bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of electron and hole transport layer with the electrode work function on perovskite solar cells
Authors: Deng Quanrong , Li Yiqi , Chen Lian , Wang Shenggao , Wang Geming , Sheng Yonglong , Shao Guosheng 
Published: September 2016

The effects of electron and hole transport layer with the electrode work function on perovskite solar cells with the interface defects were simulated by using analysis of microelectronic and photonic structures-one-dimensional (AMPS-1D) software. The simulation results suggest that TiO2 electron transport layer provides best device performance with conversion efficiency of 25.9% compared with ZnO and CdS. The threshold value of back electrode work function for Spiro-OMeTAD, NiO, CuI and Cu2O hole transport layer are calculated to be 4.9, 4.8, 4.7 and 4.9 eV, respectively, to reach the highest conversion efficiency. The mechanisms of device physics with various electron and hole transport materials are discussed in details. The device performance deteriorates gradually as the increased density of interface defects located at ETM/absorber or absorber/HTM. This research results can provide helpful guidance for materials and metal electrode choice for perovskite solar cells.
Optical Coherence Tomography Predictors for Edge Restenosis After Everolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation
Authors: Ino Yasushi , Kubo Takashi , Matsuo Yoshiki , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Shiono Yasutsugu , Shimamura Kunihiro , Katayama Yosuke , Nakamura Tomoko , Aoki Hiroshi , Taruya Akira , Nishiguchi Tsuyoshi , Satogami Keisuke , Yamano Takashi , Kameyama Takeyoshi , Orii Makoto , Ota Shingo , Kuroi Akio , Kitabata Hironori , Tanaka Atsushi , Hozumi Takeshi , Akasaka Takashi 
Published: September 2016

Background—
Stent edge restenosis (SER) remains a potential limitation of drug-eluting stents. The aim of this study was to determine optical coherence tomography (OCT) predictors for angiographic late SER after everolimus-eluting stent implantation.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively analyzed 319 patients who underwent OCT immediately after everolimus-eluting stent implantation and scheduled 9- to 12-month follow-up angiography. The binary angiographic SER rate was 10% (32/319) in the patients, 8.4% (32/382) in lesions, and 4.4% (33/744) in stent edge segments. In the stent edge segments at post stenting, OCT-derived lipidic plaque (61% versus 20%;
P
<0.001) was more often observed in the SER group, and OCT-measured minimum lumen area (4.13±2.61 versus 5.58±2.46 mm
2
;
P
=0.001) was significantly smaller in the SER group compared with the non-SER group. Multivariate analysis identified lipidic plaque (odds ratio: 5.99; 95% confidence interval: 2.89–12.81;
P
<0.001) and minimum lumen area (odds ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.42–0.96;
P
=0.029) as independent predictors of binary SER. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that lipid arc of 185° (sensitivity: 71%; specificity: 72%; area under the curve: 0.761) and minimum lumen area of 4.10 mm
2
(sensitivity: 67%; specificity: 77%; area under the curve: 0.787) were optimal cutoff values for predicting ischemia-driven SER.

Conclusions—
The present OCT study demonstrated that lipidic plaque and minimum lumen area in the stent edge segments at post stenting were associated with late SER after everolimus-eluting stent implantation. OCT provides valuable information to determine an appropriate landing zone for stent implantation.
C
ardiac
R
emote
I
schemic
P
reconditioning Prior to
E
lective Vascular
S
urgery (CRIPES): A Prospective, Randomized, Sham‐Controlled Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Garcia Santiago , Rector Thomas S. , Zakharova Marina , Herrmann Rebekah R. , Adabag Selcuk , Bertog Stefan , Sandoval Yader , Santilli Steve , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , McFalls Edward O. 
Published: September 2016

Background

Remote ischemic preconditioning (
RIPC
) has been shown to reduce infarct size in animal models. We hypothesized that
RIPC
before an elective vascular operation would reduce the incidence and amount of a postoperative rise of the cardiac troponin level.

