bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Quest for the Best Freeze
Authors: Ciconte Giuseppe , Mugnai Giacomo , Sieira Juan , Velagić Vedran , Saitoh Yukio , Irfan Ghazala , Hunuk Burak , Ströker Erwin , Conte Giulio , Di Giovanni Giacomo , Baltogiannis Giannis , Wauters Kristel , Brugada Pedro , de Asmundis Carlo , Chierchia Gian-Battista 
Published: December 2015

Background—
The second-generation cryoballoon is effective in achieving acute pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and favorable clinical outcome. To date, no data are available on factors affecting late PV reconnection after second-generation cryoballoon ablation.

Methods and Results—

A total of 29 consecutive patients (25 male, 86.2%; mean age 57.8±13.8 years) underwent a repeat procedure, after a mean 11.6±4.5 months (range, 3.5–19.7 months), after index ablation using the 28-mm second-generation cryoballoon. All repeat ablations were performed using a 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping system. Among all 115 PVs, including 1 left common ostiums (LCOs), 25 (21.7%) showed a PV reconnection in 20 patients (1.25 per patient). Persistent PVI could be documented in 90 of 115 PVs (78.2%). In 9 of 29 patients (31%), all PVs were electrically isolated. In the multivariable analysis, time to PVI (
P
=0.03) and failure to achieve −40°C within 60 s (
P
=0.05) independently predicted late PV reconnection. At receiver-operator curve analysis, time to PVI <60 s identified the absence of PV reconduction (sensitivity, 86.7%; specificity, 86.2%; positive predictive value, 59.1%; and negative predictive value, 96.4%; area under the curve, 0.85; confidence interval, 0.73–0.97;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
The rate of late PV reconnection after second-generation cryoballoon ablation is low (1.25 PVs/patient). Faster time to isolation and achievement of −40°C within 60 s independently predict durable PVI. In addition, 60-s cut-off for time to PVI indicates persistent isolation with 96.4% negative predictive value. These parameters might guide the operator whether to perform further applications to ensure a long-lasting PVI.
Exercise-Induced Left Ventricular Remodeling Among Competitive Athletes
Authors: Weiner Rory B. , DeLuca James R. , Wang Francis , Lin Jeffrey , Wasfy Meagan M. , Berkstresser Brant , Stöhr Eric , Shave Rob , Lewis Gregory D. , Hutter Adolph M. , Picard Michael H. , Baggish Aaron L. 
Published: December 2015

Background—
Contemporary understanding of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling is based on cross-sectional data and relatively short duration longitudinal studies. Temporal progression of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling remains incompletely understood.

Methods and Results—

A longitudinal repeated-measures study design using 2-dimensional and speckle-tracking echocardiography was used to examine acute augmentation phase (AAP; 90 days) and more extended chronic maintenance phase (39 months) left ventricular (LV) structural and functional adaptations to endurance exercise training among competitive male rowers (n=12; age 18.6±0.5 years). LV mass was within normal limits at baseline (93±9 g/m
2
), increased after AAP (105±7 g/m
2
;
P
=0.001), and further increased after chronic maintenance phase (113±10 g/m
2
;
P
<0.001 for comparison to post-AAP). AAP LV hypertrophy was driven by LV dilation (ΔLV end-diastolic volume, 9±3 mL/m
2
;
P
=0.004) with stable LV wall thickness (ΔLV wall thickness, 0.3±0.1 mm;
P
=0.63). In contrast, chronic maintenance phase LV hypertrophy was attributable to LV wall thickening (Δ LV wall thickness, 1.1±0.4 mm;
P
=0.004) with stable LV chamber volumes (ΔLV end-diastolic volume, 1±1 mL/m
2
;
P
=0.48). Early diastolic peak tissue velocity increased during AAP (−11.7±1.9 versus −13.6±1.3 cm/s;
P
<0.001) and remained similarly increased after chronic maintenance phase.

