bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Renal Tubular Damage, as Assessed by Urinary β
2
–Microglobulin–Creatinine Ratio, on Cardiac Prognosis in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Otaki Yoichiro , Watanabe Tetsu , Shishido Tetsuro , Takahashi Hiroki , Funayama Akira , Narumi Taro , Kadowaki Shinpei , Hasegawa Hiromasa , Honda Shintaro , Netsu Shunsuke , Ishino Mitsunori , Arimoto Takanori , Miyashita Takehiko , Miyamoto Takuya , Konta Tsuneo , Kubota Isao 
Published: May 2013

Background—
Renal dysfunction was reported to be closely associated with clinical outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Renal tubulointerstitial damage has been shown to be an important factor in the development of renal dysfunction as well as glomerular damage. However, the impact of renal tubular damage on clinical outcomes in patients with CHF remains to be determined.

Methods and Results—

Urinary β
2
–microglobulin–creatinine ratio was measured in 315 patients with CHF. Renal tubular damage was defined as a urinary β
2
–microglobulin–creatinine ratio ≥300 μg/g, as previously reported. Patients were prospectively followed up for a median period of 1097 days. There were 91 cardiac events, including 16 cardiac deaths and 75 rehospitalizations for worsening heart failure. Log
10
urinary β
2
–microglobulin–creatinine ratio was increased with worsening New York Heart Association functional class. Multivariate analysis revealed that renal tubular damage was an independent predictor of cardiac events. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that the rate of cardiac events was higher in patients with renal tubular damage compared with those without it. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the presence of chronic kidney disease and renal tubular damage. The Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that comorbidity of chronic kidney disease and renal tubular damage was associated with the highest risk for cardiac events compared with other groups.

Conclusions—
Renal tubular damage was related to the severity of heart failure and was associated with poor outcomes in patients with CHF. Renal tubular damage could add clinical information to chronic kidney disease in patients with CHF.
Preoperative INTERMACS Profiles Determine Postoperative Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Emergency Heart Transplantation
Authors: Barge-Caballero Eduardo , Segovia-Cubero Javier , Almenar-Bonet Luis , Gonzalez-Vilchez Francisco , Villa-Arranz Adolfo , Delgado-Jimenez Juan , Lage-Galle Ernesto , Perez-Villa Felix , Lambert-Rodríguez Jose L. , Manito-Lorite Nicolas , Arizon-Del Prado Jose M. , Brossa-Loidi Vicens , Pascual-Figal Domingo , Fuente-Galan Luis De la , Sanz-Julve Marisa , Muñiz-Garcia Javier , Crespo-Leiro Marisa 
Published: May 2013

Background—
Postoperative outcomes of patients with advanced heart failure undergoing ventricular assist device implantation are strongly influenced by their preoperative Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profiles. We sought to investigate whether a similar association exists in patients undergoing emergency heart transplantation.

Methods and Results—

By means of the Spanish National Heart Transplant Registry database, we identified 704 adult patients treated with emergency heart transplantation in 15 Spanish centers between 2000 and 2009. Post-transplant outcomes were analyzed pertaining to patient preoperative INTERMACS profiles, which were retrospectively assigned by 2 blinded cardiologists. Before transplantation, INTERMACS profile 1 (critical cardiogenic shock) was present in 207 patients, INTERMACS profile 2 (progressive decline) in 291, INTERMACS profile 3 (inotropic dependence) in 176, and INTERMACS profile 4 (resting symptoms) was present in 30 patients. In-hospital postoperative mortality rates were, respectively, 43%, 26.8%, and 18% in patients with profiles 1, 2, and 3 to 4 (
P
<0.001). INTERMACS 1 patients also presented the highest incidence of primary graft failure (1: 31.3%, 2: 22.3%, 3–4: 21.8%;
P
=0.03) and postoperative need for dialysis (1: 33.2%, 2: 18.9%, 3–4: 21.5%;
P
<0.001). Adjusted odds-ratios for in-hospital postoperative mortality were 4.38 (95% confidence interval, 2.51–7.66) for profile 1 versus 3 to 4, 2.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.56–3.97) for profile 1 versus 2, and 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.02–3.03) for profile 2 versus 3 to 4. Long-term survival after hospital discharge was not influenced by preoperative INTERMACS profiles.

