bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Success of pacemaker remote monitoring using app‐based technology: Does patient age matter?
Authors: Tarakji Khaldoun G. , Vives Carola Alfaro , Patel Amisha S. , Fagan Dedra H. , Sims J. Jason , Varma Niraj 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundRemote monitoring (RM) improves patient outcomes. App‐based RM is a novel technology that enables transmission of implantable device data using smart devices. Limited data exist on the impact of age and sex on the use of app‐based RM.ObjectiveTo examine the impact of age and sex on the proportion of pacemaker patients who activated app‐based RM, time from order to activation, and patient follow‐up transmission adherence per guidelines.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed using deidentified data from U.S. pacemaker patients enrolled in the Medtronic CareLink database with an app‐based monitor (MyCareLink Smart™). Activation was defined as first RM transmission and was considered early if it occurred < 90 days from order. Adherence analysis was limited to patients with ≥12 months’ follow‐up from activation and excluded transmissions < 90 days from activation.ResultsOf 48,016 patients assigned app‐based RM, 40,511 (84.4%) activated their device; of these, 31,640 (65.9%) activated their device early. Among 14,232 activated patients (with 12 months’ follow‐up), 12,743 (89.5%) were considered adherent to guidelines by transmitting at least once more within 3–12 months following their activation transmission. While there were statistical differences in activation, early activation, and adherence among age and sex groups due to large sample sizes, the differences were not clinically significant and the majority of older patients were able to successfully use app‐based RM.ConclusionsMost patients in this large and first‐of‐its kind reported cohort used smart devices to successfully activate app‐based RM technology and remained adherent per guidelines irrespective of age or sex.
Efficacy of sole pulmonary vein isolation in patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation without significant left atrium scar
Authors: Shen Wenzhi , Zhai Lishang , Yang Gang , Liu Hailei , Chen Hongwu , Ju Weizhu , Gu Kai , Li Mingfang , Zhang Fengxiang , Chen Minglong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundCatheter ablation strategies for nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (NPAF) are in varied forms. The mechanisms that circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) alone could achieve success in some of the patients with NPAF are not well studied. This study sought to assess the clinical outcome of only CPVI approach in NPAF patients without significant left atrium scar.Methods and resultsA total of 241 consecutive patients with NPAF undergoing an initial ablation procedure were studied. After CPVI, cavotricuspid isthmus ablation and direct current cardioversion, high‐density atrial voltage mapping was performed during sinus rhythm. Transitional‐voltage zone (TZ) was defined as 0.4–1.3 mV, and low‐voltage zone (LVZ) as <0.4 mV. No LVZs were identified in 101 patients (41.9%), and only CPVI was performed. Among the patients without LVZs, single‐procedure freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial tachycardia was achieved in 73 patients (72%), while 28 patients (28%) had AF recurrence with mean follow‐up of 29 ± 14 months. TZ index (TZi) was deduced by calculating the ratio of all TZ points over the total number of points and was found to be a univariate predictor of recurrence after a single procedure (P = 0.047).ConclusionsThe CPVI alone strategy for patients with NPAF can be performed in highly selective patients without LVZs. TZi may reflect healthy extent of left atrium, which has trend toward the association with AF recurrence.
