bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum uric acid could be served as an independent marker for increased risk and severity of ascending aortic dilatation in Behçet's disease patients
Authors: Cai Jianfei , Zhang Yinjia , Zou Jun , Shen Yan , Luo Dan , Bao Huafang , Chen Yong , Ye Jingfen , Guan Jian‐long 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the correlation of serum uric acid (SUA) with risk and dilatation diameter of ascending aortic dilatation (AAD) in Behçet's disease (BD) patients.MethodsSeventeen BD patients complicated with AAD and 20 BD patients without AAD were consecutively enrolled and categorized into AAD group and control group, respectively. Ascending aortic dilatation was determined by two‐dimensional doppler echocardiographic examination, and AAD was defined as a diameter of ascending aorta ≥3.8 and <4.4 cm. SUA was detected by quantitative immunoassay method.ResultsAscending aortic dilatation patients presented with higher proportion of male patients (P = 0.003), hypertension occurrence (P = 0.036) and increased diameter of ascending aorta (P < 0.001) compared to controls. SUA was elevated in AAD patients compared to controls (P = 0.002), and receiver operating characteristic curve displayed that SUA presented with great predictive value for AAD risk in BD patients with area under curve (AUC) 0.821 (95% CI 0.675‐0.966). Pearson's analysis also disclosed that SUA was positively correlated with ascending aortic diameter in total BD patients. However, no difference of CRP (P = 0.219) or ESR (P = 0.320) between AAD patients and controls was observed, and no correlation of CRP (R = −0.150, P = 0.377) or ESR (R = 0.067, P = 0.692) with ascending aortic diameter in total BD patients was discovered either. Further multivariate logistic regression illuminated that SUA was an independent factor predicting AAD risk in BD patients (P = 0.031).ConclusionsSerum uric acid could be served as an independent marker for increased risk and severity of AAD in BD patients.
Three validation studies of the personality assessment inventory short form
Authors: Ward Tara , Arnold Kaitlin , Cunningham Marc Clint , Liljequist Laura 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveWe examined the psychometric properties of the Personality Assessment Inventory‐Short Form (PAI‐SF).MethodStudy 1 compared single‐session short and full form PAI profiles of 200 outpatients, Study 2 examined PAI forms of 107 nonclinical adults across two administrations, and Study 3 compared correlations between full and short form scales and extratest variables.ResultsStudy 1 correlations between short and full form scales ranged from 0.85 to 0.95 (Mdn = 0.91), with lower correlations, ranging from 0.59 to 0.86 for clinical scales (Mdn = 0.82), in Study 2. In Study 3 only 4 of 34 correlations differed significantly between extratest variables and the PAI versus the PAI‐SF.ConclusionsThese results indicate favorable psychometric properties of the PAI‐SF.
Cultural adaptations and therapist multicultural competence: Two meta‐analytic reviews
Authors: Soto Alberto , Smith Timothy B. , Griner Derek , Domenech Rodríguez Melanie , Bernal Guillermo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMental health treatments can be more effective when they align with the culture of the client and when therapists demonstrate multicultural competence. We summarize relevant research findings in two meta‐analyses. In the meta‐analysis examining culturally adapted interventions, the average effect size across 99 studies was d = 0.50 (0.35 after accounting for publication bias). In the second meta‐analysis on 15 studies of therapist cultural competence, the results differed by rating source: Client‐rated measures of therapist cultural competence correlated strongly (r = 0.38) with treatment outcomes but therapists’ self‐rated competency did not (r = 0.06). We describe patient considerations and research limitations. We conclude with research supported therapeutic practices that help clients benefit from modifications to treatment related to culture.
