bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soluble ST2 and CXCL-10 may serve as biomarkers of subclinical diastolic dysfunction in SLE and correlate with disease activity and damage
Authors: Chorin Ehud , Hochstadt Aviram , Arad Uri , Ghantous Eihab , Gertel Smadar , Levartovsky David , Litinsky Irena , Elaluof Ofir , Polachek Ari , Kaufman Ilana , Aloush Valerie , Borok Sara , Wigler Irena , Wollman Jonathan , Caspi Dan , Laufer-Perl Michal , Letourneau-Shesaf Sevan , Berliner Shlomo , Elkayam Ori , Topilsky Yan , Paran Daphna 
Published: August 2020

Objective Subclinical myocardial dysfunction has been reported to occur early in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). The study aim was to search for biomarkers of subclinical myocardial dysfunction which may correlate with disease activity in SLE patients. Methods This is a prospective, controlled, cross-sectional study of 57 consecutive patients with SLE and 18 controls. Serum samples were obtained to determine serum soluble ST2 (sST2), CXCL-10 and high-sensitivity troponin (hs-troponin) levels. All participants underwent an echocardiographic tissue Doppler study. Results sST2, CXCL-10 and hs-troponin levels were higher in patients with higher SLE disease activity (SLEDAI). sST2 and CXCL-10 levels were higher in patients with more disease damage as measured by the SLE damage index. Measures of diastolic dysfunction, as assessed by echocardiographic tissue Doppler negatively correlated with log CXCL-10: including E/A; E/e′lateral and E/e′septal, while E/e′ positively correlated with CXCL-10. Diastolic dysfunction parameters also correlated with log sST2 levels, a negative correlation was seen with E/e′lateral and a positive correlation was seen with E/e′. Systolic dysfunction parameters positively correlated with hs-troponin: LVED, LVES, IVS, LVMASS and LVMASS index. In a multivariate analysis, sST2 and CXCL-10 were found to be significantly different in SLE vs. healthy controls, independent of each other and independent of cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions Soluble ST2 and CXCL-10 are markers of disease activity and accrued damage in SLE and may serve as sensitive biomarkers for detection of subclinical diastolic dysfunction, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Acupuncture for tinnitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Huang Kaiyu , Liang Shuang , Chen Lei , Grellet Antoine 
Published: August 2020

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy/effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of tinnitus. Methods: Four English and four Chinese databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for tinnitus published before 30 September 2018. RCTs applying acupuncture alone compared with conventional treatments, sham acupuncture, or no treatment, as well as acupuncture plus conventional treatments compared with conventional treatments alone, were included. The primary outcome was the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) and tinnitus severity index (TSI) scores. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan V5.3 software. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (ref. CRD42018108692). Results: Eight studies involving 504 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed no significant differences in the VAS score (mean difference (MD) = −1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −3.69 to 0.07; p = 0.06) between the acupuncture and control groups. However, favorable effects of acupuncture on changes in THI score (MD = −10.11, 95% CI = −12.74 to −7.48; p < 0.001) and TSI score (MD = −8.36, 95% CI = −8.87 to −7.86; p < 0.001) were found. Conclusion: Acupuncture had no significant effect on the primary outcome of VAS score compared with control treatment; however, positive effects on secondary outcomes (THI and TSI score) were observed in acupuncture versus control groups. Due to the low quality and small sample size of the included trials, the level of evidence was insufficient to draw any definitive conclusions. Further rigorous and high-quality studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to confirm the efficacy/effectiveness of acupuncture for tinnitus.
Addiction psychiatry training in rural Australia: a Victorian initiative
Authors: Hill Harry , Hearn Catherine , Devarakonda Sharada , Claassen Jacques 
Published: August 2020

