bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations do not change significantly in the immediate seven-day period post myocardial infarction
Authors: Patel Prashanth , Davies Timothy , Madira Webster , Gupta Pankaj 
Published: October 2014

Background Lipoprotein(a) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease and its variability after myocardial infarction was assessed in this study. Methods Lipoprotein(a) was analysed by a size insensitive latex immunoturbidimetric end point assay in samples from days 0 to 7 in 31 patients admitted with myocardial infarction. Results Median lipoprotein(a) changed by −0.9%, −0.1% and 9.6% on days 1, 2–3 and 4–7, respectively, and was not statistically significant. Median total cholesterol reduced by 8.7%, 9.1%, 14.5% and C-reactive protein increased by 68.4%, 510%, 502% over days 1, 2–3, 4–7, respectively. Conclusions Unlike total cholesterol and C-reactive protein, lipoprotein(a) does not demonstrate significant variability for up to seven days after myocardial infarction and measurements made during this period after myocardial infarction are physiologically meaningful.
Treatment of Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease with a Low Salicylate Diet: A Pilot Crossover Study
Authors: Sommer Doron D. , Hoffbauer Stephanie , Au Michael , Sowerby Leigh J. , Gupta Michael K. , Nayan Smriti 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveAspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is comprised of aspirin/acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) sensitivity, bronchial asthma, and nasal polyposis. Treatment of this condition is challenging and may include topical/systemic steroids, endoscopic sinus surgery, and/or aspirin desensitization.Study DesignA prospective crossover pilot study (n = 10) was conducted in which patients were randomized into either of 2 groups with 6 weeks of regular diet (R) or 6 weeks of a low salicylate diet (LS).SettingThe study was conducted in a tertiary otolaryngology clinic.SubjectsPatients with AERD were enrolled in the study.MethodsSubjective (Sino‐nasal Outcome Test‐22 [SNOT‐22], Nasal Sinus Symptom Scale [NSSS], and the Asthma Control Questionnaire‐7 [ACQ‐7]) and objective outcome instruments (Peri‐Operative Sinus Evaluation [POSE] and Lund‐Kennedy Endoscopic Score [LKES]) were used to evaluate patients at baseline, 6 weeks (at crossover), and 12 weeks.ResultsWilcoxon rank sum tests demonstrated that patients on the low salicylate diet had improved scores compared to their regular diet when evaluated by 4 of the 5 outcome measures (SNOT‐22 pLS = 0.0059, NSSS pLS = 0.0195, LKES pLS = 0.0039, POSE pLS = 0.005).ConclusionResults of the pilot study indicate that implementation of a low salicylate diet improves the nasal symptoms and nasal endoscopy findings of individuals with AERD. Further research is required to support these findings.
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound for Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Lesions: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Dongmei , Han Yuna , Chen Taotao 
Published: October 2014

Objective.Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a new noninvasive modality for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. However, the performance of CEUS in differentiating malignant and benign thyroid nodules has not been systematically evaluated. This meta‐analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of CEUS in diagnosing thyroid nodules.Data SourcesPubMed, Embase, and the references of included studies were examined.Review MethodsWe recorded the characteristics of the included studies and assessed the quality of each study using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR), negative LR, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. We also evaluated the publication bias.ResultsThis meta‐analysis included 7 studies with a total of 597 thyroid nodules. The pooled the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative LR were 0.853, 0.876, 5.822, and 0.195, respectively. The DOR and AUC were 34.730 and 0.9162, respectively. Heterogeneity existed between the included studies. The results of subgroup analyses indicated that the evaluation processes are likely the predominant source of heterogeneity. No significant publication bias was observed.ConclusionContrast‐enhanced ultrasound is a promising noninvasive technique for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and could be a valuable supplemental method to fine‐needle aspiration.
Predictors of hospital stay and home care services use: A population-based, retrospective cohort study in stage IV gastric cancer
Authors: Mahar Alyson L , Coburn Natalie G , Viola Raymond , Johnson Ana P 
Published: October 2014

