bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Which Hemodynamic Parameter Predicts Nitroglycerin‐Potentiated Head‐Up Tilt Test Response?
Authors: RUSSO VINCENZO , PAPA ANDREA ANTONIO , CIARDIELLO CARMINE , RAGO ANNA , PROIETTI RICCARDO , CALABRÒ PAOLO , RUSSO MARIA GIOVANNA , NIGRO GERARDO 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundThe aim of our study was to identify the early hemodynamic predictors of head‐up tilt test (HUTT) outcome in healthy patients with recurrent unexplained syncope.Methods and ResultsThe study involved 95 patients (mean age 38 ± 15; 42 male) who were referred for the evaluation of the syncopal episodes from October 2012 to May 2013. According to the nitroglycerin‐potentiated diagnostic tilt test response, the study population was divided into two groups: HUTT+ Group (61 patients, mean age 37 ± 10; 27 male) and HUTT– Group (34 patients, mean age 38 ± 11; 15 male) with no tilt‐induced syncope. Finger arterial blood pressure (BP) was recorded during tilt testing. Left ventricular stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were computed from the pressure pulsations. After nitroglycerin administration, the HUTT+ Group showed a significant increase in heart rate (92.0 ± 7.3 beats/min vs 68.9 ± 8.7 beats/min, P < 0.0001), with well‐maintained systolic BP (111.6 ± 14.1 mm Hg vs 108.8 ± 11.5 mm Hg; P = 0.332) and diastolic BP (66.1 ± 8.5 mm Hg vs 63.1 ± 6.9 mm Hg; P = 0.0913); a significant decrease in SV (53.9 ± 8.0 mL vs 78.6 ± 8.2 mL; P < 0.0001) and CO (4.0 ± 0.5 L/min vs 5.8 ± 1.0 L/min; P < 0.001), and a significant increase in TPR (1.3 ± 0.3 U vs 0.9 ± 0.2 U, P < 0.0011). We tested three hemodynamic parameters (SV, CO, and TPR) as predictors of positive tilt test response with receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis.ConclusionsOur results show that, 2 minutes after nitroglycerin administration, a statistically significant decrease of SV values (<67 mL) strongly predicts (area under the curve, 0.985; P < 0.0001) the HUTT‐positive response in healthy patients with recurrent unexplained syncope.
Impact of a Novel Catheter Tracking System on Radiation Exposure during the Procedural Phases of Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter Ablation
Authors: MALLIET NICOLAS , ANDRADE JASON G. , KHAIRY PAUL , NGUYEN THANH HIEN KIEM , VENIER SANDRINE , DUBUC MARC , DYRDA KATIA , GUERRA PETER , MONDÉSERT BLANDINE , RIVARD LÉNA , TADROS RAFIK , TALAJIC MARIO , THIBAULT BERNARD , ROY DENIS , MACLE LAURENT 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundFluoroscopic guidance is used to position catheters during cardiac ablation. We evaluated the impact of a novel nonfluoroscopic sensor‐guided electromagnetic navigation system (MG) on radiation exposure during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL).MethodsA total of 134 consecutive patients referred for ablation of AF (n = 44) or AFL (n = 90) ablation were prospectively enrolled. In one group the MG system was used for nonfluoroscopic catheter positioning, whereas in the conventional group standard fluoroscopy was utilized. Fluoroscopy times were assessed for each stage of procedure and total radiation exposure was quantified.ResultsPatient characteristics were similar between the groups. The procedural end point was achieved in all. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) fluoroscopy times were 12.5 minutes (7.6, 17.4) MG group versus 21.5 minutes (15.3, 23.0) conventional group (P < 0.0001) for AF ablation, and 0.8 minutes (0.4, 2.5) MG group versus 9.9 minutes (5.1, 22.5) conventional group (P < 0.0001) for AFL ablation. Median (IQR) total radiation exposure (μGy·m2) was 1,107 (906, 2,033) MG group versus 2,835 (1,688, 3,855) conventional group (P = 0.0001) for AF ablation, and 161 (65, 537) MG group versus 1,651 (796, 4,569) conventional group (P < 0.0001) for AFL ablation. No difference in total procedural time was seen.ConclusionsThe use of a novel nonfluoroscopic catheter tracking system is associated with a significant reduction in radiation exposure during AF and AFL ablation (61% and 90% reduction, respectively). In the era of heightened awareness of the importance of radiation reduction, this system represents a safe and efficient tool to decrease radiation exposure during electrophysiological ablation procedures.
