bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of white blood cell counts by WNR, WDF, and WPC channels in Sysmex XN hematology analyzer
Authors: Kim H. , Hur M. , Choi S.‐G. , Oh K.‐M. , Moon H.‐W. , Yun Y.‐M. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryIntroductionThe Sysmex XN modular system (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) uses a novel technology for white blood cell (WBC) count and differential, using separate channels: white cell nucleated (WNR), WBC differential (WDF), and white progenitor cell (WPC) channels. We questioned how concordant WBC counts would be between them.MethodsIn a total of 6327 consecutive specimens, WBC counts were compared between WNR and WDF channels. They were also compared in three groups of WBC counts and two groups of chemotherapy status. In 508 specimens from the 4361 specimens that were run on the XN‐20 module, the WPC channel was used for reflex test. Data were compared using Pearson's correlation, absolute difference, and percent difference (%D).ResultsWBC counts between WNR and WDF channels showed very high correlations in total specimens (r = 0.9976) and in the groups of WBC counts and chemotherapy. As WBC count increased, absolute difference increased, while %D decreased (P < 0.0001, both). Percent difference was 1.55% in total specimens and showed the highest value in the severe leukopenia group (<1.0 × 109/L, 6.18%).ConclusionsThis is the first large‐scale study on novel channel technology for WBC counts in the Sysmex XN. WBC counts by WNR, WDF, and WPC channels are highly correlated, and they are overall interchangeable and reliable.
Sirtuin/Uncoupling Protein Gene Variants and Carotid Plaque Area and Morphology
Authors: Dong Chuanhui , Della-Morte David , Cabral Digna , Wang Liyong , Blanton Susan H. , Seemant Chaturvedi , Sacco Ralph L. , Rundek Tatjana 
Published: September 2015

Background Sirtuins and uncoupling proteins have been implicated in cardiovascular diseases by controlling oxidative stress. Aims We sought to investigate the association of sirtuins and uncoupling proteins single nucleotide polymorphisms with total carotid plaque area and morphology measured by ultrasonographic gray scale median. Methods We analyzed 1356 stroke-free subjects (60% women, mean age = 68 ± 9 years) from the Northern Manhattan Study. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the association of 85 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 11 sirtuins/uncoupling protein genes with total plaque area and gray scale median after controlling for demographics, vascular risk factors (RFs), and population stratification. We investigated effect modifications of these relationship by gender and RFs and performed stratified analysis if the interaction effect had P < 0·005. Results Among individuals with present plaque (55%), the mean total plaque area was 20·3 ± 20·8 mm2 and gray scale median 90 ± 29. After adjustment, SIRT6 rs107251 was significantly associated with total plaque area ( β = 0·30 per copy of T allele increase, Bonferroni-corrected P = 0·005). T allele carriers of rs1430583 in UCP1 showed a decreased gray scale median in women but not in men. The minor allele carriers of rs4980329 and rs12363280 in SIRT3 had higher gray scale median in men but not in women. Variants in UCP3 gene were significantly associated with higher mean gray scale median in individuals with dyslipidemia. Conclusion Our findings suggest that polymorphisms in SIRT6/UCP1 genes may be important for increased carotid plaque burden and echodensity, but translation of these findings to an individual risk of cerebrovascular events needs further investigation. Significant associations of rs1430583 in women, rs12363280 in men, and rs1685354 in those with dyslipidemia also deserve further investigations.
