bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction in First and Recurrent Cardiovascular Events With Ticagrelor Compared With Clopidogrel in the PLATO Study
Authors: Kohli Payal , Wallentin Lars , Reyes Eric , Horrow Jay , Husted Steen , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Ardissino Diego , Maurer Gerald , Morais Joao , Nicolau José C. , Oto Ali , Storey Robert F. , James Stefan K. , Cannon Christopher P. 
Published: January 2013

Background—
We sought to evaluate the effect of potent platelet inhibition after acute coronary syndrome on total (ie, first and recurrent) occurrences of any of the primary outcome events (eg, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) as well as on other ischemic events, such as urgent revascularization, (severe) recurrent ischemia, transient ischemic attacks, and arterial thrombotic events.

Methods and Results—

In the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) study, 18 624 patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes randomly received ticagrelor (n=9333) or clopidogrel (n=9291). Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate time to first event and hazard ratios. Total events were compared using a Poisson regression model, and time to second event or death was calculated with the Wei Lin Weissfeld method. Patients randomized to ticagrelor had 1057 total primary end point events versus 1225 for patients on clopidogrel (rate ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.79–0.93;
P
=0.003). The number of additional events was numerically lower for ticagrelor (189 versus 205;
P
=0.40), resulting in a hazard for time to second event/death of 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.90;
P
<0.001) and a number needed to treat of 54. For cardiovascular death/myocardial infarction/stroke/(severe) recurrent ischemia/transient ischemic attack/arterial thrombotic events, total events were fewer with ticagrelor (2030 versus 2290; rate ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–0.95;
P
<0.001), with fewer recurrent events with ticagrelor (740 versus 834;
P
=0.01) and a highly significant concurrent reduction in hazard for time to second event or death of 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.91;
P
<0.001). Recurrent PLATO major or Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) major non–coronary artery bypass graft bleeding events were infrequent and not different between the two therapies (
P
=0.96 and 0.38, respectively).

Conclusions—
In PLATO, treatment with ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel resulted in a reduction in total events, including first and subsequent recurrent cardiovascular events, when compared with clopidogrel. These types of analyses demonstrate an even greater absolute benefit of ticagrelor over clopidogrel than previously reported.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT00391872.
A History of Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack Indicates High Risks of Cardiovascular Event and Hemorrhagic Stroke in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ducrocq Gregory , Amarenco Pierre , Labreuche Julien , Alberts Mark J. , Mas Jean-Louis , Ohman E. Magnus , Goto Shinya , Lavallée Philippa , Bhatt Deepak L. , Steg Ph. Gabriel 
Published: January 2013

Background—
Randomized trials of antithrombotics in coronary artery disease have identified previous stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) as a marker of increased intracranial bleeding risk. We aimed to further characterize the risk of ischemic and bleeding events associated with a history of stroke/TIA in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results—

From the international REduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) registry of atherothrombosis, baseline characteristics and 4-year follow-up of 26 389 patients with coronary artery disease, including 4460 patients (16.9%) with a history of stroke/TIA, were analyzed. Patients with previous stroke/TIA had a higher rate of recurrent cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) than patients without (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–1.65;
P
<0.001) and specifically of nonfatal ischemic stroke (adjusted HR, 3.06; 95% CI, 2.62–3.57;
P
<0.001) and nonfatal hemorrhagic stroke rates (adjusted HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.00–3.08;
P
=0.05). Excess risk for nonfatal hemorrhagic stroke appeared confined to the 1st year after a stroke/TIA (adjusted HR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.51–6.08 for the first year) and was particularly high in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (adjusted HR, 5.21; 95% CI, 1.24–21.90).

