bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multipoint pacing improves peripheral hemodynamic response: Noninvasive assessment using radial artery tonometry
Authors: Ciconte Giuseppe , Ćalović Žarko , Vicedomini Gabriele , Cuko Amarild , McSpadden Luke C. , Jiang Chunlan , Ryu Kyungmoo , Caporaso Igor , Stutz Robert , Winter Dean , Saviano Massimo , Vitale Raffaele , Conti Manuel , Santinelli Vincenzo , Pappone Carlo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundMultipoint left ventricular (LV) pacing (MultiPoint™ Pacing [MPP], Abbott, Sylmar, CA, USA) improves the response rate to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We evaluated the feasibility of noninvasive radial artery tonometry (RAT) to characterize arterial pressure morphology changes (pre‐ejection period [PEP] and ejection duration [ED]) between conventional CRT and MPP pacing interventions.MethodsPatients with a MPP‐enabled CRT device (Quadra Assura MP™, Abbott) underwent noninvasive RAT assessment (SphygmoCor CVMS, AtCor Medical Inc., Itasca, IL, USA) at 3–6 months after implantation. A pacing protocol was performed in a randomized order including one optimized conventional biventricular CRT (CONV) configuration using the distal electrode and five MPP configurations. The PEP, ED, and PEP/ED ratio were determined for each intervention from the RAT pressure waveform and electrocardiogram.ResultsPressure waveforms were successfully recorded in 19 patients (89% male, QRS 147 ± 16 ms, 63% ischemic). In 17/19 (89%) patients, at least one MPP intervention resulted in improved PEP, ED, and PEP/ED compared to CONV. The MPP intervention with greatest separation of LV cathodes and minimum intra‐LV delay significantly improved PEP (mean PEP –15 ± 33% vs –8 ± 32% [CONV], P = 0.04) and ED (mean ED +8 ± 8% [MPP] vs +4 ± 7% [CONV], P = 0.02), and PEP/ED (–0.07 ± 0.14 [MPP] vs –0.04 ± 0.13 [CONV], P = 0.02) compared with CONV.ConclusionsNoninvasive RAT efficiently characterizes changes in PEP and ED between CONV and MPP interventions. MPP configurations using the widest separation among LV cathodes and minimum intra‐LV delay may significantly improve RAT‐derived parameters as compared to conventional CRT.
Effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy after inferior myocardial infarction on secondary mitral regurgitation and mitral valve geometry
Authors: Mihos Christos G. , Yucel Evin , Capoulade Romain , Orencole Mary P. , Upadhyay Gaurav A. , Santana Orlando , Singh Jagmeet P. , Picard Michael H. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on secondary mitral regurgitation (MR), and mitral valve (MV) and left ventricular (LV) geometry, in patients with prior inferior myocardial infarction is not clearly defined. We assessed these outcomes utilizing two‐dimensional echocardiography, and analyzed echocardiographic geometric variables that may correlate with follow‐up MR severity.MethodsBetween 2009 and 2012, 229 CRT were implanted. Twenty‐two had prior inferior myocardial infarction, ≥mild MR at baseline, and serial echocardiography. A left bundle branch block was present in 12 (54.5%) patients. The pre‐CRT and follow‐up echocardiograms were analyzed for: (1) MR severity; (2) MV and LV geometry; and (3) LV remodeling.ResultsThe median follow‐up time was 2.2 years (interquartile range, 0.7–4). In 16 patients without an inferior myocardial scar, there was a reduction in MR jet area/left atrial area ratio (33.2% vs 25.8%; P = 0.06) and MR grade (2.3 vs 1.8; P = 0.05), and an increased LV ejection fraction (26.1% vs 30.9%; P = 0.04) and end‐systolic posterior ventricular sulcus‐anterolateral papillary muscle angle (133.9 vs 143.9 degrees; P = 0.01). In six patients with scar, there was no change in LV or MR parameters. Regression analysis revealed linear associations between baseline MV tenting height (r = 0.57; P = 0.006), LV end‐diastolic diameter index (r = 0.5; P = 0.02), mitral septolateral annular diameter (r = 0.48; P = 0.03), and MV tenting area (r = 0.46; P = 0.03), with follow‐up MR jet area/left atrial area ratio.ConclusionsIn patients with prior inferior myocardial infarction and no scar, CRT is associated with decreased MR severity, and improved papillary muscle alignment and LV systolic function at follow‐up.
