bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of low-dose craniocervical computed tomography angiography with a lower tube voltage protocol
Authors: Chen Po-An , Chen Chih-Wei , Chou Chiung-Chen , Fu Jui-Hsun , Wang Po-Chin , Hsu Shuo-Hsiu , Lai Ping-Hong 
Published: February 2019

Background Craniocervical computed tomography angiography (CCCTA) is widely used for the clinical assessment of craniocervical vessels. Purpose To investigate and compare the image quality and radiation doses associated with lower-dose (100 and 80 kVp) CCCTA protocols versus the conventional 120-kVp protocol. Material and Methods This study enrolled 120 patients and randomly divided them into three groups: group A = 120 kVp; group B = 100 kVp; and group C = 80 kVp. Patients in all three groups were scanned in a 256-slice CT machine at a slice thickness of 0.625 mm. We compared the quantitative and qualitative image quality and radiation doses among the groups. The κ test was used to estimate the inter-observer reliability of image quality evaluations performed independently by two experienced radiologists. Results Arterial attenuation of the head, neck, and shoulder regions was significantly higher in both groups B and C than in group A. In addition, no significant inter-group differences were observed in the signal-to-noise ratio or contrast-to-noise ratio in the head and neck regions. Both groups B and C had a lower CT dose index and dose-length product relative to group A. Regarding subjective image quality, group B yielded significantly better image quality than group A and C, while groups A and C did not differ significantly. The subjective quality analysis had good inter-observer reliability (κ = 0.785). Conclusion In CCCTA, the 100-kVp protocol increased arterial enhancement, reduced the radiation dose, and would not cause prominent streak artifacts. This protocol should be considered for CCCTA.
Clinical prognostic significance of serum high mobility group box-1 protein in patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Lu Huasong , Zeng Nengyong , Chen Quanfang , Wu Yanbin , Cai Shuanqi , Li Gengshen , Li Fei , Kong Jinliang 
Published: February 2019

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB-1) levels and prognosis in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods This prospective study included 35 patients who attended our hospital from January 2016 to December 2016. Pneumonia severity was defined by pneumonia severity index (PSI). Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), cortisol, and HMGB-1 were analyzed in relation to disease severity and clinical outcome. Results High HMGB-1 levels were associated with high cortisol levels. High HMGB-1 and high cortisol were both significantly associated with high white blood cell count and high serum CRP, compared with low HMGB-1 and low cortisol, respectively. PSI score and 30-day mortality were also significantly higher in patients with high HMGB-1 or high cortisol levels compared with patients with low HMGB-1 or cortisol levels, respectively. CRP, cortisol, and HMGB-1 levels were all significantly higher in patients who died compared with survivors. Conclusion HMGB-1 was associated with clinical outcomes and was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality in patients with CAP. Serum HMGB-1 levels were also positively correlated with serum levels of cortisol. These results demonstrate a role for HMGB-1 in CAP, and suggest possible new therapeutic targets for patients with CAP.
Relationship between intercondylar notch angle and anterior cruciate ligament injury: a magnetic resonance imaging analysis
Authors: Huang Mengquan , Li Yubiao , Guo Naiming , Liao Chunlai , Yu Bin 
Published: February 2019

Objectives This study was performed to compare the intercondylar notch angle (INA) and tibial slope in patients with and without anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and determine the risk factors and influence of these anatomic variations on ACL injury. Methods Participants with and without non-contact ACL injuries were included in the patient and control groups, respectively. The INA (formed by the femoral axis and Blumensaat line), lateral tibial slope (LTS), and medial tibial slope (MTS) were measured on magnetic resonance images. Comparisons were performed between the two groups. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the influence of the variables on ACL injury. Results Fifty-two participants were included in each group. The INA was significantly smaller and the LTS was significantly greater in the patients than in the controls. No difference was found in the MTS between the two groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the combination of the INA and LTS was 0.776 (95% confidence interval, 0.688–0.864). Conclusions The INA was smaller and the LTS was greater in patients with than without ACL tears. The INA in combination with the LTS could be used to predict ACL injury.
