bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐term improvement in visual memory by a proprietary North American ginseng extract in stable schizophrenia
Authors: Clement Y , Chen EYH 
Published: August 2012

Chen EYH, Hui CLM.HT1001, A proprietary North American ginseng extract, improves working memory in schizophrenia: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.Phytother Res 2012; 26: 1166–72.
Tai chi improves self‐efficacy and decreases the incidence of falls in older adults
Authors: Posadzki P 
Published: August 2012

Tousignant M, Corriveau H, Roy PM, Desrosiers J, Dubuc N, Hébert R, Tremblay‐Boudreault V, Beaudoin AJ.The effect of supervised tai chi intervention compared to a physiotherapy program on fall‐related clinical outcomes: a randomized clinical trial.Disabil Rehabil 2012; 34: 196–201.
Reductions in hospital admissions and mortality rates observed after integrating emergency care: a natural experiment
Authors: Boyle Adrian A , Ahmed Vazeer , Palmer Christopher R , Bennett Tom J H , Robinson Susan M 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesReducing emergency admissions is a priority for the NHS. A single hospital's emergency care system was reorganised with the principles of front-loaded investigations, integration of specialties, reduced duplication, earlier decision making by senior clinicians and a combined emergency assessment area. The authors relocated our Medical Assessment Unit into our emergency department in 2006. The authors evaluated changes in admissions and mortality before and after 2006, compared with other similar hospitals.DesignQuasi-experimental before and after study using routinely collected data.Setting and participants1 acute hospital in England, the intervention site, was compared with 23 other English hospitals between 2001 and 2009.Outcome measuresOur outcome measures were hospital standardised mortality ratios (HSMRs) for non-elective admissions and standardised admission ratios (SARs).ResultsThe authors observed a statistically and clinically significant decrease in HSMR and SAR. The intervention hospital had the lowest HSMR and SAR of all the hospitals in our sample. This was statistically significant, p=0.0149 and p=0.0002, respectively.ConclusionIntegrating emergency care in one location is associated with a meaningful reduction in mortality and emergency admissions to hospital.
A fluorescence-based assay for monitoring clinical drug resistance
Authors: Deniset-Besseau Ariane , Miannay François-Alexandre , Laplace-Builhé Corinne , Vielh Philippe , Lécart Sandrine , Lwaleed Bashir A , Eschwege Pascal , Fontaine-Aupart Marie-Pierre 
Published: August 2012

Background and aimsMultidrug resistance (MDR) limits effectiveness in treating malignancy by modifying internalisation and/or externalisation of drugs through cancer cell membranes. In this study we describe an assay to monitor patients’ responses to chemotherapy.MethodsThe assay is based on the fluorescent properties of doxorubicin alone as well as in combination with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin (MVAC). The slide-based cell imaging technique was first optimised using a panel of breast and urothelial cancer cell lines and then extended to fine needle breast aspiration biopsy and urine cytology.ResultsThe drug fluorescence behaviour observed on smears of clinical specimens is identical to that obtained using fixed cultured cells. The fluorescence of sensitive cells to chemotherapy is mainly localised in the nucleus, whereas resistant cells show a weak fluorescence signal localised in the cytoplasm. The difference in terms of fluorescence intensity is also highlighted through fluorescence spectra.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the assay provides clinically valuable information in predicting responses to doxorubicin and/or MVAC therapy. Originally set up on a confocal microscope, the assay was also effective using a standard epifluorescence microscope; as such it is technically simple, reliable and inexpensive.
Prognostic and predictive significance of proliferation in 867 colorectal cancers
Authors: Fodor Imola K , Hutchins Gordon G , Espiritu Carmina , Quirke Philip , Jubb Adrian M 
Published: August 2012

