bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective European Survey on Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Clinical Characteristics of Patients and Ablation Strategies Used in Different Countries
Authors: THEMISTOCLAKIS SAKIS , RAVIELE ANTONIO , CHINA PAOLO , PAPPONE CARLO , PONTI ROBERTO DE , REVISHVILI AMIRAN , ALIOT ETIENNE , KUCK KARL‐HEINZ , HOFF PER IVAR , SHAH DIPEN , ALMENDRAL JESÚS , MANOLIS ANTONIS S. , CHIERCHIA GIAN‐BATTISTA , OTO ALI , VATASESCU RADU G. , SINKOVEC MATJAZ , CAPPATO RICCARDO 
Published: June 2014

Survey on Atrial Fibrillation AblationBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is widely adopted. Our aim was to conduct a prospective multicenter survey to verify patients’ characteristics, approaches, and technologies adopted across Europe.Methods and ResultsA total of 35 centers in 12 countries actively participated in the study and 940 patients (median age 60 years) were enrolled. AF was paroxysmal, persistent, and long‐lasting persistent in 52.4%, 36%, and 11.6% of patients, respectively; 95.5% of patients were symptomatic and 91.4% were refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy. Redo procedures were performed in 20.9%. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) emerged as the cornerstone of ablative therapy and has been performed in 98.7% of procedures, with confirmation of PVI in 92.9% of cases. The ablation of nonparoxysmal AF was not generally limited to isolating the PVs and several adjunctive approaches are adopted, particularly in the case of long‐lasting persistent AF. Linear lesions or elimination of complex fractionated atrial electrograms were more frequently added. Circular mapping catheters and imaging techniques were seen to be used in about two‐thirds of cases. Radiofrequency energy was delivered through open irrigated catheters in 68% of cases.ConclusionsEuropean centers are largely following the recommendations of the guidelines and the expert consensus documents for AF ablation. AF ablation is mainly performed in relatively young patients with symptomatic drug refractory AF and no or minimal heart disease. Patients with paroxysmal AF are the most frequently treated with a quite uniform ablative approach across Europe. A less standardized approach was observed in nonparoxysmal AF patients.
Gender distribution, sexual size dimorphism and morphometric sexing in ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta
Authors: Leclercq E. , Grant B. , Davie A. , Migaud H. 
Published: June 2014

In wild ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta, mass–length relationships were not different between genders, and positive allometry was found in the mixed‐gender population. Male‐biased sexual size dimorphism was significant and the most effective morphometric method for sexing L. bergylta outside of the species spawning window used body mass (MB in g), total body length (LT in mm) and Fulton's condition factor (K) as discriminant variables to predict gender with 91% accuracy. The discriminant score (SD) of a specimen can be calculated as SD = 0·01 MB − 0·016 LT − 3·835 K + 6·252 to predict its gender as female or male if SD is < 1·459 or SD is > 1·504, respectively. There was a potential trend towards earlier sexual inversion compared to previous studies at comparable latitudes. Sex change is a phenotypically plastic trait under social control in haremic fishes and should be monitored in increasingly exploited L. bergylta.
