bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P.40 Ambulatory Measurement of Carotid Stiffness with a Novel Accelerometric System
Authors: Arathy R. , Nabeel P. M. , Jayaraj Joseph , Abhidev V. V. , Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Arterial stiffness is a well-established marker for cardiovascular health assessment. Current methods rely on expensive imaging systems and specialised operators to perform local stiffness evaluation from the common carotid artery (CCA) and cannot be used for ambulatory monitoring in chronic disease management. In this study, we compare the performance of a novel accelerometric system, which performs ambulatory non-invasive CCA stiffness measurement, against an ultrasound-based stiffness monitor.

Methods
The accelerometric system with a wearable patch probe derives CCA’s diameter parameters from the skin surface vibrations arising out of the arterial wall displacement wave propagated to the skin surface. A subject-specific one-time calibration procedure is used to ensure accuracy, reliability and repeatability. Inbuilt pressure measurement unit of the system estimates blood pressure at CCA. Simultaneously obtained pressure and diameter parameters are used to evaluate various clinically accepted stiffness indices. An in-vivo study was performed on 36 subjects (20–50 years). Measured stiffness indices were compared against those obtained sequentially from an imaging system analysed using Carotid Studio.

Results
Accelerometric-derived diameter waveform was comparable to that acquired using the reference device. Measured group-average end-diastolic diameter and distension values were 5.81 ± 0.53 mm and 0.51 ± 0.15 mm, respectively. Diameter and stiffness indices (b, Ep, AC, PWV, etc.) were repeatable over continuous cycles (variability <12%). These measures significantly correlated (r2 > 0.88, p < 0.001) with an acceptable agreement. The one-time calibration remained valid for more than 12 days (error <13%).

Conclusion
The study demonstrated the feasibility and essential functionality of a cost-effective method for long-term stiffness monitoring with potential applications in ambulatory healthcare devices.
P.42 The Effects of Chemotherapy on Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Constantinos , Giannouli Stavroula , Ioakimidis Nikolaos , Kafouris Paulos , Koutagiar Iosif , Sioni Anastasia , Solomou Eirini , Terentes-Printzios Dimitrios , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Vlachopoulos Charalampos 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Malignancies and cardiovascular disease are the two leading causes of mortality worldwide [1]. While there is extensive literature describing the cardiotoxic effects of chemotherapy on left ventricular systolic function [2,3], there is only little evidence regarding chemotherapy effects on a vascular functional parameters.

Purpose
Our aim was to investigate the effect of chemotherapy in aortic stiffness in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), a malignancy with known high metabolic burden.

Methods
Thirty two patients (mean age 65 years) with HL underwent therapy with Doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (ABVD). The interim of their treatment was set at 1 to 3 days prior to initiating the 3rd chemotherapy cycle. All patients were reassessed six months after chemotherapy completion. Blood pressure (BP) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-f PWV) as an index of aortic stiffness were measured at baseline, interim and after completion of chemotherapy.

Results
Figure illustrates c-fPWV changes from baseline to interim and 6 months after completion of chemotherapy in patients with HL and patients with NHL. As figure shows, c-f PWV decreased at treatment interim (by 0.34 m/s) and remained significantly decreased at 6 months after chemotherapy completion (by 0.52 m/s (overall p < 0.001, by ANOVA) The progressive decrease in c-f PWV remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, systolic BP and diabetes (F = 4.853, p = 0.005). Changes in systolic and diastolic BP from baseline, to interim and 6 months post therapy were insignificant (decrease by 4 mmHg and 1 mmHg respectively, compared to baseline, all p > 0.05).

Conclusion
Carotid-Femoral PWV decreased during and post chemotherapy in patients with Hodgkin lymphomas, suggesting that arterial stiffness improves with chemotherapy in these patients. Considering that systemic inflammation influences changes in aortic systems and that HL is an inflammatory rather than a solid tumor, the significant improvement in arterial stiffness after ABVD therapy imply that the metabolic burden of the malignancy may play a significant role in the arterial stiffness progression.
P.44 Application of an Algorithm Developed for Measuring Gastrointestinal Motility to the Assessment of Arterial Mechanical Properties
Authors: Bard Andrew , Greenwald Stephen , Sarkar Sandip 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
GIQuant (Motilent, London) is an algorithm for analysing cine-MRI, using the displacement fields generated by registration of indivisdual ciné frames. It produces a summary of how much movement occurs (“motility”) for anatomical locations within a reference image [1]. Although it is used clinically for quantifying gut motility [2], it can process any ciné-MRI. In this study, we explore the hypothesis that it can be used to examine the functionality of blood vessels.

