bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Incidence of Ischemic Cerebrovascular Events in Cardiovascular Patients With Elevated Apolipoprotein CIII
Authors: Olivieri Oliviero , Cappellari Manuel , Turcato Gianni , Bonetti Bruno , Girelli Domenico , Pizzolo Francesca , Friso Simonetta , Bassi Antonella , Castagna Annalisa , Martinelli Nicola 
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—
Apo CIII (apolipoprotein CIII), a crucial regulator of lipoprotein metabolism, has been associated with increased activity of coagulation factors and thrombin generation and, in turn, with an increased risk of thromboembolic events in both arterial and venous districts. Thus, we hypothesized that it may affect the risk of acute ischemic cerebrovascular events in cardiovascular patients.

Methods—
We systematically checked medical records and quantified cerebral ischemic events in a cohort of 950 subjects (median age 65 with interquartile range, 55–79 years; 30.7% females) with or without angiographically defined coronary artery disease (CAD: 774 CAD and 176 CAD-free, respectively). All the subjects, enrolled between May 1999 and December 2006, were prospectively followed until death or July 31, 2018. Assessments of complete plasma lipid and apolipoprotein profiles, including Apo A-I, B, CIII, and E, were available for all subjects at enrollment.

Results—
After a median follow-up of 130 months (interquartile range, 69–189), 95 subjects (10%) suffered ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) events. Stroke/TIA subjects had higher Apo CIII plasma concentration (11.4; interquartile range: 9.3–14.4 mg/dL) at enrollment than those without stroke/TIA (10.4, interquartile range: 8.7–13.0 mg/dL). Subjects with Apo CIII levels above the median value (10.6 mg/dL) exhibited an ≈2-fold increased risk of stroke/TIA, even after adjustment for potential confounders, including sex, age, CAD diagnosis, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, oral anticoagulant treatment, and all plasma lipid parameters (hazard ratio: 2.23 [95% CI, 1.21–4.13]). This result was confirmed in CAD and CAD-free populations, separately, and even by a propensity score matching method, in which 98 CAD and 98 CAD-free subjects were one-to-one matched for all clinical and laboratory characteristics.

Conclusions—
These findings suggest that a high Apo CIII plasma concentration may predict an increased risk of ischemic stroke/TIA in cardiovascular patients.
Effect of Heart Rate on Stroke Recurrence and Mortality in Acute Ischemic Stroke With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lee Keon-Joo , Kim Beom Joon , Han Moon-Ku , Kim Joon-Tae , Choi Kang-Ho , Shin Dong-Ick , Yeo Min-Ju , Cha Jae-Kwan , Kim Dae-Hyun , Nah Hyun-Wook , Kim Dong-Eog , Ryu Wi-Sun , Park Jong-Moo , Kang Kyusik , Lee Soo Joo , Kim Jae Guk , Oh Mi-Sun , Yu Kyung-Ho , Lee Byung-Chul , Hong Keun-Sik , Cho Yong-Jin , Choi Jay Chol , Park Tai Hwan , Park Sang-Soon , Kwon Jee-Hyun , Kim Wook-Joo , Lee Jun , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Juneyoung , Gorelick Philip B. , Bae Hee-Joon ,   on the behalf of the CRCS-K (Clinical Research Collaboration for Stroke in Korea) Investigators
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—
There is a paucity of information about the role of resting heart rate in the prediction of outcome events in patients with ischemic stroke with atrial fibrillation. We aimed to investigate the relationships between the level and variability of heart rate in the acute stroke period and stroke recurrence and mortality after acute ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods—
Acute patients with ischemic stroke who had atrial fibrillation and were hospitalized within 48 hours of stroke onset were identified from a multicenter prospective stroke registry database. The acute stroke period was divided into early (within 24 hours of hospitalization) and late (72 hours to 7 days from onset) stages, and data on heart rate in both stages were collected. Moreover, the level and variability of heart rate were assessed using mean values and coefficients of variation. Outcome events were prospectively monitored up to 1 year after the index stroke.

Results—

Among 2046 patients eligible for the early acute stage analysis, 102 (5.0%) had a stroke recurrence, and 440 (21.5%) died during the first year after stroke. A statistically significant nonlinear J-shaped association was observed between mean heart rate and mortality (
P
<0.04 for quadratic and overall effect) but not between mean heart rate and stroke recurrence (
P
>0.1 for quadratic and overall effect). The nonlinear and overall effects of the coefficients of variation of heart rate were not significant for all outcome variables. The same results were observed in the late acute stage analysis (n=1576).

