bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management and adherence to VTE treatment guidelines in a national prospective cohort study in the Canadian outpatient setting
Authors: Springmann Vicky , Schulman Sam , Martineau Josée , Stewart John A. , Komari Nelly , McLeod Anne , Strulovitch Carla , Blostein Mark , Faucher Jacques-Philippe , Gamble Greg , Gordon Wendy , Kagoma Peter K. , Miron Marie-José , Laverdière David , Game Melaku , Mills Allan , Kahn Susan R. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryDocumenting patterns and outcomes of venous thromboembolism (VTE) management and degree of adherence by clinicians to treatment guidelines could help identify remediable gaps in patient care. Prospective, clinical practice-based data from Canadian outpatient settings on management of VTE, degree of adherence with treatment guidelines and frequency of recurrent VTE and bleeding during follow-up was obtained in a multicentre, prospective observational study. From 12 Canadian centres, we assessed 868 outpatients with acute symptomatic VTE who received the low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) enoxaparin alone or with vitamin K antagonists (VKA), at baseline and at six months (or at the end of treatment, whichever came first). Index VTE was limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in 583 (67.2%) patients, pulmonary embolism (PE) with or without DVT in 262 (30.2%) patients, and unusual site DVT in 23 (2.6%) patients. VTE was unprovoked in 399 (46.0%) patients, associated with cancer in 74 (8.5%) patients, transient risk factors in 327 (37.7%) patients and hormonal factors in 68 (7.8%) patients. With regard to guideline adherence, 58 (7.3%) patients received <5 days LMWH and 114 (14.5%) had overlap <1 day. Among patients with cancer-related VTE, 59.5% were prescribed LMWH monotherapy and 43.2% received such treatment for >3 months. Only 38.1% of patients with transient VTE risk factors had received thromboprophylaxis. Our study provides useful information on clinical presentation, management and related outcomes in Canadian outpatients with VTE. Our results suggest there may be important gaps in use of thromboprophylaxis to prevent VTE and use of LMWH mono-therapy to treat cancer-related VTE.Note: Part of this study was presented as an Oral Abstract Presentation at the American Society of Hematology meeting, Dec. 4–7, 2010, Orlando, FL, USA.
MicroRNAs in platelet biogenesis and function
Authors: Dangwal Seema , Thum Thomas 
Published: July 2012

SummaryPlatelets are important to maintain primary haemostasis and play a key role in pathology of thrombotic and occlusive vascular disorders such as acute coronary syndrome or stroke. Despite of lacking a nucleus and genomic DNA, platelets possess diverse types of RNAs, ranging from protein coding messenger RNAs to small non-coding RNAs inherited from their parent megakaryocytes. Indeed, platelets are capable of using their own translational machinery to synthesise proteins upon their activation suggesting the possibility of post-transcriptional gene regulation in platelets. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved, tiny non-coding RNAs exhibiting a fine-tune control of protein expression by complementary sequence recognition, binding and translational repression of protein coding mRNA transcripts. Multiple functional aspects of miRNAs as well as their expression in platelets or megakaryocytes underscore a role in platelet biology. Changes in miRNA expression patterns have been noted during platelet genesis and activation. In the present review we highlight recently identified megakaryocytic/platelet miRNAs and discuss their role in platelet biogenesis and functions essential to maintain haemostasis in the body.
Effects of pioglitazone on platelet P2Y12-mediated signalling in clopidogrel-treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Suryadevara Siva , Ueno Masafumi , Tello-Montoliu Antonio , Ferreiro Jose , Desai Bhaloo , Rollini Fabiana , Box Lyndon , Zenni Martin , Guzman Luis , Bass Theodore , Angiolillo Dominick 
Published: July 2012

SummaryPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have impaired clopidogrel-induced antiplatelet effects, which may be in part attributed to their reduced sensitivity to insulin and consequently, results in upregulation of the P2Y12 signalling pathway. It has been hypothesised that insulin sensitising strategies may enhance clopidogrel-mediated P2Y12 inhibitory effects. The aim of this pilot pharmacodynamics (PD) study was to assess the impact of pioglitazone on clopidogrel-mediated P2Y12 inhibitory effects in patients with T2DM. This was a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over PD study. Patients with T2DM and stable coronary artery disease on maintenance aspirin and clopidogrel were randomised to receive either pioglitazone 30 mg or matching placebo daily for 14 days. PD assessments were measured at baseline, 14 days after randomisation, at the end of the wash-out period, and 14 days after cross-over. The primary endpoint measure was maximal platelet aggregation (MPA) to 20 μM adenosine diphosphate (ADP) as assessed by light transmittance aggregometry (LTA). Flow cytometric analysis of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP-PRI), and VerifyNow P2Y12 testing were also performed. A total of 15 randomised patients completed the study. MPA to 20 μM ADP (primary endpoint) was not significantly different with pioglitazone compared with placebo (49.53 ± 4.76 vs. 52.52 ± 3.89%; p = 0.594). Similarly, other PD measures did not differ significantly between the groups. In conclusion, in patients with T2DM on maintenance aspirin and clopidogrel therapy, the adjunctive use of pioglitazone does not result in enhanced inhibition of platelet P2Y12 mediated signalling.
In Vivo Mononuclear Cell Tracking Using Superparamagnetic Particles of Iron Oxide
Authors: Richards Jennifer M.J. , Shaw Catherine A. , Lang Ninian N. , Williams Michelle C. , Semple Scott I.K. , MacGillivray Thomas J. , Gray Calum , Crawford Julie H. , Alam Shirjel R. , Atkinson Anne P.M. , Forrest Elaine K. , Bienek Carol , Mills Nicholas L. , Burdess Anne , Dhaliwal Kev , Simpson A. John , Wallace William A. , Hill Adam T. , Roddie P. Huw , McKillop Graham , Connolly Thomas A. , Feuerstein Giora Z. , Barclay G. Robin , Turner Marc L. , Newby David E. 
Published: July 2012

Background—
Cell therapy is an emerging and exciting novel treatment option for cardiovascular disease that relies on the delivery of functional cells to their target site. Monitoring and tracking cells to ensure tissue delivery and engraftment is a critical step in establishing clinical and therapeutic efficacy. The study aims were (1) to develop a Good Manufacturing Practice–compliant method of labeling competent peripheral blood mononuclear cells with superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (SPIO), and (2) to evaluate its potential for magnetic resonance cell tracking in humans.

Methods and Results—

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells 1–5×10
9
were labeled with SPIO. SPIO-labeled cells had similar in vitro viability, migratory capacity, and pattern of cytokine release to unlabeled cells. After intramuscular administration, up to 10
8
SPIO-labeled cells were readily identifiable in vivo for at least 7 days using magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Using a phased-dosing study, we demonstrated that systemic delivery of up to 10
9
SPIO-labeled cells in humans is safe, and cells accumulating in the reticuloendothelial system were detectable on clinical magnetic resonance imaging. In a healthy volunteer model, a focus of cutaneous inflammation was induced in the thigh by intradermal injection of tuberculin. Intravenously delivered SPIO-labeled cells tracked to the inflamed skin and were detectable on magnetic resonance imaging. Prussian blue staining of skin biopsies confirmed iron-laden cells in the inflamed skin.

Conclusions—
Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells can be labeled with SPIO without affecting their viability or function. SPIO labeling for magnetic resonance cell tracking is a safe and feasible technique that has major potential for a range of cardiovascular applications including monitoring of cell therapies and tracking of inflammatory cells.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00972946, NCT01169935.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Combined Intracoronary Pressure and Flow Velocity Information During Baseline Conditions
Authors: van de Hoef Tim P. , Nolte Froukje , Damman Peter , Delewi Ronak , Bax Matthijs , Chamuleau Steven A.J. , Voskuil Michiel , Siebes Maria , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Spaan Jos A.E. , Piek Jan J. , Meuwissen Martijn 
Published: July 2012

Background—
The assessment of functional coronary lesion severity using intracoronary physiological parameters such as coronary flow velocity reserve and the more widely used fractional flow reserve relies critically on the establishment of maximal hyperemia. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the stenosis resistance index during nonhyperemic conditions, baseline stenosis resistance index, compared with established hyperemic intracoronary hemodynamic parameters, because achievement of hyperemia can be cumbersome in daily clinical practice.

