bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of High-Dose Dipyridamole Stress Myocardial Contrast Perfusion Echocardiography
Authors: Gaibazzi Nicola , Reverberi Claudio , Lorenzoni Valentina , Molinaro Sabrina , Porter Thomas R. 
Published: August 2012

Background—
The addition of myocardial perfusion (MP) imaging during dipyridamole real-time contrast echocardiography improves the sensitivity to detect coronary artery disease, but its prognostic value to predict hard cardiac events in large numbers of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease remains unknown.

Methods and Results—

We studied 1252 patients with the use of dipyridamole real-time contrast echocardiography and followed them for a median of 25 months. The prognostic value of MP imaging regarding death and nonfatal myocardial infarction was determined and related to wall motion (WM), clinical risk factors, and rest ejection fraction by the use of Cox proportional-hazards models, C index, and risk reclassification analysis. A total of 59 hard events (4.7%) occurred during the follow-up (24 deaths, 35 myocardial infarctions). The 2-year event-free survival was 97.9% in patients with normal MP and WM, 91.9% with isolated reversible MP defects but normal WM, and 67.4% with both reversible MP and WM abnormalities (
P
<0.001). By multivariate analysis the independent predictors of events were age (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.08), sex (hazard ratio, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.32–4.23), reversible MP defects (hazard ratio, 3.88; 95% CI, 1.83–8.21), and reversible WM abnormalities with reversible MP defects (hazard ratio, 4.51; 95% CI, 2.25–9.07). Reversible MP defects added incremental predictive value and reclassification benefit over WM response and clinical factors (
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—
MP imaging using real-time perfusion echocardiography during dipyridamole real-time contrast echocardiography provides independent, incremental prognostic information regarding hard cardiac events in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Patients with normal MP responses have better outcome than patients with normal WM; patients with both reversible WM and MP abnormalities have the worst outcome.
Continuous Stroke Unit Electrocardiographic Monitoring Versus 24-Hour Holter Electrocardiography for Detection of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation After Stroke
Authors: Rizos Timolaos , Güntner Janina , Jenetzky Ekkehart , Marquardt Lars , Reichardt Christine , Becker Rüdiger , Reinhardt Roland , Hepp Thomas , Kirchhof Paulus , Aleynichenko Elena , Ringleb Peter , Hacke Werner , Veltkamp Roland 
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose—
Cardioembolism in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pxAF) is a frequent cause of ischemic stroke. Sensitive detection of pxAF after stroke is crucial for adequate secondary stroke prevention; the optimal diagnostic modality to detect pxAF on stroke units is unknown. We compared 24-hour Holter electrocardiography (ECG) with continuous stroke unit ECG monitoring (CEM) for pxAF detection.

Methods—
Patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were prospectively enrolled. After a 12-channel ECG on admission, all patients received 24-hour Holter ECG and CEM. Additionally, ECG monitoring data underwent automated analysis using dedicated software to identify pxAF. Patients with a history of atrial fibrillation or with atrial fibrillation on the admission ECG were excluded.

Results—

Four hundred ninety-six patients (median age, 69 years; 61.5% male) fulfilled all inclusion criteria (ischemic stroke: 80.4%; transient ischemic attack: 19.6%). Median stroke unit stay lasted 88.8 hours (interquartile range, 65.0–122.0). ECG data for automated CEM analysis were available for a median time of 64.0 hours (43.0–89.8). Paroxysmal AF was documented in 41 of 496 patients (8.3%). Of these, Holter detected pxAF in 34.1%; CEM in 65.9%; and automated CEM in 92.7%. CEM and automated CEM detected significantly more patients with pxAF than Holter (
P
<0.001), and automated CEM detected more patients than CEM (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
Automated analysis of CEM improves pxAF detection in patients with stroke on stroke units compared with 24-hour Holter ECG. The comparative usefulness of prolonged or repetitive Holter ECG recordings requires further evaluation.
Endothelin Receptor Antagonists for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Vergouwen Mervyn D.I. , Algra Ale , Rinkel Gabriel J.E. 
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose—
Endothelin is considered to be a key mediator of vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage. A meta-analysis of randomized trials on the effectiveness of endothelin receptor antagonists in subarachnoid hemorrhage has been published previously, but since then new major trials have been published. We present the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis update.

