bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous left ventricular assist device support during ablation of ventricular tachycardia: A meta‐analysis of current evidence
Authors: Luni Faraz Khan , Zungsontiporn Nath , Farid Talha , Malik Sonia Ali , Khan Sobia , Daniels James , Wu Richard , Link Mark S. , Joglar Jose A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionCatheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be an effective therapy to reduce VT burden, but often it is limited by the potential for hemodynamic instability. Percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (pLVADs) have been used to maintain hemodynamic support during VT ablation but the evidence regarding its clinical impact has been inconclusive.Methods and ResultsWe sought to assess the clinical impact of pLVAD when used in VT ablation by conducting a meta‐analysis of the current evidence. We searched Pubmed and found nine observational studies that compared clinical outcomes of VT ablation in patients with pLVAD support to controls with no pLVAD support.The pooled data did not show a significant difference in mortality between both groups, nor a difference in acute procedural success or in recurrence of VT. There was also no difference in the number of patients receiving a cardiac transplant or being enrolled in the transplant list. Although there was no difference in the ablation time between the groups, patients in the pLVAD group had a longer total procedural time and more procedure‐related adverse effects.ConclusionThis meta‐analysis did not show clinical benefits from using pLVAD support during VT ablation, whereas it was associated with longer procedure times and more complications. This study was, however, limited by the observational nature of the data. In view of these data, the risk and benefit of pLVAD support during VT ablation should be considered on an individual basis.
Relationship between atrial scar on cardiac magnetic resonance and pulmonary vein reconnection after catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Jefairi Nora Al , Camaioni Claudia , Sridi Soumaya , Cheniti Ghassen , Takigawa Masateru , Nivet Hubert , Denis Arnaud , Derval Nicolas , Mathilde Merle  , Laurent Francois , Montaudon Michel , Sacher Frederic , Hocini Mélèze , Haissaguerre Michel , Jais Pierre , Cochet Hubert 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionPulmonary vein (PV) reconnection is frequent in patients showing atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after PV isolation (PVI). Its detection with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) may help predict outcome and guide redo procedures. We assessed the relationship between scar on CMR and PV reconnection after catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF.Methods and ResultsFifty‐one patients with paroxysmal AF underwent CMR before PVI using either a conventional single‐electrode catheter (N = 28) or a circular multielectrode catheter (N = 23). At 3 months, a second CMR study was performed, followed by a systematic electrophysiological procedure to look for PV reconnection, regardless of AF recurrence. Preablation fibrosis and postablation scar were quantified and mapped from late gadolinium‐enhanced CMR. CMR results were compared to the distribution and extent of PV reconnection. CMR and electrophysiological findings were compared between catheter types.Three months after successful PVI, scar gaps were found in 39 (76%) patients, and 78 (39%) veins. Electrical PV reconnection was detected in 45 (88%) patients, and 99 (50%) veins. The extent of PV reconnection related closely to the number of gaps (R = 0.55; P < .001), and to scar burden (R = −0.63; P < .001). However, the agreement was only fair for the localization of PV reconnection (k = 0.37; P < .001), scar gaps particularly lacking sensitivity in areas of pre‐existing fibrosis. The circular catheter was associated with shorter procedures (P < .001), more scar (P = .01), less gaps (P = .01), and less reconnected veins (P = .03).ConclusionPV reconnection is extremely frequent after PVI. CMR scar imaging accurately predicts its extent, but poorly predicts its location. Multielectrode circular catheters induce more complete ablation.
