bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of ambulatory blood pressure between patients with primary aldosteronism and other forms of hypertension
Authors: Libianto Renata , Menezes Serena , Kaur Amrina , Gwini Stella May , Shen Jimmy , Narayan Om , Fuller Peter J. , Yang Jun , Young Morag J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivePrimary aldosteronism (PA) is a potentially curable cause of hypertension associated with worse cardiovascular prognosis than blood pressure‐matched essential hypertension (EH). Effective targeted treatment for PA is available with the greatest benefit seen if treatment is started early, prior to the development of end‐organ damage. However, PA is currently substantially under‐diagnosed. The standard screening test for PA, the aldosterone‐to‐renin ratio (ARR), is performed infrequently in both primary and tertiary care. In contrast, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is frequently utilized in the assessment of hypertension. The aim of this study was to compare ABPM parameters in hypertensive patients with and without PA, in order to identify features of ABPM associated with PA that can prompt screening.Study designPatients with PA (n = 55) were identified from a tertiary clinic specializing in the management of endocrine causes of hypertension whilst the controls (n = 389) were consecutive patients with hypertension but without a known diagnosis of PA who were referred for ABPM.ResultsIn this study, PA patients were younger and had higher 24‐h, day, and night‐time blood pressure compared with controls despite similar number of antihypertensive medications. However, there was no significant difference in nocturnal dipping or day‐night blood pressure variability between the two groups.ConclusionsAn elevated ambulatory blood pressure in patients on multiple antihypertensives could suggest underlying PA but in the absence of other distinguishing features, ABPM could not reliably differentiate PA from other forms of hypertension. Routine biochemical screening for PA remained the most reliable way of detecting this treatable secondary cause of hypertension.
Comparison of high‐flow oxygenation with noninvasive ventilation in COPD exacerbation: A crossover clinical trial
Authors: Rezaei Abbas , Fakharian Atefeh , Ghorbani Fariba , Idani ‪Esmaeil , Abedini Atefeh , Jamaati Hamidreza 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the therapeutic effects of high‐flow‐oxygen‐Therapy (HFT) and noninvasive‐ventilation (NIV) for stabilizing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during exacerbation.MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial at Masih‐Daneshvari hospital, between July 2019 and Oct 2019, 30 exacerbated‐COPD‐patient with PaCO2 64.58 ± 11.61 mm Hg, Respiratory Rate 24.43 ± 2.75, and PH 7.31 ± 0.02 were divided into two groups, N = 15. By a simple randomized allocation, patients receive either NIV or HFT for 1 hour, and following a washout period of 30 minutes, they switched to the other treatment option. Arterial Blood Gas Parameters, as well as Respiratory Rate (RR), Dyspnea Score, Heart Rate (HR), and Oxygen Saturation (SO2), were compared before and after the intervention and between groups.ResultsBaseline patient characteristics were similar in the two groups. Pre and post‐analysis revealed that in both groups, all improved significantly. After the first period, there was no difference in all parameters between groups except for SO2 which was significantly higher in HFT (%92.1 ± 1) than that of NIV (%89 ± 1), P = .001. Likewise, following the washout period, patients in HFT and NIV had a dyspnea score of 1.93 ± 0.7 and 2.73 ± 0.9, respectively, P = .01. No carryover‐effect and was observed but the period effect was significant for some outcomes. A significant improvement in SO2 and HR was observed by HFT according to treatment effect by combining two periods’ results. During the study, no side effects were reported.ConclusionIn this short‐term study HFT appears feasible for patients with COPD exacerbation to reduce dyspnea score and improve respiratory distress.