Methods and Results

Cardiac Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Prior to Elective Vascular Surgery (
CRIPES
) was a prospective, randomized, sham‐controlled phase 2 trial using
RIPC
before elective vascular procedures. The
RIPC
protocol consisted of 3 cycles of 5‐minute forearm ischemia followed by 5 minutes of reperfusion. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with a detectable increase in cardiac troponin I (
cTnI
) and the distribution of such increases. From June 2011 to September 2015, 201 male patients (69±7, years) were randomized to either
RIPC
(n=100) or a sham procedure (n=101). Indications for vascular surgery included an expanding abdominal aortic aneurysm (n=115), occlusive peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities (n=37), or internal carotid artery stenosis (n=49). Of the 201 patients, 47 (23.5%) had an increase in
cTnI
above the upper reference limit within 72 hours of the vascular operation, with no statistically significant difference between those patients assigned to
RIPC
(n=22; 22.2%) versus sham procedure (n=25; 24.7%;
P
=0.67). Among the cohort with increased
cTnI
, the median peak values (interquartile range) in the
RIPC
and control group were 0.048 (0.004–0.174) and 0.017 (0.003–0.105), respectively (
P
=0.54).

Conclusions

In this randomized, controlled trial of men with increased perioperative cardiac risks, elevation in cardiac troponins was common following vascular surgery, but was not reduced by a strategy of
RIPC
.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01558596.
Validation of Noninvasive In Vivo Compound Ultrasound Strain Imaging Using Histologic Plaque Vulnerability Features
Authors: Hansen Hendrik H.G. , de Borst Gert Jan , Bots Michiel L. , Moll Frans L. , Pasterkamp Gerard , de Korte Chris L. 
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose—
Carotid plaque rupture is a major cause of stroke. Key issue for risk stratification is early identification of rupture-prone plaques. A noninvasive technique, compound ultrasound strain imaging, was developed providing high-resolution radial deformation/strain images of atherosclerotic plaques. This study aims at in vivo validation of compound ultrasound strain imaging in patients by relating the measured strains to typical features of vulnerable plaques derived from histology after carotid endarterectomy.

Materials and Methods—
Strains were measured in 34 severely stenotic (>70%) carotid arteries at the culprit lesion site within 48 hours before carotid endarterectomy. In all cases, the lumen-wall boundary was identifiable on B-mode ultrasound, and the imaged cross-section did not move out of the imaging plane from systole to diastole. After endarterectomy, the plaques were processed using a validated histology analysis technique.

Results—

Locally elevated strain values were observed in regions containing predominantly components related to plaque vulnerability, whereas lower values were observed in fibrous, collagen-rich plaques. The median strain of the inner plaque layer (1 mm thickness) was significantly higher (
P
<0.01) for (fibro)atheromatous (n=20, strain=0.27%) than that for fibrous plaques (n=14, strain=−0.75%). Also, a significantly larger area percentage of the inner layer revealed strains above 0.5% for (fibro)atheromatous (45.30%) compared with fibrous plaques (31.59%). (Fibro)atheromatous plaques were detected with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 75%, 86%, 88%, and 71%, respectively. Strain did not significantly correlate with fibrous cap thickness, smooth muscle cell, or macrophage concentration.

