bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term efficacy and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices and transvenous leads
Authors: Dinshaw Leon , Schäffer Benjamin , Akbulak Özge , Jularic Mario , Hartmann Jens , Klatt Niklas , Dickow Jannis , Gunawardene Melanie , Münkler Paula , Hakmi Samer , Pecha Simon , Sultan Arian , Lüker Jakob , Pinnschmidt Hans , Hoffmann Boris , Gosau Nils , Eickholt Christian , Willems Stephan , Steven Daniel , Meyer Christian 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionLong‐term efficacy and safety are uncertain in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) and transvenous leads (TVL) undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Thus, we assessed the outcome of AF ablation in those patients during long‐term follow‐up using continuous atrial rhythm monitoring (CARM).Methods and ResultsA total of 190 patients (71.3 ± 10.7 years; 108 (56.8% men) were included in this study. At index procedure 81 (42.6%) patients presented with paroxysmal AF and 109 (57.4%) with persistent AF. The ablation strategy included pulmonary vein isolation in all patients and biatrial ablation of complex fractionated electrograms with additional ablation lines, if appropriate. AF recurrences were assessed by CARM‐ and CIED‐related complications by device follow‐up. After a mean follow‐up of 55.4 ± 38.1 months, freedom of AF was found in 86 (61.4%) and clinical success defined as an AF burden less than or equal to 1% in 101 (72.1%) patients. Freedom of AF was reported in 74.6% and 51.9% (P = 0.006) and clinical success in 89.8% and 59.3% (P < 0.001) of patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF, respectively. In 3 of 408 (0.7%) ablation procedures, a TVL malfunction occurred within 90 days after catheter ablation. During long‐term follow‐up 9 (4.7%) patients showed lead dislodgement, 2 (1.1%) lead fracture, and 2 (1.1%) lead insulation defect not related to the ablation procedure.ConclusionOur findings using CARM demonstrate long‐term efficacy and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF in patients with CIED and TVL.
Establishment and characterization of a radiation‐induced dermatitis rat model
Authors: Sheng Xiaowu , Zhou Yue , Wang Hui , Shen Yongyi , Liao Qianjin , Rao Zhen , Deng Feiyan , Xie Luyuan , Yao Chaoling , Mao Huangxing , Liu Zhiyan , Peng Mingjing , Long Ying , Zeng Yong , Xue Lei , Gao Nina , Kong Yu , Zhou Xiao 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRadiation‐induced dermatitis is a common and serious side effect after radiotherapy. Current clinical treatments cannot efficiently or fully prevent the occurrence of post‐irradiation dermatitis, which remains a significant clinical problem. Resolving this challenge requires gaining a better understanding of the precise pathophysiology, which in turn requires establishment of a suitable animal model that mimics the clinical condition, and can also be used to investigate the mechanism and explore effective treatment options. In this study, a single dose of 90 Gy irradiation to rats resulted in ulceration, dermal thickening, inflammation, hair follicle loss, and sebaceous glands loss, indicating successful establishment of the model. Few hair follicle cells migrated to form epidermal cells, and both the severity of skin fibrosis and hydroxyproline levels increased with time post‐irradiation. Radiation damaged the mitochondria and induced both apoptosis and autophagy of the skin cells. Therefore, irradiation of 90 Gy can be used to successfully establish a rat model of radiation‐induced dermatitis. This model will be helpful for developing new treatments and gaining a better understanding of the pathological mechanism of radiation‐induced dermatitis. Specifically, our results suggest autophagy regulation as a potentially effective therapeutic target.
