bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fusion‐Optimized Intervals (FOI): A New Method to Achieve the Narrowest QRS for Optimization of the AV and VV Intervals in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: ARBELO ELENA , TOLOSANA JOSÉ MARÍA , TRUCCO EMILCE , PENELA DIEGO , BORRÀS ROGER , DOLTRA ADELINA , ANDREU DAVID , ACEÑA MARTA , BERRUEZO ANTONIO , SITGES MARTA , MANSOUR FADI , CASTEL ÁNGELES , MATAS MARIONA , BRUGADA JOSEP , MONT LLUÍS 
Published: November 2013

QRS‐Based Optimization of Cardiac ResynchronizationBackgroundOptimization of atrioventricular (AV) and interventricular (VV) intervals may improve cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response but is a complex task. Fusion with intrinsic conduction may increase the benefit of CRT. The aim was to describe fusion‐optimized intervals (FOI), a new method of optimizing CRT based on QRS duration.Methods and ResultsSeventy‐six consecutive patients with preserved AV conduction who received CRT were prospectively included. The AV interval was optimized by searching the narrowest QRS obtained within the fusion band during left ventricular (LV) pacing. The VV interval was then adjusted, comparing QRS duration in simultaneous biventricular, LV preexcitation (−30 milliseconds), right ventricular (RV) preexcitation (−30 milliseconds) and LV‐only pacing. A substudy in 31 patients evaluated the invasive LV +dP/dtmax.The best fusion‐optimized AV interval was 136 ± 30 milliseconds during atrial sensing and 192 ± 35 milliseconds during atrial pacing. The best QRS was obtained with simultaneous biventricular pacing in 28 patients (37%), LV preexcitation in 22 (29%), LV‐only in 20 (26%), and RV preexcitation in 6 (8%). Baseline QRS was shortened more by FOI (59 ± 19 milliseconds) than by nominal settings (40 ± 21 milliseconds; P < 0.001). Sixty‐five patients (86%) showed >10% shortening of the baseline QRS with FOI; none prolonged the QRS duration by FOI compared to nominal settings. All echocardiographic asynchrony parameters were corrected by FOI. Baseline +dP/dtmax improvement was greater in FOI (127 ± 95 mmHg/seconds) than in nominal settings (102 ± 71 mmHg/seconds; P = 0.05).ConclusionThe FOI method is feasible, further reduces QRS duration, and improves acute hemodynamic response compared to nominal programming of CRT.
A Novel Biomarker‐Based Approach for the Detection of Asymptomatic Brain Injury During Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SRAMKO MAREK , PEICHL PETR , WICHTERLE DAN , TINTERA JAROSLAV , MAXIAN RADOSLAV , WEICHET JIRI , KNESPLOVA LENKA , FRANEKOVA JANKA , PASNISINOVA SILVIA , KAUTZNER JOSEF 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundDiffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) is a widely used method for studying of asymptomatic brain injury during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, this technique lacks sensitivity for subtle or diffuse brain lesions. We investigated whether detection of the ablation‐related brain injury can improve by assessment of a biomarker of brain damage—protein S100B.Methods and ResultsDW‐MRI and assessment of S100B were performed in 58 patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal or persistent AF 1 day before and after the procedure. We observed no symptomatic neurological complications. S100B levels increased after ablation above the upper reference limit of 105 ng/L in 3 patients. One of them developed a new ischemic lesion on the DW‐MRI. No acute lesions emerged on DW‐MRI in the patients with normal postablation S100B levels.ConclusionSerial assessment of serum protein S100B may improve detection of asymptomatic acute brain injury in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF. In our study, the incidence of these events was 1.7% when evaluated only by DW‐MRI, but the incidence increased to 5% after employing the more sensitive biomarker‐based approach.