Conclusions—
In patients with coronary artery disease, a history of stroke/TIA is associated with an independent increase in risk of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, including both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke (the latter being smaller in absolute terms). This excess risk of hemorrhagic stroke is particularly high in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy and in the 1st year after stroke/TIA. This observation is important for selection of antithrombotic therapy in these patients.
Cost-Effectiveness of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Drug Eluting Stents Versus Bypass Surgery for Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Magnuson Elizabeth A. , Farkouh Michael E. , Fuster Valentin , Wang Kaijun , Vilain Katherine , Li Haiyan , Appelwick Jaime , Muratov Victoria , Sleeper Lynn A. , Boineau Robin , Abdallah Mouin , Cohen David J. 
Published: January 2013

Background—
Studies from the balloon angioplasty and bare metal stent eras have demonstrated that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is cost-effective compared with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients undergoing multivessel coronary revascularization—particularly among patients with complex coronary artery disease or diabetes mellitus. Whether these results apply in the drug-eluting stent (DES) era is unknown.

Methods and Results—
Between 2005 and 2010, 1900 patients with diabetes mellitus and multivessel coronary artery disease were randomized to PCI with DES (DES-PCI; n=953) or CABG (n=947). Costs were assessed from the perspective of the U.S. health care system. Health state utilities were assessed using the EuroQOL 5 dimension 3 level questionnaire. A patient-level microsimulation model based on U.S. life-tables and in-trial results was used to estimate lifetime cost-effectiveness. Although initial procedural costs were lower for CABG, total costs for the index hospitalization were $8622 higher per patient. Over the next 5 years, follow-up costs were higher with PCI, owing to more frequent repeat revascularization and higher outpatient medication costs. Nonetheless, cumulative 5-year costs remained $3641 higher per patient with CABG. Although there were only modest gains in survival with CABG during the trial period, when the in-trial results were extended to a lifetime horizon, CABG was projected to be economically attractive relative to DES-PCI, with substantial gains in both life expectancy and quality-adjusted life expectancy and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios <$10 000 per life-year or quality-adjusted life-year gained across a broad range of assumptions regarding the effect of CABG on post-trial survival and costs.

Conclusions—
Despite higher initial costs, CABG is a highly cost-effective revascularization strategy compared with DES-PCI for patients with diabetes mellitus and multivessel coronary artery disease.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinical-trials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00086450.
A Stab in the Dark?
Authors: Tompson Lisa , Bowers Kate 
Published: January 2013

Objectives: Test the influence of darkness in the street robbery crime event alongside temperature. Methods: Negative binomial regression models tested darkness and temperature as predictors of street robbery. Units of analysis were four 6-hr time intervals in two U.K. study areas that have different levels of darkness and variations of temperature throughout the year. Results: Darkness is a key factor related to robbery events in both study areas. Traversing from full daylight to full darkness increased the predicted volume of robbery by a multiple of 2.6 in London and 1.2 in Glasgow. Temperature was significant only in the London study area. Interaction terms did not enhance the predictive power of the models. Conclusion: Darkness is an important driving factor in seasonal variation of street robbery. A further implication of the research is that time of the day patterns are crucial to understanding seasonal trends in crime data.
Relationship between headache and mucosal mast cells in pediatric Helicobacter pylori-negative functional dyspepsia
Authors: Yeom Jung Sook , Choi Myung Bum , Seo Ji-Hyun , Park Ji Sook , Lim Jae-Young , Park Chan-Hoo , Woo Hyang-Ok , Youn Hee-Shang , Ko Gyung-Hyuck , Baik Seung-Chul , Lee Woo-Kon , Cho Myung-Je , Rhee Kwang-Ho 
Published: January 2013

