bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein in the Differential Diagnosis of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Makris Konstantinos , Stefani Dimitra , Koniari Katerina , Gialouri Eleni , Lelekis Moses , Chondrogianni Maria , Zompola Christina , Dardiotis Efthymios , Rizos Ioannis , Parissis John , Boutati Eleni , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Tsivgoulis Georgios 
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose—
Plasma GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) has recently emerged as a potential biomarker for the differentiation of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) from acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We prospectively assessed the diagnostic accuracy of GFAP in the differential diagnosis of ICH.

Methods—
Consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department within 6 hours from symptom onset were evaluated. All patients underwent extensive diagnostic work-up and were classified according to discharge diagnosis in AIS, ICH, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and stroke mimics. GFAP was also measured in healthy volunteers (controls). Baseline stroke severity was evaluated using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify the optimal cutoff point for the differentiation between subgroups. Correlation analyses of GFAP plasma concentrations with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and onset to sampling time were performed with the nonparametric Spearman rank test and fractional polynomial regression, respectively.

Results—

Our study population consisted of 270 individuals (AIS: 121, ICH: 34, stroke mimics: 31, subarachnoid hemorrhage: 5, controls: 79). No differences on baseline stroke severity and onset to sampling time were detected between AIS and ICH. Higher median plasma GFAP values were documented in ICH compared with AIS, stroke mimics, and controls (
P
<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis highlighted a cutoff value of 0.43 ng/mL as the optimal threshold for the differentiation between ICH and AIS (sensitivity: 91%, specificity: 97%). No association was detected between plasma GFAP concentrations and baseline stroke severity for both AIS (
P
=0.515) and ICH (
P
=0.387). In the fractional polynomial analysis, the association between GFAP concentration and onset to sampling time was best described by a J-shaped curve for AIS and an inverted U-shaped curve for ICH, with a peak at 2 hours.