Conclusions—
Compound ultrasound strain imaging allows differentiating (fibro)atheromatous from fibrous carotid artery plaques.
Elevated concentrations of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in patients with fracture and concomitant traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sang Xiguang , Wang Zhiyong , Qin Tao , Li Yonggang 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundCompelling evidence indicate that traumatic brain injury is highly related to accelerated bone fracture repair, but the underlying mechanism still remains elusive. Fracture repair process relies greatly on the formation of new blood vessels in fracture site, and angiogenic factors have been confirmed to be essential for the initiation and maintenance of the fracture healing. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α was demonstrated to be a critical regulator of angiogenic–osteogenic coupling during bone development and regeneration. The aim of the present study was to investigate the local and circulating concentrations of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in patients with long-bone fractures and concomitant traumatic brain injury and to determine the potential role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in fracture healing.MethodsTwenty-five patients with a long-bone fracture and concomitant traumatic brain injury (FT group) and 33 without a brain injury (Fr group) were enrolled in this study. Healthy subjects donated serum samples as control. Serum samples were collected over a period of six months, following a standardized time schedule. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations were measured in fracture haematoma and serum of patients in both groups using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsPatients in FT group had a short time to union. Serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations elevated in the early healing period and reached the maximum level during intramembranous bone formation phase in both groups. Thereafter, it decreased continuously and approached to the minimum levels until the end of the observation period. Serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations in both groups were significantly higher compared with controls and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations in both serum and fracture haematoma were higher in FT group than that in Fr group. Fracture haematoma contained significantly higher hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations compared with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations in serum. Serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations had a positive correlation with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations in fracture haematoma in patients with fractures.ConclusionsThese findings suggest the local and systemic involvement of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in fracture healing and the accelerated fracture repair in patients with traumatic brain injury might be associated with elevated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentrations in fracture haematoma and serum.
Evaluation of a reduced centrifugation time and higher centrifugal force on various general chemistry and immunochemistry analytes in plasma and serum
Authors: Møller Mette F , Søndergaard Tove R , Kristensen Helle T , Münster Anna-Marie B 
Published: September 2016

Background Centrifugation of blood samples is an essential preanalytical step in the clinical biochemistry laboratory. Centrifugation settings are often altered to optimize sample flow and turnaround time. Few studies have addressed the effect of altering centrifugation settings on analytical quality, and almost all studies have been done using collection tubes with gel separator. Methods In this study, we compared a centrifugation time of 5 min at 3000 ×  g to a standard protocol of 10 min at 2200 ×  g. Nine selected general chemistry and immunochemistry analytes and interference indices were studied in lithium heparin plasma tubes and serum tubes without gel separator. Results were evaluated using mean bias, difference plots and coefficient of variation, compared with maximum allowable bias and coefficient of variation used in laboratory routine quality control. Results For all analytes except lactate dehydrogenase, the results were within the predefined acceptance criteria, indicating that the analytical quality was not compromised. Lactate dehydrogenase showed higher values after centrifugation for 5 min at 3000 ×  g, mean bias was 6.3 ± 2.2% and the coefficient of variation was 5%. Conclusions We found that a centrifugation protocol of 5 min at 3000 ×  g can be used for the general chemistry and immunochemistry analytes studied, with the possible exception of lactate dehydrogenase, which requires further assessment.
Clinical characteristics of women with reproductive cycle–associated bipolar disorder symptoms
Authors: Perich Tania A , Roberts Gloria , Frankland Andrew , Sinbandhit Carina , Meade Tanya , Austin Marie-Paul , Mitchell Philip B 
Published: September 2016

Objective: Although there is clear evidence that reproductive cycle events are associated with mood episodes for women with bipolar disorder, few studies have examined for relationships between these and specific clinical characteristics of the disorder. This study aimed to explore the relationship between mood symptoms associated with reproductive cycle events and features of the disorder indicative of a more severe lifetime course. Method: Totally, 158 women of at least 18 years of age participated in the study. Subjects were recruited through a specialist clinic at the Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia. Results: In total, 77% of women reported increases in mood symptoms during perimenstrual, postnatal or menopausal periods. These women had an earlier age of onset for depressive and hypo/manic episodes and a greater likelihood of comorbid anxiety disorders, rapid cycling and mixed mood compared to those who did not report such reproductive cycle–associated mood changes. Women who experienced postnatal episodes were also more likely to experience worse mood symptoms perimenstrually and menopausally. Conclusion: First, reproductive cycle event–related worsening of mood was associated with a more severe lifetime course of bipolar disorder, and, second, it appears that some women have a greater propensity to mood worsening at each of these reproductive cycle events. If replicated, these findings provide important information for clinicians treating women with reproductive cycle event mood changes and highlight the need for improved therapeutics for such presentations.
Eradication of Helicobacter spp. in mucin2-deficient mice
Authors: Litvinova Ekaterina A , Kozhevnikova Elena N , Achasova Ksenia M , Kontsevaya Galina V , Moshkin Mikhail P 
Published: September 2016

