bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adoptive Regulatory T-Cell Therapy Preserves Systemic Immune Homeostasis After Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Li Peiying , Mao Leilei , Zhou Guoqing , Leak Rehana K. , Sun Bao-Liang , Chen Jun , Hu Xiaoming 
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose—
Cerebral ischemia has been shown to result in peripheral inflammatory responses followed by long-lasting immunosuppression. Our recent study demonstrated that intravenous delivery of regulatory T cells (Tregs) markedly protected against transient cerebral ischemia by suppressing neutrophil-derived matrix metallopeptidase 9 production in the periphery. However, the effect of Tregs on systemic inflammatory responses and immune status has not been fully characterized.

Methods—
Cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion for 60 minutes in mice or 120 minutes in rats. Tregs were isolated from donor animals by CD4 and CD25 double selection and transferred intravenously to ischemic recipients at 2 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Animals were euthanized on different days after reperfusion. The effects of Tregs on systemic inflammation and immune status were evaluated using flow cytometry, ELISAs, and immunohistochemistry.

Results—
Systemic administration of purified Tregs raises functional Tregs in the blood and peripheral organs, including spleen and lymph nodes. These exogenous Tregs remain in the blood and peripheral organs for ≥12 days. Functionally, Treg adoptive transfer markedly inhibits middle cerebral artery occlusion–induced elevation of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α) in the blood. Furthermore, Treg treatment corrects long-term lymphopenia and improves cellular immune functions after ischemic brain injury. As a result, Treg-treated animals exhibit decreased bacterial loads in the blood during recovery from cerebral ischemic attack.

Conclusions—
Treg treatment did not exacerbate poststroke immunosuppression. On the contrary, Treg-treated animals displayed improved immune status after focal cerebral ischemia.
Cloud Detection of MODIS Multispectral Images
Authors: Murino Loredana , Amato Umberto , Carfora Maria Francesca , Antoniadis Anestis , Huang Bormin , Menzel W. Paul , Serio Carmine 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMethods coming from statistics and pattern recognition to estimate the cloud mask from radiance measured by visible and infrared sensors on board satellites are gaining greater consideration for their ability to properly exploit the increasing number of channels available with current and next-generation sensors. Endowed with physical arguments, they give rise to robust methods for accurately estimating the cloud mask. Application of such classification methods to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data is discussed in this paper. Three different types of MODIS datasets are considered: synthetic (radiance is simulated by proper radiative transfer models); annotated (real MODIS data labeled by a meteorologist as clear or cloudy); and real MODIS data, whose truth is obtained from the official MODIS cloud mask product. A full assessment of the MODIS spectral bands is performed, aimed at understanding the role of the spectral bands in detecting clouds and at achieving top performance with very few properly chosen spectral channels. Local methods that use spatial correlation of images to improve classification, reducing the pseudonuisance of nonlocal methods, have also been tested on real data.
An Investigation of the Goshen County, Wyoming, Tornadic Supercell of 5 June 2009 Using EnKF Assimilation of Mobile Mesonet and Radar Observations Collected during VORTEX2. Part I: Experiment Design and Verification of the EnKF Analyses
Authors: Marquis James , Richardson Yvette , Markowski Paul , Dowell David , Wurman Joshua , Kosiba Karen , Robinson Paul , Romine Glen 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHigh-resolution Doppler radar velocities and in situ surface observations collected in a tornadic supercell on 5 June 2009 during the second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2) are assimilated into a simulated convective storm using an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). A series of EnKF experiments using a 1-km horizontal model grid spacing demonstrates the sensitivity of the cold pool and kinematic structure of the storm to the assimilation of these observations and to different model microphysics parameterizations. An experiment is performed using a finer grid spacing (500 m) and the most optimal data assimilation and model configurations from the sensitivity tests to produce a realistically evolving storm. Analyses from this experiment are verified against dual-Doppler and in situ observations and are evaluated for their potential to confidently evaluate mesocyclone-scale processes in the storm using trajectory analysis and calculations of Lagrangian vorticity budgets. In Part II of this study, these analyses will be further evaluated to learn the roles that mesocyclone-scale processes play in tornado formation, maintenance, and decay. The coldness of the simulated low-level outflow is generally insensitive to the choice of certain microphysical parameterizations, likely owing to the vast quantity of kinematic and in situ thermodynamic observations assimilated. The three-dimensional EnKF wind fields and parcel trajectories resemble those retrieved from dual-Doppler observations within the storm, suggesting that realistic four-dimensional mesocyclone-scale processes are captured. However, potential errors are found in trajectories and Lagrangian three-dimensional vorticity budget calculations performed within the mesocyclone that may be due to the coarse (2 min) temporal resolution of the analyses. Therefore, caution must be exercised when interpreting trajectories in this area of the storm.
Adopting Model Uncertainties for Tropical Cyclone Intensity Prediction
Authors: Rios-Berrios Rosimar , Vukicevic Tomislava , Tang Brian 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Quantifying and reducing the uncertainty of model parameterizations using observations is evaluated for tropical cyclone (TC) intensity prediction. This is accomplished using a nonlinear inverse modeling technique that produces a joint probability density function (PDF) for a set of parameters. The dependence of estimated parameter values and associated uncertainty on two types of observable quantities is analyzed using an axisymmetric hurricane model. When the observation is only the maximum tangential wind speed, the joint PDF of parameter estimates has large variance and is multimodal. When the full kinematic field within the inner core of the TC is used for the observations, however, the joint parameter estimates are well constrained. These results suggest that model parameterizations may not be optimized using the maximum wind speed. Instead, the optimization should be based on observations of the TC structure to improve the intensity forecasts.
Disadvantaged former miners’ perspectives on smoking cessation: A qualitative study
Authors: White Simon , Baird Wendy 
Published: October 2013

