bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coronary Artery Tortuosity in Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
Authors: Eleid Mackram F. , Guddeti Raviteja R. , Tweet Marysia S. , Lerman Amir , Singh Mandeep , Best Patricia J. , Vrtiska Terri J. , Prasad Megha , Rihal Charanjit S. , Hayes Sharonne N. , Gulati Rajiv 
Published: August 2014

Background—
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly recognized nonatherosclerotic cause of acute coronary syndrome. The angiographic characteristics of SCAD are largely undetermined. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of coronary tortuosity in SCAD and whether it may be implicated in the disease.

Methods and Results—

Patients with confirmed SCAD (n=246; 45.3±8.9 years; 96% women) and 313 control patients without SCAD or coronary artery disease who underwent coronary angiography were included in this case–control study. Angiograms were reviewed for coronary tortuosity and assigned a tortuosity score. Tortuosity was common in patients presenting with their first SCAD event (78% versus 17% in controls;
P
<0.0001; tortuosity score, 4.41±1.73 versus 2.33±1.49 in controls;
P
<0.0001) despite a low prevalence of hypertension (34%). Recurrent SCAD (n=40) occurred within segments of tortuosity in 80% of cases. Severe tortuosity (≥2 consecutive curvatures ≥180°) was associated with a higher risk of recurrent SCAD (hazard ratio, 3.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.99–8.29;
P
=0.05). Tortuosity score >5 was associated with a trend toward higher risk of recurrent SCAD (
P
=0.16). Prespecified angiographic markers of tortuosity including corkscrew appearance and multivessel symmetrical tortuosity were associated with extracoronary vasculopathy including fibromuscular dysplasia (
P
<0.05 for both).

Conclusions—
Coronary artery tortuosity is highly prevalent in the SCAD population and is associated with recurrent SCAD. Recurrent SCAD most often occurs within segments of tortuosity. Angiographic features of SCAD are associated with extracoronary vasculopathy, including fibromuscular dysplasia. These findings suggest that coronary tortuosity may serve as a marker or potential mechanism for SCAD.
Early Deterioration After Thrombolysis Plus Aspirin in Acute Stroke
Authors: Zinkstok Sanne M. , Beenen Ludo F. , Majoie Charles B. , Marquering Henk A. , de Haan Rob J. , Roos Yvo B. 
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—
Aspirin early after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke increases the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH), without influencing functional outcome at 3 months. The effect of aspirin on early neurological deterioration (END) was explored as a post hoc analysis of the randomized Antiplatelet Therapy in Combination With Recombinant t-PA Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke (ARTIS) trial.

Methods—

END, defined as a ≥4 points National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale worsening ≤24 hours after intravenous thrombolysis, was categorized into SICH (END
SICH
) and cerebral ischemia (END
CI
). Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the effect of aspirin on END.

Results—

Of the 640 patients, 31 patients (4.8%) experienced END (14 END
SICH
, 17 END
CI
). Aspirin increased the risk of END
SICH
(odds ratio, 3.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–13.49) but not of END
CI
(odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.44–3.00). After adjustment for other explanatory variables, the association between aspirin and END
SICH
remained significant.

Conclusions—
In this trial, there is no evidence of an early antithrombotic effect from the addition of aspirin to intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke.
Impact of Living Alone on the Care and Outcomes of Patients With Acute Stroke
Authors: Reeves Mathew J. , Prager Marla , Fang Jiming , Stamplecoski Melissa , Kapral Moira K. 
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—
Outcomes among patients living alone at stroke onset could be directly affected by reduced access to acute therapies or indirectly through the effects of social isolation. We examined the associations between living alone at home and acute stroke care and outcomes in the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network.

