bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful case of complex atrial flutter occurring in a patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, aberrant left atrial appendage, and situs inversus
Authors: Hu Feng , Liang Erpeng , Zheng Lihui , Ding Ligang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (ccTGA) is a rare congenital cardiac defect with atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial discordance which leads to heart failure and limits patients’ lifespan. The extremely aberrant cardiac structure makes electrophysiological procedure and radiofrequency ablation very difficult to be performed in such patients. Until now, there were only sporadical cases that have reported the successful ablation of atrial flutter in ccTGA patients.

Case presentation
We report a case of a 36-year-old male who was diagnosed with dextrocardia, atrial septal defect and congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (ccTGA) at a young age and received atrial septal defect repair and morphological tricuspid valve plasty in 2014. As for reasons of heart failure and atrial flutter, he frequently suffered from progressively worsening dyspnea and recurrent episodes of palpitations. Cardiac anatomic imaging reconstruction before electrophysiological test revealed an unusually huge left atrial appendage in this patient. After high-density mapping of both right atrium and left atrium, activation mapping showed reentry circuit loops were located in left atrium. Successful ablation strategy was performed under the guidance of high-density mapping and entrainment.

Conclusion
This is a clinical case showing high-density mapping and successful ablation of a complex dual-loop atrial flutter in a patient with ccTGA and aberrant left atrial appendage. The successful procedure corroborates clinical utility of high-density mapping approach in the treatment of the patients with complex congenital heart disease accompanied by rapid arrhythmia, can be simpler, safer and more effective.
Thyroid dysfunction in patients with suspected or documented supraventricular tachyarrhythmia
Authors: Gwag Hye Bin , Jun Ji Eun , Park Youngjun , Lee Seong Soo , Park Seung-Jung , Kim June Soo , Park Kyoung-Min , On Young Keun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background and objectives
The association between thyroid dysfunction and supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (SVT) other than atrial fibrillation (AF) is not well elucidated. We hypothesized that patients with suspected or documented SVT have undetected thyroid dysfunction more frequently than general population.

Subjects and methods
Patients with symptoms suggestive of SVT other than AF who were planned to undergo an EP study at our center were eligible for this study. Patients with known thyroid disease, medications affecting thyroid function test (TFT) or atrial fibrillation were excluded. The primary outcome was prevalence of TFT abnormalities in the study population. The secondary outcome was prevalence of clinically significant arrhythmia during the EP study.

Results
A total of 533 patients were analyzed. Patients were divided into the two groups according to TFT results. Fifty-six (10.5%) patients had abnormal TFT results (thyroid dysfunction group), while 477 (89.5%) had normal thyroid function (euthyroidism group). The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 10.5%. The thyroid dysfunction group showed a tendency for higher induction of clinically significant SVT than the euthyroidism group. However, thyroid dysfunction was not an independent predictor of clinically significant SVT during EP study.

Conclusion
In this study, patients with suspected SVT who were planned for EP study had a relatively high incidence of thyroid dysfunction. Clinically significant arrhythmia tended to be induced more frequently in the thyroid dysfunction group than in the euthyroidism group. Further investigations are needed to verify the clinical implications of TFT in patients with SVT other than AF.
The influence of computer-assisted surgery experience on the accuracy and precision of the postoperative mechanical axis during computer-assisted lateral closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Lee Hyun Woo , Song Sang Jun , Bae Dae Kyung , Park Cheol Hee 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
There is debate regarding the influence of a surgeon’s experience with computer-assisted surgery (CAS) on the postoperative mechanical axis (MA) in CAS-high tibial osteotomy. The purpose of the present study was to compare radiographic results between early and late cohorts of a consecutive series of patients to assess the influence of CAS experience on accuracy and precision of the postoperative MA during CAS lateral closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy (LCWHTO).

Materials and methods
Results from 140 CAS-LCWHTO operations were retrospectively reviewed. The first 70 cases, performed during the learning curve period for CAS between 2005 and 2009, were considered to be the “early cohort.” The subsequent 70 cases, performed with greater CAS experience after the completion of the learning curve between 2009 and 2014, were considered to be the “late cohort.” The target postoperative MA angle was valgus 3°. Pre- and postoperative MA angles were evaluated by navigation and radiographs. The proportion of postoperative MA inliers (≤ target angle ±3°) was investigated radiographically. The correlation between the navigation and radiographic measurements was analyzed.

Results
The average postosteotomy MA angle on navigation was 3.4° in both cohorts. The average postoperative MA angle on radiographs was 1.0° in the early cohort and 2.2° in the late cohort (P = 0.003). Radiographically, the proportion of postoperative MA inliers was greater in the late cohort than in the early cohort (early versus late, 71.4% versus 90%; P = 0.011). The pre- and postoperative correlation between navigation and radiographic measurements was also stronger in the late cohort (early versus late; preoperative r = 0.558 versus 0.663; postoperative r = 0.310 versus 0.376).