Conclusions—
Plasma GFAP seems to be a sensitive and specific biomarker for the differentiation of ICH from both AIS and other acute neurological disorders, with the optimal diagnostic yield being present in the second hour from symptom onset.
The GLAM Airborne Campaign across the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Ricaud Philippe , Zbinden Régina , Catoire Valéry , Brocchi Vanessa , Dulac François , Hamonou Eric , Canonici Jean-Christophe , El Amraoui Laaziz , Massart Sébastien , Piguet Bruno , Dayan Uri , Nabat Pierre , Sciare Jean , Ramonet Michel , Delmotte Marc , di Sarra Alcide , Sferlazzo Damiano , di Iorio Tatiana , Piacentino Salvatore , Cristofanelli Paolo , Mihalopoulos Nikos , Kouvarakis Giorgos , Pikridas Michael , Savvides Chrysanthos , Mamouri Rodanthi-Elisavet , Nisantzi Argyro , Hadjimitsis Diofantos , Attié Jean-Luc , Ferré Hélène , Kangah Yannick , Jaidan Nizar , Guth Jonathan , Jacquet Patrick , Chevrier Stéphane , Robert Claude , Bourdon Aurélien , Bourdinot Jean-François , Etienne Jean-Claude , Krysztofiak Gisèle , Theron Pierre 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The Gradient in Longitude of Atmospheric Constituents above the Mediterranean Basin (GLAM) airborne campaign was set up to investigate the summertime variability of gaseous pollutants, greenhouse gases, and aerosols between the western (∼3°E) and eastern (∼35°E) sections of the Mediterranean basin as well as how this connects with the impact of the Asian monsoon anticyclone on the eastern Mediterranean in the mid- to upper troposphere (∼5–10 km). GLAM falls within the framework of the Chemistry–Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment (ChArMEx) program. GLAM used the French Falcon-20 research aircraft to measure aerosols, humidity, and chemical compounds: ozone, carbon monoxide, methane, and carbon dioxide. GLAM took place between 6 and 10 August 2014, following a route from Toulouse (France) to Larnaca (Cyprus) and back again via Minorca (Spain), Lampedusa (Italy), and Heraklion (Crete, Greece). The aircraft flew at an altitude of 5 km on its outbound journey and 10 km on the return leg. GLAM also collected vertical profiles around the landing sites listed above. A combination of model outputs, chemical mapping analyses, and spaceborne and surface station measurements gathered prior to and during the campaign were used to interpret the in situ airborne measurements. The main outcome of this study is the impact of intercontinental transport on the longitudinal variability of pollutants, greenhouse gases, and aerosols at an altitude of 10 km. The eastern Mediterranean is affected by air masses from the Arabian Sea surface, and the western Mediterranean is impacted by air masses from North America (biomass burning) and West Africa (desert dust).
Extratropical Factors Affecting the Variability in Summer Precipitation over the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Li Xinyu , Lu Riyu 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The Yangtze River basin (YRB), a typical East Asian monsoon region, experiences a large year-to-year variability in summer precipitation and is subject to both floods and droughts. There is a well-known seesaw relationship in precipitation between the tropical western North Pacific and the YRB, but more than half of the variance in precipitation in the YRB cannot be explained by this seesaw pattern. The authors therefore investigated other physical factors that might affect precipitation in the YRB. The results indicate that the northeasterly anomaly in the lower troposphere to the north of the YRB plays an important role in the variability in precipitation. This northeasterly anomaly is paired with the southwesterly anomaly to the south of the YRB. They both play an important role in water vapor accumulation over the YRB and intensify the meridional gradient of the equivalent potential temperature θe over the YRB by bringing dry and cool air from the north and wet air from the south. This intensified θe gradient favors convective instability and heavier rainfall in the YRB, as previous studies on mei-yu weather have indicated. Furthermore, it is found that the zonally oriented teleconnection along the Asian westerly jet and the meridional displacement of the jet can affect circulation in the lower troposphere and precipitation in the YRB. These results highlight the role of extratropical circulation anomalies and thus contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the variability of precipitation in the YRB.
A controlled clinical trial of a clinically-tuned powered ankle prosthesis in people with transtibial amputation
Authors: Gardinier Emily S , Kelly Brian M , Wensman Jeffrey , Gates Deanna H 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To determine whether there are changes in level walking performance for people using a powered ankle prosthesis that was tuned by an independent, manufacturer-certified prosthetist in accordance with device recommendations. Design: Intervention study with cross-over design. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Convenience sample of 10 individuals with unilateral, transtibial amputation, and 10 age- and gender-matched control participants. Interventions: Powered ankle prosthesis (BiOM T2 Ankle System). Main outcome metrics: Metabolic costs of walking, preferred walking speed. Results: There were no significant differences in oxygen consumption (2.9% difference; P = 0.606, d = 0.26), cost of transport (~1% difference; P = 0.652, d = 0.23), or preferred walking speed (~1% difference; P = 0.147, d = 0.76) when using the powered ankle compared to unpowered prostheses. Secondary analyses of user characteristics revealed that participants who were classified as having the highest function (K4 on Medicare’s 5-point scale from K0 to K4) were significantly more likely to exhibit energy cost savings than those classified as having lower function (K3; P = 0.014, d = 2.36). Conclusions: Participants did not demonstrate significant improvements in energetics or preferred speed when wearing a clinically tuned powered ankle prosthesis compared to their non-powered prostheses. Prescribers of powered devices should understand that not all users will show an immediate reduction in energy expenditure.
A feasibility study of a novel, task-specific movement training intervention for women with patellofemoral pain
Authors: Salsich Gretchen B , Yemm Barbara , Steger-May Karen , Lang Catherine E , Van Dillen Linda R 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To investigate whether a novel, task-specific training intervention that focused on correcting pain-producing movement patterns was feasible and whether it would improve hip and knee kinematics, pain, and function in women with patellofemoral pain. Design: Prospective, non-randomized, within-group, double baseline, feasibility intervention study. Subjects: A total of 25 women with patellofemoral pain were enrolled. Intervention: The intervention, delivered 2×/week for six weeks, consisted of supervised, high-repetition practice of daily weight-bearing and recreational activities. Activities were selected and progressed based on participants’ interest and ability to maintain optimal alignment without increasing pain. Main measures: Primary feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention, adherence, and treatment credibility (Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire). Secondary outcomes assessing intervention effects were hip and knee kinematics, pain (visual analog scale: current, average in past week, maximum in past week), and function (Patient-Specific Functional Scale). Results: A total of 25 participants were recruited and 23 were retained (92% retention). Self-reported average daily adherence was 79% and participants were able to perform their prescribed home program correctly (reduced hip and knee frontal plane angles) by the second intervention visit. On average, treatment credibility was rated 25 (out of 27) and expectancy was rated 22 (out of 27). Hip and knee kinematics, pain, and function improved following the intervention when compared to the control phase. Conclusion: Based on the feasibility outcomes and preliminary intervention effects, this task-specific training intervention warrants further investigation and should be evaluated in a larger, randomized clinical trial.
The role of movement errors in modifying spatiotemporal gait asymmetry post stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lewek Michael D , Braun Carty H , Wutzke Clint , Giuliani Carol 
Published: July 2017

