bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological Characteristics and Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Accessory Pathway Connecting the Right Atrial Appendage and the Right Ventricle
Authors: GUO XIAO‐GANG , SUN QI , MA JIAN , LIU XU , ZHOU GONG‐BU , YANG JIAN‐DU , ZHANG SHU 
Published: April 2015

AP Connecting the RAA and the RVBackgroundThe accessory pathway (AP) connecting the right atrial appendage (RAA) and the right ventricle (RV) is rare.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate the feature of the AP connecting the RAA and the RV and the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation via the endocardial access.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 14 consecutive patients with 14 APs connecting the RAA and the RV managed by 15 procedures between January 2003 and December 2014.ResultsTen patients presented as preexcitation during sinus rhythm. All APs had retrograde conduction. None had either antegrade or retrograde decremental conduction property. Ablation targeting the sites at the tricuspid annulus failed in all patients. They were successfully managed by ablating the atrial insertion sites with a median of 10.5 (range 5–28) radiofrequency applications. Electrograms at the successful target showed high amplitude atrial electrogram and low amplitude or no ventricular electrogram. The atrial insertion sites were at the floor of the RAA in 10 patients and inside the lower lobe of the RAA in the remaining 4 patients. The shortest distance between the successful target and the tricuspid annulus in the right anterior oblique projection was 19.7 ± 4.0 mm. There were no complications or recurrences during a median follow‐up period of 4.3 (range 0.2–11.8) years.ConclusionThe APs connecting the RAA and the RV had typical conduction properties. The atrial insertion site favored the floor and the lower lobe of the RAA. Ablation targeting the atrial insertion sites was effective and safe, albeit multiple radiofrequency applications were needed.
Arterial Stiffness as a Predictor of Clinical Hypertension
Authors: Zheng Xiaoming , Jin Cheng , Liu Yeqiang , Zhang Jing , Zhu Ying , Kan Shuting , Wu Yuntao , Ruan Chunyu , Lin Liming , Yang Xinchun , Zhao Xingquan , Wu Shouling 
Published: April 2015

The association between vascular stiffening and blood pressure is likely bidirectional. The present study was designed to examine temporal relationships among vascular stiffness, blood pressure progression, and hypertension. The Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study is a community‐based, prospective, long‐term follow‐up observational study. The present investigation is based on the baseline examinations (2010–2011) and the first follow‐up measurements (2012–2013) included in the study. A total of 4025 participants were followed for an average of 27 months. Of 2153 participants free of hypertension at the baseline examination, 432 (20.07%) had incident hypertension. The authors observed that brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was an independent predictor of incident hypertension. baPWV during baseline examination was positively associated with higher systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure during the first follow‐up examination. baPWV but not blood pressure during baseline examination was associated with baPWV during the first follow‐up examination. This study not only provides evidence that baPWV is an independent predictor of blood pressure progression and incident hypertension, but also provides evidence that blood pressure is not associated with baPWV after adjusting for baseline baPWV.
Evaluation of Biochemical and Quality Attributes to Monitor the Application of Heat and Cold Treatments in Tomato Fruit (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.)
Authors: Polenta Gustavo , Budde Claudio , Sivakumar Dharini , Nanni Mariana , Guidi Silvina 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe study was accomplished to optimize the application of stress treatment to prevent chilling injury (CI) in tomatoes. Four treatments were evaluated: control, heat shock applied for 24 (HS24) and 48 h (HS48), and cold shock applied for 24 h (CS24). The fruits were stored at 2 and 14C, and evaluated immediately after treatment and after 21 and 28 days of storage. An additional evaluation after 7 days of exposure at 20C following storage withdrawal was included to induce ripening and exteriorize the development of CI symptoms. Different biochemical and quality attributes were evaluated (color, titratable acidity, firmness, ethylene, CI index and heat shock protein [HSP] accumulation). Heat treatments were successful in preventing the decay of fruits under CI‐inducing conditions. The significantly better performance of HS48 in comparison to the other treatments gives evidence that the effectiveness relies on the adequate intensity of application; therefore, this intensity should be strictly controlled by a proper monitoring method. In this regard, small HSP accumulation was found suitable to reflect properly the physiological condition of fruits and therefore to potentially optimize and determine the adequate intensity of treatment application.Practical ApplicationsStress treatments constitute a promising technological alternative to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables because of their capacity to prevent the development of chilling injury during the cold storage of sensitive species. The main advantages are the ease of use, considering that they can be applied in commercial chambers with minor changes, and the avoidance of chemicals. By assessing the effectiveness of treatments and the suitability of different biochemical and quality attributes as monitoring parameters to maximize the efficiency of application, it became apparent that the adequate intensity of application must be accurately established, since beyond a certain limit, the effect of the stress may induce irreversible alterations, provoking a permanent damage. The study provides evidence that small heat shock protein accumulation constitutes suitable monitoring parameters to objectively establish the optimal intensity, able to maintain the quality characteristics and extend the shell life of tomatoes during the cold storage.