Methods and Results—

A total of 228 patients, including 299 lesions (mean stenosis diameter 55%±11%), underwent myocardial perfusion scintigraphy for documentation of reversible perfusion defects. Distal coronary pressure and flow velocity were assessed with sensor-equipped guidewires during baseline and maximal hyperemia, induced by an intracoronary bolus of adenosine (20–40 µg). We determined stenosis resistance (SR) during baseline and hyperemic conditions as well as fractional flow reserve and coronary flow velocity reserve. The discriminative value for myocardial ischemia on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy of all parameters was compared using receiver-operating-characteristic curves. Baseline SR showed good agreement with myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. The diagnostic performance of baseline SR (area under the curve, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71–0.83) was as accurate as fractional flow reserve and coronary flow velocity reserve (area under the curve, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71–0.83 and area under the curve, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.68–0.81 respectively;
P
>0.05 compared with baseline SR for both). However, hyperemic SR, combining both pressure and flow velocity information during hyperemia, was superior to all other parameters (area under the curve, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.76–0.87;
P
<0.05 compared with all other parameters).

Conclusions—
Combined pressure and flow velocity measurements during baseline conditions may provide a useful tool for functional lesion severity assessment without the need for potent vasodilators.
Prevalence of Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Its Relationship With the 4-Year Cardiovascular Events in a Northern Chinese Industrial City
Authors: Wu Shouling , Huang Zhengrong , Yang Xinchun , Zhou Yong , Wang Anxing , Chen Li , Zhao Haiyan , Ruan Chunyu , Wu Yuntao , Xin Aijun , Li Kuibao , Jin Cheng , Cai Jun 
Published: July 2012

Background—
The American Heart Association Committee recently developed definitions of “ideal,” “intermediate,” and “poor” cardiovascular health based on 7 cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors or health behaviors. This study evaluated the prevalence of “ideal” American Heart Association cardiovascular health metrics from June 2006 to October 2007 in the Kailuan cohort (n=101 510; age 18–98 years) in northern China and its relationship with the 4-year CVD incidence.

Methods and Results—
We used Cox proportional hazards regression to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for baseline health behaviors and risk factor categories. The majority of participants (63 676; 69.45%) presented with ≤3 ideal cardiovascular health metrics, whereas 8342 participants (9.1%) had 5 to 7 ideal metrics. Only 93 of 91 698 participants (0.1%) had all 7 metrics in the ideal range. There was a strong relationship between the cumulative incidence of CVD events in the 4-year follow-up and the number of ideal health metrics at baseline; the 1111 participants with 6 and 7 ideal metrics had a significantly lower cumulative incidence of CVD than subjects with no or only 1 ideal health metric (0.8% versus 3.3%). Men had higher rates of CVD events than women (2.46% versus 1.18%).

Conclusions—
Few adults had ideal cardiovascular health according to the modified American Heart Association definition. We detected a strong inverse relationship between the cumulative CVD incidence and the number of ideal health metrics at baseline. Population-wide prevention, especially lifestyle improvement, is critical to increase the low-risk prevalence and thereafter decrease CVD events.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.chictr.org/cn/proj/show.aspx?proj=1441
. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-TNC-11001489.
The Corpus Callosum in Monozygotic Twins Concordant and Discordant for Handedness and Language Dominance
Authors: Häberling Isabelle S. , Badzakova-Trajkov Gjurgjica , Corballis Michael C. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
We used diffusion tensor imaging to assess callosal morphology in 35 pairs of monozygotic twins, of which 17 pairs were concordant for handedness and 18 pairs were discordant for handedness. Functional hemispheric language dominance was established for each twin member using fMRI, resulting in 26 twin pairs concordant and 9 twin pairs discordant for language dominance. On the basis of genetic models of handedness and language dominance, which assume one “right shift” (RS) gene with two alleles, an RS+ allele biasing toward right-handedness and left cerebral language dominance and an RS− allele leaving both asymmetries to chance, all twins were classified according to their putative genotypes, and the possible effects of the gene on callosal morphology was assessed. Whereas callosal size was under a high genetic control that was independent of handedness and language dominance, twin pairs with a high probability of carrying the putative RS+ allele showed a connectivity pattern characterized by a genetically controlled, low anisotropic diffusion over the whole corpus callosum. In contrast, the high connectivity pattern exhibited by twin pairs more likely to lack the RS+ allele was under significantly less genetic influence. The data suggest that handedness and hemispheric dominance for speech production might be at least partly dependent on genetically controlled processes of axonal pruning in the corpus callosum.
Risk factors for psychological distress in Northern Ireland
Authors: Mahedy Liam , Todaro-Luck Flora , Bunting Brendan , Murphy Samuel , Kirby Karen 
Published: July 2012