Objective: To explore disadvantaged former miners’ perspectives in north Derbyshire, United Kingdom (UK) on smoking and smoking cessation. Methods: In-depth, audiotaped interviews with 16 disadvantaged former miners who smoked or had stopped smoking within six months. Results: Perceptions of being able to stop smoking with minimal difficulty and without support appeared common, despite most participants having previously made unsuccessful quit attempts. Smoking was often viewed as being less risky than coal mining. Smoke-free legislation appeared to be perceived as a threat to local social capital. Conclusions: Former miners in disadvantaged communities may attempt to stop smoking in response to illness, but persuading them to stop smoking before they develop ill health perhaps requires health educators to directly engage with significant local factors. These issues may include the benefits and availability of support in quitting, epidemiological concerns in determining smoking-related harm and a perceived threat to local social capital posed by smoke-free legislation.
Trends in Demographics, Charges, and Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Excision of Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Ahmed Omar H. , Mahboubi Hossein , Lahham Sari , Pham Cory , Djalilian Hamid R. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo assess demographics, charges, and outcome measures by temporal and volume analysis in the treatment of vestibular schwannoma.DesignCross‐sectional analysis.Setting, Subjects, and MethodsThe California Hospital Inpatient Discharge Databases from 1996 to 2010.ResultsA total of 6545 cases from 1996 to 2010 were identified. Of these, 86.2% occurred at high‐volume centers (HVCs), and the number of annual cases decreased by 28.5%. Patients presenting for surgery were increasingly younger, non‐Caucasian, and likely to have comorbidities. Total charges significantly increased over time (P <. 001), with the median total charge in 2006‐2010 being $91,338 compared with $38,607.92 in 1996‐2000 after adjusting for inflation. Routine discharges (home or residence) were more likely at HVCs (odds ratio [OR] 5.48, P <. 001) and less likely if patients had Medicaid (Medi‐Cal; OR 0.51, P =. 002) or Medicare (OR 0.55, P =. 022), were 65 years or older (OR 0.56, P =. 025), or had comorbidities (OR 0.54, P <. 001). Shorter hospital stays were more likely at HVCs (OR 3.77, P <. 001) and less likely if patients had Medicaid (OR 0.36, P <. 001) or comorbidities (OR 0.61, P <. 001). Lesser total charges were more likely at HVCs (OR 2.12, P =. 002) and less likely if patients had comorbidities (OR 0.70, P <. 001). Mortality was less likely at HVCs (OR 0.10, P =. 011).ConclusionThe profile of patients undergoing vestibular neuroma excision is changing. Surgical volume is decreasing, suggesting a trend toward more conservative management or stereotactic radiation. Patients are best served at HVCs, where routine discharges, shorter length of stay, decreased mortality, and lower total charges are more likely.
Airway Management and Perioperative Concerns in Acromegaly Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Friedel Mark E. , Johnston Doug R. , Singhal Saurabh , Khalili Kenan Al , Farrell Christopher J. , Evans James J. , Nyquist Gurston G. , Rosen Marc R. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesPatients with acromegaly present unique challenges to cranial base surgery and anesthesia teams in the perioperative period, especially with regard to airway management. Abnormal airway anatomy may result from soft tissue hypertrophy and bony alterations. Additional perioperative challenges relate to the management of medical comorbidities. We aim to review perioperative airway concerns in acromegalic patients for the skull base surgeon in order to reduce preventable perioperative complications.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care academic institution.SubjectsThirty‐two acromegaly patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.ResultsVideoscopic direct laryngoscopy intubation was required in 7 of 32 patients (21.9%) and fiberoptic intubation in 4 of 32 patients (12.5%). Overall failure rate for first intubation technique used was 12.5% (4/32). Cardiovascular comorbidities (hypertension and conduction abnormalities predominated) were present in 16 of 32 patients (50%), and obstructive sleep apnea, or other respiratory conditions, existed in 12 of 32 patients (37.5%).ConclusionsAcromegaly patients present a particular challenge to the endoscopic skull base surgeon. Despite preoperative anesthesia and otolaryngology evaluation, many of these patients will experience an unanticipated airway challenge during intubation. Preoperative preparation and perioperative awareness of anatomic and physiologic abnormalities of acromegalic patients is essential for successful endoscopic surgery in this unique population.
Reliability of on-call radiology residents’ interpretation of 64-slice CT pulmonary angiography for the detection of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Joshi Rohit , Wu Ke , Kaicker Jatin , Choudur Hema 
Published: October 2013

