bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ACE inhibitors and heart failure in hospital: any difference between cardiologists and general physicians?
Authors: Davie Andrew P , McMurray John J 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Cardiologists and generalists have been reported to diverge in terms of their self-reported use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but information on their actual use of ACE inhibitors has been lacking. In order to assess ACE inhibitor use in patients with heart failure in a teaching hospital and any differences between specialties we studied all patients in the Western Infirmary of Glasgow between 1 April and 1 October 1996 with an echocardiogram showing moderate or severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (n=236). We found that most patients were on an ACE inhibitor (66%), 12% had been tried but found to be intolerant, 10% had not been tried because of a contraindication, but 12% had not been tried despite no contraindication. Of those on treatment, 58% were on a dose used in a major survival study (38% of all patients). Most patients were treated by a cardiologist (64%). Of these, more were on an ACE inhibitor (77% vs 53%, p&lt;0.01), fewer had been tried but found intolerant (11%vs 18%), and fewer had never been tried (11% vs 29%, p&lt;0.01), irrespective of whether they had a contraindication (5% vs 18%, p&lt;0.01) or not (6% vs 12%). More were on a dose used in a major survival study (48%vs 31%, p&lt;0.05). We conclude that, despite improvements over time, ACE inhibitors are still under-used, sometimes without good reason. There are also differences in the use of ACE inhibitors between cardiologists and generalists which may affect outcome, and could affect resource utilisation.
Warfarin-induced skin necrosis
Authors: Stewart Andrew J , Penman Ian D , Cook Margaret K , Ludlam Christopher A 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Skin necrosis is a rare but serious side-effect of treatment with warfarin. At particular risk are those with various thrombophilic abnormalities, especially when warfarinisation is undertaken rapidly with large loading doses of warfarin. With the increasing number of patients anticoagulated as out-patients for thromboprophylaxis, we are concerned that the incidence of skin necrosis may increase. If skin necrosis does occur, prompt remedial action may be of benefit in preventing permanent tissue damage.
Calcium-channel blockade can mask the diagnosis of Conn's syndrome
Authors: Brown Morris J , Hopper Ruth V 
Published: February 2015

Summary
A 30-year-old woman presented with hypertension and hypokalaemia, and was found to have primary aldosteronism due to a Conn's adenoma, whose removal cured the hypertension. Before surgery, the characteristic biochemical changes which enabled the diagnosis were completely masked by administration of a calcium-channel blocker, amlodipine. It is likely that widespread use of this class of drugs contributes to under-diagnosis of Conn's syndrome as a curable cause of hypertension.
Cogan's syndrome: an oculo-audiovestibular disease
Authors: Berrocal J R García , Vargas J A , Vaquero M , y Cajal S Ramón , Ramírez-Camacho R A 
Published: February 2015

SummaryTypical Cogan's syndrome is a rare disease of young adults consisting of flares of interstitial keratitis and sudden onset of Ménière-like attacks (nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss). Life-threatening aortic insufficiency develops in 10% of reported cases. Atypical Cogan's syndrome (audiovestibular dysfunction with other types of inflammatory eye disease) is associated with vasculitis in 20% of cases and has a less favourable prognosis than typical Cogan's syndrome.
Efficacy and safety of intravenous amiodarone in recent-onset atrial fibrillation: experience in patients admitted to a general internal medicine department
Authors: Kreiss Yitshak , Sidi Yechezkel , Gur Hanan 
Published: February 2015

Summary
We examined the efficacy and safety of intravenous amiodarone in 20 unselected patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation who were admitted to a general internal medicine department during a 6-month period. The treatment protocol included a loading dose of 1200 mg intravenous amiodarone in 24 hours, after which amiodarone treatment was continued orally. Eleven of the 20 patients (55%) converted to sinus rhythm within 48 hours of intravenous amiodarone treatment and were discharged in sinus rhythm, while 9/20 (45%) patients failed to convert during hospitalisation. Six patients (30%) failed to convert to sinus rhythm even after one further month of oral treatment. There was one death and a high frequency (25%) of thrombophlebitis during hospitalisation. The in-hospital non-convertors had a significantly lower ejection fraction and initial low ventricular response rate than the convertors. In conclusion, the acute conversion rate by intravenous amiodarone was at best modest. It is suggested that intravenous amiodarone is probably more effective in patients with rapid recent-onset atrial fibrillation and good left ventricular function.
Diabetic ketoacidosis precipitated by thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Bhattacharyya A , Wiles P G 
Published: February 2015