Background Although many patients with functional dyspepsia experience headache concurrently with dyspeptic symptoms, studies suggesting mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are limited. Herein, we explore the relationship between gastrointestinal inflammatory cells and presence of headache associated with dyspeptic symptoms in children with Helicobacter pylori-negative functional dyspepsia. Methods Fifty-six patients with H. pylori-negative functional dyspepsia underwent upper endoscopy with biopsy to investigate recurrent epigastric pain or discomfort. Patients were divided into two groups according to self-reported presence of headache associated with dyspeptic symptoms. Inflammatory cells including mast cells, and enteroendocrine cells in the gastroduodenal mucosa were evaluated. Associations between headache presence and cellular changes in the gastroduodenal mucosa were examined. Results Headache was not associated with the grade of lymphocytes, neutrophil infiltration, or enteroendocrine cell density in the gastroduedenal mucosa. However, headache was significantly associated with high mast cell density in the body (27.81 ± 8.71 vs. 20.30 ± 8.16, p < 0.01) and duodenum (23.16 ± 10.40 vs. 14.84 ± 5.88, p < 0.01). Conclusions Presence of headache associated with dyspeptic symptoms is strongly related to mucosal mast cell density in pediatric patients with H. pylori-negative functional dyspepsia. Thus, our results may help clinicians understand and treat headache during dyspeptic symptoms in such pediatric patients.
A Clinical Device for Measuring Internal-External Rotational Laxity of the Knee
Authors: Alam Mahbub , Bull Anthony M.J. , Thomas Rhidian deW , Amis Andrew A. 
Published: January 2013

Background: The dial test can be improved by providing reproducible, accurate measurements to improve diagnosis and treatment comparisons. Purpose: Validation of a rotational measurement device (RMD) for measuring knee internal-external rotational laxity. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The RMD consisted of 3 components: a femoral clamp and a tibial splint using paired inclinometers to measure rotations, and a boot to apply tibial internal-external rotation torque. A separate boot inclinometer allowed for foot rotations to be measured independently. The measurements were simultaneously compared with electromagnetic “nest of birds” (NOB) sensors. Sequential paired knee measurements were taken at 4, 6, and 8 N·m of torque at 30° and 90° of flexion in 46 volunteers. Results: The correlation coefficient was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.89 to 0.94) and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.70) between the NOB and RMD and between the NOB and boot inclinometer, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the RMD was on average within 2° (95% CI, 1° to −4°) of NOB readings, whereas the boot overestimated by 34° (95% CI, −9° to −58°). Maximum side-to-side differences measured by the NOB, RMD, and boot were 1°, 3°, and 21°, respectively. The mean +2× standard deviation data gave a range of side-to-side differences of less than 5° for the RMD. The intraobserver intraclass correlation was 0.9 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.97) at both 30° and 90° of flexion, and the 95% CI of the differences between readings taken on 2 occasions, the interobserver repeatability, was 1° or less. Conclusion: The novel clinical RMD for measuring rotational laxity of the knee was portable, easy, and comfortable to use in the clinical setting. The RMD showed significant correlation and accuracy compared with sensors of known high accuracy. Side-to-side differences of less than 5° were found in 95% of normal knees, compared with differences of 13° or more for clinical diagnosis of pathological rotational laxity. Measuring knee rotation at the foot showed poor correlation and accuracy.
Allograft Salvage Procedure in Multiple-Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Buda Roberto , Ruffilli Alberto , Di Caprio Francesco , Ferruzzi Alberto , Faldini Cesare , Cavallo Marco , Vannini Francesca , Giannini Sandro 
Published: January 2013

Background: Multiple-revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions represent a surgical challenge due to the presence of previous tunnels, hardware, injuries to the secondary stabilizers, and difficulties in retrieving autologous tendons. An anatomic ACL reconstruction may therefore result in a demanding surgery, thus requiring 2 stages. Purpose: To analyze the efficacy of an over-the-top ACL reconstruction technique plus extra-articular plasty using Achilles or tibialis posterior tendon allograft in restoring knee stability in patients with at least 2 failed previous ACL reconstructions, as well as to evaluate the factors able to affect the final outcome. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: From 2002 to 2008, 24 male athletes with a mean age of 30.8 years underwent surgery. Twenty patients had undergone 2, whereas 4 patients had undergone 3 previous reconstructions. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and KT-2000 arthrometric evaluation were used to measure outcomes at a mean follow-up period of 3.3 years (range, 2-7). Results: The mean ± SD IKDC subjective score at follow-up was 81.3 ± 14.0. The IKDC objective score was an A or B in 20 patients (83%). Arthrometer side-to-side difference averaged 3.1 ± 1.1 mm. Range of motion was normal or nearly normal in 23 patients and abnormal in 1. Of the 20 good results, 17 patients resumed sports activity at the preinjury level. Conclusion: A 2-stage revision is an accepted option in cases of excessive tunnel enlargement and bone loss, especially on the femoral side, to achieve anatomic reconstruction. Nonanatomic over-the-top ACL reconstruction and lateral extra-articular plasty technique allow one to overcome difficult anatomic situations on the femoral side, permitting a 1-step surgery. The overall results obtained in this series are comparable with those of other ACL revision series. The higher rate of mild instability observed in our series may not be attributable to the surgical technique but rather to the chronic instability suffered by these knees before last revision.
Antigenotoxic potencies of a lichen species, Evernia prunastri
Authors: Alpsoy Lokman , Orhan Furkan , Nardemir Gokce , Agar Guleray , Gulluce Medine , Aslan Ali 
Published: January 2013