Conclusions
Greater experience with CAS increased the accuracy and precision of postoperative MA alignment as well as the correlation between navigation and radiographic measurements. Caution should be taken during registration procedures to achieve accurate alignment correction in CAS-LCWHTO.
The correlation between endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes in fresh ART cycles with different age groups: a retrospective study
Authors: Eftekhar Maryam , Mehrjardi Sara Zare , Molaei Behnaz , Taheri Fatemeh , Mangoli Esmat 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
In assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles in addition to embryo quality, the receptivity of the endometrium plays the main role in clinical outcomes. Endometrial receptivity is necessary to implantation of an embryo, and ultrasound has been established as an appreciated, simple, and non-invasive technique in the evaluation of the endometrial preparation before embryo transfer in fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Debate on the predictive value measuring endometrial thickness before administering human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) for ovulation triggering in ART is ongoing. In order to explore the impact of endometrial thickness on triggering day on ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) in ART cycles, we retrospectively analyzed data from 1000 patients undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles.

Results
The data showed pregnancy rate was increased in the endometrial thickness of 8 mm to 11 mm then decreased, and in endometrial thickness (Ent) > 14 mm, pregnancy rate was zero. There were significant differences in endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes between different age groups. The pregnancy rate was higher (32%) in 23–30 years old women, and the range of Ent in this group was 6–12 mm. Also, the data showed a positive correlation between Ent with AMH and estradiol levels and the number of COC and MII oocytes and a negative correlation between female age with Ent.

Conclusion
The result showed that Ent on hCG administration day is associated with pregnancy outcomes in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with different age groups, although some of the clinical parameters may have an effect on Ent. Large studies are needed to make a definitive conclusion.
MDCT angiographic findings of various congenital pulmonary artery anomalies in pediatric patients
Authors: Harraz Mohamed M. , Abouissa Ahmed H. , Saleh Hala A. , Attas Khalid A. , Al-Yamani Samira M. , Alsulami Ganadiel , Refai Mohamed M. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Congenital pulmonary artery anomalies are variable and need proper diagnosis and treatment. CT angiography with multiplanar reconstruction has the main role in the assessment of these anomalies and this non-invasive method should be the method of choice for preoperative planning and postoperative follow up.
The aim of the study is to assess the value of MDCT in the detection of pulmonary arteries anomalies in the pediatric population with complex congenital heart disease in conjunction with echocardiography as an alternative to conventional angiography and to determine the superiority of MDCT in the assessment of other abnormalities such as airway anomalies.

Results
In our retrospective study, 52 patients (28 male and 24 females, aged 1 day to 4 years: mean age 2 years) were examined with contrast-enhanced CT. CT examinations were done using a 128-section CT scanner (Siemens Somatom Definition AS) using non-ionic iodinated contrast media. 2D and 3D reconstructions were performed. The correlation was made with echocardiograms. All imaging studies were reviewed. The echo was done to all patients. Surgery and/or catheter angiography performed to all patients, their findings were reviewed and compared to CTA findings. Other abnormalities such as congenital airway anomalies are detected using axial MDCT images and reconstructed imaging techniques.
MDCT was accurate in revealing pulmonary artery anomalies. The commonest pulmonary artery anomaly was atresia, stenosis then hypoplasia. These anomalies may be isolated or associated with other congenital heart diseases. In the current study, MDCT could diagnose all cases of pulmonary arterial anomalies with 96% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 98% accuracy, 100% positive, and 94% negative predictive values. CT scans provide accurate information to assess complex spatial relationships of vascular airway compression frequently associated with CHD in the pediatric population.