Background: Home care services use has been proposed as a means of reducing costs in palliative care by decreasing hospital stay without impacting quality of clinical care; however, little is known about utilization of these services in the time following a terminal cancer diagnosis. Aim: To examine disease, patient and healthcare system predictors of hospital stay, and home care services use in metastatic gastric cancer patients. Design: This is a population-based, retrospective cohort study. Chart review and administrative data were linked, using a 26-month time horizon to collect health services data. Participants: All patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer in the province of Ontario between 2005 and 2008 were included in the study ( n = 1433). Results: Age, comorbidity, tumor location, and burden of metastatic disease were identified as predictors of hospital stay and receipt of home care services. Individuals who received home care services spent fewer days in hospital than individuals who did not (relative risk: 0.44; 95% confidence interval: 0.38–0.51). Patients who interacted with a high-volume oncology specialist had shorter cumulative hospital stay (relative risk: 0.62; 95% confidence interval: 0.54–0.71) and were less likely to receive home care services (relative risk: 0.80; 95% confidence interval: 0.72–0.88) than those who did not. Conclusion: Examining how differences in hospital stay and home care services use impact clinical outcomes and how policies may reduce costs to the healthcare system is necessary.
Correlation between whole tumor size and solid component size on high-resolution computed tomography in the prediction of the degree of pathologic malignancy and the prognostic outcome in primary lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Saji Hisashi , Matsubayashi Jun , Akata Soichi , Shimada Yoshihisa , Kato Yasufumi , Kudo Yujin , Nagao Toshitaka , Park Jinho , Kakihana Masatoshi , Kajiwara Naohiro , Ohira Tatsuo , Ikeda Norihiko 
Published: October 2014

Background The presence of ground glass opacity (GGO) on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is well known to be pathologically closely associated with adenocarcinoma in situ. Purpose To determine whether it is more useful to evaluate the whole tumor size or only the solid component size to predict the pathologic high-grade malignancy and the prognostic outcome in lung adenocarcinoma. Material and Methods Using HRCT data of 232 patients with adenocarcinoma who underwent curative resection, we retrospectively measured the whole tumor and solid component sizes with lung window setting (WTLW and SCLW) and whole tumor sizes with a mediastinal window setting (WTMW). Results There was significant correlation between the WTLW and the measurements of pathological whole tumor (pWT) (r = 0.792, P < 0.0001). The SCLW and WTLW values significantly correlated with the area of pathological invasive component (pIVS) (r = 0.762, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.771, P < 0.0001, respectively). The receiver operating characteristics area under the curve for WTLW, SCLW, and WTMW used to identify lymph node metastasis or lymphatic or vascular invasion were 0.693, 0.817, and 0.824, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were better divided according to SCLW and WTMW, compared with WTLW. Multivariate analysis of DFS and OS revealed that WTMW was an independent prognostic factor (HR = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58–0.90, P = 0.004 and HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.57–0.96, P = 0.022, respectively). Conclusion The predictive values of the solid tumor size visualized on HRCT especially in the mediastinal window for pathologic high-grade malignancy and prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma were greater than those of whole tumor size.
Thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy: do nodule volume and cystic degeneration ratio affect specimen adequacy and cytological diagnosis time?
Authors: Cengic Ismet , Tureli Derya , Ozden Ferhat , Bugdayci Onur , Aydin Hilal , Aribal Erkin 
Published: October 2014

