bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical Benchmarks for Health Care Provider Performance Assessment: A Comparison of Standard Approaches to a Hierarchical Bayesian Histogram‐Based Method
Authors: Paddock Susan M. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveExamine how widely used statistical benchmarks of health care provider performance compare with histogram‐based statistical benchmarks obtained via hierarchical Bayesian modeling.Data SourcesPublicly available data from 3,240 hospitals during April 2009–March 2010 on two process‐of‐care measures reported on the Medicare Hospital Compare website.Study DesignSecondary data analyses of two process‐of‐care measures comparing statistical benchmark estimates and threshold exceedance determinations under various combinations of hospital performance measure estimates and benchmarking approaches.Principal FindingsStatistical benchmarking approaches for determining top 10 percent performance varied with respect to which hospitals exceeded the performance benchmark; such differences were not found at the 50 percent threshold. Benchmarks derived from the histogram of provider performance under hierarchical Bayesian modeling provide a compromise between benchmarks based on direct (raw) estimates, which are overdispersed relative to the true distribution of provider performance and prone to high variance for small providers, and posterior mean provider performance, for which over‐shrinkage and under‐dispersion relative to the true provider performance distribution is a concern.ConclusionsGiven the rewards and penalties associated with characterizing top performance, the ability of statistical benchmarks to summarize key features of the provider performance distribution should be examined.
Low‐Dose Irradiation Can be Used as a Phytosanitary Treatment for Fresh Table Grapes
Authors: Kim Gina C. , Rakovski Cyril , Caporaso Fred , Prakash Anuradha 
Published: January 2014

AbstractGrapes (Vitis vinifera var. Sugraone and Vitis labrusca var. Crimson Seedless) were treated with 400, 600, and 800 Gy and the effects on physicochemical factors were measured alongside sensory testing during 3 wk of storage. Significant changes in texture and color with irradiation and age were measured but little visual difference was seen between control and irradiated grapes. However, age had a greater effect on firmness than irradiation for Sugraone grapes. Irradiation did not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affect the SSC/TA ratio, which increased during storage. The trained panel detected significant changes in the berry texture and rachis color but rated sweetness and flavor significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) for irradiated Sugraone as compared to the control. Consumers liked both the untreated and 800 Gy treated Sugraone grapes, but liked the untreated grapes more for texture (P ≤ 0.05). However, there was no difference in liking between irradiated (600 Gy or 800 Gy) and control samples of Crimson Seedless for any attribute. The results show that there are varietal differences in response to irradiation but the overall maintenance in quality of irradiated grapes during 3 wk of storage indicates that irradiation can serve as a viable phytosanitary treatment.
Twenty‐four‐hour rhythm of ocular perfusion pressure in non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Lacharme Tiffany , Almanjoumi Ahmed , Aptel Florent , Khayi Hafide , Pepin Jean‐Louis , Baguet Jean‐Philippe , Romanet Jean Paul , Chiquet Christophe 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPurposeIn non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAAION) patients, circulatory insufficiency within the optic nerve has previously been hypothesized to be related to nocturnal systemic hypotension. The main objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the nyctohemeral variations in ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) in NAAION patients.MethodsIn 20 patients with NAAION, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using the Tono‐Pen XL™ electronic tonometer every hour for 24 hr. Blood pressure (BP) was evaluated over 24 hr. Mean OPP was calculated with the following formula: OPP sitting position = (0.74 × mean BP) − IOP and OPP lying position = (0.84 × mean BP) − IOP. A nonlinear least squares dual‐harmonic regression analysis approach was used to model the 24‐hr rhythms of OPP data.ResultsOn average, a 24‐hr amplitude of 4.7 ± 2.6 mmHg was found for OPP. The patients were classified as either having a diurnal OPP rhythm (i.e. with a diurnal acrophase, 10% of the cases), a nocturnal OPP rhythm (45%) or absence of OPP rhythm (45%). Four patients had a nocturnal reduction in OPP (mean, −11%).ConclusionThe physiological nocturnal rhythm of OPP was maintained in 45% of the NAAION patients. The nocturnal reduction in OPP seen in 20% of the patients was within the range of OPP where optic nerve blood flow autoregulation is still fully operative. A high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in our population (71%) may explain the low frequency of systemic nocturnal hypotension.
