bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Exposure to Evidence‐Based Pharmacotherapy on Outcomes After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Older Adults
Authors: Zuckerman Ilene H. , Yin Xianghua , Rattinger Gail B. , Gottlieb Stephen S. , Simoni‐Wastila Linda , Pierce Sarah A. , Huang Ting‐Ying , Shenolikar Rahul , Stuart Bruce 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of exposure to evidence‐based medication after hospital discharge for Medicare beneficiaries with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).DesignA discrete‐time hazard model was used to estimate time to outcome associated with exposure to four drug classes (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin‐II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta‐blockers (BBs), statins, and clopidogrel) used for post‐AMI secondary prevention of cardiovascular events and mortality.SettingMedicare administrative data for a 5% random sample of beneficiaries.ParticipantsMedicare beneficiaries (N = 9,538) hospitalized for an AMI between April 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007, who survived for at least 30 days after discharge. The cohort was followed until death or December 31, 2008.MeasurementsTime‐varying exposure was measured as proportion of days covered (PDC) for each quarter during the follow‐up period. PDC was classified into five categories (0–0.2, 0.2–0.4, 0.4–0.6, 0.6–0.8, 0.8–1.0). Outcomes were mortality and a composite outcome of death or post‐AMI hospitalization.ResultsOver a median follow‐up of 18 months, mean PDC rates ranged from 0.37 (clopidogrel) to 0.50 (statins). When comparing the highest versus lowest categories of exposure, the hazard of the composite outcome was significantly lower for all drug classes except BBs (statins, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.71, ACEIs/ARBs, aHR = 0.81, clopidogrel, aHR = 0.85, BBs, aHR = 0.93). All four drug classes were significantly associated with reductions in mortality; the magnitude of effect for the mortality outcome was largest for statins and smallest for BBs. Age modified the effect of statins on mortality.ConclusionUse of evidence‐based medications for secondary prevention after AMI is suboptimal in the Medicare population, and low exposure rates are associated with significantly higher risk for subsequent hospitalization and death.
A reporting guideline for clinical platelet transfusion studies from the BEST Collaborative
Authors: Meyer Erin , Delaney Meghan , Lin Yulia , Morris Anna , Pavenski Katerina , Tinmouth Alan , Murphy Mike , Slichter Sherrill J. , Heddle Nancy , Dumont Larry J. 
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies assessing platelet (PLT) transfusion therapy identified gaps in the descriptions of trial design, variables of the PLT products transfused, and outcomes. We aimed to systematically develop a reporting guideline to aid in designing, reporting, and critiquing PLT trials.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: With the use of expert opinion, a preliminary checklist of 23 items was created. The Delphi method, an iterative forecasting method, was used to achieve consensus among experts to systematically improve upon the preliminary checklist. Items were ranked for inclusion using a 7‐point Likert scale from “definitely should not” to “very important to” include. Criteria were established a priori based on the mean score: at least 5.5 accept, 2.6 to 5.4 intermediate, and not more than 2.5 eliminate. Intermediate items were edited and sent out in subsequent rounds for review. Three rounds were undertaken to determine the final checklist.RESULTS: Initially 33 experts participated, decreasing to 25 by the third round. The preliminary checklist consisted of 23 items spread over four sections: methods and intervention, PLT‐specific outcomes, PLT‐specific results, and PLT‐specific adverse events. After three rounds of the Delphi method, the checklist was expanded and refined to include 30 items. The final checklist was further enhanced by adding an explanatory guide.CONCLUSION: Use of the Delphi method was successful in finding consensus on items to include in reports of a clinical PLT transfusion study. The final checklist and explanatory guide will be useful for authors and editors to improve the reporting of PLT transfusion trials.
Importance of regional climates for plant species distribution patterns in moist Afromontane forest
Authors: Schmitt Christine B. , Senbeta Feyera , Woldemariam Tadesse , Rudner Michael , Denich Manfred 
Published: September 2012

