bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Visual and Auditory Information on the Perception of Pleasantness and Roughness of Virtual Surfaces
Authors: Etzi Roberta , Ferrise Francesco , Bordegoni Monica , Zampini Massimiliano , Gallace Alberto 
Published: December 2017

Despite the large number of studies on the multisensory aspects of tactile perception, very little is known regarding the effects of visual and auditory sensory modalities on the tactile hedonic evaluation of textures, especially when the presentation of the stimuli is mediated by a haptic device. In this study, different haptic virtual surfaces were rendered by varying the static and dynamic frictional coefficients of a Geomagic®Touch device. In Experiment 1, the haptic surfaces were paired with pictures representing everyday materials (glass, plastic, rubber and steel); in Experiment 2, the haptic surfaces were paired with sounds resulting from the haptic exploration of paper or sandpaper. In both the experiments, participants were required to rate the pleasantness and the roughness of the virtual surfaces explored. Exploration times were also recorded. Both pleasantness and roughness judgments, as well as the durations of exploration, varied as a function of the combinations of the visuo-tactile and the audio-tactile stimuli presented. Taken together, these results suggest that vision and audition modulate haptic perception and hedonic preferences when tactile sensations are provided through a haptic device. Importantly, these results offer interesting suggestions for designing more pleasant, and even more realistic, multisensory virtual surfaces.
Near-Surface and Deep Circulation Coupling in the Western Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Tenreiro M. , Candela Julio , Sanz Enric Pallàs , Sheinbaum Julio , Ochoa José 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe coupling between the upper (z < 1000-m depth) and deep (z > 1500 m) circulation in the western Gulf of Mexico (WGoM) driven by the arrival of Loop Current eddies (LCEs) is analyzed from moorings measuring horizontal velocity in the full water column during a 5-yr period (October 2008–October 2013). Nine LCEs crossing the mooring array are documented. A composite of these events shows that strong northward currents at depth having speeds of 0.1–0.2 m s−1 precede (~10–20 days) the strong northward near-surface currents (~0.5 m s−1) characteristic of the western rim of the LCEs. These deep northward flow intensifications are followed by southward deep flows coupled with the surface-intensified southward current of the eastern (rear) part of the LCEs crossing the array. These results are consistent with the existence of a deep anticyclone leading and a cyclone trailing the upper-layer LCEs. Objectively interpolated regional maps of velocities and vertical vorticity obtained from up to 30 moorings indicate the mean circulation at 100-m depth in the northern WGoM is mostly anticyclonic and enhanced by the arrival of the westward-propagating LCEs, while the southern part is dominated by the presence of a semipermanent cyclonic structure (Bay of Campeche cyclonic gyre). At 1500-m depth, the mean circulation follows the slope in a cyclonic sense and shows a cyclonic vorticity maximum on the abyssal plane consistent with the LCE deep flow composites. This suggests the LCEs strongly modulate not only the upper-layer circulation but also impact the deep flow.
Detection of early nocturnal hypoventilation in neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Trucco Federica , Pedemonte Marina , Fiorillo Chiara , Tan Hui-leng , Carlucci Annalisa , Brisca Giacomo , Tacchetti Paola , Bruno Claudio , Minetti Carlo 
Published: December 2017

Objective Nocturnal hypoventilation (NH) is a complication of respiratory involvement in neuromuscular disorders (NMD) that can evolve into symptomatic daytime hypercapnia if not treated proactively with non-invasive ventilation. This study aimed to assess whether NH can be detected in the absence of other signs of nocturnal altered gas exchange. Methods We performed nocturnal transcutaneous coupled (tc) pCO2/SpO2 monitoring in 46 consecutive cases of paediatric-onset NMD with a restrictive respiratory defect (forced vital capacity < 60%). Nocturnal hypoventilation was defined as tcPCO2 > 50 mmHg for > 25% of recorded time, and hypoxemia as tcSpO2 < 88% for > 5 minutes. Daytime symptoms and bicarbonate were recorded after overnight monitoring. Results Twenty-nine of 46 consecutive patients showed NH. Twenty-three patients did not have nocturnal hypoxemia and 18 were clinically asymptomatic. In 20 patients, PaCO2 in daytime blood samples was normal. Finally, 13/29 patients with NH had isolated nocturnal hypercapnia without nocturnal hypoxia, clinical NH symptoms, or daytime hypercapnia. Conclusions Paediatric patients with NMD can develop NH in the absence of clinical symptoms or significant nocturnal desaturation. Therefore, monitoring of NH should be included among nocturnal respiratory assessments of these patients as an additional tool to determine when to commence non-invasive ventilation.
Outcome of pinning in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis: risk factors associated with avascular necrosis, chondrolysis, and femoral impingement
Authors: Ulici Alexandru , Carp Madalina , Tevanov Iulia , Nahoi Catalin Alexandru , Sterian Alin Gabriel , Cosma Dan 
Published: December 2017

