bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Pre- and Post-Treatment Expectations with Improvements after Acupuncture in Patients with Migraine
Authors: Zheng Hui , Huang Wenjing , Li Juan , Zheng Qianhua , Li Ying , Chang Xiaorong , Sun Guojie , Liang Fanrong 
Published: December 2014

Objective To study whether a higher expectation of acupuncture measured at baseline and after acupuncture is associated with better outcome improvements in patients with migraine. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of a previous published trial in which 476 patients with migraine were randomly allocated to three real acupuncture groups and one sham acupuncture control group. All the participants received 20 sessions of acupuncture over a 4-week period. The primary outcome was the number of days with a migraine attack (NDMA) assessed at 5–8 weeks after randomisation. The secondary outcomes were visual analogue scale, headache intensity and quality of life assessed at 4, 8 and 16 weeks after randomisation. Expectations of the acupuncture effect were assessed at baseline and at the end of treatment and categorised into five levels, with 0% the lowest and 100% the highest. Outcome improvement was first compared among the participants with different expectation levels using an analysis of variance model. The association between expectations of treatment and outcome improvement was then calculated using a logistic regression model. Results Patients with 100% baseline expectations did not report significantly fewer NDMA than those with 0% baseline expectations after adjusting for the covariates (at 5–8 weeks, 1.7 vs 3.9 days, p=0.987). High baseline expectations had no significant impact on improvement of the primary outcome (100% vs 0%: OR 8.50, 95% CI 0.89 to 191.65, p=0.682). However, patients with 100% post-treatment expectations reported fewer NDMA than those with 0% expectations (primary outcome: 1.3 vs 5.0 days, p<0.001) and were more likely to have a favourable response (100% vs 0%: OR 68.87, 95% CI 6.26 to 1449.73, p=0.002). Similar results were found when analysing the impact of expectation on the secondary outcomes. Conclusions A high level of expectation after acupuncture treatment rather than at baseline was associated with better long-term outcome improvements in patients with migraine. Clinical Trial Number NCT00599586.
Protocol compliance of administering parenteral medication in Dutch hospitals: an evaluation and cost estimation of the implementation
Authors: Schilp Janneke , Boot Sanne , de Blok Carolien , Spreeuwenberg Peter , Wagner Cordula 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesPreventable adverse drug events (ADEs) are closely related to administration processes of parenteral medication. The Dutch Patient Safety Program provided a protocol for administering parenteral medication to reduce the amount of ADEs. The execution of the protocol was evaluated and a cost estimation was performed to provide insight in the associated costs of protocol compliance.MethodsA longitudinal evaluation study was performed in secondary care. A total of 2154 observations of the administration process of parenteral medication were carried out within 10 measurements in 19 hospitals between November 2011 and December 2012. The total time needed for the process was measured in a sample of five hospitals. Multilevel linear and logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the trend over time of the implementation and to assess the association between hospital and administration characteristics, and compliance of the protocol. A cost estimation provided insight into the costs of performing a complete administration process and the costs at department level for 1 year.ResultsThe complete protocol was performed in 19% of the observations. The proceeding ‘check by a second nurse’ was least performed. Large differences were found between individual hospitals in performing the administration protocol. The compliance of the protocol was negatively influenced in case of disturbance of the administrator. The overall trend over time of completion of the protocol fluctuated during the study period. On average, 3 min 26 s were needed to perform the complete protocol, which costs €2.42. Extrapolating the costs to department level, including cost for clinical lessons, the difference in costs in performing the complete protocol and an incomplete protocol was €7.891 for 1 year.ConclusionsThe protocol for administering parenteral medication is still not implemented completely, therefore an investment in time and Euros is needed.