AbstractQuestionsHow are plant species distribution patterns in tropical montane forest linked to altitude, regional climate and geographic location? Which climatic variables are most important in explaining variations in floristic diversity? What are potential effects of climate change on species diversity?LocationEthiopia.MethodsVegetation surveys were conducted in 180 study plots distributed across five moist montane forest areas in southwest and southeast Ethiopia (1000–2300 m a.s.l.). Temperature and precipitation data, as well as bioclimatic variables, were derived for each study plot from the WorldClim global climate data set. Species and climate data were analysed with direct and indirect ordination techniques and multivariate regression trees (MRT).ResultsEach of the sampled forest areas showed a distinct species composition and was governed by a particular regional temperature and precipitation pattern related to the topographic variability of the Ethiopian highlands. Hence, a general altitudinal cut‐off level for different forest types applicable in all five moist montane forest areas could not be identified. The most important bioclimatic variable in determining species distribution patterns was the amount of precipitation after the dry season (i.e. precipitation in the warmest quarter), followed by minimum temperature in the coldest month. At a lower hierarchical level, temperature and precipitation seasonality were also identified as significant discriminating variables. Generally, in areas with high precipitation during the warmest quarter (≥288 mm) and low minimum temperature in the coldest month (<10.9 °C), the number of Afromontane species was highest and that of Guineo–Congolian species lowest.ConclusionsThe altitudinal effect on species diversity in the Ethiopian moist montane forests is strongly modified by regional differences in precipitation and temperature regime. The predicted increase in temperature for the Ethiopian highlands due to climate change is likely to affect the distribution of the endemic Afromontane species. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for systematic on‐the‐ground measurements of climate variables in tropical montane areas in order to understand the current climate regime and as a basis for modelling future changes.
A descriptive study of waterpipe smoking among college students
Authors: Noonan Devon 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to examine waterpipe smoking and beliefs about waterpipe smoking in a sample of college students from a public university in Virginia.Data sourcesA web‐based survey was sent to 1000 undergraduate students recruiting them to participate in the study. Measures from the investigator‐developed Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) Waterpipe Questionnaire were used to capture belief‐based components of the TRA related to waterpipe use. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the prevalence of waterpipe smoking and beliefs associated with waterpipe smoking.ConclusionsOf the sample (n = 223), 71% of males and 52% of females reporting ever smoking tobacco using a waterpipe and 22% of males and 5% of females reporting current waterpipe smoking. Of the sample, 28% of males and 10% of females were current cigarette smokers and 25% of males and 10% of females were current marijuana users. Common beliefs associated with waterpipe smoking are also presented.Implications for practiceNurse practitioners working with college students need to be aware of the multiple forms of tobacco that students may engage in. They also should be aware of the common beliefs about waterpipe smoking. This information is useful when targeting and counseling patients about alternative tobacco products like waterpipe smoking.
Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension eating plan in candidates awaiting coronary artery bypass graft surgery, Tehran, Iran
Authors: NEJATI‐NAMIN Sara , ATAIE‐JAFARI Asal , AMIRKALALI Bahareh , HOSSEINI Saeed , SHEIKH FATHOLLAHI Mahmood , NAJAFI Mahdi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAims:  Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the degree of adherence to ‘Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension’ (DASH) diet in hypertensive (H) and normotensive (N) candidates awaiting coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional study on 417 coronary artery bypass graft candidates (219 normotensives and 198 hypertensives) hospitalised at a large heart centre. We created an adherence score to a DASH eating plan using food intake assessed via food frequency questionnaire.Results:  Diet score categories were specified as 0–5.4 (weak adherence), 5.5–7.4 (moderate adherence) and 7.5–10 (excellent adherence). Only 28% of all the participants were in the top score category. The mean of scores were not different between N and H groups (6.5 ± 1.2 vs 6.5 ± 1.2, P= 0.757). Regardless of HTN status, smokers had lower scores than non‐smokers (P= 0.023) and diabetics had higher scores than non‐diabetics (P= 0.045). The majority of participants met the goal for servings of meat followed by servings of vegetable and percent of energy from fat (87%, 81% and 71%, respectively). However, 68% of participants did not meet the sweet target and 49% of H patients did not reach the sodium intake recommendations. H patients consumed significantly lower sodium and sweets than N patients (P= 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively).Conclusions:  Our results indicate moderate adherence to the DASH diet among candidates awaiting coronary artery bypass graft in both H and N patients. The adherence was lower among smokers and non‐diabetic patients.
Combined Full-Dose IV and Endovascular Thrombolysis in Acute Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Bhatia Rohit , Shobha Nandavar , Menon Bijoy K. , Bal Simerpreet P. , Kochar Puneet , Palumbo Vanessa , Wong John H. , Morrish William F. , Hudon Mark E. , Hu William , Coutts Shelagh B. , Barber Phillip A. , Watson Tim , Goyal Mayank , Demchuk Andrew M. , Hill Michael D. 
Published: September 2012

