bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive reserve as a useful variable to address robotic or conventional upper limb rehabilitation treatment after stroke: a multicentre study of the Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi
Authors: Padua L. , Imbimbo I. , Aprile I. , Loreti C. , Germanotta M. , Coraci D. , Piccinini G. , Pazzaglia C. , Santilli C. , Cruciani A. , Carrozza M. C. ,   the FDG Robotic Rehabilitation Group
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackground and purposeRehabilitation plays a central role in stroke recovery. Besides conventional therapy, technological treatments have become available. The effectiveness and appropriateness of technological rehabilitation are not yet well defined; hence, research focused on different variables impacting recovery is needed. Results from the literature identified cognitive reserve (CR) as a variable impacting on the cognitive outcome. In this paper, the aim was to evaluate whether CR influences the motor outcome in patients after stroke treated with conventional or robotic therapy and whether it may influence one treatment rather than another.MethodsSeventy‐five stroke patients were enrolled in five Italian neurological rehabilitation centres. Patients were assigned either to a robotic group, rehabilitation by means of robotic devices, or to a conventional group, where a traditional approach was used. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after rehabilitation treatment of 6 weeks through the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Motricity Index (MI) and the Barthel Index (BI). CR was assessed at baseline using the Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI) questionnaire.ResultsConsidering all patients, a weak correlation was found between the CRI related to leisure time and MI evolution (r= 0.276;P = 0.02). Amongst the patients who performed a robotic rehabilitation, a moderate correlation emerged between the CRI related to working activities and MI evolution (r= 0.422;P = 0.02).ConclusionsOur results suggest that CR may influence the motor outcome. For each patient, CR and its subcategories should be considered in the choice between conventional and robotic treatment.
Early reduced dopaminergic tone mediated by D3 receptor and dopamine transporter in absence epileptogenesis
Authors: Cavarec Fanny , Krauss Philipp , Witkowski Tiffany , Broisat Alexis , Ghezzi Catherine , De Gois Stéphanie , Giros Bruno , Depaulis Antoine , Deransart Colin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveIn Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats From Strasbourg (GAERSs), epileptogenesis takes place during brain maturation and correlates with increased mRNA expression of D3 dopamine receptors (D3R). Whether these alterations are the consequence of seizure repetition or contribute to the development of epilepsy remains to be clarified. Here, we addressed the involvement of the dopaminergic system in epilepsy onset in GAERSs.MethodsExperiments were performed using rats at different stages of brain maturation from three strains according to their increasing propensity to develop absence seizures: nonepileptic control rats (NECs), Wistar Hannover rats, and GAERSs. Changes in dopaminergic neurotransmission were investigated using different behavioral and neurochemical approaches: autoradiography of D3R and dopamine transporter, single photon emission computed tomographic imaging, acute and chronic drug effects on seizure recordings (dopaminergic agonists and antagonists), quinpirole‐induced yawns and dopamine synaptosomal uptake, microdialysis, brain tissue monoamines, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor quantification.ResultsAutoradiography revealed an increased expression of D3R in 14‐day‐old GAERSs, before absence seizure onset, that persists in adulthood, as compared to age‐matched NECs. This was confirmed by increased yawns, a marker of D3R activity, and increased seizures when animals were injected with quinpirole at low doses to activate D3R. We also observed a concomitant increase in the expression and activity of the dopamine transporter in GAERSs before seizure onset, consistent with both lowered dopamine basal level and increased phasic responses.SignificanceOur data show that the dopaminergic system is persistently altered in GAERSs, which may contribute not only to behavioral comorbidities but also as an etiopathogenic factor in the development of epilepsy. The data suggest that an imbalanced dopaminergic tone may contribute to absence epilepsy development and seizure onset, as its reversion by a chronic treatment with a dopamine stabilizer significantly suppressed epileptogenesis. Our data suggest a potential new target for antiepileptic therapies and/or improvement of quality of life of epileptic patients.
Silver centers luminescence in phosphate glasses subjected to X‐Rays or combined X‐rays and femtosecond laser exposure
Authors: Guérineau Théo , Cova Francesca , Petit Yannick , Abou Khalil Alain , Fargues Alexandre , Dussauze Marc , Danto Sylvain , Vedda Anna , Canioni Lionel , Cardinal Thierry 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe generation of silver species has been investigated in silver‐containing sodo‐gallo‐phosphate glasses subjected to X‐ray irradiations. Radioluminescence spectroscopy has evidenced the presence of isolated and paired silver ions. The proportion of silver pairing is found dominant in ortho‐phosphate glass compositions, compared to poly‐phosphate counterparts. The phosphate glass network is reported to have a decisive impact on X‐Ray photosensitivity and the formation of luminescent silver species, namely Ag2+ hole trap silver ions and Agmx+ silver clusters. The subsistence of femtosecond laser produced silver luminescent structures under X‐Ray irradiation has been demonstrated.
