bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Different Pacing Strategies to Minimize Phrenic Nerve Stimulation in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: HUIZAR JOSE F. , KASZALA KAROLY , KONERU JAYANTHI N. , THACKER LEROY R. , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A. 
Published: April 2013

Pacing Strategies to Minimize PN StimulationIntroductionPhrenic nerve (PN) stimulation (PNS) frequently limits cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Yet, pacing strategies to minimize PNS have not been systematically compared. We propose to: (1) compare different pacing strategies to minimize PNS in CRT and (2) evaluate differences between PN and left ventricular (LV) capture thresholds among LV pacing configurations.Methods and ResultsPN and LV thresholds were obtained using 6 LV configurations in 28 patients with any PNS during CRT implantation or replacement. Incidence of PNS was compared in all LV configurations by programming pacing output to (1) One Volt (V) above LV threshold, (2) triple pulse width (PW) at LV threshold, and (3) 1.5 times LV threshold for each patient. PN thresholds and PN strength‐duration curves were statistically different between configurations (P < 0.05). Ring→RVcoil and Ring→Can had the largest difference between PN and LV thresholds. Pacing output programmed to 1.5 times LV threshold, 1 V above LV threshold, and triple PW at LV threshold had similar probability of PNS between LV configurations. However, 1 V above LV threshold and triple PW at LV threshold frequently resulted in poor (<30%) LV capture safety margin (14–43% and 53–68%, respectively). Freedom from PNS (programmed output at twice LV threshold) was found in 88%, 84%, and 52% with 6, 3, or 2 available LV configurations, respectively.ConclusionMultiple LV pacing configurations marginally increase the probability of avoiding PNS by electronic reprogramming. Pacing output programmed to 1.5 times LV threshold is an additional alternative to minimize PNS when electronic reprogramming options are limited.
A Comparison of Two Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors Worn at the Same Time
Authors: Kallem RadhaKrishna R. , Meyers Kevin E.C. , Sawinski Deirdre L. , Townsend Raymond R. 
Published: April 2013

There are limited data in the literature comparing two simultaneously worn ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) devices. The authors compared BPs from two monitors (Mobil‐O‐Graph [I.E.M., Stolberg, Germany] and Spacelabs 90207 [Spacelabs Medical, Issequah, WA]). In the nonrandomized component of the study, simultaneous 8‐hour BP and heart rate data were measured by Mobil‐O‐Graph, consistently applied to the nondominant arm, and Spacelabs to the dominant arm on 12 untreated adults. Simultaneous 8‐hour BP and heart data were obtained by the same monitors randomly assigned to a dominant or nondominant arm on 12 other untreated adults. Oscillometric BP profiles were obtained in the dominant and nondominant arms of the above 24 patients using an Accutorr (Datascope, Mahwah, NJ) device. The Spacelabs monitor recorded a 10.2‐mm Hg higher systolic pressure in the nonrandomized (P=.0016) and a 7.9‐mm Hg higher systolic pressure in the randomized studies (P=.00008) compared with the Mobil‐O‐Graph. The mean arterial pressures were 1 mm Hg to 2 mm Hg different between monitors in the two studies, and heart rates were nearly identical. Our observations, if confirmed in larger cohorts, support the concern that ABPM device manufacturers consider developing normative databases for their devices.
Life Cycle Assessment of Diesel and Electric Public Transportation Buses
Authors: Cooney Greg , Hawkins Troy R. , Marriott Joe 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe Clean Air Act in the United States identifies diesel‐powered motor vehicles, including transit buses, as significant sources of several criteria pollutants that contribute to ground‐level ozone formation or smog. The effects of air pollution in urban areas are often more significant due to congestion and can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular health impacts. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has been utilized in the literature to compare conventional gasoline‐powered passenger cars with various types of electric and hybrid‐powered alternatives, however, no similarly detailed studies exist for mass transit buses.LCA results from this study indicate that the use phase, consisting of diesel production/combustion for the conventional bus and electricity generation for the electric bus, dominates most impact categories; however, the effects of battery production are significant for global warming, carcinogens, ozone depletion, and eco‐toxicity. There is a clear connection between the mix of power‐generation technologies and the preference for the diesel or electric bus. With the existing U.S. average grid, there is a strong preference for the conventional diesel bus over the electric bus when considering global warming impacts alone. Policy makers must consider regional variations in the electricity grid prior to recommending the use of battery electric buses to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This study found that the electric bus was preferable in only eight states, including Washington and Oregon. Improvements in battery technology reduce the life cycle impacts from the electric bus, but the electricity grid makeup is the dominant variable.
