bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Smooth Muscle Cell–Enriched Long Noncoding RNA Regulates Cell Plasticity and Atherosclerosis by Interacting With Serum Response Factor
Authors: Ni Huaner , Haemmig Stefan , Deng Yihuan , Chen Jingshu , Simion Viorel , Yang Dafeng , Sukhova Galina , Shvartz Eugenia , Wara A.K.M. Khyrul , Cheng Henry S. , Pérez-Cremades Daniel , Assa Carmel , Sausen Grasiele , Zhuang Rulin , Dai Qiuyan , Feinberg Mark W. 
Published: July 2021

Objective:
Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plasticity plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators in the vessel wall and impact cellular function through diverse interactors. However, the role of lncRNAs in regulating VSMCs plasticity and atherosclerosis remains unclear.

Approach and Results:

We identified a VSMC-enriched lncRNA cardiac mesoderm enhancer-associated noncoding RNA (CARMN) that is dynamically regulated with progression of atherosclerosis. In both mouse and human atherosclerotic plaques, CARMN colocalized with VSMCs and was expressed in the nucleus. Knockdown of CARMN using antisense oligonucleotides in Ldlr
−/−
mice significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation by 38% and suppressed VSMCs proliferation by 45% without affecting apoptosis. In vitro CARMN gain- and loss-of-function studies verified effects on VSMC proliferation, migration, and differentiation. TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-beta) induced CARMN expression in a Smad2/3-dependent manner. CARMN regulated VSMC plasticity independent of the miR143/145 cluster, which is located in close proximity to the CARMN locus. Mechanistically, lncRNA pulldown in combination with mass spectrometry analysis showed that the nuclear-localized CARMN interacted with SRF (serum response factor) through a specific 600–1197 nucleotide domain. CARMN enhanced SRF occupancy on the promoter regions of its downstream VSMC targets. Finally, knockdown of SRF abolished the regulatory role of CARMN in VSMC plasticity.

Conclusions:
The lncRNA CARMN is a critical regulator of VSMC plasticity and atherosclerosis. These findings highlight the role of a lncRNA in SRF-dependent signaling and provide implications for a range of chronic vascular occlusive disease states.
Rossby Wave Dynamics over South America Explored with Automatic Tropical–Extratropical Cloud Band Identification Framework
Authors: Zilli Marcia T. , Hart Neil C. G. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDuring austral summer, persistent tropical–extratropical cloud bands, such as the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ) over South America (SAm), link the tropical humid areas to the subtropics. In this study, we utilize an automatic object-based methodology to identify synoptic cloud band events occurring over SAm that are responsible for almost 60% of the precipitation during the rainy season (November–March). In addition to identifying SACZ events as cloud bands persisting 4 or more days, the framework also highlights the relevance of transient events (i.e., events persisting for 3 days or less) to the climatology. The location and persistence of the cloud band events are modulated by the propagation of synoptic-scale extratropical disturbances interacting with intraseasonal variability in the basic-state upper-level zonal wind. During persistent events (i.e., lasting 4 or more days), upper-level westerly anomalies over the subtropics favor the propagation extratropical disturbances deeper into the tropics. Conversely, transient events occur when the Bolivian high is displaced/expanded southeastward, bringing upper-level easterly winds into subtropical latitudes and blocking the propagation of Rossby waves into lower latitudes. Subsequent anomalous subtropical convection from the cloud bands result in sources of Rossby waves that interact with the basic flow, resulting in downwind enhancement or damping of the extratropical disturbances. The adopted methodology proved to be a powerful framework in demonstrating this interaction between scales, with the basic state influencing and being modified by the synoptic disturbances.
Bayesian Model Averaging with Temporal Correlation for Time Series Forecasts
Authors: Ono Kosuke 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study extends Bayesian model averaging (BMA) to a form suitable for time series forecasts. BMA is applied to a three-member ensemble for temperature forecasts with a 1-h interval time series at specific stations. The results of such an application typically have a problematic characteristic. BMA weights assigned to ensemble members fluctuate widely within a few hours because BMA optimizations are independent at each lead time, which is incompatible with the spatiotemporal continuity of meteorological phenomena. To ameliorate this issue, a degree of correlation among different lead times is introduced by the extension of latent variables to lead times adjacent to the target lead time for the calculation of BMA weights and variances. This extension approach stabilizes the BMA weights, improving the performance of deterministic and probabilistic forecasts. Also, an investigation of the effects of this extension technique on the shapes of forecasted probability density functions showed that the extension approach offers advantages in bimodal cases. This extension technique may show promise in other applications to improve the performance of forecasts by BMA.
Does the Size-Arrival Effect Occur With an Active Collision-Avoidance Task in an Immersive 3D Virtual Reality Environment?
Authors: DeLucia Patricia R. , Braly Adam M. , Savoy Bria R. 
Published: July 2021

