bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contemporary Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Older Adults
Authors: Shah Amil M. , Claggett Brian , Kitzman Dalane , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Jensen Jan Skov , Cheng Susan , Matsushita Kunihiro , Konety Suma , Folsom Aaron R. , Mosley Thomas H. , Wright Jacqueline D. , Heiss Gerardo , Solomon Scott D. 
Published: December 2016

Background:
Although age-associated changes in left ventricular diastolic function are well recognized, limited data exist characterizing measures of diastolic function in older adults, including both reference ranges reflecting the older adult population and prognostically relevant values for incident heart failure (HF), as well as their associations with circulating biomarkers of HF risk.

Methods:
Among 5801 elderly participants in the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities; age range, 67–90 years; mean age, 76±5 years; 42% male; 21% black), we determined the continuous association of diastolic measures (tissue Doppler imaging [TDI] e’, E/e’, and left atrial size) with concomitant N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and subsequent HF hospitalization or death. We also determined sex-specific 10th and 90th percentile limits for these measures using quantile regression in 401 participants free of prevalent cardiovascular disease and risk factors.

Results:

Each measure of diastolic function was robustly associated with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and incident HF or death. ARIC-based reference limits for TDI e’ (4.6 and 5.2 cm/s for septal and lateral TDI e’, respectively) were substantially lower than guideline cut points (7 and 10 cm/s, respectively), whereas E/e’ and left atrial size demonstrated good agreement with guideline cut points. TDI e’ was nonlinearly associated with incident HF or death, with inflection points for risk supportive of ARIC-based limits. ARIC-based limits for diastolic function improved risk discrimination over guideline-based cut points based on the integrated discrimination improvement (
P
<0.001) and continuous net reclassification improvement (
P
<0.001), reclassifying 42% of the study population as having normal diastolic function. We replicate these findings in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. With these limits, 46% had normal diastolic function and were at low risk of HF hospitalization or death (1%/y over a mean 1.7-year follow-up), 49% had 1 or 2 abnormal measures and were at intermediate risk (2.4%/y), and all 3 diastolic measures were abnormal in 5% who were at high risk (7.5%/y).

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that left ventricular longitudinal relaxation velocity declines as a part of healthy aging and is largely prognostically benign. The use of age-based normative values when considering an elderly population improves the risk discrimination of diastolic measures for incident HF or death.
Clinical value of classification of venous malformations with contrast-enhanced MR Angiography
Authors: Abdel Razek Ahmed Abdel Khalek , Albair Germeen Ashmalla , Samir Sieza 
Published: December 2016

Aim To classify venous malformations based on contrast-enhanced MR angiography that may serve as a basis for treatment plan. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 58 patients with venous malformations who underwent contrast-enhanced MR angiography. Venous malformations were classified according to their venous drainage into: type I, isolated malformation without peripheral drainage; type II, malformation that drains into normal veins; type III, malformation that drains into dilated veins; and type IV, malformation that represents dysplastic venous ectasia. Image analysis was done by two reviewers. Intra and inter-observer agreement of both reviewers and intra-class correlation was done. Results The intra-observer agreement of contrast-enhanced MR angiography classification of venous malformations was excellent for the first reviewer ( k = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.724–0.951, P = 0.001) and substantial for the second reviewer ( K = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.656-0.931, P = 0.001). The inter-observer agreement of contrast-enhanced MR angiography classification of venous malformations was excellent for both reviewers at the first time ( K = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.933–1.000, P = 0.001) and second time ( k = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.678–0.942, P = 0.001). There was high intra-class correlation of both reviewers for single measure ( ICC = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.776–0.918, P = 0.001) and for average measures ( ICC = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.933–0.978, P = 0.001). Conclusion Contrast-enhanced MR angiography classification of venous malformations may be a useful, simple and reliable tool to accurately classify venous malformation and this topographic classification helps for better management strategy.
Is imperfection becoming easier to live with for doctors?
Authors: Førde Reidun , Aasland Olaf G 
Published: December 2016

