bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial and Systemic Inflammation in Acute Stress-Induced (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Scally Caroline , Abbas Hassan , Ahearn Trevor , Srinivasan Janaki , Mezincescu Alice , Rudd Amelia , Spath Nicholas , Yucel-Finn Alim , Yuecel Raif , Oldroyd Keith , Dospinescu Ciprian , Horgan Graham , Broadhurst Paul , Henning Anke , Newby David E. , Semple Scott , Wilson Heather M. , Dawson Dana K. 
Published: January 2019

Background:
Acute stress-induced (takotsubo) cardiomyopathy can result in a heart failure phenotype with a prognosis comparable with that of myocardial infarction. In this study, we hypothesized that inflammation is central to the pathophysiology and natural history of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Methods:
In a multicenter study, we prospectively recruited 55 patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy and 51 age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched control subjects. During the index event and at the 5-month follow-up, patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy underwent multiparametric cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, including ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) enhancement for detection of inflammatory macrophages in the myocardium. Blood monocyte subpopulations and serum cytokines were assessed as measures of systemic inflammation. Matched control subjects underwent investigation at a single time point.

Results:

Subjects were predominantly middle-aged (64±14 years) women (90%). Compared with control subjects, patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy had greater USPIO enhancement (expressed as the difference between pre-USPIO and post-USPIO T2*) in both ballooning (14.3±0.6 milliseconds versus 10.5±0.9 milliseconds;
P
<0.001) and nonballooning (12.9±0.6 milliseconds versus 10.5±0.9 milliseconds;
P
=0.02) left ventricular myocardial segments. Serum interleukin-6 (23.1±4.5 pg/mL versus 6.5±5.8 pg/mL;
P
<0.001) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (1903±168 pg/mL versus 1272±177 pg/mL;
P
=0.01) concentrations and classic CD14
++
CD16
-
monocytes (90±0.5% versus 87±0.9%;
P
=0.01) were also increased whereas intermediate CD14
++
CD16
+
(5.4±0.3% versus 6.9±0.6%;
P
=0.01) and nonclassic CD14
+
CD16
++
(2.7±0.3% versus 4.2±0.5%;
P
=0.006) monocytes were reduced in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy. At 5 months, USPIO enhancement was no longer detectable in the left ventricular myocardium, although persistent elevations in serum interleukin-6 concentrations (
P
=0.009) and reductions in intermediate CD14
++
CD16
+
monocytes (5.6±0.4% versus 6.9±0.6%;
P
=0.01) remained.

Conclusions:
We demonstrate for the first time that takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by a myocardial macrophage inflammatory infiltrate, changes in the distribution of monocyte subsets, and an increase in systemic proinflammatory cytokines. Many of these changes persisted for at least 5 months, suggesting a low-grade chronic inflammatory state.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02897739.
Early Emotional Symptoms Predicting Carotid Atherosclerosis in Youth: Results From a Birth Cohort in Latin America
Authors: Belem da Silva Cristiano Tschiedel , Hoffmann Maurício Scopel , Sant′Anna Roberto Tofani , Wehrmeister Fernando César , Gonçalves Helen , Oliveira Isabel O. , Oliveira Paula Duarte , Vargas da Silva Antônio Marcos , Kieling Christian , Manfro Gisele Gus , Menezes Ana M. B. 
Published: January 2019

Background
Emotional disorders are risk factors for atherosclerosis and consequent cardiovascular disease. However, it is not clear whether emotional symptoms (ESs) have direct effects on cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of early ESs on carotid atherosclerosis in young adults.

