bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Decadal-Scale Teleconnection between the North Atlantic Oscillation and Subtropical Eastern Australian Rainfall
Authors: Sun Cheng , Li Jianping , Feng Juan , Xie Fei 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The time series of twentieth-century subtropical eastern Australian rainfall (SEAR) shows evident fluctuations over decadal to multidecadal time scales. Using observations from the period 1900–2013, it was found that SEAR is connected to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) over decadal time scales, with the NAO leading by around 15 yr. The physical mechanism underlying this relationship was investigated. The NAO can have a delayed impact on sea surface temperature (SST) fluctuations in the subpolar Southern Ocean (SO), and these SST changes could in turn contribute to the decadal variability in SEAR through their impacts on the Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation. This observed lead of the NAO relative to SO SST and the interhemispheric SST seesaw mechanism are reasonably reproduced in a long-term control simulation of an ocean–atmosphere coupled model. The NAO exerts a delayed effect on the variation of Atlantic meridional overturning circulation that further induces seesaw SST anomalies in the subpolar North Atlantic and SO. With evidence that the NAO precedes SEAR decadal variability via a delayed SO bridge, a linear model for SEAR decadal variability was developed by combination of the NAO and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). The observed SEAR decadal variability is considerably well simulated by the linear model, and the relationship between the simulation and observation is stable. SEAR over the coming decade may increase slightly, because of the recent NAO weakening and the return of negative PDO phase.
Gym for Free: The short-term impact of an innovative public health policy on the health and wellbeing of residents in a deprived constituency in Birmingham, UK
Authors: Rabiee Fatemeh , Robbins Anne , Khan Maryam 
Published: November 2014

Background: This paper describes the process, impact and outcomes of an innovative health policy project entitled Gym for Free in Birmingham, UK. Objectives: To explore the short-term effectiveness of the pilot scheme in relation to access, utilisation, perceived benefits and sustainability. Design: Cross-sectional study using survey and focus group interviews. Setting: Community-based physical activity intervention programme. Methods: Data were collected using a validated questionnaire ( n = 257) and focus group interviews ( n = 9). Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted where appropriate. Focus group interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Results: Findings showed that the pilot scheme increased the uptake of exercise particularly for women in an economically deprived inner city area. The use of leisure facilities also increased markedly ( p < .05). Thus, the Gym for Free scheme was a step towards addressing health inequality by increasing access to and widening participation in exercise with multiple physical, mental and emotional benefits. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this pilot research project, Gym for Free won numerous national awards for its policy innovation, and, through the support and advocacy of the research team, was extended so as to be available to the whole population of Birmingham, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 7 days a week.
A human capsaicin model to quantitatively assess salivary CGRP secretion
Authors: van Oosterhout WPJ , Schoonman GG , Garrelds IM , Danser AHJ , Chan KY , Terwindt GM , Ferrari MD , MaassenVanDenBrink A 
Published: November 2014

Background Capsaicin induces the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) via the transient receptor potential channel V1 (TRPV1). The CGRP response after capsaicin application on the tongue might reflect the “activation state” of the trigeminal nerve, since trigeminal CGRP-containing vesicles are depleted on capsaicin application. We tested (i) the quantitative CGRP response after oral capsaicin application; (ii) the optimal concentration of red chili homogenate; and (iii) the day-to-day variability in this response. Methods Saliva was collected for two consecutive days after oral application of eight capsaicin dilutions (red chili homogenates) of increasing concentrations in 13 healthy individuals. Effects of homogenate concentration were assessed. Consecutively, saliva was sampled after application of vehicle and undiluted homogenates. Results CGRP secretion (pg/ml) increased dose-dependently with homogenate concentration ( p < 0.001). CGRP levels were highest after application of nondiluted homogenate (vs. baseline: 13.3 (5.0) vs. 9.7 (2.9); p = 0.003, as was total CGRP secretion in five minutes (pg) with undiluted (vs. baseline): 89.2 (44.1) vs. 14.1 (2.8); p < 0.001. The dose-dependent response in CGRP was not affected by day ( p = 0.14) or day*concentration ( p = 0.60). Increase in CGRP (undiluted – baseline; pg/ml) did not differ between measurements on dose-finding ( p = 0.67) and follow-up days ( p = 0.46). Conclusion Oral application of red chili homogenate is well tolerated and causes a dose-dependent CGRP release in saliva, without day-to-day effects in this response. This model could be used to noninvasively study the activation state of the trigeminal nerve innervating salivary glands.
Initial Hospital-Related Cost Comparison of Total Ankle Replacement and Ankle Fusion With Hip and Knee Joint Replacement
Authors: Younger Alastair S. E. , MacLean Scott , Daniels Timothy R. , Penner Murray J. , Wing Kevin J. , Dunbar Michael , Glazebrook Mark 
Published: November 2014