Objective Being involved in serious patient injury is devastating for most doctors. During the last two decades, several efforts have been launched to improve Norwegian doctors’ coping with adverse events and complaints. Methods The method involved survey to a representative sample of 1792 Norwegian doctors in 2012. The questions on adverse events and its effects were previously asked in 2000. Results Response rate was 71%. More doctors reported to have been involved in episodes with serious patient harm in 2012 (35%) than in 2000 (28%), and more of the episodes were reported as required by law. Doctors below age 50 report better support from colleagues, more collegial retrospective discussion on the event and less patient/family blame. In all, 27% of the doctors had been reported to the Norwegian Board of Health Supervision; 79% of these complaints were rejected; 73% of the doctors who had received a reaction from the health authorities found the reaction reasonable, but almost one out of five practiced more testing and referrals after a complaint and 25% claimed that the complaint had made them into a more fearful doctor. Conclusion Our results indicate that adverse events are being met more openly in 2012 than in 2000, and that coping with imperfection and patient complaints is less devastating for new generations of doctors.
Efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment for femoropopliteal lesions of TASC II type C and D compared with TASC II type A and B in Korea
Authors: Joo Hyung Joon , Jang Duck Hyun , Yu Cheol Woong , Choi Young Jin , Park Jinsik , Lee Hyun Jong , Park Jae Hyoung , Hong Soon Jun , Lim Do Sun 
Published: December 2016

Objective To compare the long-term safety and clinical efficacy of endovascular treatment for TASC-II type C/D femoropopliteal lesion compared with TASC-II type A/B femoropopliteal lesion in Korea. Methods A total of 179 limbs [TASC-II A/B femoropopliteal lesion (group I, n = 105 limbs) and TASC-II C/D (group II, n = 74 limbs)] were retrospectively analyzed from patients who underwent angioplasty with or without primary stent implantation between February 2008 and November 2012 at two medical centers in South Korea. The major adverse limb event was defined as a composite of target lesion revascularization, symptom relapse with abnormal ankle brachial index, and major amputation. Results Immediate procedural success rates were not significantly different (96.2% vs. 95.7%, p = 0.450). Although major adverse limb event, mainly driven by symptom relapse with abnormal ankle brachial index, were significantly higher in group II ( p = 0.013), the incidence of major amputation was very low and similar in both groups. Conclusion Even though there were higher incidences of overall procedural complication and major adverse limb event, the technical success rate of endovascular treatment for TASC-II C/D femoropopliteal lesion was comparable to endovascular treatment for TASC-II A/B FPL without an increase in major procedural complications or serious clinical events during follow-up.
Comparison of a Novel Weightbearing Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scanner Versus a Conventional Computed Tomography Scanner for Measuring Patellar Instability
Authors: Marzo John , Kluczynski Melissa , Notino Anthony , Bisson Leslie 
Published: December 2016