Summary
We report two patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, previously well controlled with good compliance, presenting with unexplained diabetic ketoacidosis. Following initial correction of the metabolic disorder, persisting tachycardia lead to the diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis. In both cases, treatment with propranolol and carbimazole helped in the stabilization of their metabolic states. Although thyrotoxicosis is known to destabilise diabetes control, we can find no reports of it precipitating diabetic ketoacidosis.
Acne: a review of immunologic and microbiologic factors
Authors: Burkhart Craig G , Burkhart Craig N , Lehmann Paul F 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Acne vulgaris is a self-limiting skin disorder seen primarily in adolescents, whose aetiology appears to be multifactorial. The four main aetiological factors are hypercornification of the pilosebaceous duct, increased sebum production, colonization withPropionibacterium acnes, and subsequently the production of inflammation. Considerable investigation has addressed the immunologic reaction to extracellular products produced by the acne-causing organism, P acnes. The immunologic response involves both humoral and cell-mediated pathways. Further research should clarify the role of complement, cytotoxins, and neutrophils in this acne-forming response.
The effect of passive smoking on pulmonary function during childhood
Authors: Bek Kenan , Tomaç Nazan , Delibas Ali , Tuna Fevzi , Teziç H Tahsin , Sungur Metin 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Passive smoking, especially of maternal origin, is known to influence adversely the development of children's pulmonary function. In this study, the effect of parental smoking on the pulmonary function of 360 primary school children aged 9–13 (mean 10.8±0.7) years was investigated. Information on parental smoking history was collected using a questionnaire, and spirometric measurements were performed on the children.
All spirometric indices were lower in children who had been passively exposed to parental tobacco smoke than those not exposed. The percentage of households in which at least one parent smoked was 81.5%. This figure was significantly lower for mothers (27.5%) than for fathers (79%). Paternal smoking was associated with reduced levels of forced expiratory flow between 25–75% of vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and flow rates after 50% and 75% of vital capacity expired (p&lt;0.05). Maternal smoking did not have statistically significant adverse effects on children's pulmonary function. This result might be due to the low occurrence of either pre- or post-natal smoking among mothers and confirms that, in our population, the main target group for anti-tobacco campaigns should be fathers.
Digoxin, hypercalcaemia, and cardiac conduction
Authors: Vella Adrian , Gerber Thomas C , Hayes David L , Reeder Guy S 
Published: February 2015

Summary
The cardiac effects of hypercalcaemia are usually manifest as a shortening of the QT-interval. Hypercalcaemia is infrequently associated with a clinically manifest arrhythmia. However, concomitant therapy with digoxin or underlying cardiac disease can potentiate the arrhythmogenic effects of hypercalcaemia, leading to a symptomatic rhythm disorder. We describe a symptomatic arrhythmia, which developed in a patient with hypercalcaemia secondary to squamous cell carcinoma of the bronchus. The patient was on digoxin therapy at the time. The arrhythmia did not recur after discontinuation of digoxin therapy and correction of the hypercalcaemia. Because of its effect on cardiac conduction, hypercalcaemia should be considered in the evaluation of any patient with an unexplained bradyarrhythmia. Conversely, patients with hypercalcaemia should discontinue digoxin therapy and be evaluated for the presence of rhythm disorders while receiving appropriate treatment for hypercalcaemia.
The role of coronary angioplasty and stenting in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Brodison Adrian , More Ranjit S , Chauhan Anoop 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Despite the improvements in the pharmacological treatment of acute myocardial infarction, it is recognised that thrombolysis fails to reproduce reperfusion in a significant proportion of patients. Coronary interventional techniques have been shown to offer an alternative reperfusion strategy. There is increasing evidence that mechanical reperfusion may offer significant advantages over established thrombolytic therapy.
Assessment of glycaemic control in stable type 2 black South African diabetics attending a peri-urban clinic
Authors: Erasmus R T , Blanco E Blanco , Okesina A B , Gqweta Z , Matsha T 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Glycaemic control was assessed in type 2 black diabetics attending the diabetic clinic at a peri-urban hospital. Baseline glycosylated haemoglobin levels were measured and a subsequent estimation was carried out in those patients who attended a follow-up consultation to see whether current recommended targets for glycosylated haemoglobin levels were being attained. Out of 708 patients, mean age 56.3 years, 14.7% were insulin treated and 85.3% were non-insulin-treated. Target values of HbA1c &lt; 7% were achieved in only 20.1% (142) of patients. Although mean glycosylated haemoglobin levels were significantly higher in females (p= 0.03), the proportion of poorly controlled diabetics was similar in the two sexes. Patients whose HbA1c levels fell within the target values had diabetes of significantly shorter duration than those exhibiting poor control (5.0+0.2 vs 7.03+0.5 years). Obesity was present in 562 patients (79.4%). Target values were only achieved in 16.4% of non-obese and 21% of obese diabetics, with mean glycosylated haemoglobin levels being significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the former group (10.3+0.4% vs 9.5+0.2%). Similar results were observed with respect to type of treatment, with only 14.4% of insulin-treated and 21% of non-insulin-treated diabetics achieving target values. The follow-up HbA1c estimation did not show any difference in the glycaemic control status of patients, with only 19.9% of them achieving the target values. Dietary advice (though minimal) seemed to have no impact on the metabolic control of our patients. These results suggest that glycaemic control was poor irrespective of sex, duration, BMI, educational status, dietary advice and type of treatment with recommended target values not being achieved in the majority of patients. Behavioural changes through health educational programmes need to be instituted with both patient and medical personnel being motivated to take this process forward.
Recurrent aseptic meningitis following non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – a reminder
Authors: Seaton R A , France A J 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are rarely associated with side-effects affecting the central nervous system. A case of NSAID-induced recurrent aseptic meningitis is presented. Seven episodes of aseptic meningitis were documented in the patient's life-time (up to the age of 30). General practitioners' records available for the latest four episodes showed that a NSAID (naproxen, piroxicam or diclofenac) was prescribed in the month prior to admission on each occasion. The patient was symptom free for a 3-year period during which no NSAID was prescribed. Clinicians should always elicit a careful drug history (including over-the-counter medications) in patients with aseptic meningitis and be aware of this unusual side-effect of NSAIDs.
A Comparative Analysis of Interleaving Methods for Aggregated Search
Authors: Chuklin Aleksandr , Schuth Anne , Zhou Ke , Rijke Maarten De 
Published: February 2015