Searching for the link; mechanisms underlying liver regeneration and recurrence of colorectal liver metastasis post partial hepatectomy
Authors: Riddiough Georgina E. , Fifis Theodora , Muralidharan Vijayaragavan , Perini Marcos V. , Christophi Christopher 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDespite excellent treatment of primary colorectal cancer, the majority of deaths occur as a result of metastasis to the liver. Recent population studies have estimated that one quarter of patients with colorectal cancer will incur synchronous or metachronous colorectal liver metastasis. However, only one quarter of these patients will be eligible for potentially curative resection. Tumor recurrence occurs in reportedly 60% of patients undergoing hepatic resection, and the majority of intrahepatic recurrence occurs within the first 6 months of surgery. The livers innate ability to restore its homeostatic size, and volume facilitates major hepatic resection that currently offers the only chance of cure to patients with extensive hepatic metastases. Experimental and clinical evidence supports the notion that following partial hepatectomy, liver regeneration (LR) paradoxically drives tumor progression and increases the risk of recurrence. It is becoming increasingly clear that the processes that drive liver organogenesis, regeneration, and tumor progression are inextricably linked. This presents a major hurdle in the management of colorectal liver metastasis and other hepatic malignancies because therapies that reduce the risk of recurrence without hampering LR are sought. The processes and pathways underlying these phenomena are multiple, complex, and cross‐communicate. In this review, we will summarize the common mechanisms contributing to both LR and tumor recurrence.
Adipose tissue‐derived stem cells prevent fibrosis in murine steatohepatitis by suppressing IL‐17‐mediated inflammation
Authors: Yamato Masatoshi , Sakai Yoshio , Mochida Hatsune , Kawaguchi Kazunori , Takamura Masayuki , Usui Soichiro , Seki Akihiro , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Yamashita Taro , Yamashita Tatsuya , Ishida Kousuke , Nasti Alessandro , Tuyen Ho Thuy Bich , Komura Takuya , Yoshida Keiko , Wada Takashi , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground and AimThe pathological features of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have not been determined, so fundamental treatment has not been established. Adipose‐tissue‐derived stromal/stem cells (ADSCs) are beneficial for repair/regenerative therapy of impaired organs because of their immuno‐modulatory capability. In this study, we assessed how liver damage progresses during the early development phase of the murine NASH model and investigated whether ADSCs are preventatively efficacious against the fibrosis progression of NASH.MethodsC57BL/6J mice were fed with atherogenic high fat or high‐fat diet 60 developing into NASH or simple steatosis. Their hepatic inflammatory cells (HICs) were analyzed by cDNA microarray. NASH mice were treated with ADSCs injected into spleen when hepatic inflammation was initially observed, and liver samples were analyzed. The effect of ADSCs on the mice hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line stimulated by recombinant IL‐17 and HICs from NASH mice was analyzed.ResultsThe gene expression features of HICs implicated as humoral cytokine mediators of lymphoid cells during NASH development, compared with a simple steatosis model. One of the featured cytokines was IL‐17. The development of hepatic fibrosis was alleviated when NASH mice were treated with ADSCs as well as treated with anti‐IL‐17 antibody, and the frequency of IL‐17‐secreting HICs decreased. NASH‐HICs enhanced proliferation of HSCs, in which proliferation was sensitive to IL‐17 stimulation. The stimulatory effect of NASH‐HICs on the activation of HSCs was attenuated by co‐culture with ADSCs.ConclusionADSCs treatment prevented progression of NASH fibrosis by suppressing IL‐17‐mediated inflammation, which was associated with HSCs activation.
Rebel with a Cause: Personal Significance from Political Activism Predicts Willingness to Self‐Sacrifice
Authors: Jasko Katarzyna , Szastok Marta , Grzymala‐Moszczynska Joanna , Maj Marta , Kruglanski Arie W. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGiven the social importance of political activism, it is critical to understand what motivates individuals to engage in it. Past research has predominantly focused on individual and collective frustrations as factors that motivate political actions. At the same time, the role of the positive experiences that activists gain from their political engagement was largely neglected. Drawing on quest for significance theory, we proposed that when people engage in political actions on behalf of important social values, they gain a sense of personal significance, and as a result of these positive feelings, they are more willing to self‐sacrifice for the cause in the future. We tested that hypothesis in six studies, which included both online and offline samples of political activists engaged in different forms of activism that challenge the neoliberal order: activism for a radical left‐wing party (N = 84), a pro‐democratic social movement (N = 1,409), feminist activism (N = 158, N = 258), environmental activism (N = 396), and activism for labor and healthcare rights (N = 156). The results we obtained were in line with our hypothesized model. We discuss the implications of our findings for individuals who want to mobilize support for political movements.
