bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Borderline Pulmonary Hypertension With Mortality and Hospitalization in a Large Patient Cohort: Insights From the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program
Authors: Maron Bradley A. , Hess Edward , Maddox Thomas M. , Opotowsky Alexander R. , Tedford Ryan J. , Lahm Tim , Joynt Karen E. , Kass Daniel J. , Stephens Thomas , Stanislawski Maggie A. , Swenson Erik R. , Goldstein Ronald H. , Leopold Jane A. , Zamanian Roham T. , Elwing Jean M. , Plomondon Mary E. , Grunwald Gary K. , Barón Anna E. , Rumsfeld John S. , Choudhary Gaurav 
Published: February 2016

Background—
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with increased morbidity across the cardiopulmonary disease spectrum. Based primarily on expert consensus opinion, PH is defined by a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mm Hg. Although mPAP levels below this threshold are common among populations at risk for PH, the relevance of mPAP <25 mm Hg to clinical outcome is unknown.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed retrospectively all US veterans undergoing right heart catheterization (2007–2012) in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system (n=21 727; 908-day median follow-up). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between mPAP and outcomes of all-cause mortality and hospitalization, adjusted for clinical covariates. When treating mPAP as a continuous variable, the mortality hazard increased beginning at 19 mm Hg (hazard ratio [HR]=1.183; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.004–1.393) relative to 10 mm Hg. Therefore, patients were stratified into 3 groups: (1) referent (≤18 mm Hg; n=4 207); (2) borderline PH (19–24 mm Hg; n=5 030); and (3) PH (≥25 mm Hg; n=12 490). The adjusted mortality hazard was increased for borderline PH (HR=1.23; 95% CI, 1.12–1.36;
P
<0.0001) and PH (HR=2.16; 95% CI, 1.96–2.38;
P
<0.0001) compared with the referent group. The adjusted hazard for hospitalization was also increased in borderline PH (HR=1.07; 95% CI, 1.01–1.12;
P
=0.0149) and PH (HR=1.15; 95% CI, 1.09–1.22;
P
<0.0001). The borderline PH cohort remained at increased risk for mortality after excluding the following high-risk subgroups: (1) patients with pulmonary artery wedge pressure >15 mm Hg; (2) pulmonary vascular resistance ≥3.0 Wood units; or (3) inpatient status at the time of right heart catheterization.

Conclusions—
These data illustrate a continuum of risk according to mPAP level and that borderline PH is associated with increased mortality and hospitalization. Future investigations are needed to test the generalizability of our findings to other populations and study the effect of treatment on outcome in borderline PH.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome after bilateral carotid paraganglioma resection: A case report
Authors: Mathis Stéphane , Palazzo Paola , Lamy Matthias , Ragot Stéphanie , Lapeyrie Soline , Ricco Jean-Baptiste , Neau Jean-Philippe 
Published: February 2016

Background Paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine tumour arising anywhere along the paravertebral sympathetic and parasympathetic chains. In the neck, paraganglioma may affect the carotid body (carotid body tumour). Case report We describe a 43-year-old woman who presented with a reversible vasoconstriction syndrome associated with a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following a surgery for a left carotid paraganglioma (with a past medical history of surgery for a right carotid paraganglioma a few months before). Conclusion A consequence of a baroreflex modification is discussed in order to explain the rare occurrence of such symptoms.
Change in Posterior Tibial Slope After Open-Wedge and Closed-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Nha Kyung-Wook , Kim Hyun-Jung , Ahn Hyeong-Sik , Lee Dae-Hee 
Published: February 2016