Clinicopathological characteristics and oncological outcomes in patients with renal cell carcinoma registered in 2007: The first large‐scale multicenter study from the Cancer Registration Committee of the Japanese Urological Association
Authors: Kanayama Hiro‐omi , Fukumori Tomoharu , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Ohyama Chikara , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Eto Masatoshi , Miki Tsuneharu , Kamoi Kazumi , Kubota Yoshinobu , Takahashi Satoru , Homma Yukio , Naito Seiji 
Published: September 2015

ObjectivesTo describe the clinicopathological features and oncological outcomes of renal cell carcinoma diagnosed in Japan in 2007, the results of the large‐scale renal cell carcinoma registration study carried out by the Japanese Urological Association are reported.MethodsThe renal cell carcinoma survey was carried out by the Japanese Urological Association in 2012 to register newly diagnosed renal cell carcinoma cases in 2007 from 340 institutions nationwide. The survey included clinicopathological details, such as sex, age, family history, past history, smoking history, body mass index, reason for diagnosis, TNM classification, stage, histopathology, treatment and clinical outcomes.ResultsA total of 3663 cases diagnosed in 2007 were registered in this renal cell carcinoma registry program from 340 institutions. A total of 15 patients with a final diagnosis of oncocytoma were excluded, and 3648 cases of renal cell carcinoma were analyzed to evaluate oncological outcomes. The patients’ median age was 63.9 years (range 5.9–95.1 years). Clear cell renal cell carcinoma was the most common histological subtype (77.2%), followed by papillary (5.0%) and chromophobe (3.2%) renal cell carcinoma. The most common initial treatment was radical nephrectomy (72.6%), and the most common secondary treatment was cytokine therapy (13.1%). Five‐year overall survival rates in stages I, II, III, and IV were 94.8%, 90.2%, 78.8% and 39.6%, respectively. The 5‐year overall survival rates for clear cell, papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinomas, and carcinoma of the collecting ducts of Bellini were 88.6%, 79.8%, 93.0% and 40.0%, respectively.ConclusionsThe present report is the first nationwide large‐scale study to describe the clinicopathological characteristics and oncological outcomes of patients with renal cell carcinoma in Japan. Oncological outcomes depend on the clinical stage and histological subtype. Further investigations will be required to show improved oncological outcomes in the molecular targeted therapy era using the results of the present study as a baseline.
Thalidomide in angiodysplasia‐related bleeding
Authors: Boey J. P. , Hahn U. , Sagheer S. , McRae S. J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractGastrointestinal haemorrhage from angiodysplastic lesions is not only difficult to identify, but often refractory to endoscopic intervention. Patients often require substantial transfusion support. Thalidomide has emerged as a promising medical strategy in angiodysplasia‐related bleeding. We present our experience and report the findings from a review of the literature. Despite its side‐effect profile, thalidomide remains the therapeutic modality with the best evidence in this difficult clinical scenario.
Risk of suicide in Australian adults with diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Davis W. A. , Starkstein S. E. , Bruce D. G. , Davis T. M. E. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractType 1 diabetes is associated with increased suicide risk. Data for older diabetic individuals are inconsistent. In longitudinal data from 1413 adults recruited to the Fremantle Diabetes Study from 1993–1996 and 5660 matched non‐diabetic residents, followed to end‐2012, the age and sex‐adjusted sub‐hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for suicide in diabetic versus non‐diabetic individuals was 1.16 (0.38–3.51). Older Australians with diabetes are not at increased suicide risk.
Building a sustainable clinical academic workforce to meet the future healthcare needs of Australia and New Zealand: report from the first summit meeting
Authors: Windsor J. , Searle J. , Hanney R. , Chapman A. , Grigg M. , Choong P. , Mackay A. , Smithers B. M. , Churchill J. A. , Carney S. , Smith J. A. , Wainer Z. , Talley N. J. , Gladman M. A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe delivery of healthcare that meets the requirements for quality, safety and cost‐effectiveness relies on a well‐trained medical workforce, including clinical academics whose career includes a specific commitment to research, education and/or leadership. In 2011, the Medical Deans of Australia and New Zealand published a review on the clinical academic workforce and recommended the development of an integrated training pathway for clinical academics. A bi‐national Summit on Clinical Academic Training was recently convened to bring together all relevant stakeholders to determine how best to do this. An important part understood the lessons learnt from the UK experience after 10 years since the introduction of an integrated training pathway. The outcome of the summit was to endorse strongly the recommendations of the medical deans. A steering committee has been established to identify further stakeholders, solicit more information from stakeholder organisations, convene a follow‐up summit meeting in late 2015, recruit pilot host institutions and engage the government and future funders.
CD73‐mediated adenosine production promotes stem cell‐like properties in mouse Tc17 cells
Authors: Flores‐Santibáñez Felipe , Fernández Dominique , Meza Daniel , Tejón Gabriela , Vargas Leonardo , Varela‐Nallar Lorena , Arredondo Sebastián , Guixé Victoria , Rosemblatt Mario , Bono María Rosa , Sauma Daniela 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe CD73 ectonucleotidase catalyses the hydrolysis of AMP to adenosine, an immunosuppressive molecule. Recent evidence has demonstrated that this ectonucleotidase is up‐regulated in T helper type 17 cells when generated in the presence of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and hence CD73 expression is related to the acquisition of immunosuppressive potential by these cells. TGF‐β is also able to induce CD73 expression in CD8+ T cells but the function of this ectonucleotidase in CD8+ T cells is still unknown. Here, we show that Tc17 cells present high levels of the CD73 ectonucleotidase and produce adenosine; however, they do not suppress the proliferation of CD4+ T cells. Interestingly, we report that adenosine signalling through A2A receptor favours interleukin‐17 production and the expression of stem cell‐associated transcription factors such as tcf‐7 and lef‐1 but restrains the acquisition of Tc1‐related effector molecules such as interferon‐γ and Granzyme B by Tc17 cells. Within the tumour microenvironment, CD73 is highly expressed in CD62L+ CD127+ CD8+ T cells (memory T cells) and is down‐regulated in GZMB+ KLRG1+ CD8+ T cells (terminally differentiated T cells), demonstrating that CD73 is expressed in memory/naive cells and is down‐regulated during differentiation. These data reveal a novel function of CD73 ectonucleotidase in arresting CD8+ T‐cell differentiation and support the idea that CD73‐driven adenosine production by Tc17 cells may promote stem cell‐like properties in Tc17 cells.