Childhood maltreatment and psychotic experiences: Exploring the specificity of early maladaptive schemas
Authors: Boyda David , McFeeters Danielle , Dhingra Katie , Rhoden Laura 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveOne potential mechanism that has received limited attention in psychosis research is early maladaptive schemas (EMS). Our aim was to examine whether EMS acts as a potential mediating pathway between early trauma and psychotic symptomology.MethodsA quantitative survey was conducted online. N = 302 participants took part. The analysis used a multiple mediation framework.ResultsAnalysis demonstrated significant specificity effects. Different forms of child maltreatment were significantly associated with psychosis experiences through specific dimensions of maladaptive schemas.ConclusionsResults indicated specificity effects in that specific types of maltreatment are associated with specific maladaptive schemas. From a practitioner’s perspective, these findings offer credence to cognitive theories of psychopathology, and support the validity of EMS identification and modification among clients with psychotic symptomology both as a fundamental component of traditional CBT and within specialized schema‐focused therapy.
Significance of hepatic resection and adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus in the first branch of portal vein and the main portal trunk: a project study for hepatic surgery of the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Hatano Etsuro , Uemoto Shinji , Yamaue Hiroki , Yamamoto Masakazu ,   the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombus in the major portal vein (PV) is extremely poor. The purpose of this study was to clarify the impact of hepatic resection for HCC with tumor thrombus in the major PV.PatientsFour hundred patients undergoing macroscopic curative resection for HCC involving the first branch or trunk of the PV between 2001 and 2010 at the 22 institutions were enrolled. We examined the effect of adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) on prognosis and validated the prognostic index consisting of ascites, prothrombin activity, and maximal tumor diameter.ResultsMedian survival time (MST) and 5‐year overall survival rate were 21.5 months and 25.7%. MST of HAIC group was longer than that of non‐HAIC group (28.1 months vs. 18.7 months, P = 0.0024). Significant prognostic factors for overall survival were PIVKA‐II, tumor diameter, and adjuvant HAIC. MST for patients with prognostic index 0, 1, 2, and 3 was 39.0, 21.1, 18.9, and 5.7 months, respectively (P = 0.005).ConclusionsMacroscopic curative resection with adjuvant HAIC might provide better survival outcome. Furthermore, the prognostic index was useful to select adequate treatment modalities for patients with HCC with tumor thrombosis in the major PV.
Preoperative tumor texture analysis on MRI predicts high‐risk disease and reduced survival in endometrial cancer
Authors: Ytre‐Hauge Sigmund , Dybvik Julie A. , Lundervold Arvid , Salvesen Øyvind O. , Krakstad Camilla , Fasmer Kristine E. , Werner Henrica M. , Ganeshan Balaji , Høivik Erling , Bjørge Line , Trovik Jone , Haldorsen Ingfrid S. 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundImproved methods for preoperative risk stratification in endometrial cancer are highly requested by gynecologists. Texture analysis is a method for quantification of heterogeneity in images, increasingly reported as a promising diagnostic tool in various cancer types, but largely unexplored in endometrial cancer.PurposeTo explore whether tumor texture parameters from preoperative MRI are related to known prognostic features (deep myometrial invasion, cervical stroma invasion, lymph node metastases, and high‐risk histological subtype) and to outcome in endometrial cancer patients.Study typeProspective cohort study.Population/SubjectsIn all, 180 patients with endometrial carcinoma were included from April 2009 to November 2013 and studied until January 2017.Field Strength/SequencesPreoperative pelvic MRI including contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (T1c), T2‐weighted, and diffusion‐weighted imaging at 1.5T.AssessmentTumor regions of interest (ROIs) were manually drawn on the slice displaying the largest cross‐sectional tumor area, using the proprietary research software TexRAD for analysis. With a filtration‐histogram technique, the texture parameters standard deviation, entropy, mean of positive pixels (MPP), skewness, and kurtosis were calculated.Statistical TestsAssociations between texture parameters and histological features were assessed by uni‐ and multivariable logistic regression, including models adjusting for preoperative biopsy status and conventional MRI findings. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used for survival analysis.ResultsHigh tumor entropy in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps independently predicted deep myometrial invasion (odds ratio [OR] 3.2, P lt  0.001), and high MPP in T1c images independently predicted high‐risk histological subtype (OR 1.01, P = 0.004). High kurtosis in T1c images predicted reduced recurrence‐ and progression‐free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.5, P lt  0.001) after adjusting for MRI‐measured tumor volume and histological risk at biopsy.Data ConclusionMRI‐derived tumor texture parameters independently predicted deep myometrial invasion, high‐risk histological subtype, and reduced survival in endometrial carcinomas, and thus, represent promising imaging biomarkers providing a more refined preoperative risk assessment that may ultimately enable better tailored treatment strategies in endometrial cancer.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1637–1647
Age‐related changes of shape and flow dynamics in healthy adult aortas: A 4D flow MRI study
Authors: Callaghan Fraser M. , Bannon Paul , Barin Edward , Celemajer David , Jeremy Richmond , Figtree Gemma , Grieve Stuart M. 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundAbnormal flow dynamics play an early and causative role in pathologic changes of the ascending aorta.PurposeTo identify: 1) the changes in flow, shape, and size that occur in the ascending aorta with normal human ageing and 2) the influence of these factors on aortic flow dynamics.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsIn all, 247 subjects (age range 19–86 years, mean 49 ± 17.7, 169 males) free of aortic or aortic valve pathology were included in this study. Subjects were stratified by youngest (18–33 years; n = 64), highest (>60 years, n = 67), and the middle two quartiles (34–60 years, n = 116).Field Strength/SequenceSubjects underwent a cardiac MRI (3T) exam including 4D‐flow MRI of the aorta.AssessmentAortic curvature, arch shape, ascending aortic angle, ascending aortic diameter, and the stroke volume normalized by the aortic volume (nSV) were measured. Velocity, vorticity, and helicity were quantified across the thoracic aorta.Statistical TestsUnivariate and multivariate regressions were used to quantify continuous relationships between variables.ResultsAortic diameter, ascending aortic angle, shape, and curvature all increased across age while nSV decreased (all P < 0.0001). Systolic vorticity in the mid arch decreased by 50% across the age range (P < 0.0001), while peak helicity decreased by 80% (P < 0.0001). Curvature tightly governs optimal flow in the youngest quartile, with an effect size 1.5 to 4 times larger than other parameters in the descending aorta, but had a minimal influence with advancing age. In the upper quartile of age, flow dynamics were almost completely determined by nSV, exerting an effect size on velocity and vorticity >10 times that of diameter and other shape factors.Data ConclusionAortic shape influences flow dynamics in younger subjects. Flow conditions become increasingly disturbed with advancing age, and in these conditions nSV has a more dominant effect on flow patterns than shape factors.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:90–100.
Effect of injection barrier height on charge transport under bipolar injection
Authors: Meftali Nadia , Bouazabia Slimane , Fofana Issouf , El Maouhab Ali 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this paper, a numerical model describing the transient phenomena of electric charge in a dielectric because of a double injection at 2 electrodes is proposed. The mathematical model and the methods for its resolution are presented step by step. Thus, the Schottky equation is used to describe the injection of negative and positive charges from the cathode and anode respectively. The equations governing the conduction are the current equation and the Poisson equation coupled to the continuity equation. The adopted model uses the applied voltage instead of the applied electric field. The Poisson equation is solved by finite differences using the Thomas algorithm and the continuity equation by Euler's method. The Thomas algorithm reduces considerably the execution time compared to iterative methods. The time step is not constant; it is calculated from the speed of the charges front. The results show that the established model and the method of resolution reproduce correctly the behaviour of the system under a high voltage. It shows also that knowing the injection barrier height can be used to predict the behaviour of the dielectric under electrical stress. The developed model is a tool for describing the behaviour of the charges for a bipolar injection.