The burden of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques , Bigna Jean Joel , Nyaga Ulrich Flore , Jingi Ahmadou M. , Kaze Arnaud D. , Nansseu Jobert Richie , Fokom Domgue Joël 
Published: March 2019

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in resource‐limited settings. Little is known about the magnitude of HDP in Africa. We conducted the first systematic review and meta‐analysis to summarize available data on the prevalence of HDP in Africa. We did a comprehensive literature search to identify review paper published from January 1, 1996, to September 30, 2017, and searched the reference list of retrieved review paper. We used a random‐effects model to estimate the overall and type‐specific prevalence of HDP in Africa. We included 82 studies published between 1997 and 2017 reporting data on a pooled sample of 854 304 women during pregnancy or puerperium. Most studies were hospital‐based, conducted in urban settings across 24 countries. In this population, the overall prevalence of HDP was 100.4‰ (95% CI: 81.4‐121.2). The prevalence was 49.8‰ (95% CI: 32.3‐70.7) for gestational hypertension, 14.7‰ (95% CI: 11.6‐18.2) for chronic hypertension, 9.2‰ (95% CI: 4.2‐16.0) for superimposed preeclampsia, 44.0‰ (95% CI: 36.7‐52.0) for preeclampsia, 22.1‰ (95% CI: 14.8‐30.8) for severe preeclampsia, 14.7‰ (95% CI: 8.1‐23.2) for eclampsia and 2.2‰ (95% CI: 1.2‐3.4) for HELLP syndrome. Prevalence of HDP was significantly higher in Central and Western Africa; there was a consistent tendency of increasing HDP prevalence with income at the country level. In conclusion, the burden of HDP in Africa is high, with about one in 10 pregnancies affected. The higher rate of severe forms of HDP that are associated with significant maternal and perinatal mortality is a major concern in the region.
Maternal socio‐demographic characteristics and associated complementary feeding practices of children aged 6–18 months with moderate acute malnutrition in Arua, Uganda
Authors: Kajjura R. B. , Veldman F. J. , Kassier S. M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is a paucity of published data regarding maternal socio‐demographic characteristics and associated complementary feeding practices of moderately malnourished infants and young children (IYC) in sub‐Saharan Africa. In the present study, this association was investigated in Arua, Uganda.MethodsA cross‐sectional baseline survey was conducted among 204 conveniently sampled mothers of IYC aged 6–18 months with moderate acute malnutrition earmarked for dietary supplementation in four randomly selected sub‐counties to determine their socio‐demographic characteristics using a validated questionnaire. A 24‐h recall was used to evaluate complementary feeding practices in terms of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). Associations were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe majority (70.1%) of mothers had a primary school education, with 15% having no formal education. Foods especially purchased or prepared for IYC were provided by 42.6% of the mothers. The MDD and MMF of IYC were 13.2% and 41.2%, respectively. MMF and MDD for MAD were met by 6.9% of IYC. Maternal level of education and MMF was significantly associated (P = 0.003), whereas the provision of foods especially purchased or prepared for IYC was significantly associated with MMF (P = 0.003). Maternal care was significantly associated with MAD (P = 0.004).ConclusionsOptimal complementary feeding practices were not met by the majority of mothers. Maternal level of education and care of IYC were strong predictors of MMF. Nutrition education and care should be promoted among mothers of IYC with moderate acute malnutrition to improve MDD, MMF and MAD.
Peptide nutrient‐energy dense enteral feeding in critically ill infants: an observational study
Authors: Marino L. V. , Eveleens R. D. , Morton K. , Verbruggen S. C. A. T. , Joosten K. F. M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundEnteral feeding is challenging in critically ill infants. Target intakes are often not achieved as a result of fluid restriction, procedural interruptions and perceived enteral feeding intolerance. In those infants perceived to have poor feeding tolerance, the use of a peptide nutrient‐energy dense enteral feed (PEF) may improve nutritional intake and minimise feeding interruptions as a result of gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of this observational study was to characterise the use of a PEF amongst critically ill infants in two paediatric intensive care units (PICUs).MethodsRecords from critically ill infants aged <12 months admitted to two PICUs were retrospectively reviewed with a PICU length of stay (LOS) ≥ 7 days. Achievement of nutritional targets for the duration of PEF was reviewed. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including gastric residual volume, constipation and vomiting, were evaluated as tolerance parameters.ResultsIn total, 53 infants were included, with a median age on admission of 2.6 months. Median admission weight was 3.9 kg in PICU‐1 and 4.7 kg in PICU‐2. Median (interquatile range) energy intake in PICU‐1 and PICU‐2 was 68 (47–92) and 90 (63–124) kcal kg−1, respectively, and median (interquatile range) protein intake 1.7 (1.1–2.4) g kg−1 and 2.5 (1.6–3.2) g kg−1, respectively. Feeding was withheld because of feeding intolerance in one infant (4%) on two occasions in PICU‐1 for 2.5 h and in two infants (7%) on two occasions in PICU‐2 for 19.5 h. Gastric residual mean (SD) volumes were 3.5 (5.4) mL kg−1 in PICU‐1 and 16.9 (15.6) mL kg−1 in PICU‐2.ConclusionsPeptide nutrient‐energy dense feeding in infants admitted to the PICU is feasible, well tolerated and nutritional targets are met. However, with this study design, it is not possible to draw any conclusions regarding the benefit of PEF over standard PE feed in critically ill children and future work is required to clarify this further.
