bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracardiac Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Thrombus Formation in the Left Atrial Appendage: A Complementary Role to Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Ren Jian‐Fang , Marchlinski Francis E. , Supple Gregory E. , Hutchinson Mathew D. , Garcia Fermin C. , Riley Michael P. , Lin David , Zado Erica S. , Callans David J. , Ferrari Victor A. 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundWe sought to develop and validate an intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) imaging strategy for evaluation of left atrial (LA) appendage (LAA) anatomy and function to clarify equivocal findings of LAA thrombus with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).MethodsA total of 56 patients with ICE imaging of the LAA for thrombus evaluation before atrial fibrillation (AF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation were included for analysis. Serial views of the LAA were obtained for evaluating anatomic structures and flow as the ICE transducer was advanced from the right ventricular outflow tract to the pulmonary artery. ICE imaging of the LAA was selectively performed in 9 of 56 patients following equivocal findings of thrombus on TEE in order to evaluate the complementary role of ICE to TEE in the diagnosis of LAA thrombus.ResultsICE imaging of the LAA in 56 patients with AF (n = 42) or VT (n = 14) measured the long‐(5.0 ± 1.0 cm) and short‐axis dimension (1.8 ± 0.5 cm), and peak emptying flow velocity (50 ± 23 cm/s). Of 56 patients, 47 had ICE imaging of LAA with no thrombus. In the remaining 9 patients, 6 had “equivocal” LAA thrombus on TEE, with 3 of these 6 showing marked spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), whereas ICE detected one patient with LAA thrombus and the other 5 without thrombus (two with severe SEC/sluggish flow); the remaining 3 had “high suspicion” for thrombus detected by TEE, whereas ICE detected only one with LAA thrombus. Based on ICE diagnosis, two patients with LAA thrombus had the procedure cancelled, and all others had successful completion of the scheduled procedures.ConclusionICE can provide serial assessment, multiple views, and detailed imaging of the LAA to reliably diagnose the presence of thrombus. Our findings support the use of ICE when equivocal TEE findings require confirmation prior to electrophysiological procedures.
Bayesian Hypothesis Testing in Two‐Arm Trials with Dichotomous Outcomes
Authors: Zaslavsky Boris G. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThis article is motivated by an interest in comparing inferences made when using a Bayesian or frequentist statistical approach. The article addresses the study of one‐sided superiority and noninferiority Bayesian tests. These tests are stated in terms of the posterior probability that the null hypothesis is true for the binomial distribution and in terms of one‐sided credible limits. We restrict our considerations to conjugate beta priors with integer parameters. Under this assumption, the posterior probabilities of tested hypotheses can be transformed into the frequentist probabilities of Bernoulli trials with an adjusted number of events and population sizes. The method resembles a standard frequentist problem formulation. By using an appropriate choice of prior parameters, the posterior probabilities of the null hypothesis can be made smaller or larger than thep‐values of frequentist tests.
Modeling Seroadaptation and Sexual Behavior Among HIV+ Study Participants with a Simultaneously Multilevel and Multivariate Longitudinal Count Model
Authors: Zhu Yuda , Weiss Robert E. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryLongitudinal behavioral intervention trials to reduce HIV transmission risk collect complex multilevel and multivariate data longitudinally for each subject with important correlation structures across time, level, and variables. Accurately assessing the effects of these trials are critical for determining which interventions are effective. Both numbers of partners and numbers of sex acts with each partner are reported at each time point. Sex acts with each partner are further differentiated into protected and unprotected acts with correspondingly differing risks of HIV/STD transmission. These trials generally also have eligibility criteria limiting enrollment to participants with some minimal level of risky sexual behavior tied directly to the outcome of interest. The combination of these factors makes it difficult to quantify sexual behaviors and the effects of intervention. We propose a multivariate multilevel count model that simultaneously models the number of partners, acts within partners, and accounts for recruitment eligibility. Our methods are useful in the evaluation of intervention trials and provide a more accurate and complete model for sexual behavior. We illustrate the contributions of our model by examining seroadaptive behavior defined as risk reducing behavior that depends on the serostatus of the partner. Several forms of seroadaptive risk reducing behavior are quantified and distinguished from nonseroadaptive risk reducing behavior.
Positive interactions between the lichen Usnea antarctica (Parmeliaceae) and the native flora in Maritime Antarctica
Authors: Molina‐Montenegro Marco A. , Ricote‐Martínez Natalia , Muñoz‐Ramírez Carlos , Gómez‐González Susana , Torres‐Díaz Cristian , Salgado‐Luarte Cristian , Gianoli Ernesto 
Published: September 2012