Epicardial adipose tissue is associated with increased systolic pulmonary artery pressure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Kalaycıoğlu Ezgi , Çetin Mustafa , Çinier Göksel , Özyıldız Ali Gökhan , Durmuş İsmet , Kırış Tuncay , Gökdeniz Tayyar 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesPulmonary hypertension (PHT) is one of the essential predictors of mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is thought that PHT is due to vasoconstriction secondary to hypoxia caused by airway obstruction in COPD patients; however, loss of capillary bed with emphysema, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction may also play a role in the development of PHT. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has a role as a metabolically active endocrine organ and secretes various proinflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that EAT thickness in COPD patients might be associated with the systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPs) level, and we aimed to test it.MethodsThe present study included 129 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of COPD. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation. The relationship between PAPs and EAT thickness was evaluated.ResultsPositive correlations with PAPs were reported with age, EAT, white blood cell (WBC) and GOLD grade score (range 0.197‐0.275, P values 0.026 to 0.002), negative correlations with body‐mass index (BMI), hyperlipidemia, FEV1 (% predicted) and pO2 (range −0.216 to −0.340, P values .014 to <.001). In stepwise linear regression analysis, BMI (P = .003), EAT (P = .002), WBC (P = .001), and FEV1 (% predicted) (P = .010), were independently associated with PAPs.ConclusionEAT thickness in COPD patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function is associated with increased PAPs, and this association is independent of the parameters indicating the severity of COPD.
Overheard conversations can influence children’s generosity
Authors: Qin Wen , Zhao Li , Compton Brian J. , Zheng Yi , Mao Haiying , Zheng Jiaxin , Heyman Gail D. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the factors that promote the development of generosity has both theoretical and practical importance. This study examines one potential influence: overheard conversations that contain evaluative statements about the behavior of others that were described as widely shared opinions. In Study 1 (N = 120), younger (mean age 4.1 years old) and older (mean age 5.9 years old) participants overheard two adults discuss a target child's act of generosity, and in a between‐subjects manipulation, the conversation included either praise for the target child, or criticism. Participants in the older group were more likely to behave generously on a distribution task if the overheard conversation involved praise rather than criticism, but the participants in the younger group showed no such effect. Study 2 (N = 150) and Study 3 (N = 60) were preregistered follow‐up studies that included older children only (a 5‐year‐old group). Study 2 showed that children were again more likely to share after overhearing a conversation in which an individual who behaved generously was described in favorable terms, and the same effect was seen when the overheard conversation involved criticism of an individual who did not share. The procedure of Study 3 matched that of Study 1, except the distributions were made in private, and the overheard conversation effect was seen once again. These findings suggest that by age 5, children can use information they hear about individuals who are not present to guide their own behavior, and that overheard evaluative comments can promote generosity.
Development of a new comorbidity index for adults with cerebral palsy and comparative assessment with common comorbidity indices
Authors: Whitney Daniel G , Kamdar Neil S 
Published: December 2020

AimTo develop a new comorbidity index for adults with cerebral palsy (CP), the Whitney Comorbidity Index (WCI), which includes relevant comorbidities for this population and better predicts mortality than the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI).MethodData from the Optum Clinformatics Data Mart was used for this retrospective cohort study. Diagnosis codes were used to identify adults aged 18 years or older with CP (n=1511 females, n=1511 males; mean [SD; range] age=48y [19y 2mo; 18–89y]) and all comorbidities in the year 2014. The WCI was developed based on the comorbidities of the CCI and ECI and other relevant comorbidities associated with 2‐year mortality using Cox regression and competing risk analysis. The WCI was examined as unweighted (WCIunw) and weighted (WCIw). The model fit and discrimination (C‐statistic) of each index was assessed using Cox regression.ResultsTwenty‐seven comorbidities were included in the WCI; seven new comorbidities that were not part of the CCI or ECI were added. The WCIunw and WCIw showed a better model fit and discrimination for 1‐ and 2‐year mortality compared to the CCI and ECI. The WCIunw and WCIw were strong predictors for 1‐ and 2‐year mortality (C‐statistic [95% confidence interval] ranging from 0.81 [0.76–0.85] to 0.88 [0.82–0.94]).InterpretationThe new WCI, designed to include clinically relevant comorbidities, provides a better model fit and discrimination of mortality for adults with CP.What this paper adds

Common comorbidity indices exclude relevant comorbidities for adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

A new comorbidity index for adults with CP was created by harmonizing clinical theory and data‐driven methods.

The Whitney Comorbidity Index better predicted 1‐ and 2‐year mortality than other commonly used comorbidity indices.
