bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TH‐C‐12A‐06: Feasibility of a MLC‐Based Inversely Optimized Multi‐Field Grid Therapy Technique
Authors: Jin J , Zhao B , Huang Y , Kim J , Qin Y , Wen N , Ryu S , Chetty I 
Published: July 2014

Purpose:Grid therapy (GT), which generates highly spatially modulated dose distributions, can deliver single‐ or hypo‐fractionated radiotherapy for large tumors without causing significant toxicities. GT may be applied in combination with immunotherapy, in light of recent preclinical data of synergetic interaction between radiotherapy and immunotherapy. However, conventional GT uses only one field, which does not have the advantage of multi‐fields in 3D conformal‐RT or IMRT. We have proposed a novel MLC‐based, inverse‐planned multi‐field 3D GT technique. This study aims to test its deliverability and dosimetric accuracy.Methods:A lattice of small spheres was created as the boost volume within a large target. A simultaneous boost IMRT plan with 8‐Gy to the target and 20‐Gy to the boost volume was generated in the Eclipse treatment planning system (AAA v10) with a HD120 MLC. Nine beams were used, and the gantry and couch angles were selected so that the spheres were perfectly aligned in every beams eye view. The plan was mapped to a phantom with dose scaled. EBT3 films were calibrated and used to measure the delivered dose.Results:The IMRT plan generated a highly spatially modulated dose distribution in the target. D95%, D50%, D5% for the spheres and the targets in Gy were 18.5, 20.0, 21.4 and 7.9, 9.8, 16.1, respectively. D50% for a 1cm ring 1cm outside the target was 2.9‐Gy. Film dosimetry showed good agreement between calculated and delivered dose, with an overall gamma passing rate of 99.6% (3%/1mm). The point dose differences for different spheres varied from 1–6%.Conclusion:We have demonstrated the deliverability and dose calculation accuracy of the MLC‐based inversely optimized multi‐field GT technique, which achieved a brachytherapy‐like dose distribution. Single‐fraction high dose can be delivered to the spheres in a large target with minimal dose to the surrounding normal tissue.
Weight Loss and Psychological-Related States in High-Level Judo Athletes
Authors: Escobar-Molina Raquel , Rodríguez-Ruiz Sonia , Gutiérrez-García Carlos , Franchini Emerson 
Published: July 2014

Purpose:This study aimed at comparing weight loss methods (WLM) performed near competition by elite judo athletes from different age and gender groups and relating WLM with the prevalence of eating disorders.Methods:144 athletes (66 females and 78 males) from the Spanish judo teams participated in this observational descriptive study grouped into cadets, juniors, and seniors. Data were collected during previous training meetings to international tournaments. The used tools are a basic data questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T), Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait (FCQ-T), Restraint Scale (RS), and Eating Attitude Test (EAT-40). Two-way ANOVAs and chi-square tests were used to compare groups.Results:Seniors presented higher use of WLM, especially one week before competition compared with juniors. Judoists were more involved in their diets and reduced more weight as they were older. Females were more concerned about their diets, presented higher anxiety, scored higher in the emotion scale, and more eating disorders symptoms, although weight loss was lower. Anxiety and eating disorders symptoms differences were more common in juniors and cadets, respectively, with higher scores in females.Conclusions and Implications:Seniors seem to develop more effective strategies to cope with weight loss. Cadet and junior females are more likely to suffer from the psychological-related states associated to weight loss. Implications: (1) Educational programs might help competitors and coaches to adopt and promote healthier weight loss processes, (2) special attention should be paid to female young judoists to detect eating disorders in its early stages, and (3) judo organizations should consider implementing new rules to sanction harmful weight loss practices.
First Whole-Genome Sequence of a Clinical Isolate of Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium bovis BCG
Authors: Renvoisé A. , Pang S. , Bernard C. , Brossier F. , Veziris N. , Capton E. , Jarlier V. , Sougakoff W. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

The attenuated BCG strain of
Mycobacterium bovis
is widely used as a vaccine against tuberculosis. However, in rare cases, it can be pathogenic to humans. Here, we report the first draft of a whole-genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate of
M. bovis
BCG.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium neoaurum Strain DSM 44074
T
Authors: Phelippeau Michael , Robert Catherine , Croce Olivier , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

