bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating FABP4 Is a Prognostic Biomarker in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome but Not in Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Reiser Hans , Klingenberg Roland , Hof Danielle , Cooksley-Decasper Seraina , Fuchs Nina , Akhmedov Alexander , Zoller Stefan , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Marti Soler Helena , Heg Dik , Landmesser Ulf , Rodondi Nicolas , Mach Francois , Windecker Stephan , Vollenweider Peter , Matter Christian M. , Lüscher Thomas F. , von Eckardstein Arnold , Gawinecka Joanna 
Published: June 2015

Objective—
Blood-borne biomarkers reflecting atherosclerotic plaque burden have great potential to improve clinical management of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Approach and Results—

Using data integration from gene expression profiling of coronary thrombi versus peripheral blood mononuclear cells and proteomic analysis of atherosclerotic plaque–derived secretomes versus healthy tissue secretomes, we identified fatty acid–binding protein 4 (FABP4) as a biomarker candidate for coronary artery disease. Its diagnostic and prognostic performance was validated in 3 different clinical settings: (1) in a cross-sectional cohort of patients with stable coronary artery disease, ACS, and healthy individuals (n=820), (2) in a nested case–control cohort of patients with ACS with 30-day follow-up (n=200), and (3) in a population-based nested case–control cohort of asymptomatic individuals with 5-year follow-up (n=414). Circulating FABP4 was marginally higher in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (24.9 ng/mL) compared with controls (23.4 ng/mL;
P
=0.01). However, elevated FABP4 was associated with adverse secondary cerebrovascular or cardiovascular events during 30-day follow-up after index ACS, independent of age, sex, renal function, and body mass index (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.5;
P
=0.02). Circulating FABP4 predicted adverse events with similar prognostic performance as the GRACE in-hospital risk score or N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide. Finally, no significant difference between baseline FABP4 was found in asymptomatic individuals with or without coronary events during 5-year follow-up.

Conclusions—
Circulating FABP4 may prove useful as a prognostic biomarker in risk stratification of patients with ACS.
Day-by-Day Blood Pressure Variability and Functional Outcome After Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Fukuda Kenji , Kai Hisashi , Kamouchi Masahiro , Hata Jun , Ago Tetsuro , Nakane Hiroshi , Imaizumi Tsutomu , Kitazono Takanari ,   The steering committee of the Fukuoka Stroke Registry included, Ishitsuka Takao , Fujimoto Shigeru , Ibayashi Setsuro , Kusuda Kenji , Arakawa Shuji , Irie Katsumi , Fujii Kenichiro , Okada Yasushi , Yasaka Masahiro , Nagao Tetsuhiko , Ooboshi Hiroaki , Omae Tsuyoshi , Toyoda Kazunori , Sugimori Hiroshi , Kuroda Junya , Wakisaka Yoshinobu , Matsuo Ryu , Fukushima Yoshihisa 
Published: June 2015

Background and Purpose—
The relationship between blood pressure (BP) variability and functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate whether in-hospital day-by-day BP variability is associated with functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—
Using the Fukuoka Stroke Registry, we included 2566 patients with a first-ever ischemic stroke who had been functionally independent before the onset and were hospitalized within 24 hours. BP was measured daily, and its variability was assessed by SD, coefficients of variance, and variations independent of mean. Poor functional outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale scores ≥3 at 3 months.

Results—
After adjustment for multiple confounding factors including age, sex, risk factors, stroke features, baseline severity, thrombolytic therapy, antihypertensive agents, and mean BP, day-by-day BP variability during the subacute stage (4–10 days after onset) was independently associated with a poor functional outcome (multivariable-adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence interval] in the top versus bottom quartile of systolic BP variability, 1.51 [1.09–2.08] for SD; 1.63 [1.20–2.22] for coefficients of variance; 1.64 [1.21–2.24] for variations independent of mean). Similar trends were also observed for diastolic BP variability. These trends were unchanged in patients who were not treated with antihypertensive drugs. In contrast, no association was found between indices of BP variability during the acute stage and functional outcome after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions—
These data suggest that intraindividual day-by-day BP variability during the subacute stage is associated with the 3-month functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke.
Assessment of arterial stiffness in patients with chronic lower extremity venous disease: An observational study
Authors: Aykan Ahmet Çağrı , Menteşe Seda , Doğan Emre , Çavuşoğlu İsmail Gökhan , Aykan Duygun Altıntaş , Kalaycıoğlu Ezgi , Gökdeniz Tayyar , Menteşe Ümit 
Published: June 2015