Effects of Plasma‐Modified Polyvinylidenefluoride and Polyethersulfone Ultrafiltration (UF) Membrane Treatments on Quality of Soybean Oil
Authors: Onal‐Ulusoy Baran 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe effects of unmodified and surface‐modified polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) and polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes on quality of crude soybean oil and crude oil miscellas were studied. Membranes were modified with hexamethyldisiloxane in radiofrequency plasma polymerization (PlzP) at 60 W (PVDF) or 75 W (PES) glow discharge power for 5 min. Contact angle results indicated an interfacial free energy increase between water and solid surface by 2.1‐ and 12.7‐fold for PVDF and PES, respectively, after PlzP, i.e., both membranes became more hydrophobic. Modified PVDF removed 10% more free fatty acids, 8–11% peroxides, and maintained 2–5% more tocopherols compared to those of unmodified PVDF and modified PES. Oxidation products and color compound removal of modified PVDF from crude oil and miscellas were similar to the commercial bleaching step and better than degumming‐neutralization step. Total tocopherol loss during modified PVDF treatment was 5.3% and 5.0–6.8% for crude oil and miscellas, respectively, and these values were far below than any processing steps in commercial refining (10.4–28.4% loss).Practical ApplicationsPlzP coating of monomers on a polymeric‐based membrane changes the membrane's chemical and physical properties due to series of sequential reactions such as oxidation, degradation and cross‐linking. The predominant reactions were determined mainly with plasma power and plasma treatment time. Thus, if one can adjust the plasma parameters properly, one can create a tailor‐made surface in terms of angstroms at the molecular/atomic level. The minimal refining method with plasma‐modified PVDF and PES membranes described in the present study was a new practical approach to remove undesirable components from crude soybean oil as well as crude oil‐hexane miscellas for meeting commercial refining standards. It simultaneously preserves the more healthy minor components found in oil.
Solubility of chiral species as function of the enantiomeric excess
Authors: Coquerel Gerard 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The solubility of racemizable and nonracemizable chiral species is discussed in terms of: enantiomeric excess, nature of solvent and the solid phases, which are in equilibrium with a saturated solution. Stable and metastable equilibria are contemplated by an extensive used of phase diagrams.
Changes in Systolic Blood Pressure over Time in Healthy Cats and Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Bijsmans E.S. , Jepson R.E. , Chang Y.M. , Syme H.M. , Elliott J. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundHypertension is a common problem in older cats, most often associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cross‐sectional studies have suggested that blood pressure in cats increases with age.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine whether blood pressure in cats increases with age and whether this occurs independently of the presence ofCKD. To investigate risk factors for developing hypertension.Animals/SubjectsTwo hundred and sixty‐five cats withCKDand 133 healthy cats ≥9 years were retrospectively identified.MethodsFour groups were created according to status at initial evaluation (CKDor healthy) and blood pressure at the last included visit (normotensive [NT] or developed hypertension [DH]): Healthy‐NT, Healthy‐DH,CKD‐NTandCKD‐DH. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) over time slopes were compared with 0 and between groups. Risk factors for the development of hypertension were investigated, and associations of biochemical and clinical variables withSBPwere examined.ResultsCats that were hypertensive atCKDdiagnosis (n = 105) were not included in further analyses. Twenty‐seven cats withCKDand 9 healthy cats developed hypertension ≥3 months after diagnosis ofCKDor their first visit. Systolic blood pressure significantly increased with age in all cats (P < .001). Healthy cats were at less risk than cats withCKDto become hypertensive (hazard ratio 0.2,P < .001), with creatinine being an independent risk factor for the development of hypertension.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe high prevalence of hypertension in azotemic cats in this study shows the importance of monitoring ofSBPin elderly cats, and in particular in cats withCKD.
