bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of quality of life and anxiety in heart failure outpatients
Authors: Polikandrioti Maria , Panoutsopoulos Georgios , Tsami Athanasia , Gerogianni Georgia , Saroglou Sofia , Thomai Efthalia , Leventzonis Ioannis 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionHeart failure (HF) is a chronic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality. HF prevalence is expected to expand enormously, largely due to population ageing, rising incidence of HF risk factors and increased survival after cardiovascular events. The aim of the study was to assess levels of quality of life (QOL) and anxiety in HF outpatients and the associated factors as well as to explore the impact of anxiety on QOL.Material and methodsOne hundred HF outpatients were enrolled in the study. Data collection was performed by completion of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and a questionnaire including patients’ characteristics.ResultsOf the 100 HF outpatients, 64% were men and 66% above 70 years old. Regarding QOL, at least 50% of patients scored above 68 (median) in the total score of MLHFQ and in terms of anxiety, 50% scored above 46 (median) in the SAS. These values indicate a large impact of HF on QOL and a moderate impact of HF on anxiety. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was observed between QOL and anxiety in HF outpatients (rho
> 0.6, p < 0.001). An increase in anxiety score by one unit implies a statistically significant increase in QOL by 1.22 points (95% CI: 0.91–1.52, p < 0.001), after adjustment for potential confounders.ConclusionsThe present findings emphasize the importance of alleviating the emotional burden of anxiety, thus improving patients’ QOL.
T wave positivity in lead aVR is associated with mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Dönmez Yurdaer , Urgun Örsan Deniz , Halil Kurt İbrahim 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with increased comorbidity. Lead aVR in surface ECG has valuable information about prediction of mortality in many cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to determine the relationship between ischemic changes in lead aVR and mortality in TAVI patients.Material and methodsWe retrospectively examined 86 patients with TAVI. The ST segment deviation in lead aVR (STaVR) and T wave polarity (TPaVR) on surface ECG were measured. The absolute values of TPaVR and STaVR were calculated. A ratio (TP/STaVR or vice versa) was obtained from the division of the larger absolute value by the smaller one.ResultsThe patients were divided into two groups as living and deceased. The living group had 68 patients, and the deceased group had 18 patients. The number of positive TPaVR patients after TAVI, TPaVR after TAVI, and TP/STaVR ratio after TAVI were significantly higher in the deceased group. The deceased group had a significantly shorter aortic annulus-LMCA distance. Presence of positive TPaVR (OR = 8.765, 95% CI: 1.088–70.618, p = 0.041), aortic annulus-LMCA distance (for each 1 mm increase, OR = 0.306, 95% CI: 0.158–0.595, p < 0.001) and TP/STaVR ratio (for each 0.1 increase, OR = 1.966, 95% CI: 1.276–3.024, p = 0.002) were determined as independent predictors for mortality.ConclusionsIschemic changes in lead aVR may provide valuable information about mortality after TAVI.
Management of rheumatoid arthritis in Poland – where daily practice might not always meet evidence-based guidelines
Authors: Batko Bogdan , Korkosz Mariusz , Juś Anna , Wiland Piotr 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionInternational recommendations are intended to help rheumatologists in the effective management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through an evidence-based approach. This research aimed to evaluate management patterns and associated difficulties encountered by rheumatologists in daily practice.Material and methodsInterviewers recruited 101 Polish rheumatologists in a random quota-based, nationwide sample of outpatient clinics. Quantitative data were input online using a computer-assisted web interview tool.ResultsDisease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are not initiated at the time of diagnosis in 15% of RA patients, most often due to difficulties in patient-provider communication. The RA activity is assessed every 4 to 6 months by 30% of rheumatologists, and 64% of patients are reported to never achieve remission. Composite indices are the most reliable indicators of remission only for 38% of responders. Despite inadequate disease control with ≥ 2 treatment schedules with synthetic DMARDs, 34% of these patients are not considered for biological DMARDs (bDMARDs). Contraindications and reimbursement barriers are the most frequently stated reasons. Therapy with glucocorticoid (GC) lasting over 3 months is reported by 70% of rheumatologists. International recommendations are stated as the most common basis for treatment decisions.ConclusionsAwareness of recommendations is not sufficient to ensure their application in clinical practice. Inadequate management of RA is quite prevalent, with a substantial contribution of non-medical factors. Daily practice mainly deviates from guidelines regarding frequency and mode of monitoring measures, time to DMARD initiation, and duration of GC treatment. Education programs and policy changes may significantly narrow the gap between evidence and practice.