Coordinated optimized scheduling of locks and transshipment in inland waterway transportation using binary NSGA‐II
Authors: Ji Bin , Sun Hongjun , Yuan Xiaohui , Yuan Yanbin , Wang Xiaorong 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTraffic congestion in inland waterways caused by insufficient throughput capacity of locks has become a compelling problem in developed inland shipping countries. In order to avoid excessive time wasted in waiting for lock service, it is suggested that some types of cargoes should be unloaded at the quays and transported by road/train to their destinations, which is called water–land transshipment. By this means, the ships are divided into two groups that either pass the lock or are transshipped at the quays, engendering the lock and water–land transshipment co‐scheduling (LWTC) problem. This paper focuses on the LWTC, where the roll‐on roll‐off ships, passenger ships, and general cargo ships that can be transshipped and other ships that can only pass the lock are considered in a lock‐quay co‐scheduling system. The LWTC problem is decomposed into an outer‐layer main 0‐1 optimization problem and two inner‐layer subproblems: lock scheduling and berth allocation. A multiobjective optimization model is proposed for the LWTC problem based on its two‐layer structure. To solve the LWTC problem, a hybrid heuristic method is proposed, where a modified binary nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II is proposed to solve the main problem, and the two subproblems are solved by specific heuristics. The proposed model and hybrid method are tested on instances extracted from historical data of traffic at Three Gorges Dam, the results of which demonstrate the feasibility of the model and the superiority of the proposed hybrid heuristic method over other comparisons.
Thermochemistry of the ZrO2–SrO System: From enthalpies of formation and heat capacities of the compounds to the phase diagram
Authors: Gong Weiping , Xie Yun , Zhao Zhentin , Li Yajie , Navrotsky Alexandra 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe thermodynamics of the ZrO2–SrO system is of interest for the optimization of synthesis and applications of functional materials and high‐temperature structural ceramics. Earlier data on phase relationships and thermodynamic properties of the system are unfortunately scattered and inconsistent. In this study, the compounds Srn+1ZrnO3n+1 (n = 3, 2, and 1) were prepared by solid‐state reaction. Their heat capacities from 573 to 1273 K were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and their enthalpies of formation from component oxides at 298 K were determined by high‐temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. The CALPHAD method was used to assess the ZrO2–SrO system, using both available literature data and our new measurements. A self‐consistent thermodynamic database and the calculated phase diagram of the ZrO2–SrO system are provided. This work is a prerequisite for accurate predictions of the relationships among the composition, temperature, and microstructure of complex functional and structural materials containing ZrO2 and SrO.
Inheritance and the Family
Authors: Pedersen Jørgen , Bøyum Steinar 
Published: September 2019

AbstractInherited wealth will be of increasing importance in years to come. Yet inheritance taxation is unpopular, and part of this unpopularity is due to family concerns. Such taxation is seen by many as morally problematic because it is taken to violate important family values. In this article, we explore five family arguments against inheritance taxation: firstly, whether we have a right to benefit our children; secondly, whether it is a virtue to benefit one's children; thirdly, whether children have a right to their parent's belongings, due to common ownership; fourthly, whether inheritance taxation may impair a vital sense of continuity and belonging; and lastly, an argument from incentives that appeals specifically to the relation between parents and children. We conclude that none of the arguments provide strong objections against a moderate or even a high inheritance tax rate, at least not when special provisions are made for things like family houses or farms. However, since the arguments all introduce concerns that should be assigned some weight, it would be unjust to abolish inheritance entirely.