Conclusions—
In a small sample of competitive endurance athletes, exercise-induced cardiac remodeling follows a phasic response with increases in LV chamber size, early diastolic function, and systolic twist in an acute augmentation phase of exercise training. This is followed by a chronic phase of adaptation characterized by increasing wall thickness and regression in LV twist. Training duration is a determinant of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling and has implications for the assessment of myocardial structure and function in athletes.
Semi-Lagrangian Advection of Stratospheric Ozone on a Yin–Yang Grid System
Authors: de Grandpré Jean , Tanguay Monique , Qaddouri Abdessamad , Zerroukat Mohamed , McLinden Chris A. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The lack of formal mass conservation that is inherent to the standard semi-Lagrangian transport scheme represents a significant model limitation that needs to be addressed. The magnitude of this impact depends on the nature of the advected quantity and particularly on the strength of species spatiotemporal variability. In this study, this issue is examined in the context of two configurations of the Environment Canada Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) model. The first configuration (GEM Lat–Lon) is based on a global latitude–longitude grid system with the Arakawa C grid in the horizontal. The second configuration (GEM Yin–Yang) uses the overset Yin–Yang grid, which is singularity free and has quasi-uniform resolution. Both model versions have been used for studying the mass conservation property of passive and nonpassive tracers such as stratospheric ozone using different shape-preserving schemes and a global mass fixer. Experiments with idealized tracers indicate that the implementation of a global mass fixer and a conservative shape-preserving scheme reduces the error field in both 2D and 3D configurations. In the case of stratospheric ozone, the study demonstrates that the mass conservation error is significantly reduced with the use of the Yin–Yang grid. This is attributed to the quasi-uniform nature of the grid that contributes to improve the accuracy of the computation particularly in high-latitude regions where most of the ozone mass resides. The study demonstrates the potential benefits of using a quasi-uniform Yin–Yang grid system and shows that chemical constituents can serve as a useful diagnostic for the evaluation of numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.
Mast Cell Deficiency Limits the Development of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Mice
Authors: Hua Xiaoyang , Naselsky Warren C. , Jania Corey M. , Chason Kelly D. , Huang Julianne J. , Doerschuk Claire M. , Graham Scott M. , Senior Brent A. , Tilley Stephen L. 
Published: December 2015

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic diseases in adults in both developing and developed countries. The etiology and pathogenesis of CRS remain poorly understood, and the disease is refractory to therapy in many patients. Mast cell activation has been demonstrated in the sinonasal mucosa of patients with CRS; however, the specific contribution of mast cells to the development and pathogenesis of this disease has not been established. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the role of mast cells in the development of CRS. Methods: C57BL/6 wild-type and C57BL/6-KitW-sh/W-sh mast cell–deficient mice were immunized by intraperitoneal allergen injection and subsequent chronic low dose intranasal allergen challenges. The sinonasal phenotypes of these groups were then evaluated and compared to saline-treated controls using radiologic, histologic, and immunologic methods. Results: Wild-type mice exposed to chronic intranasal allergen developed many features seen in human CRS, including mucosal thickening, cystic changes, polyp development, eosinophilia, goblet cell hyperplasia, and mast cell activation. In contrast, sinonasal pathology was significantly attenuated in mast cell–deficient mice subjected to the same chronic allergen protocol. Specifically, tissue eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia were reduced by approximately 50% compared to wild-type levels. Surprisingly, none of the mast cell–deficient mice subjected to chronic allergen challenge developed cystic changes or polypoid changes in the nose or sinuses. Conclusions: These data identify a critical role for mast cells in the development of many features of a mouse model of eosinophilic CRS, suggesting that therapeutic strategies targeting mast cells be examined in humans afflicted with this disease.
Screening for antibodies against Treponema pallidum with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay: analysis of discordant serology results and clinical characterization
Authors: Li Zhiyan , Feng Zhenru , Liu Ping , Yan Cunling 
Published: December 2015

Background Traditionally, testing for syphilis has consisted of initial screening with a non-treponemal test, then retesting reactive specimens with a treponemal test. Recent availability of a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay for detecting antibodies against Treponema pallidum has led several laboratories in China to adopt chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay for screening of syphilis, with subsequent testing of reactive serum samples with non-treponemal tests. We evaluated the utility of chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay for routine screening of syphilis. Methods Antibodies against Treponema pallidum were screened in 20,550 serum samples using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay-positive samples were reflexively tested with rapid plasma reagin tests and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assays. Dot-immunoblot assays were used to confirm results of chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay-positive and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination-negative serum samples. Results Overall, 267 samples (1.3%) were chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay-positive, and 185 (69.3%) of those chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay-positive serum samples were also Treponema pallidum particle agglutination-positive. Samples’ signal to cut-off ratio for chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay correlated with diagnostic reliability, as greater samples’ signal to cut-off ratio corresponded with greater concordance between chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination results. Dot-immunoblot testing of 82 chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay-positive and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination-negative serum samples showed that 16 samples (19.5%) were Dot-immunoblot-positive, 28 (34.2%) were indeterminate and 38 (46.3%) were negative. Conclusions Because there is a certain percentage of false-positive results using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay for routine screening of syphilis, further analysis by Treponema pallidum particle agglutination is recommended to confirm diagnostic results. While in screening populations discrepancies between chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination results are quite prevalent, confirmation by immunoblot assay may be useful.
A take-home placebo treatment can reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression in a non-patient population
Authors: Darragh Margot , Yow Boris , Kieser Anel , Booth Roger J , Kydd Robert R , Consedine Nathan S 
Published: December 2015