Usefulness of three-dimensional echocardiography for assessment of left and right ventricular volumes in children, verified by cardiac magnetic resonance. Can we overcome the discrepancy?
Authors: Kamińska Halszka , A. Małek Łukasz , Barczuk-Falęcka Marzena , Werner Bożena 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionThe role of three-dimensional echocardiography (3D-ECHO) chamber quantification in children is still underestimated.Material and methodsIn 43 children 3D-ECHO measurements of end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic ventricular volumes (ESV) were compared to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) using Bland-Altman analysis and linear regression. The values of left and right ventricular volumes calculated in 3D-ECHO were compared with each other and verified by CMR.ResultsThe values of LV-EDV and LV-ESV measured in 3D-ECHO showed highly significant correlations with CMR (for LV-EDV r = 0.892, p < 0.00001; for LV-ESV r = 0.896, p < 0.00001). In the case of the right ventricle the correlation of 3D-ECHO results with CMR was still high (RV-EDV r = 0.848, p < 0.00001, RV-ESV r = 0.914, p < 0.00001), although mean RV-EDV and RV-ESV in 3D-ECHO were underestimated compared to CMR (by 38% for RV-EDV and 45% for RV-ESV). Correction of 3D-ECHO results using the coefficient of 1.38 and 1.45 for RV-EDV and RV-ESV, respectively, significantly improved the consistency of the results with CMR. 3D-ECHO offered lower mean values of right ventricular volumes compared to the left ventricle. The discrepancy was again reduced by the calculated coefficients.Conclusions3D-ECHO is a valuable tool for assessment of left ventricular volume, which strongly correlates and agrees with CMR. The right ventricular volumes calculated in 3D-ECHO tend to be significantly underestimated in comparison to CMR and corresponding left ventricular volumes obtained from 3D-ECHO. The use of coefficients developed by the study improves the consistency of right ventricular volumes measured by 3D-ECHO with results obtained by CMR and reduces the volumetric discrepancy between ventricles in 3D-ECHO.
Use of O-arm with neuronavigation in percutaneous vertebroplasty reduces the surgeon’s exposure to intraoperative radiation
Authors: Wojdyn Maciej , Pierzak Olaf , Zapałowicz Krzysztof , Radek Maciej 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionPercutaneous vertebroplasty is commonly used to treat spinal fractures. The authors compare radiation exposure as potential risk for the surgical team during vertebroplasty guided by O-arm combined with neuronavigation versus vertebroplasty guided by C-arm fluoroscopy.Material and methodsThe clinical material consisted of a group of 29 patients (44 vertebrae) with fractures of the thoracolumbar spine treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty guided by O-arm with neuronavigation. In this new method, the operating room staff leaves the operating room for the duration of the 3D scan of the appropriate spine section using the O-arm. In the next stage, the needle of the vertebroplasty system is introduced using only neuronavigation without the need for a radiological view. Finally, the cement injection was made under O-arm fluoroscopic control. The comparison group consisted of a group of 35 patients (40 vertebrae) treated with the classical method using C-arm fluoroscopy. The two methods were compared in terms of the average dose of emitted ionizing radiation through the device (O-arm vs. C-arm) to which surgeons are exposed during percutaneous vertebroplasty.ResultsAs a result of vertebroplasty procedures guided by neuronavigation, a statistically significant difference between the values of mean dose of radiation emitted by O-arm and C-arm systems was noted. The O-arm emitted 912 cGy/cm2 vs. 1722 cGy/cm2 emitted by the C-arm during fluoroscopically assisted procedures and 601.28 cGy/cm2 vs. 1506.86 cGy/cm2 per vertebrae.ConclusionsDuring vertebroplasty with the O-arm combined with neuronavigation the radiation dose is significantly lower as compared with the C-arm used for fluoroscopic guidance, minimizing the potential risk of radiation exposure to surgeons.