A Novel Highly Sensitive Humidity Sensor Based on ZnO/SBA‐15 Hybrid Nanocomposite
Authors: Tomer Vijay K. , Duhan Surender , Malik Ritu , Nehra Satya P. , Devi Sunita 
Published: September 2015

This work deals with the study of hydrothermally synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) loaded mesoporous SBA‐15 hybrid nanocomposite for relative humidity sensing (RH) at room temperature. The sensor exhibits an excellent ~5 orders impedance change along with excellent linearity, quick response time (17 s), rapid recovery time (18 s), negligible hysteresis (1.2%), good repeatability, and stability (1.8%) in 11%–98% RH range. In addition, complex impedance spectra of the sensor at different RHs were analyzed to understand the humidity sensing mechanism. Our study can open a new way for realizing ZnO/SBA‐15 hybrid nanocomposite for fabrication of high‐performance RH sensors.
Cerium Titanate (Ce2Ti2O7): A Ferroelectric Ceramic with Perovskite‐Like Layered Structure (PLS)
Authors: Gao Zhipeng , Liu Lixin , Han Xu , Meng Xiangfu , Cao Linhong , Ma Guohua , Liu Yusheng , Yang Jia , Xie Qinghai , He Hongliang 
Published: September 2015

A perovskite‐like layer‐structured compound, Ce2Ti2O7, was prepared in the argon atmosphere using solid reaction process. Single phase and dense Ce2Ti2O7 ceramic was fabricated by high‐pressure sintering at 4 GPa and 1100°C. This compound is unstable in oxygen/air when temperature is above 400°C, but it is stable under argon/vacuum. Differential scanning calorimetry result shown Ce2Ti2O7 has a phase transition at 1073°C, which might be the Curie point. The ferroelectricity of Ce2Ti2O7 was confirmed by the piezoelectric activity after poling (d33 = 0.4 ± 0.2 pC/N) for the first time.
Project SEARCH UK – Evaluating Its Employment Outcomes
Authors: Kaehne Axel 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundThe study reports the findings of an evaluation of Project SEARCH UK. The programme develops internships for young people with intellectual disabilities who are about to leave school or college. The aim of the evaluation was to investigate at what rate Project SEARCH provided employment opportunities to participants.MethodsThe evaluation obtained data from all sites operational in the UK at the time of evaluation (n = 17) and analysed employment outcomes.ResultsData were available for 315 young people (n = 315) in the programme and pay and other employment related data were available for a subsample. The results of the analysis suggest that Project SEARCH achieves on average employment rates of around 50 per cent.ConclusionProject SEARCH UK represents a valuable addition to the supported employment provision in the UK. Its unique model should inform discussions around best practice in supported employment. Implications for other supported employment programmes are discussed.