Objective: The shortage of addiction psychiatrists in Australia results in poor access to specialist care. This is most evident in rural Australia, a population experiencing significant issues related to drugs, alcohol and mental illness. This problem is exacerbated by the lack of addiction psychiatry training in rural Australia. Purposeful and well-coordinated educational opportunities for health professionals in rural settings can assist in recruitment and retention. This report will describe the establishment of an addiction psychiatry training programme in regional Victoria. Conclusion: Rural addiction psychiatry training programmes that ensure trainees meet the competencies required of an addiction psychiatrist can be established. Key components in establishing programmes are: collaboration between a breadth of local services; provision of quality supervision; support of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), senior psychiatrists and managers; provision of assistance to trainees and their families; and appropriate selection of trainees.
Circummaxillary Sutures in Patients With Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer Syndromes Compared to Nonsyndromic Children: Growth, Orthodontic, and Surgical Implications
Authors: Meazzini Maria Costanza , Corradi Federica , Mazzoleni Fabio , De Ponti Elena , Maccagni Muriel , Novelli Giorgio , Bozzetti Alberto 
Published: August 2020

Objective: To evaluate patency of circummaxillary sutures in children with Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer Syndromes and to compare it to a nonsyndromic matched control group. Design: Case–control study. Setting: Tertiary care public hospital. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight computed tomography (CT) scans of patients affected by syndromic craniofacial synostosis (13 patients with Apert syndrome, 20 patients with Crouzon syndrome, and 5 patients with Pfeiffer syndrome), average age 5 ± 2.8 years, range 1.9 to 12 years, were compared to age- and sex-matched control CTs of 38 nonsyndromic children. Computed tomography scans of the study group had to be performed prior to any midfacial surgery. Main Outcome Measures: Midpalatal suture, zygomaticomaxillary sutures, and pterigomaxillary sutures were evaluated and scored. Results: The syndromic group showed a significant earlier ossification of all sutures compared to the nonsyndromic group. Significant differences were already present in early childhood and continued through adolescence. Conclusions: Based on the differences in terms of maxillary sutural ossification identified, midfacial hypoplasia does not seem to be only secondary to premature cranial base ossification, but also to primary synostosis of facial sutures, thus providing new insights into the pathogenesis of midface deficiency in children with craniofacial-synostosis. Care should be taken when planning any maxillary orthopedics, such as expansion or maxillary protraction, given the high frequency of early fusion of circummaxillary sutures.
Aberrant TTF-1 Expression in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas: A Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Chang Sheng-Tsung , Chen Shang-Wen , Chen Bo-Jung , Pan Shien-Tung , Karube Kennosuke , Chuang Shih-Sung 
Published: August 2020

Background Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) is a useful marker for identifying thyroid and lung cancers in diagnostic pathology, particularly for the investigation of unknown primary cancers. However, some other tumors such as colorectal cancer might aberrantly express TTF-1, particularly with the less specific clone SPT24. Occasional diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cases have been reported to be TTF-1-positive, yet there is no information on TTF-1 expression in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Methods We investigated a series of PTCL and DLBCL by immunohistochemistry for TTF-1 expression using 2 commercially available clones. Results We found that 33% (5/15) adult T-cell leukemia/lymphomas (ATLLs) and 25% (2/8) angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas (AITLs) were positive by clone SPT24 and only 2ATLL cases were positive by clone 8G7G3/1. Overall TTF-1 expression rates of PTCL by SPT24 and 8G7G3/1 were 16% (7/43) and 5% (2/43), respectively. All DLBCLs were negative. Conclusion Although TTF-1 is a relatively specific marker for thyroid and lung cancers, it might be expressed in some lymphomas, particularly PTCL when using clone SPT24. Pathologist should be aware of this possible diagnostic pitfall when using TTF-1 in investigating tumors of unknown origin.
Improvement of bioactive compounds content in granadilla (Passiflora ligularis) seeds after solid-state fermentation
Authors: Santos Tacila RJ , Feitosa Paula RB , Gualberto Nayjara C , Narain Narendra , Santana Luciana CLA 
Published: August 2020