A result page of a modern search engine often goes beyond a simple list of “10 blue links.” Many specific user needs (e.g., News, Image, Video) are addressed by so-called aggregated or vertical search solutions: specially presented documents, often retrieved from specific sources, that stand out from the regular organic Web search results. When it comes to evaluating ranking systems, such complex result layouts raise their own challenges. This is especially true for so-called interleaving methods that have arisen as an important type of online evaluation: by mixing results from two different result pages, interleaving can easily break the desired Web layout in which vertical documents are grouped together, and hence hurt the user experience.
We conduct an analysis of different interleaving methods as applied to aggregated search engine result pages. Apart from conventional interleaving methods, we propose two vertical-aware methods: one derived from the widely used Team-Draft Interleaving method by adjusting it in such a way that it respects vertical document groupings, and another based on the recently introduced Optimized Interleaving framework. We show that our proposed methods are better at preserving the user experience than existing interleaving methods while still performing well as a tool for comparing ranking systems. For evaluating our proposed vertical-aware interleaving methods, we use real-world click data as well as simulated clicks and simulated ranking systems.
A Qualitative Review on 3D Coarse Registration Methods
Authors: Díez Yago , Roure Ferran , Lladó Xavier , Salvi Joaquim 
Published: February 2015

3D registration or matching is a crucial step in 3D model reconstruction. Registration applications span along a variety of research fields, including computational geometry, computer vision, and geometric modeling. This variety of applications produces many diverse approaches to the problem but at the same time yields divergent notations and a lack of standardized algorithms and guidelines to classify existing methods. In this article, we review the state of the art of the 3D rigid registration topic (focused on Coarse Matching) and offer qualitative comparison between the most relevant approaches. Furthermore, we propose a pipeline to classify the existing methods and define a standard formal notation, offering a global point of view of the literature.
Our discussion, based on the results presented in the analyzed papers, shows how, although certain aspects of the registration process still need to be tested further in real application situations, the registration pipeline as a whole has progressed steadily. As a result of this progress in all registration aspects, it is now possible to put together algorithms that are able to tackle new and challenging problems with unprecedented data sizes and meeting strict precision criteria.
Interleukin-5 Facilitates Lung Metastasis by Modulating the Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Zaynagetdinov Rinat , Sherrill Taylor P. , Gleaves Linda A. , McLoed Allyson G. , Saxon Jamie A. , Habermann Arun C. , Connelly Linda , Dulek Daniel , Peebles R. Stokes , Fingleton Barbara , Yull Fiona E. , Stathopoulos Georgios T. , Blackwell Timothy S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAlthough the lung is the most common metastatic site for cancer cells, biologic mechanisms regulating lung metastasis are not fully understood. Using heterotopic and intravenous injection models of lung metastasis in mice, we found that IL5, a cytokine involved in allergic and infectious diseases, facilitates metastatic colonization through recruitment of sentinel eosinophils and regulation of other inflammatory/immune cells in the microenvironment of the distal lung. Genetic IL5 deficiency offered marked protection of the lungs from metastasis of different types of tumor cells, including lung cancer, melanoma, and colon cancer. IL5 neutralization protected subjects from metastasis, whereas IL5 reconstitution or adoptive transfer of eosinophils into IL5-deficient mice exerted prometastatic effects. However, IL5 deficiency did not affect the growth of the primary tumor or the size of metastatic lesions. Mechanistic investigations revealed that eosinophils produce CCL22, which recruits regulatory T cells to the lungs. During early stages of metastasis, Treg created a protumorigenic microenvironment, potentially by suppressing IFNγ-producing natural killer cells and M1-polarized macrophages. Together, our results establish a network of allergic inflammatory circuitry that can be co-opted by metastatic cancer cells to facilitate lung colonization, suggesting interventions to target this pathway may offer therapeutic benefits to prevent or treat lung metastasis. Cancer Res; 75(8); 1624–34. ©2015 AACR.
