bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macroreentrant Atrial Tachycardia in Patients without Previous Atrial Surgery or Catheter Ablation: Clinical and Electrophysiological Characteristics of Scar‐Related Left Atrial Anterior Wall Reentry
Authors: FUKAMIZU SEIJI , SAKURADA HARUMIZU , HAYASHI TAKEKUNI , HOJO RINTARO , KOMIYAMA KOTA , TANABE YASUHIRO , TEJIMA TAMOTSU , NISHIZAKI MITSUHIRO , KOBAYASHI YOUICHI , HIRAOKA MASAYASU 
Published: November 2012

Scar‐Related Left Atrial Anterior Wall Reentry. Introduction: Macroreentrant atrial tachycardia (MRAT) has been described most frequently in patients with prior cardiac surgery. Left atrial tachycardia and flutter are common in patients who undergo atrial fibrillation ablation; however, few reports describe left atrial MRAT involving the regions of spontaneous scarring. Here, we describe left atrial MRAT in patients without prior cardiac surgery or catheter ablation (CA) and discuss the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of tachycardia and outcome of CA.
Methods and Results:
An electrophysiological study and CA were performed in 6 patients (3 men; age 76 ± 6 years) with MRAT originating from the left atrial anterior wall (LAAW). No patient had a history of cardiac surgery or CA in the left atrium. Spontaneous scars (areas with bipolar voltage ≤ 0.05 mV) were observed in all patients. The activation map showed a figure‐eight circuit with loops around the mitral annulus (4 counterclockwise and 2 clockwise) and a low‐voltage area with LAAW scarring. The mean tachycardia cycle length was 303 ± 49 milliseconds. The conduction velocity was significantly slower in the isthmus between the scar in the LAAW and the mitral annulus than in the lateral mitral annulus (0.17 ± 0.05 m/s vs 0.94 ± 0.35 m/s; P = 0.003). Successful ablation of the isthmus caused interruption of the tachycardia and rendered it noninducible in all patients.
Conclusion:
Spontaneous LAAW scarring is an unusual cause of MRAT, showing activation patterns with a figure‐eight configuration. Radiofrequency CA is a feasible and effective treatment in such cases. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 404‐412, April 2013)
Effect of Catheter Tip‐Tissue Surface Contact on Three‐Dimensional Left Atrial and Pulmonary Vein Geometries: Potential Anatomic Distortion of 3D Ultrasound, Fast Anatomical Mapping, and Merged 3D CT‐Derived Images
Authors: OKUMURA YASUO , WATANABE ICHIRO , KOFUNE MASAYOSHI , NAGASHIMA KOICHI , SONODA KAZUMASA , MANO HIROAKI , OHKUBO KIMIE , NAKAI TOSHIKO , SASAKI NAOKO , KOGAWA RIKITAKE , MARUYAMA AYAKO , HIRAYAMA ATSUSHI 
Published: November 2012