Ability of ultrasonography to predict the presence and location of histologic lesions in the small intestine of cats
Authors: Guttin Talia , Walsh Audra , Durham Amy C. , Reetz Jennifer A. , Brown Dorothy C. , Rondeau Mark P. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundDiagnosis of infiltrative small intestinal (SI) disease in cats is challenging, and debate continues regarding optimal biopsy techniques. Ultrasonography may facilitate selection of biopsy type and location.Hypothesis/ObjectivesAssess ability of ultrasonography to predict histologic lesions by SI segment and tissue layer.AnimalsOne‐hundred sixty‐nine cats that had abdominal ultrasonography and full‐thickness SI biopsies performed.MethodsUltrasonographic images and full‐thickness biopsy samples were retrospectively reviewed, and each SI wall layer evaluated for lesions according to published standards.ResultsUltrasonographic SI lesions were present in 132 cats (63 duodenum; 115 jejunum; 71 ileum). Samples were obtained at laparotomy (60) or necropsy (109). Ultrasonographic abnormalities had high positive predictive value (PPV) for histologic lesions (duodenum, 82.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 68.6‐91.4; jejunum, 91.0%; 95% CI, 81.5‐96.6; ileum, 88.1%; 95% CI, 74.4‐96.0), but poor negative predictive value (duodenum, 27.1%; 95% CI, 17.2‐39.1; jejunum, 27.3%; 95% CI, 10.7‐50.2; ileum, 40.4%; 95% CI, 26.4‐55.7). The ability of ultrasonography to predict histologic lesions in this population, which had high disease prevalence (SI histologic lesions in 78.1% of cats) was high for mucosal lesions (PPV, 72.7%‐100%) but low for submucosal or muscularis lesions (PPV, 18.9%‐57.1%).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIn a population with high disease prevalence, most cats with SI mucosal ultrasonographic lesions will have mucosal histologic lesions. Small intestinal submucosal and muscularis ultrasonographic lesions are not predictive of histologic disease in those layers, suggesting that full‐thickness biopsy may not be essential in these cats. Ultrasonography may help guide decisions about biopsy type in individual cats.
Testing accretion mechanisms of the H chondrite parent body utilizing nucleosynthetic anomalies
Authors: Pedersen Søren Grube , Schiller Martin , Connelly James N. , Bizzarro Martin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPlanetary bodies a few hundred kilometers in radii are the precursors to larger planets but it is unclear whether these bodies themselves formed very rapidly or accreted slowly over several millions of years. Ordinary H chondrite meteorites provide an opportunity to investigate the accretion time scale of a small planetary body given that variable degrees of thermal metamorphism present in H chondrites provide a proxy for their stratigraphic depth and, therefore, relative accretion times. We exploit this feature to search for nucleosynthetic isotope variability of 54Cr, which is a sensitive tracer of spatial and temporal variations in the protoplanetary disk's solids, between 17 H chondrites covering all petrologic types to obtain clues about the parent body accretionary rate. We find no systematic variability in the mass‐biased corrected abundances of 53Cr or 54Cr outside of the analytical uncertainties, suggesting very rapid accretion of the H chondrite parent body consistent with turbulent accretion. By utilizing the μ54Cr–planetary mass relationship observed between inner solar system planetary bodies, we calculate that the H chondrite accretion occurred at 1.1 ± 0.4 or 1.8 ± 0.2 Myr after the formation of calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs), assuming either the initial 26Al/27Al abundance of inner solar system solids determined from angrite meteorites or CAIs from CV chondrites, respectively. Notably, these ages are in agreement with age estimates based on the parent bodies’ thermal evolution when correcting these calculations to the same initial 26Al/27Al abundance, reinforcing the idea of a secular evolution in the isotopic composition of inner disk solids.
