bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking Aortic Mechanical Properties, Gene Expression and Microstructure: A New Perspective on Regional Weakening in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Forneris Arianna , Kennard Jacob , Ismaguilova Alina , Shepherd Robert D. , Studer Deborah , Bromley Amy , Moore Randy D. , Rinker Kristina D. , Di Martino Elena S. 
Published: February 2021

Background: Current clinical practice for the assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is based on vessel diameter and does not account for the multifactorial, heterogeneous remodeling that results in the regional weakening of the aortic wall leading to aortic growth and rupture. The present study was conducted to determine correlations between a novel non-invasive surrogate measure of regional aortic weakening and the results from invasive analyses performed on corresponding ex vivo aortic samples. Tissue samples were evaluated to classify local wall weakening and the likelihood of further degeneration based on non-invasive indices.Methods: A combined, image-based fluid dynamic and in-vivo strain analysis approach was used to estimate the Regional Aortic Weakness (RAW) index and assess individual aortas of AAA patients prior to elective surgery. Nine patients were treated with complete aortic resection allowing the systematic collection of tissue samples that were used to determine regional aortic mechanics, microstructure and gene expression by means of mechanical testing, microscopy and transcriptomic analyses.Results: The RAW index was significantly higher for samples exhibiting lower mechanical strength (p = 0.035) and samples classified as low elastin content (p = 0.020). Samples with higher RAW index had the greatest number of genes differentially expressed compared to any constitutive metric. High RAW samples showed a decrease in gene expression for elastin and a down-regulation of pathways responsible for cell movement, reorganization of cytoskeleton, and angiogenesis.Conclusions: This work describes the first AAA index free of assumptions for material properties and accounting for patient-specific mechanical behavior in relation to aneurysm strength. Use of the RAW index captured biomechanical changes linked to the weakening of the aorta and revealed changes in microstructure and gene expression. This approach has the potential to provide an improved tool to aid clinical decision-making in the management of aortic pathology.
Association of Mid- to Late-Life Blood Pressure Patterns With Risk of Subsequent Coronary Heart Disease and Death
Authors: Liu Menghui , Zhang Shaozhao , Chen Xiaohong , Zhong Xiangbin , Xiong Zhenyu , Yang Daya , Lin Yifen , Huang Yiquan , Li Yuqi , Wang Lichun , Zhuang Xiaodong , Liao Xinxue 
Published: February 2021