Background Computed tomography (CT) angiography for pulmonary embolism (PE) is the present standard for diagnosing PE. In many teaching hospitals, radiology residents are the first to review the case and to make an initial interpretation of the images. Accurate diagnosis of PE is crucial, especially in the emergency care setting. Purpose To evaluate the discrepancies between resident and staff interpretations of 64-slice CT angiogram for PE. Material and Methods Discrepancies between the preliminary reports by the on-call radiology resident were compared to the final report by the staff radiologist in 215 consecutive cases of 64-slice CT angiogram performed for PE, from May 2005 to March 2008. Results Discrepancies were noted in 25 of the 215 studies (11.6%). These residents’ discrepancies consisted of three false-positive, four false-negative, and 18 equivocal cases. There was a decrease in the discrepancy rate from the second year to the fifth year of training by approximately 60%. Conclusion The rate of discrepancy fell steeply between the second and fifth year of the residents training from 18.5% to 6.9%. Our study suggests that it is reasonable to have on-call radiology residents perform the preliminary interpretations of 64-slice CT for PE studies.
Inhibition of proliferation and invasiveness of ovarian cancer C13* cells by a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor and the role of nuclear factor-κB
Authors: Wang Zhe , Li Yan , Lv Shuqing , Tian Yongjie 
Published: October 2013