AbstractQuestionsIs the macrolichen Usnea antarctica a ‘nurse’ species to Antarctic flora? Are positive plant–plant interactions more frequent than negative interactions in Antarctic ecosystems? Are microclimatic modifications by cushions of U. antarctica responsible for the nurse effect?LocationTwo sites in Antarctica: King George Island, South Shetland (62°11′ S, 58°56′ W; 62°11′ S, 58°59′ W).MethodsWe evaluated the association of plant species with U. antarctica cushions by recording species growing – in equivalent areas – within and outside U. antarctica cushions. Additionally, we performed transplant experiments with Deschampsia antarctica individuals to assess if U. antarctica cushions enhance plant survival. In both study sites we monitored temperature, moisture and nutrient status of soil outside and within the cushions to provide insights into potential mechanisms underlying possible interactions between U. antarctica and other plant species.ResultsEight out of 13 species were positively associated with cushions of the widespread lichen U. antarctica, while only one species (U. aurantiaco‐atra) showed a negative association with U. antarctica. Survival of Deschampsia was enhanced when growing associated with U. antarctica cushions. Our results indicate that cushions ameliorated the extreme conditions of Antarctic islands through increased temperature and soil moisture, decreased radiation and evaporative water loss and increased nutrient availability.ConclusionsThe nurse effect of U. antarctica is verified. Cushions of this macrolichen may be a key component in structuring the Antarctic landscape and maintaining local species richness, and their presence might influence range expansion of other species.
Relative validation of Block Kids Food Screener for dietary assessment in children and adolescents
Authors: Hunsberger Monica , O'Malley Jean , Block Torin , Norris Jean C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFood frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are less time consuming and inexpensive instruments for collecting dietary intake when compared with 24‐h dietary recalls or double‐labelled water; however, the validation of FFQ is important as incorrect information may lead to biased conclusions about associations. Therefore, the relative validity of the Block Kids Food Screener (BKFS) developed for use with children was examined in a convenience sample of 99 youth recruited from the Portland, OR metropolitan area. Three 24‐h dietary recalls served as the reference. The relative validity was analysed after natural log transformation of all variables except glycaemic index prior to correlation analysis. Daily cup equivalent totals from the BKFS and ‘servings’ from 24‐h recalls were used to compute average daily intake of fruits, vegetables, potatoes, whole grains, legumes, meat/fish/poultry and dairy. Protein grams (g), total kcalories, glycaemic index (glucose reference), glycaemic load (glucose reference), total saturated fat (g) and added sugar (g) were also calculated by each instrument. The correlation between data obtained from the two instruments was corrected for the within‐subject variation in food intake reported by the 24‐h recalls using standard nutritional assessment methodology. The de‐attenuated correlations in nutritional intake between the two dietary assessment instruments ranged from 0.526 for vegetables, to 0.878 for potatoes. The 24‐h recall estimated higher levels of saturated fat and added sugar consumption, higher glycaemic loads and glycaemic indices; the de‐attenuatted correlations of these measures ranged from 0.478 to 0.768. Assessment of Bland–Altman plots indicated no systematic difference between the two instruments for vegetable, dairy and meat/fish/poultry fat consumption. BKFS is a useful dietary assessment instrument for the nutrients and food groups it was designed to assess in children age 10–17 years.