Background There is an increasing trend to treating proximal vessel occlusions with intravenous–inter-arterial (IV-IA) thrombolysis. The best dose of IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) remains undetermined. We compared the combination of full-dose IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) and IA thrombolytic therapy to IA therapy. Methods Between 2002 and 2009, we reviewed our computed tomographic angiography database for patients who received full-dose intravenous rtPA and endovascular therapy or endovascular therapy alone for acute ischaemic stroke treatment. Details of demographics, risk factors, endovascular procedure, and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage were noted. Modified Rankin Scale ≤2 at three-months was used as good outcome. Recanalization was defined as Thrombolysis in Myocardial Ischaemia 2–3 flow on angiography. Results Among 157 patients, 104 patients received IV-IA treatment and 53 patients underwent direct IA therapy. There was a higher recanalization rate with IV-IA therapy compared with IA alone (71% vs. 60%, P < 0·21) which was driven by early recanalization after IV rtPA. Mortality and independent outcome were comparable between the two groups. Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage occurred in 8% of patients (12% in the IA group, 7% in the IV-IA group) but was more frequent as the intensity of intervention increased from device alone to thrombolytic drug alone to device plus thrombolytic drug(s). Recanalization was a strong predictor of reduced mortality risk ratio (RR) 0·48 confidence interval95 0·27–0·84) and favourable outcome (RR 2·14 confidence interval95 1·3–3·5). Conclusions Combined IV-IA therapy with full-dose intravenous rtPA was safe and results in good recanalization rates without excess symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage. Testing of full-dose IV tPA followed by endovascular treatment in the IMS3 trial is justified.
Stroke Mortality Variations in South-East Asia: Empirical Evidence from the Field
Authors: Hoy Damian G. , Rao Chalapati , Hoa Nguyen Phuong , Suhardi S. , Lwin Aye Moe Moe 
Published: September 2012

Background Stroke is a leading cause of death in Asia; however, many estimates of stroke mortality are based on epidemiological models rather than empirical data. Since 2005, initiatives have been undertaken in a number of Asian countries to strengthen and analyse vital registration data. This has increased the availability of empirical data on stroke mortality. Aims The aim of this paper is to present estimates of stroke mortality for Indonesia, Myanmar, Viet Nam, Thailand, and Malaysia, which have been derived using these empirical data. Methods Age-specific stroke mortality rates were calculated in each of the five countries, and adjusted for data completeness or misclassification where feasible. All data were age-standardized and the resulting rates were compared with World Health Organization estimates, which are largely based on epidemiological models. Results Using empirical data, stroke ranked as the leading cause of death in all countries except Malaysia, where it ranked as the second leading cause. Age-standardized rates for males ranged from 94 per 100 000 in Thailand, to over 300 per 100 000 in Indonesia. In all countries, rates were higher for males than for females, and those compiled from empirical data were generally higher than modelled estimates published by World Health Organization. Conclusions This study highlights the extent of stroke mortality in selected Asian countries, and provides important baseline information to investigate the aetiology of stroke in Asia and design appropriate public health strategies to address the rapidly growing burden from stroke.
Haemorrhagic Transformation of Ischaemic Stroke in Young Adults
Authors: Mustanoja Satu , Haapaniemi Elena , Putaala Jukka , Strbian Daniel , Kaste Markku , Tatlisumak Turgut 
Published: September 2012