Exploratory study of imagery rescripting without focusing on early traumatic memories for major depressive disorder
Authors: Yamada Fuminori , Hiramatsu Yoichi , Murata Tomokazu , Seki Yoichi , Yokoo Mizue , Noguchi Remi , Shibuya Takayuki , Tanaka Mari , Takanashi Rieko , Shimizu Eiji 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundMental imagery has a more powerful impact on our emotions than thinking in words about the same material. Treating intrusive images with imagery rescripting (IR) has been reported for various disorders, including post‐traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. There has been less research about IR as a major depressive disorder (MDD).AimsWe examined whether IR without focusing on early traumatic memories is effective in MDD.MethodsWe enrolled 19 participants with MDD, who received 15 weekly sessions of full CBT, including two sessions for IR of intrusive images and, separately, for memory rescripting. Before and after the IR intervention, participants were asked to rate the intrusive images they experienced against, an intrusion index that included difficulty (interference with daily life), uncontrollability, distress caused by the negative image, and vividness. We recorded the contents of each participant's negative and positive imagery to classify these.ResultsThe intrusion index scores decreased after the IR sessions. Negative images experienced by the participants while in a depressive mood were categorized into three different types: blame, social exclusion, and loneliness. The rescripted positive images were categorized into good relations and worthy self (competent self).ConclusionsThese results suggest that IR of intrusive images without focusing on early traumatic memories may usefully be incorporated into routine CBT sessions for MDD.
International trade in branded and generic products
Authors: Choi Yoonho , Choi E. Kwan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper investigates international competition between an innovating firm in a developed economy and generic producers in developing countries. Initially, the innovating firm in a developed country exports the branded product to a developing country. Once a patent expires or when the government grants a licence to local firms to produce generic equivalents, the innovating firm is forced to compete with generic producers. Under certain conditions, entry of generic firms reduces the price of the branded product and a generic competition paradox does not occur. There are two possible long‐run equilibrium solutions. In one scenario, the innovating firm which exports the branded product and the local generic producers may coexist in the developing country. In the other scenario, the brand producer exits and a trade reversal may occur, that is, the developing country may even export the generic products to the developed economy.
A qualitative study of the experience of lower extremity wounds and amputations among people with diabetes in Philadelphia
Authors: Barg Frances K. , Cronholm Peter F. , Easley Ebony E. , Davis Trocon , Hampton Michelle , Malay D. Scot , Donohue Cornelius , Song Jinsup , Thom Stephen R. , Margolis David J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore perceptions among people with type 2 diabetes about foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations. This was a qualitative observational study utilizing open‐ended, semistructured interviews of 39 people with diabetes who were purposively selected because they had either a foot ulcer (n = 19) or a lower extremity amputation (n = 20). Interviews were audio‐recorded, deidentified, and entered into NVivo 10.0 for coding and analysis. Our integrated analytic approach combined inductively and deductively derived codes that were applied to all transcripts. Coded data were summarized and examined for patterns. Participants' description of the relationship between diabetes and their foot ulcer or amputation revealed a limited understanding of the disease process. Disruption and loss of independence was expressed whether the person had a foot ulcer or an amputation. Treatment recommendations for foot ulcers were viewed by most as extremely difficult. Amputation was a feared outcome, but some learned to adapt and, at times felt that the amputation enhanced their quality of life. Clinicians have assumed that a focus on limb salvage is preferred over a major amputation. However, because of the complexity of care requiring frequent healthcare provider visits, the frequency of care failure, the frequency of recurrence, and mortality associated with having had a foot ulcer, it may be more appropriate for clinicians to prioritize quality‐of‐life salvage. Foot ulcer treatment failure may be due to a lack of providers' understanding of the impact of treatment on a patient's life.