Analysis of electrical lead failures in patients referred for transvenous lead extraction procedures
Authors: Ząbek Andrzej , Boczar Krzysztof , Dębski Maciej , Ulman Mateusz , Matusik Paweł T. , Lelakowski Jacek , Małecka Barbara 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionWe evaluated the influences of selected factors on electrical lead failure (ELF) occurrence in patients referred for transvenous lead extraction (TLE) procedures.Methods and resultsThe study cohort consisted of 432 patients referred for TLE procedures due to various indications (42 – lead‐dependent infective endocarditis, 47 – pocket infection, 343 – noninfectious indications) with a total of 804 endocardial leads. In the analyzed group, there were 192 patients with ELF, denoted as group ELF(+) (200 malfunctioning endocardial leads).The percentage of women was higher in the ELF(+) group than in the ELF(‐) group (42.7% vs 30.0%; P = 0.006). The ELF(+) patients had more endocardial leads implanted via subclavian vein puncture (80.0% vs 72.4%; P = 0.032), had more indwelling leads in the cardiovascular system (1.94 vs 1.8; P = 0.03), were older (68.9 vs 66.0 years old; P = 0.028), and had better left ventricular ejection fractions than the ELF(‐) patients (48.0% vs 40.7%; P < 0.001). The time interval to ELF occurrence was significantly longer for pacing leads than for cardioverter‐defibrillator leads (95.7 vs 65.7 months; P = 0.016). The most important factor associated with ELF was subclavian vein puncture, increasing the risk of ELF occurrence by 2.5‐fold and 2.7‐fold in the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models, respectively. The presence of a cardioverter‐defibrillator lead increased the risk of ELF by 1.9‐fold and 2.7‐fold in the univariate and multivariate models, respectively.ConclusionThe most significant factors predisposing patients to ELF are the lead implantation approach and the presence of a cardioverter‐defibrillator lead.
Canopy warming accelerates development in soybean and maize, offsetting the delay in soybean reproductive development by elevated CO2concentrations
Authors: Ruiz‐Vera Ursula M. , Siebers Matthew H. , Jaiswal Deepak , Ort Donald R. , Bernacchi Carl J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIncreases in atmospheric CO2concentrations ([CO2]) and surface temperature are known to individually have effects on crop development and yield, but their interactive effects have not been adequately investigated under field conditions. We evaluated the impacts of elevated [CO2] with and without canopy warming as a function of development in soybean and maize using infrared heating arrays nested within free air CO2enrichment plots over three growing seasons. Vegetative development accelerated in soybean with temperature plus elevated [CO2] resulting in higher node number. Reproductive development was delayed in soybean under elevated [CO2], but warming mitigated this delay. In maize, both vegetative and reproductive developments were accelerated by warming, whereas elevated [CO2] had no apparent effect on development. Treatment‐induced changes in the leaf carbohydrates, dark respiration rate, morphological parameters, and environmental conditions accompanied the changes in plant development. We used two thermal models to investigate their ability to predict the observed development under warming and elevated [CO2]. Whereas the growing degree day model underestimated the thermal threshold to reach each developmental stage, the alternative process‐based model used (βfunction) was able to predict crop development under climate change conditions.
Plant attributes and their relationship to the germination response to different temperatures of 18 species from central Mexico
Authors: Martínez‐Villegas J. A. , Castillo‐Argüero S. , Márquez‐Guzmán J. , Orozco‐Segovia A. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Germination responses of non‐dormant seeds to temperature and thermal requirements are affected by the geoclimatic origin of the species, along with specific attributes such as life form, life cycle or seed size. We evaluated the relationship of these attributes and temperature to germination in 18 species that inhabit a convergence area of two biogeographic realms.

Seeds were sown at different constant temperatures. Base temperature (Tb) and thermal time for 50% germination (θT(50)) were determined. For Tb, θT(50) and seed size, we performed a cluster analysis and then applied a discriminant analysis (DA). DA was also performed using geoclimatic origin, life form and life cycle as grouping variables. Seed that did not germinate were transferred to the benefit temperature for germination. Finally, ethylene was applied to the remaining seeds that did not germinate.

Temperature significantly affected final germination. Tb varied between 5 and 13 °C in 15 species and 19.0–21.5 °C in the remainder; θT(50) was 7–30 °Cd in eight species and 50–109 °Cd in the remainder. Cluster analysis showed three groups, and DA evidenced the relevance of Tb and θT(50) for this separation. Differences in life cycle were related to θT(50). The geoclimatic origin was not significant. Thermoinhibition or thermodormancy were found in some species.

Tb overlaps with environmental temperature of the growth season. Thermal traits for germination mainly reflect the species’ life cycle, which is related to the main differences in reproductive performance among annuals and perennials. Local adaptation might mask the effect of geoclimatic origin of a species.