A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitative analysis of ibuprofen and its metabolites in equine urine samples by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Waraksa Emilia , Woźniak Mateusz Kacper , Kłodzińska Ewa , Wrzesień Robert , Bobrowska‐Korczak Barbara , Namieśnik Jacek 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIbuprofen is widely used in human and veterinary medicine for the treatment of chronic pain as well as rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders. However, the analgesic and anti‐inflammatory properties of Ibuprofen have contributed to frequent drug abuse in equestrian sports. A sensitive and rapid gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry based method with a simple liquid‐liquid extraction and derivatization requiring 200 μL volume of sample and 2 mL of extraction solvent for the simultaneous determination of ibuprofen and its metabolites was developed. The proposed procedure was optimized and validated according to the principles for bioanalytical methods. The assay achieved satisfactory validation parameters, namely, recovery (92.2–105%), interday accuracy (92.5–106%), and precision (0.3–4.4%) for all investigated compounds as well as limits of quantification of 50 ng/mL for ibuprofen, 2‐hydroxyibuprofen, and carboxyibuprofen, 25 ng/mL for 1‐hydroxyibuprofen and 100 ng/mL for 3‐hydroxyibuprofen. The applicability of the method was evaluated by the analysis of five real urine samples collected from different horses after drug administration. In view of the low limits of quantification, high selectivity, repeatability, and recovery, the procedure can be utilized for laboratory applications, including the control of ibuprofen abuse in equestrian sports for anti‐doping purposes and drug/pharmaceutical mentality investigations.
Clinical efficacy of novel elastography using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) for diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules
Authors: Fukuhara Takahiro , Matsuda Eriko , Donishi Ryohei , Koyama Satoshi , Miyake Naritomo , Fujiwara Kazunori , Takeuchi Hiromi 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveAcoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a recent ultrasound elastography technique; consequently, its efficacy is not fully known. In this study, we compared ARFI imaging with conventional strain elastography (SE) and shear wave velocities (SWVs) to evaluate the utility of ARFI imaging for diagnosing thyroid nodules.Subjects and MethodsIn this study we examined 233 thyroid nodules (183 benign nodules and 50 malignant nodules) isolated from human patients. The nodules were evaluated with SE and ARFI imaging, and SWVs of the nodules were simultaneously measured. ARFI images were classified using a four‐point score based on grayscale intensity of the images. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were compared between SE and ARFI imaging. Finally, SWVs for each score of SE and ARFI imaging were compared.ResultsThe new scoring system for ARFI imaging can be divided into four virtual touch imaging (VTI) scores. Nodules with a VTI score of 3 or 4 as determined by ARFI imaging were determined to be malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy, respectively, were 63.2%, 66.3%, and 65.6% for SE, compared with 80.0%, 86.3%, and 85.0% for ARFI imaging. The median SWVs of the nodules were 1.57 m/s, 1.73 m/s, 1.88 m/s, and 2.09 m/s for VTI scores of 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The SWVs of VTI scores 3 and 4 were significantly higher than those of VTI scores 1 and 2.ConclusionsThe diagnostic accuracy of ARFI imaging for differentiating malignant thyroid nodules was higher than that of SE. The VTI scores of the nodules accurately reflected their SWVs.Level of Evidence4
A Resuscitation Option for Upper Airway Occlusion Based on Bolus Transtracheal Lung Inflation
Authors: Villiere Sophia , Nakase Ko , Kollmar Richard , Arjomandi Hamid , Lazar Jason , Sundaram Krishnamurthi , Silverman Joshua B. , Lucchesi Michael , Wlody David , Stewart Mark 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundAcute laryngospasm sufficient to cause obstructive apnea is a medical emergency that can be difficult to manage within the very short time available for establishing an airway. We have presented substantial evidence that laryngospasm‐based obstructive apnea is the cause of sudden death in epilepsy, and airway management is particularly challenging during seizure activity.ObjectiveWe sought to determine if the transtracheal delivery of a bolus of oxygen or room air below the level of an