Systematic Implantation of Pacemaker/ICDs under Active Oral Anticoagulation Irrespective of Patient's Individual Preoperative Thromboembolic Risk
Authors: CANO ÓSCAR , ANDRÉS ANA , JIMÉNEZ REBECA , OSCA JOAQUÍN , ALONSO PAU , RODRÍGUEZ YDELISE , SANCHO‐TELLO MARÍA‐JOSÉ , OLAGÜE JOSÉ , CASTRO JOSÉ E. , SALVADOR ANTONIO , MARTÍNEZ‐DOLZ LUIS 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundA wide variability in the perioperative management of oral anticoagulation (OAC) has been documented in patients receiving cardiac rhythm management devices (CRMDs). We sought to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new perioperative strategy consisting in systematically continuing OAC in all patients irrespective of their individual thromboembolic (TE) risk.MethodsA total of 278 consecutive patients on chronic OAC receiving CRMDs were prospectively included. Patients were classified in high and low TE risk according to current guidelines for the perioperative management of antithrombotic therapy, but underwent implantation under active OAC (international normalized ratio 2–4) irrespective of their preoperative TE risk. Bleeding and TE complications were evaluated as well as other procedure‐related complications, hospital stays, and the feasibility of outpatient implantations.ResultsA total of 117 patients were considered at high TE risk and 161 at low TE risk. Overall, the incidence of pocket hematoma was 2.9% with only three patients requiring pocket revision. Low TE risk patients had a very low incidence of pocket hematoma (1.9%) without needing pocket revision. The mean hospital stay was 1.17 ± 1.8 days and 169 patients (61%) received their CRMD in an outpatient basis, including 77 patients who were implanted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. No TE events were detected during the 30‐day postimplant observation period in any patient. No other significant complications related with the implant (pneumothorax, hemothorax, cardiac tamponade) were registered.ConclusionsSystematic continuation of OAC in all patients undergoing implantation of CRMDs is safe and feasible, thus simplifying and standardizing the perioperative management in this setting.
Defibrillator Deactivation against a Patient's Wishes: Perspectives of Electrophysiology Practitioners
Authors: DAESCHLER MARGARET , VERDINO RALPH J. , CAPLAN ARTHUR L. , KIRKPATRICK JAMES N. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundUnilateral do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) orders (against patient/family wishes) have been ethically justified in cases of medical futility. We investigated whether electrophysiology practitioners believe medical futility justifies unilateral implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) deactivation.Methods and ResultsEmail invitations to take an online survey were sent to 1,894 electrophysiology practitioners. A total of 384 responses were collected (response rate 20.6%). Though the sample included respondents from Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Africa, the majority were from North America (78%), were academically affiliated (64%), and practiced in an urban setting (67.8%). Deactivation of ICD shock function in agreement with patient wishes and a preexisting DNR were not considered physician‐assisted suicide (93.2%, 358/384). However, a majority of the sample responded that it was not ethical/moral for doctors to deactivate ICDs against patients’ wishes (77.1%, 296/384) or against family/surrogates’ wishes (72.4%, 278/384), even in the context of medical futility. A majority indicated that deactivating ICD shock function is not ethically/morally different than withholding cardiopulmonary resuscitation or external defibrillation in a code (72.7%, 277/381), but was different than deactivating pacing in a pacemaker‐dependent patient (82.8%, 318/384). In the classification of interventions, a plurality (43.0%, 165/383) regarded ICDs to be unlike any other intervention. Concerning pacemakers, 50% (191/382) considered them to be like dialysis (a therapy that keeps patients alive).ConclusionsThis international sample of electrophysiology practitioners considered ICD and pacemaker deactivation to be ethically distinct. While ICD deactivation was considered appropriate in the setting of patient/family agreement, unilateral deactivation was not.