Methods
Using ciné-MRI of the abdomen, obtained in initially to assess small-bowel motility in patients with Crohn’s disease, we tested the feasibility of using GIQuant to examine the mechanical properties of blood vessels. In such data, coronal slices often intersect the abdominal aorta and the common iliac arteries. The reference images were manually segmented (see Figure 1A) for statistical analysis of the motility scores.

Results
We compared the mean motility score in the common iliac arteries, finding that the inter-subject, is greater than the intra-subject variability (Figure 1B). Additionally, motility in the right and left common iliacs is not correlated with that of the abdominal aorta (Figure 1C). When assessed spatially along the abdominal aorta, the motility score is correlated with position in a physiologically plausible manner, showing a general decrease in the caudal direction (Figure 1D–1E).

Conclusions
It appears that GIQuant can be used to provide biologically meaningful information about blood vessel properties. Further validation work will use this technique to examine function in patients with bicuspid aortic valves, and to examine its predictive value for aortic aneurysm prognosis.
P.45 Characterization of the Microcirculatory Response to Gravity-Induced Changes using Thermal Imaging
Authors: Moyal Noam , Darchi Noa , Hoffer Oshrit , Rabin Neta , Gavish Benjamin , Halak Moshe , Ovadia-Blechman Zehava 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective
The goal of this study was to characterize the changes in the palm’s blood distribution in response to a decrease in blood pressure due to gravity-induced changes, using thermal imaging.

Methods
Thermal hands images were taken from ten healthy volunteers, without any known vascular pathologies, in three different stages: baseline, gravitation and recovery. In the baseline stage the hand was set on a table, at heart height. During the gravitation stage one hand was placed 40 cm above the table for 10 minutes, while the second hand was stayed on the table. The recovery stage, in which both hands were placed back on the table, was recorded for 10 minutes. Thermal images of both hands were taken every ten seconds throughout the experiment.

Results
Mean skin temperatures were increased during hand elevating in both the palm center and the distal phalanx of the middle finger by 2.57°C and 3.33°C, respectively. This increase was significant and remained high during the recovery period (p < 0.01). A similar effect was also observed with the other hand, which remained on the table.

Conclusions
The temperature increase of the palm during gravity conditions reflects blood perfusion compensation due to high local oxygen consumption during decrease in local blood pressure. The bilateral effect indicates the central nervous system involvement. Thermal imaging allows characterization of the palm’s blood distribution under gravitational conditions. Since this technique is noncontact and safe, it could be useful for assessment of blood supply during physical effort.
P.46 Assessment of Intraplaque Hemorrhage by Photoacoustics Imaging (PAI): First in-vivo Human Validation Study
Authors: Maria Bruno Rosa , Imaizumi Yuki , Obeid Hasan , Jaeger Michael , Julia Pierre , Bruneval Patrick , Calvet David 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Aim
To validate a photoacoustic imaging (PAI) system, for the identification of intraplaque hemorrhage, comparing it with MRI and histology (gold standard).

Methods
25 patients with carotid stenosis>70% and clinical indication to tromboendoarterectomy were recruited. Angio-MRI for intraplaque hemorrhage assessment (Cube sequence) was performed. PAI clips (5 seconds, Frame rate 1000/sec, 3 to 15 per patient) were acquired. Each clip was scored for the presence of PAI signal by means of an integrated scoring system (semiquantitative, from 0 to 12). Semiquantitative grading scales were used to assess plaque histological features of hemorrhage and vulnerability.

Results
18 patients had no missing MRI, PAI and histology data and were included in this analysis. Mean age was 73 ± 8 years, 60% men, 80% Caucasians, 92% hypertensives, 60% with a previous stroke. At histology, only 3 plaques out of 21 showed no signs of intraplaque hemorrhage, 4 showed small hemorrhage, while 14 (67%) showed large hemorrhages. PAI score (best cut-off ≥ 4) correctly classified 14 out of 18 patients (Sensitivity = 73.3%, specificity = 100%, AUC = 0.867). MRI performance was substantially similar, with 12 patients correctly classified (sensitivity = 60%, specificity = 100%, AUC = 0.800), with a non-significant difference in AUC compared to PAI (p = 0.420).