Background: With a healthcare system burdened by symptomatic and mental-health related conditions, the placebo effect may represent a useful clinical tool. First, however, there is a need to broaden research attention and investigate placebo effects outside laboratories and beyond experimental pain. This study investigated the effectiveness of a take-home placebo treatment in the short-term alleviation of stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression in a non-patient population. Method: A sample of 77 participants was randomized to either the ‘oxytocin’ treatment group ( n = 22), the ‘serotonin’ treatment group ( n = 22) or the wait-list control group ( n = 33). The two treatment groups were given an ‘anti-stress treatment spray’ (placebo) to self-administer for 3 days, and completed online measures of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10), anxiety (Cognitive Somatic Anxiety Questionnaire) and symptoms of depression (Centre for Epidemiological Studies – Depression) before and after the 3-day protocol. Results: Both the ‘serotonin’ and ‘oxytocin’ treatment sprays were effective in reducing symptoms of depression; however, only those in the ‘oxytocin’ group reported less stress and anxiety as compared with controls. Overall, the ‘oxytocin’ was perceived as more effective. Conclusion: Placebo effects can be translated to a real-life setting in the short-term reduction of stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression in a non-patient population. In treating psychological distress, placebos may be useful addition to the treatment repertoire. The information given with treatment may also be an important consideration for practitioners.
Migrating fisherman: A comparison between the Dutch fishing ports of Scheveningen and Vlaardingen
Authors: ter Brugge Jeroen 
Published: December 2015

The old fishing ports in the Netherlands are considered to have been isolated communities, both culturally and socially. Traditions were being kept alive and interaction with the outer world was limited to commercial activities related to fishing. Although this view is valid for some fishing ports up to the present, in the past exceptions were present as well. This article points to the differences in this perspective between two Dutch towns, Vlaardingen and Scheveningen between 1870 and 1950. In origin these towns were both traditional fishing ports, but where Scheveningen kept its relative isolation, Vlaardingen developed as an open labour market for fishermen. Whereas the Scheveningen fleet throughout this period was predominantly (around 95 per cent) manned with fisherman from the hometown, the crew of Vlaardingen ships was mixed with both local fisherman and labour migrants from other Dutch towns and even Germany. From the late 1870s the percentage of non-native crew aboard Vlaardingen vessels grew from just under half to almost three quarters in 1950. Explanations can be sought in the economic, cultural and geographical conditions of both towns. Vlaardingen had a more ‘open’ economy than Scheveningen, which culminated in the second half of the nineteenth century when it gradually industrialised. Scheveningen on the other hand stuck to fishing. Immigration in Scheveningen was limited, while Vlaardingen since early modern times hosted a substantial amount of labour migrants, both seasonal and permanent. Culturally Vlaardingen was far more diverse than Scheveningen. It had for example a large Protestant community, but often fishermen were Roman Catholics. Vlaardingen was situated on the banks of the river Meuse, which geographic position connected the town to the economically important Dutch ‘water network’. Scheveningen on the contrary lay isolated between the seaside and The Hague.
Assessment of blood pressure in patients with hypertension aged 60–79 years before and after the publication of the 2014 Eighth Joint National Committee report
Authors: Fixen Cy W. , Saseen Joseph J. , Vande Griend Joseph P. , Linnebur Sunny A. 
Published: December 2015

Objectives: In late 2013, the Joint National Committee (JNC 8) published hypertension treatment recommendations endorsing a goal blood pressure (BP) of < 150/90 mmHg starting at age 60 years. This was in contrast to other cardiovascular groups recommending age 80 years for this BP goal. This study examined mean BP in patients from age 60 years to 79 years with hypertension before and after publication of the JNC 8 recommendations. Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined mean BP and number of antihypertensives for a period of 1 year before and after the release of the JNC 8 report. Patients aged 60–79 years with hypertension receiving care at a University of Colorado Hospital primary care clinic were included. Patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or kidney transplant were excluded. A total of 150 BP measurements were included in each of the before and after time frames. The primary outcomes were change in mean BP and number of antihypertensives. Results: A total of 171 patients met the criteria and were included in the study. Most had BPs in both the before and after time frames. Mean BP values were similar in the before and after groups (130.2/75.9 mmHg versus 131.5/76.6, respectively; p = 0.27/ p = 0.46). Mean number of antihypertensives were similar in the before and after groups (1.95 versus 1.93, respectively; p = 0.79). Conclusions: Over 1 year at an academic health system, new recommendations from the JNC 8 did not affect mean BP or number of antihypertensives in older patients with hypertension. A similar investigation after more time or in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension may help determine the full impact.
Degarelix monotherapy compared with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists plus anti-androgen flare protection in advanced prostate cancer: an analysis of two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Iversen Peter , Damber Jan-Erik , Malmberg Anders , Persson Bo-Eric , Klotz Laurence 
Published: December 2015