In this article, the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of methanol extract of Evernia prunastri (Huds.) Willd. (MEP) were studied using WP2, Ames (TA1535 and TA1537) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test systems. The results obtained from bacterial test systems demonstrated that MEP has strong antimutagenic potencies on TA1537 and WP2 strains. The highest inhibition rates for MEP on TA1537 and WP2 strains were 37.70% and 69.70%, respectively. According to the SCE test system, MEP reduced the genotoxic effects of aflatoxin. In order to clarify the mechanism underlying the antigenotoxic effects of MEP, the antioxidants were determined. Cotreatments of 5, 10 and 20 µg/mL concentrations of MEP with aflatoxin B1 decreased the frequencies of SCE and the malondialdehyde level and increased amount of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase which were decreased by aflatoxin. The data obtained from this work have clearly shown that MEP has significant antigenotoxic effects which are thought to be partly due to the antioxidant activities and antioxidant inducing capability of MEP. This is the first report indicating the antigenotoxic activities of MEP against several mutagen agents such as N-methyl- N′-nitro- N-nitrosoguanidine, acridin and aflatoxin.
Validation of the Phase II Feasibility Study in a Palliative Care Setting
Authors: Lee Cindy , Vather Ryash , O’Callaghan Anne , Robinson Jackie , McLeod Briar , Findlay Michael , Bissett Ian 
Published: January 2013

Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is common in patients with advanced cancer. Aim: To perform a phase II study to assess the feasibility of conducting a phase III trial investigating the therapeutic value of gastrografin in MBO. Methods: Randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled feasibility study. Participants received 100 mL of either gastrografin or placebo. Results: Over 8 months, 57 patients were screened and 9 enrolled (15.8% recruitment rate). Of the 9 enrolled, 4 received gastrografin (with 2 completing assessment) and 5 received placebo (with 4 completing assessment). Conclusions: It is not feasible to conduct a phase III trial using the same study protocol. This study validates the use of the phase II feasibility study to assess protocol viability in a palliative population prior to embarking on a larger trial.
Lipid-Lowering Pharmacotherapy in Central and Eastern European Countries in Cardiovascular Prevention
Authors: Tomasik Tomasz , Windak Adam , Seifert Bohumil , Kersnik Janko , Kijowska Violetta , Dubas Katarzyna 
Published: January 2013

