bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in the Incidence and Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction From 1999 to 2008: Get With the Guidelines Performance Measures in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Han , Cheng Ching‐Lan , Yang Yea‐Huei Kao , Chao Ting‐Hsing , Chen Ju‐Yi , Liu Ping‐Yen , Lin Chih‐Chan , Chan Shih‐Hung , Tsai Liang‐Miin , Chen Jyh‐Hong , Lin Li‐Jen , Li Yi‐Heng 
Published: August 2014

Background

The American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines (
GWTG
) program has improved care quality of acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) with important implications for other countries in the world. This study evaluated the incidence and care of
AMI
in Taiwan and assessed the compliance of
GWTG
in Taiwan.

Methods and Results

We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (1999–2008) to identify hospitalized patients ≥18 years of age presenting with
AMI
. The temporal trends of annual incidence and care quality of
AMI
were evaluated. The age‐adjusted incidence of
AMI
(/100 000 person‐years) increased from 28.0 in 1999 to 44.4 in 2008 (
P
<0.001). The use of guideline‐based medications for
AMI
was evaluated. The use of dual antiplatelet therapy (
DAPT
) increased from 65% in 2004 to 83.9% in 2008 (
P
<0.001). Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (
ACE
) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (
ARB
) was used in 72.6% in 2004 and 71.7% in 2008 (
P
=
NS
) and β‐blocker was used in 60% in 2004 and 59.7% in 2008 (
P
=
NS
). Statin use increased from 32.1% to 50.1% from 2004 to 2008 (
P
<0.001). The in‐hospital mortality decreased from 15.9% in 1999 to 12.3% in 2008 (
P
<0.0001). Multivariable analysis showed that
DAPT
,
ACE
inhibitor/
ARB
, β‐blocker, and statin use during hospitalization were all associated with reduced in‐hospital mortality in our
AMI
patients.