Infections with Helicobacter spp. are known to have serious effects on rodent health, especially in immunocompromised animals. In this study three approaches were used to eradicate Helicobacter spp. infection in mice with a deficiency in intestinal proteoglycan (mucin2), namely triple oral antibiotic therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole), cross-fostering of neonatal pups by surrogate mothers negative for Helicobacter spp., and in vitro fertilization (IVF) with embryo transfer into Helicobacter-free mothers. However, triple antibiotic therapy in mice with mucin2 deficiency was not effective and had negative effects on reproductive performance, and high susceptibility of mucin2-deficient mice to Helicobacter spp. during the first 12 h after birth rendered cross-fostering impossible. Only IVF with embryo transfer was effective in eradicating Helicobacter infection from transgenic mice with mucin2 deficiency.
Overlapping self-expandable metallic stent for palliation of a long (>10 cm) malignant gastroduodenal obstruction
Authors: Tsauo Jiaywei , Yoo Moon-Won , Park Jung-Hoon , Song Ho-Young , Jun Eun Jung , Cho Young Chul , Kim Guk Bae 
Published: September 2016

Background Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is a well-established palliative treatment approach for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. In patients with a long (>10 cm) stricture, multiple stents placed in an overlapping fashion are often required. Purpose To investigate the outcomes of overlapping SEMS placement for the palliative treatment of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction in patients with a long (>10 cm) stricture. Material and Methods The medical records of 40 patients who underwent fluoroscopic overlapping SEMS placement for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction due to a long (>10 cm) stricture were reviewed. Results The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 65.0%, respectively. The mean length of the stricture was 17.0 ± 4.7 cm and the mean number of stents placed in each patient was 2.2 ± 0.5. Metastatic cancer (odds ratio [OR], 0.315; P = 0.018), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score ≥3 (OR, 0.018; P = 0.006), and carcinomatosis with ascites (OR, 0.025; P = 0.017) were independent predictors of poor clinical success. The rates of minor and major complications were 27.5% and 2.5%, respectively. The median stent patency and survival were 33 days (interquartile range [IQR], 19–60 days) and 35 days (IQR, 19–73 days), respectively. An ECOG score ≥3 was an independent predictor of a poor survival outcome (hazard ratio, 4.681; P < 0.001). Conclusion Overlapping SEMS placement may be safe and effective for the palliative treatment of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction in patients with a long (>10 cm) stricture.
Fully automated structural MRI of the brain in clinical dementia workup
Authors: Persson Karin , Selbæk Geir , Brækhus Anne , Beyer Mona , Barca Maria , Engedal Knut 
Published: September 2016

Background The dementia syndrome has been regarded a clinical diagnosis but the focus on supplemental biomarkers is increasing. An automatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetry method, NeuroQuant® (NQ), has been developed for use in clinical settings. Purpose To evaluate the clinical usefulness of NQ in distinguishing Alzheimer’s disease dementia (AD) from non-dementia and non-AD dementia. Material and Methods NQ was performed in 275 patients diagnosed according to the criteria of ICD-10 for AD, vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD); the Winblad criteria for mild cognitive impairment; the Lund-Manchester criteria for frontotemporal dementia; and the revised consensus criteria for Lewy body dementia (LBD). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses with calculation of area under the curve (AUC) and regression analyses were carried out. Results Forebrain parenchyma (AUC 0.82), hippocampus (AUC 0.80), and inferior lateral ventricles (AUC 0.78) yielded the highest AUCs for AD/non-dementia discrimination. Only hippocampus (AUC 0.62) and cerebellum (AUC 0.67) separated AD from non-AD dementia. Cerebellum separated AD from PDD-LBD (AUC 0.83). Separate multiple regression analyses adjusted for age and gender, showed that memory (CERAD 10-word delayed recall) (beta 0.502, P < 0.001) was more strongly associated to the hippocampus volume than the diagnostic distinction of AD versus non-dementia (beta −0.392, P < 0.001). Conclusion NQ measures could separate AD from non-dementia fairly well but generally poorer from non-AD dementia. Degree of memory impairment, age, and gender, but not diagnostic distinction, were associated to the hippocampus volume in adjusted analyses. Surprisingly, cerebellum was found relevant in separating AD from PDD-LBD.
Alleviated negative rather than positive attentional bias in patients with depression in remission: an eye-tracking study
Authors: Li Mi , Lu Shengfu , Wang Gang , Feng Lei , Fu Bingbing , Zhong Ning 
Published: September 2016

