bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm during cryoballoon ablation: A favorable and not unusual phenomenon during second‐generation cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Maj Riccardo , Borio Gianluca , Osório Thiago G. , Iacopino Saverio , Ströker Erwin , Sieira Juan , Terasawa Muryo , Rizzo Alessandro , Scala Oriana , Galli Alessio , Varnavas Varnavas , Paparella Gaetano , Capulzini Lucio , Brugada Pedro , De Asmundis Carlo , Chierchia Gian B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence and the clinical impact of conversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm (SR) during cryoballoon ablation (CB‐A) are unknown.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of restoration of SR during CB‐A and the clinical impact of this phenomenon.MethodsBetween January 2012 and September 2018, all patients who experienced conversion of AF to SR during CB‐A were included. This group was subsequently matched for gender, age, type of AF, diagnosis‐to‐ablation time, and left atrial size with patients who underwent CB‐A and did not experienced conversion of AF to SR. After discharge, patients were scheduled for follow‐up visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and 24 hours Holter recordings were obtained at each follow‐up visit. All documented AF episodes of >30 seconds were considered as recurrence. A 3 month post‐procedural blanking period (BP) was applied.ResultsA total of 1559 patients underwent pulmonary veins isolation by CB‐A between January 2012 and September 2018; among them, 58 patients (3.7%) experienced restoration of SR during CB‐A. In total, 53 patients (41 males [77.3%], mean age 61.4 ± 13.3 years) were included in the case group. During CB‐A, restoration of SR occurred more frequently during right‐side PVs applications (right inferior pulmonary vein 39.6%, right superior pulmonary vein 30.2%). If considering a BP, at 2 year follow‐up, freedom from recurrences was 86.5% in the case group and 68.0% in the control group (P = .036).ConclusionConversion of AF to SR is a favorable and relatively frequent phenomenon during cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation ablation.
Does hipec improve outcomes in gastric cancer patients treated with perioperative chemotherapy and radical surgery? A propensity‐score matched analysis
Authors: Diniz Thiago Pereira , da Costa Wilson L. , Fonseca de Jesus Victor Hugo , Ribeiro Héber S. C. , Diniz Alessandro L. , de Godoy André Luís , de Farias Igor Correia , Torres Silvio Melo , Felismino Tiago C. , Coimbra Felipe Jose Fernandez 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundHyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been associated with improved survival when compared with surgery alone for non‐metastatic gastric cancer patients in randomized trials and meta‐analyses. However, little evidence is available regarding the use of HIPEC in nonmetastatic patients who are treated with perioperative chemotherapy and radical surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the putative survival benefit of HIPEC in the subgroup of gastric cancer patients treated with perioperative chemotherapy and surgery.Patients and MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study that included gastroesophageal junction and gastric cancer patients who were treated with perioperative chemotherapy and curative resection in a single cancer center in the period between 2006 and 2017. In this time period, younger patients with diffuse‐type tumors and serosa invasion or positive lymph node disease were often offered an adjuvant HIPEC protocol. This study compared the survival outcomes of these patients to the ones of those who received only perioperative chemotherapy and resection. A 2:1 propensity‐score matched analysis for the two groups was also performed, and variables used were postchemotherapy T (ypT) and N (ypN) stages, histology and tumor site.ResultsThe study population comprised 269 subjects, 241 treated with chemotherapy and surgery and 28 who also received HIPEC. The mean age was 59 years old (standard deviation: 12.2) and 60% of all individuals were male. A total gastrectomy was performed in 137 patients and a distal resection in 132, with a D2‐lymphadenectomy in 97.4% of the sample. Overall 60‐day morbidity and mortality rates were 35.3% and 3.3%, respectively. In the HIPEC group, patients were younger, and more frequently had American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1 to 2 classification, tumors located in the gastric body, had diffuse histology, and ypN+ disease. Overall survival (OS; 5 years) results in the HIPEC and no HIPEC group were 59.5% vs 68.7% (P = .453), and disease‐free survival (DFS) ones were 49.5% and 65.8% (P = .060), respectively. In the multivariable Cox regression model, ypT and ypN were independent overall and DFS predictors; also, ASA 3 to 4 classification and diffuse histology were associated with worse OS. In the matched analysis, HIPEC did not improve either overall (53.5% vs 59.5%; P = .517) or DFS (50.0% vs 49.5%; P = .993).ConclusionTreatment with HIPEC in patients who received perioperative chemotherapy and a D2‐resection did not improve survival outcomes. Both ypT and ypN stages remained as the most important survival predictors in this cohort.