Objective This study aimed to assess the principal risk factors that could lead to the most common long-term complications of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, such as avascular necrosis, chondrolysis, and hip impingement. Methods We conducted a single-centre, retrospective study and evaluated patients (70 patients, 81 hips) who were treated for slipped capital femoral epiphysis from 2010 to 2015 and who underwent pinning. We measured the severity of displacement radiologically using the Southwick angle. Postoperative radiographs were evaluated for the most frequent long-term complications of avascular necrosis (AVN), chondrolysis, and femoral acetabular impingement (FAI). Results We found seven cases of AVN, 14 cases of chondrolysis, and 31 hips had an α angle of 60°. Sex, ambulation, and symptoms did not affect development of these complications. Patients with a normal weight were almost two times more likely to develop FAI. Patients with moderate and severe slips had a similar percentage of AVN. In severe slips, 85.7% of patients had an α angle higher than 60°. Conclusions This study shows that severe slips have a higher risk of developing AVN and hip impingement. Every patient who suffers from SCFE (even the mildest forms) should be regularly checked for FAI.
Amniotic fluid oxidant–antioxidant status in foetal congenital nervous system anomalies
Authors: Cim Numan , Tolunay Harun Egemen , Karaman Erbil , Boza Barıs , Bilici Mustafa , Çetin Orkun , Yıldızhan Recep , Sahin Hanım Guler 
Published: December 2017

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the oxidant–antioxidant status of amniotic fluid in pregnant women with foetal congenital malformations of the central nervous system. Methods We studied pregnant women with foetal congenital nervous system anomalies at 16–22 weeks’ gestation (n = 36). The control group (n = 30) consisted of pregnant women at the same gestational age who underwent amniocentesis, resulting in a normal karyotype. We analysed glutathione, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels in amniotic fluid. Enzyme activation was measured by spectrophotometry. Results The demographic features of the groups were similar in terms of age, parity, body mass index, and gestational weeks. We detected lower glutathione and catalase levels in the foetal congenital anomaly group than in the control group. We detected higher malondialdehyde levels in the foetal congenital anomaly group than in the control group. Conclusion In the organism, the rate of formation of free radicals and their rate of removal are balanced, and this is called oxidative balance. As long as oxidative stability is achieved, the organism is not affected by free radicals. This fact should be kept in mind to avoid any type of teratogenic agent that could lead to congenital disorders.
Dexmedetomidine protects against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injury-induced apoptosis via the p38 MAPK/ERK signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhu Yuekun 
Published: December 2017

Objective To investigate the protective effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury, which is involved in a number of ischaemic diseases. Methods An in vitro OGD/R injury model was generated using mouse Neuro 2A neuroblastoma (N2A) cells. Different concentrations of DEX were administrated to OGD/R cells. CV-65 was used to inhibit p38 microtubule associated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (MAPK/ERK) signalling. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and the levels of proteins related to p38 MAPK/ERK signalling and apoptosis were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, TdT-UTP nick end labelling and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results DEX treatment of OGD/R cells promoted cell survival and attenuated OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis. It also activated the p38 MAPK/ERK signalling pathway, increased the levels of Bcl-2, and decreased the levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Treatment with the p38 MAPK/ERK inhibitor CV-65 inhibited the activation of p38 MAPK/ERK and abrogated the DEX-induced effects on cell survival and apoptosis. Conclusions DEX protects N2A cells from OGD/R-induced apoptosis via the activation of the p38 MAPK/ERK signalling pathway. DEX might be an effective agent for the treatment of ischaemic diseases.
Use of cerebral oxygen saturation and hemoglobin concentration to predict acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery
Authors: Balci Canan , Haftaci Engin , Kunt Atike Tekeli 
Published: December 2017