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Nurse Practitioner Sample Survey: Focus on acute care
Authors: Kleinpell Ruth , Goolsby Mary Jo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractNational survey data on the practice of nurse practitioners (NPs) provides valuable information on role components, practice patterns, and specialty practice descriptions. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) has been conducting NP surveys since 1988. The most recent AANP Sample Survey was conducted in 2009–2010 with responses from over 13,000 NPs, 962 of who were acute care NPs (ACNPs). This article reports on the findings of the 2009–2010 AANP National NP Sample Survey related to ACNP practice.
Comparison of demographic, psychosocial, and clinical characteristics among younger and older persons with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Yammine Luba , Frazier Lorraine 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the differences in demographic, psychosocial (depression), and clinical profiles among younger (males ≤50 years of age and females ≤55 years of age) and older (males >50 years of age and females >55 years of age) patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Data sourcesThis study is a preliminary analysis of data collected from 1140 patients with ACS enrolled in an ongoing longitudinal investigation.ConclusionsAs compared to their older counterparts, younger ACS patients were significantly more likely to be obese (p < .001), to smoke (p < .001), to have a higher BDI‐II depression score (p < .001), and to feel depressed in the last year (p < .001). In contrast, younger ACS patients were significantly less likely to be dyslipidemic (p < .001), diabetic (p = 0.025), or hypertensive (p < .001) than their older counterparts.Implications for practiceClinicians need to be persistent in promoting the importance of weight loss and smoking cessation. Screening and treating depression in younger persons is a prudent approach. The significance of regular screening and aggressive treatment of other risk factors (i.e., diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) should not be overlooked.
Moyamoya disease: A case of vanishing cerebral vessels
Authors: Thanavaro Joanne L. , Nemani Nimish , Price Hilton I. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurposeTo provide an overview of moyamoya disease (MMD) including pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.Data sourcesSelected clinical and epidemiological studies, review articles, and diagnostic guidelines for MMD.ConclusionsMMD is a rare cerebrovascular disease characterized by progressive stenosis of the distal internal carotid arteries and their major branches. The dilated and fragile basal collateral circulations display a “puff of smoke” appearance and thus are called moyamoya vessels. Other unique features of MMD include 2:1 female preponderance and its peak incidence in two age groups: early childhood and adults in their mid‐40s. The pathophysiology of MMD is unclear and possible causes include genetic linkage, angiogenesis, autoimmune disease, cranial radiation, and infection of the head and neck. Most patients are symptomatic and may present with ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, seizure, or headache. The diagnosis depends on clinical presentation and radiographic imaging, and disease progression may be halted with direct or indirect cerebral revascularization.Implications for practiceIt is important to make a correct diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with MMD. A prompt referral for possible surgical revascularization offers the best chance to reduce additional cerebral injuries and improve clinical outcomes.
El efecto redistributivo de los programas de transferencias sociales y de los impuestos: un análisis por países
Authors: Wang Chen , Caminada Koen , Goudswaard Kees 
Published: September 2012