Methods—
Between 2003 and 2008, 10 048 patients with acute stroke (87% ischemic, 13% hemorrhagic) who were living at home were admitted to 11 Ontario hospitals. Outcomes included arrival ≤2.5 hours of onset, thrombolytic treatment, discharge home, 30-day and 1-year mortality, and 1-year readmission. The effects of living alone versus living with others were determined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results—
Overall, 22.8% (n=2288) of patients were living alone at home before stroke. Subjects living alone were significantly older (mean, 74.6 versus 71.5 years), more likely to be women (61.5% versus 41.4%), widowed (53.7% versus 12.3%), or single (21.5% versus 3.8%). Patients living alone were less likely to arrive within 2.5 hours (28.3% versus 40.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.48–0.60), to receive thrombolysis (8.0% versus 14.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.43–0.63), or to be discharged home (46.0% versus 54.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.73). There were no significant associations between living alone and mortality or readmission.

Conclusions—
Patients living alone had delayed hospital arrival, less thrombolytic therapy, and were less likely to return home. Greater understanding of the inter-relationships among living alone, social isolation, access to stroke care, and outcomes is needed.
The incidence of secondary vertebral fracture of vertebral augmentation techniques versus conservative treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Song Dawei , Meng Bin , Gan Minfeng , Niu Junjie , Li Shiyan , Chen Hao , Yuan Chenxi , Yang Huilin 
Published: August 2014

Background Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) are minimally invasive and effective vertebral augmentation techniques for managing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Recent meta-analyses have compared the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between patients treated with vertebral augmentation techniques or conservative treatment; however, the inclusions were not thorough and rigorous enough, and the effects of each technique on the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures remain unclear. Purpose To perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies with more rigorous inclusion criteria on the effects of vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for OVCF on the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures. Material and Methods PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SpringerLink, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database were searched for relevant original articles comparing the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for patients with OVCFs. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) were identified. The methodological qualities of the studies were evaluated, relevant data were extracted and recorded, and an appropriate meta-analysis was conducted. Results A total of 13 articles were included. The pooled results from included studies showed no statistically significant differences in the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between patients treated with vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment. Subgroup analysis comparing different study designs, durations of symptoms, follow-up times, races of patients, and techniques were conducted, and no significant differences in the incidence of secondary fractures were identified ( P > 0.05). No obvious publication bias was detected by either Begg’s test ( P = 0.360 > 0.05) or Egger’s test ( P = 0.373 > 0.05). Conclusion Despite current thinking in the field that vertebral augmentation procedures may increase the incidence of secondary fractures, we found no differences in the incidence of secondary fractures between vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for patients with OVCFs.
CT chest and gantry rotation time: does the rotation time influence image quality?
Authors: Beeres Martin , Wichmann Julian L , Paul Jijo , Mbalisike Emmanuel , Elsabaie Mohamed , Vogl Thomas J , Nour-Eldin Nour-Eldin A 
Published: August 2014

Background Computed tomography (CT) gantry rotation time is one factor influencing image quality. Until now, there has been no report investigating the influence of gantry rotation time on chest CT image quality. Purpose To investigate the influence of faster gantry rotation time on image quality and subjective and objective image parameters in chest CT imaging. Material and Methods Chest CT scans from 160 patients were examined in this study. All scans were performed using a single-source mode (collimation, 128 × 0.6 mm; pitch, 1.2) on a dual-source CT scanner. Only gantry rotation time was modified, while other CT parameters were kept stable for each scan (120 kV/110 reference mAs). Patients were divided into four groups based on rotation time: group 1, 1 s/ rotation (rot); group 2, 0.5 s/rot; group 3, 0.33 s/rot; group 4, 0.28 s/rot. Two blinded radiologists subjectively compared CT image quality, noise, and artifacts, as well as radiation exposure, from all groups. For objective comparison, all image datasets were analyzed by a radiologist with 5 years of experience concerning objective measurements as well as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Results We found that faster gantry rotation times (0.28 s/rot and 0.33 s/rot) resulted in more streak artifacts, image noise, and decreased image quality. However, there was no significant difference in radiation exposure between faster and slower rotation times ( P > 0.7). Conclusion Faster CT gantry rotation reduces scan time and motion artifacts. However, accelerating rotation time increases image noise and streak artifacts. Therefore, a slower CT gantry rotation speed is still recommended for higher image quality in some cases.
A nonsense mutation in IKBKB causes combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Mousallem Talal , Yang Jialong , Urban Thomas J. , Wang Hongxia , Adeli Mehdi , Parrott Roberta E. , Roberts Joseph L. , Goldstein David B. , Buckley Rebecca H. , Zhong Xiao-Ping 
Published: August 2014