Methods and Results

We tested the association between expression of
ESs
at 11 and 15 years of age and carotid intima‐media thickness at 18 years of age in the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort (N=5249, n=4336 with complete mental health data).
ES
s were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Propensity score weighting procedure was run using generalized boosted regression model to adjust for potential confounding between exposure and outcome. We also tested whether traditional cardiovascular risk factors could mediate this relationship. Adjusted high expression of
ESs
, both at 11 and 15 years of age, led to mean increases in carotid intima‐media thickness of 1.84 and 2.58 μm, respectively, at 18 years of age (both
P
<0.001). Longitudinal effects of ESs on atherosclerosis were direct and not significantly mediated by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Male sex at age 15 years significantly enhanced the effects of
ESs
on carotid intima‐media thickness at age 18 years (
P
<0.001 for interaction): although high expression of
ESs
led to mean increases of 1.14 μm in females (
P
<0.05), it led to mean increases of 5.83 μm in males (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

In this large birth cohort, expression of
ESs
in adolescence was longitudinally associated with a higher carotid intima‐media thickness in young adults. The association is direct and not mediated by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Interactions by sex might have important implications for designing future interventions.
Predicting Early Mortality of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Gattringer Thomas , Posekany Alexandra , Niederkorn Kurt , Knoflach Michael , Poltrum Birgit , Mutzenbach Sebastian , Haring Hans-Peter , Ferrari Julia , Lang Wilfried , Willeit Johann , Kiechl Stefan , Enzinger Christian , Fazekas Franz ,   for the Austrian Stroke Unit Registry Collaborators
Published: January 2019

Background and Purpose—
Several risk factors are known to increase mid- and long-term mortality of ischemic stroke patients. Information on predictors of early stroke mortality is scarce but often requested in clinical practice. We therefore aimed to develop a rapidly applicable tool for predicting early mortality at the stroke unit.

Methods—
We used data from the nationwide Austrian Stroke Unit Registry and multivariate regularized logistic regression analysis to identify demographic and clinical variables associated with early (≤7 days poststroke) mortality of patients admitted with ischemic stroke. These variables were then used to develop the Predicting Early Mortality of Ischemic Stroke score that was validated both by bootstrapping and temporal validation.

Results—
In total, 77 653 ischemic stroke patients were included in the analysis (median age: 74 years, 47% women). The mortality rate at the stroke unit was 2% and median stay of deceased patients was 3 days. Age, stroke severity measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, prestroke functional disability (modified Rankin Scale >0), preexisting heart disease, diabetes mellitus, posterior circulation stroke syndrome, and nonlacunar stroke cause were associated with mortality and served to build the Predicting Early Mortality of Ischemic Stroke score ranging from 0 to 12 points. The area under the curve of the score was 0.879 (95% CI, 0.871–0.886) in the derivation cohort and 0.884 (95% CI, 0.863–0.905) in the validation sample. Patients with a score ≥10 had a 35% (95% CI, 28%–43%) risk to die within the first days at the stroke unit.

Conclusions—
We developed a simple score to estimate early mortality of ischemic stroke patients treated at a stroke unit. This score could help clinicians in short-term prognostication for management decisions and counseling.
Alternating Decision Trees for Cloud Masking in MODIS and VIIRS NASA Sea Surface Temperature Products
Authors: Kilpatrick Katherine A. , Podestá Guillermo , Williams Elizabeth , Walsh Susan , Minnett Peter J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIdentification and exclusion of clouds from satellite-based infrared fields is critical to achieve accurate retrievals of sea surface temperature (SST). Historically, identification of clouds has been driven primarily by a few uniformity tests involving a small number of pixels, brightness temperature range tests, and comparisons to low-resolution gap-free reference fields. Collectively these tests are adequate at identifying large, upper-level, very cold cumulus clouds, and uniformity tests identify moderately sized patchy cumulus clouds. But the efficacy of cloud identification often decreases at cloud edges, for small or thin cirrus clouds, and for the lower, more uniform stratus clouds, for which cloud-top temperature can be comparable to that of the sea surface, particularly at high latitudes. The heavy reliance on stringent uniformity thresholds often also has the unintended consequence of eliminating strong SST frontal regions from the pool of best-quality retrievals. This paper presents results for an ensemble cloud classifier based on a machine-learning approach, boosted alternating decision trees (ADtrees), applied to NASA MODIS and VIIRS SST imagery. The ADtree algorithm relies on the use of a majority vote from a collection of both “weak” and “strong” classifiers. This approach offers the potential to identify more cloud types and improve the retention of SST gradients in best-quality SST retrievals and also provides a per pixel confidence estimate in the classification.
Cultural Factors in Designing Performance Appraisal System
Authors: Dayal Ishwar 
Published: January 2019