Anatomic predictors of late right inferior pulmonary vein reconnection in the setting of second‐generation cryoballoon ablation
Authors: Terasawa Muryo , Chierchia Gian‐Battista , Takarada Ken , Rizzo Alessandro , Maj Riccardo , Borio Gianluca , Osório Thiago Guimarães , Scala Oriana , Galli Alessio , Al Housari Maysam , Tanaka Kaoru , Sieira Juan , Brugada Pedro , de Asmundis Carlo , Ströker Erwin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV) accounts as the most frequently reconnected vein after pulmonary vein isolation using second‐generation cryoballoon ablation (CB‐A). Our objective was to assess anatomic predictors of late RIPV reconnection based on preprocedural computed tomography scan.MethodsPatients with a repeat procedure for atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after index CB‐A procedure were included. A total of 129 RIPVs were evaluated for ostial diameters, ostial area, and branching pattern. Interior angle between RIPV and horizontal line in the frontal/transversal plane was used to measure the RIPV orientation: RIPV frontal/transversal angle, respectively. In addition, interior angle between RIPV and the line perpendicular on the septal intersection line at the level of the fossa ovalis, estimated as trans‐septal (TS) puncture site, was measured in the frontal/transversal view: RIPV‐TS frontal/transversal angle, respectively.ResultsLate vein reconnection was present in 36/129 RIPVs (28%). Warmer balloon nadir temperature (P = .01), more inferior (P < .001) and posterior (P < .01) RIPV orientation (ie, more positive RIPV frontal and RIPV transversal angle, respectively), and sharper RIPV‐TS frontal angle (P < .001) were associated with late RIPV reconnection on univariate analysis. Independent variables after multivariate analysis were nadir temperature (odds ratio [OR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03‐1.23; P = .013) and RIPV frontal angle (OR, 1.13, CI, 1.07‐1.19; P < .001).ConclusionFrontal RIPV orientation could significantly predict late RIPV electrical reconnection after CB‐A. Therefore, preprocedural anatomic assessment of the RIPV might be useful to plan the correct ablation strategy.
Non‐invasively quantified changes in left ventricular activation predict outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Friedman Daniel J. , Emerek Kasper , Hansen Steen Møller , Polcwiartek Christoffer , Sørensen Peter L. , Loring Zak , Sutter Joanne , Søgaard Peter , Kisslo Joseph , Graff Claus , Atwater Brett D. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundChanges in left ventricular (LV) activation after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) influence survival but are difficult to quantify noninvasively.Methods and ResultsWe studied 527 CRT patients to assess whether noninvasive quantification of changes in LV activation, defined by change (Δ) in QRS area (QRSA), can predict outcomes after CRT. The study outcome was time until LV assist device(LVAD), cardiac transplant, or death. The three‐dimensional QRSA was measured from clinical 12 lead ECGs which were transformed into vectorcardiograms using the Kors method. QRSA was calculated as (QRSx2 + QRSy2 + QRSz2)1/2; ΔQRSA was calculated as post‐QRSA minus pre‐QRSA, where a negative value represents a reduction in LV activation delay. Kaplan–Meier plots and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to relate ΔQRSA area with outcomes after stratifying the population into quartiles of ΔQRSA. The median baseline QRSA of 93.6 µVs decreased to 59.7 µVs after CRT. Progressive reductions in QRSA with CRT were associated with a lower rate of LVAD, transplant, or death across patient quartiles (P < .001). In Cox regression analyses, ΔQRSA was associated with outcomes independent of QRS morphology and other clinical variables (Q1[greatest decrease] vs Q4[smallest change=reference], HR 0.45, CI, 0.30‐0.70, P < .001). There was no interaction between ΔQRSA and QRS morphology.ConclusionsCRT induced ΔQRSA was associated with clinically meaningful changes in event‐free survival. ΔQRSA may be a novel target to guide lead implantation and device optimization.
Machine learning and blood pressure
Authors: Santhanam Prasanna , Ahima Rexford S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMachine learning (ML) is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) based on pattern recognition. There are different forms of supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms that are being used to identify and predict blood pressure (BP) and other measures of cardiovascular risk. Since 1999, starting with neural network methods, ML has been used to gauge the relationship between BP and pulse wave forms. Since then, the scope of the research has expanded to using different cardiometabolic risk factors like BMI, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio in concert with BP and its various pharmaceutical agents to estimate biochemical measures (like HDL cholesterol, LDL and total cholesterol, fibrinogen, and uric acid) as well as effectiveness of anti‐hypertensive regimens. Data from large clinical trials like the SPRINT are being re‐analyzed by ML methods to unearth new findings and identify unique relationships between predictors and outcomes. In summary, AI and ML methods are gaining immense attention in the management of chronic disease. Elevated BP is a very important early metric for the risk of development of cardiovascular and renal injury; therefore, advances in AI and ML will aid in early disease prediction and intervention.
Establishment and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from central nervous system lupus erythematosus
Authors: De Angelis Maria Teresa , Santamaria Gianluca , Parrotta Elvira Immacolata , Scalise Stefania , Lo Conte Michela , Gasparini Sara , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Aguglia Umberto , Ciampi Clara , Sgura Antonella , Cuda Giovanni 
Published: September 2019

AbstractInvolvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is an uncommon feature in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), making diagnosis rather difficult and challenging due to the poor specificity of neuropathic symptoms and neurological symptoms. In this work, we used human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from CNS‐SLE patient, with the aim to dissect the molecular insights underlying the disease by gene expression analysis and modulation of implicated pathways. CNS‐SLE‐derived hiPSCs allowed us to provide evidence of Erk and Akt pathways involvement and to identify a novel cohort of potential biomarkers, namely CHCHD2, IDO1, S100A10, EPHA4 and LEFTY1, never reported so far. We further extended the study analysing a panel of oxidative stress‐related miRNAs and demonstrated, under normal or stress conditions, a strong dysregulation of several miRNAs in CNS‐SLE‐derived compared to control hiPSCs. In conclusion, we provide evidence that iPSCs reprogrammed from CNS‐SLE patient are a powerful useful tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and to eventually develop innovative therapeutic approaches.