Fermentation improves the bioactivity of fruit by-products; therefore, this study aimed to increase the bioactive compound content in granadilla ( Passiflora ligularis) seed flour (with 50% and 70% initial moisture) through solid-state fermentation using the fungus Aspergillus niger. The extracts were obtained with distilled water, 40% acetone, 80% acetone, 40% ethanol, or 80% ethanol. The highest total phenolic (4713.3 of gallic acid equivalent/100 g of granadilla seed flour in dry basis) and total flavonoid (1910.4 mg of quercetin/100 g of granadilla seed flour in dry basis) contents were obtained with granadilla flour at 50% initial moisture fermented for 48 h with 80% acetone extractor solvent. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained with 80% acetone from flour fermented for 168 h. The chromatographic analysis showed 10 compounds identified in the 80% acetone extracts of fermented flour; gallic acid and epigallocatechin were the major compounds. Gallic acid, catechin, 6,2′-di-hydroxyflavone, ethyl gallate and coumarin had higher concentrations in extracts of fermented flours when compared with unfermented ones. Only fermented flours showed the presence of protocatechuic acid compound. The solid-state fermentation was efficient to obtain extracts of granadilla seed flour enrichment of antioxidant bioactive compounds with potential of application in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Grown Up: An 18-Year Follow-Up after Multimodal Treatment
Authors: Döpfner Manfred , Mandler Janet , Breuer Dieter , Schürmann Stephanie , Dose Christina , Walter Daniel , von Wirth Elena 
Published: August 2020

Objective: ADHD treatment has positive effects on behavioral symptoms and psychosocial functioning, but studies that follow children treated for ADHD into adulthood are rare. Method: This follow-up study assessed symptom severity and functional outcomes of adults ( n = 70) who had received individualized ADHD treatment in the Cologne Adaptive Multimodal Treatment (CAMT) Study at ages 6 to 10 years. Results: Despite symptomatic improvement, participants reported poorer educational and occupational outcomes than expected (e.g., currently unemployed: 17%). They had also been in contact with the justice system more often than expected (e.g., lifetime convictions: 33%) and were impaired on health-related outcomes (e.g., substance use problems: 15%). Several social outcomes were favorable (e.g., long-term relationship/married: 63%). Conclusion: Compared to the general population or norm samples, CAMT participants had a higher relative risk ( RR) of functional impairments, demonstrating the need for continued support for a substantial proportion of the young adults.
Evaluating asynchronous Schwarz solvers on GPUs
Authors: Nayak Pratik , Cojean Terry , Anzt Hartwig 
Published: August 2020

With the commencement of the exascale computing era, we realize that the majority of the leadership supercomputers are heterogeneous and massively parallel. Even a single node can contain multiple co-processors such as GPUs and multiple CPU cores. For example, ORNL’s Summit accumulates six NVIDIA Tesla V100 GPUs and 42 IBM Power9 cores on each node. Synchronizing across compute resources of multiple nodes can be prohibitively expensive. Hence, it is necessary to develop and study asynchronous algorithms that circumvent this issue of bulk-synchronous computing. In this study, we examine the asynchronous version of the abstract Restricted Additive Schwarz method as a solver. We do not explicitly synchronize, but allow the communication between the sub-domains to be completely asynchronous, thereby removing the bulk synchronous nature of the algorithm. We accomplish this by using the one-sided Remote Memory Access (RMA) functions of the MPI standard. We study the benefits of using such an asynchronous solver over its synchronous counterpart. We also study the communication patterns governed by the partitioning and the overlap between the sub-domains on the global solver. Finally, we show that this concept can render attractive performance benefits over the synchronous counterparts even for a well-balanced problem.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Attenuates Early Traumatic Brain Injury by Regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tang Yunliang , Dong Xiaoyang , Chen Gengfa , Ye Wen , Kang Junwei , Tang Yang , Feng Zhen 
Published: August 2020