Predictors of allodynia in persons with migraine: Results from the Migraine in America Symptoms and Treatment (MAST) study
Authors: Dodick David W , Reed Michael L , Fanning Kristina M , Munjal Sagar , Alam Aftab , Buse Dawn C , Schwedt Todd J , Lipton Richard B 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundCutaneous allodynia is a common clinical feature of migraine that has been associated with reduced efficacy of acute migraine treatments and an increased risk of disease progression.ObjectiveIdentify factors associated with allodynia in a sample of adults with migraine.MethodsAn online survey panel was used to identify adults with migraine who averaged at least 1 monthly headache day over the previous 3 months. Data on sociodemographics, headache frequency, headache pain intensity, migraine symptom severity, medication use, depression and anxiety, and cutaneous allodynia (via the Allodynia Symptom Checklist) were obtained. Binary logistic modeling predicted the presence of allodynia. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.ResultsIn total, 15,133 individuals with migraine met the eligibility criteria. Mean age was 43.1 years, 73.0% were female, and 81.0% were Caucasian. Allodynia was present in 39.9%. The fully adjusted model, controlling for sociodemographics and headache features, demonstrated that allodynia was significantly associated with a higher migraine symptom severity score (odds ratio 1.17, confidence interval 1.15, 1.19) and more severe pain intensity (odds ratio 1.11, confidence interval 1.08, 1.14); probable depression and/or anxiety (odds ratio 1.83, confidence interval 1.67, 2.00); and overuse of acute medication (odds ratio 1.23, confidence interval 1.09, 1.38). A higher number of monthly headache days increased the likelihood of allodynia, but the effect was attenuated in the fully adjusted model.ConclusionIn a representative sample of US adults with migraine, there were significant associations between allodynia and headache frequency and intensity, anxiety and/or depression, symptom severity, and acute medication overuse.
Current Use and Impact on 30-Day Mortality of Pulmonary Artery Catheter in Cardiogenic Shock Patients: Results From the CardShock Study
Authors: Sionis Alessandro , Rivas-Lasarte Mercedes , Mebazaa Alexandre , Tarvasmäki Tuukka , Sans-Roselló Jordi , Tolppanen Heli , Varpula Marjut , Jurkko Raija , Banaszewski Marek , Silva-Cardoso Jose , Carubelli Valentina , Lindholm Matias Greve , Parissis John , Spinar Jindrich , Lassus Johan , Harjola Veli-Pekka , Masip Josep 
Published: February 2019

Background: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the most life-threatening manifestation of acute heart failure. Its complexity and high in-hospital mortality may justify the need for invasive monitoring with a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). Methods: Patients with CS included in the CardShock Study, an observational, prospective, multicenter, European registry, were analyzed, aiming to describe the real-world use of PAC, evaluate its impact on 30-day mortality, and the ability of different hemodynamic parameters to predict outcomes. Results: Pulmonary artery catheter was used in 82 (37.4%) of the 219 patients. Cardiogenic shock patients who managed with a PAC received more frequently treatment with inotropes and vasopressors, mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, and mechanical assist devices ( P < .01). Overall 30-day mortality was 36.5%. Pulmonary artery catheter use did not affect mortality even after propensity score matching analysis (hazard ratio = 1.17 [0.59-2.32], P = .66). Cardiac index, cardiac power index (CPI), and stroke volume index (SVI) showed the highest areas under the curve for 30-day mortality (ranging from 0.752-0.803) and allowed for a significant net reclassification improvement of 0.467 (0.083-1.180), 0.700 (0.185-1.282), 0.683 (0.168-1.141), respectively, when added to the CardShock risk score. Conclusions: In our contemporary cohort of CS, over one-third of patients were managed with a PAC. Pulmonary artery catheter use was associated with a more aggressive treatment strategy. Nevertheless, PAC use was not associated with 30-day mortality. Cardiac index, CPI, and SVI were the strongest 30-day mortality predictors on top of the previously validated CardShock risk score.