Conclusions—
In patients with atrial fibrillation hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke, the mean heart rate during the acute stroke period was not associated with stroke recurrence but was associated with mortality (nonlinear, J-shaped association). The relationships between heart rate and outcomes were not observed with respect to heart rate variability.
The projection of the thoracic nerve roots and their connection with intervertebral discs: a cadaver and radiological study
Authors: Jiang Chao , Guo Qiang , Sun Ze-Ming , Chen Ze-Xin , Xu Jia-Jing , Jin Yu , Wu Yao-Sen 
Published: December 2019

Background The anatomical features of the thoracic nerve roots in connection with intervertebral discs may prevent surgery-related complications and improve patients’ neurological functional status during thoracic spine surgery. There is limited literature evidence regarding this concept using cadavers. Purpose To elucidate the qualitative anatomical features of the thoracic nerve roots in connection with intervertebral discs. Material and Methods Fifteen formalin-preserved spine specimens were used in this study. Small pieces of stainless-steel wires were placed along the root sleeves from their points of origin, after exposing the dural sac and bilateral nerve roots. The standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were taken after the placement of the wires. Measurements were done on radiographs using the picture archiving communication system. Results Take-off angles of the nerve roots at the coronal plane gradually increased from the level of T2 (36.1°±2.72°) to T9 (84.1°±1.84°) and from T9, it decreased to T12 (46.3° ± 2.67°). Similar variation tendency was discovered in take-off angles of the nerve roots at the sagittal plane. No consistent tendency was found both in the distance from the origin of the root sleeve to its superior and inferior vertebral endplate. Distance from the origin of the root sleeve to the posterior midline (DM) exponentially decreased from T1 (8.2 ± 0.87 mm) to T4 (6.0 ± 0.93 mm). It slowly increased from T5 (5.5 ± 0.68 mm) to T12 (10.9 ± 1.79 mm), with T5 having the smallest DM. Distance between the origins of neighboring nerve roots showed an obvious increase from the T1–T2 interval (23.1 ± 2.22 mm) to T7–T8 interval (30.9 ± 2.68 mm). However, it progressively decreased at the T10–T11 interval (26.0 ± 2.40 mm). Conclusion The dimensions of the thoracic nerve roots vary greatly from T1 to T12 intervertebral discs. Sound knowledge of these anatomical features of the thoracic nerve is mandatory for the thoracic spine surgery, especially in the posterolateral approach and transforaminal endoscopic surgery.
The association between heavy metal and serum cholesterol levels in the US population: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2012
Authors: Buhari O , Dayyab FM , Igbinoba O , Atanda A , Medhane F , Faillace RT 
Published: December 2019

Background: Few studies have examined the relationship between heavy metal and serum cholesterol levels, and no recent study has examined this relationship in the US population. Methods and Results: A total of 19,591 individuals aged 0–80 years were included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2012; the current study was composed of survey participants for whom some or all low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, blood lead (Pb), total blood mercury (Hg), and blood cadmium (Cd) levels had been measured. Three tertiles (T1–T3) of heavy metals were used to explore dose–response association between heavy metal exposure and serum cholesterol level. Logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between tertiles of blood heavy metal levels and serum cholesterol levels after adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. We have shown that the groups with the highest levels of Pb, Hg, and Cd had a 56%, 73%, and 41% chance, respectively, of having a high total cholesterol level. In study subjects with the highest Pb levels, there was also a 22% chance of being in the group with the highest LDL-C level. An increase in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels was observed from the first to the third tertiles of the heavy metals studied. Conclusion: Increasing blood Pb, Hg, and Cd levels were associated with significantly increased odds of high total cholesterol after adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pizzol Damiano , Demurtas Jacopo , Stubbs Brendon , Soysal Pinar , Mason Corina , Isik Ahmet Turan , Solmi Marco , Smith Lee , Veronese Nicola 
Published: December 2019

Globally, there is increasing usage and legalization of cannabis. In addition to its reported therapeutic effects, cannabis has several health risks which are not clearly defined. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common male sexual disorder and there are plausible mechanisms linking cannabis use to ED. No attempt has been made to collate the literature on this topic. The aim of this review was to summarize the prevalence and risk of ED in cannabis users compared to controls. A systematic review of major databases from inception to January 1, 2019, without language restriction, was undertaken to identify studies investigating cannabis use and presence of ED. The analysis compared the prevalence of ED in cannabis users versus controls. Consequently, the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated, applying a random-effect model. Five case–control studies were included with data from 3,395 healthy men, 1,035 using cannabis (smoking) and 2,360 nonusers. The overall prevalence of ED in cannabis users was 69.1% (95% CI: 38.0–89.1), whilst the correspondent figure in controls was 34.7% (95% CI: 20.3–52.7). The OR of ED in cannabis users was almost four times that of controls (OR = 3.83; 95% CI: 1.30–11.28; p = .02), even if characterized by high heterogeneity ( I2 = 90%) and the prediction intervals overlapped 1.00 (95% CI: 0.35–7.26). Data suggest that ED is twice as high in cannabis users compared to controls. Future longitudinal research is needed to confirm/refute this and explore if a dose–response relationship between cannabis and ED may be evident.
Carotid plaque and lumbar bone mineral density status in post-menopausal women: An age-matched, analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Sitthisombat Patraporn , Soontrapa Sukree , Kaewrudee Srinaree , Sothornwit Jen , Eamudomkarn Nuntasiri , Promsorn Julaluck , Takong Wittawat , Somboonporn Woraluk 
Published: December 2019