Risk factors for suicidal ideations in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Umamaheswari Vanamoorthy , Avasthi Ajit , Grover Sandeep 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo identify the risk factors for suicidal ideation in subjects with bipolar depression.MethodsOne‐hundred and thirty subjects diagnosed with bipolar depression were evaluated on the following scales: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Patient Health Questionnaire‐15 (PHQ‐15), Barrat's Impulsivity Scale (BIS), Irritability, Anxiety, and Depression (IDA) Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Buss–Durke Hostile Inventory (BDHI), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS).ResultsBased on the BDI suicidal thoughts and wishes item (score of ≥1), the study sample was divided into those with and those without suicidal ideation. On binary logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) for the presence of suicidal ideations was highest for grade of severity of current episode [OR = 22.601, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.39–79.92], followed by the presence of a family history of suicide attempt (OR = 18.06, 95% CI: 1.36–238.39), any preceding life event (OR = 3.797, 95% CI: 1.195–12.067), and past history of suicide attempt (OR = 3.11, 95% CI: 0.649–14.96). Other risk factors for the presence of suicidal ideations were severity of subsyndromal manic symptoms, family history of bipolar disorder, past history of hospitalization, severity of subsyndromal anxiety, hopelessness, hostility, presence of psychotic symptoms, and duration of current episode.ConclusionAmong the various predictors of suicidal ideations, the severity of the current episode, the presence of a family history of suicide attempt, preceding life event, and past history of suicide attempt are the most important risk factors for suicidal ideations in patients with bipolar disorder. Hence, patients with these risk factors should be closely monitored to prevent suicide attempts and completed suicides.
A penalized EM algorithm incorporating missing data mechanism for Gaussian parameter estimation
Authors: Chen Lin S. , Prentice Ross L. , Wang Pei 
Published: January 2014

SummaryMissing data rates could depend on the targeted values in many settings, including mass spectrometry‐based proteomic profiling studies. Here, we consider mean and covariance estimation under a multivariate Gaussian distribution with non‐ignorable missingness, including scenarios in which the dimension (p) of the response vector is equal to or greater than the number (n) of independent observations. A parameter estimation procedure is developed by maximizing a class of penalized likelihood functions that entails explicit modeling of missing data probabilities. The performance of the resulting “penalized EM algorithm incorporating missing data mechanism (PEMM)” estimation procedure is evaluated in simulation studies and in a proteomic data illustration.
IgG4 Overexpression Is Rare in Meningiomas with a Prominent Inflammatory Component: A Review of 16 Cases
Authors: Lal Aseem , Dahiya Sonika , Gonzales Michael , Hiniker Annie , Prayson Richard , Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters Bette K. , Perry Arie 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMeningiomas with prominent inflammation are traditionally classified as “lymphoplasmacyte‐rich meningioma” (LPM). Both inflammatory and neoplastic meningeal proliferations have recently been linked to IgG4 disease, although a potential association with LPM has not been previously explored. Sixteen meningiomas with inflammatory cells outnumbering tumor cells were further characterized by CD3, CD20, CD68 and/or CD163, CD138, kappa, lambda, IgG and IgG4 immunostains. There were 11 female and 4 male patients, ranging from 22 to 78 (median 59) years of age. Tumors consisted of 10 World Health Organization (WHO) grade I, 5 grade II and 1 grade III LPMs. Immunohistochemically, the most numerous cell type was the macrophage in all cases followed by CD3‐positive T cells and fewer CD20‐positive B cells. Plasma cells ranged from moderate‐marked (N = 5) to rare (N = 7), or absent (N = 4). Maximal numbers of IgG4 plasma cells per high power field (HPF) ranged from 0 to 32, with only two cases having counts exceeding 10/HPF. The IgG4/IgG ratio was increased focally in only two cases (30% and 31%). Additionally, plasma cells represented only a minor component in most examples, whereas macrophages predominated, suggesting that “inflammation‐rich meningioma” may be a more accurate term. The inflammatory stimulus for most cases remains to be elucidated.