Effects of situational variables on the physical activity profiles of elite soccer players in different score line states
Authors: Redwood‐Brown Athalie J. , O'Donoghue Peter G. , Nevill Alan M. , Saward Chris , Dyer Nicholas , Sunderland Caroline 
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study were to investigate the effects of playing position, pitch location, team ability and opposition ability on the physical activity profiles of English premier league soccer players in difference score line states. A validated automatic tracking system (Venatrack Ltd.) was used to track players in real time (at 25 Hz) for total distance covered, high speed running distance and sprint distance. This is the first study to include every team from an entire season in the English premier league, resulting in 376 games, 570 players and 35 000 rows of data from the 2011‐12 season being analyzed using multi‐level modelling. Multi‐level regression revealed an inverted “u” shaped association between total distance covered and goal difference (GD), with greater distances covered when GD was zero and reduced distances when GD was either positive or negative. A similar “u” shaped association was found with high speed distance covered at home. In addition distance covered (both at home and away) were predicted by playing position. All activity profiles (with the exception of sprint distance at home) were predicted by pitch location and time scored. Lastly, distance away from home and high speed running at home were predicted by opposition ability. Score line appears to effect player activity profiles across a number of situational factors and thus should be considered by managers when preparing and selecting teams to maximize performance. The current study also highlighted the need for more sensitive score line definitions in which to consider score line effects.
Diagnostic utility of skin autofluorescence when patch test results are doubtful
Authors: Shin E.‐J. , Seo J.‐K. , Lee E. J. , Lee E. S. , Shin M. K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe standard diagnostic test for allergic contact dermatitis is the patch test, which can also be used to identify irritant contact dermatitis. Doubtful reactions (?+) can be often clinically relevant to individuals and can require additional tests.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine whether autofluorescence (AF) measurements in patients with doubtful reactions are helpful in diagnosing contact dermatitis.MethodsPatients with a history of contact dermatitis were patch tested on the upper back for 48‐hours of occlusion using aqueous solutions of 5% sodium lauryl sulfate. Reaction intensity was scored, and AF was measured on reactive lesions and non‐lesions. Three dermatologists classified the results as positive or negative using the fluorescence photographs of patients with a doubtful reaction.ResultsAmong doubtful reactions, the R/G% values were significantly higher in the AF‐ based positive group than in the negative group (P = .0086). On the other hand, the heterogeneity values of R, G, and B (HR, HG, HB) were significantly lower in the AF‐based positive group (P = .0026, .0046, .0004 respectively).ConclusionsMeasuring AF along with the clinical readings can help confirm doubtful patch test reactions.
Actinomycosis: An infrequent disease in renal transplant recipients?
Authors: Rousseau Celia , Piroth Lionel , Pernin Vincent , Cassuto Elisabeth , Etienne Isabelle , Jeribi Ahmed , Kamar Nassim , Pouteil‐Noble Claire , Mousson Christiane 
Published: July 2018

AbstractActinomycosis is a rare and heterogeneous infection involving Gram‐positive anaerobic bacteria, which are commensals in the oral cavity and digestive tract. Only four cases of actinomycosis in renal transplant recipients have been reported to date. We performed a retrospective study in French renal transplantation centers to collect data about actinomycosis, patients, and transplantation. Seven cases were reported between 2000 and 2017; mean age was 55.7 years, and prevalence of actinomycosis was 0.02%. Median time between transplantation and infection was 104 months (4‐204 months). Locations of actinomycosis were cervicofacial (n = 2), pulmonary (n = 2), abdominopelvic (n = 2), or cutaneous (n = 1). Two patients (28.5%) had acute kidney injury. Diagnosis was made possible by microbiology (71%) or histopathology (filaments and sulfur granules) (14%) of the infection site. The suspected gate of entry for the infection was dental (57%), abdominal (28.5%) or through the sinuses (14%). All patients were treated with amoxicillin for 30‐200 days (median duration of 115 days), and clavulanic acid was added for 28.5% of cases. Three patients (43%) required surgery. All patients, except one, recovered completely after a few months. Actinomycosis is a rare, slow, progressive disease in French renal transplant recipients. The location and clinical features of this infection are miscellaneous. Global and renal outcomes do not seem to be affected by actinomycosis.