Clinical appraisal of the recently proposed Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B subclassification by survival analysis
Authors: Ha Yeonjung , Shim Ju Hyun , Kim Seon‐Ok , Kim Kang Mo , Lim Young‐Suk , Lee Han Chu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and AimTo evaluate the usefulness of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B subclassification (B1–B4) proposed by Bolondi et al. in subjects with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transarterial chemoembolization according to the current Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer policy.MethodsA total of 466 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B patients initially treated with transarterial chemoembolization were included. The subclassification system was tested and modified on the basis of correlation with survival outcomes, which were examined by Kaplan–Meier method and log–rank test.ResultsThere were 101 (21.7%), 232 (49.8%), 35 (7.5%), and 98 (21.0%) patients in B1, B2, B3, and B4, respectively. There was a significant difference in median survival time between B1 and B2 (41.0 vs 22.1 months, P ≤ 0.001), and B2 and B3 (22.1 vs 14.1 months, P = 0.004), but not between B3 and B4 (14.1 vs 17.2 months, P = 0.48). We, therefore, developed a modified subclassification, in which B3 subclass was merged with B4 as BIII, and BI and BII corresponded to B1 and B2. The median survival times differed between all three modified subclasses (41.0 vs 22.1 vs 16.6 months, P ≤ 0.001), and multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the modified Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B subclasses independently predicted overall survival (hazard ratios, 1.92 and 2.78 for BII and BIII vs BI; P < 0.001 for each).ConclusionsThe modified subclassification, which divides the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B stage into three substages, would be an effective tool for stratifying this heterogeneous population and facilitating per‐subclass‐based treatment options.
Characterization of a novel DUF1618 gene family in rice
Authors: Wang Lan , Shen Rongxin , Chen Le‐Tian , Liu Yao‐Guang 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDomain of unknown function (DUF) proteins represent a number of gene families that encode functionally uncharacterized proteins in eukaryotes. For example, DUF1618 family members in plants possess a 56–199‐amino acid conserved domain and this family has not been described previously. Here, we report the characterization of 121 DUF1618 genes identified in the rice genome. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the rice DUF1618 family was divided into two major groups, each group consisting of two clades. Most DUF1618 genes with close phylogenetic relationships are located in gene clusters on the chromosomes, indicating that gene duplications increased the number of DUF1618 genes. A search for DUF1618 genes in genomic and/or expressed sequence tag databases for 35 other plant species showed that DUF1618 genes are only present in several monocot plants, suggesting that DUF1618 is a new gene family that originated after the dicot–monocot divergence. Based on public microarray databases, most rice DUF1618 genes are expressed at relatively low levels. Further experimental analysis showed that the transcriptional levels of some DUF1618 genes varied in different cultivars, and some responded to stress and hormone conditions, suggesting their important roles for development and fitness in rice (Oryza sativa L.).
Diversity characterization and association analysis of agronomic traits in a Chinese peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) mini‐core collection
Authors: Jiang Huifang , Huang Li , Ren Xiaoping , Chen Yuning , Zhou Xiaojing , Xia Youlin , Huang Jiaquan , Lei Yong , Yan Liying , Wan Liyun , Liao Boshou 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAssociation mapping is a powerful approach for exploring the molecular basis of phenotypic variations in plants. A peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) mini‐core collection in China comprising 298 accessions was genotyped using 109 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, which identified 554 SSR alleles and phenotyped for 15 agronomic traits in three different environments, exhibiting abundant genetic and phenotypic diversity within the panel. A model‐based structure analysis assigned all accessions to three groups. Most of the accessions had the relative kinship of less than 0.05, indicating that there were no or weak relationships between accessions of the mini‐core collection. For 15 agronomic traits in the peanut panel, generally theQ + Kmodel exhibited the best performance to eliminate the false associated positives compared to theQmodel and the general linear model‐simple model. In total, 89 SSR alleles were identified to be associated with 15 agronomic traits of three environments by theQ + Kmodel‐based association analysis. Of these, eight alleles were repeatedly detected in two or three environments, and 15 alleles were commonly detected to be associated with multiple agronomic traits. Simple sequence repeat allelic effects confirmed significant differences between different genotypes of these repeatedly detected markers. Our results demonstrate the great potential of integrating the association analysis and marker‐assisted breeding by utilizing the peanut mini‐core collection.