Conclusions

AMI
incidence was increasing, but the guideline‐based medications for
AMI
were underutilized in Taiwan. Quality improvement programs, such as
GWTG
, should be promoted to improve
AMI
care and outcomes in Taiwan.
Motivationally Significant Self-control: Enhanced Action Withholding Involves the Right Inferior Frontal Junction
Authors: O'Connor David A. , Upton Daniel J. , Moore Jennifer , Hester Robert 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
In everyday life, people use self-control to withhold actions. This ability is particularly important when the consequences of action withholding have an impact on the individual's well-being. Despite its importance, it is unclear as to how the neural nodes implicated in action withholding contribute to this real-world type of self-control. By modifying an action withholding paradigm, the go/no-go task, we examined how the brain exerts self-control during a scenario in which the implications of withholding an action are meaningful and motivationally significant. A successfully withheld response contributed to long-term monetary rewards, whereas failure to withhold a response incurred an immediate monetary punishment. Compared with neutral action withholding, participants significantly improved their performance when these contingencies were applied. Crucially, although the right IFG and pre-SMA were found to promote overall action withholding, the enhancement in behavioral performance relative to a neutral condition was only reflected by a physiological change in a region encompassing the right inferior frontal junction and precentral gyrus. We speculate that the ability to flexibly modulate attention to goal-relevant stimuli is crucial to enhanced, motivationally driven action withholding and that this ability is subserved by the right inferior frontal junction. These findings suggest that control-modulating factors, rather than action withholding processes per se, can be critical to improving motivationally significant action withholding outcomes.
Interannual Variations of Stratospheric Water Vapor in MLS Observations and Climate Model Simulations
Authors: Kawatani Yoshio , Lee Jae N. , Hamilton Kevin 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
By analyzing the almost-decade-long record of water vapor measurements from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument on the NASA Aura satellite and by detailed diagnostic analysis of the results from state-of-the art climate model simulations, this study confirmed the conceptual picture of the interannual variation in equatorial stratospheric water vapor discussed in earlier papers (e.g., Geller et al.). The interannual anomalies in water vapor are strongly related to the dynamical quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), and this study presents the first QBO composite of the time–height structure of the equatorial water vapor anomalies. The anomalies display upward propagation below about 10 hPa in a manner analogous to the annual “tape recorder” effect, but at higher levels they show clear downward propagation. This study examined these variations in the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC)-AGCM and in four models in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) that simulate realistic QBOs. Diagnostic budget analysis of the MIROC-AGCM data and comparisons among the CMIP5 model results demonstrate (i) the importance of temperature anomalies at the tropopause induced by the QBO for lower-stratospheric water vapor variations and (ii) that upper-stratospheric water vapor anomalies are largely driven by advection of the mean vertical gradient of water content by the QBO interannual fluctuations in the vertical wind.
An Assessment of the Impact of Antishattering Tips and Artifact Removal Techniques on Bulk Cloud Ice Microphysical and Optical Properties Measured by the 2D Cloud Probe
Authors: Jackson Robert C. , McFarquhar Greg M. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
A recent study showed that the ratio of the number of distribution functions derived from 2D cloud probes (2DCs) with standard tips to those with antishatter tips used during the 2008 Indirect and Semidirect Aerosol Campaign (ISDAC) and Instrumentation Development and Education in Airborne Science 2011 (IDEAS-2011) was greater than 1 for ice crystals with maximum dimension D &lt; 500 μm. To assess the applicability of 2DC data obtained without antishatter tips previously used in parameterization schemes for numerical models and remote sensing retrievals, the impacts of artifacts on bulk microphysical and scattering properties were examined by quantifying differences between such properties derived from 2DCs with standard and antishatter tips, and with and without the use of shatter detection algorithms using the ISDAC and IDEAS-2011 data. Using either modified tips or algorithms changed the quantities dominated by higher-order moments, such as ice water content, bulk extinction, effective radius, mass-weighted terminal velocity, median mass diameter, asymmetry parameter, and single-scatter albedo, at wavenumbers from 5 to 100 cm−1 and wavelengths of 0.5–5 μm by less than 20%. This is significantly less than the fractional changes quantities dominated by lower-order moments, such as number concentration. The results suggest that model parameterizations and remote sensing techniques based on higher-order moments of ice particle size distributions obtained in conditions similar to those sampled during IDEAS-2011 and ISDAC derived from 2DCs are not substantially biased by shattered remnants.
Dexamethasone's Effect in the Retrocochlear Auditory Centers of a Noise‐Induced Hearing Loss Mouse Model
Authors: Chen Leon , Dean Clare , Gandolfi Michele , Nahm Edmund , Mattiace Linda , Kim Ana H. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveExamine prophylactic effects of dexamethasone (Dex) in retrocochlear auditory centers in a noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL) mouse model.Study DesignProspective animal study.SettingAcademic research center.Subjects and MethodsThirty‐two mice were divided into control, untreated, saline (2 and 10 µL), and Dex (2 and 10 µL) groups. Dex was applied intratympanically (IT) prior to 110 to 120 dB noise over 6 hours. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months. Retrocochlear neuronal cells were labeled with FluoroGold and counted. Hair cells of the organ of Corti were labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate‐conjugated phalloidin and counted.ResultsAuditory brainstem response thresholds of untreated NIHL, 2 and 10 µL IT saline, and 2 and 10 µL IT Dex were 21.7 ± 2.9 dB, 20 ± 0 dB, 20 ± 5 dB, 18.3 ± 2.9 dB, and 18.3 ± 2.9 dB, respectively. At 1‐day post NIHL, all groups demonstrated profound hearing loss. At 2 weeks, 2 and 10 µL Dex thresholds improved to 47.5 ± 3.5 dB and 48.8 ± 18.9 dB, respectively, whereas the untreated and saline groups remained unchanged. Mean cell counts in the cochlear nucleus (CN), superior olivary complex (SOC), and lateral lemniscus (LL) of control mice were 1483 ± 190, 2807 ± 67, and 112 ± 20, respectively. After acoustic trauma, the untreated, saline, and 2 µL Dex groups yielded decreased neuronal counts in the SOC. In contrast, the 10 µL Dex group had 1883 ± 186 (CN), 2774 ± 182 (SOC), and 166 ± 18 (LL). There was sporadic hair cell loss for all traumatized groups.ConclusionOur NIHL mouse model demonstrated dose‐dependent Dex pretreatment otoprotection against NIHL with preservation of retrocochlear auditory neurons.
Is serotonin a valuable parameter in peripheral arterial disease?
Authors: Senol Sefa , Es Mehmet Ugur 
Published: August 2014