Objective Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after cardiac surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive technique for real-time measurement of cerebral tissue oxygenation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the correlation of AKI with hemoglobin and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) measured intraoperatively and postoperatively in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected data of 45 adult patients with normal renal function who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) from January 2014 to May 2014. Kidney injury was assessed according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. rScO2 and hemoglobin were measured every hour intraoperatively and for the first 24 hours postoperatively. Results The hemoglobin concentration and rScO2 were significantly lower in patients with than without AKI, and no linear trends were observed. No exact cut-off values were obtained. Conclusion This retrospective study shows that a lower rScO2 and hemoglobin concentration are correlated with AKI after CABG in patients with no peripheral vascular disease or recent myocardial infarction. We suggest that cerebral oximetry alone may predict postoperative AKI well.
Men and Women Differ in the Biochemical Composition of Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Xiong Grace , Lingampalli Nithya , Koltsov Jayme C.B. , Leung Lawrence L. , Bhutani Nidhi , Robinson William H. , Chu Constance R. 
Published: December 2017

Background: Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used for a variety of clinical applications. However, clinical outcome studies have not consistently shown positive effects. The composition of PRP differs based on many factors. An improved understanding of factors influencing the composition of PRP is important for the optimization of PRP use. Hypothesis: Age and sex influence the PRP composition in healthy patients. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Blood from 39 healthy patients was collected at a standardized time and processed into leukocyte-poor PRP within 1 hour of collection using the same laboratory centrifuge protocol and frozen for later analysis. Eleven female and 10 male patients were “young” (aged 18-30 years), while 8 male and 10 female patients were “older” (aged 45-60 years). Thawed PRP samples were assessed for cytokine and growth factor levels using a multiplex assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The platelet count and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were measured. Two-way analysis of variance determined age- and sex-based differences. Results: Platelet and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations were similar in PRP between the groups ( P = .234). Male patients had higher cytokine and growth factor levels in PRP compared with female patients for inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin–1 beta (IL-1β) (9.83 vs 7.71 pg/mL, respectively; P = .008) and tumor necrosis factor–alpha (TNF-α) (131.6 vs 110.5 pg/mL, respectively; P = .048); the anti-inflammatory IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) (298.0 vs 218.0 pg/mL, respectively; P < .001); and growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor–basic (FGF-basic) (237.9 vs 194.0 pg/mL, respectively; P = .01), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) (3296.2 vs 2579.3 pg/mL, respectively; P = .087), and transforming growth factor–beta 1 (TGF-β1) (118.8 vs 92.8 ng/mL, respectively; P = .002). Age- but not sex-related differences were observed for insulin-like growth factor–1 (IGF-1) ( P < .001). Age and sex interaction terms were not significant. While mean differences were significant, there was also substantial intragroup variability. Conclusion: This study in healthy patients shows differences in the composition of PRP between men and women, with sex being a greater factor than age. There was also proteomic variability within the groups. These data support a personalized approach to PRP treatment and highlight the need for a greater understanding of the relationships between proteomic factors in PRP and clinical outcomes. Clinical Relevance: Variability in the proteomic profile of PRP may affect tissue and clinical responses to treatment. These data suggest that clinical studies should account for the composition of PRP used.
Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma Immediately After an Injury Did Not Improve Ligament Healing, and Increasing Platelet Concentrations Was Detrimental in an In Vivo Animal Model
Authors: LaPrade Robert F. , Goodrich Laurie R. , Phillips Jennifer , Dornan Grant J. , Turnbull Travis Lee , Hawes Michael L. , Dahl Kimi D. , Coggins Ashley N. , Kisiday John , Frisbie David , Chahla Jorge 
Published: December 2017