Background Frequency, factors associated with, and impact on outcome of haemorrhagic transformation in young adults with ischaemic stroke are unknown. Methods Consecutive young patients (age 15–49) with first-ever ischaemic stroke were included, having their first brain computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging within seven-days of stroke onset, and second within seven-days from the first imaging. Haemorrhagic transformation in any imaging was classified as haemorrhagic infarct or parenchymal haemorrhage within or remote from the infarct. Symptomatic haemorrhagic transformation was defined according to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study II (ECASS II) criteria as any haemorrhage leading to a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score increase of ≥4 points or death. Unfavourable three-month outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale 2–6. Results In 636 eligible patients, any haemorrhagic transformation occurred in 79 patients (12·4%; 10·0–15·2%): 66 (10·4%; 8·24–12·9%) had haemorrhagic infarct, and 13 (2·04%; 1·19–3·46%) had parenchymal haemorrhage. Symptomatic haemorrhagic transformation occurred in 16 patients (2·5%; 4·04–1·55%). In logistic regression analysis, independent factors associated with haemorrhagic transformation were large anterior (18·70; 6·72–52·04), large posterior (9·41; 3·13–28·25), medium-sized (odds ratio 3·30; 95% confidence interval 1·14–9·57) lesions, higher low-density lipoprotein level (1·44 per unit increment; 1·10–1·90), and lower platelet count (1·005 per unit decrement; 1·009–1·001). Haemorrhagic infarct (1·76; 0·76–4·11) or parenchymal haemorrhage (2·39; 0·23–24·76) were not associated with unfavourable functional outcome or death at three-months. Conclusions In young adults, haemorrhagic transformation of ischaemic stroke occurred in comparable rates to haemorrhagic transformation in elderly patients. Although haemorrhagic transformation was more common in severe strokes, it was the lesion size and baseline stroke severity that were associated with three-month clinical outcome, not haemorrhagic transformation per se.
Risk Factors, Radiological Features, and Infarct Topography of Craniocervical Arterial Dissection
Authors: Thomas Lucy Caroline , Rivett Darren A. , Parsons Mark , Levi Christopher 
Published: September 2012

Background Craniocervical arterial dissection is a common cause of ischemic stroke in the young to middle-aged population. There have been a number of previous studies where radiological features have been described but few with detailed mapping of infarct topography and none where these features have been related to the reported risk factors. Aims The aims of this study were to describe the radiological characteristics of dissection patients ≤55 years and relate these to reported risk factors. Methods Craniocervical arterial dissection cases ≤55 years, and age- and gender-matched controls were identified from a medical records database between 1998 and 2009. Control cases had stroke from another cause than dissection. Records and radiology were reviewed. Results Thirty-six radiologically confirmed dissection cases [20 (56%) vertebral artery, 16 (44%) internal carotid], and 43 controls were identified. Dissections were extracranial with intracranial extension in 10 (28%) cases. Infarction was demonstrated in 22 (61%) dissection cases. The most common wall deficit identified was an intimal flap. Twenty-three (64%) dissection cases had a recent history of neck trauma ( P > 0·000) and 13 (36%) had vascular variants ( P = 0·013). Conclusion Craniocervical arterial dissection cases, particularly vertebral artery, were more likely to have a history of neck trauma. Dissections were most commonly extracranial, in the upper cervical region, with intracranial extension in 28%. Dissection cases with trauma more commonly had a dissection flap and evidence of infarction in the lateral medulla, anterior or posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory. Close inspection of the V3 segment of the vertebral or skull base for internal carotid artery may be warranted with a history of neck trauma.
Riesgos de invalidez previsional: el caso argentino
Authors: Belliard Matías , Grushka Carlos , De Biase Marcelo 
Published: September 2012

