bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) in clinical practice
Authors: Li Ka Hou Christien , Bazoukis George , Liu Tong , Li Guangping , Wu William K. K. , Wong Sunny Hei , Wong Wing Tak , Chan Yat Sun , Wong Martin C. S. , Wassilew Katharina , Vassiliou Vassilios S. , Tse Gary 
Published: February 2018

AbstractArrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) is an inherited myocardial disease characterized by fibro‐fatty replacement of the right ventricular myocardium, and associated with paroxysmal ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). It is currently the second most common cause of SCD after hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in young people <35 years of age, causing up to 20% of deaths in this patient population. This condition has a male preponderance and is more commonly found in individuals of Italian and Greek descent. To date, there is no single diagnostic test for ARVC/D and the diagnosis is made based on clinical, electrocardiographic, and radiological findings according to the Revised 2010 Task Force Criteria. In this review, we will discuss the mainstay treatment which includes pharmacotherapy, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator insertion for abortion of sudden cardiac death, and in the advanced stages of the disease cardiac transplantation.
Atrial fibrillation deteriorates tricuspid regurgitation following implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead placement in patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mohri Takato , Saji Mike , Murai Tatsuya , Takayama Morimasa 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlthough atrial fibrillation (AF) often exists in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), combination of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and AF after implantation of pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead and its optimal management have not been well discussed in this population. Herein, we present a patient with HOCM who subsequently died due to severe heart failure and deterioration of TR following ICD lead placement with AF. Autopsy findings demonstrated that ICD leads were entrapped by anomaly structure in the right atrium and ventricle, which might affect deterioration of TR.
Temporary external implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator as a bridge to reimplantation after infected device extraction
Authors: Dębski Maciej , Ząbek Andrzej , Boczar Krzysztof , Urbańczyk‐Zawadzka Małgorzata , Lelakowski Jacek , Małecka Barbara 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPatients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) and endovascular infection represent a difficult management group. The explantation of an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) system deprives the patient of the protection against life‐threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias. In this study, we describe feasibility and clinical outcomes of bridging with temporary dual‐coil ICD lead and external ICD following the extraction of a CIED due to endovascular infection and compare the performance of this approach to other available options.
Late Ratchet syndrome involving isolated left ventricular lead dislodgement post‐cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator generator change
Authors: Tan Vern Hsen , Wong Kelvin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLead dislodgement following cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) generator change is rare. We report a case including the postulate mechanism of an isolated left ventricular lead dislodgement 3 months after cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator pulse generator change.
Lung cancer knowledge and screening in the context of the Malaysian population
Authors: Loh Jia Fui , Tan Shir Ley 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimTo assess Malaysians‘ knowledge of lung cancer and their willingness to undergo lung cancer screening.MethodA cross‐sectional study was conducted in the general population using self‐administered questionnaires.ResultsA total of 385 responses were included in the analysis (55.3% female, 44.7% male; mean age 31.8 ± 12.8 years). The most commonly known risk factors for lung cancer were those related to tobacco exposure and air pollution. The average number of recognised signs/symptoms was 9.8 ± 3.1. In comparison to never‐smokers, current/ex‐smokers tend to perceive themselves at a higher risk of developing lung cancer (p < 0.0005) and 65.3% of the respondents held positive attitudes toward the effectiveness of early detection of lung cancer.ConclusionsThere is a low awareness of the non‐specific warning signs of lung cancer among the population. A substantial majority of the respondents were willing to participate in screening if they had been informed they were at high risk of developing lung cancer.