Conclusions
In this first in-vivo human study, PAI is able to identify histological intraplaque hemorrhage with an excellent specificity and acceptable sensitivity, equivalent to MRI. The very high specificity, with a low number of false positives, make PAI a good candidate for evaluation of plaques prior to surgery to i.e. reinforce the decision to perform surgery.
P.48 Ultrasound-Based Velocity and Acceleration of the Carotid Atheromatous Plaque in Asymptomatic Patients with Moderate and Severe Stenosis
Authors: Dalakleidi Kalliopi , Golemati Spyretta , Gastounioti Aimilia , Liapis Christos , Nikita Konstantina 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in ultrasound-based velocities and accelerations of the carotid atheromatous plaque between asymptomatic patients with moderate and severe stenosis, based on the assumption that plaque motion features are sensitive to cardiovascular health status.

Methods
The dataset used consists of 38 sequences of B-mode images (videos) of carotid atheromatous plaque of asymptomatic patients. Among the examined carotid arteries, 27 had severe stenosis degrees (>70%) and 11 had moderate stenosis degrees (<70%). Plaque motion estimation was based on an adaptive block matching methodology which incorporates Kalman filtering update strategies. Plaque velocity and acceleration were calculated by differentiating displacement and velocity, respectively. The two-tailed t-test was used to assess statistically significant differences.

Results
Figure shows examples of plaque velocity and acceleration waveforms. Radial and longitudinal plaque velocities were similar between moderate and severe cases (0.43 ± 0.15 mm/s and 0.73 ± 0.18 mm/s, respectively, vs. 0.37 ± 0.21 mm/s and 0.65 ± 0.20 mm/s, respectively; p-values 0.35 and 0.27, respectively). Radial and longitudinal plaque accelerations were significantly higher in moderate compared to severe stenosis cases (7.07 ± 4.64 mm/s2 and 10.08 ± 5.22 mm/s2, respectively, vs. 3.17 ± 2.25 mm/s2 and 5.05 ± 2.96 mm/s2, respectively; p-values = 0.00 for both cases). In moderate stenoses, longitudinal velocities, but not accelerations, were significantly higher than radial ones, whereas in severe stenoses, longitudinal velocities and accelerations were significantly higher than radial ones.

Conclusion
Ultrasound-based velocities and accelerations can characterise biomechanical phenomena of the carotid plaque. Accelerations can differentiate between moderate and severe plaque.
P.54 Biomarkers and Haemodynamic Predictors of Left Atrial Strain in Early Hypertension
Authors: Bukhamseen Maryam , Al-Saileek Nada , Al-Saileek Ahmed , Ghamdi Mohammad Ghormalla , Wasame Tahlil , Omran Ahmed , Mahmud Azra 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
In the early stages of atrial remodeling, increased aortic stiffness might indicate atrial fibrosis.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the association between left atrial (LA) mechanical function, assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and aortic stiffness and whether this association is medicated by circulating biomarkers in early hypertension.

Methods
We studied 34 patients, mean age 47.5 ± 11.6 years, 56% females. All parameters for arterial stiffness including 24 hour central systolic pressure, augmentation index and pulse wave velocity were measured non–invasively using Mobil-O-graph PWA. All patients underwent standard two-dimensional echocardiography with Spackle tracking analysis for left atrium (LA). Circulating biomarkers including renin, aldosterone and morning cortisol were measured using ELISA.

Results
LA strain showed a significant relationship with central aortic systolic pressure; 24-hr (r = −0.46, p < 0.05), daytime (r = −50, p < 0.05) and nighttime (r = −55, p < 0.01) with no relationship with central diastolic or brachial pressures. There was a significant positive association between LA strain and aldosterone (r = 0.49, p < 0.05), aldosterone-renin ratio (r = 0.30, p < 0.05) and cortisol (r = 0.66, p < 0.01) with no relationship observed with plasma renin activity. In a stepwise regression model, central systolic pressure, aldosterone and cortisol emerged as predictors of LA strain independent of age, gender, brachial pressure and LAVi.

Conclusions
In mild hypertension, central but not brachial systolic pressure determines LA remodeling which in turn may be mediated by circulating aldosterone and cortisol. This study highlights the important role of circulating biomarkers in mediating aortic stiffness and LA fibrosis in early hypertension.
P.58 Genetic Background Dictates Aortic Fibrosis in Hypertensive Mice
Authors: Spronck Bart , Latorre Marcos , Mehta Sameet , Caulk Alexander W. , Ramachandra Abhay B. , Murtada Sae-Il , Rojas Alexia , He Chang-Sun , Jiang Bo , Wang Mo , Bersi Matthew R. , Tellides George , Humphrey Jay D. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Many genetic mutations affect aortic structure and function in mice, but little is known about the influence of background strain. We compared the biomechanical, structural, and gene expression responses of C57BL/6J and 129SvEv aortas to angiotensin II (AngII)-induced hypertension.