Protein carbonylation during natural leaf senescence in winter wheat, as probed by fluorescein‐5‐thiosemicarbazide
Authors: Havé M. , Leitao L. , Bagard M. , Castell J.‐F. , Repellin A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractLeaf senescence is characterised by a massive degradation of proteins in order to recycle nitrogen to other parts of the plant, such as younger leaves or developing grain/seed. Protein degradation during leaf senescence is a highly regulated process and it is suggested that proteins to be degraded are marked by an oxidative modification (carbonylation) that makes them more susceptible to proteolysis. However, there is as yet no evidence of an increase in protein carbonylation level during natural leaf senescence. The aim of our study was thus to monitor protein carbonylation level during the process of natural senescence in the flag leaf of field‐grown winter wheat plants. For this purpose, we adapted a fluorescence‐based method using fluorescein‐5‐thiosemicarbazide (FTC) as a probe for detecting protein carbonyl derivatives. As used for the first time on plant material, this method allowed the detection of both quantitative and qualitative modifications in protein carbonyl levels during the last stages of wheat flag leaf development. The method described herein represents a convenient, sensitive and reproducible alternative to the commonly used 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)‐based method. In addition, our analysis revealed changes in protein carbonylation level during leaf development that were associated with qualitative changes in protein abundance and carbonylation profiles. In the senescing flag leaf, protein carbonylation increased concomitantly with a stimulation of endoproteolytic activity and a decrease in protein content, which supports the suggested relationship between protein oxidation and proteolysis during natural leaf senescence.
Clade classification of monolignol biosynthesis gene family members reveals target genes to decrease lignin in Lolium perenne
Authors: van Parijs F. R. D. , Ruttink T. , Boerjan W. , Haesaert G. , Byrne S. L. , Asp T. , Roldán‐Ruiz I. , Muylle H. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn monocots, lignin content has a strong impact on the digestibility of the cell wall fraction. Engineering lignin biosynthesis requires a profound knowledge of the role of paralogues in the multigene families that constitute the monolignol biosynthesis pathway. We applied a bioinformatics approach for genome‐wide identification of candidate genes in Lolium perenne that are likely to be involved in the biosynthesis of monolignols. More specifically, we performed functional subtyping of phylogenetic clades in four multigene families: 4CL, COMT, CAD and CCR. Essential residues were considered for functional clade delineation within these families. This classification was complemented with previously published experimental evidence on gene expression, gene function and enzymatic activity in closely related crops and model species. This allowed us to assign functions to novel identified L. perenne genes, and to assess functional redundancy among paralogues. We found that two 4CL paralogues, two COMT paralogues, three CCR paralogues and one CAD gene are prime targets for genetic studies to engineer developmentally regulated lignin in this species. Based on the delineation of sequence conservation between paralogues and a first analysis of allelic diversity, we discuss possibilities to further study the roles of these paralogues in lignin biosynthesis, including expression analysis, reverse genetics and forward genetics, such as association mapping. We propose criteria to prioritise paralogues within multigene families and certain SNPs within these genes for developing genotyping assays or increasing power in association mapping studies. Although L. perenne was the target of the analyses presented here, this functional subtyping of phylogenetic clades represents a valuable tool for studies investigating monolignol biosynthesis genes in other monocot species.