Background: Conventional computed tomography (CT) images are routinely used for diagnosing patellofemoral instability and are obtained with the patient in a supine position, nonweightbearing, with the knee in full extension, and with leg muscles relaxed. A new portable extremity cone beam CT (CBCT) scanner has been developed that may allow for more accurate diagnosis, as imaging can be performed with the patient standing, the knee flexed, and with leg muscles active. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare CT measurements of patellar alignment on a prototype scanner versus conventional scanner in patients with known patellar instability. The hypothesis was that the measurements obtained with the knee flexed and the patient weightbearing would be less than those obtained from the conventional CT scan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Twenty patients with a diagnosis of lateral patellar instability were imaged on both a conventional CT scanner and on a prototype CBCT scanner. Objective measures of patellofemoral alignment (tilt angle, congruence angle, tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove [TT-TG] offset) were assessed on images obtained from the prototype and conventional CT scans by 2 independent reviewers. Paired t tests were calculated to compare the mean measurement of patellofemoral alignment obtained from the prototype versus conventional CT. Interrater reliability was assessed using a 2-way mixed-effects model intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for tilt angle, congruence angle, and TT-TG offset on the prototype and conventional CT scans. Results: Measurements of patellofemoral alignment were significantly less when acquired by the new prototype CBCT scanner while subjects were weightbearing on a flexed knee. On the images from the prototype CBCT scan, the tilt angle averaged 18.2° ± 11.6° compared with 28.1° ± 7.1° on the conventional CT scan ( P < .0001). The congruence angle was 3.0° ± 30.1° compared with 26.7° ± 18.1° on the conventional CT scan ( P = .0002). Finally, the TT-TG offset distance averaged 12.3 ± 6.3 mm when measured on the CBCT scan compared with 20.1 ± 4.2 mm on the conventional CT scan ( P < .0001). Good interrater reliability was found for tilt angle, congruence angle, and TT-TG offset on conventional and CBCT scans (ICC range, 0.79-0.96). Conclusion: In patients with patellar instability, measurements of patellofemoral alignment are reduced on images obtained from a new weightbearing extremity CBCT scanner on a flexed knee versus conventional CT in the supine position with a fully extended knee. Improvement in objective measurements of patellar alignment should lead to improved clinical and surgical care of patients with this condition.
GVHD prevents NK-cell–dependent leukemia and virus-specific innate immunity
Authors: Bunting Mark D. , Varelias Antiopi , Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes Fernando , Schuster Iona S. , Lineburg Katie E. , Kuns Rachel D. , Fleming Peter , Locke Kelly R. , Huntington Nicholas D. , Blazar Bruce R. , Lane Steven W. , Tey Siok-Keen , MacDonald Kelli P. A. , Smyth Mark J. , Degli-Esposti Mariapia A. , Hill Geoffrey R. 
Published: December 2016

Key Points
Donor T cells compete for IL-15 with NK cells during GVHD, resulting in profound defects in NK-cell reconstitution. GVHD impairs NK-cell–dependent leukemia and pathogen-specific immunity.
Brain activation in frontotemporal and Alzheimer’s dementia: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Metzger Florian G. , Schopp Betti , Haeussinger Florian B. , Dehnen Katja , Synofzik Matthis , Fallgatter Andreas J. , Ehlis Ann-Christine 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Background
Frontotemporal dementia is an increasingly studied disease, the underlying functional impairments on a neurobiological level of which have not been fully understood. Patients with the behavioral-subtype frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) are particularly challenging for clinical measurements such as functional imaging due to their behavioral symptoms. Here, an alternative imaging method, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), is introduced to measure task-related cortical brain activation based on blood oxygenation. The current study investigated differences in cortical activation patterns of patients with bvFTD, Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), and healthy elderly subjects measured by fNIRS.

Method
Eight probable bvFTD patients completed the semantic, phonological, and control conditions of a verbal fluency task. Eight AD patients and eight healthy controls were compared on the same task. Simultaneously, an fNIRS measurement was conducted and analyzed using a correction method based on the expected negative correlation between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin.

Results
Healthy controls show an increase in cortical activation measured in frontoparietal areas such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The activation pattern of patients with AD is similar, but weaker. In contrast, bvFTD patients show a more frontopolar pattern, with activation of Broca’s area, instead of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the superior temporal gyrus. The frontoparietal compensation mechanisms, seen in the healthy elderly, were missing in bvFTD patients.