Update on Kawasaki disease: Epidemiology, aetiology and pathogenesis
Authors: Yim Deane , Curtis Nigel , Cheung Michael , Burgner David 
Published: April 2013

AbstractKawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis predominantly affecting young children. It is due to an abnormal host response to as yet unidentified infectious trigger(s). Kawasaki disease may cause coronary artery damage, long‐term cardiovascular morbidity and occasionally mortality, especially if the diagnosis is missed or timely treatment is not given. This is the first of two updates on Kawasaki disease. Here we review recent advances in epidemiology, possible aetiologies, host susceptibility and pathogenesis of this fascinating condition.
Anex vivoinvestigation of the effect of theTATEcanine elbow arthroplasty system on kinematics of the elbow
Authors: Burton N. J. , Ellis J. R. , Burton K. J. , Wallace A. R. , Colborne G. R. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo devise a kinematic technique to objectively ascertain the location and orientation of the centre of rotation of the canine elbow and to compare this axis following arthroplasty with the first generationTATE™ prosthesis in anex vivomodel.MethodsFive pairs of cadaveric forelimbs were obtained and proximal limb soft tissues removed. Pin‐mounted reflective markers were applied to the humerus and ulna. Limbs were mounted on a frame and six trials of the elbow manually cycled through its sagittal range of motion captured using 4 Qualisys cameras at 120 Hz. Radiography was performed to identify marker position.TATE™ cartridges were implanted and kinematic analysis repeated. Kinematic data were imported into custom software and the three‐dimensional joint centre of rotation defined using a closed‐form solution for absolute orientation. Pairedttests were performed to determine if the centre of rotation of the elbow differed significantly (P<0·05) pre‐ and postoperatively and between left and right limbs.ResultsThere was no significant difference in three‐dimensional orientation of the elbow axis between pre and postoperative measurements or between left and right limbs.Clinical SignificanceA critical factor in obtaining a successful functional outcome following elbow arthroplasty in humans is accurate reconstruction of the anatomic centre of rotation. The first generationTATEcanine elbow arthroplasty cartridge and its instrumentation accurately reconstructed the anatomic centre of rotation in 8 of the 10 elbows assessed in thisex vivomodel.
Citrus leaf blotch virus invades meristematic regions in Nicotiana benthamiana and citrus
Authors: Agüero Jesús , Vives María Carmen , Velázquez Karelia , Ruiz‐Ruiz Susana , Juárez Jose , Navarro Luis , Moreno Pedro , Guerri José 
Published: April 2013

SummaryTo invade systemically host plants, viruses need to replicate in the infected cells, spread to neighbouring cells through plasmodesmata and move to distal parts of the plant via sieve tubes to start new infection foci. To monitor the infection of Nicotiana benthamiana plants by Citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV), leaves were agroinoculated with an infectious cDNA clone of the CLBV genomic RNA expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the transcriptional control of a duplicate promoter of the coat protein subgenomic RNA. Fluorescent spots first appeared in agroinfiltrated leaves 11–12 days after infiltration, indicating CLBV replication. Then, after entering the phloem vascular system, CLBV was unloaded in the upper parts of the plant and invaded all tissues, including flower organs and meristems. GFP fluorescence was not visible in citrus plants infected with CLBV‐GFP. Therefore, to detect CLBV in meristematic regions, Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia) plants were graft inoculated with CLBV, with Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), a virus readily eliminated by shoot‐tip grafting in vitro, or with both simultaneously. Although CLBV was detected by hybridization and real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in 0.2‐mm shoot tips in all CLBV‐inoculated plants, CTV was not detected. These results explain the difficulty in eliminating CLBV by shoot‐tip grafting in vitro.
