bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patients’ Attitudes and Perceptions of Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators: Potential Barriers to Appropriate Primary Prophylaxis
Authors: YUHAS JENNIFER , MATTOCKS KRISTIN , GRAVELIN LAURA , REMETZ MICHAEL , FOLEY JOHN , FAZIO RICHARD , LAMPERT RACHEL 
Published: August 2012

Background:
Primary prophylaxis with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) improves mortality in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, ICDs are highly underutilized. We explored patients’ attitudes and perceptions of ICDs to better understand potential patient‐related barriers to appropriate utilization.
Methods:
Records of patients visiting three outpatient cardiology clinics (June 2009–January 2010) were reviewed and 133 with ejection fractions ≤35% and without an ICD were identified. Seventy‐two met criteria for ICD placement. Twenty‐five consented and were interviewed by telephone using a semistructured open‐ended interview guide. Twelve individuals had accepted ICD referral, and 13 had declined. We analyzed transcripts of ICD refusers and acceptors using the constant comparative method of grounded theory.
Results:

Five major themes emerged: (1) Patients who refused ICD referral demonstrated a lack of insight into their own risk potential. (2) Many patients who accepted ICD referral perceived that this was strongly recommended by their physicians, although many patients refusing did not. (3) Concerns over recall, malfunction, and surgical risk were common in both. (4) Many patients demonstrated inaccurate perceptions of ICD‐related risks and lifestyle changes. Acceptors often reported these perceptions being addressed by their physician. (5) Feelings regarding invasive life‐prolonging interventions played an important role in ICD referral refusal for some individuals.
Conclusions:
Refusal of ICD is common among primary prevention candidates. Common themes in the decision‐making process include insight into personal risk of SCD, and perceived strength of the physician recommendation. Providers may want to consider assessment of patients’ individual understanding and perceptions when discussing ICD prophylaxis. (PACE 2012; 35:1179–1187)
Efficiency, Safety, and Long‐Term Follow‐up of Retrograde Approach for CTO Recanalization: Initial (Belgrade) Experience with International Proctorship
Authors: STOJKOVIC SINISA , SIANOS GEORGE , KATOH OSAMU , GALASSI ALFREDO R. , BELESLIN BRANKO , VUKCEVIC VLADAN , NEDELJKOVIC MILAN , STANKOVIC GORAN , ORLIC DEJAN , DOBRIC MILAN , TOMASEVIC MILOJE , OSTOJIC MIODRAG 
Published: August 2012

Background:
Retrograde approach increases the success rate for percutaneous recanalization of complex chronic total occlusion (CTO) of coronary arteries.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to describe our initial experience of retrograde percutaneous coronary intervention for CTO program, focusing on its safety and feasibility, and long‐term clinical follow‐up.
Methods:
The study was a single center retrospective registry which included a total of 40 patients, of 590 CTO treated patients (6.7%), between January 2008 and October 2011, who underwent retrograde approach for CTO recanalization.
Results:
Mean occlusion duration was 37.8 ± 40.3 months. Overall success recanalization rate was 87.5% (35/40). Septal collaterals were used to access the occlusion in all cases (100%). Retrograde guidewire crossing of collateral channels was successful in 36/40 (90.0%) patients with success rate of CTO recanalization in these patients of 97.2%. Retrograde approach as the primary strategy was applied in 23/40 (57.5%) patients, retrograde approach immediately after antegrade failure attempt was performed in 8/40 (20.0%) patients, and retrograde approach as elective procedure, after previously failed antegrade attempt, was performed in 9/40 (22.5%) patients. The success rate of these strategies was: 87.0% (20/23 patients) for primary, 87.5% (7/8 patients) for retrograde immediately after antegrade failure, and 88.9% (8/9 patients) for retrograde after previous failed antegrade attempt, respectively. Total in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate was 5.0% (2 non‐Q‐wave myocardial infarctions). The MACE free survival at median follow‐up of 20 months was 89% (95% CI: 78–100%).
Conclusions:
This study has demonstrated that adequate training and international proctorship for this complex and demanding technique is a necessity and prerequisite to achieve high overall success rates, with acceptable complication rates and excellent long‐term survival rate. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:540–548).