Objectives Arterial stiffness is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is severe form of chronic venous disease (CVD). The aim of this study is to investigate arterial stiffness by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) in patients with CVI. Methods This observational and cross-sectional study involved 87 subjects with CVI and 86 healthy subjects. All subjects underwent ultrasonography examination. CAVI was measured by VaSera-1000 CAVI instrument. Results High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) was significantly lower in patients with CVI than controls (46.83 ± 9.25 mg/dl vs 51.33 ± 11.13 mg/dl, p = 0.004). Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in CVI patients than controls (28.53 ± 4.10 kg/m2 vs 26.37 ± 5.16 kg/m2, p = 0.003). Ankle brachial index (ABI) was significantly lower in patients with CVI compared to controls (1.08 ± 0.08 vs 1.14 ± 0.11, p < 0.001). CAVI was significantly higher in patients with CVI than controls (7.94 ± 1.37 vs 6.73 ± 1.16, p < 0.001). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly higher in patients with CVI than control group (105.41 ± 10.77 mmHg vs 99.70 ± 11.17 mmHg, p = 0.001). CAVI ( p < 0.001, Odds ratio (OR) = 2.033, 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 1.493–2.768), ABI ( p = 0.003, OR = 0.003, 95% CI = 0.001–0.137), female sex ( p < 0.001, OR = 3.949, 95% CI = 1.613–9.663), and HDL ( p < 0.001, OR = 0.923, 95% CI = 0.883–0.964) were the independent predictors of CVI. A CAVI value > 7.9 had a sensitivity 64.4% and a specificity of 94.7% for predicting the presence of CVI in ROC analysis (area under curve = 0.791, 95% CI = 0.723–0.849, p < 0.001). Conclusion CAVI is independently increased in CVI patients. Therefore CVI may be accepted a form of vascular sclerosis and vascular system should be evaluated in continuum not isolated.
EAPC White Paper on outcome measurement in palliative care: Improving practice, attaining outcomes and delivering quality services – Recommendations from the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) Task Force on Outcome Measurement
Authors: Bausewein Claudia , Daveson Barbara A , Currow David C , Downing Julia , Deliens Luc , Radbruch Lukas , Defilippi Kath , Lopes Ferreira Pedro , Costantini Massimo , Harding Richard , Higginson Irene J 
Published: June 2015

Background: Outcome measurement plays an increasing role in improving the quality, effectiveness, efficiency and availability of palliative care. Aim: To provide expert recommendations on outcome measurement in palliative care in clinical practice and research. Methods: Developed by a European Association for Palliative Care Task Force, based on literature searches, international expert workshop, development of outcome measurement guidance and international online survey. A subgroup drafted a first version and circulated it twice to the task force. The preliminary final version was circulated to wider expert panel and 28 international experts across 20 European Association for Palliative Care member associations and the European Association for Palliative Care Board of Directors and revised according to their feedback. The final version was approved by the European Association for Palliative Care Board for adoption as an official European Association for Palliative Care position paper. Results: In all, 12 recommendations are proposed covering key parameters of measures, adequate measures for the task, introduction of outcome measurement into practice, and national and international outcome comparisons and benchmarking. Compared to other recommendations, the White Paper covers similar aspects but focuses more on outcome measurement in clinical care and the wider policy impact of implementing outcome measurement in clinical palliative care. Patient-reported outcome measure feedback improves awareness of unmet need and allows professionals to act to address patients’ needs. However, barriers and facilitators have been identified when implementing outcome measurement in clinical care that should be addressed. Conclusion: The White Paper recommends the introduction of outcome measurement into practice and outcomes that allow for national and international comparisons. Outcome measurement is key to understanding different models of care across countries and, ultimately, patient outcome having controlled for differing patients characteristics.
Comparison of Efficacy of Endogenous and Exogenous IGF-I in Stimulating Matrix Production in Neonatal and Mature Chondrocytes
Authors: Aguilar Izath N. , Trippel Stephen B. , Shi Shuiliang , Bonassar Lawrence J. 
Published: June 2015