Outcomes of a pharmacist‐managed clinic for underserved persons with unmanaged type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lefebvre Ashley L. , Zullo Andrew R. , Dapaah‐Afriyie Ruth , Collins Christine M. , Elsaid Khaled A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundA multidisciplinary approach is recommended for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).AimTo evaluate the impact of a pharmacist intervention on haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and diabetes‐related hospitalisations in an underserved cohort with unmanaged type 2 DM.MethodsThis analysis was a retrospective cohort study. Criteria for inclusion were persons with unmanaged type 2 DM defined as HbA1c values ≥8% at time of enrolment, ≥18 years old, and enrolment in a pharmacist‐managed clinic for ≥12 months. Pre‐ and post‐intervention differences in HbA1c, SBP and DBP values were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The risk of diabetes‐related hospitalisations was estimated during the 12 months prior and during the 12 months post‐intervention, and the relative risk (RR) was calculated.ResultsMean HbA1c values at 3, 6 and 12 months post‐intervention were lower than baseline values (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in mean HbA1c values at 6 or 12 months compared to 3 months post intervention. Mean SBP values at 3, 6 and 12 months were lower than baseline (p < 0.05). Likewise, mean DBP values at 6 and 12 months were lower than baseline (p < 0.05). The estimated RR of diabetes‐related hospitalisations was 0.40 (95% CI: 0.20–0.83; p = 0.013).ConclusionEnrolment in a pharmacist‐managed diabetes program was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c, SBP and DBP and reduction in risk of diabetes‐related hospitalisations in an underserved cohort of patients with diabetes over a 12‐month period.
Histopathological changes resulting from selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT)
Authors: Justinger Christoph , Gruden Juliana , Kouladouros Konstantinos , Stravodimos Christos , Reimer Peter , Tannapfel Andrea , Binnenhei Martin , Bentz Martin , Tatsch Klaus , Rüdiger Thomas , Schön Michael R. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundSelective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) has emerged as an effective therapy for patients with liver malignancies. Here, we report our analysis of histopathological changes in tumors and healthy liver tissue after SIRT and liver resection. Our main intent was to determine if specific histopathological changes occur in tumor and normal liver tissues.MethodsWe identified 17 patients in whom SIRT was applied to achieve liver resectability. Samples were taken from the resected liver tissue. The tumor, tumor peripheries, and tumor‐free tissue were examined microscopically.ResultsMicrospheres were identified in the vascular tumor bed, tumor‐free liver, and portal tract. More microspheres were detected in the tumor than in the healthy liver tissue. When the effects of SIRT were analyzed, most patients showed a partial pathological response. Specific histopathological changes could not be described. We did not find any typical signs of radiation‐induced hepatitis in healthy liver tissue.ConclusionsOur findings support the clinical experience of effective tumor control after SIRT together with minimal impairment of healthy liver tissue. The observed histopathological changes suggest that SIRT might play a role in preoperative downsizing of liver malignancies.
Histological expression of methionine adenosyl transferase (MAT) 2A as a post‐surgical prognostic surrogate in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: An Jihyun , Na Seong Kyun , Shim Ju Hyun , Park Yang Soon , Jun Mi Jung , Lee Joo Ho , Song Gi‐Won , Lee Hac Chu , Yu Eunsil 
Published: February 2018

Background and ObjectivesDeregulation of methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) is involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of the level of histological MAT1A and MAT2A in patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsA total of 210 patients with HCC who underwent curative resection between 2004 and 2011 were included. The levels of MAT proteins were immunohistochemically measured.ResultsMAT1A and MAT2A were over‐expressed in 134 (63.8%) and 124 (59.1%) of the 210 tumor tissues, respectively. Up‐regulation of tumoral MAT1A was independently associated with male gender, and inversely related to tumors >5 cm (adjusted odds ratios [OR] 2.59, P = 0.008, and OR 0.44, P = 0.012, respectively). Enhanced MAT2A expression was significantly related to age ≥60 years and serum AFP >200 ng/mL (OR 0.51, P = 0.030; and OR 2.65, P = 0.003; respectively). Tumoral MAT2A over‐expression independently predicted an increased rate of recurrence within 1 year after hepatectomy (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.45, P = 0.012), but that was not the case for MAT1A expression (HR 0.90, P = 0.744). High MAT2A was also an independent predictor of early recurrence (HR 2.54, P = 0.034) in the subset of patients without microvascular invasion (n = 155).ConclusionsOver‐expression of MAT2A in HCC may be a useful biomarker for predicting and monitoring tumor recurrence, especially early after hepatic resection.