Can Performance on Daily Activities Discriminate Between Older Adults with Normal Cognitive Function and Those with Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Authors: Rodakowski Juleen , Skidmore Elizabeth R. , Reynolds Charles F. , Dew Mary Amanda , Butters Meryl A. , Holm Margo B. , Lopez Oscar L. , Rogers Joan C. 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo examine whether preclinical disability in performance of cognitively focused instrumental activity of daily living (C‐IADL) tasks can discriminate between older adults with normal cognitive function and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and, secondarily, to determine the two tasks with the strongest psychometric properties and assess their discriminative ability so as to generate diagnosis‐relevant information about cognitive changes associated with MCI and mild neurocognitive disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, criteria.DesignSecondary analyses of cross‐sectional data from a cohort of individuals diagnosed with normal cognitive function or MCI.SettingPittsburgh, Pennsylvania.ParticipantsOlder adults with remitted major depression (N = 157).MeasurementsDiagnosis of cognitive status was made at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Pittsburgh. Performance on eight C‐IADLs was measured using the criterion‐referenced, observation‐based Performance Assessment of Self‐Care Skills (PASS).ResultsNinety‐six older adults with normal cognitive function (mean age 72.5 ± 5.9) and 61 with MCI (mean age 75.5 ± 6.3) participated. The eight C‐IADLs demonstrated 81% accuracy in discriminating cognitive status (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.81, P < .001). Two tasks (shopping and checkbook balancing) were the most discriminating (AUC = 0.80, P < .001); they demonstrated similar ability as all eight C‐IADLs in determining cognitive status. Assessing performance on these two C‐IADLs takes 10 to 15 minutes.ConclusionThis is the first demonstration of the discriminative ability of preclinical disability to distinguish older adults with MCI from cognitively normal older adults. These findings highlight potential tasks that, when measured using the observation‐based PASS, demonstrate greater effort for individuals with MCI. These tasks may be considered when attempting to diagnose MCI or mild neurocognitive disorder in clinical practice and research.
Duration of Postoperative Delirium Is an Independent Predictor of 6‐Month Mortality in Older Adults After Hip Fracture
Authors: Bellelli Giuseppe , Mazzola Paolo , Morandi Alessandro , Bruni Adriana , Carnevali Lucio , Corsi Maurizio , Zatti Giovanni , Zambon Antonella , Corrao Giovanni , Olofsson Birgitta , Gustafson Yngve , Annoni Giorgio 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between number of days with delirium and 6‐month mortality in elderly adults after hip fracture surgery.DesignProspective cohort study with 6‐month follow‐up.SettingOrthogeriatric Unit (OGU).ParticipantsIndividuals (mean age = 84.3 ± 6.4) admitted to the OGU between October 2011 and April 2013 with hip fracture (N = 199).MeasurementsPostoperative delirium (POD) was assessed daily using the Confusion Assessment Method algorithm and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, criteria. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between POD of and 6‐month mortality after surgery, after adjustment for covariates including age, prefracture residence, Katz activity of daily living score, New Mobility score, diagnosis of prefracture dementia, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, albumin serum levels, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and length of OGU stay.ResultsFifty‐seven participants (28.6%) developed POD. In the 6‐month period after surgery, 35 (17.6%) participants died: 16 of 57 (28.1%) with POD and 19/ of 142 (13.4%) with no POD. The average duration of POD was 2.0 ± 3.2 days for participants who died and 0.7 ± 1.8 days for those who survived (P < .001). After adjusting for covariates, each day of POD in the OGU increased the hazard of dying at 6 months by 17% (hazard ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–1.28).ConclusionIn older adults undergoing hip fracture surgery, duration of POD is an important prognostic factor for 6‐month mortality. Efforts to reduce duration of POD are therefore crucial for these individuals.
Optimal Decisions on Pension Plans in the Presence of Information Costs and Financial Literacy
Authors: CORSINI LORENZO , SPATARO LUCA 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPension reforms are on the political agenda of many countries. Such reforms imply an increasing responsibility on individuals’ side in building an efficient portfolio for retirement. In this paper, we provide a model describing workers’ choices on the allocation of retirement savings in presence of (1) mandatory pension contribution; (2) different pension plans; and (3) information costs and financial literacy investment decisions. In particular, we characterize the results from both a positive and normative standpoint, by highlighting the determinants of individuals’ choice, with special focus on information costs, on the role of income and preferences, and by characterizing the optimal contribution rate to mandatory complementary pension plans. We also introduce endogenous financial literacy and analyze how its optimal level is determined and how it affects the decisions on pension plans.
Sleep quality and the risk of work injury: a Swiss case–control study
Authors: Uehli Katrin , Miedinger David , Bingisser Roland , Dürr Selina , Holsboer‐Trachsler Edith , Maier Sabrina , Mehta Amar J. , Müller Roland , Schindler Christian , Zogg Stefanie , Künzli Nino , Leuppi Jörg D. 