Specialty income and career decision making: a qualitative study of medical student perceptions
Authors: Phillips Julie P , Wilbanks Deana M , Rodriguez‐Salinas Diana F , Doberneck Diane M 
Published: March 2019

ContextMedical educators in the USA are interested in the ways medical students make career choices because shortages in key specialties, particularly primary care specialties, limit access to care. Although anticipated specialty income is a strong predictor of student interest, no studies have qualitatively explored the reasons why income is important to students. By better understanding students’ perspectives on income and specialty choice, educators can help students make choices that fit their goals and better educate students about the specialties in which the need for expansion is greatest.MethodsIn 2012, Year‐2 students at one USA medical school were invited to write an essay about how debt and anticipated income levels influence their career choices. A total of 132 essays (response rate: 67%) were qualitatively analysed using a hermeneutic phenomenology approach to conventional content analysis, in which themes emerge inductively from the data. Researchers employed peer debriefing, modified member checking, thick description, code–recode strategies, audit trails and reflexivity to ensure quality and rigour. Although this analysis initially focused on student perceptions of specialty income, prestige also emerged as an important related theme.ResultsThree major findings emerged. Income is of varying importance to different students. Students value income because it provides freedom and flexibility, and power and security. Students recognise that high income confers social prestige. Students also define specialty prestige in other ways, including match competitiveness, perceived expertise, opportunities for advancement through fellowships, and power and autonomy.ConclusionsMedical students’ perspectives of specialty income, specialty choice and prestige are more complex than previously reported. Medical educators should frame conversations about specialty choices in ways that incorporate varied perspectives on income and prestige. Health policymakers should recognise that income and prestige influence medical students’ decisions in complex ways. These insights may inform strategies to counteract shortages in key specialties, including primary care specialties.
Canopy leaf area index at its higher end: dissection of structural controls from leaf to canopy scales in bryophytes
Authors: Niinemets Ülo , Tobias Mari 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThere is evidence that mosses with miniature foliage elements have extremely large leaf area index (LAI) values, but it is unclear what canopy traits are responsible for these high LAI values in architecturally divergent mosses, and how the inherent trade‐offs limiting maximum LAI in vascular plants can be overcome in mosses.To determine the quantitative significance of different traits in determining LAI, we developed a method to dissect LAI into underlying functionally dependent constituent traits at leaf, shoot and canopy scales. The suites of structural traits were studied altogether for 43 moss canopies from 11 species with contrasting light and water requirements along gap‐understory gradients to obtain as large a range of variation in moss architecture as possible and evaluate the differentiation in moss LAI in relation to species ecology.Extensive variation in moss structural traits, 11‐ (shoot length) to 77‐fold (shoot number per area,), was observed at all structural scales from leaf to canopy. However, LAI only varied nine‐fold, as the result of two key trade‐offs: leaf size vs number trade‐off and shoot leaf area vs shoot density trade‐off. Owing to these negative relationships, and greater variability in, LAI primarily scaled with.and LAI increased with site light availability, and LAI was greater in open and dry habitat species.This study highlights a huge structural diversity among moss canopies, but indicates that canopies converge to a much narrower range of LAI due to trait trade‐offs such that, counterintuitively, minute leaf size and densely leafed stems are not necessarily responsible for high LAI in mosses.
Forecasting with High‐Dimensional Panel VARs
Authors: Koop Gary , Korobilis Dimitris 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper develops methods for estimating and forecasting in Bayesian panel vector autoregressions of large dimensions with time‐varying parameters and stochastic volatility. We exploit a hierarchical prior that takes into account possible pooling restrictions involving both VAR coefficients and the error covariance matrix, and propose a Bayesian dynamic learning procedure that controls for various sources of model uncertainty. We tackle computational concerns by means of a simulation‐free algorithm that relies on analytical approximations to the posterior. We use our methods to forecast inflation rates in the eurozone and show that these forecasts are superior to alternative methods for large vector autoregressions.