While examining the impact of some cultural factors on the behaviour of employees in Indian organization, the article discusses how these factors could be taken into account in developing appraisal systems. The Indian social environment tends to emphasize concepts of self, loyalty, regard for authority, interpersonal behaviour, etc., differently from those of the West. An understanding of this difference would be relevant for developing administrative systems for India. Whatever problems of developing appraisal systems exist in the Western industrial environment are also observed in India. Apart from the technical difficulties of operating appraisal system, certain difficulties arise also from the cultural aspects in India. The article suggests that taking these problems into consideration would greatly aid appraisal systems to serve their intended purpose.
Influence of Baseline Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features on Outcome of Arthroscopic Meniscectomy and Physical Therapy Treatment of Meniscal Tears in Osteoarthritis
Authors: MacFarlane Lindsey A. , Yang Heidi , Collins Jamie E. , Guermazi Ali , Jones Morgan H. , Spindler Kurt P. , Winter Amelia R. , Losina Elena , Katz Jeffrey N. ,   and the MeTeOR Investigator Group, Brophy Robert H. , Cole Brian J. , Levy Bruce A. , Mandl Lisa A. , Martin Scott , Marx Robert G. , Matava Mathew , Safran-Norton Clare , Stuart Michael , Wright Rick 
Published: January 2019

Background: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is used to treat meniscal tears, although its efficacy is controversial. Purpose: This study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine characteristics that lead to greater benefit from APM and physical therapy (PT) than from PT alone among patients with meniscal tear and knee osteoarthritis. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Using data from the Meniscal Tear in Osteoarthritis Research (MeTeOR) trial, the authors first assessed whether the effect of treatment on pain scores at 6 months differed according to baseline MRI features (bone marrow lesions, cartilage and meniscal damage). Second, the authors summed MRI features associated with differential pain relief between APM and PT to create a “damage score,” which included bone marrow lesion number and cartilage damage size with possible values of 0 (least damage), 1 (moderate), and 2 (greatest). The authors used linear models to determine whether the association between damage score and pain relief at 6 months differed for APM versus PT. Results: The study included 220 participants: 13%, had the least damage; 52%, moderate; and 34%, greatest. Although treatment type did not significantly modify the association of damage score and change in pain ( P interaction = .13), those with the least damage and moderate damage had greater improvement with APM than with PT in Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain subscale—by 15 and 7 points, respectively. Those with the greatest damage had a similar improvement with APM and PT. Conclusion: Among patients with osteoarthritis and meniscal tear, those with less intra-articular damage on MRI may have greater improvement in pain with APM and PT than with PT alone. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously owing to the limited sample size.
The impact of person-centred care on patients’ care experiences in relation to educational level after acute coronary syndrome: secondary outcome analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wolf Axel , Vella Rebecca , Fors Andreas 
Published: January 2019

Background: Research supporting the benefits of person-centred care is growing, still knowledge about patients’ experiences of person-centred care is limited. Aim: To evaluate the effects of person-centred care on patients’ experiences of care, and also in relation to educational level, after an acute coronary syndrome. Method: A total of 199 patients aged less than 75 years, hospitalised for acute coronary syndrome, were randomly assigned to either standard cardiac care ( n=105) or person-centred care plus standard cardiac care ( n=94). Experience of care was assessed at three healthcare settings (hospital, outpatient and primary care) using the 15-item Picker patient experience questionnaire plus two questions concerning information and documentation. Results: No significant difference was found at the three healthcare settings between the two study groups in the Picker patient experience questionnaire total score. Item level analysis showed that the person-centred care group significantly improved at all three healthcare settings on information received and in documentation of care compared with the standard cardiac care group ( P<0.05). In outpatient care, the person-centred care group reported significantly better family–physician communication ( P=0.004) and information for the family ( P=0.007) compared with the standard cardiac care group. In patients without postsecondary education, the corresponding figures were even more in favour of the person-centred care group ( P=0.0005 and P=0.0049, respectively), and they also reported higher involvement in care decisions ( P=0.023). Conclusion: A person-centred care approach after an event of acute coronary syndrome improves patients’ care experiences for information, shared documentation and involvement of family and friends. This effect was especially prominent in patients with a low educational level, who were also more involved in care decisions. Trial registration: Swedish registry, Researchweb.org , ID NR 65 791
Universal 2 total wrist arthroplasty for the salvage of failed Biaxial total wrist arthroplasty
Authors: Zijlker Hero J. A. , Berkhout Merel J. , Ritt Marco J. P. F. , van Leeuwen Niels , IJsselstein Cees B. 
Published: January 2019