Long‐term outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes in Asia
Authors: Huang Yu‐Min , Lin Yen‐Kuang , Lee Wei‐Jei , Hur Kyoung Yul , Kasama Kazunori , Cheng Anton Kui Sing , Lee Ming‐Hsien , Wong Simon Kin‐Hung , Soong Tien‐Chou , Lee Kuo‐Ting , Lomanto Davide , Lakdawala Muffazal , Su Yen‐Hao , Wang Weu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo assess the outcomes of metabolic surgery in overweight and obese patients in Asia with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Materials and MethodsThe treatment outcomes of 1999 patients from the Asian Diabetes Surgery Summit database were analysed. The changes in treatment effects across time were assessed with respect to the surgical procedures performed by using generalized estimating equations.ResultsThe most commonly performed procedure was the single‐anastomosis gastric bypass (32.6%). Weight (from 106.2 ± 25.1 to 77.9 ± 18.8 kg), body mass index (BMI; from 38.7 ± 7.9 to 28.5 ± 5.9 kg/m2), blood sugar (from 9.3 ± 4.1 to 5.7 ± 1.8 mmol/L) and HbA1c (from 8.4% ± 1.8% to 6.0% ± 1.1%) significantly improved from baseline to 1 year (P < .001) and remained stable at 5 years (weight, 86.3 ± 23.3 kg; BMI, 31.7 ± 7.9 kg/m2; blood sugar, 5.8 ± 1.8 mmol/L, and HbA1c, 6.4% ± 1.2%; all P < .001 vs. baseline). Blood pressure and most lipid disorders also improved significantly. Of the treatment procedures, single‐anastomosis gastric bypass had the most satisfactory outcomes with statistical significance for most disorders, whereas adjustable gastric banding displayed the least satisfactory outcomes.ConclusionsMetabolic surgery remarkably improved body weight, T2D and other metabolic disorders in Asian patients. However, the efficacy of individual procedures varied substantially.
A review of the pivotal role of cardiac MRI in mitral valve regurgitation
Authors: Gajjar Kushani , Kashyap Kartikeya , Badlani Jayshiv , Williams Ronald B , Biederman Robert W.W. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCardiac imaging is the cornerstone of defining the etiology, quantification, and management of mitral regurgitation (MR). This continues to be even more so the case with emerging transcatheter techniques to manage MR. Transthoracic echocardiography remains the first‐line imaging modality to assess MR but has limitations. Cardiac MRI(CMR) provides the advantages of quantitative nonvisual estimation, 3D volumetric data, late gadolinium, T1, and extracellular volume measurements to comprehensively assess mitral valvular pathology, cardiac remodeling, and the prognostic impact of therapies. This review describes the superiority, technical aspects and growing evidence behind CMR, and lays the roadmap for the future of CMR in MR.
The importance of the insular cortex for vestibular and spatial syndromes
Authors: Baier Bernhard , Cuvenhaus Hannah Sophie , Müller Notger , Birklein Frank , Dieterich Marianne 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeThe aim of the study was to identify the neuroanatomical correlates and associations of neuropsychological syndromes after acute unilateral right‐hemisphere brain lesions. The neuropsychological syndromes considered were orientation in three‐dimensional space such as tilts of the subjective visual vertical or of the subjective haptic vertical, pusher syndrome, visual neglect and unawareness of paresis (anosognosia for hemiparesis). These neuropsychological phenomena have been found to occur separately or in different combinations after lesions to the right insular cortex.MethodMagnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained from 82 patients with acute right‐hemispheric stroke. A lesion–behavior mapping analysis was conducted to specify the neuroanatomical correlates of the above‐mentioned neuropsychological syndromes.ResultsIn all analyses of the individual neuropsychological syndromes the insular cortex was affected.ConclusionsThus, the insular cortex is involved in (self‐)perception and orientation within a three‐dimensional space. Since isolated lesions of the insular cortex did not induce the above neuropsychological phenomena, there have to be other regions involved.