obstruction to inflate the lungs could be an effective method to prolong the time available for responders seeking to establish a stable airway, and, if so, what could be learned about optimization of delivery parameters from a rat model.MethodsRats were fitted with a t‐shaped tracheal tube for controlling access to air and for measuring airway pressures. After respiratory arrest from simulated laryngospasm, bolus transtracheal lung inflation with a volume of gas equivalent to half the vital capacity was delivered to the closed respiratory system as the only resuscitation step.ResultsBolus lung inflation was sufficient for resuscitation, improving cardiac function and re‐establishing adequate oxygen status to support life. Inflation steps could be repeated and survival times were approximately 3 times that of non‐inflated lungs.ConclusionThe properties and consequences of bolus lung inflation are described as a foundation for procedures or devices that can be useful in cases of severe laryngospasm and other cases of upper airway obstruction.Level of Evidence3
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Implantation in a Non‐Academic Setting: Two‐Year Result
Authors: Weeks Brian , Bao Gao , Gilbert Tina M. , Emdur Larry 
Published: August 2018

Objectives/HypothesisUpper Airway Stimulation (UAS) is an FDA approved treatment option for patients with moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who could not adhere to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Previous studies have shown UAS reduced apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) in controlled clinical trials and from academic institutions. We report patient outcomes and therapy adherence of UAS in a non‐academic hospital and clinic setting.Study DesignCase series of consecutive patients.MethodsConsecutive implants completed at a community hospital between January 2015 to Feb 2017 are included in this report. All patients underwent baseline polysomnography (PSG) recording and drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) prior to the implant. All patients had returned for standard post‐implantation titration PSG at a community sleep clinic to validate and adjust the stimulation setting for optimal response. Results were in mean ± SD, and pre‐ and post‐implant data were compared using a paired student t‐test.ResultsA total 22 patients undergoing UAS implant were overweight (BMI of 28.9 ± 5.0 kg/m2) and middle aged (63.2 ± 11.1 years), and had severe OSA (AHI of 35.9 ± 19.1). The AHI from the entire night of the titration study was 16.0 ± 10.4 (P < .01, compared with baseline), and the treatment AHI from the sleep period when the optimal setting was programmed was 1.2 ± 1.1 (P < .001, compared with baseline), and 90% patients had titrated AHI less than 5. The lowest SpO2 increased from 81% ± 8% at baseline to 91% ± 3% at the titrated setting (P = .001). After an average follow up of 95 ± 28.5 days, the therapy use per night was 7.0 ± 1.9 hours per night. The average postoperative ESS was 6.7 ± 5.3 of 18 patients, a reduction from the baseline of 10.9 ± 4.8. A total of 13 of 18 patients with postoperative ESS < 10, a measure indicated normalization of daytime sleepiness.ConclusionPatients who elected to receive UAS implant surgery at a non‐academic hospital and followed at a sleep clinic showed significant reduction in OSA severity with strong adherence to treatment. These results supported that UAS as a valid treatment option for OSA can be successfully implemented in the non‐academic hospital and clinic settings.Level of Evidence4
Injectable and Cell‐Adhesive Polyethylene Glycol Cryogel Scaffolds: Independent Control of Cryogel Microstructure and Composition
Authors: Bruns Joseph , McBride‐Gagyi Sarah , Zustiak Silviya Petrova 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPolyethylene glycol (PEG) cryogels are promising alternatives to hydrogels due to their macroporosity. PEG is bioinert and modifications with adhesive ligands enable independent control of cryogel physical, mechanical, and biochemical properties. Pre‐functionalization of PEG cryogels with ligands is crucial, as cryogel formation consumes all functional groups. Here, injectable ligand pre‐functionalized PEG cryogels are fabricated and characterized. Cryogel pore size (54–163 µm), porosity (40–80%), and Young's modulus (1–40 kPa) are modulated through controlling the rate of freezing, ice crystal formation, and polymer concentration. Ligand pre‐functionalization does not affect cryogel properties. NIH 3T3 cell viability and infiltration are governed by ligand concentration and cryogel porosity.