ResumenEl objetivo del estudio es analizar los riesgos de invalidez (RI) a los que se exponen los trabajadores cotizantes al Sistema Integrado Previsional Argentino (SIPA). El período bajo estudio fue 2000‐2006, y se utilizaron registros administrativos como fuente de datos. Los resultados indican que 1,46 personas por cada 1.000 trabajadores se invalidaron anualmente. Los hombres muestran mayores RI que las mujeres y el comportamiento con la edad es creciente para ambos. Adicionalmente, se evalúan los RI por patología y régimen previsional, considerando su comportamiento con la edad y el sexo.
Conservation potential for heathland carabid beetle fauna of linear trackways within a plantation forest
Authors: Bertoncelj Irena , Dolman Paul M. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Exploring conservation and connectivity potential of landscape linkages implies studies on the level of population and community structure.
We examined carabid beetle communities within a network of open linear trackways embedded in a plantation forest, in a region where conservation interest focuses on heathland associated species. The relative importance of environmental characteristics such as width, orientation, age of surrounding plantations and vegetation height on species associated with grassland, heathland and sandy habitats (GHS species) was explored in 36 trackway elements.
A total of 3554 individuals were collected of which 1465 were GHS specialists. Linear trackways supported important carabid beetle diversity including 17 GHS species of which six are nationally scarce within the UK.
The age of adjacent plantations was the most important factor determining community composition of carabids with GHS species favouring trackways surrounded by younger plantations. For predicting number and abundance of GHS species within a subset of trackways surrounded by younger plantations, models incorporating sward height in verges showed the strongest relationships. But results were statistically significant only for predicting abundance of the dominant GHS species Harpalus rufipalpis, which favoured wider trackways with lower vegetation and greater cover of bare sand.
Current conservation management using forage harvesting of trackways does not improve habitat quality for GHS carabids. Seemingly continuous network of linear linkages is interrupted by sections of less suitable habitat surrounded by older plantations. Conservation potential could be enhanced by widening of trackways and management by physical disturbance of soil and vegetation.
Locally enhanced early bone formation of zoledronic acid incorporated into a bone cement plug in vivo
Authors: Sörensen Torben C , Arnoldi Jörg , Procter Philip , Beimel Claudia , Jönsson Anders , Lennerås Maria , Emanuelsson Lena , Palmquist Anders , Thomsen Peter , Robioneck Bernd , Steckel Hartwig 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of the study was to gain experience about the short-term effects of zoledronic acid (ZOL) on bone-implant contact (BIC), bone regeneration and bone area (BA).

Methods
In this in-vivo study, ZOL was released locally from a drug-loaded pre-shaped calcium phosphate bone cement plug which was implanted into a bone defect in the proximal tibia of rats. At 1 and 3 weeks post implantation, tissue reactions as well as bone regeneration capabilities at the implant site were investigated. Furthermore, tissue samples, harvested at placebo and verum plug sites were used to analyse the gene expression of selected bone-specific markers by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Data were normalized against ribosomal RNA (Rn18s) subunits.

Key findings
In the placebo interface a higher amount of cells could be detected as indicated by higher expression of small subunit Rn18s. Nevertheless, comparing the normalized data of the selected gene expression levels, no significant differences were detected. The histomorphometric results showed a significant higher BIC and BA for ZOL-loaded plugs at 3 weeks after implantation.

Conclusions
In this model, ZOL was demonstrated to be effective in impacting the bone regeneration process towards reduction of early bone resorption and enhanced bone formation.