Why mosaic? Gene expression profiling of African cassava mosaic virus‐infected cassava reveals the effect of chlorophyll degradation on symptom development
Authors: Liu Jiao , Yang Jun , Bi Huiping , Zhang Peng 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCassava mosaic disease, caused by cassava begomoviruses, is the most serious disease for cassava in Africa. However, the pathogenesis of this disease is poorly understood. We employed high throughput digital gene expression profiling based on the Illumina Solexa sequencing technology to investigate the global transcriptional response of cassava to African cassava mosaic virus infection. We found that 3,210 genes were differentially expressed in virus‐infected cassava leaves. Gene ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that genes implicated in photosynthesis were most affected, consistent with the chlorotic symptoms observed in infected leaves. The upregulation of chlorophyll degradation genes, including the genes encoding chlorophyllase, pheophytinase, and pheophorbide a oxygenase, and downregulation of genes encoding the major apoproteins in light‐harvesting complex II were confirmed by qRT‐PCR. These findings, together with the reduction of chlorophyll b content and fewer grana stacks in the infected leaf cells, reveal that the degradation of chlorophyll plays an important role in African cassava mosaic virus symptom development. This study will provide a road map for future investigations into viral pathogenesis.
Neuroprotective and symptomatic effects of targeting group IIImGlu receptors in neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Williams Claire J. , Dexter David T. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNeurodegenerative disorders possess common pathological mechanisms, such as protein aggregation, inflammation, oxidative stress (OS) and excitotoxicity, raising the possibility of shared therapeutic targets. As a result of the selective cellular and regional expression of group III metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors, drugs targeting such receptors have demonstrated both neuroprotective properties and symptomatic improvements in several models of neurodegeneration. In recent years, the discovery and development of subtype‐selective ligands for the group IIImGlu receptors has gained pace, allowing further research into the functions of these receptors and revealing their roles in health and disease. Activation of this class of receptors results in neuroprotection, with a variety of underlying mechanisms implicated. Group IIImGlu receptor stimulation prevents excitotoxicity by inhibiting glutamate release from neurons and microglia and increasing glutamate uptake by astrocytes. It also attenuates the neuroinflammatory response by reducing glial reactivity and encourages neurotrophic phenotypes. This article will review the current literature with regard to the neuroprotective and symptomatic effects of group IIImGlu receptor activation and discuss their promise as therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disease.imageWe review the neuroprotective and symptomatic effects of targeting group III mGlu receptors in neurodegenerative disease: Excess extracellular glutamate causes overactivation of NMDA receptors resulting in excitotoxicity. Externalization of phosphatidylserine stimulates phagocytosis of neurons by activated microglia, which contribute to damage through glutamate and pro‐inflammatory factor release. Reactive astrocytes produce cytotoxic factors enhancing neuronal cell death. Activation of group III mGlu receptors by glutamate and/or mGlu receptor ligands results in inhibition of glutamate release from presynaptic terminals and microglia, reducing excitotoxicity. Astrocytic glutamate uptake is increased and microglia produce neurotrophic factors.
INEQUALITY AND HAPPINESS
Authors: Ferrer‐i‐Carbonell Ada , Ramos Xavier 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn recent years there has been an accumulation of empirical evidence suggesting that individuals dislike inequality. The literature has built upon estimating the degree of this dislike as well as its causes. The use of self‐reported measures of satisfaction or well‐being as a proxy for utility has been one of the empirical strategies used to this end. In this survey, we review the papers that estimate or examine the relationship between inequality and self‐reported happiness to conclude that inequality correlates negatively with happiness in Western societies. Some of the surveyed papers identify particular sources of heterogeneity on preferences over inequality. The evidence for non‐Western societies is more mixed and less reliable. Notwithstanding that, trust in the institutions seems to play an important role in shaping the relationship between income inequality and subjective well‐being. We conclude with suggestions for further research.