Background: It is unclear whether open- or closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) results in significant changes in posterior tibial slope, with no consensus on the magnitude of such changes. Furthermore, methods of measuring posterior tibial slope differ among studies. This meta-analysis was therefore designed to evaluate whether posterior tibial slope increases after open-wedge HTO and decreases after closed-wedge HTO and to quantify the magnitudes of the slope changes after open- and closed-wedge HTO using various methods of measuring posterior tibial slope. Hypothesis: Posterior tibial slope increases after open-wedge and decreases after closed-wedge HTO. The magnitude of change is similar for the 2 methods, and the value obtained for posterior tibial slope change is affected by the method of measurement. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: Multiple comprehensive databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed, were searched for studies that evaluated the posterior slope of the proximal tibia in patients who had undergone open- and/or closed-wedge HTO. Studies were included that compared pre- and postoperative posterior tibial slopes, regardless of measurement method, including anterior and posterior tibial cortex or tibial shaft axis as a reference line, in patients who underwent open- or closed-wedge HTO. The quality of each included study was appraised with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled data, which included subgroups of 3 methods, showed that posterior tibial slope increased 2.02° (95% CI, 2.66° to 1.38°; P = .005) after open-wedge HTO and decreased 2.35° (95% CI, 1.38° to 3.32°; P < .001) after closed-wedge HTO. Conclusion: This meta-analysis confirmed that posterior tibial slope increased after open-wedge HTO and decreased after closed-wedge HTO when the results of a variety of measurement methods were pooled. The magnitude of change after open- and closed-wedge HTO was similar and small (approximately 2°), suggesting that both osteotomy techniques may have little effect on the biomechanics of the cruciate ligaments.
In vitro three-dimensional coculturing poly3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate with mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells for myocardial patch application
Authors: Shijun Xu , Junsheng Mu , Jianqun Zhang , Ping Bo 
Published: February 2016

Identifying a suitable polymeric biomaterial for myocardial patch repair following myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and cartilage injury is essential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the novel polymer material, poly3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyhexanoate, on the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells in vitro. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells were isolated, expanded, and cultured on either two-dimensional or three-dimensional poly3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyhexanoate films (membranes were perforated to imitate three-dimensional space). Following attachment onto the films, mouse-induced pluripotent stem cell morphology was visualized using scanning electron microscopy. Cell vitality was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and cell proliferation was observed using fluorescent 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells were induced into cardiomyocytes by differentiation medium containing vitamin C. A control group in the absence of an inducer was included. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cell survival and differentiation were observed using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, respectively. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells growth, proliferation, and differentiation were observed on both two-dimensional and three-dimensional poly3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyhexanoate films. Vitamin C markedly improved the efficiency of mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells differentiation into cardiomyocytes on poly3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyhexanoate films. Three-dimensional culture was better at promoting mouse-induced pluripotent stem cell proliferation and differentiation compared with two-dimensional culture.
Prednisolone- and sirolimus-eluting stent: Anti-inflammatory approach for inhibiting in-stent restenosis
Authors: Lee So-Youn , Bae In-Ho , Sung Park Dae , Jang Eun-Jae , Shim Jae-Won , Lim Kyung-Seob , Park Jun-Kyu , Sim Doo Sun , Jeong Myung Ho 
Published: February 2016

Glucocorticoids are powerful anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-proliferative agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a prednisolone- (PDScs) and sirolimus-coated stent (SRLcs) in preventing artery vessel neointimal hyperplasia and inflammatory reactions in vitro and in vivo. PDS, a synthetic glucocorticoid, is a derivative of cortisol, which is used to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The stents were fabricated with PDS, SRL, or both agents using a layer-by-layer coating system (designated as PDScs, SRLcs, and PDSRLcs, respectively). The surface morphology of the PDScs showed an evenly dispersed and roughened shape, which was smoothened by the SRL coating. Half of the total drug amounts were released within seven days, followed by an additional release, which continued for up to 28 days. The proliferation of smooth muscle cells was inhibited in the SRLcs group (31.5 ± 4.08%), and this effect was enhanced by PDS addition (PDSRLcs, 46.8 ± 8.11%). Consistently, in the animal study, the restenosis rate was inhibited by the SRLcs and PDSRLcs (18.5 ± 6.23% and 14.5 ± 3.55%, respectively). Especially, fibrin expression and inflammation were suppressed in the PDS-containing group (PDScs, 0.6 ± 0.12 and 1.4 ± 0.33; PDSRLcs, 0.7 ± 0.48 and 1.7 ± 0.12, respectively) compared to PDS non-containing groups (BMS, 1.1 ± 0.12, and 1.8 ± 0.55; SRLcs, 1.6 ± 0.32 and 2.0 ± 0.62, respectively). Moreover, re-endothelialization was enhanced in the PDScs group as determined using immunohistochemistry with a cluster of differentiation (CD)-31 antibodies. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of SRLcs on anti-restenosis can be accelerated by additional coating with PDS, which has promising properties as a bioactive compound with useful anti-inflammatory effects.
Predicting decline of kidney function in lupus nephritis using urine biomarkers
Authors: Abulaban K M , Song H , Zhang X , Kimmel P L , Kusek J W , Nelson R G , Feldman H I , Vasan R S , Ying J , Mauer M , Nelsestuen G L , Bennett M , Brunner H I , Rovin B H 
Published: February 2016