Methods—
We searched the Cochrane Library, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PubMed with the following terms: subarachnoid hemorrhage AND (endothelin receptor antagonist OR clazosentan OR TAK-044 OR bosentan). All randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigating the effect of any endothelin receptor antagonists in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were included. Primary outcome was poor functional outcome (defined as death or dependency). Secondary outcomes were vasospasm, cerebral infarction as defined by investigators, and case fatality during follow-up. Data were pooled and effect sizes were expressed as risk ratio (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We also calculated RR for several common complications.

Results—
In 5 trials with 2601 patients, endothelin receptor antagonists did not affect functional outcome (RR, 1.06: 95% CI, 0.93–1.22) despite despite a decreased incidence of angiographic vasospasm (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.48–0.71). No effect was observed on vasospasm-related cerebral infarction (RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.53–1.11), any new cerebral infarction (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.91–1.19), or case-fatality (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.78–1.39). Endothelin receptor antagonists increased the risk of lung complications (RR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.52–2.11), pulmonary edema (RR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.32–3.39), hypotension (RR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.78–3.29), and anemia (RR, 1.47; 95% CI,1.19–1.83).

Conclusion—
These results argue against the use of endothelin receptor antagonists in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The Life Cycle of a Radiosonde
Authors: Flores Federico , Rondanelli Roberto , Díaz Marcos , Querel Richard , Mundnich Karel , Herrera Luis Alberto , Pola Daniel , Carricajo Tomás 
Published: August 2012

The development of scientific instruments was, only a few years ago, confined to universities and electronics companies having highly specialized human and/or technical resources. With the advent of open hardware initiatives, engineers, scientists, hobbyists, and even people with limited electronic skills have been able to tinker with complex electronic systems. Taking advantage of these inexpensive and widely available tools and in the context of an engineering project class for undergraduates, the authors set about building a working radiosonde prototype from the ground up, based on an open hardware platform and easily accessible components.
As a result, a fully functional radiosonde has been built that measures, records, and transmits pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind, plus a small camera that stores images on a flash card. A release system was also developed so that the radiosonde can be detached from a balloon upon reaching a certain height, pressure level, or flight time. Once it is released, one can attempt the recovery of the radiosonde with the help of a precalculated trajectory using a numerical mesoscale forecasting model and visualization software. The performance of the sonde was compared with two commercial radiosondes using climate chambers and two field launches. This paper also discusses some of the more interesting capabilities foreseeable for such a platform: 1) collaboration between meteorology and engineering departments in both education and research, and 2) development of a flexible hardware platform that allows for an effective way to compare different commercially available sensors and to easily integrate new prototype sensors.