Background: The elevated blood pressure (BP) at midlife or late-life is associated with cardiovascular disease and death. However, there is limited research on the association between the BP patterns from middle to old age and incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and death.Methods: A cohort of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study enrolled 9,829 participants who attended five in-person visits from 1987 to 2013. We determined the association of mid- to late-life BP patterns with incident CHD and all-cause mortality using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.Results: During a median of 16.7 years of follow-up, 3,134 deaths and 1,060 CHD events occurred. Compared with participants with midlife normotension, the adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause mortality and CHD was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.04–1.25) and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.10–1.50) in those with midlife hypertension, respectively. In further analyses, compared with a pattern of sustained normotension from mid- to late-life, there was no significant difference for the risk of incident death (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.96–1.37) and CHD (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.99–1.80) in participants with a pattern of midlife normotension and late-life hypertension with effective BP control. A higher risks of death and CHD were found in those with pattern of mid- to late-life hypertension with effective BP control (all-cause mortality: HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08–1.43; CHD: HR, 1.65; 95% CI 1.30–2.09), pattern of midlife normotension and late-life hypertension with poor BP control (all-cause mortality: HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.12–1.44; CHD: HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.23–1.92), and pattern of mid- to late-life hypertension with poor BP control (all-cause mortality: HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.30–1.71; CHD: HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.48–2.37).Conclusions: The current findings underscore that the management of elderly hypertensive patients should not merely focus on the current BP status, but the middle-aged BP status. To achieve optimal reductions in the risk of CHD and death, it may be necessary to prevent, diagnose, and manage of hypertension throughout middle age.
Fructo-Oligosaccharides Modify Human DC Maturation and Peanut-Induced Autologous T-Cell Response of Allergic Patients In Vitro
Authors: Hayen Simone M. , Knulst André C. , Garssen Johan , Otten Henny G. , Willemsen Linette E. M. 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundDendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in antigen presentation, and are an interesting target for immune-modulation in allergies. Short- and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS/lcFOS, FF) have immunomodulatory capacities, and may influence the outcome of DC antigen presentation.ObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of FF during DC maturation and allergen presentation using cells of peanut-allergic patients in an autologous DC-T cell assay.MethodsCD14+and CD4+T cells were isolated from peanut-allergic patients. CD14+monocytes were differentiated into immature DCs (imDCs), and matured (matDCs) in the presence or absence of crude peanut-extract (CPE) and/or FF, and co-cultured in an autologous DC-T cell assay. T cell polarization, proliferation and cytokine production were measured.ResultsExpression of maturation surface molecule markers on matDCs was not affected by CPE and/or FF. By contrast, the IL-10 secretion by matDCs increased compared to imDCs, upon exposure to CPE and FF compared to CPE alone. Also the IP-10 secretion increased in CPE/FF-matDCs compared to imDC. CPE-matDCs enhanced IL-13 release in the DC-T-cell assay and Treg polarization in presence or absence of FF. CPE/FF-DCs tended to increase the Treg/Th1 and Treg/Th2 ratios compared to matDCs. The proliferation of both Treg and Th2 cells tended to increase when T cells were co-cultured with CPE-matDCs compared to matDCs, which became significant when CPE-matDCs were also exposed to FF and a same tendency was shown for Th1 proliferation.ConclusionOnly in the presence of FF, CPE-matDCs produced increased regulatory and Th1-related mediators. CPE-matDCs modified T cell polarization and proliferation, and additional exposure to FF tended to enhance Treg/Th2 and Treg/Th1 ratios instructed by CPE/FF-matDCs. However this effect was not strong enough to suppress CPE-matDCs induced IL-13 release by Th-cells. This indicates the ability of FF to modify DC maturation in the presence of an allergen supporting a more Treg/Th1 prone direction of the successive allergen specific Th2 cell response.
Fatal Adverse Events Associated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non–small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yu Xiaolin , Zhang Xiaomei , Yao Ting , Zhang Ye , Zhang Yanxia 
Published: February 2021

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have previously been reported to have a promising potential in terms of the improvement of outcomes in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Fatal adverse events (FAEs) of ICIs are relatively uncommon, and the incidence and risk in NSCLC remain unclear. In the present study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the risk of FAEs in NSCLC patients administered with ICIs.Methods: Potentially relevant studies were identified in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library database from inception to September 16, 2020. The systematic review and meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials that reported treatment-related FAEs in NSCLC. The pooled incidence and risk ratios (RRs) were calculated to evaluate prospective risk.Results: Twenty clinical trials that included a total of 13,483 patients were selected for the meta-analysis. The overall incidence of FAEs was 0.65% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.31–1.07, I2 = 50.2%] in ICI monotherapy, 1.17% (95% CI = 0.74–1.69, I2 = 56.3%) in chemotherapy, and 2.01% (95% CI = 1.42–2.69, I2 = 5.9%) in the combination therapy (ICI and chemotherapy). ICI monotherapy was associated with lower incidence of FAEs caused by blood system disorders (RR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.07–0.73, P = 0.013, I2 = 0%) and infectious diseases (RR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.13–0.63, P = 0.002, I2 = 0%). The incidence of pneumonitis significantly increased in immunotherapy (RR = 5.72, 95% CI = 1.14–28.80, P = 0.03, I2 = 0%).Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrate that ICI monotherapy decreases the risk of FAEs, whereas the combined regimens with chemotherapy have the opposite tendency as compared to conventional chemotherapy. While the patients who received chemotherapy suffered the risks of death mainly from myelosuppression and infection, those who received immunotherapy were mainly threatened by immune-related pneumonitis.
Age-Dependent Differences in the Rate and Symptoms of TIA Mimics in Patients Presenting With a Suspected TIA to a Neurological Emergency Room
Authors: Ippen Franziska Maria , Walter Fabian , Hametner Christian , Gumbinger Christoph , Nagel Simon , Purrucker Jan C. , Mundiyanapurath Sibu 
Published: February 2021