Metamorphism of four desert ureilites and luminescence spectroscopy of defects in ureilitic diamonds
Authors: Lorenz C. A. , Shiryaev A. A. , Vlasov I. I. , Borisovsky S. E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFour ureilites subjected to impact metamorphism in a pressure range of ~15–100 GPa were investigated for mineralogical and petrological features and optical luminescence of their diamonds with the aim to understand how properties of ureilitic diamonds are correlated with shock and thermal histories of the host meteorite. Petrological data show that all the investigated ureilites experienced multistage metamorphic histories. Some of them were shocked at least twice or/and underwent high‐temperature thermal metamorphism and fluid metasomatism in the parent body interior. Photoluminescence spectra of individual diamond grains reveal the presence of neutral and negatively charged nitrogen‐vacancy (NV0 and NV−, respectively) and H3 (two nitrogens and a vacancy) defects, indicating relatively high nitrogen contents of the diamonds and some degree of thermal annealing of the grains. The diamond grain size and morphology, a texture of graphite‐diamond aggregates, and spectroscopic properties of the diamond phase vary widely both within an individual meteorite and between the ureilites. Shock‐driven transformation of sp2‐C into diamond provides the most natural explanation of the observed spectroscopic diversity of the diamond grains if one takes into account strong dependence of the PT parameters and efficiency of the transformation on structure of the carbonaceous precursor.
The roles of PDGFRα signaling in the postnatal development and functional maintenance of the SMC‐ICC‐PDGFRα+ cell (SIP) syncytium in the colon
Authors: Lin Qiang , Qin Ming , Zhao Shu‐guang , Liu Zhen‐xiong , Dou Wei‐jia , Zhang Rong , Li Yu‐long , Xi Xiao‐hou , Xu Jia‐qiao , Ma Li‐tian , Wang Jing‐jie 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe SIP syncytium in the gut consists of smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells of Cajal, and PDGFRα+ cells. We studied the fate of SIP cells after blocking PDGFRα receptor to explore the roles of PDGFRα signaling in the postnatal development and functional maintenance of the SIP syncytium.MethodsCrenolanib was administered to mice from P0, P10, or P50. The morphological changes in SIP cells were examined by immunofluorescence. Protein expression in SIP cells was detected by Western blotting. Moreover, colonic transit was analyzed by testing the colonic bead expulsion time.Key ResultsA dose of 5 mg(kg•day)−1 crenolanib administered for 10 days beginning on P0 apparently hindered the development of PDGFRα+ cells in the colonic longitudinal muscularis and myenteric plexus without influencing their proliferative activity and apoptosis, but this result was not seen in the colonic circular muscularis. SMCs were also inhibited by crenolanib. A dose of 7.5 mg(kg•day)−1 crenolanib administered for 15 days beginning on P0 caused reductions in both PDGFRα+ cells and ICC in the longitudinal muscularis, myenteric plexus, and circular muscularis. However, when crenolanib was administered at a dose of 5 mg(kg•day)−1 beginning on P10 or P50, it only noticeably decreased the number of PDGFRα+ cells in the colonic longitudinal muscularis. Crenolanib also caused PDGFRα+ cells to transdifferentiate into SMC in adult mice. Colonic transit was delayed after administration of crenolanib.Conclusions & InferencesTherefore, PDGFRα signaling is essential for the development and functional maintenance of the SIP cells, especially PDGFRα+ cells.