Ethnic minority patients not at increased risk of adverse events during hospitalisation in urban hospitals in the Netherlands: results of a prospective observational study
Authors: van Rosse Floor , Essink-Bot Marie-Louise , Stronks Karien , de Bruijne Martine , Wagner Cordula 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesWe analysed potential differences in incidence, type, nature, impact and preventability of adverse events (AEs) during hospitalisation between ethnic Dutch and ethnic minority patients, and the role of patient-related determinants. We hypothesised an increased AE incidence for ethnic minority patients.SettingWe conducted a prospective cohort study in four urban hospitals.Participants763 Dutch patients and 576 ethnic minority patients aged between 45 and 75, admitted for at least one night, were included in the study. All patients completed a questionnaire on patient-related determinants (eg, language proficiency).Outcome measuresIncidence, type (eg, diagnostic AEs), impact and nature of AEs were assessed with a two-stage medical record review. Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for patient and admission characteristics, and to investigate the contribution of patient-related determinants to AE risk.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the incidence of AEs: 11% (95% CI 9% to 14%) in Dutch patients and 10% (95% CI 7% to 12%) in ethnic minority patients. Also, there was no significant difference in the incidence of preventable AEs: 3% (95% CI 1% to 4%) in Dutch patients and 1% (95% CI 0% to 2%) in ethnic minority patients. Low language proficiency, inadequate health literacy and low educational level did not increase the risk of an AE.ConclusionsCompared with Dutch patients, ethnic minority patients were not at increased risk of AEs while receiving care in Dutch hospitals. Healthcare providers seem to have responded effectively to specific patient care needs, but we do not know whether this occurred in an ad hoc or in a systematic way.
Do smoking habits differ between women and men in contemporary Western populations? Evidence from half a million people in the UK Biobank study
Authors: Peters Sanne A E , Huxley Rachel R , Woodward Mark 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesSeveral studies have shown that smoking may confer a greater excess risk for chronic diseases in women compared with men. The reasons for this excess risk of smoking in women are unclear, yet sex differences in smoking habits may play a role. We, thus, characterised sex differences in smoking habits in a contemporary Western population.DesignCross-sectional population-based study.SettingUK Biobank Resource.Participants499 797 (54% women) individuals with data on smoking habits.Main outcome measuresWomen-to-men prevalence ratios in smoking status, and the women-minus-men mean difference in age at smoking initiation, number of cigarettes smoked daily and age at smoking cessation in 5-year birth cohort bands.ResultsThe women-to-men ever-smoking ratio ranged from 0.57 in the oldest to 0.87 in the youngest birth cohort. In the oldest cohort, born 1935–1939, women started smoking 1.9 years (95% CI 1.7 to 2.1) later than did men, but in those born after 1959 there was no difference in the age at initiation. The oldest women smoked 5.3 (95% CI 4.7 to 5.9) cigarettes per day fewer than did the oldest men, compared with 2.0 (95% CI 1.7 to 2.3) fewer cigarettes smoked per day in the youngest, born 1965–1969. Among quitters, women born before 1945 were, on average, 1.5 years older than their male contemporaries, but this differential was 1 year or less among people born after 1949.ConclusionsDifferences in smoking behaviour between women and men have decreased over time. Even past differentials are unlikely to explain the increased susceptibility to smoking-related chronic disease in women compared with men that has previously been observed. Future studies are required to determine whether sex differences in the physiological and biological effects of smoking are responsible for the differential impact of smoking on health in women and men.