Monitoring multiple damage mechanisms in crack‐patched structures using optical infrared thermography
Authors: Martens Ulrike , Schröder Kai‐Uwe 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe ability to understand the overall long‐term damage behaviour of crack patched components is essential to improve methods for the performance prediction. The method of passive infrared thermography comprises great opportunities to support the comprehension of the subsurface damage progress of crack‐patched structures. Quasi‐static and cyclic coupon tests are performed with patched metallic specimens and monitored with qualitative and comparative passive infrared thermography. Different test set‐ups help to differentiate between pure metallic crack growth and adhesive damage on thermal images. Results show that metallic crack growth can be monitored from the patched side, also in combination with local delamination at the patch/metal interface overlaying the crack. Thus, it is possible to evaluate position and size of the different damage types at the same time with a rather simple test set‐up. The information on the degradation progress of the crack patched component under loading conditions can help identify the driving damage mechanism of the particular repair configuration. This knowledge can in return be used in the patch design process.
Analysis of efficacy of lenvatinib treatment in highly advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus in the main trunk of the portal vein or tumor with more than 50% liver occupation: A multicenter analysis
Authors: Chuma Makoto , Uojima Haruki , Hiraoka Atsushi , Kobayashi Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Tada Toshifumi , Hidaka Hisashi , Iwabuchi Shogo , Numata Kazushi , Itobayashi Ei , Itokawa Norio , Kariyama Kazuya , Ohama Hideko , Hattori Nobuhiro , Hirose Shunji , Shibata Hiroshi , Tani Joji , Imai Michitaka , Tajiri Kazuto , Moriya Satoshi , Wada Naohisa , Iwasaki Shuitirou , Fukushima Taito , Ueno Makoto , Yasuda Satoshi , Atsukawa Masanori , Nouso Kazuhiro , Fukunishi Shinya , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Ishikawa Toru , Nakamura Shinichiro , Morimoto Manabu , Kagawa Tatehiro , Sakamoto Michiie , Kumada Takashi , Maeda Shin 
Published: December 2020

AimsTo assess the safety, efficacy, and prognostic impact of clinical factors associated with lenvatinib treatment in highly advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombus in the main portal vein trunk (VP4) or tumor with more than 50% liver occupation (tm50%LO).MethodsA total of 61 highly advanced HCC patients (41 patients with tm50%LO and 20 patients with VP4) who were treated with lenvatinib at multicenter were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed for treatment outcomes according to their clinical status, including tumor morphology.ResultsThe most frequent grade ≥3 adverse event in tm50%LO HCC was elevated aspartate aminotransferase (17.1%). Objective response rates were 37.5% and 0% in tm50%LO HCC patients with Child–Pugh grade (CP)‐A and CP‐B, respectively, and 26.7% and 0% in VP4 HCC patients with CP‐A and CP‐B, respectively. Estimated median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 132 days and 229 days, and 101 days and 201 days in patients with tm50%LO and VP4, respectively. In multivariate analysis, modified albumin‐bilirubin grade (hazard ratio 0.372, 95% CI 0.157–0.887; p = 0.0241) and tumor morphology (hazard ratio 0.322, 95% CI 0.116–0.889; p = 0.0287) were independently associated with progression‐free survival in patients with tm50%LO HCC. In VP4 HCC, median progression‐free survival was worse in CP‐B (57 days) than in CP‐A patients (137 days, p = 0.0462).ConclusionsLenvatinib treatment offers a benefit in highly advanced HCC (tm50%LO or VP4) patients with good liver function or nodular‐type tumor. The various characteristics identified in this study might be useful as indicators of lenvatinib treatment in highly advanced HCC with tm50%LO or VP4, which are considered very refractory cancers.