Comparative preclinical evaluation of a polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stent in porcine coronary arteries
Authors: Sperling Christian , Waliszewski Matthias W. , Kherad Behrouz , Krackhardt Florian 
Published: February 2019

Background: Polymer-free drug-eluting stents (DES) without permanent-polymer coating may be associated with rapid vessel healing, providing a rationale to reduce dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The aim of the current study was to compare vessel healing of a polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stent (PF-SES), its bare metal stent (BMS) analogue to a permanent polymer-based sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) with proven effectiveness in porcine coronary arteries. Material and methods: An ultrathin-strut cobalt–chromium PF-SES, its BMS analogue and an SES with a permanent polymer were used to study vessel healing and their antistenotic potential. Stents were implanted in porcine coronary arteries for histopathologic analysis at 7, 28 and 180 days. In an additional in vitro study, the thrombogenicity of PF-SES was compared with a fluoropolymer-coated everolimus-eluting stent (EES) which demonstrated low stent thrombosis rates in numerous studies. Results: In the animal study, neointimal growth and injury scores were minimal and inflammation scores were low in the neointima and adventitia in all study groups. After 28 days, neointimal area was lowest in PF-SES when compared with SES and BMS (1.48 ± 0.55 mm² versus 2.43 ± 0.69 mm² versus 1.90 ± 0.85 mm², respectively, p < 0.05) and endothelialization of luminal surfaces was nearly complete in all groups, though SES show the least coverage with occasional adherent luminal inflammatory cells ( p > 0.05). At 180 days, neointimal area and thickness were most pronounced in SES ( p < 0.05) and comparable with BMS implantations, which were characterized by nearly completed vessel healing. PF-SES and BMS had complete endothelialization, absence of fibrin and sustained low inflammatory reaction when compared with the permanent polymer-based SES (inflammation score: PF-SES 0.41 ± 0.74 versus SES 2.52 ± 1.72 versus BMS 0.30 ± 0.65, respectively, p < 0.05 BMS versus SES). Granuloma formation and fibrin accumulation were most pronounced in SES but did not reach statistical significance, p > 0.05). In the in vitro thrombogenicity study, the PF-SES confirmed comparable antithrombogenic properties with regard to the parameters fibrin and platelet binding, and platelet aggregation when compared with the EES. Conclusions: As compared with BMS, the ultrathin-strut cobalt–chromium PF-SES showed similar endothelialization at 28 days and comparable healing characteristics at 180 days efficacious inhibition of neointimal proliferation in porcine coronary arteries with low inflammation responses and a BMS-like endothelialization at 180 days. In addition, in an in vitro model, the PF-SES also confirmed low thrombogenicity as compared with the EES.
Efficacy of Vitrectomy and Macular Hole Repair in Eyes With Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Ismail Omar M. , Mason Lauren , Mason John O. 
Published: February 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine the efficacy of macular hole repair in eyes with coexisting dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of charts of 25 patients (27 eyes) diagnosed with mild to moderate dry AMD who underwent macular hole repair via 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy between 2014 and 2016. Data of interest included anatomic failure rates, complication rates, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) preoperatively, and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. When available, data at each patient’s most recent visit were also analyzed. Results: Macular hole repair resulted in a statistically significant ( P < .05) visual improvement postoperatively, with BCVA increasing from 20/141 preoperatively to 20/33 1 year postoperatively. Mean BCVA at most recent visit was 20/41. Mean duration of follow-up was 13 months (range, 1-39 months). One of 27 (3.7%) macular holes failed to close after vitrectomy. One of 27 eyes (3.7%) progressed from dry to wet AMD. Four of 27 additional eyes (18.5%) were noted to have worsening of their AMD on exam over the course of follow-up. Conclusions: Macular hole repair in patients with coexisting dry AMD leads to a significant improvement in visual performance and has a low risk of failure or complication.