AimRecently, the Oncotype DX recurrence score, which measures a gene expression signature including markers of tumour proliferation, was validated as a prognostic signature in colorectal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate whether the Ki67 proliferation index can provide similar prognostic and predictive information.MethodsTissue microarrays were constructed from triplicate cores of colorectal cancer. Immunohistochemistry for Ki67 was performed with the SP6 antibody and the percentage of positive tumour cells scored. Prognostic significance was evaluated in 867 cancers (601 events) using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsThe Ki67 labelling index, divided at the median, was not a statistically or clinically significant prognostic factor in univariate analyses of 5-year overall survival (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.15, p=0.84). Multivariate analyses were similarly non-significant. However, in Dukes’ stage C patients, the high Ki67 subgroup derived a greater 5-year overall survival benefit from chemotherapy (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.51, p<0.0001) than the low subgroup (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.89, p=0.011).ConclusionsThe Ki67 proliferation index is not a useful prognostic factor in colorectal cancer, but deserves further evaluation as a predictive factor for the incremental benefit derived from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Point-of-care monitoring of vitamin K-antagonists: validation of CoaguChek XS test strips with International Standard thromboplastin
Authors: van den Besselaar Anton M H P , Péquériaux Nathalie C V , Ebben Marij , van der Feest Joke , de Jong Kerst , Ganzeboom Maria B J , van Ooijen Jetty , Postema Ferna , Witteveen Evelina , van der Meer Felix J M 
Published: August 2012

AimsMany patients treated with vitamin K-antagonists (VKA) use point-of-care (POC) whole blood coagulometers for self-testing. The majority of patients in the Netherlands use one type of POC coagulometer, that is, the CoaguChek XS. Each new lot of test strips for the CoaguChek XS is validated by a group of collaborating thrombosis centres. We assessed the International Normalised Ratio (INR) differences between each of 51 new lots of test strips and the International Standard for thromboplastin rTF/95 or its successor rTF/09.MethodsEach year, a particular lot of CoaguChek XS test strips was used as reference lot. The reference lot was validated by comparison to the International Standard, yielding a relationship between the reference lot INR and International Standard INR. Successive lots of test strips were compared to the reference lot by three centres using 19–29 capillary blood samples obtained from VKA-treated patients. Each patient provided two blood drops from the same finger prick, one for the reference lot strip and one for the new lot.ResultsThe mean INR differences between each lot and the International Standard varied between −8% and +4%. The mean absolute values of the relative differences varied between 2.4% and 8.1%. There were small but clinically unimportant differences in INR between the first and second drop of blood.ConclusionsAccuracy of CoaguChek XS INR determinations can be assessed by a group of collaborating centres using a limited number of capillary blood samples. As the mean INR differences with the International Standard were smaller than 10%, the lots were approved for use by the Netherlands Thrombosis Services.
Seasonal variation in cardiovascular disease risk factors in a subarctic population: the Tromsø Study 1979–2008
Authors: Hopstock Laila Arnesdatter , Barnett Adrian Gerard , Bønaa Kaare Harald , Mannsverk Jan , Njølstad Inger , Wilsgaard Tom 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundSeasonal changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors may be due to exposure to seasonal environmental variables like temperature and acute infections or seasonal behavioural patterns in physical activity and diet. Investigating the seasonal pattern of risk factors should help determine the causes of the seasonal pattern in CVD. Few studies have investigated the seasonal variation in risk factors using repeated measurements from the same individual, which is important as individual and population seasonal patterns may differ.MethodsThe authors investigated the seasonal pattern in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, body weight, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C reactive protein and fibrinogen. Measurements came from 38 037 participants in the population-based cohort, the Tromsø Study, examined up to eight times from 1979 to 2008. Individual and population seasonal patterns were estimated using a cosinor in a mixed model.ResultsAll risk factors had a highly statistically significant seasonal pattern with a peak time in winter, except for triglycerides (peak in autumn), C reactive protein and fibrinogen (peak in spring). The sizes of the seasonal variations were clinically modest.ConclusionsAlthough the authors found highly statistically significant individual seasonal patterns for all risk factors, the sizes of the changes were modest, probably because this subarctic population is well adapted to a harsh climate. Better protection against seasonal risk factors like cold weather could help reduce the winter excess in CVD observed in milder climates.
Progesterone, pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide, relaxin and oestrone sulphate concentrations in saliva, milk and urine of female alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and their application in pregnancy diagnosis
Authors: Volkery J. , Gottschalk J. , Sobiraj A. , Wittek T. , Einspanier A. 
Published: August 2012