Efficacy of Per Oral Access in the Surgical Management of T2/T3 Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Battoo Azhar J. , Thankappan Krishnakumar , Ahmad Sheikh Zahoor , Hedne Naveen , Balasubramanian Deepak , Trivedi Nirav , Iyer Subramania , Kuriakose Moni Abraham 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveTranscutaneous “access” procedures still continue to be widely employed for surgical management of medium‐sized (T2, T3) oral cavity tumors in spite of the almost 4‐cm mouth opening available to the surgeon to access the oral cavity. We undertook a retrospective study to objectively evaluate “per oral access” in managing these tumors with regard to the ability to achieve a clear surgical margin and enable reconstruction of resultant defect.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary academic hospital.Subjects and MethodsSeventy‐nine consecutive patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma excised by per oral approach were analyzed. Multiple patient‐ and tumor‐related factors known to influence status of surgical margins were analyzed. The overall frequency of clear, close, and involved margins was noted, as well as 5‐year local control rate. The method of reconstruction employed was evaluated.ResultsThe close/involved margins were more frequent with larger tumors and tumors exhibiting perineural infiltration, but none were statistically significant (P >. 12). The overall frequency of clear, close, and involved margins was 81%, 11%, and 8%, respectively. Tongue and buccal mucosa sites constituted approximately 85% of the cases and had an 85% clear margin rate. Five‐year local control rate was 70.35%. Fifty‐three free flaps reconstruction were undertaken without any additional “access” procedure.ConclusionOur results demonstrate ability to obtain comparable tumor clearance rates employing per oral access, without compromising ability to perform optimal reconstruction. We suggest per oral access should be the access of choice for medium‐sized oral cavity tumors, and additional access procedures should only be considered if the initial access proves inadequate.
Characteristics and Trends in Ambulatory Otolaryngology Visits and Practices
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveTo determine characteristics and trends for outpatient otolaryngology visits and practices in the United States.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis of national survey database.SettingAmbulatory care settings in the United States.MethodsOutpatient otolaryngology records from 2005 to 2009 were extracted from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Visit characteristics were assessed for patient type (established versus new), expected source of payment, and average time spent with the physician. Provider characteristic variables were assessed for practice type (solo versus group), employment status of the physician, electronic claims submission, and the use of electronic medical records in the practice. Trends were analyzed for the above and the average number of outpatient visits per otolaryngologist per year.ResultsA total of 98.8 ± 7.0 million outpatient otolaryngology office visits, consisting of 27.9 ± 2.1 million new patient visits and 70.9 ± 5.3 million established patient visits, were studied. Expected sources of payment consisted of private insurance (65.1%), Medicare (21.1%), Medicaid (9.2%), and self‐pay (2.0%). These sources did not change over the 5 calendar years (P =. 301). Practitioners consisted of solo (30.7%) and group (69.3%) practices. Electronic medical records were in use in 40.2%. Electronic medical record penetration did significantly increase over the 5 years to 57.7% in 2009 (P =. 002). The number of outpatient visits per otolaryngologist per year remained remarkably consistent over the years at about a mean of 3325 ± 299 visits seen per year (P =. 580).ConclusionCharacteristics of otolaryngology outpatient visits have remained largely consistent over the past 5 years. Electronic medical record penetration has noticeably increased. These results help validate prior Academy socioeconomic surveys.
The cytogenetic effects of the aqueous extracts of migratory locust (Locusta migratoria L.) in vitro
Authors: Turkez Hasan , İncekara Ümit , Güner Adem , Aydın Elanur , Dirican Ebubekir , Togar Başak 
Published: August 2012