Key PointsA nonsense mutation in IKBKB caused the absence of IKKβ and a lack of T- and B-cell activation through their antigen receptors. IKKβ is not necessary for development of T or B lymphocytes but is important for their activation and for the development/function of NK cells.
Relating gene expression evolution with CpG content changes
Authors: Yang Huan , Li Dawei , Cheng Chao 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have shown that CpG dinucleotides are enriched in a subset of promoters and the CpG content of promoters is positively correlated with gene expression levels. But the relationship between divergence of CpG content and gene expression evolution has not been investigated. Here we calculate the normalized CpG (nCpG) content in DNA regions around transcription start site (TSS) and transcription terminal site (TTS) of genes in nine organisms, and relate them with expression levels measured by RNA-seq.

Results
The nCpG content of TSS shows a bimodal distribution in all organisms except platypus, whereas the nCpG content of TTS only has a single peak. When the nCpG contents are compared between different organisms, we observe a different evolution pattern between TSS and TTS: compared with TTS, TSS exhibits a faster divergence rate between closely related species but are more conserved between distant species. More importantly, we demonstrate the link between gene expression evolution and nCpG content changes: up-/down- regulation of genes in an organism is accompanied by the nCpG content increase/decrease in their TSS and TTS proximal regions.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that gene expression changes between different organisms are correlated with the alterations in normalized CpG contents of promoters. Our analyses provide evidences for the impact of nCpG content on gene expression evolution.
The operational matrix formulation of the Jacobi tau approximation for space fractional diffusion equation
Authors: Doha Eid H , Bhrawy Ali H , Baleanu Dumitru , Ezz-Eldien Samer S 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
In this article, an accurate and efficient numerical method is presented for solving the space-fractional order diffusion equation (SFDE). Jacobi polynomials are used to approximate the solution of the equation as a base of the tau spectral method which is based on the Jacobi operational matrices of fractional derivative and integration. The main advantage of this method is based upon reducing the nonlinear partial differential equation into a system of algebraic equations in the expansion coefficient of the solution. In order to test the accuracy and efficiency of our method, the solutions of the examples presented are introduced in the form of tables to make a comparison with those obtained by other methods and with the exact solutions easy.
Reliable estimates in the anisotropic heat conduction problems
Authors: Banichuk Nikolay , Ivanova Svetlana , Neittaamäki Pekka , Tuovinen Tero 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The heat conduction problems for anisotropic bodies are studied taking into account the uncertainties in the material orientation. The best estimations of the upper and lower bounds of the considered energy dissipation functional are based on developing new approach consisting in solution of some optimization problems and finding the extremal internal material structures, which realize minimal and maximal dissipation. The motivation of this study comes from paper making processes, and more precisely, drying process, which consumes about 50% of the energy fed into the paper machine. The understanding of the effect of uncertainties in the process arises from structural properties of paper will provide the possibility to optimize the drying system.
NK cells kill mycobacteria directly by releasing perforin and granulysin
Authors: Lu Chia-Chen , Wu Ting-Shu , Hsu Ya-Jing , Chang Chih-Jung , Lin Chuan-Sheng , Chia Ju-Hsin , Wu Tsu-Lan , Huang Tsung-Teng , Martel Jan , Ojcius David M , Young John D , Lai Hsin-Chih 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAlthough the mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic effect of NK cells on tumor cells and intracellular bacteria have been studied extensively, it remains unclear how these cells kill extracellular bacterial pathogens. In this study, we examine how human NK cells kill Mycobacterium kansasii and M.tb. The underlying mechanism is contact dependent and requires two cytolytic proteins: perforin and granulysin. Mycobacteria induce enhanced expression of the cytolytic proteins via activation of the NKG2D/NCR cell-surface receptors and intracellular signaling pathways involving ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPKs. These results suggest that NK cells use similar cellular mechanisms to kill both bacterial pathogens and target host cells. This report reveals a novel role for NK cells, perforin, and granulysin in killing mycobacteria and highlights a potential alternative defense mechanism that the immune system can use against mycobacterial infection.
Adhesion of the ulcerative pathogen Mycobacterium ulcerans to DACC-coated dressings
Authors: Geroult S. , Phillips R.O. , Demangel C. 
Published: August 2014