The relationship between the number of cardiologists and clinical practice patterns in acute heart failure: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Sasaki Noriko , Kunisawa Susumu , Otsubo Tetsuya , Ikai Hiroshi , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasumura Yoshio , Kimura Takeshi , Imanaka Yuichi 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesDespite the increasing burden of acute heart failure (AHF) on healthcare systems, the association between centralised cardiovascular specialist care and the quality of AHF care remains unknown. We examine the relationship between the number of cardiologists per hospital and hospital practice variations.Design, setting and participantsIn a retrospective observational study, we analysed 38 668 patients with AHF admitted to 546 Japanese acute care hospitals between 2010 and 2011 using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination administrative claims database. Sample hospitals were categorised into four groups according to the number of cardiologists per facility (none, 1–4, 5–9 and ≥10). To confirm the capability of administrative data to identify patients with AHF, the ≥10 cardiologists group was compared with two recent clinical registries in Japan.Main outcome measuresUsing multivariable logistic regression models, patient risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality rates and age-sex-adjusted ORs of various AHF therapies were calculated and compared among four hospital groups.ResultsThe ≥10 cardiologists group of hospitals from the administrative database had similar major underlying disease incidence and therapeutic practices to those of the clinical registry hospitals. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted ORs of various AHF therapies in the four hospital groups revealed wide practice variations associated with the number of cardiologists. Adjusted in-hospital mortality demonstrated a negative association with the number of cardiologists. In addition, the different hospital-level distribution patterns of specific therapeutic practices illustrated the diffusion process of therapies across facilities.ConclusionsWide practice variations in AHF care were associated with the number of cardiologists per facility, indicating a possible relationship between the quality of AHF care and manpower resources. The provision of recommended therapies increased together with the number of cardiologists.
Relationship between social cognitive theory constructs and self-reported condom use: assessment of behaviour in a subgroup of the Safe in the City trial
Authors: Snead Margaret C , O'Leary Ann M , Mandel Michele G , Kourtis Athena P , Wiener Jeffrey , Jamieson Denise J , Warner Lee , Malotte C Kevin , Klausner Jeffrey D , O'Donnell Lydia , Rietmeijer Cornelis A , Margolis Andrew D 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesPrevious studies have found social cognitive theory (SCT)-framed interventions are successful for improving condom use and reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We conducted a secondary analysis of behavioural data from theSafe in the Cityintervention trial (2003–2005) to investigate the influence of SCT constructs on study participants’ self-reported use of condoms at last intercourse.MethodsThe main trial was conducted from 2003 to 2005 at three public US STI clinics. Patients (n=38 635) were either shown a ‘safer sex’ video in the waiting room, or received the standard waiting room experience, based on their visit date. A nested behavioural assessment was administered to a subsample of study participants following their index clinic visit and again at 3 months follow-up. We used multivariable modified Poisson regression models to examine the relationships among SCT constructs (sexual self-efficacy, self-control self-efficacy, self-efficacy with most recent partner, hedonistic outcome expectancies and partner expected outcomes) and self-reported condom use at last sex act at the 3-month follow-up study visit.ResultsOf 1252 participants included in analysis, 39% reported using a condom at last sex act. Male gender, homosexual orientation and single status were significant correlates of condom use. Both unadjusted and adjusted models indicate that sexual self-efficacy (adjusted relative risk (RRa)=1.50, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.84), self-control self-efficacy (RRa=1.67, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.04), self-efficacy with most recent partner (RRa=2.56, 95% CI 2.01 to 3.27), more favourable hedonistic outcome expectancies (RRa=1.83, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.17) and more favourable partner expected outcomes (RRa=9.74, 95% CI 3.21 to 29.57) were significantly associated with condom use at last sex act.ConclusionsSocial cognitive skills, such as self-efficacy and partner expected outcomes, are an important aspect of condom use behaviour.Trial registration numberclinicaltrials.gov (#NCT00137370).