Objective In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum serotonin levels, which are supposed to affect vascular function, to peripheral arterial disease. Methods This prospective study was performed in 70 patients (57 males, 13 females; mean age 67 ± 13 years) with peripheral arterial disease scheduled for surgery and 70 controls (52 males, 18 females; mean age 58 ± 12 years). Results The rates of diabetes mellitus and hypertension and the fasting glucose levels were significantly higher in the peripheral arterial disease group ( p = 0.001). Total, low-density, and high-density cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and creatinine levels, and the smoking rate were similar in both groups ( p > 0.05). The serotonin levels were significantly higher in patients with peripheral vascular disease scheduled for surgery compared to the control group ( p = 0.024). Conclusion The plasma serotonin level is an important parameter in peripheral arterial disease.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel collagen/cellulose nanocrystals scaffold for achieving the sustained release of basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Li Weichang , Lan Yong , Guo Rui , Zhang Yi , Xue Wei , Zhang Yuanming 
Published: August 2014

Tissue-engineered dermis is thought to be the best treatment for skin defects; however, slow vascularization of these biomaterial scaffolds limits their clinical application. Exogenous administration of angiogenic growth factors is highly desirable for tissue regeneration. In this study, biodegradable gelatin microspheres (GMs) containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were fabricated and incorporated into a porous collagen/cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) scaffold, as a platform for long-term release and consequent angiogenic boosting. The physicochemical properties of these scaffolds were examined and the in vitro release pattern of bFGF from scaffolds was measured by ELISA. Collagen/CNCs scaffolds with and without bFGF-GMs were incubated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells for 1 week, results showed that the scaffolds with bFGF-GMs significantly augmented cell proliferation. Then, four different groups of scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously into Sprague–Dawley rats to study angiogenesis in vivo via macroscopic observation, and hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining. The results suggested that the collagen/CNCs/bFGF-GMs scaffolds had a significantly higher number of newly formed and mature blood vessels, and the fastest degradation rate. This study demonstrated that collagen/CNCs/bFGF-GMs scaffolds have great potential in skin tissue engineering.
Evaluation of Treatment Courses When Vancomycin Is Given Every 8 Hours in Adult Patients
Authors: Brumer Erica , Dubrovskaya Yanina , Scipione Marco R. , Aberle Caitlin , Rahimian Joseph , Papadopoulos John 
Published: August 2014

Background: Several nomograms include recommendations to give intravenous (IV) vancomycin at 8-hour dosing intervals (Q8H). However, there is a lack of detailed data regarding this dosing recommendation. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 100 patients who received 107 treatment courses of vancomycin Q8H for at least 5 days was performed. Distribution of vancomycin trough levels and rate of nephrotoxicity were evaluated. Results: Median patient age was 38 years (interquartile range [IQR] 27-50 years), median weight was 67 kg (IQR 55-79 kg), and median creatinine clearance was 124 mL/min (IQR 101-147 mL/min). Median duration of Q8H dosing was 9 days (IQR 7-12 days). Within the initial 96 hours, only 7% (7 of 104) of maximum trough concentrations were >20 mg/L (median dose 15 mg/kg [IQR 15-18 mg/kg]). After 96 hours of Q8H dosing, 34% (30 of 89) of maximum troughs were >20 mg/L (median dose 17 mg/kg [IQR 15-20 mg/kg]), P = .0005. The rate of nephrotoxicity was 4%. Conclusion: We observed an increase in the percentage of trough levels >20 mg/L later during treatment courses of vancomycin IV Q8H with a relatively small corresponding increase in vancomycin dose. Close monitoring of trough levels (eg, every 3 days) with prolonged courses of vancomycin IV Q8H is warranted.
Ethical concerns of visiting nurses caring for older people in the community
Authors: Choe Kwisoon , Kim Kisook , Lee Kyoung-Sook 
Published: August 2014