Breaking out of biogeographical modules: range expansion and taxon cycles in the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole
Authors: Economo Evan P. , Sarnat Eli M. , Janda Milan , Clouse Ronald , Klimov Pavel B. , Fischer Georg , Blanchard Benjamin D. , Ramirez Lizette N. , Andersen Alan N. , Berman Maia , Guénard Benoit , Lucky Andrea , Rabeling Christian , Wilson Edward O. , Knowles L. Lacey 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimWe sought to reconstruct the biogeographical structure and dynamics of a hyperdiverse ant genus, Pheidole, and to test several predictions of the taxon cycle hypothesis. Using large datasets on Pheidole geographical distributions and phylogeny, we (1) inferred patterns of biogeographical modularity (clusters of areas with similar faunal composition), (2) tested whether species in open habitats are more likely to be expanding their range beyond module boundaries, and (3) tested whether there is a bias of lineage flow from high‐ to low‐diversity areas.LocationThe Old World.MethodsWe compiled and jointly analysed a comprehensive database of Pheidole geographical distributions, the ecological affinities of different species, and a multilocus phylogeny of the Old World radiation. We used network modularity methods to infer biogeographical structure in the genus and comparative methods to evaluate the hypotheses.ResultsThe network analysis identified eight biogeographical modules, and a suite of species with anomalous ranges that are statistically more likely to occur in open habitat, supporting the hypothesis that open habitats promote range expansion. Phylogenetic analysis shows evidence for a cascade pattern of colonization from Asia to New Guinea to the Pacific, but no ‘upstream’ colonization in the reverse direction.Main conclusionsThe distributions of Pheidole lineages in the Old World are highly modular, with modules generally corresponding to biogeographical regions inferred in other groups of organisms. However, some lineages have expanded their ranges across module boundaries, and these species are more likely to be adapted to open habitats rather than interior forest. In addition, there is a cascade pattern of dispersal from higher to lower diversity areas during these range expansions. Our findings are consistent with the taxon cycle hypothesis, although they do not rule out alternative interpretations.
Long‐Term Results of Radiofrequency Hot Balloon Ablation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Safety and Rhythm Outcomes
Authors: YAMAGUCHI YOSHIO , SOHARA HIROSHI , TAKEDA HIROSHI , NAKAMURA YOSHINORI , IHARA MINORU , HIGUCHI SATOSHI , SATAKE SHUTARO 
Published: September 2015

Long‐Term Outcomes Following Hot Balloon AblationIntroductionIsolation of pulmonary veins (PVs) and the posterior left atrium (LA) can be safely performed by radiofrequency hot balloon (RHB)‐based box isolation. However, data on long‐term effects for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) by the use of this method remain limited.Methods and ResultsWe treated 238 patients with paroxysmal AF (194 male; age. 62.6 ± 9.4 years) by RHB ablation. During 6.2‐year (75 months) follow‐up, 154 (64.7%) patients were free from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs) without antiarrhythmic‐drugs (AADs). We performed re‐ablation in 69 of 84 patients with ATA recurrence (average 1.3 ± 0.6; median 1, total 91 procedures) using a 3D‐mapping system and a conventional catheter. The sites of reconnection were observed at the PV in 61 of 69 (88.4%) patients and at the posterior LA in 58 of 69 (84.1%) patients. Finally, during mean follow‐up of 4.6 ± 1.6 years, no‐ATA episodes were detected in 201 (84.5%) patients without AADs. Independent predictors of ATA recurrence following a single procedure were heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HR: 2.67, 95%CI: 1.40–5.10, P = 0.003) and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR: 1.81, 95%CI: 1.11–2.93, P = 0.03; cut‐off of 62.0 mL/min/1.73 m2). During the follow‐up period, there were 4 (1.7%) patients with PV stenosis (>70% reduction in PV diameter); however, none of these cases required intervention. Phrenic nerve palsy was detected in 8 patients (3.4%), but resolved during 3 months in all cases.ConclusionRHB ablation can be effective during a long‐term follow‐up for patients with paroxysmal AF. Safety outcomes were within an acceptable range.
The Role of the Atrial Electromechanical Delay in Predicting Atrial Fibrillation in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Patients
Authors: RUSSO VINCENZO , RAGO ANNA , CIARDIELLO CARMINE , RUSSO MARIA GIOVANNA , CALABRÒ PAOLO , POLITANO LUISA , NIGRO GERARDO 
Published: September 2015

Myotonic Dystrophy and Atrial FibrillationBackgroundParoxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias frequently occur in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the atrial electromechanical‐delay (AEMD) in a DM1‐population with normal cardiac function and its relationship to atrial fibrillation (AF) onset.Methods and ResultsFifty DM1 patients (28 male; mean age 34.2 ± 11.4 years) and 50 healthy subjects used as controls, matched for age and gender, were studied for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation during a 4‐year follow‐up, through 30‐day external loop recorder (ELR) monitoring performed every 6 months. Intra‐AEMD and inter‐AEMD of both atrium were measured through tissue‐Doppler echocardiography. Compared to the healthy control group, the DM1 group showed a statistically significant increase in inter‐AEMD and intraleft‐AEMD. Dividing the DM1‐group into 2 subgroups (patients with or without AF), the inter‐AEMD and intraleft‐AEMD were significantly higher in the subgroup with AF compared to the subgroup without AF. A cut off value of 39.2 milliseconds for intraleft‐AEMD had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 90% in identifying DM1 patients with AF risk. A cut off value of 57.7 milliseconds for inter‐AEMD had a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 93.5% in identifying this category of patients.ConclusionOur results showed that the echocardiographic atrial electromechanical delay indices (intraleft and inter‐AEMD) were significantly increased in DM1 subjects with normal cardiac function. Intraleft and inter‐AEMD represent noninvasive, inexpensive, useful and simple parameters to assess the AF risk in DM1 patients.