We report the draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium neoaurum
strain DSM 44074
T
, a nontuberculosis species responsible for opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. The strain described here is composed of 5,536,033 bp, with a G+C content of 66.24%, and carries 5,274 protein-coding genes and 72 RNA genes.
Predictors of hospitalisations for heart failure and mortality in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease: a systematic review
Authors: Dzudie Anastase , Kengne Andre Pascal , Thienemann Friedrich , Sliwa Karen 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesLeft heart disease (LHD) is the main cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH), but little is known regarding the predictors of adverse outcome of PH associated with LHD (PH-LHD). We conducted a systematic review to investigate the predictors of hospitalisations for heart failure and mortality in patients with PH-LHD.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesPubMed MEDLINE and SCOPUS from inception to August 2013 were searched, and citations identified via the ISI Web of Science.Study selectionStudies that reported on hospitalisation and/or mortality in patients with PH-LHD were included if the age of participants was greater than 18 years and PH was diagnosed using Doppler echocardiography and/or right heart catheterisation. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed their quality and extracted relevant data.ResultsIn all, 45 studies (38 from Europe and USA) were included among which 71.1% were of high quality. 39 studies were published between 2003 and 2013. The number of participants across studies ranged from 46 to 2385; the proportion of men from 21% to 91%; mean/median age from 63 to 82 years; and prevalence of PH from 7% to 83.3%. PH was consistently associated with increased mortality risk in all forms of LHD, except for aortic valve disease where findings were inconsistent. Six of the nine studies with data available on hospitalisations reported a significant adverse effect of PH on hospitalisation risk. Other predictors of adverse outcome were very broad and heterogeneous including right ventricular dysfunction, functional class, left ventricular function and presence of kidney disease.ConclusionsPH is almost invariably associated with increased mortality risk in patients with LHD. However, effects on hospitalisation risk are yet to be fully characterised; while available evidence on the adverse effects of PH have been derived essentially from Caucasians.
Unmasking health determinants and health outcomes for urban First Nations using respondent-driven sampling
Authors: Firestone M , Smylie J , Maracle S , Spiller M , O'Campo P 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivePopulation-based health information on urban Aboriginal populations in Canada is limited due to challenges with the identification of Aboriginal persons in existing health data sets. The main objective of the Our Health Counts (OHC) project was to work in partnership with Aboriginal stakeholders to generate a culturally relevant, representative baseline health data set for three urban Aboriginal communities in Ontario, Canada.DesignRespondent-driven sampling (RDS).SettingHamilton, Ontario, Canada.ParticipantsThe OHC study, in partnership with the De dwa da dehs ney >s Aboriginal Health Access Centre (DAHC), recruited 554 First Nations adults living in Hamilton using RDS.ResultsAmong First Nations adults living in Hamilton, 78% earned less than $20 000 per year and 70% lived in the lowest income quartile neighbourhoods. Mobility and crowded living conditions were also highly prevalent. Common chronic diseases included arthritis, hypertension, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and rates of emergency room access were elevated.ConclusionsRDS is an effective sampling method in urban Aboriginal contexts as it builds on existing social networks and successfully identified a population-based cohort. The findings illustrate striking disparities in health determinants and health outcomes between urban First Nations individuals and the general population which have important implications for health services delivery, programming and policy development.
Protocol of the Febuxostat versus Allopurinol Streamlined Trial (FAST): a large prospective, randomised, open, blinded endpoint study comparing the cardiovascular safety of allopurinol and febuxostat in the management of symptomatic hyperuricaemia
Authors: MacDonald Thomas M , Ford Ian , Nuki George , Mackenzie Isla S , De Caterina Raffaele , Findlay Evelyn , Hallas Jesper , Hawkey Christopher J , Ralston Stuart , Walters Matthew , Webster John , McMurray John , Perez Ruiz Fernando , Jennings Claudine G 
Published: July 2014