Background A fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules – the least invasive and most accurate method used to investigate malignant lesions – may yield non-diagnostic specimens even under ultrasonographic guidance. Purpose To evaluate the effects of thyroid nodule volume and extent of cystic degeneration on both the non-diagnostic specimen ratio as well as cytopathologist’s definitive cytological diagnosis time. Material and Methods In this single center study, FNAB was performed on 505 patients with single thyroid nodules greater than 10 mm. Nodule volume was calculated prior to FNAB and cystic degeneration ratio was recorded. All biopsies were performed by a single radiologist who also prepared specimen slides. Specimen adequacy and final diagnosis were made in the pathology laboratory by a single-blinded cytopathologist based on the Bethesda system. Definitive cytological diagnosis time was recorded upon reaching a definitive diagnosis. Results The specimen adequacy ratio was 85.3%. The mean nodule volume of adequate specimens was larger than those of non-diagnostic samples (6.00 mL vs. 3.05 mL; P = 0.001). There was no correlation between nodule volume and cytopathologist’s definitive cytological diagnosis time (r = 0.042). Biopsy of predominantly solid nodules yielded better specimen adequacy ratios compared to predominantly cystic nodules (87.8% vs. 75.3%; P = 0.028). Definitive cytological diagnosis times were longer in predominantly cystic nodules compared to predominantly solid nodules (376 s vs. 294 s; P = 0.019). Conclusion Predominantly cystic nodules are likely to benefit from repeated nodular sampling until the specimen is declared adequate by an on-site cytopathologist. If a cytopathologist is not available, obtaining more specimens per nodule may achieve desired adequacy ratios.
Semantic Memory Impairment for Biological and Man-Made Objects in Individuals With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment or Late-Life Depression
Authors: Callahan Brandy L. , Joubert Sven , Tremblay Marie-Pier , Macoir Joël , Belleville Sylvie , Rousseau François , Bouchard Rémi W. , Verret Louis , Hudon Carol 
Published: October 2014

Objective: Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and late-life depression (LLD) both increase the risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD). Very little is known about the similarities and differences between these syndromes. The present study addresses this issue by examining the nature of semantic memory impairment (more precisely, object-based knowledge) in patients at risk of developing AD. Methods: Participants were 17 elderly patients with aMCI, 18 patients with aMCI plus depressive symptoms (aMCI/D+), 15 patients with LLD, and 29 healthy controls. All participants were aged 55 years or older and were administered a semantic battery designed to assess semantic knowledge for 16 biological and 16 man-made items. Results: Overall performance of aMCI/D+ participants was significantly worse than the 3 other groups, and performance for questions assessing knowledge for biological items was poorer than for questions relating to man-made items. Conclusion: This study is the first to show that aMCI/D+ is associated with object-based semantic memory impairment. These results support the view that semantic deficits in aMCI are associated with concomitant depressive symptoms. However, depressive symptoms alone do not account exclusively for semantic impairment, since patients with LLD showed no semantic memory deficit.
Reliability of a New Radiological Method for Assessment of the Postoperative Immobilization of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Authors: Moraiti Constantina , Klouche Shahnaz , Stiglitz Yves , Hardy Philippe , Bauer Thomas 
Published: October 2014

Background: The success of the operative treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus (HV) relies greatly on the osseous union of the osteotomies at the desired position. Full weight-bearing is often allowed immediately postoperatively with special forefoot off-loading shoes. No precise methodology exists for the estimation of foot immobilization inside those shoes. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of a new radiological measurement method to assess the immobilization of the first metatarsophalangeal (M1P1) joint inside a postoperative forefoot off-loading rocker shoe. Methods: A prospective single-center study was conducted during 2012. Patients operated on for mild or moderate HV deformity with a percutaneous technique by the same surgeon were included. Twenty-four patients (33 feet) fulfilled the inclusion criteria, all women and mean age of 56.6 ± 12.7 years. Standard lateral foot X-rays were obtained 1 week postoperatively with the patient standing in 2 positions, wearing the same forefoot off-loading rocker shoe: the foot flat on the ground (imitating midstance) and on the toes (imitating propulsion). The main evaluation criterion was the immobilization of the M1P1 joint estimated through the difference between the values of the M1P1 angle in the sagittal plane in these positions. Validity and reliability of this new measurement were assessed with Pearson’s correlation coefficients ( r) and intraclass correlation (ICC, ρ) coefficients. Results: The inter- and intraobserver reliability of the measurement was excellent to good. The mean M1P1 angle was 17.5 ± 7 degrees in the position imitating the midstance and 20.7 ± 7.5 degrees in the position imitating propulsion ( P < 10−5). Conclusion: This new radiological measurement for assessing immobilization of the M1P1 joint was a valid and reliable method. Level of Evidence: Level II, diagnostic study.
A Comparison of Efficacy Between Recombinant Activated Factor VII (Aryoseven) and Novoseven in Patients With Hereditary FVIII Deficiency With Inhibitor
Authors: Faranoush M. , Abolghasemi H. , Mahboudi F. , Toogeh Gh. , Karimi M. , Eshghi P. , Managhchi M. , Hoorfar H. , Dehdezi B. Keikhaei , Mehrvar A. , khoeiny B. , Vaziri B. , Kamyar K. , Heshmat R. , Baghaeipour M. R. , Mirbehbahani N. B. , Fayazfar R. , Ahmadinejad M. , Naderi M. 
Published: October 2014