Objective To evaluate candidate biomarkers to predict future renal function decline (RFD) in children and adults with lupus nephritis (LN). Methods At the time of enrollment into prospective observational LN cohort studies liver-type fatty acid binding protein (LFABP), albumin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), uromodulin, transferrin, and hepcidin were measured in urine samples of two cohorts of patients with LN, one followed at a pediatric (cohort-1; n = 28) and one at an adult institution (cohort-2; n = 69). The primary outcome was RFD, defined in cohort-1 as a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥20% and in cohort-2 as a sustained increase of ≥25% in serum creatinine concentration (SCr), both from baseline. Results All patients ( n = 97) had normal eGFR or SCr at the time of urine collection at baseline. RFD occurred in 29% (8/28) of patients in cohort-1 during a mean follow-up of 6.1 months, and in 30% (21/69) of those in cohort-2 during a mean follow-up of 60 months. Individually, in cohort-1, levels of MCP-1, transferrin, LFABP, and albumin were higher in the RFD group than those who maintained renal function, with statistical significance for LFABP and albumin. In cohort-2 the RFD group also had higher levels of urine MCP-1 and albumin than others. The combination of LFABP, MCP-1, albumin, and transferrin had good predictive accuracy for RFD in both cohorts (area under the ROC curve = 0.77–0.82). Conclusion The combinatorial urine biomarker LFABP, MCP-1, albumin, and transferrin shows promise as a predictor of renal functional decline in LN, and warrants further investigation.
Measuring Relationship Quality in an International Study
Authors: Chonody Jill M. , Gabb Jacqui , Killian Mike , Dunk-West Priscilla 
Published: February 2016