IntroductionGout affects 2.5% of the UK's adult population and is now the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. The long-term management of gout requires reduction of serum urate levels and this is most often achieved with use of xanthine oxidase inhibitors, such as allopurinol. Febuxostat is the first new xanthine oxidase inhibitor since allopurinol and was licensed for use in 2008. The European Medicines Agency requested a postlicensing cardiovascular safety study of febuxostat versus allopurinol, which has been named the Febuxostat versus Allopurinol Streamlined trial (FAST).Methods and analysisFAST is a cardiovascular safety study using the prospective, randomised, open, blinded endpoint design. FAST is recruiting in the UK and Denmark. Recruited patients are aged over 60 years, prescribed allopurinol for symptomatic hyperuricaemia and have at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor. After an allopurinol lead-in phase where the dose of allopurinol is optimised to achieve European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) urate targets (serum urate <357 µmol/L), patients are randomised to either continue optimal dose allopurinol or to use febuxostat. Patients are followed-up for an average of 3 years. The primary endpoint is first occurrence of the Anti-Platelet Trialists’ Collaboration (APTC) cardiovascular endpoint of non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or cardiovascular death. Secondary endpoints are all cause mortality and hospitalisations for heart failure, unstable, new or worsening angina, coronary or cerebral revascularisation, transient ischaemic attack, non-fatal cardiac arrest, venous and peripheral arterial vascular thrombotic event and arrhythmia with no evidence of ischaemia. The primary analysis is a non-inferiority analysis with a non-inferiority upper limit for the HR for the primary outcome of 1.3.Ethics and disseminationFAST (ISRCTN72443728) has ethical approval in the UK and Denmark, and results will be published in a peer reviewed journal.Trial Registration numberFAST is registered in the EU Clinical Trials Register (EUDRACT No: 2011-001883-23) and International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register (ISRCTN No:ISRCTN72443728).
The Canadian survey of health, lifestyle and ageing with multiple sclerosis: methodology and initial results
Authors: Ploughman Michelle , Beaulieu Serge , Harris Chelsea , Hogan Stephen , Manning Olivia J , Alderdice Penelope W , Fisk John D , Sadovnick A Dessa , O'Connor Paul , Morrow Sarah A , Metz Luanne M , Smyth Penelope , Mayo Nancy , Marrie Ruth Ann , Knox Katherine B , Stefanelli Mark , Godwin Marshall 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivePeople with multiple sclerosis (MS) are living longer so strategies to enhance long-term health are garnering more interest. We aimed to create a profile of ageing with MS in Canada by recruiting 1250 (5% of the Canadian population above 55 years with MS) participants and focusing data collection on health and lifestyle factors, disability, participation and quality of life to determine factors associated with healthy ageing.DesignNational multicentre postal survey.SettingRecruitment from Canadian MS clinics, MS Society of Canada chapters and newspaper advertisements.ParticipantsPeople aged 55 years or older with MS symptoms more than 20 years.Outcome measuresValidated outcome measures and custom-designed questions examining MS disease characteristics, living situation, disability, comorbid conditions, fatigue, health behaviours, mental health, social support, impact of MS and others.ResultsOf the 921 surveys, 743 were returned (80.7% response rate). Participants (mean age 64.6±6.2 years) reported living with MS symptoms for an average of 32.9±9.5 years and 28.6% were either wheelchair users or bedridden. There was only 5.4% missing data and 709 respondents provided optional qualitative information. According to data derived from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey of Canadians above 55 years of age, older people with MS from this survey sample are about eight times less likely to be employed full-time. Older people with MS were less likely to engage in regular physical activity (26.7%) compared with typical older Canadians (45.2%). However, they were more likely to abstain from alcohol and smoking.ConclusionsDespite barriers to participation, we were able to recruit and gather detailed responses (with good data quality) from a large proportion of older Canadians with MS. The data suggest that this sample of older people with MS is less likely to be employed, are less active and more disabled than other older Canadians.
Influences of the neighbourhood food environment on adiposity of low-income preschool-aged children in Los Angeles County: a longitudinal study
Authors: Chaparro M Pia , Whaley Shannon E , Crespi Catherine M , Koleilat Maria , Nobari Tabashir Z , Seto Edmund , Wang May C 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundFew studies have examined the association between the food environment and adiposity in early childhood, a critical time for obesity prevention. The objective of this study was to examine the longitudinal association between neighbourhood food environment and adiposity among low-income preschool-aged children in a major metropolitan region in the USA.MethodsThe study sample was 32 172 low-income preschool-aged children in Los Angeles County who had repeated weight and height measurements collected between ages 2 and 5 years through a federal nutrition assistance programme. We conducted multilevel longitudinal analyses to examine how spatial densities of healthy and unhealthy retail food outlets in the children's neighbourhoods were related to adiposity, as measured by weight-for-height z-score (WHZ), while controlling for neighbourhood-level income and education, family income, maternal education, and child's gender and race/ethnicity.ResultsDensity of healthy food outlets was associated with mean WHZ at age 3 in a non-linear fashion, with mean WHZ being lowest for those exposed to approximately 0.7 healthy food outlets per square mile and higher for lesser and greater densities. Density of unhealthy food outlets was not associated with child WHZ.ConclusionsWe found a non-linear relationship between WHZ and density of healthy food outlets. Research aiming to understand the sociobehavioural mechanisms by which the retail food environment influences early childhood obesity development is complex and must consider contextual settings.
Transactional Auto Scaler
Authors: Didona Diego , Romano Paolo , Peluso Sebastiano , Quaglia Francesco 
Published: July 2014

