bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic implications of adding the psychotropic drug escitalopram in the treatment of patients suffering from moderate–severe psoriasis and psychiatric comorbidity: a retrospective study
Authors: D’Erme A.M. , Zanieri F. , Campolmi E. , Santosuosso U. , Betti S. , Agnoletti A.F. , Cossidente A. , Lotti T. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground  It is known that stress and/or psychiatric diseases can play an important role in determining psoriasis, including the well‐known negative somato–psychiatric rebound that comes with the disease.Methods  Samples of 38 subjects suffering from both moderate–severe psoriasis treated with anti‐TNFα, and depressive and/or anxious mood disorders were studied. Part of them were additionally treated with escitalopram, whereas the other group only consulted to a dermatological and psychiatric follow‐up.The aim of this study was to determine if an improvement in the dermatological manifestation as well as an improvement in the anxious–depressive disorder can be observed.Results  The study revealed that patients treated with escitalopram had a reduction of psycho‐diagnostic test scores that measure depression and anxiety levels as well as the values of pruritus.Conclusion  Our study suggests that psychological interventions and antidepressant medications may improve perceived symptom severity, quality of life and major compliance to the treatment in selected patients (suffering from psoriasis and mood disturbance), without a clinician necessarily being able to see an impact on psoriasis severity.
Nitrogen isotopes link mycorrhizal fungi and plants to nitrogen dynamics
Authors: Hobbie Erik A. , Högberg Peter 
Published: September 2012

SummaryIn this review, we synthesize field and culture studies of the 15N/14N (expressed as δ15N) of autotrophic plants, mycoheterotrophic plants, parasitic plants, soil, and mycorrhizal fungi to assess the major controls of isotopic patterns. One major control for plants and fungi is the partitioning of nitrogen (N) into either 15N‐depleted chitin, ammonia, or transfer compounds or 15N‐enriched proteinaceous N. For example, parasitic plants and autotrophic hosts are similar in δ15N (with no partitioning between chitin and protein), mycoheterotrophic plants are higher in δ15N than their fungal hosts, presumably with preferential assimilation of fungal protein, and autotrophic, mycorrhizal plants are lower in 15N than their fungal symbionts, with saprotrophic fungi intermediate, because mycorrhizal fungi transfer 15N‐depleted ammonia or amino acids to plants. Similarly, nodules of N2‐fixing bacteria transferring ammonia are often higher in δ15N than their plant hosts. N losses via denitrification greatly influence bulk soil δ15N, whereas δ15N patterns within soil profiles are influenced both by vertical patterns of N losses and by N transfers within the soil–plant system. Climate correlates poorly with soil δ15N; climate may primarily influence δ15N patterns in soils and plants by determining the primary loss mechanisms and which types of mycorrhizal fungi and associated vegetation dominate across climatic gradients.