Metabolic surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients with BMI lower than 35 kg/m2: Why caution is still needed
Authors: Halpern Bruno , Mancini Marcio Correa 
Published: March 2019

SummaryBariatric surgery has shifted from being a risky procedure to an evidence‐based one, with proven benefits on all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes control. The procedure has an overall positive result on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with a substantial number of patients achieving disease remission. This has resulted in several studies assessing possible weight‐independent effects of bariatric surgery on glycemic improvement, in addition to recommendation of the procedure to patients with class 1 obesity and T2DM, for whom the procedure was classically not indicated, and adoption of a new term, “metabolic surgery,” to highlight the overall metabolic benefit of the procedure beyond weight loss. Recently, the Diabetes Surgery Summit (DSS) has included metabolic surgery in its T2DM treatment algorithm. Although the discussion brought by this consensus is highly relevant, the recommendation of metabolic surgery for patients with uncontrolled T2DM and a body mass index of 30 to 35 kg/m2 still lacks enough evidence. This article provides an overall view of the metabolic benefits of bariatric/metabolic surgery in patients with class 1 obesity, compares the procedure against clinical treatment, and presents our rationale for defending caution on recommending the procedure to less obese individuals.
Leadless pacemaker implantation: A feasible and reasonable option in transcatheter heart valve replacement patients
Authors: Moore Sarah K. L. , Chau Katherine H. , Chaudhary Salma , Rubin Geoffrey , Bayne Joseph , Avula Uma Mahesh R. , Wang Daniel Y. , Sorbera Carmine , Dizon Jose , Biviano Angelo , Waase Marc , Iyer Vivek , George Isaac , Kodali Susheel K. , Nazif Tamim M. , Garan Hasan , Wan Elaine Y. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundLeadless pacemakers (LPMs) have been shown to have lower postoperative complications than traditional permanent pacemakers but there have been no studies on the outcomes of LPMs in patients with transcatheter heart valve replacements (THVRs). This study determined outcomes of LPMs compared to transvenous single‐chamber pacemakers (SCPs) post‐THVR.MethodsThis is a retrospective single‐center study including 10 patients who received LPMs post‐THVR between February 2017 and August 2018 and a comparison group of 23 patients who received SCP post‐THVR between July 2008 and August 2018. LPM or SCP was implanted at the discretion of electrophysiologists for atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response or sinus node dysfunction with need for single‐chamber pacing only.ResultsLPMs were associated with decreased tricuspid regurgitation (P = 0.04) and decreased blood loss during implantation (7.5 ± 2.5 cc for LPMs vs 16.8 ± 3.2 cc for SCPs, P = 0.03). Five LPM patients had devices positioned in the right ventricular septum as seen on transthoracic echocardiogram. Frequency of ventricular pacing was similar between LPM and SCP groups. In the LPM group, one case was complicated by a pseudoaneurysm and one death was due to noncardiac causes. There was one pneumothorax and one pocket infection in the SCP group.ConclusionsIn this small retrospective study, LPMs were feasible post‐THVR and found to perform as well as SCPs, had less intraprocedural blood loss, and were associated with less tricuspid regurgitation. Further, larger studies are required to follow longer‐term outcomes and complications.
Betaine ameliorates prenatal valproic‐acid‐induced autism‐like behavioral abnormalities in mice by promoting homocysteine metabolism
Authors: Huang Fei , Chen Xiaoqin , Jiang Xiangzhi , Niu Juan , Cui Cuicui , Chen Zhenli , Sun Jun 
Published: March 2019

AimAbnormally high levels of homocysteine (Hcy) are associated with autism spectrum disorder. Betaine is a methyl group donor in Hcy metabolism, and is known to prevent noxious Hcy accumulation. This study explored whether betaine could influence Hcy metabolism in a mouse model of autism and ameliorate behavioral abnormalities.MethodsPregnant ICR mice were administered valproic acid (VPA) intraperitoneally on Embryonic Day 12.5. Serum Hcy concentrations in the offspring were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expressions of Hcy‐metabolism‐related enzymes, betaine‐Hcy methyltransferase, cystathionine β‐synthase, and methionine synthase, were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Offspring were treated by either betaine or saline at the age of 8 weeks and serum Hcy concentrations were measured. Social behaviors were assessed by sniff‐duration test and three‐chamber test. Repetitive behavior was evaluated by marble‐burying test. Tail‐flick test was performed to measure nociceptive sensitivity.ResultsPrenatal VPA‐exposed mice showed significantly elevated Hcy concentrations and decreased betaine‐Hcy methyltransferase expression. Treatment with betaine could reduce Hcy level in VPA‐exposed mice, attenuate social impairment and repetitive behavior, and normalize nociceptive sensitivity in this model.ConclusionBetaine could ameliorate autism‐like features and play a beneficial role in a mouse autism model induced by prenatal VPA exposure.