Tuscan consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Prignano F. , Pescitelli L. , Giani I. , Dini V. , Romanelli M. ,   and the Tuscany HS Working Group
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundA rationalized model of clinical and therapeutic management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) should place the patients at the heart of the process, facilitating their access to diagnostic tests and treatments, providing the appropriate care for each grade of disease severity and optimizing the use of healthcare resources, both in economic and human terms.Material and methodsThis paper reports the results of a Consensus of the Tuscany HS working group for a rationalized model of diagnosis and management of HS.ResultsThe diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, the available technological equipments and the management models, are presented in the light of today's scientific evidence.ConclusionThe goal of the Consensus is to bring the issue of HS management to the attention of the Tuscan regional government, in order to create unanimously accepted diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.
Hidradenitis suppurativa epidemiology: from the first Italian registry in 2009 to the most recent epidemiology updates – Italian Registry Hidradenitis Suppurativa project 2
Authors: Bettoli V. , Cazzaniga S. , Scuderi V. , Zedde P. , Di Landro A. , Naldi L. ,   the IRHIS Group
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is still not fully established with only a few studies reporting its estimates. Prevalence estimates range from 5:10 000 to 4:100. These extremely large variations could be explained by a combination of factors, including different selection procedures, different diagnostic criteria, and variations in the sex and age distribution of the examined samples.ObjectivesTo analyze variations between two consecutive Italian Registries on HS.MethodsData obtained from the second Italian Registry on HS, named ‘Italian Registry Hidradenitis Suppurativa (IRHIS) Project 2’, are compared to the previous first Italian registry on HS.ResultsData on 944 patients are reported. The more relevant aspects that characterize IRHIS 2 project, in comparison with the previous first Italian Registry on HS, are as follows: (i) the total number of patients, about fourfold higher; (ii) a more uniform national geographic distribution of the patient population; (iii) a larger number of dermatology units involved; (iv) a larger number of items considered in the data collection; (v) 6 years of difference between the onset of the two registries (2009–2013 vs. 2015–2019). Comparing data of the two registries, there are no statistically significant differences in terms of age at the time of the visit, gender, BMI, smoking habits, age at onset and age at first diagnosis by physician. Interestingly, the mean Sartorius score in the IRHIS project 2 (58.8) was significantly lower compared to the first Italian Registry (78.4).ConclusionsThe importance of the registries, at both national and international levels, in collecting useful real‐life data is confirmed by these two Italian projects.
Improving the disease awareness: how a communication campaign brings hidradenitis suppurativa to the light
Authors: Ribero S. , Dapavo P. , Casalegno C. ,   the HS Awareness Working Group
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa is an inflammatory skin disease that presents a recurrence of painful and suppurating lesions in the apocrine gland‐bearing regions, with a strong impact on the patients’ life quality. Despite its peculiar presentation, early forms are often underestimated by patients and this would inevitably result in late diagnosis and delayed therapy.ObjectivesImproved communication around the disease could facilitate self‐diagnosis and a quicker response from healthcare practitioners, especially in this moment when we dispose of effective treatment against this disease.MethodsA HS awareness campaign was conducted for 2 years with the help of a media agency and a patients’ association.ResultsResults confirm that a better communication has a strong impact on the disease awareness.ConclusionsThis paper demonstrates that the more this disease awareness is carried on, the more quick, effective and efficient the patient's management could be.
Successful treatment of co‐existent SAPHO syndrome and hidradenitis suppurativa with adalimumab and methotrexate
Authors: Genovese G. , Caorsi R. , Moltrasio C. , Marzano A.V. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSAPHO syndrome, namely Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis and Osteitis, is a rare autoinflammatory chronic disease presenting with non‐infectious inflammatory osteitis, sterile joint inflammation and skin manifestations, including palmoplantar pustulosis and severe acne. The case of a 15‐year‐old boy affected by SAPHO syndrome and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is presented and discussed. Coexistence of these two diseases may represent a therapeutic challenge and this case confirms literature data reporting the efficacy of the combination of methotrexate and adalimumab in SAPHO complicated by HS.