Objective: Current rehabilitation to improve gait symmetry following stroke is based on one of two competing motor learning strategies: minimizing or augmenting symmetry errors. We sought to determine which of those motor learning strategies best improves overground spatiotemporal gait symmetry. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Rehabilitation research lab. Subjects: In all, 47 participants (59 ± 12 years old) with chronic hemiparesis post stroke and spatiotemporal gait asymmetry were randomized to error augmentation, error minimization, or conventional treadmill training (control) groups. Interventions: To augment or minimize asymmetry on a step-by-step basis, we developed a responsive, “closed-loop” control system, using a split-belt instrumented treadmill that continuously adjusted the difference in belt speeds to be proportional to the patient’s current asymmetry. Main measures: Overground spatiotemporal asymmetries and gait speeds were collected prior to and following 18 training sessions. Results: Step length asymmetry reduced after training, but stance time did not. There was no group × time interaction. Gait speed improved after training, but was not affected by type of asymmetry, or group. Of those who trained to modify step length asymmetry, there was a moderately strong linear relationship between the change in step length asymmetry and the change in gait speed. Conclusion: Augmenting errors was not superior to minimizing errors or providing only verbal feedback during conventional treadmill walking. Therefore, the use of verbal feedback to target spatiotemporal asymmetry, which was common to all participants, appears to be sufficient to reduce step length asymmetry. Alterations in stance time asymmetry were not elicited in any group.
Efficacy of strength training on tension-type headache: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Madsen Bjarne K , Søgaard Karen , Andersen Lars L , Tornøe Birte , Jensen Rigmor H 
Published: July 2017

Background Strength training has shown effects in reducing neck pain. As neck pain is highly prevalent in tension-type headache (TTH), it is relevant to examine the effect of strength training of the shoulder muscles on TTH patients. Aim To examine the effect of strength training of the shoulder/neck muscles on TTH frequency and duration. Methods Sixty patients with TTH were randomised into strength training or a control group. The strength training group trained ten weeks with elastic resistance bands. The control group performed ergonomic and posture correction. Efficacy was evaluated at follow-up after 19–22 weeks. Results Twenty-three patients completed strength training and 21 completed ergonomic and posture correction (per-protocol). No between-group effect was detected, but within groups numerical reductions were noted in both groups from baseline to follow-up. Frequency of TTH in the strength training group decreased by 11% ( P = 0.041) and duration decreased by10% ( P = 0.036), while the ergonomic and posture correction group showed a significant reduction in frequency of 24% ( P = 0.0033) and a decrease in duration of 27% ( P = 0.041). Conclusion No significant difference between the groups was found and the within-group effects did not reach clinical significance. Combining all the elements into a multifaceted intervention could prove more useful and should be further explored in future studies. Clinical trials registration number NCT02984826
Patellofemoral Joint Loads During Running at the Time of Return to Sport in Elite Athletes With ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Herrington Lee , Alarifi Saud , Jones Richard 
Published: July 2017

Background: Patellofemoral joint pain and degeneration are common in patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The presence of patellofemoral joint pain significantly affects the patient’s ability to continue sport participation and may even affect participation in activities of daily living. The mechanisms behind patellofemoral joint pain and degeneration are unclear, but previous research has identified altered patellofemoral joint loading in individuals with patellofemoral joint pain when running. It is unclear whether this process occurs after ACLR. Purpose: To assess the patellofemoral joint stresses during running in ACLR knees and compare the findings to the noninjured knee and matched control knees. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Thirty-four elite sports practitioners who had undergone ACLR and 34 age- and sex-matched controls participated in the study. The participants’ running gait was assessed via 3D motion capture, and knee loads and forces were calculated by use of inverse dynamics. Results: A significance difference was found in knee extensor moment, knee flexion angles, patellofemoral contact force (about 23% greater), and patellofemoral contact pressure (about 27% greater) between the ACLR and the noninjured limb ( P ≤ .04) and between the ACLR and the control limb ( P ≤ .04); no significant differences were found between the noninjured and control limbs ( P ≥ .44). Conclusion: Significantly greater levels of patellofemoral joint stress and load were found in the ACLR knee compared with the noninjured and control knees. Clinical Relevance: Altered levels of patellofemoral stress in the ACLR knee during running may predispose individuals to patellofemoral joint pain.
Hemodynamic Instability Secondary to Vasopressin Withdrawal in Septic Shock
Authors: Bissell Brittany D. , Magee Carolyn , Moran Peter , Bastin Melissa L. Thompson , Flannery Alexander H. 
Published: July 2017