Conclusion
Different frontoparietal cortical activation patterns may indicate a correlate of diverse pathophysiological mechanisms of AD and bvFTD during verbal fluency processing. The AD pattern is weaker and more similar to the healthy pattern, whereas the bvFTD pattern is qualitatively different, namely more frontopolar and without frontoparietal compensation activation. It adheres to a change of cortical activation during the course of the disease.
Centrifugal gravity-induced BMP4 induces chondrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells via SOX9 upregulation
Authors: Jang Yeonsue , Jung Hyerin , Nam Yoojun , Rim Yeri Alice , Kim Juryun , Jeong Sang Hoon , Ju Ji Hyeon 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundCartilage does not have the capability to regenerate itself. Therefore, stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach for impaired cartilage. For stem cell transplantation, in vitro enrichment is required; however, stem cells not only become senescent but also lose their differentiation potency during this process. In addition, cytokines are normally used for chondrogenic differentiation induction of stem cells, which is highly expensive and needs an additional step to culture. In this study, we introduced a novel method to induce chondrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), which are more readily available than bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(bMSCs), using centrifugal gravity (CG).MethodsASCs were stimulated by loading different degrees of CG (0, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, and 3600 g) to induce chondrogenic differentiation. The expression of chondrogenic differentiation-related genes was examined by RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and western blot analyses. The chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs stimulated with CG was evaluated by comparing the expression of positive markers [aggrecan (ACAN) and collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1)] and negative markers (COL1 and COL10) with that in ASCs stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 using micromass culture, immunofluorescence, and staining (Alcian Blue and Safranin O).ResultsExpression of SOX9 and SOX5 was upregulated by CG (2400 g for 30 min). Increased expression of ACAN and COL2A1 (positive markers) was detected in monolayer-cultured ASCs after CG stimulation, whereas that of COL10 (a negative marker) was not. Expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 4, an upstream stimulator of SOX9, was upregulated by CG, which was inhibited by Dorsomorphin (an inhibitor of BMP4). Increased expression of proteoglycan, a major component of cartilage, was confirmed in the micromass culture of ASCs stimulated with CG by Alcian Blue and Safranin O staining.ConclusionsChondrogenic differentiation of ASCs can be induced by optimized CG (2400 g for 30 min). Expression of SOX9 is upregulated by CG via increased expression of BMP4. CG has a similar ability to induce SOX9 expression as TGF-β1.
Extracellular matrix components and culture regimen selectively regulate cartilage formation by self-assembling human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ng Johnathan , Wei Yiyong , Zhou Bin , Burapachaisri Aonnicha , Guo Edward , Vunjak-Novakovic Gordana 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Background
Cartilage formation from self-assembling mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro recapitulate important cellular events during mesenchymal condensation that precedes native cartilage development. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of cartilaginous extracellular matrix (ECM) components and culture regimen on cartilage formation by self-assembling human MSCs in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
Human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hMSCs) were seeded and compacted in 6.5-mm-diameter transwell inserts with coated (type I, type II collagen) or uncoated (vehicle) membranes, at different densities (0.5 × 106, 1.0 × 106, 1.5 × 106 per insert). Pellets were formed by aggregating hMSCs (0.25 × 106) in round-bottomed wells. All tissues were cultured for up to 6 weeks for in vitro analyses. Discs (cultured for 6, 8 or 10 weeks) and pellets (cultured for 10 weeks) were implanted subcutaneously in immunocompromised mice to evaluate the cartilage stability in vivo.

Results
Type I and type II collagen coatings enabled cartilage disc formation from self-assembling hMSCs. Without ECM coating, hMSCs formed dome-shaped tissues resembling the pellets. Type I collagen, expressed in the prechondrogenic mesenchyme, improved early chondrogenesis versus type II collagen. High seeding density improved cartilage tissue properties but resulted in a lower yield of disc formation. Discs and pellets exhibited compositional and organizational differences in vitro and in vivo. Prolonged chondrogenic induction of the discs in vitro expedited endochondral ossification in vivo.