Island disharmony revisited using orchids as a model group
Authors: Taylor Amanda , Weigelt Patrick , König Christian , Zotz Gerhard , Kreft Holger 
Published: March 2019

SummaryOne central concept in island biology is that island assemblages form subsets of the mainland species pool, being disproportionately rich or poor in certain taxonomic groups. This unbalanced composition, termed ‘disharmony’, is generally explained using a taxon‐centred approach, linking the over‐ or under‐representation of taxa to their colonisation abilities. However, islands may also harbour ‘functionally’ disharmonic flora, being disproportionately rich or poor in species with certain traits, which may offer greater insights into the processes driving island colonisation. Here, we use orchids as a model to illustrate key processes involved in the formation of functionally disharmonic island floras, including filtering effects (for example biotic interactions), and speciation. Our synthesis is based on a comprehensive orchid dataset of 27 637 species and combines both a literature review and simple exploratory analyses to show that orchids are significantly under‐represented on islands relative to mainland regions and that insular orchids display shifts in functional traits, from the shortening of nectar spurs to facilitate ornithophily to changes in colour associated with generalist insect pollinators. We highlight that taxa are simply coarse proxies and that we need to consider species traits and interactions to gain a full understanding of the processes constraining plant assembly on islands.
Nasolabial outcomes in a nationwide study of orofacial cleft in New Zealand
Authors: Thompson John M. D. , Stone Peter R. , Williams Kirk , Sanders Megan , Mason Nicki , Pope Rodney , Fowler Peter V. 
Published: March 2019

Structured AbstractObjectivesTo (a) assess nasolabial outcomes across four main cleft subgroups, (b) assess agreement using a categorical and a continuous scoring measure and (c) compare outcomes to international studies.Settings and Sample PopulationAnalysis of 470 images of which 218 was unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), 128 unilateral cleft lip (UCL), 90 bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and 34 bilateral cleft lip (BCL). Images were taken around five (n = 279) and eight‐ten (n = 191) years of age.Materials & MethodsCropped images were assessed using the Asher‐McDade (AM) and a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) by a panel of six raters. Scoring was undertaken for vermillion border and nasal form, symmetry and profile. Analysis was undertaken for each subscore, a total score with sensitivity analysis using a total score based on the subscores for each patient. AM intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability was assessed using weighted kappa and for the VAS components reliability was assessed using Pearson correlation.ResultsThe AM intra‐rater reliability was moderate/substantial, whilst inter‐rater reliability was fair. The VAS intra‐rater correlations were high, and inter‐rater correlations were moderate. Better outcomes were found with cleft lip (CL) vs cleft lip and palate (CLP). No differences were found for sex, ethnicity, age and cleft laterality (unilateral). The AM found no difference between unilateral or bilateral. The VAS found bilateral scored worse than unilateral for both CL and CLP.ConclusionsThe nasolabial outcomes differ by cleft type. The correlation was relatively high for the VAS whilst the AM had relatively poor reliability.
Bulk pollen pollination in maize for efficient construction of introgression populations with high genome coverage
Authors: Wang Pingxi , Zhang Hongwei , lyle Demar , Li Dongdong , Wang Guoying , Pan Qingchun , Wang Jianhua 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntrogression populations consist of a set of introgression lines or families, constructed by continuous backcrossing to the recurrent parent, while carrying a limited number of chromosome segments from a donor parent in their genomes. Increasing the genome coverage is an important aim when constructing introgression population. In this study, we proposed bulk pollen pollination (BPP) method and used it to increase the genome coverage of a maize introgression population. The results showed that the genome coverage of the introgression population constructed using BPP method reached 100% at BC3 generation, which accorded with the simulation result. The BPP‐based BC3F1:2 population could identify most quantitative trait loci (QTL) detected using the F2:3 population, especially major QTL. Simulation analysis showed that the genome coverage of introgression population increased with the increase of population size and the number of bulked plants, and decreased with the increase of backcross generation. Our results proved the reliability of the BPP‐based introgression population in increasing genome coverage and detecting QTL, and provided references for constructing high‐coverage introgression populations.
The National Flood Insurance Program: Is It Financially Sound?
Authors: Dinan Terry , Beider Perry , Wylie David 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article uses data provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which implements the NFIP, to estimate the difference between annual premiums and expected costs associated for the program as a whole and for inland and coastal regions. In addition, we examine the role of discounts, cross‐subsidies, and FEMA's method of setting what it considers to be full‐risk rates in explaining the outcomes that we observe.