Background: Total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) are accessible to patients with end-stage hip and knee arthritis in most health care systems. The availability of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) to patients with end-stage ankle arthritis is often restricted because of prosthesis cost. Ankle fusion (AF) is often offered as the only alternative. Patients should have equal access to procedures that are equivalent in total cost. We compared total costs of TAA, AF, THA, and TKA for similar cohorts in a government-funded teaching hospital. Methods: A subset of 13 TAA and 13 AF patients were selected from the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Prospective Ankle Reconstruction Database, and 13 THA and 13 TKA patients were randomly selected from the Canadian Joint Replacement Registry. Total cost was estimated from operating room time, hospital stay, surgeon billing, and equipment used. Results: Mean total cost associated with TAA was $13,500 ± 1000 and was the same as THA ($14,500 ± 1500) and TKA ($12,500 ± 1000). Mean total cost associated with AF was significantly less at $5500 ± 500. Mean operating room time was longer, but mean hospital stay was shorter for the ankle procedures compared with THA and TKA. Conclusion: All arthroplasties had similar total costs. Total ankle arthroplasty should not be denied based on prosthetic cost alone, as total procedure cost is equivalent to THA and TKA. We believe ankle fusion is a less expensive and preferable alternative for some patient groups. Level of Evidence: Level II, comparative series.
Antihypertensive effectiveness of combination therapy with losartan/hydrochlorothiazide for ‘real world’ management of isolated systolic hypertension
Authors: Suzuki Hiromichi , Shimada Kazuyuki , Fujiwara Kenji 
Published: November 2014

Objectives: The guidelines for hypertension require the presence of compelling indications for pharmacological management of hypertension associated with various diseases. Data mainly obtained through randomized controlled trials have provided evidence supporting effectiveness of the combination of losartan (Lo) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) for management of hypertensive patients. However, there have been few reports discussing the effectiveness of Lo/HTCZ (losartan 50 mg/hydrochlorothizide 12.5 mg) in the ‘real world’ in the management of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). This study was designed to investigate the ‘real world’ effectiveness of Lo/HTCZ-based treatment of ISH associated with various diseases. Methods: This was a retrospective, uncontrolled analysis of data derived from a large, cross-sectional web-based clinical database collected by physicians. Results: Of 24,825 eligible patients, 20,726 were followed during a 6-month period. Among these, subjects for analysis included those with systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 mmHg and diastolic BP (DBP) <90 mmHg; patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease were excluded. A total of 15,846 patients were analysed. Among the various complications, hypercholesterolemia was the most frequent concomitant cardiovascular (CV) risk factor (48.1%), followed by obesity (16.3%). Associated clinical conditions were cerebrovascular diseases (9.6%), ischemic heart disease (7.9%) and left ventricular hypertrophy (4.6%). Total numbers of patients exhibiting any type of complications were 62% (≤64 years old), 69% (65–74 years old) and 67% (≥75 years old) (stratification of age). Mean SBP/DBP measurements (mm Hg) were 156/78 at the start, 140/72 at 1 month and 134/72 at 6 months. Blood pressure (BP) reductions associated with various diseases were similar among patients. Laboratory data including serum levels of total cholesterol, uric acid, hemoglobin A1c and serum potassium did not change during the study. Adverse effects such as orthostatic hypotension and considerable reductions in BP (>30 mmHg SBP) were rare. Conclusions: Lo/HTCZ is safe and effective in reducing and improving BP control in a ‘real world’ setting. Treatment with Lo/HTCZ enabled a substantial proportion of hypertensive patients with associated diseases to achieve the recommended goal of <140 mm Hg.
Comparative outcomes of open and robotic-assisted radical cystectomy in an enhanced recovery programme era
Authors: Pai Aakash , Nair Rajesh , Ayres Benjamin , Tsoi Hermione , Sooriakumaran Prasanna , Issa Rami , Perry Matthew 
Published: November 2014