ResumenEl propósito del presente artículo es ofrecer información detallada sobre la repercusión redistributiva que tendrán los impuestos y los programas de transferencias sociales en veintiocho países miembros de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económicos (OCDE), para lo que se utilizan datos informatizados extraídos de la base de microdatos del Luxembourg Income Study (LIS). Se aprecia que, por término medio, la protección social reduce la desigualdad un 35 por ciento. La repercusión de las prestaciones sociales en la redistribución es mayor que la de los impuestos. En lo que respecta a los programas sociales las pensiones públicas presentan la mayor reducción de la desigualdad de ingresos, aunque el modelo varía entre países. En menor medida, la asistencia social y las prestaciones familiares y de invalidez también contribuyen a que las disparidades entre ingresos sean menores.
El ingreso de solidaridad activa y los incentivos para la reintegración al trabajo en Francia
Authors: Anne Denis , L'Horty Yannick 
Published: September 2012

ResumenMediante un inventario de las transferencias locales o no obligatorias proporcionadas en trece pueblos y ciudades francesas, en el presente artículo se ponen en consideración, ante todo, las ventajas que supone reintegrarse a trabajar para los beneficiarios de las prestaciones nacionales, obligatorias y sujetas a la verificación de recursos del ingreso mínimo de inserción (RMI), y del subsidio por progenitor único (API) por tipo de hogar y según datos anteriores a 2009. Las reformas de las prestaciones nacionales obligatorias llevadas a cabo durante la primera década del siglo xxi, en particular, las que afectaron a la bonificación fiscal por empleo (PPE), no lograron asegurar que los beneficiarios de las prestaciones sujetas a la verificación de recursos siempre obtuvieran una mejora económica al reintegrarse a trabajar. En la mayor parte de las localidades y para casi todos los tipos de hogares, aceptar un empleo a tiempo parcial remunerado con el salario mínimo representaba una pérdida de ingresos respecto a los que se hubieran obtenido de seguir acogiéndose a la protección social, y un empleo a tiempo completo no siempre resultaba rentable. Los efectos de las reformas fueron contrarrestados por los efectos de otras medidas, como la concesión generalizada de subsidios de movilidad por parte de los consejos regionales, el desarrollo de tarifas sociales para el teléfono y el servicio público de electricidad y la exención del canon de televisión. A continuación, se simulan los efectos de la introducción del ingreso de solidaridad activa (RSA), que sustituyó al RMI en 2009, y se analiza la forma en que se modificaron las transferencias locales o no obligatorias tras el aumento de las transferencias nacionales obligatorias. Se observa que el RSA elimina los desincentivos económicos de la reintegración al trabajo en lo que respecta a casi todas las localidades y tipos de hogares. En el presente artículo se demuestra que la tasa marginal de imposición del 38 por ciento adoptada por el Gobierno está muy cerca del límite superior compatible con el incentivo de la reintegración al trabajo.
Landscape and local effects on multiparasitoid coexistence
Authors: László Zoltán , Tóthmérész Béla 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

When resources are spatially fragmented, strength of competition between species is diminished by alternative patterns of resource use and parasitoids of the same host species become potential competitors. The coexistence of competing species in spatially fragmented habitats may be achieved, however, due to niche partitioning and alternative responses to patch characteristics. To evaluate responses to resource patterns facilitating coexistence, we examined the resource use patterns of four parasitoid species (Orthopelma mediator, Pteromalus bedeguaris, Torymus bedeguaris and Glyphomerus stigma) of the gall inducer Diplolepis rosae at both landscape and local scales.

Parasitoid species of rose gall communities behave differently at landscape and local scales. Parasitism rates and parasitoid incidence showed correlations with local characteristics in some cases, with landscape characteristics in others and, in some other cases with both.

Species responses to the examined characteristics depend rather on life history traits of parasitoids than on their frequency within the community. The examined parasitoids responded differently to landscape and local characteristics, while their phenology corresponded with their responses. Species emerging earlier in spring (O. mediator and P. bedeguaris) responded only to local variations, while later emerging species (T. bedeguaris and G. stigma) were sensitive to landscape characteristics as well.