Detailed paleoseismic history of the Hinagu fault zone revealed by the high‐density radiocarbon dating and trenching survey across a surface rupture of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, Kyushu, Japan
Authors: Shirahama Yoshiki , Miyashita Yukari , Kametaka Masao , Suzuki Yuji , Miyairi Yosuke , Yokoyama Yusuke 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe NE‐trending Hinagu fault zone, length 81 km, is one of the major active faults in Kyushu, Japan. From north to south, it is divided into three segments based on geomorphic features and paleoseismic behavior: the Takano‐Shirahata, Hinagu, and Yatsushiro Sea segments. The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake produced a 6‐km‐long surface rupture with a dextral strike‐slip displacement on the northern part of the Takano‐Shirahata segment. Surface rupture, a faint east‐side‐up flexure with a vertical offset of less than 8 cm, was observed near the middle of the Takano‐Shirahata segment. To examine past surface‐rupturing earthquakes on the Takano‐Shirahata segment, including rupture frequency and timing, we conducted a paleoseismic study with boring and trenching at Yamaide. A trench across the surface rupture exposed multiple fault strands associated with multiple surface‐rupturing events that deformed several strata of fine‐grained sediments. By structural and stratigraphic interpretation, high‐density radiocarbon dating and tephra analysis, and Bayesian modeling, we constrained the timing of seven events, Events 1–7, to 0.84–1.25, 1.31–7.06, 9.99–11.0, 10.8–12.1, 12.0–13.0, 14.2–15.1, and before 14.8 kcal BP. Slip during Events 1–6 was obviously larger than the 2016 slip. The estimated average recurrence interval was about 2596–2860 years, but the interval between Events 2 and 3 was much longer than other intervals. Moreover, the vertical throw associated with Event 2 was larger than that of other events. This implies that the Takano‐Shirahata segment has a period with rare larger earthquakes and a period with frequent smaller earthquakes. Some events might have produced ruptures on both the Takano‐Shirahata and the northern part of the Hinagu segments simultaneously or in a short time. The variety of recurrence intervals suggests that the seismic activity has been affected by one or both activities of the Futagawa fault zone and the Hinagu segment.
Liquidity and the International Allocation of Economic Activity
Authors: Rodriguez‐Lopez Antonio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractI present a model to study the linkages between the market for liquidity and the international allocation of economic activity. Private assets' liquidity properties affect interest rates, with consequences on entry, production, and market capitalization. In a closed economy, the liquidity market increases the size and productivity of the sector that generates liquid assets. In an open economy, cross‐country differences in financial development generate an allocation of economic activity favoring the country supplying the most liquid assets. Supporting the theory, I show that asset acceptability as collateral is negatively correlated with yields, and positively correlated with measures of economic activity.
ADAMTS13 activity to von Willebrand factor antigen ratio predicts acute kidney injury in patients with COVID‐19: Evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 induced secondary thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Henry Brandon Michael , Benoit Stefanie W. , de Oliveira Maria Helena Santos , Lippi Giuseppe , Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Benoit Justin L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionSevere COVID‐19 is often compounded by a prothrombotic state that is associated with poor outcomes. In this investigation, we aimed to evaluate ADAMTS13 activity, von Willebrand factor level (VWF:Ag), and the corresponding ADAMTS13 activity/VWF:Ag ratio, in patients with COVID‐19 and for associations with disease progression and acute kidney injury (AKI).MethodsPatients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with COVID‐19 were enrolled in this prospective, observational study. ADAMTS13 activity and VWF:Ag were measured at index ED visit. The primary endpoint was severe AKI defined by KDIGO stage 2 + 3 criteria, while the secondary endpoint was peak 30‐day COVID‐19 severity.ResultsA total of 52 adult COVID‐19 patients were enrolled. Overall, we observed that 23.1% of the cohort had a relative deficiency in ADAMTS13 activity, while 80.8% had elevated VWF:Ag. The ADAMTS13 activity/VWF:Ag ratio was significantly lower in patients with severe AKI (P = .002) and those who developed the severe form of COVID‐19 (P = .020). The ADAMTS13 activity/VWF:Ag ratio was negatively correlated with age (P < .001) and LDH (P < .001), while positively correlated with hemoglobin (P = .041). After controlling for confounders, a one‐unit increase in ADAMTS13/VWF:Ag ratio was associated with 20% decreased odds of severe AKI.ConclusionA low ADAMTS13 activity:VWF:Ag ratio at ED presentation is associated with progression to severe COVID‐19 disease and severe AKI, with a pattern suggestive of a secondary microangiopathy. Further interventional studies should be conducted to assess the restoration of ADAMTS13:VWF:Ag ratio in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19.