The pregnancy‐associated hormones, progesterone (P4), pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide (PdG), relaxin (RLN) and oestrone sulphate (E1S) in plasma, saliva, milk and urine of alpacas were measured in order to assess their potential use for pregnancy diagnosis. Samples were obtained from 36 female alpacas before mating and at different stages throughout pregnancy (confirmed by ultrasonography). The hormone concentrations were determined using enzyme immunoassays. Milk samples were also tested using a commercial on‐farm P4 kit, designed for dairy cattle. Although the concentration of P4 in plasma, milk and urine, and the concentration of PdG in urine were significantly higher in pregnant than in non‐pregnant alpacas, there was no difference in the concentrations of P4 or PdG in saliva. The on‐farm milk P4 kit showed a sensitivity of 90 per cent for diagnosis of pregnancy and a specificity of 69 per cent for non‐pregnancy. The concentration of RLN in plasma increased significantly after the second month, and concentration of E1S in plasma and urine during the last month of pregnancy, whereas, there were no significant differences in RLN or E1S concentrations in saliva and milk between pregnant and non‐pregnant alpacas. Values of P4, RLN and E1S in plasma, and PdG and E1S in urine are comparable with the previous reports in alpacas and, therefore, can be confirmed as an indicator for pregnancy. This is the first study to include determination of pregnancy‐associated hormones in the saliva and milk of alpacas. However, saliva seems to be unsuitable for pregnancy diagnosis in alpacas, whereas, P4 in milk, as well as PdG and E1S in urine, seem to be adequate tools for diagnosis.
Diet Modulates Endogenous Thrombin Generation, A Biological Estimate of Thrombosis Risk, Independently of the Metabolic Status
Authors: Sanchez Caroline , Poggi Marjorie , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Defoort Catherine , Martin Jean-Charles , Tanguy Stéphane , Dutour Anne , Grino Michel , Alessi Marie-Christine 
Published: August 2012

Objective—
High endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) is associated with venous and arterial thrombosis. Better knowledge of environmental influences on ETP may help to prevent thrombosis.

Methods and Results—

Weaning rats exhibited high ETP values that decreased in low-fat diet and remained elevated on high-fat diet. In adult rats, high-fat diet–induced ETP increase was independent of coagulation factors, obesity, and insulin resistance and negatively associated with polyunsaturated fatty acid levels. Switching from high-fat diet to low-fat diet reversed the procoagulant phenotype with a slower kinetic than the normalization of hyperinsulinemia. In humans, ETP was independent of body weight whereas it was negatively associated with nutritional markers such as the percentage of energy provided by proteins, the protein:fat ratio, circulating phenolic compounds, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. A recommended 3-month healthy diet with reduced energy density, including lipids, decreased ETP (−21%;
P
<0.0001). Changes in ETP were not associated with body weight, insulin sensitivity, or coagulation factor variations, but correlated negatively with plasma docosahexaenoic acid, a nutritional status sensitive fatty acid, and compounds reflecting vegetable intake.

Conclusion—
Diet plays a pivotal role in regulating ETP, independently of obesity and insulin resistance. Global nutritional recommendations could be useful in primary prevention of venous thrombosis.
P300/CBP Associated Factor Regulates Nitroglycerin-Dependent Arterial Relaxation by N
ε
-Lysine Acetylation of Contractile Proteins
Authors: Colussi Claudia , Scopece Alessandro , Vitale Serena , Spallotta Francesco , Mattiussi Stefania , Rosati Jessica , Illi Barbara , Mai Antonello , Castellano Sabrina , Sbardella Gianluca , Farsetti Antonella , Capogrossi Maurizio C. , Gaetano Carlo 
Published: August 2012

Objective—
To address the role of epigenetic enzymes in the process of arterial vasorelaxation and nitrate tolerance, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed in the presence or absence of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) or histone deacetylases/histone acetylases modulators.