Objective Determine whether the size-arrival effect (SAE) occurs with immersive, 3D visual experiences and active collision-avoidance responses. Background When a small near object and a large far object approach the observer at the same speeds, the large object appears to arrive before the small object, known as the size-arrival effect (SAE), which may contribute to crashes between motorcycles and cars. Prior studies of the SAE were limited because they used two dimensional displays and asked participants to make passive judgments. Method Participants viewed approaching objects using a virtual reality (VR) headset. In an active task, participants ducked before the object hit them. In a passive prediction-motion (PM) judgment, the approaching object disappeared, and participants pressed a button when they thought the object would hit them. In a passive relative TTC judgment, participants reported which of two approaching objects would reach them first. Results The SAE occurred with the PM and relative TTC tasks but not with the ducking task. The SAE can occur in immersive 3D environments but is limited by the nature of the task and display. Application Certain traffic situations may be more prone to the SAE and have higher risk for collisions. For example, in left-turn scenarios (e.g., see Levulis, 2018), drivers make passive judgments when oncoming vehicles are far and optical expansion is slow, and binocular disparity putatively is ineffective. Collision-avoidance warning systems may be needed more in such scenarios than when vehicles are near and drivers’ judgments of TTC may be more accurate (DeLucia, 2008).
Isolating the Effect of Off-Road Glance Duration on Driving Performance: An Exemplar Study Comparing HDD and HUD in Different Driving Scenarios
Authors: Smith Missie , Bagalkotkar Kiran , Gabbard Joseph L. , Large David R. , Burnett Gary 
Published: July 2021

Objective We controlled participants’ glance behavior while using head-down displays (HDDs) and head-up displays (HUDs) to isolate driving behavioral changes due to use of different display types across different driving environments. Background Recently, HUD technology has been incorporated into vehicles, allowing drivers to, in theory, gather display information without moving their eyes away from the road. Previous studies comparing the impact of HUDs with traditional displays on human performance show differences in both drivers’ visual attention and driving performance. Yet no studies have isolated glance from driving behaviors, which limits our ability to understand the cause of these differences and resulting impact on display design. Method We developed a novel method to control visual attention in a driving simulator. Twenty experienced drivers sustained visual attention to in-vehicle HDDs and HUDs while driving in both a simple straight and empty roadway environment and a more realistic driving environment that included traffic and turns. Results In the realistic environment, but not the simpler environment, we found evidence of differing driving behaviors between display conditions, even though participants’ glance behavior was similar. Conclusion Thus, the assumption that visual attention can be evaluated in the same way for different types of vehicle displays may be inaccurate. Differences between driving environments bring the validity of testing HUDs using simplistic driving environments into question. Application As we move toward the integration of HUD user interfaces into vehicles, it is important that we develop new, sensitive assessment methods to ensure HUD interfaces are indeed safe for driving.
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the treatment of neuropathic pain: a case study
Authors: Kamper Despina 
Published: July 2021