Published: June 2014

SummarySleep problems are a well‐known risk factor for work injuries, but less is known about which vulnerable populations are most at risk. The aims of this study were to investigate the association between sleep quality and the risk of work injury and to identify factors that may modify the association. A case–control study including 180 cases and 551 controls was conducted at the University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland, from 1 December 2009 to 30 June 2011. Data on work injuries and sleep quality were collected. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of the association between sleep quality and work injury were estimated in multivariable logistic regression analyses and were stratified by hypothesized effect modifiers (age, gender, job risk, shift work, sleep duration and working hours). Poor sleep quality was associated significantly with work injury of any type (P < 0.05) and with being caught in particular (P < 0.05). The association between poor sleep quality and work injury was significantly higher for workers older than 30 years (odds ratio>30 1.30 versus odds ratio≤30 0.91, P < 0.01), sleeping 7 h or less per night (odds ratio≤7 1.17 versus odds ratio>7 0.79, P < 0.05) and working 50 h or more per week (odds ratio≥50 1.79 versus odd ratio<50 1.10, P < 0.01). Work injury risk increased with increasing severity of sleep problems (P < 0.05). Prior work injury frequency increased with decreasing sleep quality (P < 0.05). Older age, short sleep duration and long working hours may enhance the risk of work injuries associated with sleep quality.
Decline in intrahepatic cccDNA and increase in immune cell reactivity after 12 weeks of antiviral treatment were associated with HBeAg loss
Authors: Zheng Q. , Zhu Y. Y. , Chen J. , Liu Y. R. , You J. , Dong J. , Zeng D. W. , Gao L. Y. , Chen L. H. , Jiang J. J. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryViral load reduction facilitates recovery of antiviral T‐cell responses. Dynamic alterations in intrahepatic viraemia clearance and immune cell reactivity during the early phase of nucleoside analogue (NA) therapy and the impact of these changes on HBeAg seroconversion are unknown. Fifteen HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients were treated with adefovir dipivoxil. T‐cell reactivity to HBV core and surface antigens were tested using ELISPOT assay from baseline to week 48 post‐treatment (at 4‐week intervals). Before and at week 12 of treatment, paired liver biopsies were analysed for intrahepatic HBV‐DNA and cccDNA via real‐time fluorescent PCR. In situ detection of CD4+, CD8+ T cells and NK cells was analysed by immunohistochemistry. With viral load reduction, HBV‐specific IFN‐γ‐producing CD4+ T cells in patients with HBeAg loss were greatly enhanced and reached the highest level at week 12, with further increase observed between week 36 and week 48. After 12 weeks of treatment, total intrahepatic HBV‐DNA and cccDNA had significantly decreased; however, there was no difference in the viral loads or extent of reduction between patients with and without HBeAg loss. Paralleling reduction in viral load, intrahepatic CD8+T lymphocytes increased in patients with HBeAg loss compared with baseline values. Only one patient without HBeAg loss exhibited similar results. Increased immune cells were observed in certain patients along with reduced hepatic viral loads during the second phase of HBV‐DNA decline, which could promote the recovery of antiviral immunity and facilitate HBeAg loss.
Do groundwater dynamics drive spatial patterns of tree density and diversity in Neotropical savannas?