Contents

Summary
367

I.
Introduction
367

II.
Background on isotopes
368

III.
Patterns of soil δ15N
370

IV.
Patterns of fungal δ15N
372

V.
Biochemical basis for the influence of fungi on δ15N patterns in plant–soil systems
373

VI.
Patterns of δ15N in plant and fungal culture studies
374

VII.
Mycoheterotrophic and parasitic plants
375

VIII.
Patterns of foliar δ15N in autotrophic plants
376

IX.
Controls over plant δ15N
377

X.
Conclusions and research needs
378

Acknowledgements
379

References
379
Potential Effects of Ongoing and Proposed Hydropower Development on Terrestrial Biological Diversity in the Indian Himalaya
Authors: Pandit Maharaj K. , Grumbine R. Edward 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIndian Himalayan basins are earmarked for widespread dam building, but aggregate effects of these dams on terrestrial ecosystems are unknown. We mapped distribution of 292 dams (under construction and proposed) and projected effects of these dams on terrestrial ecosystems under different scenarios of land‐cover loss. We analyzed land‐cover data of the Himalayan valleys, where dams are located. We estimated dam density on fifth‐ through seventh‐order rivers and compared these estimates with current global figures. We used a species–area relation model (SAR) to predict short‐ and long‐term species extinctions driven by deforestation. We used scatter plots and correlation studies to analyze distribution patterns of species and dams and to reveal potential overlap between species‐rich areas and dam sites. We investigated effects of disturbance on community structure of undisturbed forests. Nearly 90% of Indian Himalayan valleys would be affected by dam building and 27% of these dams would affect dense forests. Our model projected that 54,117 ha of forests would be submerged and 114,361 ha would be damaged by dam‐related activities. A dam density of 0.3247/1000 km2 would be nearly 62 times greater than current average global figures; the average of 1 dam for every 32 km of river channel would be 1.5 times higher than figures reported for U.S. rivers. Our results show that most dams would be located in species‐rich areas of the Himalaya. The SAR model projected that by 2025, deforestation due to dam building would likely result in extinction of 22 angiosperm and 7 vertebrate taxa. Disturbance due to dam building would likely reduce tree species richness by 35%, tree density by 42%, and tree basal cover by 30% in dense forests. These results, combined with relatively weak national environmental impact assessment and implementation, point toward significant loss of species if all proposed dams in the Indian Himalaya are constructed.Efectos Potenciales del Desarrollo Hidroeléctrico Actual y Propuesto sobre la Diversidad Biológica Terrestre en el Himalaya Hindú
Steady Flow Analysis of Mechanical Cavopulmonary Assistance in MRI‐Derived Patient‐Specific Fontan Configurations
Authors: Downs Emily A. , Moskowitz William B. , Throckmorton Amy L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis numerical study examined the performance of an intravascular axial flow blood pump for mechanical hemodynamic support of patients in the setting of Fontan failure, which presently has few treatment options. Three anatomically accurate geometries of the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) were generated using patients' magnetic resonance imaging data. These patient‐specific geometries, as well as an idealized version with cylindrical vessels, were computationally analyzed with and without a pump in the inferior vena cava. Pressure flow characteristics, energy gain calculations, and blood damage analyses were performed for each model. The pump produced pressures of 1–14 mm Hg for 1500–4000 revolutions per minute, flow rates of 1–4 L/min, and pulmonary artery pressures of 8–24 mm Hg. Comparison of pump performance among the four models showed minimal intermodel differences (<5% deviation) in the pressure rise generated by the pump, the IVC pressure, and the energy imparted to the system by the pump. Blood damage analysis showed maximum fluid scalar stress values of 372 Pa or less, and the blood damage index was less than 2% in all of the models. These results suggest that this axial flow blood pump performs consistently in a variety of TCPC vessel geometries with low risk of blood trauma.
Physiological Controller of an Intra‐Aorta Pump Based on Baroreflex Sensitivity
Authors: Gao Bin , Chang Yu , Gu Kaiyun , Zeng Yi , Liu Youjun 
Published: September 2012