Ubiquitin-activating enzyme inhibition induces an unfolded protein response and overcomes drug resistance in myeloma
Authors: Zhuang Junling , Shirazi Fazal , Singh Ram Kumar , Kuiatse Isere , Wang Hua , Lee Hans C. , Berkova Zuzana , Berger Allison , Hyer Marc , Chattopadhyay Nibedita , Syed Sakeena , Shi Judy Qiuju , Yu Jie , Shinde Vaishali , Tirrell Stephen , Jones Richard Julian , Wang Zhiqiang , Davis R. Eric , Orlowski Robert Z. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Three proteasome inhibitors have garnered regulatory approvals in various multiple myeloma settings; but drug resistance is an emerging challenge, prompting interest in blocking upstream components of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. One such attractive target is the E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme (UAE); we therefore evaluated the activity of TAK-243, a novel and specific UAE inhibitor. TAK-243 potently suppressed myeloma cell line growth, induced apoptosis, and activated caspases while decreasing the abundance of ubiquitin-protein conjugates. This was accompanied by stabilization of many short-lived proteins, including p53, myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1), and c-MYC, and activation of the activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE-1), and protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK) arms of the ER stress response pathway, as well as oxidative stress. UAE inhibition showed comparable activity against otherwise isogenic cell lines with wild-type (WT) or deleted p53 despite induction of TP53 signaling in WT cells. Notably, TAK-243 overcame resistance to conventional drugs and novel agents in cell-line models, including bortezomib and carfilzomib resistance, and showed activity against primary cells from relapsed/refractory myeloma patients. In addition, TAK-243 showed strong synergy with a number of antimyeloma agents, including doxorubicin, melphalan, and panobinostat as measured by low combination indices. Finally, TAK-243 was active against a number of in vivo myeloma models in association with activation of ER stress. Taken together, the data support the conclusion that UAE inhibition could be an attractive strategy to move forward to the clinic for patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma.
El director escolar en Argentina: Un actor clave pero (aún) invisible. Un estudio sobre las normas, condiciones laborales y formación de los directores escolares de escuelas públicas
Authors: Romero Claudia , Krichesky Gabriela 
Published: February 2019

El liderazgo directivo es un tema estratégico de política educativa. Las investigaciones especializadas han generado, durante la última década, evidencias fuertes sobre la centralidad de la función directiva en la mejora de los procesos de enseñanza y el logro de buenos resultados de aprendizaje; ésta se define incluso como el “segundo factor intra-escolar de importancia”. Sin embargo, en América Latina en general y en Argentina en particular, esto contrasta con la falta de investigación sistemática sobre el tema y con iniciativas aisladas de políticas focalizadas en fortalecer el liderazgo directivo. Este artículo recoge aspectos centrales de un estudio cuyo objetivo es producir y analizar información relevante sobre los directores escolares en la Argentina en tres dimensiones: (a) la normativa que regula las funciones y competencias de los directores, (b) las condiciones de trabajo y contratación a las que están sujetos, y (c) la oferta de formación existente para este colectivo. Aún con las limitaciones del caso, ya que el estudio se basa exclusivamente en el sector público que representa aproximadamente el 70% de la oferta educativa, este trabajo ofrece información clave para comprender la situación actual de los directores escolares en el país y pretende ser una contribución a ulteriores análisis regionales comparados y a la producción de políticas destinadas al desarrollo, fortalecimiento y profesionalización de la función directiva como factor de mejora escolar.
Elevated Uncertainty during the Financial Crisis: Do Effects on Subjective Well-Being Differ across European Countries?
Authors: Tonzer Lena 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
This paper focuses on the effect of uncertainty as reflected by financial market variables on subjective well-being. The analysis is based on Eurobarometer surveys, covering 18 countries over the period 2000–2013. Individuals report lower levels of life satisfaction in times of higher uncertainty approximated by stock market volatility. This effect is heterogeneous across respondents: the probability of being unsatisfied is higher for respondents who are older, unemployed, less educated, and live in one of the GIIPS countries of the Euro area. Furthermore, higher uncertainty in combination with a financial crisis increases the probability of reporting low values of life satisfaction.