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the added value of robotic surgery for radical cystectomy in the context of an established enhanced recovery programme (ERP). Background: We have previously reported on ERP in open radical cystectomy (ORC) and shown that it is safe and not associated with an increase in complications or readmissions. Further, it is associated with reductions in ICU stay, length of hospital stay and duration of postoperative ileus. The recent introduction of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), with its perceived benefit of minimal invasiveness, has led to the question of whether patients who have their radical cystectomy in the environment of ERP would experience an added benefit if the surgery were performed robotically. We implemented the ERP for all patients undergoing radical cystectomy in 2008. In 2010 we started to offer RARC as the first line treatment for all bladder cancer patients with an indication for bladder extirpation. In this study we compare the perioperative results of the last 50 RARC patients with the last 50 ORC. The same ERP protocol was implemented in all patients. Patients and methods: We used our prospectively kept electronic database to identify the last 50 ORC and 50 RARC patients (we excluded the first 10 RARC in our series to reduce learning curve effect). We compared preoperative (age, sex, comorbidity), intraoperative (diversion type, fluid loss, blood transfusion, conversion and number of lymph node dissections (LND)) and post-operative (length of stay LOS, nodal yield and pathological T stage) variables. We also reported on the 30 day complications according to Clavien–Dindo classification. Results: The two groups did not differ significantly in their preoperative variables, number of LND performed and pathological T and N stage. Patients in the RARC arm were more likely to have continent diversion and had significantly less intraoperative fluid loss. LOS and lymph nodal yield was no worse in the RARC cohort in comparison to the ORC patients. The RARC patients had significantly lower transfusion rates and overall 30-day complication rates. Conclusions: We have shown that robotic surgery offers an added value to patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in addition to the benefits gained from enrolling in an ERP. This is likely due to the minimally invasive nature of robotic surgery, and thus an attenuation of its physiological insult, which is the cornerstone of ERP theory.
Inequalities for sums of adapted random fields in Banach spaces and their application to strong law of large numbers
Authors: Dang Hung Thang , Ta Cong Son , Tran Manh Cuong 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
We obtain inequalities for sums of adapted random fields in p-uniformly smooth Banach spaces, and we extend Kolmogorov and Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund strong laws for blockwise α-martingale difference fields.