A new histone deacetylase inhibitor improves liver fibrosis in BDL rats through suppression of hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Park Ki Cheong , Park Ji Hyun , Jeon Jeong Yong , Kim Sang Yong , Kim Jung Min , Lim Chang Yong , Lee Tae Hyung , Kim Hyung Kwan , Lee Hyun Gyu , Kim Sung Min , Kwon Ho Jeong , Suh Jin Suck , Kim Seung Won , Choi Seung Hoon 
Published: January 2014

Background and PurposeActivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a crucial step in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is an attractive target in liver fibrosis because it plays a key role in gene expression and cell differentiation. We have developed a HDAC inhibitor, N‐hydroxy‐7‐(2‐naphthylthio)heptanomide (HNHA), and investigated the anti‐fibrotic activity of HNHA in vitro and in vivo.Experimental ApproachWe investigated the anti‐fibrotic effect of HNHA on mouse and human HSC activation in vitro and in the liver of bile duct‐ligated (BDL) rats in vivo using cell proliferation assays, cell cycle analysis, biochemical assay, immunohistochemistry and Western blots. Liver pathology was assessed with histochemical techniques.Key ResultsHNHA inhibited proliferation and arrested the cell cycle via p21 induction in HSCs. In addition, HNHA induced apoptosis of HSCs, which was correlated with reduced COX‐2 expression, NF‐κB activation and cell death signals. HNHA restored liver function and decreased the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the liver via suppression of HSC activation in BDL rats in vivo. HNHA administration also increased survival in BDL rats.Conclusions and ImplicationsHNHA improved liver function, suppressed liver fibrosis and increased survival of BDL rats, accompanied by reduction of cell growth, activation and survival of HSCs. These findings show that HNHA may be a potent anti‐fibrosis agent against hepatic fibrosis because of its multi‐targeted inhibition of HSC activity in vivo and in vitro.
Cannabinoids inhibit cholinergic contraction in human airways through prejunctional CB1 receptors
Authors: Grassin‐Delyle S , Naline E , Buenestado A , Faisy C , Alvarez J‐C , Salvator H , Abrial C , Advenier C , Zemoura L , Devillier P 
Published: January 2014

Background and PurposeMarijuana smoking is widespread in many countries, and the use of smoked synthetic cannabinoids is increasing. Smoking a marijuana joint leads to bronchodilation in both healthy subjects and asthmatics. The effects of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and synthetic cannabinoids on human bronchus reactivity have not previously been investigated. Here, we sought to assess the effects of natural and synthetic cannabinoids on cholinergic bronchial contraction.Experimental ApproachHuman bronchi isolated from 88 patients were suspended in an organ bath and contracted by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the presence of the phytocannabinoid Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, the endogenous 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, the synthetic dual CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists WIN55,212‐2 and CP55,940, the synthetic, CB2‐receptor‐selective agonist JWH‐133 or the selective GPR55 agonist O‐1602. The receptors involved in the response were characterized by using selective CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists (SR141716 and SR144528 respectively).Key ResultsΔ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, WIN55,212‐2 and CP55,940 induced concentration‐dependent inhibition of cholinergic contractions, with maximum inhibitions of 39, 76 and 77% respectively. JWH‐133 only had an effect at high concentrations. 2‐Arachidonoylglycerol and O‐1602 were devoid of any effect. Only CB1 receptors were involved in the response because the effects of cannabinoids were antagonized by SR141716, but not by SR144528. The cannabinoids did not alter basal tone or contractions induced by exogenous Ach.Conclusions and ImplicationsActivation of prejunctional CB1 receptors mediates the inhibition of EFS‐evoked cholinergic contraction in human bronchus. This mechanism may explain the acute bronchodilation produced by marijuana smoking.