Conclusions—
Preoperative INTERMACS profiles determine outcomes after emergency heart transplantation. Results call for a change in policies related to the management of heart transplant candidates presenting with INTERMACS profiles 1 and 2.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Thrombi Retrieved During Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Singh Paramdeep , Doostkam Soroush , Reinhard Matthias , Ivanovas Vera , Taschner Christian A. 
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—
To provide evidence whether mechanical thrombectomy with stent-retrievers in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke causes intimal damage.

Methods—
This study analyzed thrombi retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy from cerebral arteries in 48 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke for the presence of endothelial cells using CD34 antibodies.

Results—
Of 48 thrombi analyzed, CD34-positive cells were absent in 20, present as isolated cells in 21, and found in clusters in 7 thrombi. We did not find any subendothelial vessel wall structures.

Conclusions—
Our findings suggest that mechanical thrombectomy with stent-retrievers does not cause relevant intimal damage in acute ischemic stroke treatment.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.germanctr.de
. Unique identifier: DRKS00004695
Explicit Consideration of Baseline Factors to Assess Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Response With Respect to Race and Sex
Authors: Mandava Pitchaiah , Murthy Santosh B. , Munoz Melody , McGuire Dawn , Simon Roger P. , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Albright Karen C. , Boehme Amelia K. , Martin-Schild Sheryl , Martini Sharyl , Kent Thomas A. 
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—
Sex and race reportedly influence outcome after recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA). It is, however, unclear whether baseline imbalances (eg, stroke severity) or lack of response to thrombolysis is responsible. We applied balancing methods to test the hypothesis that race and sex influence outcome after rtPA independent of baseline conditions.

Methods—
We mapped group outcomes from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) dataset based on race and sex onto a surrogate-control function to assess differences from expected outcomes at their respective National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and age. Outcomes were also compared for subjects matched individually on key baseline factors using NINDS and 2 recent datasets from southeastern United States.

Results—

At similar National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and age, 90-day good outcomes (modified Rankin Score, 0–2) in NINDS were similarly improved after rtPA for white men and women. There was a strong trend for improvement in black men. Conversely, black women treated with rtPA showed response rates no different from the controls. After baseline matching, there were nonsignificant trends in outcomes except for significantly fewer good outcomes in black versus matched white women (37% versus 63%;
P
=0.027). Pooling the 3 datasets showed a similar trend for poorer short-term outcome for black women (
P
=0.054; modified Rankin Score, 0–1).

Conclusions—
Matching for key baseline factors indicated that race and sex influence outcome most strikingly in black women who demonstrated poorest outcomes after rtPA. This finding supports the hypothesis that poor response to rtPA, rather than differences in baseline conditions, contributes to the worse outcome. This finding requires prospective confirmation.
Is There a Stroke Belt in China and Why?
Authors: Xu Gelin , Ma Minmin , Liu Xinfeng , Hankey Graeme J. 
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—
In 1960s, a stroke belt with high stroke mortality was discovered in the southeast United States. In China, where stroke is the leading cause of death, we aimed to determine whether a focal region of high stroke incidence (stroke belt) exits and, if so, the possible causal and modifiable factors.

Methods—
We systematically reviewed all studies of stroke incidence in China between 1980 and 2010, and included those which met our criteria for a high-quality study. Criteria for a provincial region of high stroke incidence were ranking in the top one third of all provinces for stroke incidence and ranking of more than one third of prefectural regions within the province in the top two sevenths of all prefectural regions for stroke incidence. We also reviewed regional distribution of major vascular risk factors, socioeconomic status, and demographic profiles in China.