Does a prophylactic dose of propofol reduce emergence agitation in children receiving anesthesia? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van Hoff Sophia L. , O'Neill Elizabeth S. , Cohen Lianna C. , Collins Brian A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryIntroductionEmergence agitation (EA) is common after sevoflurane anesthesia in children, and can lead to distressing inconsolability, agitation, crying, and injury. Use of a single dose of the short‐acting sedative‐hypnotic agent propofol at the end of a procedure has shown promise for preventing EA, but evidence evaluating the efficacy and safety of this approach has not been formally summarized.ObjectiveThe objective of this review was to assess the effects of a prophylactic dose of propofol vs placebo on the incidence and severity of EA in children age 0–13 years receiving general inhalational anesthesia.Search methodsWe searched PubMed (1946–2013) via Medline, CENTRAL (1898–2013), and Web of Science (1900–2013) without limits or language restrictions; we also searched ClinicalTrials.gov and reference lists. We reviewed abstracts from the 2012 and 2013 Society for Pediatric Anesthesia meetings and pediatric anesthesia‐related abstracts from the 2012 and 2013 International Anesthesia Research Society meetings.Selection criteriaWe assessed randomized, double‐blind trials evaluating the efficacy of a prophylactic dose of propofol (1 mg·kg−1) vs placebo given at the end of inhalational anesthesia to prevent EA in pediatric patients. Studies were required to follow patients through recovery and report at least one prespecified outcome.Data collection and analysisTwo authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data from included studies. We contacted study authors regarding any missing data. We used the random effects models to calculate pooled relative risks (RR) and weighted mean differences (WMD). We collected Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale scores from included studies. PAED scale scores can range from 0 to 20.Main resultsOf 276 studies screened, nine trials involving 997 children met all inclusion criteria. All were considered low risk of bias. For one non‐English trial, we obtained a full‐text translation and for one non‐English trial, we used the English‐language abstract, tables, and figures. Based on available evidence, prophylactic propofol was associated with both decreased incidence of EA (29% vs 58%, RR 0.50, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.41, 0.61, I2 = 37%, seven studies), and reduced severity of EA as assessed by mean PAED scale score (WMD −2.08 points, 95% CI −3.20, −0.96, I2 = 0%, three studies), when compared to placebo. In addition, though prophylactic propofol did lengthen the time to awakening (WMD 4.07 min, 95% CI 2.22, 5.91, I2 = 82%, six studies), it did not increase recovery time (WMD 2.91 min, 95% CI −0.59, 6.41, I2 = 82%, six studies) when compared to placebo. No significant adverse events were reported in either arm.ConclusionBased on high quality evidence, prophylactic propofol appears to be effective for reducing the incidence and severity of EA in children emerging from general anesthesia.
Antipsychotics can induce pre‐shock in very elderly patients: a report of two cases
Authors: Ueda Satoshi , Omori Ataru , Shioya Touko , Okubo Yoshiro 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAntipsychotics have often been administered to treat delirium and intractable insomnia in elderly patients with or without dementia. However, antipsychotics sometimes cause severe adverse effects. We report two cases of very elderly patients who developed pre‐shock after the administration of antipsychotics in a clinical consultation‐liaison setting. These cases suggest that antipsychotics can induce fatal adverse events in very elderly patients. Although there has been little evidence regarding the most appropriate kind of drug and dosage for such patients, psychiatrists should exercise great caution in the use of antipsychotics for the very elderly, including deciding to prescribe the lowest dose or not prescribing them at all.
Additional donepezil treatment for patients with geriatric depression who exhibit cognitive deficit during treatment for depression
Authors: Inoue Jun , Hoshino Ryoichi , Nojima Hidenori , Ishida Wataru , Okamoto Norio 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundDepression is a frequent comorbid condition in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we reported the effect of additional donepezil treatment for patients with geriatric depression who exhibited cognitive deficit and were diagnosed with AD during treatment for depression.MethodsThe present retrospective study investigated 14 AD outpatients who were diagnosed with geriatric depression at first and received antidepressant treatment. When apparent cognitive decline was observed, all of them were diagnosed with AD and received donepezil (5 mg/day) for at least 1 year. All patients underwent periodic examination of cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination, Rorschach Cognitive Index) and clinical evaluation (Clinical Dementia Rating). The 14 patients were classified into three groups according to their treatment course: (i) ‘A’ group, patients who showed cognitive impairment during a long course of treatment for depression; (ii) ‘B’ group, patients who showed cognitive impairment at an early stage of treatment for depression and started to take additional donepezil at least 20 months after the first examination; and (iii) ‘C’ group, patients who showed cognitive impairment at an early stage of treatment for depression and began taking additional donepezil within 10 months of the first examination. The clinical feature and treatment effects were examined for each group.ResultsAt 1 and 2 years after the start of treatment, the proportion of patients who had improved or maintained their Clinical Dementia Rating score was higher in ‘A’ and ‘C’ groups than in ‘B’ group. In ‘B’ group, additional donepezil treatment commenced later than in the other groups. Therefore, donepezil had an insufficient curative effect.ConclusionThe results of this study suggested that early induction of donepezil treatment was necessary when apparent cognitive decline was identified during the treatment of geriatric depression.