Clinical and Neuropathological Features Associated With Loss of RAB39B
Authors: Gao Yujing , Martínez‐Cerdeño Verónica , Hogan Kirk J. , McLean Catriona A. , Lockhart Paul J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundPathogenic variants in the small GTPase Ras Analogue in Brain 39b (RAB39B) have been linked to the development of early‐onset parkinsonism. The study was aimed at delineating the clinical and neuropathological features associated with a previously reported pathogenic variant in RAB39B (c.503C>A p.T168K) and testing for dysregulation of RAB39B in idiopathic PD.MethodsClinical details of a male individual hemizygous for the T168K variant were collected by systematic review of medical records. Neuropathological studies of fixed brain tissue were performed and steady‐state RAB39B levels were determined by western blot analysis.ResultsNeuropathological examination showed extensive dopaminergic neuron loss, widespread Lewy pathology, and iron accumulation in the substantia nigra. Additional pathology was observed in the hippocampus and thalamus. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the T168K variant results in loss of RAB39B. In individuals with idiopathic PD (n = 10, 6 male/4 female), steady‐state RAB39B was significantly reduced in the prefrontal cortex and substantia nigra.ConclusionsT168K RAB39B is unstable in vivo and associated with dopaminergic neuron loss and Lewy pathology. Dysregulation of RAB39B in the prefrontal cortex and substantia nigra of individuals with idiopathic PD potentially implicates the protein more broadly in the pathological mechanisms underlying PD and related Lewy body disorders. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Clinical Deficits Scale
Authors: Piot Ines , Schweyer Kerstin , Respondek Gesine , Stamelou Maria ,   DescribePSP study group,   ProPSP study group,   MDS‐endorsed PSP study group, Sckopke Philipp , Schenk Thomas , Goetz Christopher G. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Höglinger Günter U. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is currently no undisputed, validated, clinically meaningful measure for deficits in the broad spectrum of PSP phenotypes.ObjectiveTo develop a scale to monitor clinical deficits in patients with PSP across its broad phenotypes.MethodsThe Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Clinical Deficits Scale was conceptualized to cover seven clinical domains (Akinesia‐rigidity, Bradyphrenia, Communication, Dysphagia, Eye movements, Finger dexterity, and Gait & balance), each scored from 0 to 3 (no, mild, moderate, or severe deficits). User guidelines were developed to standardize its application. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Clinical Deficits Scale scores were collected in patients fulfilling the MDS‐PSP diagnostic criteria in two independent, multicenter, observational studies, both cross‐sectionally (exploratory DescribePSP cohort; confirmatory ProPSP cohort) and longitudinally (12‐months’ follow‐up, both cohorts).ResultsCognitive pretesting demonstrated easy scale utility. In total, 164 patients were scored (70.4 ± 7.6 years; 62% males, 35% variant phenotypes). Mean Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Clinical Deficits Scale completion time was 4 minutes. The Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Clinical Deficits Scale total score correlated with existing scales (e.g., Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale: R = 0.88; P < 0.001). Individual Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Clinical Deficits Scale items correlated well with similar constructs in existing scales. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.75), inter‐rater reliability (0.96), and test‐retest stability (0.99) were acceptable. The PSP‐CDS showed significant 12‐month change (baseline, 8.6 ± 3.6; follow‐up: 10.8 ± 3.6; annualized difference: 3.4 ± 3.4; n = 49; P < 0.0001). Sample sizes required per arm for a two‐arm, 1‐year follow‐up therapeutic trial to detect 50% change in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Clinical Deficits Scale progression was estimated to be 65 (two‐sided, two‐sample t test).ConclusionThe Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Clinical Deficits Scale is a rapidly completed, clinimetrically sound scale for clinical care and research involving PSP. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Efficient one‐step leapfrog ADI‐FDTD for far‐field scattering calculation of lossy media
Authors: Zou Bin , Liu Shuo , Zhang Lamei , Ren Shulei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFree from the Courant‐Friedrichs‐Lewy (CFL) stability condition and sub‐step computations, the one‐step leapfrog alternative‐direction‐implicit finite‐difference time‐domain (ADI‐FDTD) method is very efficient in dealing with fine grid problems. In this letter, a one‐step leapfrog ADI‐FDTD method for three‐dimensional far‐field scattering simulation method for lossy media is proposed. A novel total field/scattering field (TF/SF) implementation is derived for the one‐step leapfrog ADI‐FDTD, providing the computational flexibility in far‐field electromagnetic (EM) scattering calculation. The auxiliary matrices are introduced to further improve its efficiency for lossy media. The simulation results show that there is a good agreement between the proposed one‐step leapfrog ADI‐FDTD method and Yee's FDTD in solving the far‐field scattering problem and benefits in performance were encountered when using the proposed method.