Results—

Nine eligible studies provided data on the incidence of stroke in 32 of 34 provincial regions of China (with Hong Kong and Macao as exceptions) and 52% of the 347 prefectural regions. Nine provincial regions (Heilongjiang, Tibet, Jilin, Liaoning, Xinjiang, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Beijing, and Ningxia) met our criteria for a region of high stroke incidence and constitute a stroke belt in north and west China. The incidence of stroke in the stroke belt was 236.2 per 100 000 population compared with 109.7 in regions outside the belt (rate ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 2.10–2.22). The mean population prevalence of hypertension and overweight (body mass index, >25) was greater in the stroke belt than that in other regions (15.3% versus 10.3%,
P
<0.001; 21.1% versus 12.3%,
P
=0.013, respectively). The prevalence of hypertension and overweight also correlated significantly with regional stroke incidence (
R
=0.642,
P
<0.001;
R
=0.438,
P
=0.014, respectively, by Spearman rank correlation).

Conclusions—
A stroke belt of high stroke incidence exists in 9 provincial regions of north and west China. The stroke belt may be caused, at least in part, by a higher population prevalence of hypertension and excess body weight. Lowering blood pressure and body weight in the stroke belt may reduce the geographic disparity in stroke risk and incidence in China.
Liar's Loan? Effects of Origination Channel and Information Falsification on Mortgage Delinquency
Authors: Jiang Wei , Nelson Ashlyn Aiko , Vytlacil Edward 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper presents an analysis of mortgage delinquency between 2004 and 2008 using a loan-level data set from a major national mortgage bank. Our analysis highlights two problems underlying the mortgage crisis: a reliance on mortgage brokers who tend to originate lower-quality loans and a prevalence of low-documentation loans—known in the industry as “liar's loans”—that result in borrower information falsification. While over three-quarters of the difference in delinquency rates between bank and broker channels can be attributed to observable loan and borrower characteristics, the delinquency difference between full- and low-documentation mortgages is due to unobservable heterogeneity, about half of it potentially due to income falsification.
Statistics of Storm Updraft Velocities from TWP-ICE Including Verification with Profiling Measurements
Authors: Collis Scott , Protat Alain , May Peter T. , Williams Christopher 
Published: May 2013