Background: An understanding of the ethical concerns encountered by visiting nurses in the community is needed. Yet, there is a lack of research on this topic. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the ethical concerns that visiting nurses experience when caring for vulnerable older people living in a community. Design and sample: A qualitative thematic analysis was used to explore the nature of the ethical issues experienced by visiting nurses (N = 13) who care for vulnerable older people, over 65 years of age, in a South Korean community. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with visiting nurses. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to explore the main themes of the phenomenon. Ethical considerations: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chung-Ang University Bioethics Committee in South Korea. Results: Four ethical themes emerged from the qualitative data: (a) quantitative performance rather than quality care, (b) clients being invisible, (c) tuning the level of the relationship with clients, and (d) facing the visiting nurses’ own limitations. Conclusion: This study provides a theoretical basis to understand the ethical aspects of visiting nurses’ interactions with clients, which should facilitate the development of ethical guidelines for visiting nurses to use in making ethical decisions in their practice.
Physical and chemical stability of proflavine contrast agent solutions for early detection of oral cancer
Authors: Kawedia Jitesh D , Zhang Yan-Ping , Myers Alan L , Richards-Kortum Rebecca R , Kramer Mark A , Gillenwater Ann M , Culotta Kirk S 
Published: August 2014

Background and purpose Proflavine hemisulfate solution is a fluorescence contrast agent to visualize cell nuclei using high-resolution optical imaging devices such as the high-resolution microendoscope. These devices provide real-time imaging to distinguish between normal versus neoplastic tissue. These images could be helpful for early screening of oral cancer and its precursors and to determine accurate margins of malignant tissue for ablative surgery. Extemporaneous preparation of proflavine solution for these diagnostic procedures requires preparation in batches and long-term storage to improve compounding efficiency in the pharmacy. However, there is a paucity of long-term stability data for proflavine contrast solutions. Methods The physical and chemical stability of 0.01% (10 mg/100 ml) proflavine hemisulfate solutions prepared in sterile water was determined following storage at refrigeration (4–8℃) and room temperature (23℃). Concentrations of proflavine were measured at predetermined time points up to 12 months using a validated stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method. Results Proflavine solutions stored under refrigeration were physically and chemically stable for at least 12 months with concentrations ranging from 95% to 105% compared to initial concentration. However, in solutions stored at room temperature increased turbidity and particulates were observed in some of the tested vials at 9 months and 12 months with peak particle count reaching 17-fold increase compared to baseline. Solutions stored at room temperature were chemically stable up to six months (94–105%). Conclusion Proflavine solutions at concentration of 0.01% were chemically and physically stable for at least 12 months under refrigeration. The solution was chemically stable for six months when stored at room temperature. We recommend long-term storage of proflavine solutions under refrigeration prior to diagnostic procedure.
Factors associated with clinically significant increased walking time in multiple sclerosis: Results of a survival analysis of short-term follow-up data from a clinical database
Authors: Miller Deborah M , Thompson Nicolas R , Cohen Jeffrey A , Fox Robert J , Hartman Jen , Schwetz Kathleen , Conway Devon S , Rudick Richard A 
Published: August 2014