In this article, we introduce TAS (Transactional Auto Scaler), a system for automating the elastic scaling of replicated in-memory transactional data grids, such as NoSQL data stores or Distributed Transactional Memories. Applications of TAS range from online self-optimization of in-production applications to the automatic generation of QoS/cost-driven elastic scaling policies, as well as to support for what-if analysis on the scalability of transactional applications.
In this article, we present the key innovation at the core of TAS, namely, a novel performance forecasting methodology that relies on the joint usage of analytical modeling and machine learning. By exploiting these two classically competing approaches in a synergic fashion, TAS achieves the best of the two worlds, namely, high extrapolation power and good accuracy, even when faced with complex workloads deployed over public cloud infrastructures.
We demonstrate the accuracy and feasibility of TAS’s performance forecasting methodology via an extensive experimental study based on a fully fledged prototype implementation integrated with a popular open-source in-memory transactional data grid (Red Hat’s Infinispan) and industry-standard benchmarks generating a breadth of heterogeneous workloads.
Known and Novel Sources of Variability in the Nicotine Metabolite Ratio in a Large Sample of Treatment-Seeking Smokers
Authors: Chenoweth Meghan J. , Novalen Maria , Hawk Larry W. , Schnoll Robert A. , George Tony P. , Cinciripini Paul M. , Lerman Caryn , Tyndale Rachel F. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Background: The ratio of 3′hydroxycotinine to cotinine, or nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR), is strongly associated with CYP2A6 genotype, CYP2A6-mediated nicotine and cotinine metabolism, and nicotine clearance. Higher NMR (faster nicotine clearance) is associated retrospectively with heavier smoking and lower cessation rates.
Methods: NMR as a predictive biomarker of cessation outcomes is being investigated (NCT01314001). In addition to strong CYP2A6 genetic influences on NMR, demographic and hormonal factors alter NMR. Here, we analyzed, for the first time together, these sources of variation on NMR in smokers screened for this clinical trial (N = 1,672).
Results: Participants (mean age = 45.9) were 65.1% Caucasian, 34.9% African American, and 54.8% male. Mean NMR (SD) was higher in Caucasians versus African Americans [0.41 (0.20) vs. 0.33 (0.21); P &lt; 0.001], and in females versus males [0.41 (0.22) vs. 0.37 (0.20); P &lt; 0.001]. Among females, birth control pill use (N = 17) and hormone replacement therapy (N = 14) were associated with 19.5% (P = 0.09) and 29.3% (P = 0.06) higher mean NMR, respectively, albeit nonsignificantly. BMI was negatively associated with NMR (Rho = −0.14; P &lt; 0.001), whereas alcohol use (Rho = 0.11; P &lt; 0.001) and cigarette consumption (Rho = 0.12; P &lt; 0.001) were positively associated with NMR. NMR was 16% lower in mentholated cigarette users (P &lt; 0.001). When analyzed together in a linear regression model, these predictors (each ≤2%) accounted for &lt;8% of total NMR variation.
Conclusions: Although these factors significantly affected NMR, they contributed little (together &lt;8%; each ≤2%) to total NMR variation.
Impact: Thus, when using NMR, for example, to prospectively guide smoking cessation therapy, these sources of variation are unlikely to cause NMR misclassification. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(9); 1773–82. ©2014 AACR.
Excess of Proximal Microsatellite-Stable Colorectal Cancer in African Americans from a Multiethnic Study
Authors: Xicola Rosa M. , Gagnon Molly , Clark Julia R. , Carroll Timothy , Gao Weihua , Fernandez Christian , Mijic Dragana , Rawson James B. , Janoski Ashley , Pusatcioglu Cenk K. , Rajaram Priyanka , Gluskin Adam B. , Regan Maureen , Chaudhry Vivek , Abcarian Herand , Blumetti Jennifer , Cintron Jose , Melson Joshua , Xie Hui , Guzman Grace , Emmadi Rajyasree , Alagiozian-Angelova Victoria , Kupfer Sonia S. , Braunschweig Carol , Ellis Nathan A. , Llor Xavier 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Purpose: African Americans (AA) have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer compared with other U.S. populations and more proximal colorectal cancers. The objective is to elucidate the basis of these cancer disparities.
Experimental design: Of note, 566 AA and 328 non-Hispanic White (NHW) colorectal cancers were ascertained in five Chicago hospitals. Clinical and exposure data were collected. Microsatellite instability (MSI) and BRAF (V600E) and KRAS mutations were tested. Statistical significance of categorical variables was tested by the Fisher exact test or logistic regression and age by the Mann–Whitney U test.
Results: Over a 10-year period, the median age at diagnosis significantly decreased for both AAs (68–61; P &lt; 0.01) and NHWs (64.5– 62; P = 0.04); more AA patients were diagnosed before age 50 than NHWs (22% vs. 15%; P = 0.01). AAs had more proximal colorectal cancer than NHWs (49.5% vs. 33.7%; P &lt; 0.01), but overall frequencies of MSI, BRAF and KRAS mutations were not different nor were they different by location in the colon. Proximal colorectal cancers often presented with lymphocytic infiltrate (P &lt; 0.01) and were diagnosed at older ages (P = 0.02). Smoking, drinking, and obesity were less common in this group, but results were not statistically significant.
Conclusions: Patients with colorectal cancer have gotten progressively younger. The excess of colorectal cancer in AAs predominantly consists of more proximal, microsatellite stable tumors, commonly presenting lymphocytic infiltrate and less often associated with toxic exposures or a higher BMI. Younger AAs had more distal colorectal cancers than older ones. These data suggest two different mechanisms driving younger age and proximal location of colorectal cancers in AAs. Clin Cancer Res; 20(18); 4962–70. ©2014 AACR.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Promote Thrombin Generation Through Platelet-Dependent and Platelet-Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Gould Travis J. , Vu Trang T. , Swystun Laura L. , Dwivedi Dhruva J. , Mai Safiah H.C. , Weitz Jeffrey I. , Liaw Patricia C. 
Published: July 2014