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are vital pathophysiological features post-TBI. Objectives Research has shown that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can attenuate oxidative stress in various diseases. However, the critical role of VNS in TBI is still not completely understood. This study investigated the protective effects and potential mechanism of VNS on TBI. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 3 groups: sham, TBI, and TBI + VNS. The TBI model was induced in rats by the free-fall drop method. The vagal nerve trunk was separated, and VNS was performed after establishing the TBI model. Results The results showed that VNS significantly ameliorated tissue damage, neurological deficits, and cerebral edema, compared with the sham VNS group. Additionally, VNS alleviated oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the pericontusive cortex of rats after TBI. VNS also significantly suppressed expression of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) protein in the nucleus and activation of the nucleotide-binding domain–like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Conclusions Taken together, the present study indicates that VNS may attenuate brain damage after TBI by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, possibly through the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
Does Intolerance of Single-Lung Ventilation Preclude Robotic Off-Pump Totally Endoscopic Coronary Bypass Surgery?
Authors: Balkhy Husam H. , Nisivaco Sarah , Tung Avery , Torregrossa Gianluca , Mehta Sachin 
Published: August 2020

Objective Robotic off-pump totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) usually requires isolated single (right) lung ventilation to adequately expose the surgical site. However, in some patients, persistent oxygen desaturation may occur and conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or sternotomy may be necessary. We reviewed the characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients who did not tolerate single-lung ventilation during TECAB surgery. Methods After Institutional Review Board approval we reviewed 440 patients undergoing robotic TECAB at our institution between July 2013 and April 2019. Patients were separated into 2 groups based on their ability to tolerate single-lung ventilation during the procedure. Group 1 included patients able to tolerate single-lung ventilation and Group 2 were patients who required double-lung ventilation to tolerate the procedure. Early and mid-term outcomes were compared. Results Group 2 (121 patients) had higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores, higher body mass index, and more triple-vessel disease than Group 1 (319 patients). Group 2 had more bilateral internal mammary artery use, multivessel grafting, and longer operative times. One patient underwent conversion to sternotomy and 5 required CPB (all in Group 1). Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were longer in Group 2. Observed/expected mortality did not differ between groups (1.06% in Group 2 vs 0.4% in Group 1; P = 0.215). At mid-term follow-up, cardiac-related/overall mortality and freedom from major adverse cardiac events were similar. Conclusions In our cohort, intolerance of single-lung ventilation did not preclude robotic off-pump TECAB. Double-lung ventilation is feasible during the procedure and may prevent conversions to sternotomy or use of CPB, resulting in excellent early and mid-term outcomes.
The safety and efficacy of staged angioplasty for treating carotid stenosis with a high risk of hyperperfusion: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Wan Yue , Wang Hui , Wang Dapeng , Tian Hao , Zuo Jing , Fang Qi 
Published: August 2020

Objective Hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) following carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a rare but life-threatening complication. Staged angioplasty (SAP) is an alternative method that prevents HPS by preventing a sudden increase in cerebral blood flow. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of SAP. Methods A total of 114 patients with carotid stenosis underwent CAS treatment in our hospital between September 2014 and September 2019. Patients with severe stenosis and poor collateral circulation shown on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and hypoperfusion of the ipsilateral diseased blood vessel shown on computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging were subjected to SAP treatment (the SAP group), and other patients received regular CAS treatment (the RS group). Results Twenty-two patients (19.3%) with a high risk of HPS underwent SAP treatment, 1 of whom had carotid dissection after stage I balloon angioplasty and underwent regular CAS. This patient had HPS after surgery. None of the other patients in either group had HPS. One patient in the SAP group (4.5%) had hyperperfusion phenomenon (HPP) after stage II stenting, and 2 patients in the RS group (2.2%) had HPP. One patient in the SAP group (4.5%) and 4 patients in the RS group (4.3%) had symptomatic ischemic complications postoperatively. None of the differences between the 2 groups were statistically significant. Three patients had reduced modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days after discharge. Conclusion This research suggests that SAP appears to be an effective method to prevent HPS for patients with a high risk of HPS.
Dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis metrics as a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Korkmaz Ufuk Turan Kursat , Yuksel Ahmet , Cetinkaya Ayhan , Velioglu Yusuf , Ucaroglu Erhan Renan , Cayir Mustafa Cagdas , Kumtepe Gencehan , Borulu Ferhat , Bal Ceylan , Erdem Kemalettin , Gok Gamze , Devay Seda Duygulu 
Published: August 2020