Monitoring Persistent Platelet Reactivity in Patients with Unprotected Left Main Stenting
Authors: DILLINGER JEAN‐GUILLAUME , SIDERIS GEORGIOS , KCHAOU IHEB , BAL DIT SOLLIER CLAIRE , MANZO SILBERMAN STEPHANE , VOICU SEBASTIAN , MAGKOUTIS NIKOLAOS , LOGEART DAMIEN , DROUET LUDOVIC , HENRY PATRICK ,   for the ALMA (Angioplasty of Left Main – lAriboisiere) study
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveThis study sought to determine the rate and potential clinical impact of persistent platelet reactivity (PPR) in unprotected left main (ULMD) stenting.BackgroundPPR under aspirin or thienopyridines is associated with acute events after angioplasty.MethodsWe prospectively included 125 patients referred for ULMD stenting. For the first 64 patients (ALMA‐1), angioplasty was performed under aspirin and clopidogrel without platelet reactivity assessment. For the last 61 patients (ALMA‐2), platelet reactivity was assessed before angioplasty: in patients with aspirin‐related PPR, aspirin twice daily was given and in those with clopidogrel‐related PPR, clopidogrel double dose or prasugrel was used.ResultsOverall, patients' mean age was 69 ± 13 years, 37% were diabetic, and 37% had non‐ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Patients' characteristics were similar in both studies with isolated left main in 14% and associated with 1‐, 2‐, or 3‐vessel disease in 23%, 36%, and 27%, respectively. Mean SYNTAX score was 23 ± 9. Procedural characteristics were similar using provisional T stenting in 69%, T stenting in 27%, and other techniques in 4%. In ALMA‐2, 28% patients had PPR for aspirin, 29% for clopidogrel, and 8% for both. Aspirin twice daily was given in 28% of patients, clopidogrel double dose in 26%, and prasugrel in 31%. The rate of 1‐year major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was lower in ALMA‐2 versus ALMA‐1 (8.2% vs. 20.8%; P = 0.04) as a composite end‐point of cardiovascular death or stent thrombosis (0.0% vs. 8.3%; P = 0.02).ConclusionPPR under aspirin and thienopyridines is frequent in ULMD stenting and could be related to subsequent major events.
Consensus statement on the diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up of patients with primary adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Husebye E. S. , Allolio B. , Arlt W. , Badenhoop K. , Bensing S. , Betterle C. , Falorni A. , Gan E. H. , Hulting A.‐L. , Kasperlik‐Zaluska A. , Kämpe O. , Løvås K. , Meyer G. , Pearce S. H. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPrimary adrenal insufficiency (PAI), or Addison's disease, is a rare, potentially deadly, but treatable disease. Most cases of PAI are caused by autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex. Consequently, patients with PAI are at higher risk of developing other autoimmune diseases. The diagnosis of PAI is often delayed by many months, and most patients present with symptoms of acute adrenal insufficiency. Because PAI is rare, even medical specialists in this therapeutic area rarely manage more than a few patients. Currently, the procedures for diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up of this rare disease vary greatly within Europe. The common autoimmune form of PAI is characterized by the presence of 21‐hydroxylase autoantibodies; other causes should be sought if no autoantibodies are detected. Acute adrenal crisis is a life‐threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. Standard replacement therapy consists of multiple daily doses of hydrocortisone or cortisone acetate combined with fludrocortisone. Annual follow‐up by an endocrinologist is recommended with the focus on optimization of replacement therapy and detection of new autoimmune diseases. Patient education to enable self‐adjustment of dosages of replacement therapy and crisis prevention is particularly important in this disease. The authors of this document have collaborated within an EU project (Euadrenal) to study the pathogenesis, describe the natural course and improve the treatment for Addison's disease. Based on a synthesis of this research, the available literature, and the views and experiences of the consortium's investigators and key experts, we now attempt to provide a European Expert Consensus Statement for diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up.
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): Linguistic Validation of the Italian Version
Authors: Filocamo Maria Teresa , Serati Maurizio , Li Marzi Vincenzo , Costantini Elisabetta , Milanesi Martina , Pietropaolo Amelia , Polledro Patrizio , Gentile Barbara , Maruccia Serena , Fornia Samanta , Lauri Irene , Alei Rosanna , Arcangeli Paola , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Manassero Francesca , Andretta Elena , Palazzetti Anna , Bertelli Elena , Del Popolo Giulio , Villari Donata 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Although several new measurements for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) have recently been developed, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) remains the gold standard for screening and one of the most widely used questionnaires. The Italian translation of the FSFI has been used in several studies conducted in Italy, but a linguistic validation of the Italian version does not exist.

Aim
The aim of this study was to perform a linguistic validation of the Italian version of the FSFI.

Methods
A multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 14 urological and gynecological clinics, uniformly distributed over Italian territory. We performed all steps necessary to determine the reliability and the test–retest reliability of the Italian version of the FSFI. The study population was a convenience sample of 409 Italian women.