The dual PPARα/γ agonist aleglitazar increases the number and function of endothelial progenitor cells: implications for vascular function and atherogenesis
Authors: Werner C M , Schirmer S H , Gensch C , Pavlickova V , Pöss J , Wright M B , Böhm M , Laufs U 
Published: January 2014

Background and PurposeAleglitazar is a dual PPARα/γ agonist but little is known about its effects on vascular function and atherogenesis. Hence, we characterized its effects on circulating angiogenic cells (CAC), neoangiogenesis, endothelial function, arteriogenesis and atherosclerosis in mice.Experimental ApproachC57Bl/6 wild‐type (WT, normal chow), endothelial NOS (eNOS)−/− (normal chow) and ApoE−/− (Western‐type diet) mice were treated with aleglitazar (10 mg·kg−1·day−1, i.p.) or vehicle.Key ResultsAleglitazar enhanced expression of PPARα and PPARγ target genes, normalized glucose tolerance and potently reduced hepatic fat in ApoE−/− mice. In WT mice, but not in eNOS−/−, aleglitazar up‐regulated Sca‐1/VEGFR2‐positive CAC in the blood and bone marrow and up‐regulated diLDL/lectin‐positive CAC. Aleglitazar augmented CAC migration and enhanced neoangiogenesis. In ApoE−/− mice, aleglitazar up‐regulated CAC number and function, reduced markers of vascular inflammation and potently improved perfusion restoration after hindlimb ischaemia and aortic endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation. This was associated with markedly reduced formation of atherosclerotic plaques. In human cultured CAC from healthy donors and patients with coronary artery disease with or without diabetes mellitus, aleglitazar increased migration and colony‐forming units in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, oxidative stress‐induced CAC apoptosis and expression of p53 were reduced, while telomerase activity and expression of phospho‐eNOS and phospho‐Akt were elevated. Comparative agonist and inhibitor experiments revealed that aleglitazar's effects on CAC migration and colony‐forming units were mediated by both PPARα and PPARγ signalling and required Akt.Conclusions and ImplicationsAleglitazar augments the number, function and survival of CAC, which correlates with improved vascular function, enhanced arteriogenesis and prevention of atherosclerosis in mice.
Clinical utility of chromogranin A in SDHx‐related paragangliomas
Authors: Zuber Samuel , Wesley Robert , Prodanov Tamara , Eisenhofer Graeme , Pacak Karel , Kantorovich Vitaly 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundMeasurement of plasma/urinary catecholamine metabolites – especially normetanephrine (NMN) – represents a gold standard in biochemical detection of succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) and D (SDHD)‐related pheochromocytomas (PHEO) and paragangliomas (PGL). This study was designed to assess diagnostic utility of chromogranin A (CgA) alone or in combination with NMN in patients with PHEO/PGL related to mutations in SDHB and SDHD.Materials and methodsA retrospective study of SDHB and SDHD NIH patients' cohort, which included 41 patients with SDHB mutation‐related PHEO/sPGL and 18 patients with either SDHD or SDHB mutation‐related head and neck PGL (HNPGL) with both CgA and NMN measured at the time of diagnosis at NIH.ResultsIn the SDHB group, CgA showed sensitivity of 73.2% and specificity of 95.9%, while for NMN they were 70.7% and 98.6%, respectively. Elevations in CgA and NMN were complementary in 92.7% of patients with proven tumors. Both tests performed well on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. CgA levels were elevated in 76.9% of SDHB patients and in 80% of patients with metastatic disease and normal NMN levels. CgA values in patients with HNPGL were significantly lower than in patients with PHEO/sPGL.ConclusionCgA is a valuable complementary biomarker in work‐up of SDHB‐related PHEO/sPGL. In combination with plasma NMN, CgA further enhances tumor detection by 22.0% with minimal loss in specificity. Although non‐specific for PHEO/PGL, CgA may well supplement plasma NMN to facilitate diagnostic evaluation of SDHB‐related PHEO/sPGL, especially where the measurement of plasma metanephrines could otherwise be delayed by decreased availability or cost restriction.
Decreased cholesterol efflux capacity in patients with low cholesteryl ester transfer protein plasma levels
Authors: Scharnagl Hubert , Heuschneider Christina , Sailer Sabrina , Kleber Marcus E. , März Winfried , Ritsch Andreas 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundCholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has been considered as a possible target for treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, first clinical studies employing CETP inhibitors have failed to demonstrate clinical benefit. Additionally, we have previously shown that low endogenous plasma levels of CETP are associated with increased mortality in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. We hypothesized that low CETP plasma levels are associated with decreased high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) function.Materials and MethodsSerum HDL efflux capacity was measured in 154 patients of the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study displaying extremely low (< 0·68 μg/mL, n = 77) or high (> 2·13 μg/mL, n = 77) CETP concentrations in their plasma, respectively. The LURIC study is a prospective observational study of patients referred to coronary angiography at baseline with a median follow‐up time of 7·75 years. Primary and secondary endpoints were cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality, respectively.ResultsHigh CETP patients showed a significant increase in the capacity of their plasma to mediate cholesterol efflux from cholesterol laden macrophages when compared to the efflux capacity observed in low CETP patients (+ 5·4%, P = 0·015). As shown by multiregression analysis, the impact of CETP on cholesterol efflux capacity was independent from classical risk and lifestyle factors, as well as from lipid parameters including HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that low plasma concentrations of CETP might indeed lead to impaired HDL function within the reverse cholesterol transport pointing towards an atheroprotective role of CETP at least in patients with high risk of CAD.