Background: Because multiple sclerosis (MS) is variable and unpredictable, if symptom worsening could be predicted, patients may feel better prepared to manage changes in function. Objective: The objective of this paper is to study the prediction of walking impairment in MS. Methods: We retrieved data for all MS patients at our center (2008–2009), including baseline and follow-up timed 25-foot walk (T25FW) times. We assessed the incidence of ≥20% worsening in T25FW by developing two survival models: (1) disease course and (2) Multiple Sclerosis Performance Scales (MSPS) score. The outcome was days until ≥20% worsening in T25FW. Covariates were disease subtype, years since diagnosis, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score, and demographics. Data were interval censored; missing data were handled with multiple imputation. Results: Of 1544 patients, 309 (20%) experienced ≥20% worsening T25FW. For disease course, time to worsening was significantly shorter for secondary progressive vs. relapsing–remitting disease ( p < 0.001). For MSPS, patients with lower baseline MSPS scores progressed more slowly ( p = 0.001). In both models, sex, baseline T25W, and time since diagnosis were significantly associated with worsening. In the disease course model, PHQ 9 score may be related to worsening ( p = 0.07). Conclusion: These findings suggest factors associated with worsening in T25FW and a potential approach to establishing indicators associated with clinically significant change.
Back to the future: Examining type 2 diabetic vasculature using the gestational diabetic placenta
Authors: Samuel Rekha , Ramanathan Kavitha , Mathews Jiji E , Seshadri Mandalam S 
Published: August 2014

Understanding the association between the intrauterine hyperglycemic milieu and the development of adult diabetic vasculopathy is of particular relevance in India, where diabetes and vascular disease are prevalent. The gestational diabetes mellitus placenta is a valuable tool to examine blood vessels that have been exposed to hyperglycemic cues. We report an interesting observation in a cohort of gestational diabetes mellitus foetal placental vasculature from South India. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated pericyte detachment and pericyte ghost cells reminiscent of adult type 2 diabetic retinopathy, in gestational diabetes mellitus foetal placental blood vessels that were not observed in non-gestational diabetes mellitus placentas ( p ≤0.001). Endothelial cell irregularity was observed in 76% gestational diabetes mellitus foetal blood vessels as compared with 10.4% non-gestational diabetes mellitus placental vasculature ( p ≤0.001). Other abnormalities noted in gestational diabetes mellitus placenta included mitochondrial abnormalities, increased micro vessel density and thickening of basement membranes. These results suggest that adult type 2 diabetic vasculopathy has developmental origins in utero.
A review of anomalous origination of a coronary artery from an opposite sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS) impact on major adverse cardiovascular events based on coronary computerized tomography angiography: a 6-year single center review
Authors: Clark Richard A. , Marler Adam T. , Lin Charles K. , McDonough Ryan J. , Prentice Ryan L. , Malik Jamil A. , Villines Todd C. , Hulten Edward A. , Thomas Dustin M. , Slim Ahmad M. 
Published: August 2014

Background: Anomalous origination of a coronary artery from an opposite sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS) is a rare finding that is typically found on autopsy in a person with sudden cardiac death or during routine cardiovascular testing. The true prevalence is unknown for this reason. There is also question to the specific anatomy of the anomalies themselves and how best to correct them. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) studies to evaluate the incidence of all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke and late revascularization (>90 days following CCTA) from January 2005 until July 2012. We describe the origin of the artery, its course, slit-like appearance and treatment in this population. Results: We reviewed 1518 CCTA reports and identified 22 patients with ACAOS with an incidence of 1.4% of our original study population over a review period of 6 years with a resultant median follow-up period of 25 months [interquartile range (IQR)25,75 12–34 months]. The indication for CCTA was for chest pain in the majority of patients (73%). We had one patient undergo surgical repair and one with coronary bypass grafting for unrelated symptomatic coronary artery disease. Conclusion: ACAOS continues to be a rare but presumed fatal condition in subsets identified to carry high risk features. As the characteristics of the anomalous vessels that increase risk are still debated, over an intermediate to long follow up in a single large center, none of the different anomalous findings with varying degrees of high risk findings were associated with sudden death.