Acquired and Infused Moral Virtue: A Distinction of Ends
Authors: Harms Arielle 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThere is a danger in separating out just a small portion of Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologiae for a detailed study while neglecting the larger framework from which this section comes. Yet students of Aquinas have failed to recognize the import of Thomas’ discussion of ends, both final and proximate, and how these are related to his later discussion of acquired and infused moral virtue and their relation to charity and prudence in the Prima Secundae of his Summa. In asserting that charity is necessary for all true virtue, the roles of the Church, the state, their members and even the place and role of grace and nature are confused. A proper understanding of the distinction between acquired natural moral virtue and infused moral virtue and their distinct ends assists in a more complete understanding of the position and responsibilities of each of these in building up a more just earthly society and the ultimate attainment of eternal beatitude.
Apoplastic mesophyll signals induce rapid stomatal responses to CO2 in Commelina communis
Authors: Fujita Takashi , Noguchi Ko , Terashima Ichiro 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Previous studies have suggested that the mesophyll contributes to stomatal CO2 responses.

The effects of changes in CO2 concentration (100 or 700 ppm) on stomatal responses in red or white light were examined microscopically in a leaf segment, an epidermal strip and an epidermal strip placed on a mesophyll segment of Commelina communis, all mounted on a buffer‐containing gel.

In both red and white light, stomata of the leaf segment opened/closed rapidly at low/high CO2. In red light, epidermal strip stomata barely responded to CO2. In white light, they opened at low CO2, but hardly closed at high CO2. Stomata of the epidermal strip placed on the mesophyll responded in the same manner as those on the leaf segment. Insertion of a doughnut‐shaped cellophane spacer (but not polyethylene spacer) between the epidermal strip and the mesophyll hardly altered these responses. Stomata in leaf segments treated with 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU), a photosynthesis inhibitor, did not open in red light, but opened/closed at low/high CO2 in white light.

These results indicate that the apoplast transfer of ‘mesophyll signals’ and the stomatal opening at low CO2 are dependent on photosynthesis, whereas the stomatal closure at high CO2 is independent of photosynthesis.
A Randomized Controlled Study to Compare the 2% Lignocaine and Aqueous Lubricating Gels for Female Urethral Catheterization
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Tan Hong Yun , Lian Xia , Ng Li Yuen Geraldine , Ang Li Ling Emily , Lim Lay Hoon Linda , Ng Wai May , Tan Mui Choo Yvonne Gwendoline , Taylor Beverley Joan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe 2% lignocaine gel has long been used for male urethral catheterization, but aqueous gel as lubricant has been used for females. However, studies report that females experience pain during urethral catheterization. We compared the effectiveness of 2% lignocaine gel (intervention) and aqueous gel (control) for female urethral catheterization in reducing procedural pain.MethodsA double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted from November 2011 to April 2012 in an acute care hospital in Singapore. In total, 52 adult female inpatients (26 interventions vs. 26 controls) requiring urethral catheterization were included in the study. The intervention included patients receiving 2% lignocaine gel as a lubricant for urethral catheterization. Patients' pre‐ and postprocedural visual analog scale (VAS) were collected prospectively and nonparametric tests were used for data analysis.ResultsThere was a significant reduction from the preprocedure pain score (Median = 22.0 mm) to the postprocedural pain score (Median = 6.6 mm) in the 2% lignocaine group (Z = −3.8, P < 0.001), but not in the aqueous gel group (pre vs. post: 16.5 mm vs. 18.2 mm; Z = −0.36, P = 0.716). Subjects using 2% lignocaine gel had significantly more reduction in the postprocedural pain score than the aqueous gel group (U = 209.5, P = 0.019).ConclusionsThe 2% lignocaine gel significantly reduces the procedural pain of female urethral catheterization as compared with aqueous gel. This study provides evidence for the hospital to change the current practice in the hope of reducing procedural pain for female patients during urethral catheterization.
IFAG and Childhood Rosacea: A Possible Link?