Objective: Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer disease, the third most common mycobacteriosis after tuberculosis and leprosy and an emerging public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa. The bacteria produce a diffusible cytotoxin called mycolactone, which triggers the formation of necrotic lesions in cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. The principal aim of this study was to characterise the cell surface hydrophobicity of Mycobacterium ulcerans and determine if bacteria bind to dialkyl carbamoyl chloride (DACC)-coated dressings through hydrophobic interactions in vitro. Since mycolactone displays hydrophobic groups, a secondary aim was to compare mycolactone binding to hydrophobic and standard dressings. Methods: We used hydrophobic interaction chromatography to evaluate the cell surface hydrophobicity of Mycobacterium ulcerans, compared to that of other microorganisms colonising wounds. The binding of Mycobacterium ulcerans bacteria to DACC-coated and control dressings was then assessed quantitatively by measurement of microbial adenosine triphosphate (ATP), while that of mycolactone was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy. Results: Compared to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium ulcerans displayed the highest cell surface hydrophobicity, irrespective of the bacterial production of mycolactone. Mycobacterium ulcerans bacteria bound to DACC-coated dressings were better than untreated controls. Mycolactone did not bind stably to hydrophobic, nor standard dressings, in the conditions tested. Conclusion: Retention of Mycobacterium ulcerans and other wound pathogens to DACC-coated dressings may help reduce the bacterial load in Buruli ulcers and thereby improve healing. Dressings efficiently capturing mycolactone may bring an additional clinical benefit, by accelerating the elimination of the toxin during the course of antibiotic treatment. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
Imaging of STAT3 deficiency infectious complications
Authors: Haynes Alison , Manson David 
Published: August 2014

Background: Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) is a primary immunodeficiency with sporadic, autosomal dominant (STAT3 mutation) and autosomal recessive (DOCK8 and TYK2 mutations) inheritance patterns. HIES is characterized by recurrent Staphylococcus infections including lung infections, skin and visceral abcesses, pulmonary pneumatoceles, mucocutaneous candidiasis, and eczematous rash with associated elevated IgE. Patients with STAT3 mutations have additional features including connective tissue, skeletal, dental, and vascular abnormalities. Methods: This case series highlights the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and immunologic investigations of 4 siblings with HIES caused by STAT3 mutation. Results: Our patients presented with infections including Staphylococcus aureus visceral abscesses, skin lesions, pneumonia with associated pneumatocele, and minimal signs of inflammation such as fever. Additional characteristic features included eczematous rash, scoliosis, fractures, and delayed shedding of primary teeth. Immune investigations were essentially unremarkable apart from elevated IgE and eosinophil counts. Detailed imaging identified infectious processes and associated noninfectious features of STAT3 mutations. Conclusion: Patients presenting with recurrent Staphylococcal cutaneous and visceral infections, pneumatoceles, candidiasis, and eczematous rash with associated elevated IgE should be investigated for STAT3 mutations. This case series highlights the important role of radiographic imaging to identify infectious processes as well as noninfectious associated features in patients with STAT3 mutations. Statement of novelty: Detailed images of morbidity associated with a STAT3 deficiency.
A case of peripartum cardiomyopathy associated with an atypical presentation of preeclampsia
Authors: Verma Amit , Pinto Shanthi 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is idiopathic heart failure occurring in the last month of pregnancy or during the first 5 months postpartum in the absence of determinable heart disease prior to the last month of pregnancy. We aim to raise awareness for this rare and potentially life-threatening disorder amongst all medical professionals involved in the care for pregnant women. A high index of suspicion is required for its diagnosis. Early recognition and treatment in a multidisciplinary team is vital for good prognosis, which depends on reversal of ventricular dysfunction.
La Vita Nova dalla Donna Gentile a Beatrice, con un excursus sulla doppia redazione del libello
Authors: Gorni Guglielmo 
Published: August 2014