Conclusion
MDCT scanner can be an alternative to diagnostic conventional angiography for the non-invasive assessment of the pulmonary artery. Higher quality multiplanar and 3D reconstruction achieved by the MDCT scanners offer a rapid, reliable and non-invasive technique that can be used for the evaluation and preoperative assessment of thoracic vascular and extra-vascular anatomy in infants and children with suspected congenital heart disease. CT technologies are constantly developing collaboration between radiologists, pediatric cardiologists, and anesthesiologists, which is essential for improving CT performance.
Indigenous Feminist Notes on Embodying Alliance against Settler Colonialism
Authors: Arvin Maile 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHow can we enact meaningful forms of solidarity across Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities? This essay, which focuses specifically on the context of settler colonialism in Hawaiʻi, examines existing or potential alliances between Indigenous feminisms and transnational feminisms. Written from a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) feminist perspective, the essay looks to the foundational work of Kanaka Maoli scholar-activist Haunani-Kay Trask as a too often overlooked theorist of settler colonialism writ broadly. The essay also looks more specifically at Trask’s theorizing of Asian settler colonialism in the Hawaiʻi context, in relation to contemporary examples of conflicts between Native Hawaiians and the state, as well as Native Hawaiian activists and white feminists. Overall, the essay questions how reframing Asian settler colonialism in more concerted conversation with Indigenous feminisms and transnational feminisms might provide space to move our practices of solidarity against settler colonialism, imperialism, nativism, militarization, and environmental destruction into a generative space for Kānaka Maoli and non-Indigenous peoples alike.
Peace and the Barrel of the Gun in the Internationalist Women’s Movement, 1945–49
Authors: Armstrong Elisabeth 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
In 1949, at a conference instigated by the Women’s International Democratic Federation (WIDF) held in Beijing, China, the Asian Women’s Conference solidified an anticolonial, antifascist, and antiracist theory for organizing women transnationally. This transnational feminist praxis drew its movement demands and strategies from the masses of women in anticolonial movements, both rural and urban poor women. It also framed a two-fold theory of women’s organizing: it delineated one platform for women fighting imperialism within colonized countries, and another platform for women fighting imperialism within aggressor nations. This transnational feminism supported an explicitly pro-socialist vision for the future.
Assessment of fighting ability in the vocal cichlid Metriaclima zebra in face of incongruent audiovisual information
Authors: Amorim M. Clara P. , Fonseca Paulo J. , Mathevon Nicolas , Beauchaud Marilyn 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Information transfer between individuals typically depends on multiple sensory channels. Yet, how multi-sensory inputs shape adaptive behavioural decisions remains largely unexplored. We tested the relative importance of audio and visual sensory modalities in opponent size assessment in the vocal cichlid fish, Metriaclima zebra, by playing back mismatched agonistic sounds mimicking larger or smaller opponents during fights of size-matched males. Trials consisted in three 5-min periods: PRE (visual), PBK (acoustic+visual) and POST (visual). During PBK agonistic sounds of smaller (high frequency or low amplitude) or larger (low frequency or high amplitude) males were played back interactively. As a control, we used white noise and silence. We show that sound frequency but not amplitude affects aggression, indicating that spectral cues reliably signal fighting ability. In addition, males reacted to the contrasting audio-visual information by giving prevalence to the sensory channel signalling a larger opponent. Our results suggest that fish can compare the relevance of information provided by different sensory inputs to make behavioural decisions during fights, which ultimately contributes to their individual fitness. These findings have implications for our understanding of the role of multi-sensory inputs in shaping behavioural output during conflicts in vertebrates.
Chemical composition of food induces plasticity in digestive morphology in larvae ofRana temporaria
Authors: Ruthsatz Katharina , Giertz Lisa Marie , Schröder Dominik , Glos Julian 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTFood conditions are changing due to anthropogenic activities and natural sources and thus, many species are exposed to new challenges. Animals might cope with altered quantitative and qualitative composition [i.e. variable protein, nitrogen (N) and energy content] of food by exhibiting trophic and digestive plasticity. We examined experimentally whether tadpoles of the common frog (Rana temporaria) exhibit phenotypic plasticity of the oral apparatus and intestinal morphology when raised on a diet of either low (i.e. Spirulina algae) or high protein, N and energy content (i.e. Daphnia pulex). Whereas intestinal morphology was highly plastic, oral morphology did not respond plastically to different chemical compositions of food. Tadpoles that were fed food with low protein and N content and low-energy density developed significantly longer guts and a larger larval stomachs than tadpoles raised on high protein, N and an energetically dense diet, and developed a different intestinal surface morphology. Body sizes of the treatment groups were similar, indicating that tadpoles fully compensated for low protein, N and energy diet by developing longer intestines. The ability of a species, R. temporaria, to respond plastically to environmental variation indicates that this species might have the potential to cope with new conditions during climate change.
Τα επίπεδα γλωσσομάθειας ως παράγοντας αποτελεσματικότητας στην εκμάθηση της ξένης γλώσσας στο δημόσιο σχολείο
Authors: Μπιρμπίλη Μαρία , Παπαοικονόμου Αντώνης 
Published: December 2019

Η εργασία αυτή επιδιώκει την αποτύπωση πτυχής της ξενόγλωσσης εκπαίδευσης στην Ελλάδα παρουσιάζοντας τις απόψεις μαθητών για την αποτελεσματικότητα του χωρισμού των τάξεων σε επίπεδα γλωσσομάθειας και την αποδοτικότητα αυτού του μέτρου για την εκμάθηση της ξένης γλώσσας στο δημόσιο σχολείο. Για τον λόγο αυτό εκπονήθηκε έρευνα σε δείγμα μαθητών και συνδυάστηκε με συμμετοχική παρατήρηση Στα αποτελέσματα συγκαταλέγεται η απαξίωση του δημόσιου σχολείου και η υπεροχή του φροντιστηρίου εκ μέρους των μαθητών αλλά και μειωμένη χρήση σύγχρονων μεθόδων διδασκαλίας εκ μέρους των εκπαιδευτικών του δημόσιου σχολείου.
Nursing pain assessment in non verbal intensive care patient
Authors: Villioti Anastasia , Kalogianni Antonia , Papageorgiou Dimitrios , Jahaj Edison 
Published: December 2019

