reported meaningful pain relief 16 minutes faster than IB patients (132 minutes vs 148 minutes, p = 0.026). Conclusions In patients with severe baseline migraine pain, AAC and IB are significantly more effective than PLA, and AAC provides significantly faster and more effective pain relief than IB.
The Association Between Admission Magnesium Concentrations and Lactic Acidosis in Critical Illness
Authors: Moskowitz Ari , Lee Joon , Donnino Michael W. , Mark Roger , Celi Leo Anthony , Danziger John 
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Although magnesium plays an important role in aerobic metabolism and magnesium deficiency is a common phenomenon in critical illness, the association between magnesium deficiency and lactic acidosis in the intensive care unit (ICU) has not been defined. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted at a 77 ICU bed tertiary medical center. Data pertaining to the first unique admission of any ICU patient between 2001 and 2008 were extracted from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care database. Hypomagnesemia was defined as serum magnesium <1.6 mg/dL. Mild and severe lactic acidosis were defined as lactate concentrations of >2 and > 4 mmol/L, respectively. Multivariate modeling was used to explore the association between magnesium and lactate concentrations. Results: Of 8922 critically ill patients, 22.6% were hypomagnesemic. Hypomagnesemia was associated with an increased adjusted risk of mild lactic acidosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.51-1.94, P < .001) and severe lactic acidosis (OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.32-1.84, P < .001) than the reference quartile. The association between hypomagnesemia and mild lactic acidosis was stronger in those at risk of magnesium deficiency, including diabetics (OR 2.02, 95%CI 1.51-2.72, P < .001) and alcoholics (OR 1.92, 95%CI 1.16-3.19, P = .01). As an internal model control, hypokalemia was not associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis. Conclusions: Magnesium deficiency is a common finding in patients admitted to the ICU and is associated with lactic acidosis. Our findings support the biologic role of magnesium in metabolism and raise the possibility that hypomagnesemia is a correctable risk factor for lactic acidosis in critical illness.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with HIV infection, hepatitis and syphilis in a state prison of São Paulo
Authors: El Maerrawi Ilham , Carvalho Heráclito Barbosa 
Published: April 2014

Summary Given the importance of the control of sexually transmitted infections in the general population and specifically in the prison system, we rolled out this cross-sectional study in 2007. Standard questionnaires and blood samples were accessed among 680 prisoners. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee. We determined the following seroprevalences: HIV, 1.8% (95%CI = 0.1–3.3); HBV, 21.0% (95%CI = 17.8–25.1); HBV, 5.3% (95%CI = 3.5–7.6) and syphilis 5.3% (95%CI = 3.5–7.6). Logistic regression identified significant associations with ( p < 0.05): HIV: injectable drug use (OR = 15.4), age over 30 years (OR = 13.3), cocaine use (OR = 5.4) and crack-cocaine use (OR = 5.2); HBV: injectable drug use (OR = 3.4), history of previous sexually transmitted infection (OR = 2.3), age over 30 years (OR = 1.9) and more than 5 years in prison (OR = 2.2); HCV: injectable drug use (OR = 9.65), marijuana use in prison (OR = 2.9) and age over 30 years (OR = 8.4) and for syphilis: homosexual relationship (OR = 7.8) and previous syphilis reported (OR = 7.7). These prevalences remain high when compared to the general population, however, HIV infection had decreased compared with previous studies in prisoners while the other studied infections remained unchanged. Preventive actions to reduce sexual and parenteral risk have been advocated. However, measures capable of controlling these infections still have not made an impact.
Sleep disorders in systemic lupus erythematosus. Does vitamin D play a role?
Authors: Gholamrezaei A , Bonakdar Z Sayed , Mirbagher L , Hosseini N 
Published: April 2014

Objectives Sleep disorders are common among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with unclear underlying mechanisms. We assessed the role of vitamin D in sleep quality of patients with SLE. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on women with SLE for whom the following data were available at the same time; sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), disease activity, cumulative disease damage, psychological state (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)), and serum vitamin D level. Bivariate and regression analyses were computed to find contributors of sleep quality. Results In total, 63 women were studied. Serum vitamin D level was correlated with physical activity ( r = 0.310, p = 0.015), season of assessment ( r = −0.302, p = 0.016), the PSQI global score ( r = −0.262, p = 0.043), anxiety score ( r = −0.298, p = 0.021), and non-significantly with depression score ( r = −0.218, p = 0.094). Including all variables into a linear regression model, vitamin D level was independently associated with the global PSQI score (beta = −0.364, p = 0.042). Association of vitamin D level with psychological state disappeared after controlling for season of assessment (beta = −0.248, p = 0.154). Conclusions We found a role for vitamin D in sleep quality of SLE patients. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results and to find possible mechanisms of action.
Beta2-adrenergic agonist use and the risk of multiple sclerosis: a total population-based case-control study
Authors: Tsai Ching-Piao , Lin Feng-Cheng , Lee Charles Tzu-Chi 
Published: April 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of fenoterol, a beta2-adrenergic agonist, was associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) risk by conducting a total population-based case-control study in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 578 patients with newly diagnosed MS who had a severely disabling disease (SDD) certificate between January 1, 2002 and December 1, 2008 comprised the case group. These cases were compared with 2890 gender-, age-, residence-, and insurance premium-matched controls. Fenoterol use was analyzed using a conditional logistic regression model that controlled for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), salbutamol and steroid use. Results: Compared with the group of people who did not use fenoterol, the adjusted odds ratios were 0.67 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.48–0.93, p = 0.016) for the group prescribed fenoterol below 2.25 cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) and 0.49 (95% CI = 0.33–0.71, p < 0.001) for the group with a cumulative fenoterol use of more than 2.25 cDDD. The dose-response relationship was similar within the non-asthma patients. The associations were similar between males and females, but differences between age groups were observed. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that fenoterol use may reduce the risk of MS.
Clinical predictors for diabetes screening in the first year postpartum after gestational diabetes
Authors: Peticca Patricia , Shah Baiju R , Shea Alison , Clark Heather D , Malcolm Janine C , Walker Mark , Karovitch Alan , Brazeau-Gravelle Pauline , Keely Erin J 
Published: April 2014