Objective: This study reports on the operationalization and testing of the newly developed Relationship Quality (RQ) scale, designed to assess an individual’s perception of his or her RQ in their current partnership. Methods: Data were generated through extended sampling from an original U.K.-based research project, Enduring Love? Couple relationships in the 21st century. This mixed methods study was designed to investigate how couples experience, understand, and sustain their long-term relationships. This article utilizes the cross-sectional, community sample ( N = 8,132) from this combined data set, drawn primarily from the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. A two-part approach to scale development was employed. An initial 15-item pool was subjected to exploratory factor analysis leading into confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling. Results: The final 9-item scale evidenced convergent construct validity and known-groups validity along with strong reliability. Conclusion: Implications for future research and professional practice are discussed.
The Impact of CYP2C19 Loss-of-Function Polymorphisms, Clinical, and Demographic Variables on Platelet Response to Clopidogrel Evaluated Using Impedance Aggregometry
Authors: Mărginean Alina , Bănescu Claudia , Moldovan Valeriu , Scridon Alina , Mărginean Mihai , Bălaşa Rodica , Maier Smaranda , Ţăruşi Mariana , Dobreanu Minodora 
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug widely used in patients with acute coronary syndromes or stroke. Despite adequate antiplatelet therapy, some patients develop acute ischemic events. This is partly attributed to the fact that they have poor inhibition of platelet reactivity, despite treatment. This study aimed to assess the impact of clinical and demographic variables and of cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) loss-of-function polymorphisms on platelet response to clopidogrel evaluated using impedance aggregometry in an East European population. Methods: The study included 189 clopidogrel-treated patients with acute coronary syndromes and noncardiogenic ischemic stroke. Platelet aggregation was evaluated by impedance aggregometry. CYP2C19 loss-of-function polymorphisms were detected using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Various clinical and demographic data were also recorded. Results: In our data set, 81% of the patients were responders and 19% nonresponders to clopidogrel therapy. The distribution of CYP2C19 polymorphisms was as follows: 61.1% of patients were CYP2C19 wild-type homozygotes, 27.7% of patients were CYP2C19*2 heterozygotes, 1.1% of patients were CYP2C19*3 heterozygotes, and 10% of patients were CYP2C19*2 homozygotes. The highest level of association with clopidogrel response status was found for CYP2C19 polymorphisms, concomitant aspirin treatment, leukocyte and platelet count, history of myocardial infarction, arterial hypertension, and ward where patients were admitted. Conclusion: The prevalence of clopidogrel resistance in our East European population was in line with that reported for Western populations. Clopidogrel response was significantly influenced by the presence of CYP2C19 polymorphisms. Interestingly, the concomitant use of aspirin had a significant impact on platelet response to clopidogrel, indicating a synergic interaction between these drugs.
The relationship between the morphological knowledge and L2 online processing of derivational words
Authors: Deng Taiping , Shi Jiawei , Bi Hongyan , Dunlap Susan , Chen Baoguo 
Published: February 2016

Objectives/Research Questions: Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of morphological knowledge on second language (L2) online processing of derivational words by Chinese first language (L1)–English L2 learners. Methodology: Experiment 1 was performed at the single word level with a masked priming paradigm using the lexical decision task. Experiment 2 was conducted at the sentence level with a self-paced reading paradigm. According to their performance on the morphological knowledge test, the Chinese (L1)–English (L2) learners were grouped into two groups: a high morphological knowledge group and a low morphological knowledge group; and these were matched for proficiency. Data and Analysis: Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. In Experiment 1, mean response times and accuracy of the derived suffixed primes were analyzed between the two groups. In Experiment 2, mean response times in the regions of interest were analyzed between the two groups. Findings/Conclusions: In Experiment 1, results showed that a full priming effect was evident in the group with high morphological knowledge, indicating application of rule-based decompositions, whereas this effect was not observed in the group with low morphological knowledge. In Experiment 2, the group with high morphological knowledge had a significant processing cost in processing the derivational words, suggesting the employment of rule-governed decomposition. These results suggest that morphological knowledge plays an important role in online L2 morphological processing. Originality: In L2 morphology literature, the current study empirically explored the role of morphological knowledge in derivational processing. Significance/Implications: The study suggested that improvements in morphological knowledge can facilitate the rule-based processing of L2.
Early Post-Registry Experience With Drug-Eluting Stents in the Superficial Femoral Artery
Authors: Wooster Mathew , Dansey Kirsten , Shames Murray 
Published: February 2016