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess differences in efficacy outcomes between luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist plus antiandrogen (AA) flare protection and monotherapy with the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist degarelix in patients with prostate cancer. Methods: Data from 1455 patients were pooled from two prospective, phase III randomized 1-year clinical trials of degarelix versus LHRH agonist with or without AA. The AA bicalutamide was administered at the investigator’s discretion. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model and a conditional logistic regression model was used for a case-control analysis of odds ratios (ORs). Results: Patients received degarelix monotherapy ( n = 972) or LHRH agonist ( n = 483) of whom 57 also received AA. Overall, prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival (PSA PFS) was improved with degarelix versus LHRH agonist + AA (Cox proportional hazards regression model-adjusted HR for PSA PFS failure was 0.56 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33–0.97, p = 0.038]). To compensate for a higher proportion of patients with metastases, Gleason score 7–10, and PSA >20 ng/ml in the LHRH agonist + AA group, a case-control analysis using a conditional logistic regression model was utilized. This resulted in an OR for PSA PFS of 0.42 (95% CI 0.20–0.89; p = 0.023) in the overall population, and 0.35 (95% CI 0.13–0.96; p = 0.042) in patients with PSA >50 ng/ml at baseline, when treated with degarelix versus LHRH agonists + AA. There were a small number of deaths, 1.9% with degarelix and 7% with LHRH agonists + AA (case-control analysis OR = 0.37; p = 0.085). Conclusions: Degarelix monotherapy produced a more favorable effect on PSA PFS outcomes than a LHRH agonist + AA flare protection therapy in patients with prostate cancer when a case-control analysis was used to compensate for differences between treatment groups.
Social inequalities in wheezing in children: findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Taylor-Robinson David C. , Pearce Anna , Whitehead Margaret , Smyth Rosalind , Law Catherine 
Published: December 2015

Wheezing in childhood is socially patterned, but it is unclear what factors explain the social differences.Regression analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study, based on 11 141 singleton children who participated at ages 9 months and 3, 5 and 7 years. Relative risk ratios (RRR) for early and persistent/relapsing wheeze were estimated using multinomial regression, according to measures of socioeconomic circumstances. Maternal, antenatal and early-life characteristics were assessed as potential mediators.Children of mothers with no educational qualifications were more likely to have both wheeze types, compared to children of mothers with degree-level qualifications (RRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.26–1.86 for early wheeze; 1.32 95% CI 1.04–1.67 for persistent/relapsing wheeze). Controlling for maternal age, smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding removed the elevated risk of wheezing. Male sex, maternal age, body mass index, atopy, smoking during pregnancy, preterm birth, breastfeeding, exposure to other children and furry pets were independently associated with wheezing, but the pattern of association varied between wheezing types.In this representative UK cohort, adjustment for maternal smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding removed the socioeconomic inequalities in common wheezing phenotypes. Policies to reduce the social gradient in these risk factors may reduce inequalities in wheezing and asthma.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Time to Move Toward a Minimal Residual Disease–Based Definition of Complete Remission?
Authors: Araki Daisuke , Wood Brent L. , Othus Megan , Radich Jerald P. , Halpern Anna B. , Zhou Yi , Mielcarek Marco , Estey Elihu H. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Walter Roland B. 
Published: December 2015

Purpose Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are in morphologic complete remission are typically considered separately from patients with active disease (ie, ≥ 5% marrow blasts by morphology) in treatment algorithms for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), which implies distinct outcomes for these two groups. It is well recognized that the presence of minimal residual disease (MRD) at the time of transplantation is associated with adverse post-HCT outcome for those patients in morphologic remission. This effect of pre-HCT MRD prompted us to compare outcomes in consecutive patients in MRD-positive remission with patients with active AML who underwent myeloablative allogeneic HCT at our institution. Patients and Methods We retrospectively studied 359 consecutive adults with AML who underwent myeloablative allogeneic HCT from a peripheral blood or bone marrow donor between 2006 and 2014. Pre-HCT disease staging included 10-color multiparametric flow cytometry on bone marrow aspirates in all patients. Any level of residual disease was considered to be MRD positive. Results Three-year relapse estimates were 67% in 76 patients in MRD-positive morphologic remission and 65% in 48 patients with active AML compared with 22% in 235 patients in MRD-negative remission. Three-year overall survival estimates were 26%, 23%, and 73% in these three groups, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, MRD-negative remission status remained statistically significantly associated with longer overall and progression-free survival as well as lower risk of relapse compared with MRD-positive morphologic remission status or having active disease, with similar outcomes between the latter two groups. Conclusion The similarities in outcomes between patients in MRD-positive morphologic remission and those with active disease at the time of HCT support the use of treatment algorithms that use MRD- rather than morphology-based disease assessments.