Objective To investigate the effect of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitor PJ34 on the proliferation and invasiveness of ovarian cancer C13* cells and the role of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Methods Proliferation of C13* cells was measured using a 3 -(4,5-dimethylthazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay after incubation with PJ34 at different concentrations and for different treatment durations. In addition, expression of PARP-1 and the NF-κB p65 subunit after treatment with PJ34 was measured using Western blot and immunocytochemistry. The effect of PJ34 on cell invasiveness was examined using a transwell invasion assay. Results PJ34 inhibited proliferation of C13* cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. PJ34 treatment was also associated with a dose-dependent decrease in PARP-1 and NF-κB p65 expression and attenuated invasiveness of C13* cells. PARP-1 expression was positively correlated with NF-κB p65 expression. Conclusion The PARP-1 inhibitor PJ34 can markedly inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness of C13* cells, possibly due to PARP-1-mediated attenuation of NF-κB activity.
Kinematic Analysis of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament, Part 2
Authors: Wijdicks Coen A. , Kennedy Nicholas I. , Goldsmith Mary T. , Devitt Brian M. , Michalski Max P. , Årøen Asbjørn , Engebretsen Lars , LaPrade Robert F. 
Published: October 2013

Background: A more thorough understanding of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) has led to an increase in awareness and treatment of complex PCL injuries. Controversy exists about whether PCL reconstruction (PCLR) using an anatomic single-bundle (aSB) or anatomic double-bundle (aDB) technique is the most effective. Hypothesis: An aDB PCLR provides significantly better anterior-posterior and rotatory knee stability compared with an aSB PCLR and more closely recreates normal knee kinematics. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 18 match-paired, cadaveric knees (mean age, 54.8 years; range, 51-59 years; 5 male and 4 female pairs) were used to evaluate the kinematics of an intact PCL, an aSB and aDB PCLR, and a complete sectioned PCL. A 6 degrees of freedom robotic system was used to assess knee stability with a 134-N applied posterior tibial load, 5-N·m external and internal rotation torques, 10-N·m valgus and varus rotation torques, and a coupled 100-N posterior tibial load and 5-N·m external rotation torque at 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, and 120°. Results: The aDB PCLR had significantly less posterior translation than the aSB PCLR at all flexion angles of 15° and greater. The largest difference in posterior translation was seen at 105° of flexion, where the aSB PCLR had 5.3 mm ( P = .017) more posterior translation than the aDB PCLR. The aDB PCLR also had significantly less internal rotation than the aSB PCLR at all tested angles of 90° and greater. Neither reconstruction was able to fully restore native knee kinematics. Conclusion: An aDB PCLR more closely approximated native knee kinematics when compared with an aSB PCLR. Specifically, the aDB PCLR demonstrated significantly more restraint to posterior translation at flexion angles between 15° and 120° and less internal rotational laxity at high flexion angles 90° to 120°. Clinical Relevance: Comparison of the 2 reconstruction techniques illustrates the time-zero kinematic advantage imparted by the addition of the posteromedial bundle reconstruction. The benefit is most pertinent for resistance to posterior translation across a full range of flexion and rotational stability beyond 90° of knee flexion.
Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Distinctions Between Tumefactive Demyelination and Brain Tumors in Children
Authors: Yiu Eppie M. , Laughlin Suzanne , Verhey Leonard H. , Banwell Brenda L. ,   Canadian Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Network
Published: October 2013

Tumefactive demyelinating lesions can be difficult to distinguish from tumors. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features of children with tumefactive demyelination and supratentorial brain tumors were compared. Patients were identified through a 23-site national demyelinating disease study, and from a single-site neuroradiology database. For inclusion, lesions met at least 1 of 3 criteria: maximal cross-sectional diameter >20 mm, local or global cerebral mass effect, or presence of perilesional edema. Thirty-one children with tumefactive demyelination (5 with solitary lesions) were identified: 27 of 189 (14.3%) from the demyelinating disease study and 4 from the database. Thirty-three children with tumors were identified. Children with tumefactive demyelination were more likely to have an abnormal neurologic examination and polyfocal neurologic deficits compared to children with tumors. Tumefactive demyelination was distinguished from tumor by the presence of multiple lesions, absence of cortical involvement, and decrease in lesion size or detection of new lesions on serial imaging.
Premature coronary heart disease in SLE: can we prevent progression?
Authors: Iaccarino L , Bettio S , Zen M , Nalotto L , Gatto M , Ramonda R , Punzi L , Doria A 
Published: October 2013