Introduction: This study compared the efficacy of Aryoseven with Novoseven to control bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A with inhibitors. Methods: Sixty-six patients were randomized into 2 groups, with 4 consecutive block randomization. These groups received Aryoseven and Novoseven dosages of 90 to 120 μg/kg intravenously every 2 hours. Results: Median (interquartile range) level of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitor in groups A and B was 15.0 and 19.0 Bethesda Unit (BU) preadministration. Bleeding onset in group A was 1246 ± 1104 minutes and in group B was 2301 ± 1693 minutes ( P = .311). The Kavakli global response scores and treatment success rate was comparable in both the groups. The side effects in groups A (9.7%) and B (2.9%) were comparable. Conclusion: Biosimilar recombinant activated FVII is found to be as effective as Novoseven in the treatment of acute joint bleeding in patients with hemophilia with inhibitors. Its usage will decrease the gaps in hemophilia.
Effect of acarbose on postprandial blood glucose concentrations in healthy cats fed low and high carbohydrate diets
Authors: Singh Ranee , Rand Jacquie S , Coradini Marcia , Morton John M 
Published: October 2014

Objectives Feeding a low carbohydrate diet is recommended for diabetic cats; however, some cats may require diets containing moderate-to-high carbohydrate and may benefit from the use of therapeutic agents to improve glycemic control. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the α-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose on postprandial plasma glucose concentration when combined with commercially available feline diets high and low in carbohydrate. Methods Twelve healthy, adult, non-obese, neutered cats were enrolled. Plasma glucose concentrations were assessed over 24 h after feeding high and low carbohydrate diets, with and without acarbose, during single and multiple meal tests, in a crossover study. Commercially available feline diets were used, which were high and low in carbohydrate (providing 51% and 7% of metabolizable energy, respectively). Results In cats fed the high carbohydrate diet as a single meal, mean 24 h glucose concentrations were lower when acarbose was administered. Mean glucose concentrations were lower in the first 12 h when acarbose was given once daily, whereas no significant difference was observed in mean results from 12–24 h. Acarbose had little effect in cats eating multiple meals. Compared with consumption of the high carbohydrate diet with acarbose, lower mean 24 h and peak glucose concentrations were achieved by feeding the low carbohydrate diet alone. Conclusions and relevance In healthy cats meal-fed diets of similar composition to the diets used in this study, acarbose has minimal effect when a low carbohydrate diet is fed but reduces postprandial glucose concentrations over 24 h when a high carbohydrate diet is fed. However, mean glucose concentrations over 24 h are still higher when a high carbohydrate diet with acarbose is fed relative to the low carbohydrate diet without acarbose. Future studies in diabetic cats are warranted to confirm these findings.
Effect of Alfacalcidol on multiple sclerosis-related fatigue: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Achiron Anat , Givon Uri , Magalashvili David , Dolev Mark , Liraz Zaltzman Sigal , Kalron Alon , Stern Yael , Mazor Zeev , Ladkani David , Barak Yoram 
Published: October 2014