Genome size shifts: karyotype evolution in Crepis section Neglectoides (Asteraceae)
Authors: Enke N. , Kunze R. , Pustahija F. , Glöckner G. , Zimmermann J. , Oberländer J. , Kamari G. , Siljak‐Yakovlev S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPlant genome size evolution is a very dynamic process: the ancestral genome of angiosperms was initially most likely small, which led to a tendency towards genome increase during evolution. However, findings in several angiosperm lineages demonstrate mechanisms that also led to genome size contraction. Recent molecular investigations on the Asteraceae genus Crepis suggest that several genomic reduction events have occurred during the evolution of the genus. This study focuses on the Mediterranean Crepis sect. Neglectoides, which includes three species with some of the smallest genomes within the whole genus. Crepis neglecta has the largest genome in sect. Neglectoides, approximately twice the size of the two species Crepis cretica and Crepis hellenica. Whereas C. cretica and C. hellencia are more closely related to each other than to C. neglecta the karyotypes of the latter species and C. cretica are similar, while that of C. hellenica differs considerably. Here, the karyotypic organisation of the three species is investigated with fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation and studied in a molecular phylogenetic framework based on the nuclear markers Actin, CHR12, CPN60B, GPCR1 and XTH23. Our findings further corroborate the occurrence of genome size contraction in Crepis, and suggest that the difference in genome size between C. neglecta and C. cretica is mostly due to elimination of dispersed repetitive elements, whereas chromosomal reorganisation was involved in the karyotype formation of C. hellenica.
The Association of Stillbirth with Depressive Symptoms 6–36 Months Post‐Delivery
Authors: Hogue Carol J. R. , Parker Corette B. , Willinger Marian , Temple Jeff R. , Bann Carla M. , Silver Robert M. , Dudley Donald J. , Moore Janet L. , Coustan Donald R. , Stoll Barbara J. , Reddy Uma M. , Varner Michael W. , Saade George R. , Conway Deborah , Goldenberg Robert L. ,   Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network Writing Group
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundStillbirths (>20 weeks’ gestation), which account for about 1 in 200 US pregnancies, may grieve parents deeply. Unresolved grief may lead to persistent depression.MethodsWe compared depressive symptoms in 2009 (6–36 months after index delivery) among consenting women in the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network's population‐based case–control study conducted 2006–08 (n = 275 who delivered a stillbirth and n = 522 who delivered a healthy livebirth (excluding livebirths <37 weeks, infants who had been admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit or who died). Women scoring >12 on the Edinburgh Depression Scale were classified as currently depressed. Crude (cOR) and adjusted (aOR) odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals [CI] were computed from univariate and multivariable logistic models, with weighting for study design and differential consent. Marginal structural models examined potential selection bias due to low follow‐up.ResultsCurrent depression was more likely in women with stillbirth (14.8%) vs. healthy livebirth (8.3%, cOR 1.90 [95% CI 1.20, 3.02]). However, after control for history of depression and factors associated with both depression and stillbirth, the stillbirth association was no longer significant (aOR 1.35 [95% CI 0.79, 2.30]). Conversely, for the 76% of women with no history of depression, a significant association remained after adjustment for confounders (aOR 1.98 [95% CI 1.02, 3.82]).ConclusionsImproved screening for depression and referral may be needed for women's health care. Research should focus on defining optimal methods for support of women suffering stillbirth so as to lower the risk of subsequent depression.
Recruitment for Longitudinal, Randomised Pregnancy Trials Initiated Preconception: Lessons from the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction Trial
Authors: Lesher Laurie L. , Matyas Rebecca A. , Sjaarda Lindsey A. , Newman Sarah L. , Silver Robert M. , Galai Noya , Hovey Kathleen M. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Emerick Leah , Lynch Anne M. , Mead Betsy , Townsend Janet M. , Perkins Neil J. , Mumford Sunni L. , Stanford Joseph , Schisterman Enrique F. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundRecruitment into large, preconception randomised clinical trials (RCT) is challenging. We describe clinic and community‐based preconception recruitment strategies for the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction (EAGeR) trial and highlight approaches that were and were not successful. This longitudinal RCT was conducted at four major sites in the US. Eligible women had one to two prior pregnancy losses and were actively trying to become pregnant.MethodsProvider/clinic and community‐based outreach strategies were utilised, and the recruitment rate and costs of methods were assessed.ResultsA screening questionnaire was completed by 5485 women; 42.4% (n = 2323) screened were initially eligible, of whom 50.7% (n = 1228) were randomised. Provider/clinic‐based recruitment yielded the highest number eligible of those screened (30.1%) and also the most randomised participants overall (40.3%). The next highest yield came from direct mail and brochures/flyers at 13.1% and 12.5% of women randomised, respectively. However, direct mailings cost $720 per participant randomised. Other than word of mouth, provider/clinic‐based recruitment was the most cost effective method, costing an average of $60 per randomised participant. Web‐based recruitment yielded 4.7% of participants at a cost of $278 per randomised participant.ConclusionsProvider and clinic‐based recruitment was the most effective and cost‐efficient method of recruitment in a preconception intervention study of reproduction among women.