Aims: The aims of this study were (1) to explore physicians’ self-reported treatment of patients with dyslipidemia and (2) to identify intercountry differences and associations between physicians’ characteristics and treatment patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed in primary health care in 9 Central and Eastern European countries. An anonymous questionnaire, which included questions devoted to dyslipidemia treatment, was distributed. Results: A total of 3000 physicians were randomly chosen and 867 responded. The mean percentage of physicians in all countries who reported regular use of statins in primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was 86.4 (range between 91.0% of Polish physicians and 75.7% of Czech physicians; P < .01). In secondary prevention, the mean percentage was only a little higher, 89.9. The use of fibrates for primary prevention was reported by 40.3% of the respondents from Bulgaria and by 2% of the respondents from Estonia ( P < .01). Also, significant differences between countries were found in the use of fibrates and combination therapy in secondary prevention. Atorvastatin and simvastatin were the most prescribed drugs in everyday practice (the mean percentage of physicians in all countries was 72.5% and 68.0%, respectively). More than three-fourth of the respondents reported prescribing lifelong treatment with statins. Inconsistent associations were found between the characteristics of physicians and their treatment patterns. Conclusions: There are significant variations in the use of lipid-lowering drugs in Central and Eastern European countries; however, statin monotherapy predominates. Some physicians’ decisions are made without supporting evidence from clinical trials. There is still scope to improve preventive care of CVD.
Reviewing the roots of continuum formulations in molecular systems. Part I: Particle dynamics, statistical physics, mass and linear momentum balance equations
Authors: Davydov Denis , Steinmann Paul 
Published: January 2013

The link between atomistic quantities and continuum fields has been the subject of research for at least half a century. Nevertheless, there are still many open questions and misleading discussions in the literature. Therefore, based on the fundamental principles of classical mechanics and statistical physics we construct the basic framework for the link between the atomistic and continuum worlds. In doing so, considerable attention is paid to the central force decomposition and multi-body potentials, balance of angular momentum for the system of particles and its relationship to the extended third Newton axiom and the difference between the theorem of change of kinetic energy and the energy balance law. A number of general theorems related to the convolution properties of statistically averaged quantities, as well as their rates are also proven. These theorems make the derivation of balance equations far simpler when compared to the approaches used by others. Such theorems also make the link between space–time averaging and space–probability averaging more transparent. In this contribution the balance laws of mass and linear momentum are derived. The remaining balance laws of angular momentum and energy as well as the particular forms of fluxes, such as the stress, are discussed in the follow-up contributions of this series.
Isolated post-challenge hyperglycaemia and risk of cardiovascular events: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Barzin Maryam , Hosseinpanah Farhad , Malboosbaf Ramin , Hajsheikholeslami Farhad , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: January 2013

Objective: To evaluate the risk of cardiovascular events in diabetes defined by isolated post-challenge hyperglycaemia (IPH). Methods: We followed 3794 subjects aged ≥40 years without known history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline for CVD events. Participants were categorized as subjects without diabetes [fasting plasma glucose (FPG) < 126 mg/dL and 2-h post-challenge plasma glucose (2-hPG) < 200 mg/dL], IPH (FPG < 126 mg/dL and 2-h PG ≥ 200 mg/dL) and fasting hyperglycaemia (fasting blood glucose (FBS) ≥ 126 mg/dL). Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated with the use of Cox proportional-hazards regression models to evaluate the risk of CVD events. Results: At baseline, of 486 subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes, 190 (39%) had IPH. Over the next 8 years, age and sex-adjusted HR for incident CVD was 1.77 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–2.64; p = 0.005) in subjects with IPH compared with subjects without diabetes. After further adjustment for potential confounders, the HR for CVD was not significant [1.32 (95% CI: 0.88–1.99; p = 0.2)]. Conclusions: IPH in middle-aged adults adds nothing for identifying CVD risks when other risk factors are taken into account. Associated metabolic risk factors seem to be more important than hyperglycaemia per se.
Old versus New: The Comparative Efficiency of Mail and Internet Surveys of State Legislators
Authors: Fisher Samuel H. , Herrick Rebekah 
Published: January 2013

AbstractInternet surveys of the general population have been growing in use over the last few years because they are less expensive, faster, and greener than most other survey modes. However, they have been used less frequently to survey elites, and little is known about the representativeness of their results. This article helps fill that void by using an experiment where half of a sample of state legislators are given an Internet survey and half a mail survey, and then the response rate, representativeness of respondents, and similarity of responses are compared. The results indicate that mail and Internet surveys generate fairly representative samples, albeit with few biases, and similar responses; however, mail surveys generate a significantly higher response rate than Internet surveys. The implications of these findings are discussed.