KIR2DL2/S2 and KIR2DS5 in alcoholic cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Legaz Isabel , Bolarín Jose Miguel , Navarro Elena , Campillo Jose Antonio , Moya Rosa , Pérez-Cárceles María Dolores , Luna Aurelio , Osuna Eduardo , Miras Manuel , Muro Manuel , Minguela Alfredo , Alvarez López Rocio 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionThe molecular mechanisms underlying alcoholic liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are not completely understood. Hepatic fibrosis involves the interplay of diverse cells and factors, including hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Kupffer, NK cells, and T-lymphocyte subsets. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are membrane receptors involved in mediation between NK and activated HSCs, regulating NK cell function through their interaction with HLA-I molecules. The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic association between KIR genes and the susceptibility to or protection from alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) in a cohort of male AC patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) with and without concomitant viral infections.Material and methodsKIR genotyping was performed in nuclear DNA extracted from 281 AC patients and compared with 319 male controls.ResultsSignificant differences between total AC patients and healthy controls were only found in the case of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS5. KIR2DL2 was significantly underrepresented in non-viral AC patients (52.6% vs. 63.3%; p = 0.015), while patients heterozygous for KIR2DL2 were also underrepresented in the non-viral AC group compared with controls (p = 0.034). KIR2DS5 was overrepresented in this group compared with healthy controls (p = 0.002). All these observations were only evident in AC patients older than 54 years old.ConclusionsOur data suggest a contrary effect of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS5 in AC patients older than 54 years, in whom the presence of KIR2DL2 appears to be protective against AC, whereas the presence of KIR2DS5 seems to promote the fibrotic process, particularly in patients with no associated viral infection.
Evaluation of vertebral bone mineral density in scoliosis by using quantitative computed tomography
Authors: Sarioglu Orkun , Gezer Sinem , Sarioglu Fatme Ceren , Koremezli Nevin , Kara Tolga , Akcali Omer , Ozaksoy Dinc , Balci Ali 
Published: April 2019

PurposeScoliosis is described as a lateral curvature of the spine. We aimed to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with scoliosis by using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and compare the BMD of idiopathic and congenital scoliosis patients.Material and methodsForty-three patients aged 1 to 40 years with idiopathic, congenital, or neuromuscular scoliosis and 41 matched controls of the same sex and approximate age were included in the study. Measurements of BMD were performed by QCT analysis for each vertebral body from T12 to L5, and mean BMD was calculated for each case.ResultsTwenty-two of the patients with scoliosis were idiopathic, 15 were congenital, four were neuromuscular, and two were neurofibromatosis. The mean BMD values of patients with scoliosis were significantly lower compared with the control group (106.8 ± 33.4 mg/cm<sup>3</sup> vs. 124.9 ± 29.1 mg/cm<sup>3</sup>, p = 0.009). No significant difference in BMD values was found between idiopathic and congenital scoliosis patients (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThis study illustrated that the vertebral body BMD values of the patients with scoliosis were significantly lower than those seen in the control group.