Exact penalty functions for optimal control problems II: Exact penalization of terminal and pointwise state constraints
Authors: Dolgopolik M. V. 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe second part of our study is devoted to an analysis of the exactness of penalty functions for optimal control problems with terminal and pointwise state constraints. We demonstrate that with the use of the exact penalty function method one can reduce fixed‐endpoint problems for linear time‐varying systems and linear evolution equations with convex constraints on the control inputs to completely equivalent free‐endpoint optimal control problems, if the terminal state belongs to the relative interior of the reachable set. In the nonlinear case, we prove that a local reduction of fixed‐endpoint and variable‐endpoint problems to equivalent free‐endpoint ones is possible under the assumption that the linearized system is completely controllable, and point out some general properties of nonlinear systems under which a global reduction to equivalent free‐endpoint problems can be achieved. In the case of problems with pointwise state inequality constraints, we prove that such problems for linear time‐varying systems and linear evolution equations with convex state constraints can be reduced to equivalent problems without state constraints, provided one uses the L∞ penalty term, and Slater's condition holds true, while for nonlinear systems a local reduction is possible, if a natural constraint qualification is satisfied. Finally, we show that the exact Lp‐penalization of state constraints with finite p is possible for convex problems, if Lagrange multipliers corresponding to the state constraints belong to Lp′, where p′ is the conjugate exponent of p, and for general nonlinear problems, if the cost functional does not depend on the control inputs explicitly.
Consequences of an Anti‐Corruption Experiment for Local Government Performance in Brazil
Authors: Funk Kendall D. , Owen Erica 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDecentralization reforms, implemented to improve efficiency and service provision, pose a challenge for federal governments that would like to ensure that federal resources are used appropriately by local governments. To overcome this challenge, some federal governments have implemented costly oversight programs aimed at improving municipal governance. For instance, in 2003, the Brazilian federal government introduced a randomized auditing program with the goal of improving municipal performance by exposing episodes of corruption and mismanagement. Yet, we know little about whether these types of programs actually lead to improvements in local outcomes, especially in terms of service delivery. We argue that audits provide opportunities for learning that should improve performance outcomes. To test this argument, we examine municipal performance in over 5,000 Brazilian municipalities from 2001 to 2012. We utilize the random assignment of audits and estimate difference‐in‐differences regressions. We find that audited municipalities experience greater improvements in performance overall compared to unaudited municipalities, though the effect size is modest. We also find evidence that the auditing program indirectly improves municipal performance. These results indicate that top‐down oversight programs, such as the Brazilian one, are useful not only for improving transparency and accountability, but also for the provision of public services as well.
Preparation and characterization of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene composites with high content of multiwall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Li Anqi , Wu Zexiong , Zhang Zishou , Mai Kancheng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn order to obtain the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites with high conductivity and mechanical property, an effective route of solution mixing and followed by hot‐pressing was investigated for UHMWPE composites with high content of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The effect of MWCNT contents on the crystallization and melting behavior, crystal structure, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of MWCNT/UHMWPE composites was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, four‐probe measurement configuration, X‐ray diffraction, and universal testing machine, respectively. The effect of MWCNTs on crystallization temperatures of UHMWPE is discussed by the heterogeneous nucleation of MWCNTs and the restriction of the macromolecular chain motion of UHMWPE by MWCNTs. The electrical conductivity of UHMWPE is significantly increased with increasing of MWCNT contents and the UHMWPE composite with the conductivity of 5649 S m−1 can be obtained at the MWCNT content of 60 wt%. The influence of MWCNTs on tensile strength and modulus of UHMWPE composites is explained by the reinforce effect of MWCNTs and the lower content of UHMWPE not enough to support the structure of composites.