Authors: Villalobos‐Vega Randol , Salazar Ana , Miralles‐Wilhelm Fernando , Haridasan Mundayatan , Franco Augusto C. , Goldstein Guillermo 
Published: June 2014

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the temporal and spatial variations of groundwater depth along topographic gradients in Neotropical savannas? Are patterns of tree density and species diversity along topographic gradients in Neotropical savannas controlled by water table depth? Do soil and groundwater nutrient concentrations differ along topographic gradients in Neotropical savannas?LocationFire‐protected savannas of central Brazil.MethodsOver 16 mo, we monitored temporal and spatial variations in groundwater levels using automated submersible pressure transducers installed in ten wells located along two topographic gradients (five wells per gradient) of 950 m and 1703 m in length, representing elevations of 47 and 37 m a.s.l., respectively. We located the wells according to changes in vegetation physiognomies from woody savannas at high elevations, to open shrubby grasslands at low elevations. Along each topographic gradient we determined soil and groundwater nutrient concentrations as well as richness, density, basal diameter and height of trees within two plots of 14 × 14 m (392 m2) adjacent to each well.ResultsAlong the two gradients, groundwater levels exhibited larger fluctuations at lower than at higher elevations where the water table was deeper. Richness, density and diversity of trees decreased significantly at lower elevations where soils were waterlogged during the wet season. Soil pH and soil concentrations of carbon, nitrogen and manganese decreased significantly as elevation increased along the topographic gradients, but soil nutrient concentrations of phosphorus, aluminium and iron did not change with elevation. Groundwater samples contained only trace amounts of nutrients and were poorly correlated with elevation along the topographic gradients.ConclusionsIn Neotropical savannas, the minimum distance between the soil surface and water table depth (reached during the wet season) and the relatively large fluctuations in groundwater limit tree density and diversity at low elevations as savanna trees cannot cope with extended waterlogging during the wet season and with low soil water availability during the dry season. Thus, variations of tree density and diversity along topographic gradients are more related to spatial and temporal variations in water table depth than to soil and groundwater nutrient variations in Neotropical savannas.
Decline of dry grassland specialists in Mediterranean high‐mountain communities influenced by recent climate warming
Authors: Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Gavilán Rosario G. , Escudero Adrián , Iriondo José María , Fernández‐González Federico 
Published: June 2014

AbstractQuestionsWhat changes have occurred in Mediterranean high‐mountain communities during the last 50 yr? Do these changes reflect upward shifts and decline in dry grassland specialists due to climate warming?LocationUpper belt (1900–2400 m a.s.l.) in Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain.MethodsWe re‐surveyed dry grassland communities in 50 summits that were previously sampled between the 1960s and 1980s. New plots were placed in the same localities and the same conditions as the original surveys. Changes at the species level were evaluated by comparing, between the two survey periods, species frequencies and optimal altitude estimated by local distribution models done with Maxent. Changes at the community level were assessed by comparing species richness and composition of the two surveys in relation to altitude, plot size and time between surveys. We evaluated observed changes in the whole data set and species groups by structuring the species into dry grassland specialists, other alpine species and generalists occurring at wider altitudinal ranges.ResultsThere was a general decline in the frequency of dry grassland specialists, an increase in frequency of generalists and no clear trends in the other species. Upward shifts were mainly detected in generalists, with significant increases in frequency. At the community level, we found a general increase in species richness that was mainly determined by the increase in generalists; coupled with a decline in number of dry grassland specialists. The structure of the communities evidenced changes between the historical surveys and the re‐survey, which were mainly correlated with the number of years and the increasing dominance of generalists.ConclusionsIn contrast with trends observed in other Mediterranean high‐mountain communities, our study reports a general increase in species richness, although this effect is concurrent with a decline in dry grassland specialists. The observed trends support on‐going replacement of endemic species by low‐altitude species, and associated changes in community assemblages. Despite the limitations of re‐visitation studies for assessing climate‐driven changes, our results highlight the necessity of developing more studies for assessing the effects of drought in Mediterranean high‐mountain communities.