Nervous system autoantibodies and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Mason Darius L. , Assimon Magdalene M. , Bishop Jeffrey R. , El‐Fawal Hassan A. N. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCognitive deficits are prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) have been linked to both neurodegeneration (ND) and neuroprotection, respectively. Autoantibodies (Ab) to myelin basic protein (MBP), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament (NF) triplet proteins arise secondary to nervous system (NS) damage providing a means to assess neurological injury. Characterization of Ab biomarkers of NS damage in HD patients, their association with VDR SNPs, and nutritional vitamin D (NVD) therapy was performed. VDR genotypes, cytokines, and Ab biomarkers to NS proteins in HD subjects receiving ergocalciferol (n = 40) were compared with nonusers (n = 71). Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers against NFs, GFAP, and MBP were measured by immunoassay. Subjects were genotyped for VDR SNPs BsmI (rs1544410) and FokI (rs2228570). Subjects (age 63.3 ± 16.1 years, 66% male) who were C allele carriers of BsmI had higher values of NF‐68 antibody titers (p = 0.027). Ergocalciferol users (n = 40) compared with nonusers (n = 71) had lower Ab titers to NS proteins; however, only anti–NF‐160 and anti‐MBP titers were significantly (p < 0.05) higher. IgG against NS proteins in HD patients suggests neuronal and glial insult and a relationship with VDR alleles. NVD may provide some neuroprotection, indicated by anti–NF‐160 and anti‐MBP, which was markedly lowered in ergocalciferol patients. This preliminary study suggests that Ab detection may be useful in monitoring ND and the potential of NVD for neuroprotection in HD patients.
First Report of the Epiphytic Dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus caribaeus in the Temperate Waters off Jeju Island, Korea: Morphology and Molecular Characterization
Authors: Jeong Hae Jin , Lim An Suk , Jang Se Hyeon , Yih Won Ho , Kang Nam Seon , Lee Sung Yeon , Yoo Yeong Du , Kim Hyung Seop 
Published: August 2012

AbstractGambierdiscus spp. are epiphytic, benthic dinoflagellates. Some species have been shown to be toxic and cause ciguatera fish poisoning. We report, for the first time, the occurrence of Gambierdiscus caribaeus isolated from the waters off Jeju Island in Korea. Its morphology was similar to that of the original Belize strains of G. caribaeus. Gambierdiscus caribaeus has been reported in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Floridian coast. Our report extends its range to the North Pacific Ocean. The plates of the Korean strain were arranged in a Kofoidian series of Po, 3′, 7′′, 6c, 6s, 5′′′, 1p, and 2′′′′, morphologically closer to other strains of G. caribaeus than to G. carpenteri. When properly aligned, its small subunit (SSU) rDNA was 0.5% different from those of Gambierdiscus sp. C‐1, a strain that was isolated from the waters off eastern Japan, but was 2.4–4.0% different from those of the NOAA strains of G. caribaeus and 3.1–3.4% different from those of the NOAA strains of G. carpenteri. Additionally, the D1–D3 large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequence of the Korean strain of G. caribaeus was 4.7–5.3% different from those of the NOAA strains of G. caribaeus and 7.1–7.5% different from those of all reported G. carpenteri strains, including the NOAA strains. In phylogenetic trees based on SSU and LSU rDNA sequences, our Korean strain was basal to the clade consisting of the NOAA strains of G. caribaeus, which in turn was sister clade to all reported G. carpenteri strains.