Background: Limited information in basic science and clinical trials exists to determine if ligament healing may be accelerated with the use of biological adjuvants, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). However, there has been widespread acceptance of PRP for use in clinical practice, despite an inadequate understanding of its biological mechanism of action. Purpose: To determine whether a single dose of PRP could accelerate ligament healing and correspondingly improve histological characteristics and biomechanical properties when injected immediately postoperatively into the injured medial collateral ligament (MCL) of New Zealand White rabbits. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eighty skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits (160 knees) were used. The MCL was torn midbody to simulate a grade 3 tear. After an acute injury of the MCL, the administration of autologous PRP at 3 different platelet concentrations (0 million/uL, platelet-poor plasma [PPP]; 0.6 million/uL, 2 times the baseline [2× PRP]; and 1.2 million/uL, 4 times the baseline [4× PRP]) was performed and compared with a saline injection control in the contralateral knee. Histological analysis and a biomechanical endpoint characterization were utilized to assess ligamentous healing and compare it to a sham surgery group. Results: The PPP ( P = .001) and 4× PRP ( P = .002) groups had a significantly lower collagen subscore than the sham surgery group. No other differences were observed among the treatment groups, including the vascularity subscore and overall ligament tissue maturity index score. Compared with saline-injected contralateral knees, the maximum load for PPP and 2× PRP was not significantly different ( P = .788 and .325, respectively). The maximum load and stiffness for knees treated with 4× PRP were significantly less than for the saline-treated contralateral knees ( P = .006 and .001, respectively). Conclusion: One single dose of PPP or 2× PRP at the time of injury did not improve ligament healing. In addition, 4× PRP negatively affected ligament strength and histological characteristics at 6 weeks after the injury. Clinical Relevance: The current practice of treating knee ligament injuries with PRP may not improve healing at low doses of PRP. The decreased mechanical properties and histological appearance of the torn MCL suggest that high doses of PRP decrease the quality of repair tissue. Further in vivo studies are necessary to determine the dosing and timing of PRP administration after a ligament injury before the widespread use of PRP to treat ligament injuries is recommended.
Incidence of skeletal related events in patients with bone metastasis receiving denosumab every four weeks compared to intervals greater than every four weeks
Authors: Yerram Prakirthi , Moore Russell , Wolf Steven , Barbour Sally Y 
Published: December 2017

Objective Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody used for prevention of skeletal related events in patients with bone metastasis from solid tumors and is administered every four weeks. In our practice, denosumab is often given at different frequencies more similar to patient’s chemotherapy regimens to decrease frequency of clinic visits. The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of skeletal related events, incidence of hypocalcemia, and cost with denosumab given at every four weeks and denosumab given at other frequencies. Methods This retrospective study at Duke University Health System included solid tumor patients with an age ≥18 years who received denosumab for prevention of skeletal related events. Results A total of 94 patients were included, with 29 in the every four-week group and 65 in the greater than every four-week group. Patients who received denosumab every four weeks had a 41.4% incidence of skeletal related events compared to 26.2% incidence of skeletal related events in patients who received denosumab at intervals greater than every four weeks (OR: 0.50; p = 0.14). There was no statistically significant difference in incidence of hypocalcemia. Based on average wholesale price, when the frequency of denosumab is extended to greater than every four weeks, annual cost savings per patient ranged from $4700 (every 5 weeks) to $18,800 (every 12 weeks). Conclusion While this study raises the possibility of decreasing the frequency of denosumab administration, further data are necessary to confirm that less frequent administration is non-inferior to every four-week administration.
A retrospective analysis of clinical acuity markers on hospital length of stay in patients with febrile neutropenia
Authors: Johannesmeyer Herman J , Seifert Charles F 
Published: December 2017