Objective To examine dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis metrics as a novel risk factor of oxidative stress in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Methods One hundred patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (a study group) and 100 control subjects were included in this prospective case–control study. Participants’ baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory data including some oxidant/antioxidant status parameters such as albumin, ferroxidase and myeloperoxidase, and thiol/disulphide homeostasis parameters such as native thiol, total thiol and disulphide, as well as native thiol/total thiol, disulphide/native thiol and disulphide/total thiol ratios were all recorded and then compared between the groups. Results Mean albumin and ferroxidase, and median myeloperoxidase levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with the peripheral arterial disease than in control group ( p = 0.045, p = 0.000 and p = 0.000, respectively). Mean native thiol and total thiol, and median disulphide levels were found to be significantly lower in the study group as compared with the control group ( p = 0.000, p = 0.000 and p = 0.037, respectively). According to the results of logistic regression analysis, systolic blood pressure, ferroxidase and myeloperoxidase levels were detected to be the independent predictors of peripheral arterial disease. Conclusion Our report is the first one in the literature investigating dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis metrics as a novel risk factor of oxidative stress in peripheral arterial disease. Dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis metrics may be used as a valuable risk factor of oxidative stress in patients with the peripheral arterial disease since it is readily available, easily calculated and relatively cheap.
Inferior selective crossectomy for great saphenous vein incompetence: Our experience
Authors: Pagano Maurizio , Passaro Giovanna , Flore Roberto , Tondi Paolo 
Published: August 2020

Objective To describe the mid-term outcome after inferior selective crossectomy in a subset of patients with symptomatic chronic venous disease and both great saphenous vein and suprasaphenic valve incompetence. Methodsː Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted. During an eight-year period, 1095 ligations of all saphenofemoral junction inferior tributaries and great saphenous vein stripping were performed in 814 Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, Pathophysiology C2–C6 patients. Duplex ultrasound follow-up examinations were performed after 30 days, 6 months, and 2 years, and saphenofemoral junction hemodynamic patterns and varicose veins recurrence rates were evaluated. Results Two hundred and twenty patients completed the two-year follow-up period. At the 30-day Duplex ultrasound evaluations, two different hemodynamic patterns were described. Type 1, with physiological drainage of saphenofemoral junction superior tributaries, was observed in 214 patients. Type 2, without flow in saphenofemoral junction superior tributaries, was observed in six patients. Overall varicose vein recurrence rates were 0, 2.3, and 2.7% at the 30-day, 6-month, and 2-year follow-up examinations, respectively. At the two-year follow-up, Type 1 patients showed 0% varicose vein recurrence, while Type 2 patients showed 100%. Conclusionsː Inferior selective crossectomy seems to be a valid and safe option in case of both suprasaphenic valve and great saphenous vein incompetence. Duplex ultrasound evaluation, according to our protocol, allows us to identify two different saphenofemoral junction hemodynamic patterns that could predict varicose vein recurrence at mid-term. An optimal stump washing after inferior selective crossectomy, warranted by patency and large caliber saphenofemoral junction superior tributaries, seems to be the key point in preventing varicose vein recurrence in this context. However, large prospective studies regarding saphenofemoral junction modifications and varicose vein recurrence are needed to confirm these preliminary observations.