Aortic Diameters and Mild Functional Aortic Regurgitation in Hypertensive and Normotensive People: Do They Carry the Same Meaning?
Authors: Vriz Olga , Bertin Nicole , Bossone Eduardo , Palatini Paolo 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesThe association between the aortic root diameter and aortic regurgitation in hypertensive and normotensive people is still disputed, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be clearly elucidated. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the aortic root diameter and trivial to mild functional aortic regurgitation in never‐treated hypertensive patients with a new diagnosis compared with healthy normotensive participants.MethodsA total of 182 hypertensives and 232 age‐matched normotensives were included in the study. Anthropometric and office blood pressure (BP) measurements, echocardiography, and a carotid stiffness assessment were performed in all of the participants. Aortic measures for the annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta were taken in late diastole according to the leading‐edge method.ResultsThe mean age of all participants was 52 years. Hypertensive patients had a significantly higher body surface area, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure (P < .0001) than normotensive participants. Annulus and sinotubular junction diameters adjusted for confounders and indexed to the body surface area were significantly higher in normotensives than in hypertensives. The prevalence of functional aortic regurgitation was higher in hypertensives (34.8% versus 15.4%; P < .0001). Among the hypertensives, no difference in aortic diameters was found between patients with or without functional aortic regurgitation, whereas normotensives with functional aortic regurgitation had larger aortic root diameters. Aging and BP among the hypertensives were the main determinants of functional aortic regurgitation.ConclusionsHypertensive patients had a smaller indexed aortic root diameter than normotensive participants but had a higher prevalence of trivial to mild functional aortic regurgitation. The aging process is the main determinant of functional aortic regurgitation in both groups, but high BP also plays an important role in hypertensives.
Phosphorus recycling in deeply oxygenated sediments in Lake Superior controlled by organic matter mineralization
Authors: Li Jiying , Zhang Yishu , Katsev Sergei 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRemobilization of phosphorus from aquatic sediments has been extensively investigated in systems prone to anoxia, while studies in well‐oxygenated systems have been rare. The recycling efficiency of P in the offshore sediments in the Great Lakes, in particular, is still poorly known. We investigated phosphorus cycling at 13 locations (26–318 m water depth) in oligotrophic Lake Superior where oxygen penetrates into sediments by 2–12 cm. Vertical distributions of iron and phosphorus were measured in porewater and solid fractions, and transformation rates and vertical fluxes were calculated. Whereas a significant fraction of P is bound to ferric Fe in surface sediments, P effluxes into the water column (2.5–7.0 μmol m−2 d−1) are only weakly affected by iron reduction, because Fe : P ratios in surface sediment are high (∼ 40–80 mol : mol), and P sorption capacity is far from its limit. In contrast to organic rich systems where P effluxes are sensitive to redox conditions, phosphate effluxes in organic‐poor well‐oxygenated Lake Superior are controlled by the rates of organic phosphorus mineralization, similar to marine sediments. The efficiency of P recycling in Lake Superior sediments, however, is substantially lower than in marine sediments due to different P biogeochemistry. Only ∼ 12% of deposited P is returned to the water column. While burial into sediments is the dominant sink for P in the lake, sediments still contribute up to 40% of total water column P inputs. Similar behavior should be expected in other well‐oxygenated freshwater systems, such as other large oligotrophic lakes.