Objective The primary objective of this study was to identify factors that have predictive value in determining total hospital length of stay in patients with febrile neutropenia, particularly time to first antibiotic dose. Methods This study was a retrospective chart review analyzing patients admitted to a 443 bed tertiary county teaching hospital from 1 November 2010 through 1 November 2015. Patients were eligible for enrollment into the study if they met Infectious Diseases Society of America accepted criteria for febrile neutropenia. Results Ninety-three patients were included for analysis. Time to first antibiotic dose, first empirically appropriate antibiotic dose, and time to first isolate-appropriate antibiotic did not show a significant correlation to total hospital length of stay (p = 0.71, p = 0.342, and p = 0.77, respectively). Subject’s Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer and Simplified Acute Physiology II scores were significantly correlated with hospital lengths of stay (p = 0.0052, rs = −0.243 and p = 0.0001, rs = 0.344, respectively). Higher median (interquartile ranges) Simplified Acute Physiology II scores were also associated with hospital mortality [dead = 46 (34.8–51.7) vs. alive = 34 (28–43.3), p = 0.0173]. Conclusions Measures of patient acuity, such as the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer and Simplified Acute Physiology II scores, did show a correlation to clinical outcomes in patients with febrile neutropenia. Timing of initial antibiotics between 2.32 and 6.27 hours after presentation in patients with febrile neutropenia did not correlate with clinical outcomes.
The Contribution of Supplementary Tests in the Differential Diagnosis of Dementia
Authors: de Moraes Fabiano Moulin , Bertolucci Paulo Ferreira 
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Supplementary tests are part of the clinical approach to diagnose cognitive impairment. We aimed to determine the role of supplementary examinations, except for biomarkers, on diagnostic stability of dementia over time and to identify reversible dementias. Methods: We identified 432 patients with dementia who performed 2 clinical evaluations and the supplementary examinations recommended by the American Academy of Neurology in a follow-up period of 1 year. Results: In this sample, 110 (24.5%) patients changed their diagnosis at 1-year follow-up for the appearance of vascular cognitive impairment than the initial diagnosis, due to the neuroimaging. Concerning the reversible dementias, depression was the major differential diagnosis, detected in 13 (81%) of the 16 patients with cognitive improvement. Conclusion: Therefore, regarding the supplementary examinations only neuroimaging and the depression triage were relevant for clinical practice regarding the differential diagnosis of dementia.
Prevalence of maternal urinary ketones in pregnancy in overweight and obese women
Authors: Robinson Helen L , Barrett Helen L , Foxcroft Katie , Callaway Leonie K , Dekker Nitert Marloes 
Published: December 2017

Background Ketonuria may be associated with adverse fetal outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ketonuria at three time points in pregnancy and to assess whether ketonuria correlates with a clinical indication for performing a urine test. Methods Women had fasting urinary ketone levels measured at 16 and 28 weeks gestation and random ketone levels measured close to 36 weeks gestation. All ketone levels in the third trimester were recorded along with the clinical indication for the test. Results One hundred and eighty-seven women were included in the study. Twenty-two per cent of women had ketonuria at either 16 or 28 weeks gestation and 8% at 36 weeks gestation. Ketonuria was significantly more likely if a test was performed for a clinical indication ( p = 0.0002). Conclusion Ketonuria in pregnancy is common affecting at least one in five women. Ketonuria is more common in women who have a clinical indication for performing a urine test.
Syndecan-1 promotes Wnt/β-catenin signaling in multiple myeloma by presenting Wnts and R-spondins
Authors: Ren Zemin , van Andel Harmen , de Lau Wim , Hartholt Robin B. , Maurice Madelon M. , Clevers Hans , Kersten Marie José , Spaargaren Marcel , Pals Steven T. 
Published: December 2017

Key PointsHS chains decorating syndecan-1 promote autocrine and paracrine Wnt signaling in MM. Loss of HS inhibits MM cell growth by attenuating Wnt signaling.
Soluble interleukin-2 receptor is a sensitive diagnostic test in adult HLH
Authors: Hayden Anna , Lin Molly , Park Sujin , Pudek Morris , Schneider Marion , Jordan Michael B. , Mattman Andre , Chen Luke Y. C. 
Published: December 2017

Key Points
The optimal cutoff for soluble interleukin-2 receptor in this study was 2515 U/mL (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 72.5%). sIL-2r ≤2400 U/mL is helpful for ruling out HLH (sensitivity, 100%) and >10 000 U/mL is helpful for ruling it in (specificity, 93%).