Objective—
Activation of neutrophils by microbial or inflammatory stimuli results in the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that are composed of DNA, histones, and antimicrobial proteins. In purified systems, cell-free DNA (CFDNA) activates the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, whereas histones promote thrombin generation through platelet-dependent mechanisms. However, the overall procoagulant effects of CFDNA/histone complexes as part of intact NETs are unknown. In this study, we examined the procoagulant potential of intact NETs released from activated neutrophils. We also determined the relative contribution of CFDNA and histones to thrombin generation in plasmas from patients with sepsis.

Approach and Results—
NETs released from phorbyl myristate–activated neutrophils enhance thrombin generation in platelet-poor plasma. This effect was DNA dependent (confirmed by DNase treatment) and occurred via the intrinsic pathway of coagulation (confirmed with coagulation factor XII– and coagulation factor XI–depleted plasma). In platelet-rich plasma treated with corn trypsin inhibitor, addition of phorbyl myristate–activated neutrophils increased thrombin generation and shortened the lag time in a toll-like receptor-2– and toll-like receptor-4–dependent mechanism. Addition of DNase further augmented thrombin generation, suggesting that dismantling of the NET scaffold increases histone-mediated, platelet-dependent thrombin generation. In platelet-poor plasma samples from patients with sepsis, we found a positive correlation between endogenous CFDNA and thrombin generation, and addition of DNase attenuated thrombin generation.

Conclusions—
These studies examine the procoagulant activities of CFDNA and histones in the context of NETs. Our studies also implicate a role for the intrinsic pathway of coagulation in sepsis pathogenesis.