Objective To explore the association between carotid plaque and lumbar spine osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Study design Age-matched, cross-sectional study. Main outcome measures Carotid plaque and carotid intima media thickness were measured with B-mode ultrasound. Lumbar spine bone mineral density was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Prevalence odds ratios and the respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated to determine the association. Results Seventy-two post-menopausal women with lumbar spine osteoporosis and 72 post-menopausal women with normal lumbar spine bone mineral density were enrolled. The adjusted prevalence odds ratio of carotid plaque presence in post-menopausal women with lumbar spine osteoporosis was 1.73 (95%CI; 0.60 to 4.94) when compared to post-menopausal women with normal lumbar spine bone mineral density. The presence of vulnerable plaque was greater in post-menopausal women with lumbar spine osteoporosis; however, the difference was not statistically significant after adjusting for other risk factors of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio 1.31; 95%CI; 0.39 to 4.43). There was no significant difference in carotid intima media thickness between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis with backward elimination in assessment of potential risk factors for the presence of carotid plaque showed that the year since menopause, family history of cardiovascular disease and systolic blood pressure were nominally significant associated factors with a respective adjusted odds ratio of 1.06 (95%CI; 1.01 to 1.12), 6.23 (95%CI; 1.65 to 23.46) and 1.03 (95%CI; 1.01 to 1.06). Conclusions The current study indicates that lumbar spine osteoporosis is not associated with the presence of carotid plaque, whereas year since menopause, family history of cardiovascular disease and systolic blood pressure are associated factors.
The Vastus Medialis Insertion Is More Proximal and Medial in Patients With Patellar Instability: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Case-Control Study
Authors: Gobbi Riccardo Gomes , Hinckel Betina Bremer , Teixeira Paulo Renan Lima , Giglio Pedro Nogueira , Lucarini Bruno Romano , Pécora José Ricardo , Camanho Gilberto Luis , Demange Marco Kawamura 
Published: December 2019

Background: The anatomy and function of the quadriceps muscle play a role in patellofemoral stability. Few studies have evaluated anatomic differences in the vastus medialis between patients with and without patellar instability. Purpose: To compare the anatomy of the vastus medialis using magnetic resonance imaging in patients with patellar instability to a control group. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A group of patients with patellar instability were sex-matched with a control group with anterior cruciate ligament tears, meniscal injuries, or sprains; patients younger than 15 years were excluded. The anatomy of the vastus medialis was examined by the distance between the distal origin of the vastus medialis in the femur and the medial femoral condyle, the distance from the proximal pole of the patella to the most distal insertion of the muscle and its ratio to the length of the articular surface of the patella, and a qualitative description of the insertion position of the muscle fibers (directly in the patella or the medial retinaculum). Results: Both groups comprised 78 knees (48 female; 61.5%). The mean age in the control and patellar instability groups was 30.2 ± 7.8 years and 25.6 ± 7.5 years, respectively ( P = .001). The distance from the vastus origin to the condyle was 27.52 ± 3.49 mm and 26.59 ± 3.43 mm, respectively ( P = .041); the distance from the proximal pole of the patella to the most distal muscle insertion was 17.59 ± 5.54 mm and 15.02 ± 4.18 mm, respectively ( P < .001); and the ratio of this distance to the joint surface was 0.586 ± 0.180 and 0.481 ± 0.130, respectively ( P < .001). In 75.6% of knees in the patellar instability group, the insertion of the vastus was into the medial retinaculum and not into the patella compared with 52.6% in the control group ( P = .003; odds ratio, 2.8). Conclusion: The distal insertion of the vastus medialis differed in knees with patellar instability, with a more proximal insertion and less patellar coverage relative to controls, and was more frequently found in the retinaculum instead of directly in the patella.
Mental health in adolescents with a history of developmental language disorder: The moderating effect of bullying victimisation
Authors: Kilpatrick Tina , Leitão Suze , Boyes Mark 
Published: December 2019