Background: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) needs further diagnostic evaluation to prevent future ischemic stroke. However, prophylaxis can be harmful in elderly if the diagnosis is wrong. We aimed at characterizing differences in TIA mimics in younger and older patients to enhance diagnostic accuracy in elderly patients.Methods: In a dedicated neurological emergency room (nER) of a tertiary care University hospital, patients with transient neurological symptoms suspicious of TIA (&lt;24 h) were retrospectively analyzed regarding their final diagnoses and their symptoms. These parameters were compared between patients aged 18–70 and &gt;70 years using descriptive, univariable, and multivariable statistics.Results: From November 2018 until August 2019, 386 consecutive patients were included. 271 (70%) had cardiovascular risk factors and all patients received cerebral imaging, mostly CT [376 (97%)]. There was no difference in the rate of diagnosed TIA between the age groups [85 (46%) vs. 58 (39%); p = 0.213].TIA mimics in the elderly were more often internal medicine diseases [35 (19%) vs. 7 (5%); p &lt; 0.001] and epileptic seizures [48 (26%) vs. 24 (16%); p = 0.032] but less often migraine [2 (1%) vs. 20 (13%); p &lt; 0.001]. The most frequent symptoms in all patients were aphasia and dysarthria [107 (28%) and 92 (24%)]. Sensory impairments were less frequent in elderly patients [23 (11%) vs. 54 (30%); p &lt; 0.001]. Impaired consciousness and orientation were independent predictors for TIA mimics (p &lt; 0.001) whereas facial palsy (p &lt; 0.001) motor weakness (p &lt; 0.001), dysarthria (p = 0.022) and sensory impairment (p &lt; 0.001) were independent predictors of TIA.Conclusion: TIA mimics in elderly patients are more likely to be internal medicine diseases and epilepsy compared to younger patients. Excluding internal medicine diseases seems to be important in elderly patients. Facial palsy, motor weakness, dysarthria and sensory impairment are associated with TIA.
miR-483-3p, Mediated by KLF9, Functions as Tumor Suppressor in Testicular Seminoma via Targeting MMP9
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ruan Yashi , Qin Zhiqiang , Gao Xian , Xu Kai , Shi Xiaokai , Gao Shenglin , Liu Shouyong , Zhu Kai , Wang Wei , Zuo Li , Zhang Lifeng , Zhang Wei 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundSeminoma (SEM) is the most frequent testicular germ cell tumor with a high incidence in young men. The present study aims to explore the function and regulatory mechanism of miR-483-3p in SEM.MethodsRT-qPCR was performed to investigate miR-483-3p levels in SEM tissues. The effect of miR-483-3p on TCam-2 cells was assessed by CCK-8, colony formation, cell migration, and invasion assays. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the interaction between miR-483-3p and MMP9, and then the recovery experiments were performed. Moreover, the potential upstream regulator of miR-483-3p was predicted based on JASPAR database.ResultsmiR-483-3p was down-regulated in SEM tissues versus paracancerous normal tissues. The expression level of miR-483-3p was significantly associated with tumor stage by RT-qPCR. Functionally, miR-483-3p over-expression suppressed cell growth, migration, and invasion in SEM cell lines. Mechanically, miR-483-3p negatively regulated MMP9 by directly binding to its 3′-UTR. The over-expression of miR-483-3p could reverse the promoting role of MMP9 over-expression on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TCam-2 cells. Moreover, KLF9 was identified as a potential upstream regulator of miR-483-3p and functions as a tumor suppressor.ConclusionsIn general, our study suggested that miR-483-3p could inhibit the cell growth, migration, and invasion of testicular SEM by targeting MMP9. Moreover, KLF9 is an upstream positive regulator of miR-483-3p and also functions as a tumor suppressor in SEM.
When Our Work Hits Home: Trauma and Mental Disorders in Correctional Officers and Other Correctional Workers
Authors: Fusco Nina , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Jamshidi Laleh , Carleton R. Nicholas , Barnim Nigel , Hilton Zoe , Groll Dianne 
Published: February 2021