Nitrogen uptake and nitrification in the subarctic North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Peng Xuefeng , Fawcett Sarah E. , van Oostende Nicolas , Wolf Martin J. , Marconi Dario , Sigman Daniel M. , Ward Bess B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNitrification, the oxidation of ammonium to nitrite and then nitrate, is often discounted as a source of nitrate in euphotic zone waters due to photoinhibition of nitrifying microorganisms and/or competition for ammonium with phytoplankton. However, there have also been counterarguments that nitrification represents a significant “regenerated” nitrate source to phytoplankton, augmenting the “new” nitrate supplied via physical processes. If nitrification is an appreciable nitrate source in the euphotic zone, then the assumption of a balance between nitrate uptake and organic matter export will overestimate export production. We investigated the relative importance of nitrification and nitrate uptake in the subarctic North Atlantic in late spring and late summer. The rates and vertical distributions of primary production, nitrogen uptake, and ammonium and nitrite oxidation were determined through isotope tracer experiments and the distributions of the nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate. In surface waters, ammonium and nitrite oxidation rates were low, representing an average of 5.2% and 2.5% of total euphotic zone nitrate uptake, respectively. The nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate confirmed that nitrification was not significant within the euphotic zone. Comparison of the rates of nitrogen uptake and primary production showed that while springtime phytoplankton growth could be fully supported by new nitrate and recycled ammonium, up to 50% of summertime productivity was likely fueled by dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). Uptake of DON implies that the fraction of primary production exported from surface waters in the late summer was significantly lower than the measured nitrate and ammonium uptake rates suggest.
Inconsequential effects of flooding in 2014 on lakes in the Peace‐Athabasca Delta (Canada) due to long‐term drying
Authors: Remmer Casey R. , Klemt Wynona H. , Wolfe Brent B. , Hall Roland I. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractClimate‐driven decline in freshwater supplied by rivers draining the hydrographic apex of western North America has ramifications for downstream ecosystems and society. For the Peace‐Athabasca Delta (PAD), floods from the Peace and Athabasca rivers are critical for sustaining abundant shallow water habitat, but their frequency has been in decline for decades over much of its area. Here, we assess current hydrological and limnological status in the PAD by integrating spatial and temporal data. Analysis of water isotope compositions and water chemistry measured at numerous lakes across the delta shows that hydro‐limnological effects of the large‐scale ice‐jam flood event of 2014 failed to persist beyond the early ice‐free season of 2015. Isotope‐inferred paleohydrological records from five hydrologically representative lakes in the PAD indicate that periodic desiccation during the Little Ice Age occurred at the most elevated basin in response to locally arid climatic conditions, yet other lower elevation sites were influenced by high water level on Lake Athabasca owing to increased snowmelt‐ and glacier‐derived river discharge. In contrast, water isotope data during the past 15 yr at all five lakes consistently document the strong role of evaporation, a trend which began in the early to mid‐20th century according to sediment records and is indicative of widespread aridity unprecedented during the past 400 yr. We suggest that integration of hydrological and limnological approaches over space and time is needed to inform assessment of contemporary lake conditions in large, complex floodplain landscapes.
Broadband Nonlinear Photonics in Few‐Layer MXene Ti3C2Tx (T = F, O, or OH)
Authors: Jiang Xiantao , Liu Shunxiang , Liang Weiyuan , Luo Shaojuan , He Zhiliang , Ge Yanqi , Wang Huide , Cao Rui , Zhang Feng , Wen Qiao , Li Jianqing , Bao Qiaoliang , Fan Dianyuan , Zhang Han 
Published: February 2018

AbstractStudies of the nonlinear optical phenomena that describe the light‐matter interactions in 2D crystalline materials have promoted a diverse range of photonic applications. MXene, as a recently developed new 2D material, has attracted considerable attention because of its graphene‐like but highly tunable and tailorable electronic/optical properties. In this study, we systematically characterize the nonlinear optical response of MXene Ti3C2Tx nanosheets over the spectral range of 800 nm to 1800 nm. A large effective nonlinear absorption coefficient (βeff∼‐10−21 m2/V2) due to saturable absorption is observed for all of the testing wavelengths. The contribution of saturable absorption is two orders of magnitude higher than other lossy nonlinear absorption processes, and the amplitude of βeff strongly depends on the light bleaching level. A negative nonlinear refractive index (n2∼‐10−20 m2/W) with value comparable to that of the intensively studied graphene was demonstrated for the first time. These results demonstrate the efficient broadband light signal manipulating capabilities of Ti3C2Tx, which is only one member of the large MXene family. The capability of an efficient broadband optical switch is strongly confirmed using Ti3C2Tx as saturable absorbers for mode‐locking operation at 1066 nm and 1555 nm, respectively. A highly stable femtosecond laser with pulse duration as short as 159 fs in the telecommunication window is readily obtained. Considering the diversity of the MXene family, this study may open a new avenue to advanced photonic
devices.