One of the useful and most commonly cultivated commercially species, migratory locust ( Locusta migratoria; Orthoptera), was investigated in light of genotoxic damage potentials. For this aim, we evaluated the genotoxic potentials of water soluble extracts of L. migratoria on cultured human blood cells. The micronucleus, sister chromatid exchange and structural chromosome aberration assays were applied to assess DNA and chromosomal damage produced by aqueous extracts in vitro. The extracts were added to the cultures at different concentrations ranging from 0 to 1000 mg/L. Our results indicated that these extracts did not exhibit genotoxicity at tested concentrations. We conclude that this in vitro approach for biomonitoring genotoxicity assessment is useful for comparing the potential health risks of edible insects.
Phase transitions in hydroxide perovskites: a Raman spectroscopic study of stottite, FeGe(OH)6, to 21 GPa
Authors: Kleppe A. K. , Welch M. D. , Crichton W. A. , Jephcoat A. P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe effect of pressure on the naturally occurring hydroxide-perovskite stottite, FeGe(OH)6, has been studied in situ by micro-Raman spectroscopy to 21 GPa at 300 K. The ambient spectrum contains six OH-stretching bands in the range 3064 3352 cm–1. The presence of six non-equivalent OH groups is inconsistent with space group P42/n. In view of this inconsistency a new ambient structure determination of stottite from Tsumeb was carried out, but this did not allow the clear rejection of P42/n symmetry. However, a successful refinement was also carried out in space group P2/n, a subgroup of P42/n, which allows for six non-equivalent O atoms. The two refinements are of comparable quality and do not allow a choice to be made based purely on the X-ray data. However, taken with the ambient and 150 K Raman spectra, a good case can be made for stottite having P2/n symmetry at ambient conditions. On this basis, the pressure induced spectroscopic changes are interpreted in terms of a reversible phase transition P2/n ↔ P42/n.
Elasticity and high-pressure structure of arsenoflorencite-(La): insights into the high-pressure behaviour of the alunite supergroup
Authors: Mills S. J. , Nestola F. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractArsenoflorencite-(La), ideally LaAl3(AsO4)2(OH)6, was studied at high pressure by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. The unit cell was determined at nine pressures up to 7.471(8) GPa; no evidence of a phase transformation was found in this range. The pressure volume data (refined simultaneously) were fitted to a third-order Birch Murnaghan equation of state which gave V0 = 710.71(8) Å3, KT0 = 106(2) GPa and K' = 9.2(9). These values were confirmed independently from an FE–fE plot. The crystal structure was refined at 1.596, 3.622, 5.749 and 7.471 GPa, the first time this has been done for a member the alunite supergroup. The compressibility of arsenoflorencite-(La) is strongly anisotropic, with βc > βa. The main compression mechanism was found to be governed by the internal angle O3 La O2 of the La polyhedron, where the O2 and O3 atoms move toward the c axis during compression.
The effects of composition upon the high-pressure behaviour of amphiboles: compression of gedrite to 7 GPa and a comparison with anthophyllite and proto-amphibole
Authors: Nestola F. , Pasqual D. , Welch M. D. , Oberti R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of a sample of natural gedrite from North Carolina, USA, with the crystal-chemical formula ANa0.47B(Na0.03Mg0.97Fe0.942+Mn0.02Ca0.04)C(Mg3.52Fe0.282+Al1.15Ti0.054+)T(Si6.31Al1.69)O22W(OH)2, up to a maximum pressure of 7 GPa, revealed the following bulk and axial moduli and their pressure derivatives: K0T = 91.2(6) GPa [K0T' = 6.3(2)]; K0T(a) = 60.5(6) GPa [K0T(a)' = 6.1(2)]; K0T(b) = 122.8(2.6) GPa [K0T(b)' = 5.7(8)]; K0T (c) = 119.7(1.5) GPa [K0T(c)' = 5.1(5)]. Gedrite has a much higher bulk modulus than anthophyllite (66 GPa) and proto-amphibole (64 GPa). All of the three axial moduli of gedrite are higher than those of these two other orthoamphiboles. The greater stiffness of gedrite along [100] is due to its high ANa content, which is almost zero in anthophyllite and proto-amphibole. The much greater stiffness parallel to the (100) plane of gedrite compared with the two other amphiboles is probably due to its high CAl content. A comparison is made with published data available for orthorhombic B(Mg, Mn, Fe) and monoclinic BCa amphiboles to identify correlations between crystal-chemistry and compressibility in amphiboles.
HSULF-1 inhibits ERK and AKT signaling and decreases cell viability in vitro in human lung epithelial cells
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Newman Donna R , Sannes Philip L 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) modulate the binding and activation of signaling pathways of specific growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). Human endosulfatase 1 (HSULF-1) is an enzyme that selectively removes 6-O sulfate groups from HS side chains and alter their level and pattern of sulfation and thus biological activity. It is known that HSULF-1 is expressed at low levels in some cancer cell lines and its enhanced expression can inhibit cancer cell growth or induce apoptosis, but the mechanism(s) involved has not been identified.