Comparison of chest X-ray lesion characteristics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection
Authors: Majdawati Ana , Ghanie Icksan Aziza , Lolong Dina 
Published: April 2019

PurposeThis research aimed to compared chest radiographic characteristics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection, which can be used in early diagnostic screening.Material and methodsThe method of this study was cross-sectional to obtain the relationship between radiographic findings.ResultsAmong 538 subjects who were positive for TB during screening, 11 (2.04%) had MDR-TB, 147 (27.32%) had drug-sensitive TB, and 380 (70.63%) had NTM infection. The radiographic findings that correlated with MDR-TB were infiltrates (p = 0.010), cavities (p = 0.021), nodules (p = 0.001), and fibrosis (p = 0.010), with the best predictor of MDR-TB lesions being the presence of a nodule. The lesion locations related to MDR-TB were the upper right and left lung (p = 0.00). There were no specific lesions present in NTM infection (p < 0.05) because almost all had a meaningful correlation (p < 0.05), except the presence of a mass. The lesion location related to NTM infection was the medial aspect of the left lung (p = 0.01), and the lesion extent was also correlated (p < 0.05).ConclusionsChest X-ray lesion characteristics of MDR-TB show significant correlation among cavities, nodules, and fibrosis. There were no specific lesions that could differentiate NTM infection from MDR-TB; however, the most common lesion location in NTM infection was the medial aspect of the left lung.
Global sounding of F region irregularities by COSMIC during a geomagnetic storm
Authors: Hocke Klemens , Liu Huixin , Pedatella Nicholas , Ma Guanyi 
Published: April 2019

Abstract. We analyse reprocessed electron density profiles and total
electron content (TEC) profiles of the ionosphere in September 2008 (around
solar minimum) and September 2013 (around solar maximum) obtained by the
Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate
(COSMIC/FORMOSAT-3). The TEC profiles describe the total electron content
along the ray path from the GPS satellite to the low Earth orbit as function
of the tangent point of the ray. Some of the profiles in the magnetic polar
regions show small-scale fluctuations on spatial scales <50 km. Possibly
the trajectory of the tangent point intersects spatial electron density
irregularities in the magnetic polar region. For derivation of the morphology
of the electron density and TEC fluctuations, a 50 km high-pass filter is
applied in the s domain, where s is the distance between a reference
point (bottom tangent point) and the tangent point. For each profile, the
mean of the fluctuations is calculated for tangent point altitudes between
400 and 500 km. At first glance, the global maps of ΔNe
and ΔTEC are quite similar. However, ΔTEC
might be more reliable since it is based on fewer retrieval assumptions. We
find a significant difference if the arithmetic mean or the median is applied
to the global map of September 2013. In agreement with literature,
ΔTEC is enhanced during the post-sunset rise of the equatorial
ionosphere in September 2013, which is associated with spread F and
equatorial plasma bubbles. The global map of ΔTEC at solar maximum
(September 2013) has stronger fluctuations than those at solar minimum
(September 2008). We obtained new results when we compare the global maps of
the quiet phase and the storm phase of the geomagnetic storm of 15 July 2012.
It is evident that the TEC fluctuations are increased and extended over the
southern magnetic polar region at the day of the geomagnetic storm. The
north–south asymmetry of the storm response is more pronounced in the upper
ionosphere (ray tangent points h = 400–500 km) than in the lower
ionosphere (ray tangent points h = 200–300 km).
IAVCEI: from small beginnings to a vibrant international association
Authors: Cas Raymond A. F. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The International Association for Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI) was formed following the end of World War I at the inaugural general assembly (GA) of the International Research Council in Brussels in 1919, where the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) was constituted. IAVCEI was then known as the Section for Volcanology (SV) and was one of six scientific disciplines that made up IUGG. The first president of IAVCEI (or SV) was Annibale Riccò (Italy), its first two vice presidents were Alfred Lacroix (France) and Henry Washington (USA), and the first secretary-general (SG) was Alessandro Malladra (Italy). A secretariat office for SV was established in Naples, Italy, following the first IUGG and SV General Assembly in 1922, in Rome, Italy. At that meeting SV established its own scientific journal called Bulletin volcanologique, the first edition of which was published in 1924 with Alessandro Malladra as the editor. SV officially became the International Association for Volcanology (IAV) in 1933 at the 5th IUGG General Assembly in Lisbon, Portugal. At the 14th IUGG General Assembly in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1967, IAV was renamed IAVCEI in recognition of the importance of geochemistry and geochronology in understanding volcanic processes. Bulletin volcanologique was renamed the Bulletin of Volcanology in 1986, at the time that its editorial board was restructured to be more representative of the international community. IAVCEI became a fully democratic association in 1995 with the introduction of individual membership, which entitled members to nominate, be nominated and vote in the election of the IAVCEI Executive Committee. Although the IUGG By-Laws allowed scientists only from the union's member countries to hold various positions within IUGG, in 2015, the IUGG Council removed this restriction, and now a scientist who is a member of IAVCEI from any country can hold any position in IAVCEI, except the position of the president.