Defining Optimal Surgical Treatment for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Ma Ka Wing , Chok Kenneth Siu Ho , She Wong Hoi , Chan Albert Chi Yan , Cheung Tan To , Dai Wing Chiu , Fung James Yan Yue , Lo Chung Mau 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Salvage liver transplantation (sLT) and repeated resection (RR) are effective treatments for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and comparisons of the oncological outcomes between these 2 modalities were scarce. Consecutive patients admitted for either sLT or RR for recurrent HCC were recruited. All patients in the present series received either prior hepatectomy, ablative therapy, or both before RR or sLT. Patient demographic, perioperative, and outcome data were analyzed. A survival analysis was performed after propensity score matching. There were 277 eligible patients recruited, and 67 and 210 of them underwent sLT and RR, respectively. Significant differences in preoperative hemoglobin, albumin, Model of End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and tumor number were found between the sLT and RR groups. After 1:3 propensity score matching, there were 36 sLT and 108 RR patients for comparison. The median age, MELD, alpha fetoprotein, and tumor size and number of the matched population were 57 years, 7.5, 16 ng/mL, 2.5 cm, and 1, respectively. There was no difference in the hospital mortality and complication rate (Clavien IIIa or above) between the groups. The recurrence rate after RR was significantly higher than for the patients who received sLT (72.2% versus 27.8%; P < 0.001). Following RR, 3 patients received liver transplantation for further recurrence, and 54.6% of the patients developed nontransplantable recurrence. The 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were both superior in the sLT group (DFS, 71.6% versus 32.8%, P < 0.001; OS, 72.8% versus 48.3%, P = 0.007). In conclusion, sLT is superior to RR for treatment of recurrent HCC in terms of DFS and OS. The high rate of nontransplantable recurrence after reresection underscores the importance of timely sLT.
Improving Growth for Infants ≤1250 Grams Receiving an Exclusive Human Milk Diet
Authors: Huston Robert K. , Markell Andrea M. , McCulley Elizabeth A. , Gardiner Stuart K. , Sweeney Sean L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundAn exclusive human milk diet (EHM) fortified with human milk‐based fortifier decreases necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) compared to maternal milk supplemented with preterm formula and bovine fortifier (PTF). Growth has been less with EHM and also maternal milk supplemented with donor human milk and bovine fortifier (HMBF). The objective was to evaluate the effect of a standardized feeding protocol on the growth of infants ≤1250 g birth weight supported with EHM and HMBF. The effect on the incidence of NEC was also evaluated.Design/MethodsA retrospective study of growth before and after implementation of a feeding protocol for infants who received either EHM or HMBF. Primary outcomes were weight, length, and head circumference gain velocities from birth to discharge. The incidence of NEC was also recorded.ResultsAnalysis of covariance for 379 total infants showed that earlier day of life for fortification to 24 Kcal/oz was associated with increased weight gain (p = 0.0166) and length gain (p = 0.0064). Implementation of the feeding protocol was associated with increased head circumference gain (p = 0.006). EHM was associated with decreased incidence of NEC (p = 0.0302).ConclusionsImplementation of a standardized feeding protocol including earlier fortification of maternal milk was associated with improved growth for infants receiving human milk feedings. EHM significantly decreased NEC. Earlier fortification had no effect on NEC.