Diverse inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms shape temporal tuning in transient OFF α ganglion cells in the rabbit retina
Authors: Murphy‐Baum Benjamin L. , Taylor W. Rowland 
Published: December 2017

Key points
Neurons combine excitatory and inhibitory signals to perform computations. In the retina, interactions between excitation and inhibition enable neurons to detect specific visual features.
We describe how several excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms work together to allow transient OFF α ganglion cells in the rabbit retina to respond selectively to high temporal frequencies and thus detect faster image motion.
The weightings of these different mechanisms change with the contrast and spatiotemporal properties of the visual input, and thereby support temporal tuning in α cells over a range of visual conditions.
The results help us understand how ganglion cells selectively integrate excitatory and inhibitory signals to extract specific information from the visual input.
AbstractThe 20 to 30 types of ganglion cell in the mammalian retina represent parallel signalling pathways that convey different information to the brain. α ganglion cells are selective for high temporal frequencies in visual inputs, which makes them particularly sensitive to rapid motion. Although α ganglion cells have been studied in several species, the synaptic basis for their selective temporal tuning remains unclear. Here, we analyse excitatory synaptic inputs to transient OFF α ganglion cells (t‐OFF α GCs) in the rabbit retina. We show that convergence of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs within the bipolar cell terminals presynaptic to the t‐OFF α GCs shifts the temporal tuning to higher temporal frequencies. GABAergic inhibition suppresses the excitatory input at low frequencies, but potentiates it at high frequencies. Crossover glycinergic inhibition and sodium channel activity in the presynaptic bipolar cells also potentiate high frequency excitatory inputs. We found differences in the spatial and temporal properties, and contrast sensitivities of these mechanisms. These differences in stimulus selectivity allow these mechanisms to generate bandpass temporal tuning of t‐OFF α GCs over a range of visual conditions.
Molecular Dynamics and Mode of Transmission of Koala Retrovirus as It Invades and Spreads through a Wild Queensland Koala Population
Authors: Quigley Bonnie L. , Ong Vanissa A. , Hanger Jonathan , Timms Peter 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT

The recent acquisition of a novel retrovirus (KoRV) by koalas (
Phascolarctos cinereus
) has created new opportunities for retroviral research and new challenges for koala conservation. There are currently two major subtypes of KoRV: KoRV-A, which is believed to be endogenous only in koalas from the northern part of Australia, and KoRV-B, which appears to be exogenous. Understanding and management of these subtypes require population level studies of their prevalence and diversity, especially when coinfected in the same population, and investigations of their modes of transmission in the wild. Toward this end, we studied a wild Queensland koala population of 290 animals over a 5-year period and investigated the prevalence, diversity and mode of transmission of KoRV-A and KoRV-B. We found KoRV-A to have an infection level of 100% in the population, with all animals sharing the same dominant envelope protein sequence. In contrast, the KoRV-B infection prevalence was only 24%, with 21 different envelope protein sequence variants found in the 83 KoRV-B-positive animals. Linked to severe disease outcomes, a significant association between KoRV-B positivity and both chlamydial disease and neoplasia was found in the population. Transmission of KoRV-B was found at a rate of 3% via adult-to-adult contact per year, while there was a 100% rate of KoRV-B-positive mothers transmitting the virus to their joeys. Collectively, these findings demonstrate KoRV-B as the pathogenic subtype in this wild koala population and inform future intervention strategies with subtype variation and transmission data.

IMPORTANCE
KoRV represents a unique opportunity to study a relatively young retrovirus as it goes through its molecular evolution in both an endogenous form and a more recently evolved exogenous form. The endogenous form, KoRV-A, now appears to have stably and completely established itself in Northern Australian koala populations and is progressing south. Conversely, the exogenous form, KoRV-B, is undergoing continuous mutation and spread in the north and, as yet, has not reached all southern koala populations. We can now link KoRV-B to neoplasia and chlamydial disease in both wild and captive koalas, making it an imminent threat to this already vulnerable species. This work represents the largest study of koalas in a wild population with respect to KoRV-A/KoRV-B-infected/coinfected animals and the linkage of this infection to chlamydial disease, neoplasia, viral evolution, and spread.