Interictal cerebral and systemic endothelial dysfunction in patients with migraine: a case–control study
Authors: Rajan Roopa , Khurana Dheeraj , Lal Vivek 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundAlthough systemic endothelial function is unimpaired in migraine, it is unknown whether cerebral endothelial function impairment exists in migraineurs.Materials and methodsWe conducted a prospective study to assess endothelial function in migraineurs (n=45) and healthy volunteers (n=44). Cerebral endothelial function was assessed by Breath Holding Index (BHI) on transcranial Doppler in bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA at 30–60 mm), posterior cerebral artery (PCA at 60–80 mm) and basilar artery (BA at 80–120 mm) using bilateral monitoring probes fixed on headband. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was used as measure of systemic endothelial function.ResultsThere was no difference in baseline mean velocities of MCA, PCA, BA among migraineurs and controls. Mean BHI was significantly lower in PCA (p<0.001) and BA (p<0.001) in patients with migraine with no difference in MCA (p=0.909, 0.450). Cerebral endothelial dysfunction (BHI<1.15) was present in 62.2% of migraineurs in the right PCA (p<0.001), 57.8% in left PCA (p<0.001) and 77.8% in BA (BHI <0.83, p<0.001). There was no difference in BHI among migraineurs without and with aura (n=15). Cerebral and systemic endothelial function had no correlation in migraineurs. Increasing BMI was identified as a predictor of impaired BHI in the BA in migraineurs (p=0.020). Age, sex, presence of aura, lateralisation of headache, headache frequency, time to last attack and impaired FMD were not associated with impaired PCA and BA BHI in migraineurs.ConclusionsMigraineurs may have isolated cerebral endothelial dysfunction restricted to the posterior circulation in the absence of systemic endothelial dysfunction.
Comparative palatability of two veterinary dewormers (Milpro®and Milbemax®): a blinded randomised crossover cat study
Authors: Bernachon N. , McGahie D. , Corvaisier D. , Benizeau E. , Crastes N. , Chaix G. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundThe combination of milbemycin oxime–praziquantel is widely used against the most common tapeworms and roundworms affecting cats. New veterinary presentations of this combination have recently been approved.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the palatability of two products using this combination, Milpro®and Milbemax®.MethodsIn all, 20 adult cats and 20 kittens were offered each product according to a randomisation table using a blinded crossover design. Prehension from the bowl, prehension from the hand and total consumption were assessed.ResultsBoth presentations were very well tolerated in adult cats and kittens. Total prehension in adult cats and kittens was 100 and 45 per cent, respectively, for Milpro®, and 95 and 30 per cent, respectively, for Milbemax®. The percentages of adult cats and kittens which swallowed the pill after taking it into their mouth (total spontaneous consumption) were respectively 40 and 45 per cent for Milpro®, and 35 and 20 per cent for Milbemax®.ConclusionIn this study, both presentations were highly attractive to cats and their respective coatings successfully covered the unpleasant odour of praziquantel, which usually repels cats. These results indicate that the palatability of Milpro®is at least as good as Milbemax®and both tablets are well accepted by adult cats and kittens.
Patient-Derived Xenografts from Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Brain Metastases Are Valuable Translational Platforms for the Development of Personalized Targeted Therapy
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Lee Jung-il , Lee Se Jeong , Cho Hyun Jung , Song Hye Jin , Jeong Da Eun , Seo Yun Jee , Shin Sang , Joung Je-Gun , Kwon Yong-Jun , Choi Yoon-La , Park Woong-Yang , Lee Hyun Moo , Seol Ho Jun , Shim Young Mog , Joo Kyeung Min , Nam Do-Hyun 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Purpose: The increasing prevalence of distant metastases from non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) indicates an urgent need for novel therapeutic modalities. Brain metastasis is particularly common in NSCLC, with severe adverse effects on clinical prognosis. Although the molecular heterogeneity of NSCLC and availability of various targeted agents suggest personalized therapeutic approaches for such brain metastases, further development of appropriate preclinical models is needed to validate the strategies.
Experimental Design: We established patient-derived xenografts (PDX) using NSCLC brain metastasis surgical samples and elucidated their possible preclinical and clinical implications for personalized treatment.
Results: NSCLC brain metastases (n = 34) showed a significantly higher successful PDX establishment rate than primary specimens (n = 64; 74% vs. 23%). PDXs derived from NSCLC brain metastases recapitulated the pathologic, genetic, and functional properties of corresponding parental tumors. Furthermore, tumor spheres established in vitro from the xenografts under serum-free conditions maintained their in vivo brain metastatic potential. Differential phenotypic and molecular responses to 20 targeted agents could subsequently be screened in vitro using these NSCLC PDXs derived from brain metastases. Although PDX establishment from primary NSCLCs was significantly influenced by histologic subtype, clinical aggressiveness, and genetic alteration status, the brain metastases exhibited consistently adequate in vivo tumor take rate and in vitro tumor sphere formation capacity, regardless of clinical and molecular conditions.