Methods and Results—

In vitro single GTN administration rapidly increased cGMP synthesis and protein N
ε
-lysine acetylation in rat smooth muscle cells, including myosin light chain and smooth muscle actin. This phenomenon determined a decrease in myosin light chain phosphorylation and actomyosin formation. These effects were abolished by prolonged exposure to GTN and rescued by treatment with trichostatin A. In vivo, adult male rats were treated for 72 hours with subcutaneous injections of GTN alone or in combination with the histone deacetylases inhibitors trichostatin A, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, MS-27–275, or valproic acid. Ex vivo experiments performed on aortic rings showed that the effect of tolerance was reversed by all proacetylation drugs, including the p300/CREB binding protein–associated factor activator pentadecylidenemalonate 1b (SPV106). Any response to GTN was abolished by anacardic acid, a potent histone acetylases inhibitor.

Conclusion—

This study establishes the following points: (1) GTN treatment increases histone acetylases activity; (2) GTN–activated p300/CREB binding protein–associated factor increases protein N
ε
-lysine acetylation; (3) N
ε
-lysine acetylation of contractile proteins influences GTN–dependent vascular response. Hence, combination of epigenetic drugs and nitroglycerin may be envisaged as a novel treatment strategy for coronary artery disease symptoms and other cardiovascular accidents of ischemic origin.
Cerebral White Matter Lesions and Lacunar Infarcts Contribute to the Presence of Mild Parkinsonian Signs
Authors: de Laat Karlijn F. , van Norden Anouk G.W. , Gons Rob A.R. , van Uden Inge W.M. , Zwiers Marcel P. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , van Dijk Ewoud J. , de Leeuw Frank-Erik 
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose—
Mild parkinsonian signs (MPS) are common in elderly people and may be an early stage of parkinson(ism). They might be related to cerebral small-vessel disease, although this association remains incompletely understood. To identify subjects at early stages of the disease, we investigated whether the presence of MPS was dependent on the severity and location of small-vessel disease, including white matter lesions and lacunar infarcts.

Methods—
Four hundred thirty individuals, with small-vessel disease, aged between 50 and 85 years, without dementia or parkinsonism, were included in this analysis and underwent MRI scanning. The number and location of lacunar infarcts were rated. White matter lesion volume was assessed by manual segmentation with automated delineating of different regions. Presence of MPS was based on the motor section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Associations were determined using logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and total brain volume.

Results—
Severe white matter lesions and the presence of lacunar infarcts were independently associated with the presence of MPS (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3–4.9 and OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0–3.0). Frontal and parietal white matter lesions and, to a lesser extent, lacunar infarcts in the thalamus were associated with a higher risk of MPS. The presence of lacunar infarcts was independently related to the bradykinesia category of parkinsonian signs.

Conclusions—
This study shows that severe small-vessel disease, especially at certain locations, is associated with MPS signs in older adults. Our findings suggest that small-vessel disease interrupts basal ganglia–thalamocortical circuits involving both the frontal and parietal lobes and hence may result in MPS.
SMASH-U
Authors: Meretoja Atte , Strbian Daniel , Putaala Jukka , Curtze Sami , Haapaniemi Elena , Mustanoja Satu , Sairanen Tiina , Satopää Jarno , Silvennoinen Heli , Niemelä Mika , Kaste Markku , Tatlisumak Turgut 
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose—
The purpose of this study was to provide a simple and practical clinical classification for the etiology of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods—
We performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with ICH treated at the Helsinki University Central Hospital, January 2005 to March 2010 (n=1013). We classified ICH etiology by predefined criteria as structural vascular lesions (S), medication (M), amyloid angiopathy (A), systemic disease (S), hypertension (H), or undetermined (U). Clinical and radiological features and mortality by SMASH-U (Structural lesion, Medication, Amyloid angiopathy, Systemic/other disease, Hypertension, Undetermined) etiology were analyzed.