Methods
After AngII infusion (14-day, 1000 ng/kg/min) and euthanasia, excised thoracic aortas were characterized functionally using isobaric vasoactive and cyclic passive stiffness tests. Immunohistochemistry quantified medial/adventitial composition and infiltration of pan-inflammatory CD45+ cells. RNA sequencing-based gene ontology, wall stress analyses, and growth and remodeling (G&R) simulations were performed to complement our mechanical findings.

Results
Baseline aortic geometry, composition, and biomechanical properties, as well as AngII-induced blood pressure increases (+34% vs. +32%, systolic), were similar across strains. Yet, AngII-induced aortic remodeling differed dramatically, with gross maladaptive, fibrotic remodeling (exuberant medial/adventitial thickening) in C57BL/6J but not in 129SvEv mice (+89% vs. +12% thickness increase, p = 0.022). CD45+ cell density was markedly higher in hypertensive C57BL/6J than 129SvEv aortas (p = 0.001), while vasoconstrictive responses to AngII (causing a wall stress decrease Δσ) were greater in 129SvEv than C57BL/6J mice, both before (Δσ = −8 vs. −24%, p = 0.023) and after (Δσ = -24 vs. −46%, p < 0.001) hypertension. Gene expression, stress analyses, and G&R simulations reinforced the emergent hypothesis that mechanical stress-mediated immune processes promote maladaptive remodeling while smooth muscle contractile processes reduce wall stress and thereby protect against fibrosis (Figure).

Conclusions
Differentially expressed mechano-sensitive genes play key roles in the distinct hypertensive aortic remodeling in C57BL/6J and 129SvEv mice and must be considered when comparing studies in different background strains.
P.60 Improvement in Muscular Strength Within One Year is Associated with Increased Arterial Stiffness in Young Male Soccer Players
Authors: Baumgartner M P H Lisa , Weberruß Heidi , Appel Katharina , Engl Tobias , Oberhoffer-Fritz Renate , Schulz Thorsten 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The adaptation process of the cardiovascular system to exercise and muscular strength in young athletes is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the influence of changes in muscular strength and weekly training load within one year on arterial stiffness in young male soccer players.

Methods
30 male soccer players were examined twice (age t0: 13.3 ± 2.0 years, age t1: 14.2 ± 2.0 years). cSBP and aPWV were measured oscillometrically (Mobil-O-Graph®) and z-scores were calculated. The MoMo physical activity questionnaire recorded the weekly training load and the hand dynamometer measured muscular strength. Height and weight were examined and body surface area (BSA) was computed.

Results
The investigated parameters and the converted z-scores of cSBP and aPWV did not change over time, but handgrip strength (t0: 25.2 ± 10.2 kg, t1: 29.5 ± 10.2, p < 0.001) and training load (t0: 7.1 ± 1.5 hours/week, t1: 8.3 ± 2.4 hours/week, p = 0.005) increased significantly. 13.3% and 16.7% had cSBP >90th percentile at t0 and t1 respectively. The prevalence of aPWV >90th percentile was 26.7% at both times. Regardless of age and BSA, improvement in handgrip strength was significantly associated with higher values of cSBP (β = 1.66, p = 0.009, R2 = 0.42) and aPWV (β = 0.09, p = 0.001, R2 = 0.58) at t1. An improvement in weekly training load was not associated with cSBP and aPWV at t1.

Conclusion
cSBP and aPWV are negatively influenced by an improvement in muscular strength in young male soccer players within one year. Therefore, in addition to the recommended pre-participation screening, arterial stiffness in young athletes should be monitored annually to detect possible negative outcomes of exercise on vascular health.
P.68 WaveGraft—A Novel Endovascular Device Concept for Restoring the Natural Arterial Cushioning Effect
Authors: Stefanov Florian , Veerasingam Dave , Sayed Sarah , Delassus Patrick , Bouchier-Hayes Jonathan , Morris Liam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background and Objectives
The cushioning effect of large, healthy arteries reduces pulsatile afterload to the heart, reduces pulsatility in the microvasculature of target organs, and promotes coronary/cerebral perfusion [1]. With age, large arteries become stiffer, which increases both pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse pressure (PP). This results in isolated systolic hypertension [2], which is characterized by increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) with normal or low diastolic blood pressure (DBP) leading to left ventricular afterload. This study aims to replicate, experimentally, arterial stiffness of hypertensive patients, and proposes a novel thoracic endograft for restoring the arterial cushioning function.