AbstractLeft ventricular assist devices are increasingly used for long‐term support in heart failure patients. It is important to find an optimum operating point for the pump that is appropriate for the existing function of the heart and the state of the circulatory system. Therefore, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), as an indicator of heart function, is chosen as the control variable. In order to find an optimum point automatically, an extremum search algorithm (ESA) is designed to find an optimal mean arterial pressure (MAP), for which the BRS is maximum. Then, a MAP controller based on model‐free adaptive control is designed to ensure that the measured MAP tracks the desired one. In order to test the feasibility of the control strategy, numerical simulations and simplified in vitro experiments were conducted. A mathematic model of the cardiovascular system simulating left ventricular failure, physical activity, and recovery of cardiac function is used in the simulation. The numerical simulations show that the maximum value of BRS can be found automatically by using ESA. The rotational speed of the pump is automatically increased (from 6500 rpm to 7000 rpm), and peripheral resistance is decreased to simulate slight physical activity. When Emax is increased from 0.6 mm Hg/mL to 1.8 mm Hg/mL to mimic heart recovery, the speed is decreased from 7000 rpm to 6300 rpm in response. The optimum operating point for the pump can be detected by the proposed control strategy without the need to set a reference value for the control variable by operators.
Association Between Timed Up‐and‐Go and Memory, Executive Function, and Processing Speed
Authors: Donoghue Orna A. , Horgan N. Frances , Savva George M. , Cronin Hilary , O'Regan Claire , Kenny Rose Anne 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesTo determine which cognitive tests are independently associated with performance on the Timed Up‐and‐Go Test (TUG).DesignData were obtained from Wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a population‐based study assessing health, economic, and social aspects of aging.SettingCommunity‐dwelling adults completed a home based interview and a health center–based assessment.ParticipantsTILDA participants aged 50 and older with a Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 10 or greater (N = 4,998).MeasurementsParticipants completed a battery of cognitive assessments including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Color Trails Test, word and letter fluency, choice reaction time, sustained attention, prospective memory, word recall, and picture memory. Linear regression was used to determine univariate and multivariate associations between TUG and each cognitive test.ResultsSlower TUG time was associated with poorer performance on all cognitive tests in univariate analysis (P < .05). In multivariate analysis, poorer performance on the MoCA, letter fluency, Color Trail 1, cognitive reaction time, mean sustained attention response time, and prospective memory were independently associated with slower TUG time (P < .05).ConclusionSlower TUG time is independently associated with poorer performance on global cognition, executive function, and memory tests and slower processing speed. This highlights that TUG is more than just a simple mobility task and suggests that a comprehensive cognitive assessment is important for individuals with mobility difficulties.
Is Frailty a Prodromal Stage of Vascular Dementia? Results From the Three‐City Study
Authors: Avila‐Funes José Alberto , Carcaillon Laure , Helmer Catherine , Carrière Isabelle , Ritchie Karen , Rouaud Olivier , Tzourio Christophe , Dartigues Jean‐François , Amieva Hélène 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between frailty and incident vascular dementia (VaD).DesignSeven‐year longitudinal study.SettingThree‐City Study, a French prospective study designed to evaluate the risk of dementia and cognitive decline attributable to vascular risk factors.ParticipantsFive thousand four hundred eighty community‐dwelling persons aged 65 to 95.MeasurementsAn expert committee established a clinical diagnosis of VaD. Frailty was defined as having at least three of the following criteria: weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slowness, and low physical activity. Participants with prior stroke or prevalent dementia at baseline were excluded from analyses. Multivariate models were used to evaluate the relationship between frailty and incident VaD.ResultsAt baseline, 6.5% of participants were classified as frail. After 7 years of follow‐up, 54 persons were diagnosed with VaD, seven of whom where frail. In the proportional hazards models, frailty was marginally associated with greater risk of all types of dementia and was not associated with incident Alzheimer's disease, but frailty status was independently associated with incident VaD.ConclusionFrailty is a major risk factor for incident VaD, so its identification could contribute to better estimates of the risk of VaD in elderly adults.
Reliable and Repeatable Centric Relation Adjustment of the Maxillary Occlusal Device
Authors: Fleigel Jeffrey D , Sutton Alan J 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis technique article describes a quantifiable, repeatable, and reliable method for occlusal device adjustment in centric relation using a leaf gauge. In addition, specific suggestions for occlusal device design are provided to enhance patient comfort with the prosthesis in place.
The Impairment of Endocardial Radial Strain Is Related to Aortic Stenosis Severity in Patients with Aortic Stenosis and Preserved LV Ejection Fraction Using Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Ohara Yoshikazu , Fukuoka Yohko , Tabuchi Isao , Sahara Shinji , Hosogi Shingo , Nishimoto Mika , Yamamoto Katsuhito 
Published: September 2012