Background: Stress-related mental ill health and its disorders are considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be the new world epidemic and their prevalence rates seem to be increasing worldwide. Aims: To examine and identify sub-populations at risk for psychological discomfort in Northern Ireland and map the relative impact of potential predictors. Methods: A sample of 4,638 respondents to the NIHSW-2001 survey was analysed with latent class analysis and latent class factorial analysis. Latent class multinomial logistic regression assessed the impact of a range of predictors on class membership. Results: Five sub-populations were differentiated. All subgroups at risk for anxiety and depression were characterized as being younger and female. Disability and adverse life events were strong predictors of risk. Long-standing illness and housing worries were predictors of medium and high risk membership. The effect of civil unrest was significant only for the medium-risk subgroup; marital status and income did not affect group membership. Conclusions: Because all five subgroups showed a different probability, but a similar profile of endorsing GHQ-12 items, it could be hypothesized that an underlying continuum dimension of anxiety and depression is present in the Northern Irish population.
Archaeology in the Humanities
Authors: Yoffee Norman , Fowles Severin 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSince archaeology is fundamentally the study of the human past, which is what the word “archaeology” connotes according to its Greek etymology, it is part of the humanities. However, archaeologists work in teams with scientists and employ quantitative techniques and comparative methods of the social sciences; archaeologists are thus an academic hybrid and are pleased to live in the interstices of many disciplines. In this article we review the history of archaeology in the humanities and explore some new directions in archaeological research. We discuss the enduring questions of origins of the antiquity of humanity, religion and art, the first agricultural villages, and the earliest cities, states, and civilizations. We also consider new agendas in archaeology: historical archaeology, landscapes in the past and present, material studies of the present, and how archaeologists are engaged in modern politics.
Consequences of asthma on job absenteeism and job retention
Authors: Hansen Carl Lysbeck , Baelum Jesper , Skadhauge Lars , Thomsen Gert , Omland Øyvind , Thilsing Trine , Dahl Søren , Sigsgaard Torben , Sherson David 
Published: July 2012

Aims: Various social and economic effects are associated with asthma. This quantitative study describes the effects of current asthma on work life evaluated from the number of weeks receiving transfer incomes. Methods: The study population comprised 7,241 persons answering the ECRHS II screening questionnaire, which was sent to a random age and gender stratified sample of 10,000 persons aged 20 to 44 years. Participants with current asthma were identified by positive answers to a set of validated questions. Transfer incomes for a five-year period were registered from a study-independent national database, which collects all public administered transfer incomes in Denmark. The numbers of weeks receiving unemployment, welfare, sick-leave and disability benefits were identified for each participant and differences between asthmatics and non-asthmatics were analyzed. Results: Asthmatics had significantly more annual weeks receiving welfare (36.6 vs. 20.7, p=0.00), sick leave (9.2 vs. 6.6, p=0.00) and disability (19.3 vs. 11.4, p=0.00) benefits than non-asthmatics. Adult-onset asthmatics had increased prevalence rate ratios for disability of 2.40 (95% confidence interval 1.70–3.40). Blue collar work significantly increased the probability of all public transfer incomes. Conclusions: Current asthma makes it harder to keep a job. Adult-onset asthmatics and blue collar workers are particularly affected.
Precariousness and discontinuous work history in association with health
Authors: Sirviö Anitta , Ek Ellen , Jokelainen Jari , Koiranen Markku , Järvikoski Timo , Taanila Anja 
Published: July 2012