Methods
The experimental setup comprised of two stiff descending aorta silicone replicas (DASR 1&2), pulse duplicator, heated blood mimicking fluid, pressure and flow sensors. An internal annular viscoelastic cushion, referred to as the ‘WaveGraft’, was deployed in DASR2. Firstly, pulsatile flow was directed through DASR1, (stiff vessel only), then it was diverted through DASR2 (vessel including WaveGraft).

Results
When compared to the stiff vessel replica (DASR1), the WaveGraft (DASR2) data showed significant reduction in PWV(−60%), SBP(−9%) and PP(−35%), while DBP increased by 10%. An increase in diastolic perfusion by up to 150%, was observed from the recorded data.

Conclusion
This work successfully replicated, key features of aortic hemodynamics in hypertension, linked to the increase in arterial stiffness. The WaveGraft concept showed great potential in altering blood pressure, flowrates and PWV, which may become an important clinical tool in the management of isolated systolic hypertension, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and other chronic conditions.
Implementasi Manajemen Kurikulum Pendidikan Islam Terpadu
Authors: Hartati Tati , Supriyoko Supriyoko 
Published: December 2020

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan implementasi manajemen kurikulum pendidikan Islam terpadu sertafaktor-faktor pendukung dan penghambatnya. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif. Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara, dokumentasi dan observasi. Keabsahan data menggunakan triangulasi data. Analisis data menggunakan deskriptif kualitatif. Penelitian menunjukkan implementasi manajemen kurikulum pendidikan Islam terpadu di SDIT Ulul Albab 2 Purworejo: Perencanaan kurikulum disusun oleh waka kurikulum dan kepala sekolah dengan tetap mengacu pada visi dan misi sekolah. Pelaksanaan kurikulum dijabarkan dengan program sekolah yang rinci disertai kalender pendidikan yang disesuaikan dengan kalender Dinas Pendidikan serta kebijakan yayasan. Faktor yang menghambat: kurangnya motivasi guru untuk meningkatkan kompetensinya, menurunnya tanggung-jawab guru dalam melaksanakan tanggung-jawabnya, keberagaman karakteristik siswa, perbedaan visi antara pihak sekolah dengan orang tua siswa serta meningkatkanya kebutuhan terhadap jumlah dan kualitas SDM. Solusi yang diambil meliputi: pembinaan guru dan karyawan secara rutin maupun insidental serta pembinaan ruhiyah, mengikutsertakan guru dalam kegiatan workshop, pelatihan maupun studi banding, mengadakan kegiatan KKG, menyelenggarakan program parenting setiap 6 bulan sekali, menyelenggarakan kegiatan paguyuban wali di setiap wali serta menjaring dan menyeleksi guru dan karyawan baru.
Manajemen Peningkatan Mutu Proses dan Hasil Belajar Pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Sukiman Sukiman 
Published: December 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui Perbedaan hasil belajar Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam (sifat-sifat cahaya) antara siswa yang diberi pengajaran menggunakan Media Kit dengan siswa yang diberi pengajaran menggunakan metode ceramah. Populasi penelitian ini siswa kelas V Sekolah Dasar Negeri Kecamatan Tepus, Gunungkidul Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode manajemen experimen, instrument sebagai alat pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan tes, analisis uji validitas digunakan rumus korelasi Product Moment, uji reliabilitas digunakan rumus Kuder- Richarson (KR-20) dan Uji F. Kegiatan penelitian dimulai dengan mengadakan pre tes baik untuk kelas experimen maupun kelas control guna mengetahui karakter dan tingkat awal sebelum diperlakukan. Selanjutnya berdasarkan hasil penyeimbangan (mecht) masing-masing kelas (kelas) diberikan perlakuan yang berbeda, untuk kelas experimen diberi perlakuan dengan menggunakan Kit IPA sifat-sifat cahaya, sedangkan kelas control digunakan metode ceramah (konvensional). Analisis data yang digunakan untuk mengetahui perbedaan hasil belajar kedua kelas digunakan uji t (t test).Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan nyata hasil belajar Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam antara kelas kontrol dan kelas experiment, dimana kelas experimen memperoleh peningkatan lebih baik dibandingkan dengan kelas kontrol. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang telah dilakukan menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan media Kit Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam dapat meningkatkan mutu proses dan hasil belajar siswa