Green chemistry mediated synthesis of cadmium sulphide/polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites: Assessment of microstructural, thermal, and dielectric properties
Authors: Reddy Peram Lokanatha , Deshmukh Kalim , Kovářík Tomáš , Nambiraj Narayanasamy Arunai , Shaik Khadheer Pasha 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn the present study, a green synthesis approach has been employed to prepare cadmium sulphide nanoparticles (CdS NPs). The prepared CdS NPs were used as nanofiller (0‐3 wt%) to produce polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/CdS nanocomposite films via solution casting technique. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were employed to investigate various properties of PVA/CdS nanocomposite films. An enhancement in the structural, thermal, and morphological properties of the PVA/CdS nanocomposite films was noticed confirming the successful incorporation of CdS NPs in the PVA matrix and good interaction between the polymer and the nanofiller. Further, an impedance analyzer was employed to evaluate dielectric properties of the PVA/CdS nanocomposite films at various frequencies (50 Hz‐1 MHz) and temperatures (40°C‐140°C). The dielectric constant (ε) and dielectric loss (tanδ) values of PVA/CdS nanocomposite films loaded with 3 wt% of CdS NPs were found to be 423.71 and 4.18, respectively, at 50 Hz and at 140°C. An improvement in the dielectric properties evidenced the homogeneous distribution of CdS NPs within the PVA matrix making the nanocomposite films useful for electrical charge storage devices.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of linear and nonlinear optical properties of ethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐napthoate azo dyes by solvatochromic, computational aspects, and Z‐scan technique
Authors: Yadav Sagar B. , Taware Sohan , Sreenath Mavila C. , Chitrambalam Subramaniyan , Joe Isaac H. , Sekar Nagaiyan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTo investigate the effect of substituents in azo dyes on their nonlinear optical properties, four azo dyes were synthesized using ethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthoate as a coupler and characterized. The polarizability (α) and hyperpolarizability (β and γ) constants were determined by using solvatochromic and computational method. A group of global hybrid and range seperated hybrid functionals having different Hartree‐Fock exchange percentage were used to evaluate the NLO properties. The functional ωB97 and ωB97XD performed better in the determination of polarizability (α) and hyperpolarizability (β and γ), respectively. The observed results for polarizability and hyperpolarizability parameters were supported by highest occupied molecular orbital‐lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO‐LUMO) energy gap, Hammett‐coefficient (σ), excited‐state coefficients (σex), and hyper‐hardness (Γ) values. Third‐order NLO properties were analyzed by using Z‐scan technique. The –OCH3 substituted dye 4d shows higher value of molecular susceptibility (χ(3)), polarizability (α), and hyperpolarizability (β and γ) parameters among the studied azo dyes. They are likely to have the potential applications in optoelectronics and photonics.
Metered‐dose inhalers vs nebulization for the delivery of albuterol in pediatric asthma exacerbations: A cost‐effectiveness analysis in a middle‐income country
Authors: Rodriguez‐Martinez Carlos E. , Sossa‐Briceño Monica P. , Castro‐Rodriguez Jose A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesAlthough the benefits of albuterol delivered via metered‐dose inhalers with a spacer (MDI+S) have been increasingly recognized, the evidence regarding the cost‐effectiveness of MDI+S compared to nebulization (NEB) is not sufficient, especially in less‐affluent countries, where the clinical and economic burden of the disease is the greatest. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of MDI+S vs NEB for delivering albuterol for the treatment of pediatric asthma exacerbations.MethodsA decision‐analysis model was developed to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of MDI+S vs NEB for delivering albuterol for the treatment of pediatric asthma exacerbations. Effectiveness parameters were obtained from a systematic review of the literature. Cost data were obtained from hospital bills and from the national manual of drug prices in Colombia. The study was carried out from the perspective of the national healthcare system in Colombia, a middle‐income country (MIC). The main outcome of the model was the avoidance of hospital admission.ResultsFor the base‐case analysis, the model showed that compared to NEB, using MDI+S for the delivery of albuterol was associated with lower total costs (US$96.68 vs US$121.41 average cost per patient) and a higher probability of hospital admission avoided (0.9219 vs 0.8900), thus leading to dominance.ConclusionsThis study shows that in Colombia, an MIC, compared with NEB, the use of MDI+S for delivering albuterol for the treatment of pediatric asthma exacerbations is the preferred strategy because it is associated with a lower probability of hospital admission at lower total treatment costs.
Assessment of contribution of BCRP to intestinal absorption of various drugs using portal‐systemic blood concentration difference model in mice
Authors: Kawahara Iichiro , Nishikawa Satoyo , Yamamoto Akira , Kono Yusuke , Fujita Takuya 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPrediction of the intestinal absorption of new chemical entities (NCEs) is still difficult, in part because drug efflux transporters, including breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), restrict their intestinal permeability. We have demonstrated that the absorptive quotient (AQ) obtained from the in vitro Caco‐2 permeability study would be a valuable parameter for estimating the impact of BCRP on the intestinal absorption of drugs. In this study, in order to assess the correlation between the in vitro AQ for BCRP and in vivo contribution of BCRP on drug absorption, we evaluated the oral absorption of various compounds by portal‐systemic blood concentration (P‐S) difference method in wild‐type (WT), Bcrp(−/−), and Mdr1a/1b(−/−) mice. In addition, we also calculated a rate of BCRP contribution (Rbcrp). Ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin showed the low Rbcrp value (0.05 and 0.15), and their apparent fractions of intestinal absorption in WT mice were 46.5% and 63.7%, respectively. These results suggest that BCRP hardly affects their intestinal absorption in mice. On the other hand, the apparent fraction of intestinal absorption of topotecan and sulfasalazine was significantly lower in WT mice than in Bcrp(−/−) mice. Moreover, their Rbcrp values were 0.42 and 0.79, respectively, indicating the high contribution of BCRP to their oral absorption. Furthermore, in vivo Rbcrp calculated in this study was almost comparable to in vitro AQ obtained from Caco‐2 permeability study. This study provides useful concepts in assessing the contribution of BCRP on intestinal absorption in drug discovery and development process.