Background: Postpartum screening for diabetes in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) improves with use of reminder systems. Our primary objective was to identify predictors of diabetes screening in the first year after delivery. Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 556 women with GDM who received outpatient prenatal care between 2007 and 2009. A mailed reminder system was utilized at two sites. Rates of postpartum glucose testing at 6 and 12 months postpartum were measured. Results: Site of care and non-smoking status were identified as the only predictors of postpartum diabetes screening ( p<0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). Rates of OGTT completion at one year (38% vs. 19% p<0.001) were higher in women who attended clinics with postpartum reminders. Conclusions: The site of diabetes care in pregnancy is a major predictor of adherence to diabetes screening postpartum. Health care delivery should be considered in the development of strategies to increase screening rates.
Chondral Injury in Patellofemoral Instability
Authors: Lording Timothy , Lustig Sébastien , Servien Elvire , Neyret Philippe 
Published: April 2014

Objective: Patellofemoral instability is common and affects a predominantly young age group. Chondral injury occurs in up to 95%, and includes osteochondral fractures and loose bodies acutely and secondary degenerative changes in recurrent cases. Biomechanical abnormalities, such as trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, and increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance, predispose to both recurrent dislocations and patellofemoral arthrosis. Design: In this article, we review the mechanisms of chondral injury in patellofemoral instability, diagnostic modalities, the distribution of lesions seen in acute and episodic dislocation, and treatments for articular cartilage lesions of the patellofemoral joint. Results: Little specific evidence exists for cartilage treatments in patellofemoral instability. In general, the results of reparative and restorative procedures in the patellofemoral joint are inferior to those observed in other compartments of the knee. Conclusion: Given the increased severity of chondral lesions and progression to osteoarthritis seen with recurrent dislocations, careful consideration should be given to early stabilisation in patients with predisposing factors.
A retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with bladder cancer referred with visible haematuria: the impact of source of referral on prognostic indicators
Authors: Marzouk Sherief , Lamb Benjamin W , Harris Andrew , Mecci Ali Jibran , Gan Jo Han , Allchorne Paula , Green James SA 
Published: April 2014

Objective: Our aim was to establish whether there is a difference in prognostic indicators for bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC) between the patients referred via the 2-week wait (2WW) and those presenting to the emergency department (ED). Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients referred with visible haematuria, comparing tumour stage and grade between patients diagnosed with bladder UC via the ED and 2WW at two London hospitals. Results: From 09/2009−09/2011, 51 patients referred from the ED, and 146 from the 2WW clinic were diagnosed with bladder UC. Regarding tumour stage: 57% of the ED group had muscle-invasive UC compared with 23% from 2WW ( p=0.001). Regarding tumour grade: 82% of the ED group had G3 tumours, versus 54% from 2WW ( p<0.001). ED referrals were significantly older than those from the 2WW ( p<0.001). Conclusions: Patients with UC who present as emergencies had worse prognostic indicators and were older than those referred from the 2WW pathway. This supports the need for the inclusion of haematuria in the out-of-hours urology guidelines within the Acute Oncology Service.
Frontline low-dose alemtuzumab with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide prolongs progression-free survival in high-risk CLL
Authors: Geisler Christian H. , van t’ Veer Mars B. , Jurlander Jesper , Walewski Jan , Tjønnfjord Geir , Itälä Remes Maija , Kimby Eva , Kozak Tomas , Polliack Aaron , Wu Ka Lung , Wittebol Shulamiet , Abrahamse-Testroote Martine C. J. , Doorduijn Jeanette , Ghidey Alemayehu Wendimagegn , van Oers Marinus H. J. 
Published: April 2014

Key Points
Frontline FCA increases progression-free survival in CLL and, in a post hoc analysis, also survival in younger patients. With the low-dose approach, no increase in treatment related mortality is seen.