Main Outcome Measures
The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated using Cronbach's alpha, which was considered weak, moderate, or high if its value was found less than 0.6, between 0.6 and 0.8, or equal to or greater than 0.8, respectively. The test–retest reliability was assessed for all women in the sample by calculating Pearson's concordance correlation coefficient for each domain and for the total score, both at baseline and after 15 days (r range between −1.00 to +1.00, where +1.00 indicates the strongest positive association).

Results
Cronbach's alpha coefficents for total and domain score were sufficiently high, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 for the total sample. The test–retest procedure revealed that the concordance correlation coefficient was very high both for FSFI-I total score (Pearson's P = 0.93) and for each domain (Pearson's P always &gt;0.92).

Conclusion
For the first time in the literature, our study has produced a validated and reliable Italian version of the FSFI questionnaire. Consequently, the Italian FSFI can be used as a reliable tool for preliminary screening for female sexual dysfunction for Italian women.
Psychological distress in mothers of children admitted to a nutritional rehabilitation unit in Malawi – a comparison with other paediatric wards
Authors: Colman Sarah , Stewart Robert C , MacArthur Christine , Kennedy Neil , Tomenson Barbara , Creed Francis 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn a previous study we found a very high prevalence of psychological distress in mothers of children admitted to a nutritional rehabilitation unit (NRU) in Malawi, Africa. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence and severity of maternal distress within the NRU with that in other paediatric wards. Given the known association between poor maternal psychological well‐being and child undernutrition in low‐ and middle‐income countries, we hypothesised that distress would be higher among NRU mothers. Mothers of consecutive paediatric inpatients in a NRU, a high‐dependency (and research) unit and an oncology ward were assessed for psychological distress using the Self‐Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ). Two hundred sixty‐eight mothers were interviewed (90.3% of eligible). The prevalence of SRQ score ≥8 was 35/150 {23.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.8– 30.9%]} on the NRU, 13/84 [15.5% (95% CI 8.5–25.0%)] on the high‐dependency unit and 7/34 [20.6% (95% CI 8.7–37.9%)] on the oncology ward (χ2 = 2.04, P = 0.36). In linear regression analysis, the correlates of higher SRQ score were child diarrhoea on admission, child diagnosed with tuberculosis, and maternal experience of abuse by partner; child height‐for‐age z‐score fell only just outside significance (P = 0.05). In summary, we found no evidence of greater maternal distress among the mothers of severely malnourished children within the NRU compared with mothers of paediatric inpatients with other severe illnesses. However, in support of previous research findings, we found some evidence that poor maternal psychological well‐being is associated with child stunting and diarrhoea.
The Aurora B kinase in Trypanosoma brucei undergoes post‐translational modifications and is targeted to various subcellular locations through binding to TbCPC1
Authors: Hu Huiqing , Yu Zhonglian , Liu Yi , Wang Tao , Wei Ying , Li Ziyin 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) in animals, consisting of Aurora B kinase and three evolutionarily conserved proteins, plays crucial roles in mitosis and cytokinesis. However, Trypanosoma brucei expresses an unusual CPC consisting of an Aurora‐like kinase, TbAUK1, and two kinetoplastid‐specific proteins, TbCPC1 and TbCPC2. Despite their essential functions, little is known about the regulation of TbAUK1 and the roles of TbCPC1 and TbCPC2. Here, we investigate the effect of post‐translational modification on the activity and spatiotemporal control of TbAUK1, and demonstrate that phosphorylation of two conserved threonine residues in the activation loop of the kinase domain contributes to TbAUK1 activation and function. TbAUK1 is SUMOylated in vivo, and mutation of the SUMO‐conjugation site compromises TbAUK1 function. Degradation of TbAUK1 requires two destruction boxes and is mediated by the anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), whereas degradation of TbCPC1 and TbCPC2 is not dependent on the predicted destruction boxes and is APC/C‐independent. Moreover, we determine the domains in CPC subunits that mediate the pairwise interactions, and show that disruption of the interaction impairs the localization of TbAUK1 and TbCPC2 but not TbCPC1. Our results demonstrate the requirement of post‐translational modifications for TbAUK1 function and a crucial role of TbCPC1 in mediating TbAUK1 localization.