Objective The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of endogenous upregulation of IGF-I by gene therapy and exogenous addition of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in enhancing proteoglycan synthesis by skeletally mature and neonatal chondrocytes. Chondrocyte transplantation therapy is a common treatment for focal cartilage lesions, with both mature and neonatal chondrocytes used as a cell source. Additionally, gene therapy strategies to upregulate growth factors such as IGF-I have been proposed to augment chondrocyte transplantation therapies. Methods Both skeletally mature and neonatal chondrocytes were exposed to either an adeno-associated virus-based plasmid containing the IGF-I gene or exogenous IGF-I. Results Analysis of IGF-I and glycosaminoglycan production using a 4-parameter dose-response model established a clear connection between the amount of IGF-I produced by cells and their biosynthetic response. Both neonatal and mature chondrocytes showed this relationship, but the sensitivities were quite different, with EC50 of 0.57 ng/mL for neonatal chondrocytes and EC50 of 8.70 ng/mL IGF-I for skeletally mature chondrocytes. Conclusions These data suggest that IGF-I gene therapy may be more effective with younger cell sources. Both cell types were less sensitive to exogenous IGF-I than endogenous IGF-I.
Development and testing of an instrument in Western Norway to measure the quality of referral information from primary care to specialised mental health care
Authors: Hartveit Miriam , Aslaksen Aslak , Vanhaecht Kris , Thorsen Olav , Hove Oddbjorn , Haug Kjell , Hovlid Einar , Assmus Jorg , Biringer Eva 
Published: June 2015

Introduction Several studies have indicated that medical referral letters do not convey the necessary information to ensure sufficient coordination of care. However, there is no definition of the core set of information items that should be communicated in a referral process, and no valid measurements to assess, and thus improve, the quality of such information. The present study aimed to develop and test an instrument to measure the quality of referral information provided by general practitioners to specialised mental health care services for adults. Methods Based on a recommendation taking the users’ standpoint into account, a minimum set of items for referral communication seen as essential by experienced specialists ( N = 42) was developed. An instrument to assess the quality of referral information for specialised mental health care for adults was then examined based on its psychometric properties. The examination was conducted within the region of Western Norway Regional Health Authority ( www.helse-vest.no ), representing the public specialised mental health care for approximately 1 million citizens. Results Nineteen items were recommended, and the instrument was found valid and reliable. The inter-rater correlation varied, and the test–retest was found to be substantial or almost perfect for a majority of the raters. Discussion This study embeds an exploration of improvement potential, impact of quality improvement efforts and sustainability of such efforts for facilitating effective communication in the interface between the two main health services for people with mental health problems. Further exploration on the instruments generalisability to other contexts and to the inter-rater correlation are recommended.
Evolving role of MRI in optimizing the treatment of multiple sclerosis: Canadian Consensus recommendations
Authors: Arnold Douglas L , Li David , Hohol Marika , Chakraborty Santanu , Chankowsky Jeffrey , Alikhani Katayoun , Duquette Pierre , Bhan Virender , Montanera Walter , Rabinovitch Hyman , Morrish William , Vandorpe Robert , Guilbert François , Traboulsee Anthony , Kremenchutzky Marcelo 
Published: June 2015