Rationale: Vasopressors such as norepinephrine are first line for support of mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the management of septic shock. Their use, however, is commonly associated with many adverse events. These detriments frequently trigger the use of alternative, noncatecholamine therapies, including vasopressin. Vasopressin deficiency is a known physiologic consequence of septic shock, and while guidelines recommend vasopressin in addition to norepinephrine, no consensus exists on the duration of deficiency or ideal time of cessation. Studies have suggested that vasopressin discontinuation prior to other vasopressors may lead to hypotension; however, data are limited. This study evaluates the optimal sequence for the discontinuation of vasopressin therapy in septic shock. Methods: This was a 1-year retrospective study of 152 patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) with septic shock who received concurrent norepinephrine and vasopressin for vasoactive support. Patients were excluded if death occurred on vasopressors, within 24 hours after discontinuation of vasopressors, or within 48 hours of ICU admission. The primary outcome of hemodynamic instability included incidence of hypotension after vasopressor discontinuation (2 consecutive MAPs < 60 mm Hg), fluid bolus administration, greater than 0.05 μg/kg/min increase in norepinephrine requirements, or addition of an alternative vasopressor. Secondary outcomes included time to hypotension, total vasopressor duration, arrhythmias, mortality, and length of stay. Results: Ninety-one patients met exclusion criteria, resulting in 61 patients for evaluation. Vasopressin was the first vasoactive therapy to be discontinued in 19 patients and last in 42 patients. Baseline characteristics and the use of potentially confounding treatments known to effect MAP were similar between groups. Discontinuation of vasopressin first was associated with a significant increase in hemodynamic instability (74% vs 16.7%, P < .01), with a shorter time to hemodynamic instability (5 vs 15 hours, P < .01). Secondary outcomes were similar. Conclusion: Vasopressin discontinuation prior to cessation of norepinephrine infusion was associated with an increased risk of hemodynamic instability.
Three-dimensional wet-electrospun poly(lactic acid)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes scaffold induces differentiation of human menstrual blood-derived stem cells into germ-like cells
Authors: Eyni Hossein , Ghorbani Sadegh , Shirazi Reza , Salari Asl Leila , P Beiranvand Shahram , Soleimani Masoud 
Published: July 2017

Infertility caused by the disruption or absence of germ cells is a major and largely incurable medical problem. Germ cells (i.e., sperm or egg) play a key role in the transmission of genetic and epigenetic information across generations. Generation of gametes derived in vitro from stem cells hold promising prospects which could potentially help infertile men and women. Menstrual blood-derived stem cells are a unique stem cell source. Evidence suggests that menstrual blood-derived stem cells exhibit a multi-lineage potential and have attracted extensive attention in regenerative medicine. To maintain the three-dimensional structure of natural extra cellular matrices in vitro, scaffolds can do this favor and mimic a microenvironment for cell proliferation and differentiation. According to previous studies, poly(lactic acid) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes have been introduced as novel and promising biomaterials for the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Some cell types have been successfully grown on a matrix containing carbon nanotubes in tissue engineering but there is no report for this material to support stem cells differentiation into germ cells lineage. This study designed a 3D wet-electrospun poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactic acid)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes composite scaffold to compare infiltration, proliferation, and differentiation potential of menstrual blood-derived stem cells toward germ cell lineage with 2D culture. Our primary data revealed that the fabricated scaffold has mechanical and biological suitable qualities for supporting and attachments of stem cells. The differentiated menstrual blood-derived stem cells tracking in scaffolds using scanning electron microscopy confirmed cell attachment, aggregation, and distribution on the porous scaffold. Based on the differentiation assay by RT-PCR analysis, stem cells and germ-like cells markers were expressed in 3D groups as well as 2D one. It seems that poly(lactic acid)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes scaffold-seeded menstrual blood-derived stem cells could be viewed as a novel, safe, and accessible construct for these cells, as they enhance germ-like generation from menstrual blood-derived stem cells.
High Burden and Depression Among Late-Stage Idiopathic Parkinson Disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Caregivers
Authors: Schmotz Christian , Richinger Carmen , Lorenzl Stefan 
Published: July 2017

Objectives: Caregivers of patients with late-stage idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD) and late-stage progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) often suffer from severe psychological strain themselves. This study investigates the influence of the different kind of symptoms in IPD and PSP on the psychological burden of the caregivers. Methods: Twenty patients with late-stage IPD and 20 patients with late-stage PSP and their caregivers were investigated. To measure the degree of motor, cognitive, and affective impairment of the patients, the instruments Subscale III of the Unified Rating Scale for Parkinsonism (UPDRS-III), a shortened 24-item version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) were used. Psychological burden of the caregivers was determined by using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory (ZBI). Results: Patients with IPD suffered from a higher level of depression (GDS-30: 15.9 vs 10.2, P = .020), whereas patients with PSP showed greater motor impairment (UPDRS-III: 38.3 vs 29.9, P = .002). Caregivers of both groups reported high psychological burden (ZBI: 36.5 in IPD vs 42.8 in PSP) and symptoms of a depression (BDI-II: 12.5 in IPD vs 15.1 in PSP). No significant influence of motor impairment, cognitive dysfunction, and depressive symptoms of the patient on the burden of the caregiver could be found. Conclusions: Psychological strain and depression among caregivers seem to become even more relevant in the late stages of IPD and PSP. Further studies will be necessary to investigate the specific determining factors in late-stage parkinsonian syndromes.