Methods

HSULF-1 mRNA expression was assessed in five normal cells (primary human lung alveolar type 2 (hAT2) cells, adult lung fibroblasts (16Lu), fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL), human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE), and primary human lung fibroblasts (HLF)) and five lung cancer cell lines (A549, H292, H1975, H661, and H1703) using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). H292 and hAT2 cells over-expressing HSULF-1 were analyzed for cell viability, apoptosis, and ERK/Akt signaling, by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assay, and Western Blot, respectively. Apoptosis pathway activation was confirmed by PCR array in hAT2, H292, and A549 cells.

Results
HSULF-1 was expressed at a significantly lower level in epithelial cancer cell lines compared to normal cells. Infection with recombinant adenovirus for HSULF-1 over-expression resulted in decreased cell viability in H292 cells, but not in normal hAT2 cells. HSULF-1 over-expression induced apoptosis in H292 cells, but not in hAT2 cells. In addition, apoptosis pathways were activated in both H292 and A549 cells, but not in hAT2 cells. HSULF-1 over-expression reduced ERK and Akt signaling activation in H292 cells, which further demonstrated its inhibitory effects on signaling related to proliferation.

Conclusions
These results indicate that HSULF-1 is expressed at lower levels in H292 lung cancer cells than in normal human alveolar cells and that its over-expression reduced cell viability in H292 cells by inducing apoptotic pathways, at least in part by inhibiting ERK/Akt signaling. We hypothesize that HSULF-1 plays important roles in cancer cells and functions to modify cell signaling, inhibit cancer proliferation, and promote cancer cell death.
Analyzing the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in Azerbaijan (1995 - 2009) using spatial and spatio-temporal statistics
Authors: Abdullayev Rakif , Kracalik Ian , Ismayilova Rita , Ustun Narmin , Talibzade Ayden , Blackburn Jason K 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundHuman brucellosis represents a significant burden to public and veterinary health globally, including the republic of Azerbaijan. The purpose of this study was to examine and describe the spatial and temporal aspects of the epidemiology of human brucellosis in Azerbaijan from 1995 to 2009.MethodsA Geographic information system (GIS) was used to identify potential changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in Azerbaijan during the study period. Epidemiological information on the age, gender, date, and location of incident cases were obtained from disease registries housed at the Republican Anti-Plague station in Baku. Cumulative incidences per 100,000 populations were calculated at the district level for three, 5-year periods. Spatial and temporal cluster analyses were performed using the Local Moran’sIand the Ederer-Myer-Mantel (EMM) test.ResultsA total of 7,983 cases of human brucellosis were reported during the 15-year study period. Statistically significant spatial clusters were identified in each of three, five year time periods with cumulative incidence rates ranging from 101.1 (95% CI: 82.8, 124.3) to 203.0 (95% CI; 176.4, 234.8). Spatial clustering was predominant in the west early in the study during period 1 and then in the east during periods 2 and 3. The EMM test identified a greater number of statistically significant temporal clusters in period 1 (1995 to 1999).ConclusionThese results suggest that human brucellosis persisted annually in Azerbaijan across the study period. The current situation necessitates the development of appropriate surveillance aimed at improving control and mitigation strategies in order to help alleviate the current burden of disease on the population. Areas of concern identified as clusters by the spatial-temporal statistical analyses can provide a starting point for implementing targeted intervention efforts.
DEXA measures of body fat percentage and acute phase proteins among breast cancer survivors: a Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Dee Anne , McKean-Cowdin Roberta , Neuhouser Marian L , Ulrich Cornelia , Baumgartner Richard N , McTiernan Anne , Baumgartner Kathy , Alfano Catherine M , Ballard-Barbash Rachel , Bernstein Leslie 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
C-reactive protein (CRP) and Serum amyloid A protein (SAA) increases with systemic inflammation and are related to worse survival for breast cancer survivors. This study examines the association between percent body fat and SAA and CRP and the potential interaction with NSAID use and weight change.

Methods
Participants included 134 non-Hispanic white and Hispanic breast cancer survivors from the Health, Eating, Activity, and Lifestyle Study. Body fat percentage, measured with Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometer (DEXA), and circulating levels of CRP and SAA were obtained 30 months after breast cancer diagnosis.

Results
Circulating concentrations of CRP and SAA were associated with increased adiposity as measured by DEXA after adjustment for age at 24-months, race/ethnicity, dietary energy intake, weight change, and NSAID use. Survivors with higher body fat ≥35% had significantly higher concentrations of CRP (2.01 mg/l vs. 0.85 mg/l) and SAA (6.21 mg/l vs. 4.21 mg/l) compared to non-obese (body fat < 35%). Women who had gained more than 5% of their body weight since breast cancer diagnosis had non-statistically significant higher geometric mean levels of CRP and SAA. Mean levels of CRP and SAA were higher among obese women who were non-users of NSAIDs compared to current users; the association with SAA reached statistical significance (Mean SAA = 7.24, 95%CI 6.13-8.56 for non-NSAID; vs. 4.87; 95%CI 3.95-6.0 for NSAID users respectively).

Conclusions
Breast cancer survivors with higher body fat had higher mean concentrations of CRP and SAA than women with lower body fat. Further assessment of NSAID use and weight control in reducing circulating inflammatory markers among survivors may be worthwhile to investigate in randomized intervention trials as higher inflammatory markers are associated with worse survival.