AbstractComparisons between direct measurements and modeled values of vertical air motions in precipitating systems are complicated by differences in temporal and spatial scales. On one hand, vertically profiling radars more directly measure the vertical air motion but do not adequately capture full storm dynamics. On the other hand, vertical air motions retrieved from two or more scanning Doppler radars capture the full storm dynamics but require model constraints that may not capture all updraft features because of inadequate sampling, resolution, numerical constraints, and the fact that the storm is evolving as it is scanned by the radars. To investigate the veracity of radar-based retrievals, which can be used to verify numerically modeled vertical air motions, this article presents several case studies from storm events around Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, in which measurements from a dual-frequency radar profiler system and volumetric radar-based wind retrievals are compared. While a direct comparison was not possible because of instrumentation location, an indirect comparison shows promising results, with volume retrievals comparing well to those obtained from the profiling system. This prompted a statistical analysis of an extended period of an active monsoon period during the Tropical Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE). Results show less vigorous deep convective cores with maximum updraft velocities occurring at lower heights than some cloud-resolving modeling studies suggest.
Formation and Maintenance of Nocturnal Low-Level Stratus over the Southern West African Monsoon Region during AMMA 2006
Authors: Schuster Robert , Fink Andreas H. , Knippertz Peter 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The southern parts of West Africa are frequently covered by an extensive deck of shallow, low (200–400 m AGL) stratus or stratocumulus clouds during the summer monsoon. These clouds usually form at night in association with a nocturnal low-level jet (NLLJ) and can persist into the early afternoon hours. Recent work suggests that the stratus deck is unsatisfactorily represented in standard satellite retrievals and state-of-the-art climate models. Here the authors use high-resolution regional simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) and observations from the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) 2006 campaign to investigate (i) the spatiotemporal distribution, (ii) the influence on the shortwave radiation balance, and (iii) the detailed formation and maintenance mechanisms of the stratiform clouds. At least some configurations of WRF satisfactorily reproduce the diurnal cycle of the low-cloud evolution, yielding the following main conclusions: (i) The simulated stratus deck forms after sunset along the coast, spreads inland during the course of the night, and dissipates in the early afternoon. (ii) The average surface net shortwave radiation balance in stratus-dominated regions is about 35 W m−2 lower than in those with fewer clouds. (iii) The cloud formation is related to a subtle balance between “stratogenic” upward (downward) fluxes of latent (sensible) heat caused by shear-driven turbulence below the NLLJ, cold advection, orographic lifting, and radiative cooling on one hand, and “stratolytic” dry advection and latent heating on the other hand.
Impacts of the Madden–Julian Oscillation on the Summer South China Sea Ocean Circulation and Temperature
Authors: Wang Guihua , Ling Zheng , Wu Renguang , Chen Changlin 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) on the South China Sea (SCS) in summer with three types of models: a theoretical Sverdrup model, a 1.5-layer reduced gravity model, and a regional ocean model [Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS)]. Results show that the ocean circulation in the SCS has an intraseasonal oscillation responding to the MJO. During its westerly phase, the MJO produces positive (negative) wind stress curl over the northern (southern) SCS and thus induces an enhanced cyclonic (anticyclonic) circulation in the northern (southern) SCS. This not only cools sea surface temperature (SST) but also decreases (increases) subsurface temperature in the northern (southern) SCS. During its easterly phase, the MJO basically produces a reversed but weaker influence on SCS ocean circulation and temperature. Thus, the MJO can have an imprint on the summer climatology of SCS circulation and temperature. The authors' analysis further indicates that the MJO's dynamic effect associated with wind is generally more important than its thermodynamic effect in modulating the regional ocean circulation and temperature. The present study suggests that the MJO is important for summer ocean circulation and temperature in the SCS.
The Possible Influence of a Nonconventional El Niño on the Severe Autumn Drought of 2009 in Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Jin Fei-Fei , Zhao Jing-Xia , Qi Li , Ren Hong-Li 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
A severe drought struck southwest China during autumn 2009, which had a huge impact on productivity and the lives of the affected population. A nonconventional El Niño, the so-called warm pool (WP) El Niño, was supposed to be a principal factor of this strong autumn drought. In sharp contrast to a conventional El Niño, in the 2009 WP El Niño year the maximum sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are confined to the central equatorial Pacific Ocean. Moreover, this WP El Niño was characterized by the relatively farther westward location and the strongest intensity among the WP El Niño events in the past 60 years. Observations and modeling studies both indicate that the rainfall deficits over southwest China are significantly influenced by the combined effects of the location and intensity of the WP El Niño. That is, the drought over southwest China tends to be more severe when the warming SST anomalies associated with the WP El Niño are located farther westward and are stronger. Therefore, the strong autumn drought over southwest China in 2009 can be largely attributed to the concurrent distinctive WP El Niño, which generates a strongly anomalous cyclone over the west North Pacific and leads to a serious reduction in rainfall over southwest China. The influence of the Indian Ocean warming on autumn rainfall over southwest China was also examined but seems to have little contribution to this drought.
Population Management of Diabetes in a High-Need Urban Community in the Bronx
Authors: Farrell Patricia , Barnaby Sandra , Galarza Tahnee , Simonson Julie K. , Zonszein Joel , Meara Anne , Chung Henry , Figueira Rhonda , Felleman Sheila 
Published: May 2013

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a Care Management Organization (CMO) Diabetes Disease Management Program (DDMP) in improving diabetes outcomes among high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the Bronx, New York. Methods An interventional, nonrandomized study design was used to assess the effectiveness of the DDMP. Patients older than 18 years who had T2DM and an A1C persistently 8% or greater or with a cardiovascular comorbidity were characterized as high risk and received intensive disease management. Patients served as their own controls, with data collection and analysis occurring 12 months prior to and 12 months after enrollment in DDMP. Data collection included screening rates for A1C, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, depression, smoking status, and annual influenza vaccine administration. Changes in A1C and LDL cholesterol were also analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted using Minitab. McNemar’s chi-square and paired t tests were used to assess within-group changes from baseline to final outcomes. Results Significant improvements in screening rates for A1C, LDL, depression, smoking status, and annual influenza vaccine administration were found among high-risk/intensively managed patients in the DDMP. Improvements in clinical measures were also achieved in this group. Provider and patient satisfaction surveys were positive, with 92% of patients believing that the program helped them better understand their disease. Conclusions A DDMP among high-risk patients has shown promise in improving the quality of care for patients with diabetes. This program has relevance for other integrated delivery systems that are developing accountable care approaches.
An Indicator of Probable Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials to High Frequencies
Authors: Manzari Leonardo , Burgess Ann M. , McGarvie Leigh A. , Curthoys Ian S. 
Published: May 2013