Context: Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS); however, there is no medication that has been approved specifically to treat MS-related fatigue. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D analogue, Alfacalcidol, on MS-related fatigue. Design, settings, participants: This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial in patients with clinically definite MS by McDonald criteria conducted in a single university-affiliated medical center in Israel. Randomly selected patients from the Sheba MS Registry computerized database ( N=600) were assessed using the self-report Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Patients with clinically meaningful fatigue ( N=259) were further assessed for trial eligibility, and MS patients with significant fatigue ( N=158; 61%, 118 females, mean age 41.1 ± 9.2 years and mean disease duration of 6.2 ± 5.5 years) were included in the study and randomized to receive treatment or placebo. Intervention: Alfacalcidol (1 mcg/d, N=80) or placebo ( N=78) was administered for six consecutive months. Main outcome measure: The primary endpoint of the study was the change between Alfacalcidol and placebo-treated patients in the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) score; the cut-off point for improvement was defined as 30% decrease. All analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle and were performed for all participants based on the group they were randomly allocated regardless of whether or not they dropped out. Results: Alfacalcidol decreased the mean relative FIS score as compared with placebo (–41.6% vs. –27.4%, p=0.007, respectively). This advantage was further emphasized when the modified FIS (MFIS) relative change was calculated. Quality of Life (QoL) improved in Alfacalcidol-treated patients as compared with placebo in the RAYS psychological ( p=0.033) and social ( p=0.043) sub-scales. The Alfacalcidol-treated group had reduced number of relapses ( p=0.006) and higher proportion of relapse-free patients ( p=0.007). Reduction of relapses by Alfacalcidol became significant at 4 months of treatment, was sustained at 6 months and decayed 2 months after drug discontinuation. Alfacalcidol treatment was safe and no serious adverse events were recorded. Conclusion: Alfacalcidol is a safe and effective treatment strategy to decrease fatigue and improve QoL in patients with MS.
School performance as a marker of cognitive decline prior to diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sinay Vladimiro , Perez Akly Manuel , Zanga Gisela , Ciardi Celina , Racosta Juan M 
Published: October 2014

Background: For many years, cognitive impairment has been established as a well-known symptom of multiple sclerosis. Moreover, we know that it was present even at the beginning of the disease. Objective: In this case-control study, we decided to evaluate whether there is an impairment of cognitive functions even before onset in those patients who will eventually suffer from multiple sclerosis. Methods: We evaluated the overall school performance, and particularly school performance in math and language in a group of patients who would later develop the disease and we compared our findings with a control group. Results: We found that school performance was poorer in subjects who were to become patients. And we found that the later the start of the first symptom, the better the qualifications. Conclusion: Testing a premorbid cognitive deficit by a validated indirect evaluation method allowed us to verify that there was evidence of neurological compromise even before a clinical diagnosis or the completion of the first magnetic resonance imaging in patients who would then suffer from multiple sclerosis.
Prevalence of multiple sclerosis among immigrants in Norway
Authors: Berg-Hansen Pål , Moen Stine M , Sandvik Leiv , Harbo Hanne F , Bakken Inger J , Stoltenberg Camilla , Celius Elisabeth G 
Published: October 2014

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence is unevenly distributed worldwide. Immigration to Norway from countries with a lower MS prevalence is increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate MS prevalence in different immigrant populations in Norway and evaluate the effect of migrating from low- to high-risk regions of MS. Method: First- and second-generation immigrants from the largest immigrant populations were identified from the 2012 Norwegian prevalence study. Prevalence of MS in different ethnic groups was compared using the standardized prevalence ratio (SPR). Results: European and North-American immigrants had the highest prevalence of MS, whereas African and Asian immigrants had the lowest. The prevalence of first-generation Iranian immigrants was not significantly different from the total Norwegian population (SPR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.46–1.03). Second-generation immigrants from Pakistan (SPR 1.62, 95% CI: 0.88–2.76) had a strong increase in prevalence compared to the first generation (SPR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05–0.28). Conclusion: MS prevalence among immigrants in Norway in general reflects the uneven distribution worldwide. The sharp increase in prevalence in immigrants seen in one generation suggests strong environmental factors affecting the MS risk in Norway.