Background: Myocardial function is heterogeneous in different myocardial layers. Recently, two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography has been used to define myocardial deformation parameters of the left ventricular (LV) segment. This study aimed to investigate strain in subendocardial and subepicardial layers in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF) using speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods: Parasternal short‐axis and apical long‐axis views of the left ventricle were acquired at the mid‐papillary level in 35 control subjects and 32 patients with AS and preserved LVEF. Radial, circumferential, and longitudinal strain in subendocardial and subepicardial layers at the posterior and anteroseptal segments were calculated. Results: There was no significant difference in circumferential strain in subendocardial and subepicardial layers between the control subjects and the patients with AS. Similarly, there was no significant difference in epicardial radial strain at the posterior and anteroseptal segments between the control subjects and the patients with AS. Longitudinal strain at both the posterior and anteroseptal segments was significantly decreased in the AS group compared with that in the control group. AS patients had significantly decreased values of endocardial radial strain compared with those in controls (anteroseptal: 18.2 ± 11.2 vs. 34.5 ± 14.8, P < 0.005; posterior: 25.2 ± 14.8 vs. 32.6 ± 12.6, P < 0.05). In the AS group, endocardial radial strain in the posterior and anteroseptal segments was significantly correlated with the aortic valve area (posterior: r = 0.41, P < 0.05; anteroseptal: r = 0.33, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with AS and preserved LVEF have impaired longitudinal strain and endocardial radial strain, although circumferential strain and epicardial radial strain are preserved. Despite preserved LVEF, endocardial radial strain was associated with AS severity.
The Syndrome of Degenerative Calcific Aortic Stenosis: Prevalence of Multiple Pathophysiologic Disorders in Association with Valvular Stenosis and Their Implications
Authors: Ramamurthi Alamelu , Pandian Natesa G. , Gangadharamurthy Dakshin , Urbano‐Moral Jose A. , Kuvin Jeffrey T. , Patel Ayan R. , Weintraub Andrew R. 
Published: September 2012

Background: We hypothesized that degenerative calcific aortic stenosis (DCAS) is a syndrome influenced by factors beyond aortic valve stenosis (AS). The aim of this study was to assess how frequently DCAS is complicated by increased vascular load, systolic and/or diastolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, and comorbid disorders. Methods: In 215 consecutive patients > 60 years of age with severe and moderate AS, we analyzed systemic arterial compliance, global hemodynamic load, LV ejection fraction (EF), the presence of diastolic dysfunction, and other valvular or systemic disorders. Results: A total of 164 patients had severe AS and 51 had moderate AS. In patients with severe AS, the prevalence of increased vascular load was 42%; LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction was present in 27% and 42%; other valve diseases in 23%; and comorbid disorders in 82%. In the moderate AS group, abnormal vascular load was found in 52%; LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction was prevalent in 26% and 31%; other valve diseases in 17%; and comorbid disorders in 78% patients. More than half the patients in both groups had symptoms. In both severe and moderate AS groups, the prevalence of increased vascular load and systolic dysfunction was higher in the symptomatic group. Conclusion: Considerable number of patients with DCAS have abnormal vascular load, abnormal LV function, and significant coexisting disorders. These could influence the total pathophysiologic burden on the heart and symptom expression. Thus, DCAS should not be considered just as valvular stenosis, but a syndrome of DCAS because of the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of various factors associated with it.
Does Two‐Dimensional Image Reconstruction from Three‐Dimensional Full Volume Echocardiography Improve the Assessment of Left Ventricular Morphology and Function?
Authors: Amzulescu Mihaela Silvia , Slavich Massimo , Florian Anca , Goetschalckx Kaatje , Voigt Jens‐Uwe 
Published: September 2012