Objective: Restenosis remains the primary failure mode after stent placement in the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Drug-eluting technology aims to reduce intimal hyperplasia and subsequent stent failure, improving durability for endovascular management of SFA occlusive disease. We present our early experience with the Cook Zilver PTX stent. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing placement of the Cook Zilver PTX stent for SFA or popliteal disease since its availability to our institution in October 2013. Patients treated with additional non-PTX stents were excluded. Patient demographics, comorbidities, concomitant procedures, TASC classification, procedural details, and follow-up were reviewed. Results: Thirty-one limbs in 30 patients were treated with Zilver PTX stents, 5 limbs were excluded for concomitant use of non-PTX stents, leaving 26 limbs in 26 patients for analysis. Indications for intervention were claudication in 17 (65.4%), rest pain in 1 (3.8%), and tissue loss in 8 (30.8%). A median of 2 PTX stents per limb was used to treat a mean length of 14.2 ± 11 cm with technical success of 100%. Concomitant inflow (N = 4) or atherectomy (N = 2) interventions were performed in 23%. Sixty-nine percent of lesions were TASC C (N = 7) or D (N = 11) and 42% were total occlusions. Over a mean 20-week follow-up, 2 occlusions were noted (mean 27 weeks), one was treated with surgical bypass and the other with endovascular salvage. Limb salvage in the series was 92.3% with 2 patients requiring major amputations for infected, non-healing wounds, despite patent stents. Conclusion: On mean 20-week follow-up, we have seen 92.3% primary patency and 96.2% secondary patency. A larger number of patients and longer follow-up will be required to determine the true real-world efficacy of this drug-eluting device, but early experience is encouraging and warrants continued trial.
Depression predictors within six months of ischemic stroke: The DEPRESS Study
Authors: Guiraud Vincent , Gallarda Thierry , Calvet David , Turc Guillaume , Oppenheim Catherine , Rouillon Frédéric , Mas Jean-Louis 
Published: February 2016

Background Depression negatively affects rehabilitation and quality of life after stroke. Identifying in the acute phase patients at high risk for post-stroke depression would facilitate early detection of depressive symptoms. Methods The DEPRESS (Depression Predictors after Ischemic Stroke) study was a prospective cohort study designed to identify baseline predictors of depression occurring within six months after ischemic stroke and high-risk patients for post-stroke depression. All patients without aphasia were screened for depression by a neurologist using the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the diagnosis was confirmed by a psychiatrist with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. In severely aphasic patients, depression was diagnosed using the Aphasic Depression Rating Scale and the Visual Analog Mood Scale. Results Depression was present in 61 of 251 (24%) patients enrolled in the DEPRESS study. Female gender, prior history of depression, major physical disability, prior history of stroke, stressful life event exposure in the month preceding stroke onset, and pathologic crying were significant predictors of depression within six months after ischemic stroke. Depression was more frequent in patients with left caudate and/or lenticular nucleus lesion (OR = 2.4, 95% confidence interval, 0.97–5.91), but the difference was not significant. The presence of ≥2 predictors identified the largest proportion of depressed patients (62%) in the smallest proportion of the cohort (36%). Conclusion Female gender, prior history of depression, major physical disability, prior history of stroke, recent stressful life event exposure before stroke, and pathologic crying were significant predictors of post-stroke depression occurring within six months after stroke onset.
Differential regulation of aldose reductase expression during macrophage polarization depends on hyperglycemia
Authors: Erbel Christian , Rupp Gregor , Domschke Gabriele , Linden Fabian , Akhavanpoor Mohammadreza , Doesch Andreas O , Katus Hugo A , Gleissner Christian A 
Published: February 2016

Aldose reductase (AR; gene AKR1B1) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway and has been associated with diabetes and atherosclerosis. Here, we sought to identify the mechanisms underlying differential AR expression in human atherosclerotic plaque macrophages. In vitro, M1-polarized human monocyte-derived macrophages expressed significantly higher levels of AKR1B1 mRNA and AR protein compared with M2-polarized macrophages. AR activity was significantly higher in M1 macrophages. AKR1B1 mRNA expression correlated positively with the M1 marker TNF ( r = 0.430, P = 0.006) and negatively with the M2 marker MRC1 ( r = −0.443, P = 0.044). Increased AR expression in M1 macrophages depended on hyperglycemia. Concomitantly, expression of SLC2A1 (coding for the Glc transporter GLUT-1) was significantly higher in M1 than in M2 macrophages. Pharmacological inhibition of GLUT-1 using STF-32 completely abrogated Glc-induced AR up-regulation in M1 macrophages. When analyzing AR expression in post-mortem coronary artery plaque macrophages, a history of diabetes was associated with a significantly increased proportion of CD68+AR++ macrophages, supporting the in vivo relevance of our in vitro findings. We demonstrate that the phenotype of atherosclerotic plaque macrophages may be affected by cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperglycemia. Our data illustrate the complex interplay between systemic and local factors in atherogenesis.