The Selective Cardiac Late Sodium Current Inhibitor GS‐458967 Suppresses Autonomically Triggered Atrial Fibrillation in an Intact Porcine Model
Authors: CARNEIRO JULIANA SARAN , BENTO AFONSO S. ALVES , BACIC DANILO , NEARING BRUCE D. , RAJAMANI SRIDHARAN , BELARDINELLI LUIZ , VERRIER RICHARD L. 
Published: September 2015

GS‐967 Suppresses AFIntroductionThe anti‐atrial fibrillation (AF) effects of GS‐458967 (GS‐967), a selective, potent inhibitor of cardiac late Na+ current (INa), were evaluated in a novel model of AF induction that does not require electrical stimuli.Methods and ResultsIn 6 closed‐chest anesthetized pigs, AF was induced by intrapericardial acetylcholine (1 mL of 100 mM solution) followed within 1 minute by epinephrine (20 μg/kg, i.v., bolus over 1 min). Effects of GS‐967 (0.4 mg/kg, i.v., infused over 30 min) on inducibility and duration of AF were analyzed. Administration of acetylcholine followed by epinephrine elicited spontaneous AF that persisted for 12.03 ± 1.22 minutes (mean ± SEM) in all 6 pigs. Following GS‐967, AF did not occur in 5 of 6 pigs when plasma concentration was 383 ± 150 nM. In the single animal in which AF could still be induced, the arrhythmia lasted 6.3 minutes. Partial return of AF inducibility occurred in 2 of 6 animals at 90 minutes, when plasma concentration of GS‐967 was 228 ± 35 nM. GS‐967 reduced the QT interval (P = 0.004), consistent with cardiac late INa inhibition, but did not affect heart rate, mean arterial pressure, QRS duration, or PR interval. Epinephrine infusion alone, tested in a separate group (N = 6), did not provoke AF.ConclusionSelective cardiac late INa inhibition with GS‐967 suppresses spontaneous induction of AF in a novel model that does not require provocative electrical stimuli. Because this mode of action has only a mild on effect on contractility, it offers an advantage over contemporary anti‐AF agents, which can have negative inotropic actions.
Treatment Failure With Rhythm and Rate Control Strategies in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Congestive Heart Failure: An AF‐CHF Substudy
Authors: DYRDA KATIA , ROY DENIS , LEDUC HUGUES , TALAJIC MARIO , STEVENSON LYNNE WARNER , GUERRA PETER G. , ANDRADE JASON , DUBUC MARC , MACLE LAURENT , THIBAULT BERNARD , RIVARD LENA , KHAIRY PAUL 
Published: September 2015

Treatment Failures in AF‐CHFIntroductionRate and rhythm control strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF) are not always effective or well tolerated in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). We assessed reasons for treatment failure, associated characteristics, and effects on survival.Methods and ResultsA total of 1,376 patients enrolled in the AF‐CHF trial were followed for 37 ± 19 months, 206 (15.0%) of whom failed initial therapy leading to crossover. Rhythm control was abandoned more frequently than rate control (21.0% vs. 9.1%, P < 0.0001). Crossovers from rhythm to rate control were driven by inefficacy, whereas worsening heart failure was the most common reason to crossover from rate to rhythm control. In multivariate analyses, failure of rhythm control was associated with female sex, higher serum creatinine, functional class III or IV symptoms, lack of digoxin, and oral anticoagulation. Factors independently associated with failure of rate control were paroxysmal (vs. persistent) AF, statin therapy, and presence of an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator. Crossovers were not associated with cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.11 from rhythm to rate control; 95% confidence interval [95% CI, 0.73–1.73]; P = 0.6069; HR 1.29 from rate to rhythm control; 95% CI, 0.73–2.25; P = 0.3793) or all‐cause mortality (HR 1.16 from rhythm to rate control, 95% CI [0.79–1.72], P = 0.4444; HR 1.15 from rate to rhythm control, 95% [0.69, 1.91], P = 0.5873).ConclusionsRhythm control is abandoned more frequently than rate control in patients with AF and CHF. The most common reasons for treatment failure are inefficacy for rhythm control and worsening heart failure for rate control. Changing strategies does not impact survival.