Results—

Structural lesions, namely cavernomas and arteriovenous malformations, caused 5% of the ICH, anticoagulation 14%, and systemic disease 5% (23 liver cirrhosis, 8 thrombocytopenia, and 17 various rare conditions). Amyloid angiopathy (20%) and hypertensive angiopathy (35%) were common, but etiology remained undetermined in 21%. Interrater agreement in classifying cases was high (κ, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.96). Patients with structural lesions had the smallest hemorrhages (median volume, 2.8 mL) and best prognosis (3-month mortality 4%), whereas anticoagulation-related ICHs were largest (13.4 mL) and most often fatal (54%). Overall, median ICH survival was 5½ years, varying strongly by etiology (
P
<0.001). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, patients with structural lesions had the lowest 3-month mortality rates (OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01–0.37) and those with anticoagulation (OR, 1.9; 1.0–3.6) or other systemic cause (OR, 4.0; 1.6–10.1) the highest.

Conclusions—
In our patients, performing the SMASH-U classification was feasible and interrater agreement excellent. A plausible etiology was determined in most patients but remained elusive in one in 5. In this series, SMASH-U based etiology was strongly associated with survival.
Latent Heating and Cooling Rates in Developing and Nondeveloping Tropical Disturbances during TCS-08: Radar-Equivalent Retrievals from Mesoscale Numerical Models and ELDORA*
Authors: Park Myung-Sook , Penny Andrew B. , Elsberry Russell L. , Billings Brian J. , Doyle James D. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Latent heating and cooling rates have a critical role in predicting tropical cyclone formation and intensification. In a prior study, Park and Elsberry estimated the latent heating and cooling rates from aircraft Doppler radar [Electra Doppler Radar (ELDORA)] observations for two developing and two nondeveloping tropical disturbances during the Tropical Cyclone Structure 2008 (TCS-08) field experiment. In this study, equivalent retrievals of heating rates from two mesoscale models with 1-km resolution are calculated with the same radar thermodynamic retrieval. Contoured frequency altitude diagrams and vertical profiles of the net latent heating rates from the model are compared with the ELDORA-retrieved rates in similar cloud-cluster regions relative to the center of circulation.
In both the developing and nondeveloping cases, the radar-equivalent retrievals from the two models tend to overestimate heating for less frequently occurring, intense convective cells that contribute to positive vorticity generation and spinup in the lower troposphere. The model maximum cooling rates are consistently smaller in magnitude than the heating maxima for the nondeveloping cases as well as the developing cases. Whereas in the model the cooling rates are predominantly associated with melting processes, the effects of evaporative cooling are underestimated in convective downdraft regions and at upper levels. Because of the net warming of the columns, the models tend to overintensify the lower-tropospheric circulations if these intense convective cells are close to the circulation center. Improvements in the model physical process representations are required to realistically represent the evaporative cooling effects.
Diagnosing Forecast Errors in Tropical Cyclone Motion
Authors: Galarneau Thomas J. , Davis Christopher A. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This paper reports on the development of a diagnostic approach that can be used to examine the sources of numerical model forecast error that contribute to degraded tropical cyclone (TC) motion forecasts. Tropical cyclone motion forecasts depend upon skillful prediction of the environment wind field, and by extension, the synoptic-scale weather systems nearby the TC. While previous research suggests that the deep-layer mean (DLM) steering flow typically approximates the actual TC motion, it is shown that the motion of even mature TCs can depart from the DLM steering flow. An optimal environmental steering flow is defined, which varies the vertical extent of the steering layer and the radius over which TC vorticity and divergence are removed.
Errors in predicted TC motion are quantified using a diagnostic equation that accounts for not only differences in the synoptic-scale flow, but also differences in the depth and radius used to define the steering flow. Differences in the latter two parameters are interpreted in terms of errors in predicted TC structure or errors in proximate mesoscale flow features. Results from an analysis of 24-h forecasts from the Advanced Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model during the 2008–10 North Atlantic TC seasons show that forecast motion errors are dominated by errors in the environment wind field. Contributions from other terms are occasionally large and are interpreted from a vorticity perspective. The utility of this new diagnostic equation is that it can be used to assess TC motion forecasts from any numerical modeling system.