Background: Neuropathic pain is a condition caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. It may present as debilitating pain with a sensation of burning and electric-like symptoms and is often difficult to manage effectively. Although pharmacological medications are the first line of treatment, multidisciplinary teams are sometimes required to provide appropriate treatment to improve quality of life and overall wellbeing. Aim: The aim of this study is to present a case of post herpetic neuralgia relieved successfully by the compound palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) – a natural alternative to pharmacological pain relief. Methods: We present the case of a 67 year-old male with ongoing post-herpetic neuralgia, over a 3-year period, as a result of complications from shingles (herpes zoster). Previous studies on the relationship between PEA and neuropathy were reviewed, with an attempt to discuss the possible underlying mechanism of PEA on neuropathic pain. Results: PEA demonstrated effective pain relief within 48 hours at an administered daily dose of 900 mg (10 mg/kg). Conclusions: PEA may offer a valid nutraceutical treatment for practitioners.
Effects on suicidal risk: Comparison of clozapine to other newer medicines indicated to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
Authors: Forte Alberto , Pompili Maurizio , Imbastaro Benedetta , De Luca Gabriele Pasquale , Mastrangelo Martina , Montalbani Benedetta , Baldessarini Ross J 
Published: July 2021

Background: Clozapine is the only treatment with regulatory-recognition of lowering suicidal risk, at least in schizophrenia patients. It remains uncertain whether such effects extend to other drugs for psychosis. Methods: We searched for reports on rates of suicidal behavior during treatment with clozapine and other modern drugs for psychosis (aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, and ziprasidone) versus comparison or control treatments and analyzed the contrasts by random-effect meta-analysis to obtain pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: We identified 35 paired comparisons of modern drugs for psychosis versus comparison or control treatments in 18 reports. There was moderate overall superiority of all agents tested over alternatives (OR = 0.522, p = 0.004). With clozapine, this effect was large (OR = 0.229, p < 0.0001) and consistent (7/7 trials), but significant antisuicidal effects were not found with other drugs for psychosis in 28 other trials (OR = 0.941, p = 0.497). Apparent efficacy of specific agents ranked: risperidone ⩾ olanzapine ⩾ aripiprazole ⩾ ziprasidone ⩾ mixed drugs for psychosis ⩾ quetiapine, but none of these differences was significant. Conclusions: An ability of clozapine to reduce risk of suicides and attempts in schizophrenia patients appears to be a unique effect not shared with other modern medicines indicated for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Disparities in Palliative Care Utilization Among Hospitalized People With Huntington Disease: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sokol Leonard L. , Bega Danny , Yeh Chen , Kluger Benzi M. , Lum Hillary D. 
Published: July 2021

Background: People with Huntington’s disease (HD) often become institutionalized and more frequently die away from the home setting. The reasons behind differences in end-of-life care are poorly understood. Less than 5% of people with HD report utilization of palliative care (PC) or hospice services, regardless of the lack of curative therapies for this neurodegenerative disease. It is unknown what factors are associated with in-patient specialty PC consultation in this population and how PC might be related to discharge disposition. Objectives: To determine what HD-specific (e.g., psychosis) and serious illness-specific factors (e.g., resuscitation preferences) are associated with PC encounters in people with HD and explore how PC encounters are associated with discharge disposition. Design: We analyzed factors associated with PC consultation for people with HD using discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. An anonymized, cross-sectional, and stratified sample of 20% of United States hospitalizations from 2007 through 2014 were included using ICD-9 codes. Results: 8521 patients with HD were admitted to the hospital. Of those, 321 (3.8%) received specialty PC. Payer type, (specifically private insurer or other insurer as compared to Medicare), income, (specifically the top quartile as compared to the bottom quartile), mortality risk, D.N.R., aspiration pneumonia, and depression were significantly associated with PC in a multivariate model. Among those who received PC, the odds ratio (OR) of discharge to a facility was 0.43 (95% CI, 0.32-0.58), whereas the OR of discharge to home with services was 2.25 (95% CI 1.57-3.23), even after adjusting for possible confounders. Conclusions: Among patients with HD, economic factors, depression, and serious illness-specific factors were associated with PC, and PC was associated with discharge disposition. These findings have implications for the adaptation of inpatient PC models to meet the needs of persons with HD.
An Intensive Educational Intervention Significantly Improves the Adoption of Single Fractionation Radiotherapy in Uncomplicated Bone Metastases
Authors: Donati Costanza M. , Nardi Elena , Galietta Erika , Alfieri Maria L. , Siepe Giambattista , Zamagni Alice , Buwenge Milly , Macchia Gabriella , Deodato Francesco , Cilla Savino , Strigari Lidia , Cammelli Silvia , Cellini Francesco , Morganti Alessio G. 
Published: July 2021