Seeing pedestrians at night: effect of driver age and visual abilities
Authors: Wood Joanne M. , Lacherez Philippe , Tyrrell Richard A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPurposeTo quantify the effects of driver age on night‐time pedestrian conspicuity, and to determine whether individual differences in visual performance can predict drivers' ability to recognise pedestrians at night.MethodsParticipants were 32 visually normal drivers (20 younger: M = 24.4 years ± 6.4 years; 12 older: M = 72.0 years ± 5.0 years). Visual performance was measured in a laboratory‐based testing session including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, motion sensitivity and the useful field of view. Night‐time pedestrian recognition distances were recorded while participants drove an instrumented vehicle along a closed road course at night; to increase the workload of drivers, auditory and visual distracter tasks were presented for some of the laps. Pedestrians walked in place, sideways to the oncoming vehicles, and wore either a standard high visibility reflective vest or reflective tape positioned on the movable joints (biological motion).ResultsDriver age and pedestrian clothing significantly (p < 0.05) affected the distance at which the drivers first responded to the pedestrians. Older drivers recognised pedestrians at approximately half the distance of the younger drivers and pedestrians were recognised more often and at longer distances when they wore a biological motion reflective clothing configuration than when they wore a reflective vest. Motion sensitivity was an independent predictor of pedestrian recognition distance, even when controlling for driver age.ConclusionsThe night‐time pedestrian recognition capacity of older drivers was significantly worse than that of younger drivers. The distance at which drivers first recognised pedestrians at night was best predicted by a test of motion sensitivity.
“It's Not Broke, So Let's Not Try to Fix It”: Why Patients Decline a Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device
Authors: OTTENBERG ABIGALE L. , MUELLER PAUL S. , TOPAZIAN RACHEL J. , KAUFMAN SHARON , SWETZ KEITH M. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundFew patients decline therapy of a cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED), and little is known about the characteristics or reasoning of those who do. Our objective was to describe the reasons why patients decline CIED implantation using qualitative methods.MethodsQualitative, engaging thematic analysis. Three patient focus groups led by two trained facilitators and one semi‐structured interview guide.ResultsOf the 13 patients, two were women and all were white (median age [range], 65 [44–88] years). Five themes emerged: (1) don't mess with a good thing; (2) my health is good enough; (3) independent decision making; (4) it's your job, but it's my choice; and (5) gaps in learning. Most patients who decline CIEDs are asymptomatic. Other reasons to decline included feeling well, enjoying life, acceptance of the future, desire to try to improve health through diet and exercise, hearing of negative CIED experiences, and unwillingness to take on associated risks of CIED implantation. A medical record review showed that clinicians understand patients’ reasons for declining CIED treatment. However, focus group data suggest that gaps in patients’ knowledge around the purpose and function of CIEDs exist and patients may benefit from targeted education.ConclusionsPatients decline implantation of CIEDs for various reasons. Most patients who decline therapy are asymptomatic at the time of their device consult. Focus group information show data suggestive that device consultations should be enhanced to address gaps in patient learning and confirm knowledge transfer. Clinicians should revisit treatment options iteratively.
Arabidopsis cytosolic alpha‐glycan phosphorylase, PHS2, is important during carbohydrate imbalanced conditions
Authors: Schopper S. , Mühlenbock P. , Sörensson C. , Hellborg L. , Lenman M. , Widell S. , Fettke J. , Andreasson E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractArabidopsis thaliana has two isoforms of alpha‐glycan phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.1), one residing in the plastid and the other in the cytosol. The cytosolic phosphorylase, PHS2, acts on soluble heteroglycans that constitute a part of the carbohydrate pool in a plant. This study aimed to define a physiological role for PHS2. Under standard growth conditions phs2 knock‐out mutants do not show any clear growth phenotype, and we hypothesised that during low‐light conditions where carbohydrate imbalance is perturbed, this enzyme is important. Soil‐grown phs2 mutant plants developed leaf lesions when placed in very low light. Analysis of soluble heteroglycan (SHG) levels showed that the amount of glucose residues in SHG was higher in the phs2 mutant compared to wild‐type plants. Furthermore, a standard senescence assay from soil‐grown phs2 mutant plants showed that leaves senesced significantly faster in darkness than the wild‐type leaves. We also found decreased hypocotyl extension in in vitro‐grown phs2 mutant seedlings when grown for long time in darkness at 6 °C. We conclude that PHS2 activity is important in the adult stage during low‐light conditions and senescence, as well as during prolonged seedling development when carbohydrate levels are unbalanced.