Conclusions
The outcomes of cartilage tissues formed from self-assembling MSCs in vitro and in vivo can be modulated by the control of culture parameters. These insights could motivate new directions for engineering cartilage and bone via a cartilage template from self-assembling MSCs.
Candida antifungal drug resistance in sub-Saharan African populations: A systematic review
Authors: Africa Charlene Wilma Joyce , Abrantes Pedro Miguel dos Santos 
Published: December 2016

Background:Candidainfections are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality rates in at-risk patients, especially in developing countries where there is limited access to antifungal drugs and a high burden of HIV co-infection. Objectives:This study aimed to identify antifungal drug resistance patterns within the subcontinent of Africa. Methods: A literature search was conducted on published studies that employed antifungal susceptibility testing on clinicalCandidaisolates from sub-Saharan African countries using Pubmed and Google Scholar. Results: A total of 21 studies from 8 countries constituted this review. Only studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and employing antifungal drug susceptibility testing were included. Regional differences inCandidaspecies prevalence and resistance patterns were identified. Discussion: The outcomes of this review highlight the need for a revision of antifungal therapy guidelines in regions most affected byCandidadrug resistance. Better controls in antimicrobial drug distribution and the implementation of regional antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance programmes are required in order to reduce the highCandidadrug resistance levels seen to be emerging in sub-Saharan Africa.
Creation of Public-Law Companies Is Dictated by the Needs of Growth
Authors: Смирнов  , Smirnov E. 
Published: December 2016

In October, in Russia came into force the Federal Law of July 3, 2016 № 236-FZ, which introduces into circulation
a legal entity in the form of public-law companies, designed to ensure the implementation of the most important goals of
public policy, public property management solutions and other socio-economic problems.
NEW APPROACHES TO DESIGNING VIBRATORY TECHNOLOGICAL TECHNIQUE IN FOOD AND PROCESSING INDUSTRY
Authors: Мищенко Елена , Mishchenko Elena , Мищенко Владимир , Mishchenko Vladimir 
Published: December 2016

In the paper there are considered new approaches to designing equipment allowing intensifying technological processes. Among different forms of mechanical effects upon dispersion systems used in technological processes of food and processing industry, vibration occupies a significant place as one of the most efficient means for the creation of an essential dynamic state in dispersion systems. The application of vibration equipment allows improving principally common technological processes and developing new ones. At the same time many processes are accelerated dozens of times. Vibration machines are considerably simpler and more efficient than common ones and consume less power. Alongside with the technological processes intensification at the vibration impact upon material worked the final product quality is also improved.
On the basis of the results in theoretical and ex-perimental investigations with the use of a mechatron-ics approach at designing the authors have developed an automated complex for manufacturing a pectin concentrate from beet pulp through the method of vibratory extraction functioning on the basis of a module principle, and also the technology is offered allowing the realization of this process. At that the extracting degree increased by 30-35% in comparison with analogues and the period of extracting fulfillment decreased up to 30-35 min.
In such a way, using mechanotronic approaches to the creation of technological vibratory machines containing the methods for dynamic systems formation taking into account inseparable ties with mechanical, electromagnetic, hydrodynamic and heat-mass exchanging processes, the theory of automated control and current micro-controller means of control one can speak about the creation of a fundamentally new direction at designing vibratory technique for food and processing industry.
SYSTEM OF AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY OF PARTS: ANALYSIS IN PHASE SPACE
Authors: Кузнецова Светлана , Kuznetsova Svetlana 
Published: December 2016

A process of the functioning of a system of automated parts assemblage can be presented in a phase space.
Any way of assemblage, irrespective of a struc-tural scheme, physical nature of power impacts, a method of parts motion control is characterized by a motion of assembly components throughout a path of combination. Hence, the coordinates of position adap-tation and their derivatives allow obtaining a common geometrical image of an assembly system.
A state of the relative position and orientation of parts connected in a phase space at any time period during an operation is shown by phase trajectories.
A value set of initial mismatch of parts condi-tions on a set of phase trajectories, that is, a phase portrait of an adaptation method under consideration. A graphical image of changes in the state of a common position of parts allows introducing quantitative criteria for the evaluation of the quality of this method and, therefore, for the comparative analysis of different methods.