Introduction: An education strategy was employed in our department to increase the rate of patients with uncomplicated painful bone metastases undergoing single fractionation radiotherapy (SFRT). The purpose of this report is to analyze the results of this strategy over a 5 year period. Materials and Methods: In January 2015, two meetings were organized in our department. In the first, data from an audit on the current SFRT rate were shown. In the second, evidence of SFRT efficacy in the relief of pain from uncomplicated bone metastases was presented. In addition, during the weekly discussion of clinical cases, the opportunity to use the SFRT was systematically recalled. Using our institutional database, all patients treated with radiotherapy for uncomplicated painful bone metastases in the period between 2014 (year considered as a reference) and 2019 were retrieved. Data regarding treatment date (year), radiotherapy fractionation, and tumor, patients, and radiation oncologists characteristics were collected. Results: A total of 627 patients were included in the analysis. The rate of patients undergoing SFRT increased from 4.0% in 2014 to 63.5% in 2019 ( p < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, the delivery of SFRT was significantly correlated with older patients age (>80 years), lung cancer as the primary tumor, treatment prescribed by a radiation oncologist dedicated to palliative treatments, and treatment date (2014 vs 2015–2019). Conclusions: This retrospective single-center analysis showed that a simple but intensive and prolonged departmental education strategy can increase the rate of patients treated with SFRT by nearly 16 times.
Stimulant Therapy Utilization for Neurocognitive Deficits in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Coris Eric E. , Moran Byron , Sneed Kevin , Del Rossi Gianluca , Bindas Bradford , Mehta Shaan , Narducci Dusty 
Published: July 2021

Context: There are 3.8 million mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) that occur each year in the United States. Many are left with prolonged life-altering neurocognitive deficits, including difficulties in attention, concentration, mental fatigue, and distractibility. With extensive data on the safety and efficacy of stimulant medications in treating attention deficit, concentration difficulties and distractibility seen with attention deficit disorder, it is not surprising that interest continues regarding the application of stimulant medications for the persistent neurocognitive deficits in some mTBIs. Evidence Acquisition: Studies were extracted from PubMed based on the topics of neurocognitive impairment, mTBI, stimulant use in mTBI, stimulants, and the association between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and mTBI. The search criteria included a date range of 1999 to 2020 in the English language. Study Design: Literature review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Results: Currently, there is very limited literature, and no guidelines for evaluating the use of stimulant medication for the treatment of prolonged neurocognitive impairments due to mTBI. However, a limited number of studies have demonstrated efficacy and safety of stimulants in the treatment of neurocognitive sequelae of mTBI in the adult, pediatric, military, and athletic populations. Conclusion: There is limited evidence to suggest stimulant medication may be beneficial in patients with mTBI with persistent neurocognitive symtpoms. The decision to utilize stimulant medication for mTBI patients remains physician and patient preference dependent. Given the limited encouraging data currently available, physicians may consider stimulant medication in appropriate patients to facilitate the recovery of prolonged neurocognitive deficits, while remaining cognizant of potential adverse effects.
‘My devil womb’: Patients’ perspectives on, and understanding of, endometriosis: An observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Chilton Nadine , van Oudtshoorn Sarah , Pontré Jennifer , Karthigasu Krishnan , McElhinney Bernadette 
Published: July 2021