Differences between species‐specific and overall responses highlight the importance of species characteristics when considering multiparasitoid communities, and support both fine and coarse partitioning between different species coexisting in the community.
Prostate cancer in magnetic resonance imaging: diagnostic utilities of spectroscopic sequences
Authors: Caivano Rocchina , Cirillo Patrizia , Balestra Antonio , Lotumolo Antonella , Fortunato Giovanna , Macarini Luca , Zandolino Alexis , Vita Giulia , Cammarota Aldo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our work is to determine the efficacy of a combined study 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3T MRI), with phased‐array coil, for the detection of prostate cancer using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and diffusion‐weighted images (DWI) in identifying doubt nodules.Subjects and MethodsIn this study, we prospectively studied 46 patients who consecutively underwent digital‐rectal exploration for high doses of prostate specific antigen (PSA), as well as a MRI examination and a subsequent rectal biopsy. The study of magnetic resonance imaging was performed with a Philips Achieva 3T scanner and phased‐array coil. The images were obtained with turbo spin‐echo sequences T2‐weighted images, T1‐weighted before and after the administration of contrast medium, DWI sequences and 3D spectroscopic sequences. The ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy was performed approximately 15 days after the MRI. The data obtained from MR images and spectroscopy were correlated with histological data.ResultsMRI revealed sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 61% respectively and positive predictive value (PPV) of 73%, negative predicted value (NPV) of 81% and accuracy of 76%. In identifying the location of prostate cancer, the sensitivity of 3T MRS was 92%, with a specificity of 89%, PPV of 87%, NPV of 88% and accuracy of 87%; DWI showed a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 61%, PPV of 73%, NPV of 81% and accuracy of 76%.ConclusionsThe 3T MR study with phased‐array coil and the use of DWI and spectroscopic sequences, in addition to T2‐weighted sequences, revealed to be accurate in the diagnosis of prostate cancer and in the identification of nodules to be biopsied. It may be indicated as a resolute way before biopsy in patients with elevated PSA value and can be proposed in the staging and follow‐up.
Essential Roles of Heparin‐Binding Epidermal Growth Factor‐Like Growth Factor in the Brain
Authors: Oyagi Atsushi , Hara Hideaki 
Published: September 2012

SummaryHeparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) is a member of the EGF family of growth factors, which interacts with the EGF receptor to exert mitogenic activity for various types of cells. Through its interactions with various molecules, it is involved in diverse biological processes, including wound healing, blast implantation, and tumor formation. At the same time, HB‐EGF is widely expressed in the central nervous system, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and is considered to play pivotal roles in the developing and adult nervous system. Because HB‐EGF protein levels in the brain are much higher than those of TGF‐α and EGF, it is possible that HB‐EGF serves as a major physiologic ligand for the EGF receptor (ErbB1) within the central nervous system. Recent studies indicate that HB‐EGF contributes to the neuronal survival and proliferation of glial/stem cells. HB‐EGF also promotes the survival of dopaminergic neurons, an action mediated by mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) as well as by the Akt signaling pathway. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the implications of HB‐EGF in higher brain functions of the central nervous system.
Value of Maximum Urethral Closure Pressure in Predicting the Outcome of Tension‐Free Vaginal Tape and Transobturator Tape Procedure
Authors: TOMOE Hikaru 
Published: September 2012

Objectives: The short‐term results for the tension‐free vaginal tape procedure (TVT) and the transobturator tape procedure (TOT) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were compared using the preoperative maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP).Methods: A total of 278 patients treated for SUI was considered: 165 who underwent TVT and 113 who underwent TOT retrospectively. The MUCP in a preoperative urodynamic study before and 3 months after surgery were evaluated.Results: At 3 months after TVT, 159 patients (96.4%) were cured and four patients failed. The mean MUCP of the patients who failed was 22.5 ± 5.3 cmH2O, which was significantly lower than that among the cured patients (P < 0.007). At 3 months after TOT, 100 patients (88.5%) were cured and seven patients failed. The mean MUCP of the patients who failed was 27 ± 6.3 cmH2O, which was significantly lower than that among the cured patients (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean MUCP among the patients who were cured after TOT was significantly higher than that among the patients who were cured after TVT (P < 0.01). A further analysis using a ROC curve indicated that the MUCP value in the successful patients after TVT was ≧ 24 cmH2O and that in the failures after TOT was ≦ 30 cmH2O with selection sensitivity at 80%.Conclusion: These results suggest that the failure cases after TVT or TOT are often found in SUI with a low MUCP and that TVT might be superior to TOT in SUI with a MUCP ≦ 30 cmH2O.