Donor derived Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection after solid‐organ transplantation: A comprehensive review
Authors: Abad Cybele L. R. , Razonable Raymund R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundMycobacterium tuberculosis may be transmitted via the allograft to cause a morbid and potentially fatal infection after solid organ transplantation (SOT). We reviewed all reported cases of donor‐derived tuberculosis (DDTB) to provide an update on its epidemiology, clinical course, and outcome after SOT.MethodsMEDLINE, OVID, and EMBASE were reviewed from its inception until December 31, 2016 using key words donor‐derived infection, tuberculosis and solid organ transplant or transplantation.ResultsWe retrieved 36 cases of proven (n = 17), probable (n = 8), and possible (n = 11) DDTB among 16 lung, 13 kidney, 6 liver, and 1 heart recipients. Most patients were male (21/35, 60%) with median age of 48 (range 23‐68) years. Median time to clinical presentation or diagnosis was 2.7 months (range 0.2‐29). The most common donor risk factor was residence in a TB‐endemic area (13/28, 46.4%). Fever was the most frequent presenting symptom (20/36, 56.5%). Diagnosis of tuberculosis was mostly made via AFB smear or mycobacterial culture (30/36, 83.3%). Allograft involvement was expectedly common; there were almost equal proportions of pulmonary (36%), extra‐pulmonary (28%) and disseminated (36%) cases. All cases of pulmonary TB were identified only among lung transplant recipients. The median duration of TB treatment was 10.5 (range 3‐24) months. Graft loss occurred in four (4/22, 18.2%) patients. All‐cause mortality was 25% (9/36); four of nine deaths were attributed to TB.ConclusionsDonor‐derived TB presents early after SOT, most commonly as fever, and carries a high mortality risk. Donors should be screened, with particular attention to TB risk factors. Fever during the early post‐operative period should prompt a thorough evaluation for DDTB in endemic regions and among patients with “at‐risk” donors.
Interest in HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men in West Africa (CohMSM ANRS 12324 – Expertise France)
Authors: Coulaud Pierre‐julien , Sagaon‐Teyssier Luis , M'madi Mrenda Bakridine , Maradan Gwenaëlle , Mora Marion , Bourrelly Michel , Dembélé Keita Bintou , Keita Abdoul Aziz , Anoma Camille , Babo Yoro Stéphane‐Alain , Dah Ter Tiero Elias , Coulibaly Christian , Mensah Ephrem , Agbomadji Selom , Bernier Adeline , Couderc Clotilde , Laurent Christian , Spire Bruno ,   The CohMSM Study Group
Published: July 2018

SummaryObjectiveTo explore the interest in taking PrEP among Western African men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was implemented at enrolment of HIV‐negative MSM in a multiple centre community‐based cohort study in four West African countries (Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo). A standardised face‐to‐face questionnaire collected data on socio‐demographic and behavioural characteristics over the previous 6 months. Descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression helped identify factors associated with the interest in taking PrEP.ResultsOf 564 participants, 87% were interested in taking PrEP. Interest in PrEP was associated with inconsistent condom use for anal sex (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–3.67), transactional sex (aOR: 2.02; 95% CI 1.11–3.71), searching for male sexual partners on the Internet in the previous month (aOR: 1.86; 95% CI 1.01–3.43), having a high level of self‐esteem (aOR: 1.20; 95% CI 1.06–1.36), having at least one sexually transmitted infections at enrolment (aOR: 5.08; 95% CI 1.40–18.4) and not being aware of PrEP (aOR: 2.03; 95% CI 1.04–3.96). Participants having sex with HIV‐positive male partners (aOR: 0.28; 95% CI 0.11–0.74), those being more sexually attracted to women than to men (aOR: 0.20; 95% CI 0.07–0.89) and those reporting psychological and material support from close friends (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI 0.15–0.73) were less interested in taking PreP.ConclusionsWestern African HIV‐negative MSM appear very interested in taking PrEP, especially those most at risk of HIV infection. PrEP implementation in a comprehensive prevention package should be considered urgently.