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a higher prevalence of clinical and subclinical atherosclerosis compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Atherosclerosis progression is also accelerated in SLE, and coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia, are more prevalent in SLE patients than in the general population, but they cannot fully account for accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE. In fact, a number of nontraditional risk factors have been identified, including disease activity, damage and various treatments. Preventive strategies for CHD are mandatory in SLE patients and should include giving up smoking; performing regular physical activity; managing metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes; treating persistent disease activity; and minimizing chronic exposure to corticosteroids. Low-dose aspirin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, vitamin D supplementation, antimalarials and, when indicated, some immunosuppressants such as mycophenolate mofetil should also be considered.
Nurses’ attitudes toward ethical issues in psychiatric inpatient settings
Authors: Eren Nurhan 
Published: October 2013

Background: Nursing is an occupation that deals with humans and relies upon human relationships. Nursing care, which is an important component of these relationships, involves protection, forbearance, attention, and worry. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the ethical beliefs of psychiatric nurses and ethical problems encountered. Research Design: The study design was descriptive and cross-sectional. Research context: Methods comprised of a questionnaire administered to psychiatric nurses (n = 202) from five psychiatric hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey, instruction in psychiatric nursing ethics, discussion of reported ethical problems by nursing focus groups, and analysis of questionnaires and reports by academicians with clinical experience. Participants: Participants consist of the nurses who volunteered to take part in the study from the five psychiatric hospitals (n = 202), which were selected with cluster sampling method. Ethical considerations: Written informed consent of each participant was taken prior to the study. Findings: The results indicated that nurses needed additional education in psychiatric ethics. Insufficient personnel, excessive workload, working conditions, lack of supervision, and in-service training were identified as leading to unethical behaviors. Ethical code or nursing care -related problems included (a) neglect, (b) rude/careless behavior, (c) disrespect of patient rights and human dignity, (d) bystander apathy, (e) lack of proper communication, (f) stigmatization, (g) authoritarian attitude/intimidation, (h) physical interventions during restraint, (i) manipulation by reactive emotions, (j) not asking for permission, (k) disrespect of privacy, (l) dishonesty or lack of clarity, (m) exposure to unhealthy physical conditions, and (n) violation of confidence. Discussion: The results indicate that ethical codes of nursing in psychiatric inpatient units are inadequate and standards of care are poor. Conclusion: In order to address those issues, large-scale research needs to be conducted in psychiatric nursing with a focus on case studies and criteria for evaluation of service, and competency and responsibility needs to be established in psychiatric nursing education and practice.
The effect of positioning on preterm infants’ sleep–wake states and stress behaviours during exposure to environmental stressors
Authors: Peng Niang-Huei , Chen Li-Li , Li Tsai-Chung , Smith Marlaine , Chang Yu-Shan , Huang Li-Chi 
Published: October 2013

Previous studies separately examined the effects of positioning or environmental stressors on preterm infants’ sleep and stress. Since positioning and environmental stressors occur simultaneously during infant hospitalization exploring these variables in the same study may offer new insights. A quasi-experimental study by one-group interrupted time-series design. In the current study, a total of 22 preterm infants were enrolled. Each infant was moved to either the supine or prone position for an hour at a time. Infants were videotaped and the sleep–wake states, stress behaviours and environmental conditions (light, noise and stimulation/handling) were recorded during the observation period. A total of 80 observations from 22 infants were accrued. In the supine position, preterm infants demonstrated more frequent waking states after adjusting for various environmental stressors ( p < .01). These infants demonstrated more frequent stress behaviours in the supine position after adjusting for various environmental stressors ( p < .01). These results suggest that the prone position is a more favourable position for facilitating sleep and reducing stress for preterm infants exposed to varying environmental stressors. Preterm infants present different stress behaviours in response to varying types of environmental stimuli.