Aims: Precarious type of employment may have a negative impact on health, notably on low psychological wellbeing. The basis of the former relationship is constructed by definition and operationalisation of precariousness. In this research, we first experimented with a construct of work history in the operationalisation of precariousness and second studied the relationship between precariousness and health. Methods: The research data originated from a large population-based birth cohort (NFBC 1966). The study sample consists of 3449 respondents to the postal questionnaire at the age of 31 and the information supplemented by the register data of the Finnish Centre for Pensions. Health was measured by self-reports of doctor-diagnosed/treated illnesses and HSCL-25 for mental symptoms. Results: Our operationalisation with a construct of discontinuous work history captured the precarious insecure relation to work. The precarious workers were found to have proportionally more mental symptoms in comparison with permanent workers. The perception of distress was stronger among precarious workers who perceived high job insecurity. However, there were no differences in doctor-diagnosed/treated illnesses between precarious and permanent workers. Conclusions: The study suggests that the construct of work history is a useful element in defining precariousness. The study also illustrates the association of precariousness, perceived job insecurity, and mental distress. The study suggests further research on disadvantages experienced by precarious workers.
Deepwater pipelines – status, challenges and future trends
Authors: Fyrileiv Olav , Aamlid Olav , Venås Asle , Collberg Leif 
Published: July 2012

The demand for energy is steadily increasing and, at least for the coming decades, the world has to rely on oil and gas to address this need. Most of the easiest accessible offshore petroleum reservoirs have been discovered and a great part developed over the last six decades. Thus, development of new oil and gas fields faces a lot of challenges as most of them are in remote areas, in deep waters and/or in areas with extreme environments like the Arctic region. One of the major trends in the offshore petroleum industry points towards deeper waters (e.g. outside West Africa, the Brazilian Pre-Salt developments and in the Gulf of Mexico). This trend also includes increased use of subsea installations instead of platforms, more subsea processing and increased use of pipelines to transport the hydrocarbons to shore or into a pipeline grid. This paper addresses some of the challenges pipeline design, installation and operation may face in deep and ultra-deep waters. The main design challenge is related to the high external pressure that may cause collapse of the pipeline. This potential failure mode is normally dealt with by increasing the pipe wall thickness, but at ultra-deep water depths this may require a very thick walled pipe that becomes very costly, difficult to manufacture and hard to install due to its weight. One approach to overcome this is to improve some of the parameters that determine the collapse resistance by an improved manufacturing process. Other approaches are to ensure a minimum internal pressure is maintained in the pipeline during all phases, or to install a buoyant pipeline that is anchored at a moderate water depth rather that laying on the sea bed.
Validation of colorectal cancer surgery data from administrative data sources
Authors: Li Xue , King Charlotte , deGara Christopher , White Jonathon , Winget Marcy 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Surgery is the primary treatment for colorectal cancer for both curative and palliative intent. Availability of high quality surgery data is essential for assessing many aspects of the quality of colorectal cancer care. The objective of this study was to determine the quality of different administrative data sources in identifying surgery for colorectal cancer with respect to completeness and accuracy.

Methods
All residents in Alberta, Canada who were diagnosed with invasive colorectal cancer in years 2000-2005 were identified from the Alberta Cancer Registry and included in the study. Surgery data for these patients were obtained from the Cancer Registry (which collects the date of surgery for which the primary tumor was removed) and compared to surgery data obtained from two different administrative data sources: Physician Billing and Hospital Inpatient data. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and observed agreement were calculated compared to the Cancer Registry data.

Results
The Physician Billing data alone or combined with Hospital Inpatient data demonstrated equally high sensitivity (97% for both) and observed agreement with the Cancer Registry data (93% for both) for identifying surgeries. The Hospital Inpatient data, however, had the highest specificity (80%). The positive predictive value varied by disease stage and across data sources for stage IV (99% for stages I-III and 83-89% for stage IV), the specificity is better for colon cancer surgeries (72-85%) than for rectal cancer surgeries (60-73%); validation measures did not vary over time.

Conclusion
Physician Billing data identify the colorectal cancer surgery more completely than Hospital Inpatient data although both sources have a high level of completeness.