Psychometric evaluation of commonly used game-specific skills tests in rugby: A systematic review
Authors: Oorschot Sander , Chiwaridzo Matthew , CM Smits-Engelsman Bouwien 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesTo (1) give an overview of commonly used game-specific skills tests in rugby and (2) evaluate available psychometric information of these tests.MethodsThe databases PubMed, MEDLINE CINAHL and Africa Wide information were systematically searched for articles published between January 1995 and March 2017. First, commonly used game-specific skills tests were identified. Second, the available psychometrics of these tests were evaluated and the methodological quality of the studies assessed using the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments checklist. Studies included in the first step had to report detailed information on the construct and testing procedure of at least one game-specific skill, and studies included in the second step had additionally to report at least one psychometric property evaluating reliability, validity or responsiveness.Results287 articles were identified in the first step, of which 30 articles met the inclusion criteria and 64 articles were identified in the second step of which 10 articles were included. Reactive agility, tackling and simulated rugby games were the most commonly used tests. All 10 studies reporting psychometrics reported reliability outcomes, revealing mainly strong evidence. However, all studies scored poor or fair on methodological quality. Four studies reported validity outcomes in which mainly moderate evidence was indicated, but all articles had fair methodological quality.ConclusionGame-specific skills tests indicated mainly high reliability and validity evidence, but the studies lacked methodological quality. Reactive agility seems to be a promising domain, but the specific tests need further development. Future high methodological quality studies are required in order to develop valid and reliable test batteries for rugby talent identification.Trial registration numberPROSPERO CRD42015029747.
Chromosomal rearrangements in the 11p15 imprinted region: 17 new 11p15.5 duplications with associated phenotypes and putative functional consequences
Authors: Heide Solveig , Chantot-Bastaraud Sandra , Keren Boris , Harbison Madeleine D , Azzi Salah , Rossignol Sylvie , Michot Caroline , Lackmy-Port Lys Marilyn , Demeer Bénédicte , Heinrichs Claudine , Newfield Ron S , Sarda Pierre , Van Maldergem Lionel , Trifard Véronique , Giabicani Eloise , Siffroi Jean-Pierre , Le Bouc Yves , Netchine Irène , Brioude Frédéric 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThe 11p15 region contains two clusters of imprinted genes. Opposite genetic and epigenetic anomalies of this region result in two distinct growth disturbance syndromes: Beckwith-Wiedemann (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndromes (SRS). Cytogenetic rearrangements within this region represent less than 3% of SRS and BWS cases. Among these, 11p15 duplications were infrequently reported and interpretation of their pathogenic effects is complex.ObjectivesTo report cytogenetic and methylation analyses in a cohort of patients with SRS/BWS carrying 11p15 duplications and establish genotype/phenotype correlations.MethodsFrom a cohort of patients with SRS/BWS with an abnormal methylation profile (using ASMM-RTQ-PCR), we used SNP-arrays to identify and map the 11p15 duplications. We report 19 new patients with SRS (n=9) and BWS (n=10) carrying de novo or familial 11p15 duplications, which completely or partially span either both telomeric and centromeric domains or only one domain.ResultsLarge duplications involving one complete domain or both domains are associated with either SRS or BWS, depending on the parental origin of the duplication. Genotype-phenotype correlation studies of partial duplications within the telomeric domain demonstrate the prominent role of IGF2, rather than H19, in the control of growth. Furthermore, it highlights the role of CDKN1C within the centromeric domain and suggests that the expected overexpression of KCNQ1OT1 from the paternal allele (in partial paternal duplications, excluding CDKN1C) does not affect the expression of CDKN1C.ConclusionsThe phenotype associated with 11p15 duplications depends on the size, genetic content, parental inheritance and imprinting status. Identification of these rare duplications is crucial for genetic counselling.