Dispersal and tributary immigration by juvenile coho salmon contribute to spatial expansion during colonisation
Authors: Anderson Joseph H. , Pess George R. , Kiffney Peter M. , Bennett Todd R. , Faulds Paul L. , Atlas William I. , Quinn Thomas P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAnadromous fishes are frequently restricted by artificial barriers to movement such as dams and culverts, so measuring dispersal helps identify sites where improved connectivity could promote range expansion and population viability. We used a combination of DNA‐based parentage analysis and mark–recapture techniques to evaluate dispersal by juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in a population in the initial stages of colonisation following installation of fish passage structures at a previously impassable dam on the Cedar River, WA, USA. The spatial distribution of individuals within maternal families revealed that dispersal was common. Among the offspring of radio‐tagged mothers, 28% were collected outside the spawning reach and dispersed up to 6.3 km (median = 1.5 km). Most juveniles captured in a tributary (Rock Creek, where few adults spawned) had immigrated from the Cedar River and represented many different families. Juvenile dispersal therefore provided a secondary phase of spatial expansion following initial colonisation by adults. Consistent with the condition‐dependent dispersal hypothesis, juveniles that dispersed farther upstream in the tributary were larger than fish collected near the tributary mouth. Overall, the results demonstrated widespread dispersal in a system with low coho salmon densities, and this might increase the rate of population growth if it reduces the effects of local density dependence. By implication, juveniles can take advantage of rearing habitats reconnected through barrier removal, even when such areas are located several kilometres from adult breeding grounds.
Association study of GIT1 gene with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder in Brazilian children and adolescents
Authors: Salatino‐Oliveira A. , Genro J. P. , Chazan R. , Zeni C. , Schmitz M. , Polanczyk G. , Roman T. , Rohde L. A. , Hutz M. H. 
Published: August 2012

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children with a worldwide prevalence of 5.3%. Recently, a Korean group assessed the G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase‐interacting protein 1 (GIT1) gene that had previously been associated with ADHD. In their work, 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs in the GIT1 gene were tested; however, only the rs550818 SNP was associated with ADHD susceptibility. Moreover, the presence of the risk‐associated allele determined reduced GIT1 expression, and Git1‐deficient mice exhibit ADHD‐like phenotypes. The aim of this study was to determine if this association also occurs in a sample of Brazilian children with ADHD. No effect of GIT1 genotypes on ADHD susceptibility was observed in the case–control analysis. The odds ratios (ORs) were 0.75 (P = 0.184) for the CT genotype and 1.09 (P = 0.862) for the TT genotype. In addition, the adjusted OR of the CT+TT genotypes vs. the CC genotype was also estimated (P = 0.245). There were no dimensional associations between the GIT1 genotypes and both hyperactivity and /impulsivity, and only hyperactivity Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Scale‐Version IV (SNAP‐IV) scores (P = 0.609 and P = 0.247, respectively). The transmission/disequilibrium test indicated that there was no over‐transmission of rs550818 alleles from parents to ADHD children (z = 0.305; P = 0.761). We conclude that rs550818 is not associated with ADHD in this Brazilian sample. More studies are required before concluding that this polymorphism plays a role in ADHD susceptibility.
Two thymidine kinases and one multisubstrate deoxyribonucleoside kinase salvage DNA precursors in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Clausen Anders R. , Girandon Lenart , Ali Ashfaq , Knecht Wolfgang , Rozpedowska Elzbieta , Sandrini Michael P. B. , Andreasson Erik , Munch‐Petersen Birgitte , Piškur Jure 
Published: August 2012

Deoxyribonucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and can be synthesized via de novo and salvage pathways. Deoxyribonucleoside kinases (EC 2.7.1.145) salvage deoxyribonucleosides by transfer of a phosphate group to the 5′ of a deoxyribonucleoside. This salvage pathway is well characterized in mammals, but in contrast, little is known about how plants salvage deoxyribonucleosides. We show that during salvage, deoxyribonucleosides can be phosphorylated by extracts of Arabidopsis thaliana into corresponding monophosphate compounds with an unexpected preference for purines over pyrimidines. Deoxyribonucleoside kinase activities were present in all tissues during all growth stages. In the A. thaliana genome, we identified two types of genes that could encode enzymes which are involved in the salvage of deoxyribonucleosides. Thymidine kinase activity was encoded by two thymidine kinase 1 (EC 2.7.1.21)‐like genes (AtTK1a and AtTK1b). Deoxyadenosine, deoxyguanosine and deoxycytidine kinase activities were encoded by a single AtdNK gene. T‐DNA insertion lines of AtTK1a and AtTK1b mutant genes had normal growth, although AtTK1a AtTK1b double mutants died at an early stage, which indicates that AtTK1a and AtTK1b catalyze redundant reactions. The results obtained in the present study suggest a crucial role for the salvage of thymidine during early plant development.DatabaseSequence data from the present study have been deposited in the EMBL database/GenBank under accession numbers: AT3G07800.1 (AtTK1a), At5G23070.1 (AtTK1b) and AT1G72040.1 (AtdNK).