Authors: Prey Sorilla , Ezzedine Khaled , Mazereeuw‐Hautier Juliette , Eschard Catherine , Barbarot Sébastien , Boralevi Franck , Taïeb Alain , Léaute‐Labrèze Christine ,   on behalf of the Groupe de Recherche Clinique en Dermatologie Pédiatrique
Published: April 2013

AbstractIdiopathic facial aseptic granuloma (IFAG) is a disorder that usually occurs during early childhood. Its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate possible relationships between IFAG and childhood rosacea. This was a retrospective multicenter study of patients attending four French dermatologic centers diagnosed with IFAG between October 2000 and July 2007. Patients and their parents were asked to come for a follow‐up visit or to make an appointment for a telephone interview. Clinical symptoms of childhood rosacea were recorded: flushing, permanent or recurrent erythema; facial telangiectasia; papules and pustules on the face without comedones or microcysts; preferential location of the lesions on the convexity of the face; and ophthalmologic involvement of rosacea (recurrent chalazions, conjunctival hyperemia, keratitis). Thirty‐eight patients, 20 girls and 18 boys, were included in the study. The median age at the time of diagnosis of IFAG was 43 months, with a median follow‐up of 3.9 years. Sixteen patients (42.1%) had at least two criteria of childhood rosacea, 11 of 32 (34.4%) with a single lesion and 5 of 6 (83.3%) with multiple lesions. Children with IFAG are at risk for childhood rosacea, and follow‐up is advised, including periodic ophthalmologic assessment.
Health Care Providers' Perspectives on Low HPV Vaccine Uptake and Adherence in Appalachian Kentucky
Authors: Head Katharine J. , Vanderpool Robin C. , Mills Laurel A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivePrevious intervention research conducted in Appalachian Kentucky resulted in extremely low uptake and adherence to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among women ages 18–26, despite provision of free vaccine. Because of these findings, the purpose of this qualitative, follow‐up study was to elicit health care providers' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination and suggested strategies for improving vaccination rates.Design and SampleResearchers conducted semi‐structured qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of eight health care providers (seven nursing professionals, one physician) at the health clinic where the original HPV vaccination intervention took place. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed and authors used a constant‐comparative method to analyze the data.ResultsSignificant themes emerged from the interviews, centering around two primary issues: vaccine uptake and vaccine adherence. Related to uptake, health care providers identified perceived patient barriers and inadequate HPV vaccine education. They also identified the vaccine schedule and clinic‐centered communication deficiencies as adherence‐related barriers.ConclusionThese Appalachian Kentucky health care providers provided important insights into barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccine uptake and adherence that need to be readily addressed in this community. As informed by these providers, several suggestions for improving HPV vaccination, such as more targeted education efforts and patient‐centered reminder systems, may be applicable to other nursing professionals working in rural and medically underserved communities.
Molecular basis of two novel and related high‐prevalence antigens in the Kell blood group system, KUCI and KANT, and their serologic and spatial association with K11 and KETI
Authors: Velliquette Randall W. , Hue‐Roye Kim , Lomas‐Francis Christine , Gillen Barbara , Schierts Jennifer , Gentzkow Kristie , Peyrard Thierry , von Zabern Inge , Flegel Willy A. , Rodberg Karen , Debnath Asim K. , Lee Soohee , Reid Marion E. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe numerous antigens in the Kell blood group system result from missense nucleotide changes in KEL. Antibodies to antigens in this system can be clinically important. We describe six probands whose plasma contained antibodies to high‐prevalence Kell antigens and discuss their relationship.Study Design and MethodsPolymerase chain reaction amplification, direct sequencing, restriction fragment length polymorphism assays, hemagglutination, flow cytometry, and protein modeling were performed by standard methods.ResultsProband 1 (KUCI) and her serologically compatible sister were heterozygous for a nucleotide change in Exon 11 (KEL*1271C/T; Ala424Val). Proband 2 (KANT) was heterozygous for KEL*1283G/T (Arg428Leu) and KEL*1216C/T (Arg406Stop) in Exon 11. Red blood cells (RBCs) from Proband 1 and her sister were not agglutinated by plasma from Proband 2; however, RBCs from Proband 2 were agglutinated by plasma from Proband 1. Probands 3, 4, 5, and 6 had the KEL*1391C>T change associated with the previously reported KETI– phenotype. Proband 5 was also homozygous for KEL*905T>C encoding the K11–K17+ phenotype. Hemagglutination studies revealed an association between KUCI, KANT, KETI, and K11. Protein modeling indicated that whereas Ala424 and Arg428 are clustered, Val302 and Thr464 are not.ConclusionAla424 in the Kell glycoprotein is associated with the high‐prevalence Kell antigen, KUCI (ISBT 006032), which is detected by the antibody of Proband 1. Arg428 is associated with the high‐prevalence Kell antigen, KANT (ISBT 006033). The association between KUCI, KANT, KETI, and K11 and the results of protein modeling are discussed.