First report of Teratosphaeria zuluensis causing stem canker of Eucalyptus grandis in Uganda
Authors: Jimu L. , Wingfield M. J. , Mwenje E. , Roux J. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryTeratosphaeria stem canker is one of the most important diseases to have emerged on non‐native plantation‐grown Eucalyptus trees globally. In 2012, Eucalyptus grandis trees with typical Teratosphaeria stem canker symptoms were observed in Uganda. Multigene sequence analyses of isolates from these cankers led to the identification of T. gauchensis, previously recorded in Uganda, and T. zuluensis. This study represents the first report of T. zuluensis in Uganda. Furthermore, this is the first report of the co‐occurrence of T. zuluensis and T. gauchensis in a single area.
Cyanobacteria dominance influences resource use efficiency and community turnover in phytoplankton and zooplankton communities
Authors: Filstrup Christopher T. , Hillebrand Helmut , Heathcote Adam J. , Harpole W. Stanley , Downing John A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractFreshwater biodiversity loss potentially disrupts ecosystem services related to water quality and may negatively impact ecosystem functioning and temporal community turnover. We analysed a data set containing phytoplankton and zooplankton community data from 131 lakes through 9 years in an agricultural region to test predictions that plankton communities with low biodiversity are less efficient in their use of limiting resources and display greater community turnover (measured as community dissimilarity). Phytoplankton resource use efficiency (RUE = biomass per unit resource) was negatively related to phytoplankton evenness (measured as Pielou's evenness), whereas zooplankton RUE was positively related to phytoplankton evenness. Phytoplankton and zooplankton RUE were high and low, respectively, when Cyanobacteria, especially Microcystis sp., dominated. Phytoplankton communities displayed slower community turnover rates when dominated by few genera. Our findings, which counter findings of many terrestrial studies, suggest that Cyanobacteria dominance may play important roles in ecosystem functioning and community turnover in nutrient‐enriched lakes.
Characterization and diagnostic evaluation of chronic polyneuropathies induced by oxaliplatin and docetaxel comparing skin biopsy to quantitative sensory testing and nerve conduction studies
Authors: Krøigård T. , Schrøder H. D. , Qvortrup C. , Eckhoff L. , Pfeiffer P. , Gaist D. , Sindrup S. H. 
Published: January 2014

Background and purposeChemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy negatively affects the quality of life for many patients treated with oxaliplatin or docetaxel for gastrointestinal cancer or breast cancer. Symptoms can persist long after treatment and often include neuropathic pain. Our objective was to characterize the neuropathies with regard to symptoms, neurological signs and objective evidence of damage to the structure and function of the peripheral nerves. Furthermore, the diagnostic values of skin biopsy, quantitative sensory testing (QST) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were compared.MethodsPatients complaining of neuropathy symptoms at least 3 months after completion of treatment with oxaliplatin (n = 20) or docetaxel (n = 20) were recruited from the Department of Oncology or using hospital records. Neuropathy scores were determined along with the intraepidermal nerve fibre density in skin biopsies from the proximal and distal parts of the leg, QST and NCS.ResultsClinically only sensory functions were affected. In general, neuropathy scores were higher in the oxaliplatin‐treated group. Both sensory and motor fibres were affected in the NCS, showing predominantly signs of axonal damage. Mechanical detection threshold was most often affected in the QST. NCS, QTS and skin biopsy were abnormal in 11, 13 and 17 and 7, 11 and 15 of the oxaliplatin‐treated patients and docetaxel‐treated patients, respectively.ConclusionsChemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy after oxaliplatin or docetaxel treatment is a clinically sensory, axonal neuropathy affecting only small nerve fibres in some patients. NCS are often normal, whereas QST and skin biopsy have a higher diagnostic sensitivity.