Background: International estimates suggest that up to one in three public safety personnel experience one or more mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Canadian data have been sparse until very recently, and correctional officers and forensic psychiatric staff have rarely been included. Working as a correctional officer is associated with negative health outcomes and increased work-related stress, with several variables affecting reported levels of stress. Healthcare staff also report higher rates of PTSD, especially those who are exposed to aggression in their workplace. In the present study, we compare current symptoms of diverse staff working in correctional occupations.Method: Data were collected from a Canadian national online survey of public safety personnel, including employees of correctional services at the federal level. Correctional officers and wellness services staff were compared for prevalence of mental disorders and suicidal ideation.Results: Correctional officers self-reported statistically significantly more exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events than wellness services employees. Correctional officers also self-reported higher rates of symptoms of mental disorders, including PTSD, social anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. There were no statistically significant differences in reports of suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts.Contribution to Society: Correctional and forensic staff contribute to society by working with justice-involved individuals in correctional institutions. Trauma-related disorders and other mental health problems threaten the well-being of correctional and forensic staff. Mental health likely impacts the ability of correctional and forensic staff to develop a therapeutic or working alliance with persons in custody. Staff well-being must be recognized and addressed to ensure that prisoners and staff receive optimal treatment in prison.Conclusion: Our results add to the limited knowledge about the well-being of staff, particularly wellness staff in prisons, who provide daily treatment and care for prisoners with serious mental disorders. Our work is a step toward identifying avenues for promoting staff well-being.
KAIZEN METHOD FOCUSED ON PROCESSES WITHIN THE PRIVATE HEALTH SERVICE
Authors: Hernández-Romero Gladys 
Published: February 2021

This chapter puts forward the implementation of the Japanese philosophy “Kaizen” to apply in the processes of a private medical health service company, with the purpose of increasing quality and satisfaction. The study was developed with the identification of improvement points and priority projects for the company, subsequently it gave way to the creation of control charts by calculating the arithmetic mean (X) and the range (R) of the service attention time with the collection of 100 samples. As a result, it was obtained that the processes are out of control against the changes that are derived from environmental variables.
Can party balloons replace autoinflation balloons to treat glue ear? A technical comparison
Authors: Marshall Katherine , Perera Rafael , Glasziou Paul , Fleming Susannah 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAutoinflation balloons are used to treat patients with otitis media with effusion (OME) to help avoid surgery.AimTo compare the ability of party balloons with Otovent balloons to produce sufficient pressure for a Valsalva manoeuvre.Design & settingPressure testing was used to determine the number of times each balloon could produce pressures sufficient for a Valsalva manoeuvre. Subsequently, Otovent balloons were compared with spherical party balloons in a pilot clinical trial of 12 healthy adults.MethodEach balloon was inflated 20 times and the maximum pressure was recorded. Three balloons of each type were tested to 50 inflations to assess pressures over persistent use.ResultsOtovent balloons’ mean inflation pressure was 93 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI] = 89 to 97 mmHg) on first inflation, dropping to 83 mmHg (95% CI = 80 to 86 mmHg) after 20 inflations. Two types of spherical party balloon required mean inflation pressures of 84 mmHg (95% CI = 77 to 90 mmHg) and 108 mmHg (95% CI = 97 to 119 mmHg) on first inflation, dropping to 74 mmHg (95% CI = 68 to 81 mmHg) and 83 mmHg (95% CI = 77 to 88 mmHg) after 20 inflations. In the pilot trial, there was no difference between the ability of Otovent and spherical balloons (χ2 = 0.24, P = 0.89) to produce the sensation of a Valsalva manoeuvre.ConclusionOtovent balloons can be used more than the 20 times quoted by the manufacturer. The two spherical balloons produced similar pressures to Otovent balloons, indicating potentially the same clinical effect. The pilot study suggests a potential use of spherical party balloons instead of Otovent balloons as a cost-efficient treatment.
Elementos discriminantes para la estimación de la creatividad en la industria petrolera venezolana
Authors: Yaguas Ana 
Published: February 2021