Conclusions: Therefore, PDXs from NSCLC brain metastases may better represent the heterogeneous advanced NSCLC population and could be utilized as preclinical models to meet unmet clinical needs such as drug screening for personalized treatments. Clin Cancer Res; 21(5); 1172–82. ©2014 AACR.
Extreme Concentrations of Endogenous Sex Hormones, Ischemic Heart Disease, and Death in Women
Authors: Benn Marianne , Voss Sidsel Skou , Holmegard Haya N. , Jensen Gorm B. , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G. 
Published: December 2014

Objective—
Sex hormones may be critical determinants of ischemic heart disease and death in women, but results from previous studies are conflicting. To clarify this, we tested the hypothesis that extreme plasma concentrations of endogenous estradiol and testosterone are associated with risk of ischemic heart disease and death in women.

Approach and Results—
In a nested prospective cohort study, we measured plasma estradiol in 4600 and total testosterone in 4716 women not receiving oral contraceptives or hormonal replacement therapy from the 1981 to 1983 examination of the Copenhagen City Heart Study. During ≤30 years of follow-up, 1013 women developed ischemic heart disease and 2716 died. In women with a plasma estradiol below the fifth percentile compared with between the 10th and 89th percentiles, multifactorially adjusted risk of ischemic heart disease was 44% (95% confidence interval, 14%–81%) higher; however, plasma estradiol concentrations did not associate with death. Also, in women with a plasma testosterone concentration at or above the 95th percentile compared with between the 10th and 89th percentiles, multifactorially adjusted risk was 68% (34%–210%) higher for ischemic heart disease, 36% (18%–58%) higher for any death, and 38% (15%–65%) higher for death from other causes than cardiovascular disease and cancer. These results were similar for postmenopausal women alone.

Conclusions—
In women, extreme low concentrations of endogenous estradiol were associated with high risk of ischemic heart disease, and extreme high concentrations of endogenous testosterone were associated with high risk of ischemic heart disease and death.
MEF2B-Nox1 Signaling Is Critical for Stretch-Induced Phenotypic Modulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Rodríguez Andrés I. , Csányi Gábor , Ranayhossaini Daniel J. , Feck Douglas M. , Blose Kory J. , Assatourian Lillian , Vorp David A. , Pagano Patrick J. 
Published: December 2014

Objective—
Blood vessel hemodynamics have profound influences on function and structure of vascular cells. One of the main mechanical forces influencing vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is cyclic stretch (CS). Increased CS stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in VSMC, leading to their dedifferentiation, yet the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that pathological CS stimulates NADPH oxidase isoform 1 (Nox1)–derived ROS via MEF2B, leading to VSMC dysfunction via a switch from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype.

Approach and Results—
Using a newly developed isoform-specific Nox1 inhibitor and gene silencing technology, we demonstrate that a novel pathway, including MEF2B-Nox1-ROS, is upregulated under pathological stretch conditions, and this pathway promotes a VSMC phenotypic switch from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. We observed that CS (10% at 1 Hz) mimicking systemic hypertension in humans increased Nox1 mRNA, protein levels, and enzymatic activity in a time-dependent manner, and this upregulation was mediated by MEF2B. Furthermore, we show that stretch-induced Nox1-derived ROS upregulated a specific marker for synthetic phenotype (osteopontin), whereas it downregulated classical markers for contractile phenotype (calponin1 and smoothelin B). In addition, our data demonstrated that stretch-induced Nox1 activation decreases actin fiber density and augments matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity, VSMC migration, and vectorial alignment.

Conclusions—
These results suggest that CS initiates a signal through MEF2B that potentiates Nox1-mediated ROS production and causes VSMC to switch to a synthetic phenotype. The data also characterize a new Nox1 inhibitor as a potential therapy for treatment of vascular dysfunction in hypertension.