Aims: (i) To investigate geometric differences between apical views of the left ventricle (LV) derived from standard 2D echocardiography (std2D) and triplane (TP) views, as well as the “ideally” reconstructed 2D (rec2D) views derived from 3D full volume (3DFV) acquisitions, and their influence on the assessment of LV morphology and function. (ii) To determine the feasibility and accuracy of the automatic reconstruction of 2D apical views from 3DFV datasets. Methods and results: In 59 patients with structurally normal, dilated, and hypertrophic hearts, rec2D was reconstructed manually and automatically and compared to std2D, TP, and 3DFV regarding the image plane orientation (true vs. ideal probe position, plane intersection angles), LV dimensions, volumes, and EF. The ideal probe position deviated from the true one by 6.9 ± 4.1 mm and 9.5 ± 4.5 mm, for manually and automatically rec2D, respectively, regardless of LV geometry. The mean difference±SD between manual and automatic reconstruction was −2.5 ± 4.4 mm. LV long axis was measured minimally, but significantly longer in rec2D than std2D and TP. LV volumes and EF did not differ between methods. The intersection angle of the two‐chamber view and the three‐chamber view with the four‐chamber view for manual and automatic reconstruction was 53°±7° and 129°±7° and 60° and 130°, respectively. Conclusion: Ideal reconstruction of nonforeshortened 2D images from 3DFV does not lead to a relevant improvement in image geometry or the assessment of LV morphology and function. The automatic reconstruction algorithm deviates only slightly from manual results.
Association of coronary artery calcium score and vascular dysfunction in long‐term hemodialysis patients
Authors: Zeb Irfan , Ahmadi Naser , Molnar Miklos Z. , Li Dong , Shantouf Ronney , Hatamizadeh Parta , Choi Taeyoung , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar , Budoff Matthew J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractLong‐term hemodialysis patients are prone to an exceptionally high burden of cardiovascular disease and mortality. The novel temperature‐based technology of digital thermal monitoring (DTM) of vascular reactivity appears associated with the severity of coronary artery disease in asymptomatic population. We hypothesized that in hemodialysis patients, the DTM and coronary artery calcium (CAC) score have a gradient association that follows that of subjects without kidney disease. We examined the cross‐sectional DTM‐CAC associations in a group of long‐term hemodialysis patients, and their 1:1 matched normal counterpart. Area under the curve for temperature (TMP‐AUC), the surrogate of the DTM index of vascular function, was assessed after a 5‐minute arm‐cuff reactive hyperemia test. Coronary calcium score was measured via electron beam computed tomography or multidetector computed tomography scan. We studied 105 randomly recruited hemodialysis patients (age: 58 ± 13 years, 47% men) and 105 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. In hemodialysis patients vs. controls, TMP‐AUC was significantly worse (114 ± 72 vs. 143 ± 80, P = 0.001) and CAC score was higher (525 ± 425 vs. 240 ± 332, P < 0.001). Hemodialysis patients were 14 times more likely to have CAC score >1000 as compared with controls. After adjustment for known confounders, the relative risk for case vs. control for each standard deviation decrease in TMP‐AUC was 1.46 (95% confidence interval: 1.12–1.93, P = 0.007). Vascular reactivity measured via the novel DTM technology is incrementally worse across CAC scores in hemodialysis patients, in whom both measures are even worse than their age‐ and gender‐matched controls. The DTM technology may offer a convenient and radiation‐free approach to risk‐stratify hemodialysis patients.
Behavior Matching in Multimodal Communication Is Synchronized
Authors: Louwerse Max M. , Dale Rick , Bard Ellen G. , Jeuniaux Patrick 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA variety of theoretical frameworks predict the resemblance of behaviors between two people engaged in communication, in the form of coordination, mimicry, or alignment. However, little is known about the time course of the behavior matching, even though there is evidence that dyads synchronize oscillatory motions (e.g., postural sway). This study examined the temporal structure of nonoscillatory actions—language, facial, and gestural behaviors—produced during a route communication task. The focus was the temporal relationship between matching behaviors in the interlocutors (e.g., facial behavior in one interlocutor vs. the same facial behavior in the other interlocutor). Cross‐recurrence analysis revealed that within each category tested (language, facial, gestural), interlocutors synchronized matching behaviors, at temporal lags short enough to provide imitation of one interlocutor by the other, from one conversational turn to the next. Both social and cognitive variables predicted the degree of temporal organization. These findings suggest that the temporal structure of matching behaviors provides low‐level and low‐cost resources for human interaction.