Necroptosis and Apoptosis Contribute to Cisplatin and Aminoglycoside Ototoxicity
Authors: Ruhl Douglas , Du Ting-Ting , Wagner Elizabeth L. , Choi Jeong Hwan , Li Sihan , Reed Robert , Kim Kitae , Freeman Michael , Hashisaki George , Lukens John R. , Shin Jung-Bum 
Published: February 2019

Ototoxic side effects of cisplatin and aminoglycosides have been extensively studied, but no therapy is available to date. Sensory hair cells, upon exposure to cisplatin or aminoglycosides, undergo apoptotic and necrotic cell death. Blocking these cell death pathways has therapeutic potential in theory, but incomplete protection and lack of therapeutic targets in the case of necrosis, has hampered the development of clinically applicable drugs. Over the past decade, a novel form of necrosis, termed necroptosis, was established as an alternative cell death pathway. Necroptosis is distinguished from passive necrotic cell death, in that it follows a cellular program, involving the receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 1 and RIPK3. In this study, we used pharmacological and genetic interventions in the mouse to test the relative contributions of necroptosis and caspase-8-mediated apoptosis toward cisplatin and aminoglycoside ototoxicity. We find thatex vivo, only apoptosis contributes to cisplatin and aminoglycoside ototoxicity, whilein vivo, necroptosis as well as apoptosis are involved in both sexes. Inhibition of necroptosis and apoptosis using pharmacological compounds is thus a viable strategy to ameliorate aminoglycoside and cisplatin ototoxicity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe clinical application of cisplatin and aminoglycosides is limited due to ototoxic side effects. Here, using pharmaceutical and genetic intervention, we present evidence that two types of programmed cell death, apoptosis and necroptosis, contribute to aminoglycoside and cisplatin ototoxicity. Key molecular factors mediating necroptosis are well characterized and druggable, presenting new avenues for pharmaceutical intervention.
Rod Photoresponse Kinetics Limit Temporal Contrast Sensitivity in Mesopic Vision
Authors: Umino Yumiko , Guo Ying , Chen Ching-Kang , Pasquale Rose , Solessio Eduardo 
Published: February 2019

The mammalian visual system operates over an extended range of ambient light levels by switching between rod and cone photoreceptors. Rod-driven vision is sluggish, highly sensitive, and operates in dim or scotopic lights, whereas cone-driven vision is brisk, less sensitive, and operates in bright or photopic lights. At intermediate or mesopic lights, vision transitions seamlessly from rod-driven to cone-driven, despite the profound differences in rod and cone response dynamics. The neural mechanisms underlying such a smooth handoff are not understood. Using an operant behavior assay, electrophysiological recordings, and mathematical modeling we examined the neural underpinnings of the mesopic visual transition in mice of either sex. We found that rods, but not cones, drive visual sensitivity to temporal light variations over much of the mesopic range. Surprisingly, speeding up rod photoresponse recovery kinetics in transgenic mice improved visual sensitivity to slow temporal variations, in the range where perceptual sensitivity is governed by Weber's law of sensation. In contrast, physiological processes acting downstream from phototransduction limit sensitivity to high frequencies and temporal resolution. We traced the paradoxical control of visual temporal sensitivity to rod photoresponses themselves. A scenario emerges where perceptual sensitivity is limited by: (1) the kinetics of neural processes acting downstream from phototransduction in scotopic lights, (2) rod response kinetics in mesopic lights, and (3) cone response kinetics as light levels rise into the photopic range.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOur ability to detect flickering lights is constrained by the dynamics of the slowest step in the visual pathway. Cone photoresponse kinetics limit visual temporal sensitivity in bright (photopic) lights, whereas mechanisms in the inner retina limit sensitivity in dim (scotopic) lights. The neural mechanisms underlying the transition between scotopic and photopic vision in mesopic lights, when both rods are cones are active, are unknown. This study provides a missing link in this mechanism by establishing that rod photoresponse kinetics limit temporal sensitivity during the mesopic transition. Surprisingly, this range is where Weber's Law of Sensation governs temporal contrast sensitivity in mouse. Our results will help guide future studies of complex and dynamic interactions between rod–cone signals in the mesopic retina.