Assembling multiple xenoprotective transgenes in pigs
Authors: Fischer Konrad , Kind Alexander , Schnieke Angelika 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis review gives a brief overview of the genetic modifications necessary for grafted porcine tissues and organs to overcome rejection in human recipients. It then focuses on the problem of generating and breeding herds of donor pigs carrying modified endogenous genes and multiple xenoprotective transgenes. A xenodonor pig optimised for human clinical use could well require the addition of ten or more xenoprotective transgenes. It is impractical to produce the required combination of transgene by cross‐breeding animals bearing individual transgenes at unlinked genetic loci, because independent segregation means that huge numbers of pigs would be required to produce relatively few donor animals. A better approach is to colocate groups of transgenes at a single genomic locus. We outline current methods to assemble transgene arrays and consider their pros and cons. These include polycistronic expression systems, in vitro recombination of large DNA fragments in PAC and BAC vectors, transposon vectors, classical gene targeting by homologous recombination at permissive loci such as ROSA26, targeted transgene placement aided by gene editing systems such as CRISPR/Cas9, and transgene placement by site‐specific recombination such as Min‐tagging using the Bxb1recombinase.
Right ventricular dyssynchrony during hypoxic breathing but not during exercise in healthy subjects: a speckle tracking echocardiography study
Authors: Pezzuto Beatrice , Forton Kevin , Badagliacca Roberto , Motoji Yoshiki , Faoro Vitalie , Naeije Robert 
Published: July 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Right ventricular dyssynchrony in severe pulmonary hypertension is associated with a poor prognosis. However, it has recently been observed in patients with lung or connective tissue disease and pulmonary artery pressure at the upper limits of normal. The mechanisms of right ventricular dyssynchrony in pulmonary hypertension remain uncertain.

What is the main finding and its importance?
Acute hypoxic breathing, but not normoxic exercise, induces an increase in right ventricular dyssynchrony detected by speckle tracking echocardiography in healthy subjects. These results add new insights into the determinants of right ventricular dyssynchrony, suggesting a role for systemic factors added to afterload in the pathophysiology of right ventricular inhomogeneity of contraction.

AbstractPulmonary hypertension (PH) has been shown to be associated with regional inhomogeneity (or dyssynchrony) of right ventricular (RV) contraction. Right ventricular dyssynchrony is an independent predictor of decreased survival in advanced PH, but has also been reported in patients with only mildly elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). The mechanisms of RV dyssynchrony in PH remain uncertain. Our aim was to evaluate RV regional function in healthy subjects during acute hypoxia and during exercise. Seventeen healthy subjects (24 ± 6 years) underwent a speckle tracking echocardiography of the RV at rest in normoxia and every 15 min during a 60 min exposure to hypoxic breathing ( 12%). Ten of the subjects also underwent an incremental cycle ergometry in normoxia to 100 W, with the same echocardiographic measurements. Dyssynchrony was measured as the SD of the times to peak systolic strain of the four basal and mid RV segments corrected for the heart rate (RV‐SD4). RV‐SD4 increased during hypoxia from 12 ± 7 to 22 ± 11 ms in spite of mild increases in mean PAP (mPAP) from 15 ± 2 to 20 ± 2 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) from 1.18 ± 0.15 to 1.4 ± 0.15 Wood units (WU). During exercise RV‐SD4 did not significantly change (from 12 ± 6 ms to 14 ± 6 ms), while mPAP increased to 25 ± 2 mmHg and PVR was unchanged. These data show that in healthy subjects, RV contraction is inhomogeneous in hypoxia but not during exercise. Since PAP increases more during exercise, RV dyssynchrony in hypoxia may be explained by a combination of mechanical (RV afterload) and systemic (hypoxia) factors.