Objective To investigate attentional bias toward happy and sad faces in remitted depressed (RD) patients compared with healthy control (HC) subjects. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled RD patients and sex- and age-matched HC subjects. Eye movement data were acquired for all study participants while free viewing a 2 × 2 matrix of emotional faces. The attentional bias toward different emotional faces and whether the attention maintenance components generated attentional bias in the RD patients were analysed by comparing the attentional modes of the RD group with the HC group. Results A total of 27 RD patients and 27 HC subjects were analysed in this study. The RD and HC groups exhibited no significant differences toward first fixation location and initial attentional maintenance. In later attentional maintenance, the RD group showed significantly less attentional bias toward happy faces, but there were no significant differences in their attentional bias toward sad faces, compared with the HC group. Conclusions This present study showed that the negative attentional bias of RD patients was successfully eased, but their positive attentional bias was still insufficient.
A Pilot Study of Healthy Living Options at 16 Truck Stops Across the United States
Authors: Lincoln Jennifer E. , Birdsey Jan , Sieber W. Karl , Chen Guang-X. , Hitchcock Edward M. , Nakata Akinori , Robinson Cynthia F. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose: There is a growing body of evidence that the built environment influences diet and exercise and, as a consequence, community health status. Since long-haul truck drivers spend long periods of time at truck stops, it is important to know if this built environment includes resources that contribute to the emotional and physical well-being of drivers. Setting: The truck stop environment was defined as the truck stop itself, grocery stores, and medical clinics near the truck stop that could be accessed by a large truck or safely on foot. Design: Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed and utilized a checklist to record the availability of resources for personal hygiene and comfort, communication and mental stimulation, health care, safety, physical activity, and nutrition at truck stops. Subjects: The NIOSH checklist was used to collect data at a convenience sample of 16 truck stops throughout the United States along both high-flow and low-flow truck traffic routes. Measures: The checklist was completed by observation within and around the truck stops. Results: No truck stops offered exercise facilities, 94% lacked access to health care, 81% lacked a walking path, 50% lacked fresh fruit, and 37% lacked fresh vegetables in their restaurant or convenience store. Conclusion: The NIOSH found that most truck stops did not provide an overall healthy living environment.
Complementary role of cardiovascular imaging and laboratory indices in early detection of cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mavrogeni S , Koutsogeorgopoulou L , Dimitroulas T , Markousis-Mavrogenis G , Kolovou G 
Published: September 2016

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been documented in >50% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, due to a complex interplay between traditional risk factors and SLE-related factors. Various processes, such as coronary artery disease, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, vasculitis, valvular heart disease, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure, account for CVD complications in SLE. Methods Electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography (echo), nuclear techniques, cardiac computed tomography (CT), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac catheterization (CCa) can detect CVD in SLE at an early stage. ECG and echo are the cornerstones of CVD evaluation in SLE. The routine use of cardiac CT and nuclear techniques is limited by radiation exposure and use of iodinated contrast agents. Additionally, nuclear techniques are also limited by low spatial resolution that does not allow detection of sub-endocardial and sub-epicardial lesions. CCa gives definitive information about coronary artery anatomy and pulmonary artery pressure and offers the possibility of interventional therapy. However, it carries the risk of invasive instrumentation. Recently, CMR was proved of great value in the evaluation of cardiac function and the detection of myocardial inflammation, stress-rest perfusion defects and fibrosis. Results An algorithm for CVD evaluation in SLE includes clinical, laboratory, ECG and echo assessment as well as CMR evaluation in patients with inconclusive findings, persistent cardiac symptoms despite normal standard evaluation, new onset of life-threatening arrhythmia/heart failure and/or as a tool to select SLE patients for CCa. Conclusions A non-invasive approach including clinical, laboratory and imaging evaluation is key for early CVD detection in SLE.