Equivalent favorable outcomes possible after thrombectomy for posterior circulation large vessel occlusion compared with the anterior circulation: the MUSC experience
Authors: Alawieh Ali , Vargas Jan , Turner Raymond D , Turk Aquilla S , Chaudry M Imran , Lena Jonathan , Spiotta Alejandro 
Published: December 2017

IntroductionIn acute ischemic stroke (AIS), posterior circulation large vessel occlusions (LVOs) have been associated with poorer outcomes compared with anterior circulation LVOs. The outcomes of anterior versus posterior circulation thrombectomy for LVOs were compared at a high volume center employing a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT).MethodsWe retrospectively studied a database of AIS cases that underwent ADAPT thrombectomy for LVOs. Cases were grouped by anatomical location of thrombectomy (posterior vs anterior circulation), and analysis was performed on both entire sample size.ResultsA total of 436 AIS patients (50.2% women, mean age 67.3 years) underwent ADAPT thrombectomy for LVO during the study period, of whom 13% of had posterior circulation thrombectomy. Patients with posterior circulation thrombectomy did not show a significant difference in preprocedural variables, including age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and onset to groin time, compared with anterior circulation (P>0.05). There were also no differences in procedural variables between the two groups. Patients in the posterior group were found to have a similar likelihood of good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0—2) at 90 days compared with the anterior group (42.9% vs 43.2%, respectively), and a small but not significant increase in mortality at 90 days. Multilogistic regression analysis showed that the anatomical location (anterior vs posterior) was not an independent predictor of good outcome or mortality after thrombectomy. Prominent predictors of outcome/mortality included age, female gender, procedure time, and baseline NIHSS.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that when patients are carefully selected for thrombectomy, those with posterior circulation LVOs can achieve similar outcomes compared with anterior circulation thrombectomy, indicating comparable safety and efficacy profiles.
PROTECT: PRoximal balloon Occlusion TogEther with direCt Thrombus aspiration during stent retriever thrombectomy – evaluation of a double embolic protection approach in endovascular stroke treatment
Authors: Maegerlein Christian , Mönch Sebastian , Boeckh-Behrens Tobias , Lehm Manuel , Hedderich Dennis M , Berndt Maria Teresa , Wunderlich Silke , Zimmer Claus , Kaesmacher Johannes , Friedrich Benjamin 
Published: December 2017

PurposeStent retriever-based mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVO) is often complicated by thrombus fragmentation causing distal embolization and embolization to new vascular territories. Well-established embolic protection approaches include proximal flow arrest and distal aspiration techniques during stent retriever maneuvers. Aiming at the reduction of thrombus fragmentation during MT we evaluated a technical approach combining proximal balloon occlusion together with direct thrombus aspiration during MT: the PROTECT technique.MethodsWe performed a case-control study comparing the PROTECT technique with sole distal aspiration during MT regarding technical and procedural parameters, n=200 patients with ELVO of either the terminus of the internal carotid artery or the proximal middle artery were included.ResultsPROTECT resulted in a shorter procedure time (29 vs 40 min; P=0.002), in a higher rate of successful recanalizations (100% vs 78%; P=0.001) and a higher rate of complete reperfusions (70% vs 39%; P<0.001) compared with sole distal aspiration during MT.ConclusionThe PROTECT technique is a promising new approach to significantly reduce thrombus fragmentation and, hence distal embolization during MT. This safe and efficient technique needs to be validated in larger trials to confirm our results.
Questionnaire-based algorithm for assessing occupational noise exposure of construction workers
Authors: Lewkowski Kate , McCausland Kahlia , Heyworth Jane S , Li Ian W , Williams Warwick , Fritschi Lin 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesOccupational noise exposure is a major cause of hearing loss worldwide. In order to inform preventative strategies, we need to further understand at a population level which workers are most at risk.MethodsWe have developed a new questionnaire-based algorithm that evaluates an individual worker’s noise exposure. The questionnaire and supporting algorithms are embedded into the existing software platform, OccIDEAS. Based on the tasks performed by a worker during their most recent working shift and using a library of task-based noise exposure levels, OccIDEAS estimates whether a worker has exceeded the full-shift workplace noise exposure limit (LAeq,8h≥85 dBA). We evaluated the validity of the system in a sample of 100 construction workers. Each worker wore a dosimeter for a full working shift and was then interviewed using the OccIDEAS software.ResultsThe area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.90) indicating that the ability of OccIDEAS to identify construction workers with an LAeq,8h≥85 dBA was excellent.ConclusionThis validated noise questionnaire may be useful in epidemiological studies and for workplace health and safety applications.