Serum NT‐proBNP in the early detection of doxorubicin‐induced cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Kittiwarawut Annop , Vorasettakarnkij Yongkasem , Tanasanvimon Suebpong , Manasnayakorn Sopark , Sriuranpong Virote 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimCardiac dysfunction is a major limitation of anthracycline treatment in cancer patients. There are several useful serum markers in other types of cardiomyopathy, including N‐terminal pro‐brain‐natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), troponin‐T and creatine kinase MB isoform. We investigated the potential application of these serum biomarkers in cancer patients receiving treatment with anthracycline.MethodsWe collected data from 52 female breast cancer patients receiving doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide every 3 weeks for four cycles. Cardiac function evaluations by echocardiography were done at baseline and at the end of the fourth cycle of chemotherapy. Patients’ blood samples were serially measured for cardiac biomarkers.ResultsThe mean cumulative dose of doxorubicin in this study was 237 mg/m2. No symptomatic heart failure was detected during the study period. However, there were significant asymptomatic reductions of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from mean ± SD 70.7 ± 6% at baseline to 67.0 ± 5% (P < 0.001). By clinical toxicity criteria the LVEF decline was grade I in 18% and grade II in 4%. After one dose of chemotherapy, a significant rise of serum NT‐proBNP occurred in patients who subsequently developed an LVEF reduction compared with patients with normal LVEF (P = 0.04). A correlation analysis demonstrated that the reduction of fractional shortening was significantly associated with elevated NT‐proBNP (r = −0.016, P = 0.014).ConclusionAsymptomatic reductions in cardiac function are common in breast cancer patients treated with doxorubicin. NT‐proBNP may serve as a convenient serum biomarker for the early detection of cardiotoxicity induced by anthracycline.
Patient comprehension of discharge instructions from the emergency department: A literature review
Authors: Alberti Traci L. , Nannini Angela 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurposeTo examine research published from 1995 to 2010, evaluating patient comprehension of discharge instructions from emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) settings. Specifically, we examined: (a) the interventions utilized to provide discharge instructions, (b) the methods used to assess patient comprehension, and (c) the most effective strategies for assuring patient comprehension of ED discharge instructions.Data sourcesA comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing the following databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Health Reference Center Academic, Medline, Cochrane, and Ovid. English language peer‐reviewed articles published between 1995 and 2010 were reviewed. Search terms included patient, comprehension, understanding, discharge instructions, health education, and emergency medicine.ConclusionsIncreases in patient comprehension of ED discharge instructions are identified with alternative teaching interventions (multimedia) in comparison to traditional standardized written discharge instructions (usual care). Literature suggests clinicians seldom clarify patient comprehension in practice, though effective methods are noted in research. Future research is needed to explore innovative teaching interventions and their impact upon patient comprehension and patient outcomes.Implications for practiceTo ensure patient comprehension of discharge instructions, the simplification of discharge material is paramount. Nurse practitioners working in ED or UC settings can improve upon “usual care” by exploring more innovative teaching interventions.
Analyses and assessment of the spatial and temporal distribution of nitrogen compounds in surface waters
Authors: Georgieva Nedyalka , Yaneva Zvezdelina , Kostadinova Gergana 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe temporal concentration variations and spatial distribution of nitrogen compounds (nitrate, nitrite, ammonium) in the natural surface waters of Stara Zagora Region, Bulgaria, over a period of 1 year were assessed in the present study. Nitrate‐nitrogen concentrations in all surface water samples, except for the December value – 21.8 mg/L in Zetyovo Reservoir, were within the permissible national quality standards. NO2
–‐N could be classified as a priority pollutant of Chirpan and Zetyovo Reservoirs waters. The greatest extent of NH
4
+‐N pollution was registered in Chirpan Reservoir surface waters. The correlation study revealed appreciable mutual relationship only between NH4
+‐N and NO
2
–‐N in the surface waters. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) exhibited divergent apportionment of nitrogen compounds in the surface water bodies.