Introduction: It has been found out that pain is one of the most important issues that patients have to deal with while they are hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU), especially when they are non-communicative. Nurses play the most important role in the pain assessment through the everyday contact with patients and with the use of a variety of pain assessment tools as well.Aim: The purpose was to determine nurses’ level of knowledge about the use of pain assessment tools (especially pain scales) in the unconscious intensive care patients – To investigate the level of pain assessment tools application in the daily nursing routine by the ICU nurses.Material and Method: A systematic review in the followed database was applied: Pubmed-Medline-Embase. The entry criteria in the review were: a) Publication date: 1990-2017 b) Greek or English language c) the sample of research must necessarily include experienced nurses who work exclusively in an intensive care unit. d) the use of pain assessment tools for non verbal patients should be included in the nursing interventions e) nurses should be responsible for the daily care of non verbal patients f) the results must be concern exclusively non communicative patients.Results: From the research four studies have emerged which met the standards of the review. The common findings among these researches result in the fact that although nurses believe that an effective pain assessment is important to a great extent, very few of them use pain assessment tools according to protocols especially in the unconscious patients.Conclusions: Nursing pain assessment concerning non verbal patients still remain inadequate and doesn’t seem to be a priority during the daily nursing routine. The promotion of education of nurses concerning pain assessment is required and the use of protocols as well in order to ease the process of a reliable and valid pain assessment.
Indications of initiation renal replacement therapy among patients with chronic renal disease
Authors: Florou Alexandra , Margari Nikoleta , Theofanidis Dimitrios 
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and renal replacement dialysis is necessary for the preservation of life, despite the fact that it is characterized by multiple restrictions and complications.Aim: The purpose of the present systematic review was the investigation of the absolute and relevant renal replacement therapy initiation criteria among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).Material and Method: There was an extensive research at Pubmed, IATROTEK and Cinahl during the period 2000-2015. The key words that were used for data search included “CRF”, “renal replacement therapy”, “initiation criteria”, “glomerular filtration rate”, and “guidelines”. In the present review, 20 studies were included. Results: Renal replacement therapy initiation constitutes a challenge for both nephrologists and patients since there is no consensus regarding the initiation criteria. GFR should not be the only marker for the initiation of renal replacement therapy since it is influenced by multiple factors. Renal replacement therapy should start at the presence of uremic signs and symptoms or complications, and co morbidity and individualized characteristics of patients should be taken into account. The doctors’-nephrologists’ characteristics seemed to influence the time of initiation of renal replacement therapy.Conclusions: CRF patients should be monitored by an interdisciplinary team and for the decision for the renal replacement therapy initiation, a relationship of cooperation between the doctor and the patient should be encouraged.
Prevalence of depression in patients with cardiac insufficiency and correlation with determinants
Authors: Argyriadis Alexandros , Nestoros Despina , Gourni Maritsa , Argyriadi Agathi , Bellou – Mylona Panagiota 
Published: December 2019

Background: Depression is one of the major causes of morbidity and loss of productivity in the world. Regardless of age, ethnicity and gender, it is known that its impact increases after major stressful events. Other major causes are chronic diseases, such as heart failure. The condition shows greater frequency and prevalence today, because of the aging population, the growth of population dispersion and other risk factors like hypertension and diabetes as well as the increase in the life expectancy of sufferers, due to current therapeutic interventions. Thus, depression has become chronic and the challenge of fighting inevitably incurs psychosocial effects.Aim:This research paper (systematic review) aims to investigate the prevalence of depression in patients with heart failure in association with determinants.Method & Material: This is a systematic review. In particular, a literature search was conducted in the electronic databases ProQuest, PubMed, EBSCO and Google Scholar, using the key-words: heart failure, prevalence and depression.Results: A total of ten surveys met the selection criteria. According to the results on the prevalence of depression, a moderate to high prevalence among patients with heart failure is presented, as well as an increased risk of mortality and clinical manifestations. Depression increases in patients with heart failure, as age, gender and race affect it similarly compared to what has been observed in the general population. The NYHA class II and III in advanced age and people with a prior history of myocardial infarction show a strong positive correlation with depression, too.Conclusions: Mental health problems affect the entire sphere of activities of a patient. Management is feasible and guaranteed only in a controlled living environment. Nurses, having the privilege of close contact with patients, can promptly diagnose depression symptoms and intervene as members of an interdisciplinary team. In Cyprus, no other research studies exist concerning the assessment of the prevalence of depression in patients with heart failure.