Birth Outcomes of Foreign‐Born, Native‐Born, and Mixed Couples in Sweden
Authors: Urquia Marcelo L. , Qiao Yao , Ray Joel G. , Liu Can , Hjern Anders 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundMany births in industrialised countries are to immigrant parents, or to one immigrant and one domestically born parent. Their newborn outcomes have not been well studied.MethodsWe conducted a study of 1 690 423 singleton infants born in Sweden between 1987 and 2008, including those of immigrants from East Asia, South Asia, Sub‐Saharan Africa, and East Africa. Preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) were assessed among infants of (i) immigrant parents from the same world region, (ii) an immigrant mother and a Swedish‐born father, and (iii) a Swedish‐born mother and an immigrant father; each compared to (iv) two Swedish‐born parents. Log binomial regression analysis generated adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for preterm delivery and SGA.ResultsCompared with infants of two Swedish‐born parents, infants born to immigrant mothers from East Asia, South Asia, and Sub‐Saharan African were at higher risk of preterm delivery (ARR ranging from 1.2 to 1.9), irrespective of whether the father was from the same world region or Swedish‐born, with the only exception of East African women, who had lower risk. Infants born to two foreign‐born parents had the highest risks of SGA, particularly South Asians (ARR 4.69; 95% CI 4.29, 5.12). Mixed couples exhibited intermediate risks of SGA.ConclusionsAdverse birth outcomes differ according to a couple's ethnic composition. Having a Swedish‐born partner is associated with lower risk of SGA among immigrant mothers and fathers, and with lower risk of preterm delivery among immigrant fathers but not mothers.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in Feline Endometrial Adenocarcinoma and in Normal and Hyperplastic Endometria
Authors: Saraiva AL , Payan‐Carreira R , Gärtner F , Santana I , Rêma A , Lourenço LM , Pires MA 
Published: February 2015

ContentsCyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is overexpressed in several human and animal neoplasms, including the human endometrial carcinoma. It has been suggested as a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target. This study aimed to (i) clarify histological aspects of feline endometrial adenocarcinomas (FEA) of the papillary serous type and (ii) characterize COX‐2 immunohistochemical expression in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic endometrium in this species. Archived paraffin‐embedded tissue samples of 33 FEA, eight cystic endometrial hyperplasias (CEHs) and 21 samples of normal, healthy endometrium in the follicular (FS; n = 10) and luteal (LS; n = 11) stages were evaluated. Histological evaluation of haematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections of the FEA revealed a papillary proliferation of neoplastic cells of serous type, accompanied by clear and multinucleated cells. Other architectural arrangements mainly included solid and tubular growth. Randomly distributed areas of necrosis within the tumours were commonly observed. Invasion of the myometrium, of the serosa and of the vascular and/or lymphatic vessels was not constant features. The mean number of mitoses was higher in FEA compared to non‐neoplastic endometrium. COX‐2 scores were lower in FEA (p = 0.003) and CEH (p = 0.05) when compared to normal epithelium (NE). The loss of the membrane apical reinforcement in epithelial cells was observed in FEA samples, which was accompanied by the dislocation of COX‐2 labelling into the cytoplasm and the perinuclear area; in contrast, in epithelial cells in the healthy and hyperplastic endometria, the immunoreaction showed the characteristic pattern of apical membrane reinforcement, suggestive of the membrane polarization. COX‐2 epithelial scores were higher in the FS than in the LS. No differences were found in stromal COX‐2 expression between normal, CEH and FEA groups, but it was higher in the LS than in the FS. In summary, loss of COX‐2 compartmentalization in neoplastic epithelial cells might be one of the molecular events underlying endometrial carcinogenesis.