Effect of ninjin'yoeito, a Kampo (traditional Japanese) medicine, on cognitive impairment and depression in patients with Alzheimer's disease: 2 years of observation
Authors: Kudoh Chiaki , Arita Ryutaro , Honda Mitsuru , Kishi Taichi , Komatsu Yasuhiro , Asou Hiroaki , Mimura Masaru 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundOnly a few approved drugs are capable of alleviating the cognitive and behavioural symptoms of people living with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In recent years, however, the number of studies examining the clinical effects of herbal medicines on cognitive function in patients with AD has increased considerably. This study evaluated the long‐term effects of a traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo medicine) known as ninjin'yoeito (NYT) on cognitive impairment and mood status in patients with AD over a 2‐year period.MethodsTwenty‐three patients with mild‐to‐moderate probable AD according to the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria were included. Each participant had exhibited an insufficient response to treatment with donepezil alone before the start of the trial. Eleven patients received treatment with donepezil alone, and the remaining patients received a combined treatment of donepezil and NYT for 2 years. Patients were assessed by the Mini‐Mental State Examination and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive component‐Japanese version for cognitive function, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory was used to evaluate the patients' mood status at baseline and every 6 months for 2 years.ResultsThe Mini‐Mental State Examination results showed no significant differences between the two groups. Significant improvements were observed on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive component‐Japanese version and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory depression scores of patients who received the combined therapy with donepezil and NYT (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive component‐Japanese version, 12 months: P < 0.01, 18 months: P = 0.04, 24 months: P < 0.01; Neuropsychiatric Inventory depression, 6 months: P < 0.05, 24 months: P < 0.05).ConclusionsA 2‐year follow‐up of patients receiving donepezil and NYT treatment showed an improved cognitive outcome and alleviation of AD‐related depression.
The effect of benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine prescriptions for diabetes mellitus type 2 in elderly Taiwanese with depressive symptoms
Authors: Tsai Min‐Ling , Huang Chien‐Ning , Lai Yung‐Rung , Chang Horng‐Rong , Chiou Jeng‐Yuan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThis study examined the relationship between depression, benzodiazepine (BZD)/nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (non‐BZD), and other risk factors in a national sample of Taiwan's elderly diabetic patients.MethodsData were drawn from the 2005 Taiwan National Health Interview Survey and adults aged 65 years and older. A total of 1331 subjects were included in this study. The Chinese version of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to evaluate patients' depression symptoms.ResultsThe rates of depression in the diabetes mellitus (DM) and non‐DM groups were 13.5% (39/288) and 9.8% (102/1043) and the average ages were 73.7 and 73.4 years, respectively. In multivariate regression, the odds ratio of depression was 1.66‐fold higher among BZD/non‐BZD users (95% confidence interval: 1.10–2.51, model 2) than among those without BZD/non‐BZD use. In addition, hyperlipidaemia, poor physical function, and antidepressant use were associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, a monthly household income of NT$30 000–NT$49 999, exercise, and betel chewing were associated with a lower risk of depression. We performed an additional logistic analysis for which the odds ratio of depression significantly increased to 1.52 in non‐DM elderly patients (95% confidence interval: 1.06–2.19) who were prescribed BZD/non‐BZD. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the odds ratio of depression in the DM elderly regardless of BZD/non‐BZD use, although there was a slight tendency for depression among those who used BZD/non‐BZD.ConclusionDepression in non‐DM Taiwanese elderly patients was found to be associated with BZD/non‐BZD use, whereas depression in DM Taiwanese elderly patients was not found to be associated with BZD/non‐BZD use.
Secondary mania due to AIDS and cryptococcal meningitis in a 78‐year‐old patient
Authors: Chou Po‐Han , Ouyang Wen‐Chen , Lan Tsuo‐Hung , Chan Chin‐Hong 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe report a 78‐year‐old man without past psychiatric history who experienced his first manic episode successfully treated with quetiapine and lorazepam, but was ultimately found to have AIDS and Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis. Our presented case highlights the importance of comprehensive differential diagnoses to rule out secondary causes of psychiatric symptoms presenting for the first time in elderly patients.
Individual differences in resting heart rate variability moderate thought suppression success
Authors: Gillie Brandon L. , Vasey Michael W. , Thayer Julian F. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIndividual differences in heart rate variability (HRV) at rest are thought to represent an individual's capacity for self‐regulation, but it remains unclear whether HRV predicts control over unwanted thoughts. The current study used a thought suppression paradigm in which participants recorded occurrences of a personally relevant intrusive thought over three monitoring periods. Among those instructed to suppress, higher levels of HRV were associated with greater declines in intrusions across the monitoring periods; no such relationship was found among those assigned to a control condition. Resting HRV also interacted with spontaneous thought suppression effort to predict intrusive thought frequency. In both cases, these HRV‐related differences in thought suppression success predicted the generalized distress symptoms common to depression and anxiety. These findings enhance understanding of the relationships between HRV and cognitive control and highlight how individual differences in self‐regulatory capacity impact thought suppression success and emotion regulation.