K562-Derived Whole-Cell Vaccine Enhances Antitumor Responses of CAR-Redirected Virus-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes In Vivo
Authors: Caruana Ignazio , Weber Gerrit , Ballard Brandon C. , Wood Michael S. , Savoldo Barbara , Dotti Gianpietro 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Purpose: Adoptive transfer of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)–specific and cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTL) genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) induces objective tumor responses in clinical trials. In vivo expansion and persistence of these cells are crucial to achieve sustained clinical responses. We aimed to develop an off-the-shelf whole-cell vaccine to boost CAR-redirected virus-specific CTLs in vivo after adoptive transfer. As proof of principle, we validated our vaccine approach by boosting CMV-specific CTLs (CMV-CTLs) engineered with a CAR that targets the GD2 antigen.
Experimental Design: We generated the whole-cell vaccine by engineering the K562 cell line to express the CMV-pp65 protein and the immune stimulatory molecules CD40L and OX40L. Single-cell–derived clones were used to stimulate CMV-CTLs in vitro and in vivo in a xenograft model. We also assessed whether the in vivo boosting of CAR-redirected CMV-CTLs with the whole-cell vaccine enhances the antitumor responses. Finally, we addressed potential safety concerns by including the inducible safety switch caspase9 (iC9) gene in the whole-cell vaccine.
Results: We found that K562-expressing CMV-pp65, CD40L, and OX40L effectively stimulate CMV-specific responses in vitro by promoting antigen cross-presentation to professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Vaccination also enhances antitumor effects of CAR-redirected CMV-CTLs in xenograft tumor models. Activation of the iC9 gene successfully induces growth arrest of engineered K562 implanted in mice.
Conclusions: Vaccination with a whole-cell vaccine obtained from K562 engineered to express CMV-pp65, CD40L, OX40L and iC9 can safely enhance the antitumor effects of CAR-redirected CMV-CTLs. Clin Cancer Res; 21(13); 2952–62. ©2015 AACR.
A Large-Scale Analysis of Genetic Variants within Putative miRNA Binding Sites in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Stegeman Shane , Amankwah Ernest , Klein Kerenaftali , O'Mara Tracy A. , Kim Donghwa , Lin Hui-Yi , Permuth-Wey Jennifer , Sellers Thomas A. , Srinivasan Srilakshmi , Eeles Rosalind , Easton Doug , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , Amin Al Olama Ali , Benlloch Sara , Muir Kenneth , Giles Graham G. , Wiklund Fredrik , Gronberg Henrik , Haiman Christopher A. , Schleutker Johanna , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Travis Ruth C. , Neal David , Pharoah Paul , Khaw Kay-Tee , Stanford Janet L. , Blot William J. , Thibodeau Stephen , Maier Christiane , Kibel Adam S. , Cybulski Cezary , Cannon-Albright Lisa , Brenner Hermann , Kaneva Radka , Teixeira Manuel R. ,   PRACTICAL Consortium,   Australian Prostate Cancer BioResource, Spurdle Amanda B. , Clements Judith A. , Park Jong Y. , Batra Jyotsna 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy among men worldwide. Genome-wide association studies have identified 100 risk variants for prostate cancer, which can explain approximately 33% of the familial risk of the disease. We hypothesized that a comprehensive analysis of genetic variations found within the 3′ untranslated region of genes predicted to affect miRNA binding (miRSNP) can identify additional prostate cancer risk variants. We investigated the association between 2,169 miRSNPs and prostate cancer risk in a large-scale analysis of 22,301 cases and 22,320 controls of European ancestry from 23 participating studies. Twenty-two miRSNPs were associated (P &lt; 2.3 × 10−5) with risk of prostate cancer, 10 of which were within 7 genes previously not mapped by GWAS studies. Further, using miRNA mimics and reporter gene assays, we showed that miR-3162-5p has specific affinity for the KLK3 rs1058205 miRSNP T-allele, whereas miR-370 has greater affinity for the VAMP8 rs1010 miRSNP A-allele, validating their functional role.
Significance: Findings from this large association study suggest that a focus on miRSNPs, including functional evaluation, can identify candidate risk loci below currently accepted statistical levels of genome-wide significance. Studies of miRNAs and their interactions with SNPs could provide further insights into the mechanisms of prostate cancer risk. Cancer Discov; 5(4); 368–79. ©2015 AACR.
See related commentary by Yousef, p. 351
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 333