Comparative proteomic analysis of high‐ and low‐fertile buffalo bull spermatozoa for identification of fertility‐associated proteins
Authors: M. K Muhammad Aslam , Kumaresan Arumugam , Yadav Savita , Mohanty Tushar K. , Datta Tirtha K. 
Published: March 2019

ContentsThe present study identified few potential proteins in the spermatozoa of buffalo bulls that can be used as an aid in fertility determination through comparative proteomics. The sperm proteome of high‐fertile buffalo bulls was compared with that of low‐fertile buffalo bulls using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE), and the differentially expressed proteins were identified through mass spectrometric method. The protein interaction network and the functional bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed proteins were also carried out. In the spermatozoa of high‐fertile bulls, 10 proteins were found overexpressed and 15 proteins were underexpressed at the level of twofold or more (p ≤ 0.05). The proteins overexpressed in high‐fertile spermatozoa were PDZD8, GTF2F2, ZNF397, KIZ, LOH12CR1, ACRBP, PRSS37, CYP11B2, F13A1 and SPO11, whereas those overexpressed in low‐fertile spermatozoa were MT1A, ATP5F1, CS, TCRB, PRODH2, HARS, IDH3A, SRPK3, Uncharacterized protein C9orf9 homolog isoform X4, TUBB2B, GPR4, PMP2, CTSL1, TPPP2 and EGFL6. The differential expression ranged from 2.0‐ to 6.1‐fold between the two groups, where CYP11B2 was high abundant in high‐fertile spermatozoa and MT1A was highly abundant in low‐fertile spermatozoa. Most of the proteins overexpressed in low‐fertile spermatozoa were related to energy metabolism and capacitation factors, pointing out the possible role of pre‐mature capacitation and cryo‐damages in reducing the fertility of cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa.
Superior mesenteric and renal flow patterns during intra‐aortic counterpulsation
Authors: Johnson Daniel M. , Lozekoot Pieter , de Jong Monique , Parise Orlando , Makhoul Maged , Matteucci Francesco , Lucà Fabiana , Maessen Jos G. , Gelsomino Sandro 
Published: March 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Visceral ischaemia is one of the most feared complications during use of an intra‐aortic balloon pump. Using an animal model, we measured the flows at the abdominal level directly and examined flow patterns to enable investigation of flow patterns during the use of the intra‐aortic balloon pump.

What is the main finding and its importance?
We show that there is a significant balloon‐related reduction in superior mesenteric flow in both early and mid‐diastole.

AbstractA number of previous studies have shown that blood flow in the visceral arteries is altered during intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) treatment. We used a porcine model to analyse the pattern of blood flow into the visceral arteries during IABP use. For this purpose, we measured the superior mesenteric, right renal and left renal flows before and during IABP support, using surgically placed flowmeters surrounding these visceral arteries. The superior mesenteric flow significantly decreased in early diastole (P < 0.001) and in mid‐diastole (P = 0.003 versus early diastole), whereas in late diastole it increased again (P < 0.001 versus mid‐diastole). During systole, the flow was not significantly increased compared with late diastole (P = 0.51), but it was significantly lower than at baseline (both P < 0.001). Flows did not differ between right and left kidneys. Perfusion of either kidney did not change significantly in early diastole (P > 0.05), whereas it decreased significantly in mid‐diastole (P < 0.001), rising dramatically in late diastole (P < 0.001) and with an additional slight increase in systole (P = 0.054). This study provides important insights into abdominal flows during intra‐aortic pump counterpulsation. Furthermore, it supports the need to rethink the balloon design to avoid visceral ischaemia during circulatory assistance.