Universal 2 implants may be an alternative to total wrist arthrodesis for the salvage of failed Biaxial total wrist prostheses. We assessed 40 Universal 2 revision implants retrospectively. Fourteen of these wrists were converted to total wrist arthrodeses, and two wrists received a third total wrist arthroplasty after a mean period of 5.5 years. Twenty-four of the Universal 2 implants that remained in situ after a mean follow-up of 9 years (range 4 to 13 years) were re-examined. Sixteen functioned satisfactorily. Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation scores and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were 53 and 47, respectively. Twenty-nine patients would choose the Universal 2 again and would also recommend it to other patients. The survival of the revision implants was 60% at a mean follow-up of 9 years. Level of evidence: IV
The prognostic impact of the uric acid level in patients who require cardiovascular intensive care – is serum uric acid a surrogate biomarker for critical patients in the non-surgical intensive care unit?
Authors: Shibata Yusaku , Shirakabe Akihiro , Okazaki Hirotake , Matsushita Masato , Sawatani Tomofumi , Uchiyama Saori , Tani Kenichi , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Otsuka Toshiaki , Hata Noritake , Asai Kuniya , Shimizu Wataru 
Published: January 2019

Background:
The prognostic impact of hyperuricemia and the factors that induce hyperuricemia in cardiovascular intensive care patients remain unclear.

Methods and results:
A total of 3257 emergency department patients were screened, and data for 2435 patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit were analyzed. The serum uric acid level was measured within 15 min of admission. The patients were assigned to a low-uric acid group (uric acid ⩽7.0 mg/dl, n=1595) or a high-uric acid group (uric acid &gt;7.0 mg/dl, n=840) according to their uric acid level on admission. Thereafter, the patients were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of their serum uric acid level (Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4), and uric acid levels and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score. A Kaplan–Meier curve showed a significantly lower 365-day survival rate in a high-uric acid group than in a low-uric acid group, and in Q3 than in Q1 or Q2 and in Q4 than in the other groups. The multivariate logistic regression model for 30-day mortality identified Q4 (odds ratio: 1.856, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.140–3.022; p=0.013) as an independent predictor of 30-day mortality. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve values of the serum uric acid level and APACHE II score for the prediction of 30-day mortality were 0.648 and 0.800, respectively. The category-free net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement showed that the calculated risk shifted to the correct direction by adding the serum uric acid level to the APACHE II score (0.204, 95% CI 0.065–0.344; p=0.004, and 0.015, 95% CI 0.005–0.025; p=0.004, respectively). The prognosis, including the 365-day mortality, among patients with a high uric acid level and a high APACHE II score was significantly poorer in comparison with other patients.

Conclusion:
The serum uric acid level, which might be elevated by the various critical stimuli on admission, was an independent predictor in patients who were emergently hospitalized in the intensive care unit. The serum uric acid level is therefore useful as a surrogate biomarker for critical patients in the intensive care unit.
Anatomic Study and Reanalysis of the Nomenclature of the Anterolateral Complex of the Knee Focusing on the Distal Iliotibial Band: Identification and Description of the Condylar Strap
Authors: Landreau Philippe , Catteeuw Antoine , Hamie Fawaz , Saithna Adnan , Sonnery-Cottet Bertrand , Smigielski Robert 
Published: January 2019