Background Children and adolescents with a history of developmental language disorder are at elevated risk of experiencing internalising and externalising symptoms. The existing literature suggests a link between developmental language disorder, bullying victimisation and low self-esteem, both of which are negatively associated with child and adolescent mental health more generally. Aim We examined the relationship between having a history of developmental language disorder and internalising and externalising symptoms in adolescence. We also tested whether bullying victimisation and self-esteem were associated with mental health outcomes, and whether they moderated the association between a history of developmental language disorder and psychological symptoms. Methods and procedures: Adolescents with a history of developmental language disorder ( n = 20, 10–16 years, 10% female, 90% male) were compared to a group of typically developing peers ( n =  22, 10–16 years, 36.4% female, 63.6% male). Receptive and expressive language, internalising and externalising symptoms, bullying victimisation and self-esteem were assessed with well-validated measures. Outcomes and results: Contrary to our predictions, a history of developmental language disorder was not directly associated with internalising or externalising symptoms. However, in terms of internalising symptoms, there was a significant interaction between a history of developmental language disorder and bullying victimisation ( β = 1.01, p =  .02). Specifically, there was a significant association between a history of developmental language disorder and internalising symptoms at high levels of bullying victimisation [ t(41) = 2.52, p =  .02] but not at low levels of bullying victimisation [ t(41) = –.67, p =  .51). Conclusions and implications: Bullying victimisation appears to increase the risk of internalising symptoms in adolescents with a history of developmental language disorder. Future research should examine whether anti-bullying interventions can help prevent the development of internalising problems for children with developmental language disorder. These findings may aid clinicians in developing their understanding of developmental language disorder and reinforces the importance of holistic client management in speech language therapy.
MiR-214 prevents the progression of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by targeting PD-L1
Authors: Sun Jing-Ran , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Ya 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveWe explored the role and mechanism of miR-214 involvement in the progression of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).MethodsThe expression levels of miR-214 and PD-L1 in human DLBCL cell lines and in tissue samples from patients with DLBCL were determined using quantitative RT-PCR. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to determine the correlation between the expressions of miR-214 and PD-L1. Cell viability, invasiveness and apoptosis were respectively examined in cells of the DLBCL line OCI-Ly3 using CCK-8, transwell and flow cytometry assays. The expression level of PD-L1 was determined via immunoblotting. Inflammatory cytokine secretion was determined via enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsmiR-214 was downregulated and PD-L1 was upregulated in DLBCL tissues and cell lines in comparison to normal adjacent tissues or normal B-cell. This indicates a negative correlation in the expression levels. Overexpression of miR-214 inhibited cell viability and invasion and induced apoptosis of OCI-Ly3 cells. Moreover, miR-214 was shown to target PD-L1 mRNA by binding to its 3′-untranslated region (UTR). Knockdown of PD-L1 attenuated the malignant phenotype of OCI-Ly3 cells. Overexpression of miR-214 inhibited tumor growth by targeting PD-L1 in vivo.ConclusionBy targeting PD-L1, miR-214 regulates the progression of DLBCL in vitro and in vivo.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The role of seed appendage in improving the adaptation of a species in definite seasons: a case study of Atriplex centralasiatica
Authors: Wang Zhaoren , Zhao Yufei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Baoshan , Yang Zhen’an , Dong Lijia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
As a common accompanying dispersal structure, specialized seed appendages play a critical role in the successful germination and dispersal of many plants, and are regarded as an adaptation character for plants survival in diverse environments. However, little is known about how the appendages modulate the linkage between germination and environmental factors. Here, we tested the responses of germination to seasonal environmental signals (temperature and humidity) via seed appendages using Atriplex centralasiatica, which is widely distributed in salt marshlands with dry-cold winter in northern China. Three types of heteromorphic diaspores that differ in morphology of persistent bracteole and dormancy levels are produced in an individual plant of A. centralasiatica.

Results
Except for the nondormant diaspore (type A, with a brown seed enclosed in a persistent bracteole), bracteoles regulated inner seed dormancy of the other two dormant diaspore types, i.e., type B (flat diaspore with a black inner seed) and type C (globular diaspore with a black inner seed). For types B and C, germination of bracteole-free seeds was higher than that of intact diaspores, and was limited severely when incubated in the bracteole-soaking solution. Dormancy was released at a low temperature (< 10 °C) and suitable humidity (5–15%) condition. Oppositely, high temperature and unfit humidity induced secondary dormancy via inhibitors released by bracteoles. Type C with deeper dormancy needed more stringent conditions for dormancy release and was easier for dormancy inducement than type B. The germination windows were broadened and the time needed for dormancy release decreased after the bracteole flushing for the two dormant types in the field condition.

Conclusions
Bracteoles determine the germination adaptation by bridging seeds and environmental signals and promising seedlings establishment only in proper seasons, which may also restrict species geographical distribution and shift species distributing ranges under the global climate change scenarios.