MSC:60B11, 60B12, 60F15, 60G42.
High prevalence of headaches in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Wang Xiang-qing , Lang Sen-yang , He Mian-wang , Zhang Xu , Zhu Fei , Dai Wei , Shi Xiao-bing , Wan Min , Ma Yun-feng , Chen Ya-nan , Yu Sheng-yuan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo examine the association between headaches and epilepsy.MethodsConsecutive adult epileptic patients who went to the outpatient clinic of the Epilepsy Center of PLA General Hospital between February 01, 2012, and May 10, 2013, were recruited into this study. A total of 1109 patients with epilepsy completed a questionnaire regarding headaches.ResultsOverall, 60.1% of the patients (male: 57.2%; female: 63.8%) reported headaches within the last year. The age-weighted prevalence of interictal migraine was 11.7% (male 8.9%, female 15.3%), which is higher than that reported in a large population-based study (8.5%, male 5.4%, female 11.6%) using the same screening questions. The prevalence of postictal headaches was 34.1% (males 32.7%, females 35.2%), and the presence of preictal headaches was 4.5% (males 4.3%, females 5.2%). The prevalence of headache yesterday in the general population was 4.8% (male 3.0%, female 6.6%). Thus, the prevalence of headaches, including migraine, is higher in epileptic patients in China.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of postictal headaches confirms the frequent triggering of a headache by a seizure. A much lower frequency of preictal headaches, a condition in which the real triggering effect of the headache on the seizure might be difficult to prove.
Relationship between betel quid chewing and radiographic alveolar bone loss among Taiwanese aboriginals: a retrospective study
Authors: Hsiao Chun-Nan , Ting Chun-Chan , Shieh Tien-Yu , Ko Edward Chengchuan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundBetel quid chewing is associated with the periodontal status; however, results of epidemiological studies are inconsistent. To the best of our knowledge, no study has reported radiographic alveolar bone loss (RABL) associated with betel quid chewing.MethodsThis survey was conducted in an aboriginal community in Taiwan because almost all betel quid chewers were city-dwelling cigarette smokers. In total, 114 subjects, aged 30–60 years, were included. Full-mouth intraoral RABL was retrospectively measured and adjusted for age, gender, and plaque index (PI). Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between RABL and potential risk factors.ResultsAge-, gender-, and PI-adjusted mean RABL was significantly higher in chewers with or without cigarette smoking than in controls. Multiple regression analysis showed that the RABL for consumption of 100,000 pieces betel quid for the chewer group was 0.40 mm. Full-mouth plotted curves for adjusted mean RABL in the maxilla were similar between the chewer and control groups, suggesting that chemical effects were not the main factors affecting the association between betel quid chewing and the periodontal status.ConclusionBetel quid chewing significantly increases RABL. The main contributory factors are age and oral hygiene; however, the major mechanism underlying this process may not be a chemical mechanism. Regular dental visits, maintenance of good oral hygiene, and reduction in the consumption of betel quid, additives, and cigarettes are highly recommended to improve the periodontal status.
Gene flow in environmental Legionella pneumophila leads to genetic and pathogenic heterogeneity within a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak
Authors: McAdam Paul R , Vander Broek Charles W , Lindsay Diane SJ , Ward Melissa J , Hanson Mary F , Gillies Michael , Watson Mick , Stevens Joanne M , Edwards Giles F , Fitzgerald J Ross 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Background
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the environmental bacterium Legionella pneumophila. Outbreaks commonly affect people with known risk factors, but the genetic and pathogenic complexity of L. pneumophila within an outbreak is not well understood. Here, we investigate the etiology of the major Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that occurred in Edinburgh, UK, in 2012, by examining the evolutionary history, genome content, and virulence of L. pneumophila clinical isolates.

Results
Our high resolution genomic approach reveals that the outbreak was caused by multiple genetic subtypes of L. pneumophila, the majority of which had diversified from a single progenitor through mutation, recombination, and horizontal gene transfer within an environmental reservoir prior to release. In addition, we discover that some patients were infected with multiple L. pneumophila subtypes, a finding which can affect the certainty of source attribution. Importantly, variation in the complement of type IV secretion systems encoded by different genetic subtypes correlates with virulence in a Galleria mellonella model of infection, revealing variation in pathogenic potential among the outbreak source population of L. pneumophila.

Conclusions
Taken together, our study indicates previously cryptic levels of pathogen heterogeneity within a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, a discovery that impacts on source attribution for future outbreak investigations. Furthermore, our data suggest that in addition to host immune status, pathogen diversity may be an important influence on the clinical outcome of individual outbreak infections.
Clinical Outcome With Correlation to Disseminated Tumor Cell (DTC) Status After DTC-Guided Secondary Adjuvant Treatment With Docetaxel in Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Naume Bjørn , Synnestvedt Marit , Falk Ragnhild Sørum , Wiedswang Gro , Weyde Kjetil , Risberg Terje , Kersten Christian , Mjaaland Ingvil , Vindi Lise , Sommer Hilde H. , Sætersdal Anna Barbro , Rypdal Maria Christine , Bendigtsen Schirmer Cecilie , Wist Erik Andreas , Borgen Elin 
Published: November 2014