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo identificar los elementos discriminantes de la creatividad en la industria petrolera Venezolana. La metodología aplicada fue de tipo descriptiva, transaccional, no experimental y de campo; con una población de doscientos veintiún informantes de las diversas gerencias de estudios integrados de yacimientos en el ámbito nacional, a los cuales se les aplicó la técnica de recolección de datos, encuesta, mediante un cuestionario contentivo de nueve ítems. Se utilizó la validez de contenido por juicio de expertos. Este fue sometido a una prueba piloto para calcular la confiabilidad por medio del coeficiente Alpha-Cronbach, resultando altamente confiable. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó la estadística descriptiva, a través de la media aritmética. Se obtuvo alta presencia del proceso creativo, experiencia y motivación como elementos discriminantes de la creatividad.
Distribution géographique des espèces du genre Tamarix L. (Tamaricaceae) au Maroc / Geographical distribution of Tamarix L. (Tamaricaceae) in Morocco
Authors: Bihaoui Abdesslam , Haddioui Abdelmajid , Hammada Soumaya 
Published: February 2021

For the present work, 51 sites, spread over the majority of the Moroccan regions, were chosen to study the genus Tamarix. Harvested specimens were identified using different determination keys. The morphological and ecological characters observed show that the species of this genus have a great plasticity and a strong capacity of adaptation to the ecological conditions of the environments which they occupy. Some species of the genus Tamarix are phreatophytic while others are psammophytes. The presence of some species of this genus in the Saharan regions (M’hamide El Ghizlane, Merzouga, etc.) shows that they are thermophilous. Besides, others tolerate areas located at high altitudes with very low temperatures (Bounwal 1 052 m, Ben Chrou 1 273 m) or develop near springs. The study also shows the ability of these species to colonize coastal ecosystems where the waters are brackish or salty. In addition to these adaptations, some species are used as shelterbelts or against soil erosion, since their root system is deeper than co-existing species and that they are resistant to drought. This study highlights the distribution and diversity of habitats in which Tamarix
species can coexist. This study allowed us to confirm the presence of certain species already reported in these locations, and subsequently to update the distribution of species of the genus Tamarix in Morocco.
W. Sellars' behavioristische Gedankentheorie
Authors: Bremer Józef 
Published: February 2021

Wenn die Photographien uns einen ersten Eindruck von einer Person vermitteln können, dann zeigen uns die Seilars' einen ruhigen, in der Realität der Umgebung verwurzelten, Mittesechziger oder etwas jüngeren Mann. Sein friedliches, leicht lächelndes Gesicht und seine wohlwollenden Augen erwecken Vertrauen Die Lebensgeschichte und das harte Schicksal eines Menschen bleiben für die - um Seilars' Abbildungstheorie zu paraphrasieren - mit momentanem Licht abbildenden Bilder verborgen, oder besser gesagt, sie sind aus den Fotos nur für die ablesbar, die schon vorher das Leben des Betreffenden, oft im längeren Zusammenleben und in den sich wiederholt ereignenden Situationen, mit Worten abgebildet haben.
O odpowiedzialności – w dialogu z Martinem Buberem
Authors: Gorczyca Jakub 
Published: February 2021

Około trzydziestu lat temu G. Picht pisząc esej filozoficzny o pojęciu odpowiedzialnosci mógl stwierdzić, ze zna tylko jedną monografiię poswieconą temo zagadnieniu. Dzisiaj istnieje juz wiele studiów o odpowiedzialności, a wydana w niedługim czasie po publikacji Pichta rozprawa R. Ingardena, zdążyła stać się klasyczną. Pomimo tej obfitości analiz - a raczej, dzięki niej - pytania o odpowiedzialność i „do odpowiedzialności" powracają. Rodzą się one zresztą nie tylko w kontekscie uczonych dysput (i dysput uczonych); przynosi je „samo życie". To przecież codzienność jest miejscem „zdziwienia" i impulsem dla ruchu mysli filozoficznej. Do tejże codzienności filozofia nieustannie powraca, w zamiarze dochodzenia do tego, "jak jest naprawdę". W niniejszych rozważaniach o odpowiedzialności, nie rezygnując z odniesienia do potocznego doświadczenia, chcemy wejść w dialog z myslą Martina Bubera, który swoje zadanie filozoficzne pojmował jako "prowadzenie rozmowy" i wskazywanie „na coś w rzeczywistości, co nie zostalo zauważone lub jest za mało dostrzegane". Był on jednym z tych myślicieli, dzięki którym pojęcie odpowiedzialności zostało wprowadzone do filozofii i teologii w nowym, a przynajmniej „malo dostrzeganym" przez tradycję znaczeniu. Jakie to jest znaczenie? A jakie było tradycyjne?