Background: The capsulo-osseous layer (COL), short lateral ligament, mid–third lateral capsular ligament, lateral capsular ligament, and anterolateral ligament (ALL) are terms that have been used interchangeably to describe what is probably the same structure. This has resulted in confusion regarding the anatomy and function of the anterolateral complex of the knee and its relation to the distal iliotibial band (ITB). Purpose: To characterize the macroscopic anatomy of the anterolateral complex of the knee, in particular the femoral condylar attachment of the distal ITB. We identified a specific and consistent anatomic structure that has not been accurately described previously; it connects the deep surface of the ITB to the condylar area and is distinct from the ALL, COL, and Kaplan fibers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Sixteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were used to study the anterolateral complex of the knee. Standardized dissections were performed that included qualitative and quantitative assessments of the anatomy through both anterior (n = 5) and posterior (n = 11) approaches. Results: The femoral condylar attachment of the distal ITB was not reliably identified by anterior dissection but was in all posterior dissections. A distinct anatomic structure, hereafter termed the “condylar strap” (CS), was identified between the femur and the lateral gastrocnemius on one side and the deep surface of the ITB on the other, in all posteriorly dissected specimens. The structure had a mean thickness of 0.88 mm, and its femoral insertion was located between the distal Kaplan fibers and the epicondyle. The proximal femoral attachment of the structure had a mean width of 15.82 mm, and the width of the distal insertion of the structure on the ITB was 13.27 mm. The mean length of the structure was 26.33 mm on its distal border and 21.88 mm on its proximal border. The qualitative evaluation of behavior in internal rotation revealed that this anatomic structure became tensioned and created a tenodesis effect on the ITB. Conclusion: There is a consistent structure that attaches to the deep ITB and the femoral epicondylar area. The orientation of fibers suggests that it may have a role in anterolateral knee stability. Clinical Relevance: This new anatomic description may help surgeons to optimize technical aspects of lateral extra-articular procedures in cases of anterolateral knee laxity.
Disc and nerve root findings on lumbar MRI with straightened v
s flexed hips and knees—pilot study
Authors: Espeland Ansgar , Dalen Nina 
Published: January 2019

Objective:
To compare disc and nerve root findings, image quality, and pain between supine lumbar MRI positions with straightened v s flexed hips and knees.

Methods:
In this prospective pilot study, 14 adults with sciatica or suspected lumbar radiculopathy underwent MRI supine with their hips and knees flexed and then straightened. For each position, two experienced radiologists assessed disc contour, location/size of disc herniation, nerve root affection, image quality, image evaluation difficulty, and sagittal angles between the vertebral bodies at each disc level L3-S1. Patients scored pain (0–10) after MRI in each position. We compared MRI assessments and mean pain scores (t-test, log-transformation) between the two positions.

Results:
We found no clear difference in disc bulges, disc herniation, nerve root affection, image quality, or image evaluation difficulty between MRI with straightened v s flexed knees/hips. Herniation size differed ≤ 0.6 mm between the two positions. Sagittal angles between neighboring vertebral bodies differed ≤3.8°. Mean pain score after MRI with straightened v s flexed knees/hips was 4.64 v s 3.29 (p = 0.005).

Conclusion:
In this pilot study, supine lumbar MRI with straightened vs flexed hips/knees showed similar disc and nerve root findings. The straightened position appeared more painful.

Advances in knowledge:
In previous studies, spondylolisthesis increased on supine MRI with straightened v s flexed lower limbs, but corresponding data on disc findings were lacking. In this pilot study, supine lumbar MRI with straightened rather than flexed hips and knees was more painful and did not improve the diagnosis of disc or nerve root findings.
(Non-)Precautionary Cash Hoarding and the Evolution of Growth Firms
Authors: Boot Arnoud , Vladimirov Vladimir 
Published: January 2019

We analyze whether growth firms should delay current investment to hoard cash in order to reduce dilution from external financing. This hoarding motive is the natural counterpart to saving cash as a precaution to help secure funding for future investment opportunities. However, the two motives lead to fundamentally different implications for hoarding and for how cash interacts with key financial and investment decisions. In particular, our paper contributes to understanding why firms choosing private over public financing hoard less, and why product market competition has an ambivalent impact on the public–private choice. This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.