Application of surrogate artificial intelligent models for real‐time flood routing
Authors: Ghalkhani Hossein , Golian Saeed , Saghafian Bahram , Farokhnia Ashkan , Shamseldin Asaad 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDeveloping a robust flood forecasting and warning system (FFWS) is essential in flood‐prone areas. Hydrodynamic models, which are a major part of such systems, usually suffer from computational instabilities and long runtime problems, which are particularly important in real‐time applications. In this study, two artificial intelligence models, namely artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), were used for flood routing in an FFWS in Madarsoo river basin, Iran. For this purpose, different rainfall patterns were transformed to run‐off hydrographs using the Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC)‐1 hydrological model and routed along the river using HEC river analysis system RAS hydrodynamic model. Then, the simulated hydrographs with different lag times were used as inputs for training of ANN and ANFIS models to simulate flood hydrograph at the basin outlet. Results showed that the simulations obtained from ANN and ANFIS coincided with the results simulated by the HEC‐RAS, and application of such models is strongly suggested as a backup tool for flood routing in FFWSs.
Feminism and Religion: Intersections between Western Activism, Theology and Theory
Authors: Zwissler Laurel 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWhat is the relationship of religion in general, or of specific religions, to misogyny and the oppression of women? This article discusses Western feminism and religion, with a focus on North America, examining: 1) the relationship of religion to feminism as a political movement; 2) the role of feminism in religion, especially Western traditions; and 3) contributions of feminist criticism to the academic study of religion. The relationship between feminism and religion is multifaceted. Religion is important in feminist political activism, throughout first, second and third waves. Feminist activism is mutually influential to feminist theory, which approaches questions about gender not as optional, but as imperative to any rigorous analytic perspective. Feminist criticism of religion includes both feminist theology, which focuses on reforming religious traditions to be more egalitarian, and feminist scholarship in the academic study of religion, which challenges scholars to re‐evaluate dominant models, such as the category of religion itself.
Disability Theology
Authors: Creamer Deborah Beth 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDisability theology explores the ways in which religious traditions have engaged (or failed to engage) notions of disability and impairment, and offers constructive possibilities for inclusive theological work in the future. This essay reviews four primary models of disability (moral model, medical model, social model, and limits model) and explores how these relate to religious understandings and practices. The image of the Disabled God is highlighted, as are the ways this field has come to engage varieties of disability experience (including cognitive disabilities and autism) and diversity more broadly. Philosophical notions (such as those around normalcy or human flourishing) are explored alongside advocacy and access issues (particularly with regard to religious practices such as preaching, religious education, and biblical interpretation). Future possibilities and directions for disability theology are also proposed.
Influenza surveillance in Europe: establishing epidemic thresholds by the Moving Epidemic Method
Authors: Vega Tomás , Lozano Jose Eugenio , Meerhoff Tamara , Snacken René , Mott Joshua , Ortiz de Lejarazu Raul , Nunes Baltazar 
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as:Vegaet al.(2012) Influenza surveillance in Europe: establishing epidemic thresholds by the moving epidemic method. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(4), 546–558.Background Timely influenza surveillance is important to monitor influenza epidemics.Objectives (i) To calculate the epidemic threshold for influenza‐like illness (ILI) and acute respiratory infections (ARI) in 19 countries, as well as the thresholds for different levels of intensity. (ii) To evaluate the performance of these thresholds.Methods The moving epidemic method (MEM) has been developed to determine the baseline influenza activity and an epidemic threshold. False alerts, detection lags and timeliness of the detection of epidemics were calculated. The performance was evaluated using a cross‐validation procedure.Results The overall sensitivity of the MEM threshold was 71·8% and the specificity was 95·5%. The median of the timeliness was 1 week (range: 0–4·5).Conclusions The method produced a robust and specific signal to detect influenza epidemics. The good balance between the sensitivity and specificity of the epidemic threshold to detect seasonal epidemics and avoid false alerts has advantages for public health purposes. This method may serve as standard to define the start of the annual influenza epidemic in countries in Europe.