A community cohort study about childhood social and economic circumstances: racial/ethnic differences and associations with educational attainment and health of older adults
Authors: Yen Irene H , Gregorich Steven , Cohen Alison K , Stewart Anita 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTypical measures of childhood socioeconomic status (SES), such as father's occupation, have limited the ability to elucidate mechanisms by which childhood SES affects adult health. Mechanisms could include schooling experiences or work opportunities. Having previously used qualitative methods for concept development, we developed new retrospective measures of multiple domains of childhood social and economic circumstances in ethnically diverse older adults. We administered the new measures in a large sample and explored their association with adult SES.DesignWe used a cross-sectional survey design with a community sample.SettingThe San Francisco Bay Area in California.Participants400 community-dwelling adults from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds (Whites, African Americans, Latinos and Asians/Pacific Islanders) aged 55 and older (mean=67 years); 61% were women.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe measured attitudes towards schooling, extracurricular activities and adult encouragement and discouragement during the childhood/teen years. Bivariate analysis tested racial/ethnic differences on the various measures. Multivariate regression models estimated the extent to which retrospective circumstances were independently associated with adult educational attainment and adult health.ResultsMost of the childhood circumstances measures differed across racial/ethnic groups. In general, Whites reported more positive circumstances than non-Whites. Family financial circumstances, respondent's perception of schooling as a means to get ahead, high school extracurricular activities, summer travel and summer reading were each statistically significantly associated with adult SES. Family composition, age began work, high school extracurricular activities, attitudes towards schooling and adult discouragement were associated with adult health.
Pharmacist-led management of chronic pain in primary care: results from a randomised controlled exploratory trial
Authors: Bruhn Hanne , Bond Christine M , Elliott Alison M , Hannaford Philip C , Lee Amanda J , McNamee Paul , Smith Blair H , Watson Margaret C , Holland Richard , Wright David 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness of pharmacist medication review, with or without pharmacist prescribing, with standard care, for patients with chronic pain.DesignAn exploratory randomised controlled trial.SettingSix general practices with prescribing pharmacists in Grampian (3) and East Anglia (3).ParticipantsPatients on repeat prescribed pain medication (4815) were screened by general practitioners (GPs), and mailed invitations (1397). 196 were randomised and 180 (92%) completed. Exclusion criteria included: severe mental illness, terminally ill, cancer related pain, history of addiction.Randomisation and interventionPatients were randomised using a remote telephone service to: (1) pharmacist medication review with face-to-face pharmacist prescribing; (2) pharmacist medication review with feedback to GP and no planned patient contact or (3) treatment as usual (TAU). Blinding was not possible.Outcome measuresOutcomes were the SF-12v2, the Chronic Pain Grade (CPG), the Health Utilities Index 3 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Outcomes were collected at 0, 3 and 6 months.ResultsIn the prescribing arm (n=70) two patients were excluded/nine withdrew. In the review arm (n=63) one was excluded/three withdrew. In the TAU arm (n=63) four withdrew. Compared with baseline, patients had an improved CPG in the prescribing arm, 47.7% (21/44; p=0.003) and in the review arm, 38.6% (17/44; p=0.001), but not the TAU group, 31.3% (15/48; ns). The SF-12 Physical Component Score showed no effect in the prescribing or review arms but improvement in TAU (p=0.02). The SF-12 Mental Component Score showed no effect for the prescribing or review arms and deterioration in the TAU arm (p=0.002). HADS scores improved within the prescribing arm for depression (p=0.022) and anxiety (p=0.007), between groups (p=0.022 and p=0.045, respectively).ConclusionsThis is the first randomised controlled trial of pharmacist prescribing in the UK, and suggests that there may be a benefit for patients with chronic pain. A larger trial is required.Trial registration:www.isrctn.org/ISRCTN06131530. Medical Research Council funding.