Objective: To gain insight into patients’ understanding of endometriosis, utilised sources of information on endometriosis and perceptions of available treatment options. Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Setting: Data were collected from an outpatient specialist endometriosis clinic within a tertiary hospital. Participants: New patients referred with symptoms suggestive of endometriosis. Methods: A paper based questionnaire was completed by new patients on their first presentation to the clinic. Main outcome measures: Patient understanding of symptoms and causes of endometriosis, types and expectations of treatment, and sources of information utilised by patients in researching endometriosis. Results: Approximately half of all included patients were unsure of the aetiology of endometriosis. Patients who relied on information from specialist gynaecologists were more optimistic about the outcome of surgical treatment, while those who relied on general practitioners were more optimistic about the outcome of medical treatment, when compared to those who sought information from online sources. Conclusions: Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition, yet there is limited data available regarding both the sources of information that patients’ access, and their perceptions of the disease. Given the high proportion of patients in our study who lacked knowledge of endometriosis, and the negative correlation between the use of social media for information and perception of treatment, there is a clear need for improved access to evidence-based resources for patient education.
Mixed-Methods Analysis of a Validated Arthroscopic Knot-Tying Simulator With New Indirect Visualization Condition
Authors: Moran Kit , Rotenberg Carolyn , AlHussain Ahmed , Reda Bashar , Gordey Erin , Wong Ivan 
Published: July 2021

Background: Simulation provides low-risk opportunities for surgical trainees to learn and practice fundamental skills. One simulation tool for orthopaedics is the Arthroscopic Knot (ArK) Trainer, which has been validated as an effective simulation tool across multiple methodologies. Previous studies have investigated the ArK Trainer in its basic form using clear plexiglass, which allows direct visualization of tissue anchors. Purpose: Using a mixed-methods approach, we assessed and compared junior and senior trainees’ Seoul Medical Center (SMC) knot–tying performance under direct and indirect visualization. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fourteen orthopaedic surgery postgraduate trainees at a single medical school were recruited to participate. Trainees tied SMC knots using the Ark Trainer under direct and indirect visualization. A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate knot-tying proficiency and characterize participants’ approach to knot-tying. Knot-tying proficiency was evaluated using validated tools: a task-specific checklist (TSC), a global rating scale (GRS), and a proficiency scale (PS). Participants’ approach to knot-tying was characterized using Likert-type questionnaires and semistructured interviews. An α level of .10 was set a priori owing to the small pool of trainees. Results: The 14 participants included 7 junior residents (postgraduate years [PGYs] 1 and 2) and 7 senior residents (PGY ≥3), of whom 3 were fellows (PGY 6). Senior trainees outperformed junior trainees on both versions of the ArK Trainer: clear (GRS, P = .055; PS, P = .075) and covered (TSC, P = .05). Overall, participants performed better under direct visualization conditions (GRS, P = .05). In semistructured interviews, significantly more senior trainees discussed relying on haptic cues while tying knots under direct visualization ( P = .021). The majority of trainees agreed that both versions of the ArK Trainer were realistic and appropriate practice formats for their level of training. Conclusion: Senior trainees were significantly more experienced than were junior trainees in arthroscopic skill and outperformed them on both configurations: direct (PS and GRS) and indirect (TSC) visualization. Experienced trainees were significantly more likely to report using tactile cues to aid knot-tying under indirect visualization. It is likely that inexperienced trainees rely more heavily on direct visualization and that the use of tactile cues may be an indicator of knot-tying proficiency. Trainees recommended progression from direct to indirect visualization configurations for inexperienced learners.