Purpose The presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in bone marrow (BM) predicts survival in early breast cancer. This study explores the use of DTCs for identification of patients insufficiently treated with adjuvant therapy so they can be offered secondary adjuvant treatment and the subsequent surrogate marker potential of DTCs for outcome determination. Patients and Methods Patients with early breast cancer who had completed six cycles of adjuvant fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FEC) chemotherapy underwent BM aspiration 2 to 3 months (BM1) and 8 to 9 months (BM2) after FEC. Presence of DTCs in BM was determined by immunocytochemistry using pan-cytokeratin monoclonal antibodies. If one or more DTCs were present at BM2, six cycles of docetaxel (100 mg/m2, once every 3 weeks) were administered, followed by DTC analysis 1 and 13 months after the last docetaxel infusion (after treatment). Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate disease-free interval (DFI). Results Of 1,066 patients with a DTC result at BM2 and available follow-up information (median follow-up, 71.9 months from the time of BM2), 7.2% were DTC positive. Of 72 docetaxel-treated patients analyzed for DTCs after treatment, 15 (20.8%) had persistent DTCs. Patients with remaining DTCs had markedly reduced DFI (46.7% experienced relapse) compared with patients with no DTCs after treatment (adjusted hazard ratio, 7.58; 95% CI, 2.3 to 24.7). The docetaxel-treated patients with no DTCs after treatment had comparable DFI (8.8% experienced relapse) compared with those with no DTCs both at BM1 and BM2 (12.7% experienced relapse; P = .377, log-rank test). Conclusion DTC status identifies high-risk patients after FEC chemotherapy, and DTC monitoring status after secondary treatment with docetaxel correlated strongly with survival. This emphasizes the potential for DTC analysis as a surrogate marker for adjuvant treatment effect in breast cancer.
Circadian Rhythm of Circulating Levels of the Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol
Authors: Hanlon E. C. , Tasali E. , Leproult R. , Stuhr K. L. , Doncheck E. , de Wit H. , Hillard C. J. , Van Cauter E. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Context:
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is involved in the regulation of food intake and of peripheral metabolism. Although the cross talk between energy metabolism and the circadian system is well documented, little is known about a potential circadian modulation of human eCB activity.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to define the 24-hour profile of circulating levels of the most abundant endogenous ligand of the CB1 receptor, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), in healthy young nonobese adults studied under controlled bedtime, dietary, and activity conditions.

Methods:
Fourteen subjects participated in this 4-day laboratory study with fixed light-dark cycles, standardized meals, and bedtimes. Sleep was recorded each night. On the third day, blood sampling at 15- to 30-minute intervals began at 9:30 pm and continued for 24 hours. Cortisol, leptin, and ghrelin were assayed on all samples, whereas the levels of 2-AG and its structural analog, 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG), were measured at 60-minute intervals.

Results:
All participants exhibited a large circadian variation of 2-AG serum concentrations with a nadir around midsleep, coincident with the middle of the overnight fast. Levels of 2-AG increased continually across the morning, peaking in the early to midafternoon. Peak values represented, on average, a nearly 3-fold increase above nocturnal nadir levels. Concentrations of 2-OG followed a similar pattern, although with a shorter morning increase and lower amplitude.

Conclusions:
The findings demonstrate that activity of the eCB system is profoundly modulated by circadian rhythmicity and suggest that its impact on the regulation of food intake is suppressed during sleep and is maximal during early to midafternoon.
Liquid-phase Oxidation of Benzene with Molecular Oxygen over Vanadium Complex Catalysts Encapsulated in Y-Zeolite
Authors: Okemoto Atsushi , Inoue Yoshiki , Ikeda Koichi , Tanaka Chiaki , Taniya Keita , Ichihashi Yuichi , Nishiyama Satoru 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Vanadium complex catalysts encapsulated in Y-zeolite (VPA-Y), which are prepared by the “ship in a bottle” method, are investigated as heterogeneous catalysts for the liquid-phase oxidation of benzene to phenol with molecular oxygen. Phenol is the major product of the process, and the catalyst can be easily separated from the product solution after the reaction. These encapsulated catalysts are characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, demonstrating that the vanadium complexes are formed in the Y-zeolite cages.