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly important for the early detection of suboptimal responders to disease-modifying therapy for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Treatment response criteria are becoming more stringent with the use of composite measures, such as no evidence of disease activity (NEDA), which combines clinical and radiological measures, and NEDA-4, which includes the evaluation of brain atrophy. Methods The Canadian MRI Working Group of neurologists and radiologists convened to discuss the use of brain and spinal cord imaging in the assessment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients during the treatment course. Results Nine key recommendations were developed based on published sources and expert opinion. Recommendations addressed image acquisition, use of gadolinium, MRI requisitioning by clinicians, and reporting of lesions and brain atrophy by radiologists. Routine MRI follow-ups are recommended beginning at three to six months after treatment initiation, at six to 12 months after the reference scan, and annually thereafter. The interval between scans may be altered according to clinical circumstances. Conclusions The Canadian recommendations update the 2006 Consortium of MS Centers Consensus revised guidelines to assist physicians in their management of MS patients and to aid in treatment decision making.
Treatment outcomes of obstructive sleep apnoea in obese community-dwelling children: the NANOS study
Authors: Alonso-Álvarez María Luz , Terán-Santos Joaquin , Navazo-Egüia Ana Isabel , Martinez Mónica Gonzalez , Jurado-Luque María José , Corral-Peñafiel Jaime , Duran-Cantolla Joaquin , Cordero-Guevara José Aurelio , Kheirandish-Gozal Leila , Gozal David 
Published: June 2015

The first line of treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in children consists of adenotonsillectomy (T&A). The aim of the present study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of OSAS among obese children recruited from the community.A cross-sectional, prospective, multicentre study of Spanish obese children aged 3–14 years, with four groups available for follow-up: group 1: non-OSAS with no treatment; group 2: dietary treatment; group 3: surgical treatment; and group 4: continuous positive airway pressure treatment.117 obese children (60 boys, 57 girls) with a mean age of 11.3±2.9 years completed the initial (T0) and follow-up (T1)assessments. Their mean body mass index (BMI) at T1was 27.6±4.7 kg·m−2, corresponding to a BMI Z-score of 1.34±0.59. Mean respiratory disturbance index (RDI) at follow-up was 3.3±3.9 events·h−1. Among group 1 children, 21.2% had an RDI ≥3 events·h−1at T1, the latter being present in 50% of group 2, and 43.5% in group 3. In the binary logistic regression model, age emerged as a significant risk factor for residual OSAS (odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.23; p<0.05) in obese children surgically treated, and RDI at T0as well as an increase in BMI emerged as significant risk factors for persistent OSAS in obese children with dietary treatment (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.09–3.02 (p<0.03) and OR 8.71, 95% CI 1.24–61.17 (p=0.03)).Age, RDI at diagnosis and obesity are risk factors for relatively unfavourable OSAS treatment outcomes at follow-up.
Influence of electron distribution on efficiency droop for GaN-based light emitting diodes
Authors: Fu Jiajia , Zhao Lixia , Zhang Ning , Wang Junxi , Li Jinmin 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
By modulating the indium composition in the quantum barriers of InGaN-based LEDs, the influence of electron distribution, electron overflow and Auger recombination on the external quantum efficiency (EQE) and droop effect have been investigated. Experimental results as well as numerical simulations reveal that the electron distribution is the key factor to influence both the peak efficiency and droop effect. The results show that the high electron concentration in the individual quantum well can stimulate the Auger recombination and lead to the droop effect instead of the total effective electron concentration, which is more related to the external quantum efficiency. If we modulate the indium composition in the quantum barriers of the InGaN-based LEDs, a uniform electron distribution can be achieved, which can not only enhance the EQE but also avoid the Auger recombination and improve the droop effect.
Increases in Intravenous Magnesium Use among Hospitalized Patients: An Institution Cross-Sectional Experience
Authors: Kiberd Bryce A. , Tennankore Karthik K. , Daley Christopher J. A. 
Published: June 2015