Zusammenfassung
Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht die Möglichkeit einer Ur-Vita Nova, in der die Donna Pietosa oder Gentile, von der in den Paragraphen 24-27 die Rede ist, nicht erwähnt wird. Streicht man die vier angesprochenen Paragraphen, wäre es einzig Beatrice, die in einem libello von drei Neuner- Sequenzen (3 mal 9 gleich 27) gepriesen würde. Demnach hätte Dante die Paragraphen 24-27 nachträglich eingefügt. Für dieses hypothetische Vorgehen Dantes gibt es zwar keine anhand von Codices belegbaren, dafür aber stilistische Hinweise, an denen sich gut erkennen lässt, dass der Abbruch des Convivio schließlich den letzten Versuch des Autors darstellt, Beatrice und die Donna Gentile miteinander zu vereinbaren, ein Versuch, der dann zugunsten Beatrices aufgegeben wird.
Lectura Dantis: Purgatorio I
Authors: Nelting David 
Published: August 2014

Riassunto
La lectura presente dimostra in che modo Dante, in Purgatorio I'esplica due fondamenti della sua poetica medievale. In primo luogo, Dante trasforma la discontinuità storica in una continuità escatologica, garantita dal piano salvifico della provvidenza divina. Ciò si mostra nell.exordium virgiliano e nella figura di Catone, che non è presentato come un eroe della res publica romana, ma viene inserito, in modo allegorico, nel percorso salvifico della religione cristiana. In secondo luogo, si nota come Dante dinamizzi l'azione non grazie a categorie temporali, ma spaziali. Così, il significato della narrazione corrisponde perfettamente al concetto medievale della trasformazione mondana come translatio spaziale e quindi non come differenza temporale.
Bilder der Sünde: Dante und Botticelli
Authors: Küpper Joachim 
Published: August 2014

Riassunto
Il contributo è dedicato in primo luogo a due disegni del manoscritto della Divina Commedia illustrata da Botticelli (Inf. XVIII e Inf. XXVI). L'analisi delle illustrazioni evidenzia la problematica della trasposizione del testo dantesco nel medium artistico: risulta, infatti, che in Botticelli l'aspetto individuale del peccato viene quasi del tutto a mancare. Ma il confronto tra testo ed illustrazione contribuisce ad accentuare proprio questo aspetto individuale come un tratto saliente della visione dantesca. A partire da questo risultato la discussione intorno alla .modernità. del testo di Dante e al suo rapporto con l'ortodossia cristiana appare in una nuova luce.
Wie über das Paradies reden?
Authors: Wetzel Hermann H. 
Published: August 2014

Riassunto
Come parlare del paradiso? Il problema di Dante rientra in una questione più generale: come si può parlare di cose mai viste, e ancor meno dette, in un linguaggio che utilizza segni linguistici non motivati? A questo scopo Dante preferisce il volgare, ancora malleabile, al latino ormai pietrificato, e come tutti i poeti utilizza procedimenti poetici per ridurre l’arbitrarietà dei segni linguistici e procurare una motivazione secondaria sia tramite tropi retorici, come la metafora e la similitudine (sul piano del significato), sia tramite la versificazione e i parallelismi fonici (sul piano del significante). Un’attenzione speciale è dedicata alla vocale [i] che sembra designare, per Dante, il sommo bene in un linguaggio paradisiaco, autentico, proveniente da Dio stesso.
Die Matrix-Filmtrilogie: Divina Commedia unserer Zeit
Authors: Feise-Mahnkopp Patricia 
Published: August 2014

Riassunto
La popolare trilogia di Matrix, esempio cult di cinematografia postmoderna, è la Divina Commedia dei nostri giorni. Non solo cita l’opera dantesca, ma con il suo complesso significato filosofico-teologico e la sua estetica »religioide« funge, in maniera simile a quella della Commedia, tanto da parabola della salvazione cristiana, che da ›Summa‹ o da ideale artefatto tipico della propria epoca