The n10 component of the ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) to sound and vibration stimuli is a crossed response that has enhanced amplitude and decreased threshold in patients with CT‐verified superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). However, demonstrating enhanced VEMP amplitude and reduced VEMP thresholds requires multiple trials and can be very time consuming and tiring for patients, so a specific indicator of probable SCD that is fast and not tiring would be preferred. Here we report a 1‐trial indicator: that the oVEMP n10 in response to a very high frequency stimulus (4000 Hz), either air‐conducted sound (ACS) or bone conducted vibration (BCV), is such a fast indicator of probable SCD. In 22 healthy subjects, oVEMP n10 at 4000 Hz was not detectable; however, in all 22 CT‐verified SSCD patients tested, oVEMP n10 responses were clearly present to 4000 Hz to either ACS or BCV stimuli.
Tympanoplasty with Intact Canal Wall Mastoidectomy for Cholesteatoma: Long‐Term Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Wilson Kevin F. , Hoggan Ryan N. , Shelton Clough 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveWith different mastoidectomy approaches available to the surgeon for treatment of cholesteatoma, we review long‐term outcomes of intact canal wall (ICW) mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAcademic medical center.Subjects and MethodsAll cases of cholesteatoma treated with ICW mastoidectomy by the senior author over a period of 9 years for which at least 2 years of follow‐up data exist. Patient and disease information was collected retrospectively and analyzed.ResultsOne hundred forty‐eight patients with 156 affected ears were treated and followed for a median of 5.3 years (range, 2.1‐14.8). The majority of the operations (144/156, 92%) were staged. Of those that were staged, 51/144 (35%) had residual cholesteatoma at the second stage. Thirteen patients (8%) had recurrence of their cholesteatoma, of which 6 required a subsequent canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy.ConclusionsICW mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty continues to be a successful treatment for cholesteatoma. We found a substantial residual rate at the second stage, justifying the necessity of staging in most cases. Recurrence rate of cholesteatoma using this technique is low, as is the progression to CWD mastoidectomy.
Association of oestrogen-receptor gene (ESR1) polymorphisms with migraine in the large Norfolk Island pedigree
Authors: Rodriguez-Acevedo Astrid J , Maher Bridget H , Lea Rodney A , Benton Miles , Griffiths Lyn R 
Published: May 2013

Background Oestrogen receptor 1 ( ESR1) is located in region 6q25.1 and encodes a ligand-activated transcription factor composed of several domains important for hormone binding and transcription activation. Progesterone receptor ( PGR) is located in 11q22-23 and mediates the role of progesterone interacting with different transcriptional co-regulators. ESR1 and PGR have previously been implicated in migraine susceptibility. Here, we report the results of an association study of these genes in a migraine pedigree from the genetic isolate of Norfolk Island, a population descended from a small number of Isle of Man “Bounty Mutineer” and Tahitian founders. Methods A significant number of molecular markers in the ESR1 (143) and PGR (43) genes were evaluated in a sample of 285 related individuals (135 males; 150 females). A pedigree-based analysis in the GenABEL package was used to analyse the results. Results and conclusions A total of 10 markers in the ESR1 gene showed association with migraine ( p < 0.05) in the Norfolk Island population. No association was detected with PGR. Three haplotypes in ESR1 were found to be associated with migraine ( p = 0.004, 0.03, 0.005). Future genetic studies in larger populations and expression analysis are required to clarify the role of ESR1 in migraine susceptibility.