Background: Among hospitalized patients, indications for the measurement of magnesium levels and treatment of hypomagnesemia with intravenous magnesium are not well defined. Recently, there have been reports of worldwide shortages of intravenous magnesium sulphate. Objective: To examine secular trends in the administration of intravenous magnesium on hospital wards at a tertiary care institution. The secondary objective is to identify factors associated with magnesium use among admitted patients. Methods: Retrospective cross-section review of hospitalized patients at a single Canadian tertiary care center. Utilization of non-parental nutrition intravenous magnesium from 2003 to 2013 stratified by hospital ward was examined. In addition, patient level data from select wards (including medical and surgical services) was examined at early and more recent time period (4/2006 versus 4/2013). Results: Among the 248,329 hospitalized patients, intravenous magnesium use increased by 2.86 fold from 2003 to 2013. Not all wards had an increase whereas some had nearly a 10 fold increase in use. In the sample ( n = 769), (adjusting for admission magnesium level, presence of an indication for intravenous magnesium, ward location, comorbidity and demographics) intravenous magnesium administration was higher (25.8 % versus 5.5 %) in 2013 versus 2006 (OR 13.91 (95 % CI, 6.21–31.17, p < 0.001). Despite this increase in intravenous magnesium administration, <3 % of patients were admitted on oral magnesium in 2006 and 2013. For patients receiving intravenous magnesium only a minority were discharged on oral therapy despite low levels. Conclusions: This center has witnessed a considerable increase in the use of in-hospital intravenous magnesium over the last 6 years that cannot be explained for by medical indications. The risks and benefits of this therapy deserve further study. If this change in practice is representative of other North American hospitals, it may be responsible for recent drug shortages.
Is the current UK undergraduate system providing junior doctors knowledge and confidence to manage burns? A questionnaire-based cohort study
Authors: Lemon Thomas I , Stapley Simon , Idisis Andrea , Green Ben 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Background
Burns are common in the UK and many of the 30,000 newly qualified doctors there will be faced with managing them in their first few years of practice. We are concerned that doctors are leaving medical school without adequate teaching on burns and therefore not prepared to manage burns competently. The aim of this study was to assess the graduating doctors self-declared knowledge of basic burns pathology as well as their knowledge and confidence in treating burns. We also wanted to assess whether students felt that their undergraduate course offered burns teaching, either formally or informally.

Methods
We designed a structured questionnaire with input from two experienced final year medical students, two experienced clinicians and two sociologists. Questions were designed to be open-ended in order to facilitate varied and circumstantiated responses. Final year medical students, due to graduate in June 2014, were invited to take part in a survey with questions on burns management, first aid, pathology, and confidence. These results were then analyzed statistically.

Results
Of the 300 students invited to join the survey, 244 fully completed the process, representing an 81.3% response rate. Of the respondents over one-third (35%) said they had not received any teaching on burns. And less than half (45%) said they had received formal teaching. Eighty-eight percent of students identified a burn can be caused by a dry heat source; however, 17% of students failed to acknowledge that chemicals are a recognized cause of burns. Only 32% of respondents were confident with management of a burn.

Conclusions
These results suggest that there is a lack in understanding of burns management, as well as a lack of confidence in treating burns among graduating doctors. There was also a self-identified lack of teaching at an undergraduate level. These concerning results could be improved by the integration of burns into the core medical curriculum.
An experimental examination of energy production from domestic-based waste water treatment sludge
Authors: Cagman Selman , Coban Volkan , Eyidogan Muharrem , Kilic Fatma Canka , Kaya Durmus 
Published: June 2015

In Turkey, treatment sludge that obtained from domestic wastewater and water treatment plants causes storage and disposal problems. In the current situation, there are 69 domestic wastewater treatment plants in Turkey and this corresponds to approximately 13% of the population. Total 500 thousand tons of treatment sludge is released from these treatment plants, annually. In the case of all municipalities establish a wastewater treatment plant in Turkey, approximately, 4 million tons of treatment sludge is projected to release in a year. Additionally, 3.6 million tons of treatment sludge will be obtained from the manufacturing industry. In other words, approximately 7.6 ↔ 106 tons of treatment sludge potential exists in Turkey and in the same amount of the storage area (7.6 ↔106m3) is needed for the storage of this treatment sludge, perennially.
In this study, energy production from wastewater treatment sludge through the anaerobic method has been investigated and compared to the aerobic treatment method. Also, advantages and disadvantages of both methods have been introduced. In order to determine biogas production capacity from treatment sludge, some amount of sample sludge has been taken from the final sedimentation tank before belt press in a wastewater treatment plant and it has been experimentally analyzed.