IUGG evolves (1940&#8211;2000)
Authors: Joselyn Jo Ann , Ismail-Zadeh Alik 
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) began
anew after World War II with a new governance and membership structure. The
technologies developed during the war were brought to bear in the
extraordinary global scientific effort that was the International Geophysical
Year (1957–1958). Major changes in the geopolitical landscape have brought
about further changes in IUGG's structure. International scientific campaigns
encompassing multiple disciplines became commonplace, and international
scientific bodies were organized and networked. During this time period
(1940–1999), 15 general assemblies and 2 extraordinary general assemblies
were held, each in a different international venue. Summaries of each general
assembly are presented, as well as overviews of the changes in IUGG's
structure, finances, membership, and publications. The scientists, who led
the Union and contributed to the development of the Union, are also
presented.
Subclinical oral involvement in patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Abreu-Velez Ana Maria , Howard Michael S. , Lambraño Padilla Hector Jose , Tobon-Arroyave Sergio 
Published: April 2019

Background: We have described a variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) in El Bagre area known as pemphigus Abreu-Manu. Our previous study suggested that Colombian EPF seemed to react with various plakin family proteins, such as desmoplakins, envoplakin, periplakin BP230, MYZAP, ARVCF, p0071 as well as desmoglein 1.
Objectives: To explore whether patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus (El Bagre-EPF) demonstrated oral involvement.

Materials and Methods: A case-control study was done by searching for oral changes in 45 patients affected by El Bagre-EPF, as well as 45 epidemiologically matched controls from the endemic area matched by demographics, oral hygiene habits, comorbidities, smoking habits, place of residence, age, sex, and work activity. Oral biopsies were taken and evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin staining, direct immunofluorescence, indirect immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and immunohistochemistry.

Results: Radicular pieces and loss of teeth were seen in in 43 of the 45 El Bagre-EPF patients and 20 of the 45 controls (P < 0.001) (confidence interval [CI] 98%). Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed 23 of 45 El Bagre-EPF patients had corneal/subcorneal blistering and lymphohistiocytic infiltrates under the basement membrane zone and around the salivary glands, the periodontal ligament, and the neurovascular bundles in all cell junction structures in the oral cavity; these findings were not seen in the controls (P < 0.001) (CI 98%). The direct immunofluorescence, indirect immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and microarray staining displayed autoantibodies to the salivary glands, including their serous acini and the excretory duct cell junctions, the periodontal ligament, the neurovascular bundles and their cell junctions, striated muscle and their cell junctions, neuroreceptors, and connective tissue cell junctions. The autoantibodies were polyclonal. IgA autoantibodies were found in neuroreceptors in the glands and were positive in 41 of 45 patients and 3 of 45 controls.
Conclusions: Patients affected by El Bagre-EPF have some oral anomalies and an immune response, primarily to cell junctions. The intrinsic oral mucosal immune system, including IgA and secretory IgA, play an important role in this autoimmunity. Our data contradict the hypothesis that pemphigus foliaceus does not affect the oral mucosa due to the desmoglein 1-desmoglein 3 compensation.