Anatomic Distortion of 3D Mapping. Background: Although catheter tip‐tissue contact is known as a reliable basis for mapping and ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), the effects of different mapping methods on 3‐dimensional (3D) map configuration remain unknown.
Methods and Results:
Twenty AF patients underwent Carto‐based 3D ultrasound (US) evaluation. Left atrium (LA)/pulmonary vein (PV) geometry was constructed with the 3D US system. The resulting geometry was compared to geometries created with a fast electroanatomical mapping (FAM) algorithm and 3D US merged with computed tomography (merged 3D US‐CT). The 3D US‐derived LA volumes were smaller than the FAM‐ and merged 3D US‐CT‐derived volumes (75 ± 21 cm3 vs 120 ± 20 cm3 and 125 ± 25 cm3, P < 0.0001 for both). Differences in anatomic PV orifice fiducials between 3D US‐ and FAM‐ and merged 3D US‐CT‐derived geometries were 6.0 (interquartile range 0–9.3) mm and 4.1 (0–7.0) mm, respectively. Extensive encircling PV isolation guided by 3D US images with real‐time 2D intracardiac echocardiography‐based visualization of catheter tip‐tissue contact generated ablation point (n = 983) drop‐out at 1.9 ± 3.8 mm beyond the surface of the 3D US‐derived LA/PV geometry. However, these same points were located 1.5 ± 5.4 and 0.4 ± 4.1 mm below the FAM‐ and merged 3D US‐CT‐derived surfaces.
Conclusions:
Different mapping methods yield different 3D geometries. When AF ablation is guided by 3D US‐derived images, ablation points fall beyond the 3D US surface but below the FAM‐ or merged 3D US‐CT‐derived surface. Our data reveal anatomic distortion of 3D images, providing important information for improving the safety and efficacy of 3D mapping‐guided AF ablation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 259‐266, March 2013)
Weight bias among UK trainee dietitians, doctors, nurses and nutritionists
Authors: Swift J. A. , Hanlon S. , El‐Redy L. , Puhl R. M. , Glazebrook C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundTrainee dietitians, nutritionists, nurses and doctors will direct the future of obesity treatment and prevention. To do so effectively, they must be willing and able to engage empathically with overweight and obese people. The present study aimed to assess weight bias among UK trainee healthcare professionals and to investigate the factors predicting weight bias, both static and potentially modifiable.MethodsA self‐completed questionnaire collected data on demographics, weight and height, the Fat Phobia Scale (F‐scale), and the Beliefs about Obese People (BOAP) scale from 1130 students.ResultsOverall, participants demonstrated significant levels of fat phobia [F‐scale score mean (SD) = 3.8 (0.5)]. Only 1.4% of participants could be said to have expressed ‘positive or neutral attitudes’ (i.e. achieved a F‐scale score ≤ 2.5). Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that lower fat phobia (as measured by the F‐scale) was uniquely predicted by a higher self‐reported body mass index, being on the Nursing BSc course and a stronger perception that obesity is not under a person's control (as measured by the BOAP scale).ConclusionsThere are unacceptable levels of weight bias among UK students training to become nurses, doctors, nutritionists and dietitians. The results of the present study suggest that a promising approach for future interventions would be the provision of balanced education about the controllability of obesity, focusing upon genetic and environmental factors, as well as diet and exercise.
The effects of sex steroids on thyroid C cells and trabecular bone structure in the rat model of male osteoporosis
Authors: Filipović Branko , Šošić‐Jurjević Branka , Ajdžanović Vladimir , Pantelić Jasmina , Nestorović Nataša , Milošević Verica , Sekulić Milka 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAndrogen deficiency is one of the major factors leading to the development of osteoporosis in men. Since calcitonin (CT) is a potent antiresorptive agent, in the present study we investigated the effects of androgen deficiency and subsequent testosterone and estradiol treatment on CT‐producing thyroid C cells, skeletal and hormonal changes in middle‐aged orchidectomized (Orx) rats. Fifteen‐month‐old male Wistar rats were either Orx or sham‐operated (SO). One group of Orx rats received 5 mg kg−1 b.w. testosterone propionate (TP) subcutaneously, while another group was injected with 0.06 mg kg−1 b.w. estradiol dipropionate (EDP) once a day for 3 weeks. A peroxidase–antiperoxidase method was applied for localization of CT in the C cells. The studies included ultrastructural microscopic observation of these cells. The metaphyseal region of the proximal tibia was measured histomorphometrically using an imagej public domain image processing program. TP or EDP treatment significantly increased C cell volume (Vc), volume densities (Vv) and serum CT concentration compared with the Orx animals. Administration of both TP and EDP significantly enhanced cancellous bone area (B.Ar), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular number (Tb.N) and reduced trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Serum osteocalcin (OC) and urinary Ca concentrations were significantly lower after these treatments in comparison with Orx rats. These data suggest that testosterone and estradiol treatment in Orx middle‐aged rats affect calcitonin‐producing thyroid C cells, which may contribute to the bone protective effects of sex hormones in the rat model of male osteoporosis.
Psoriasis and Sexual Behavior in U.S. Women: An Epidemiologic Analysis Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Armstrong April W. , Follansbee Matthew R. , Harskamp Caitlin T. , Schupp Clayton W. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although sexual behavior is an integral part of most adults' overall well-being, this aspect of psoriasis patients' quality of life is rarely explored.

Aim
The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between psoriasis and sexual behavior in U.S. women.

Methods
We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2006. Our study focuses on responses to the dermatology and sexual behavior questionnaires of the NHANES.

Main Outcome Measures
This study examines the association between psoriasis and sexual behavior in U.S. women with regard to sexual orientation, age of first sexual encounter, number of sexual partners, and frequency of unprotected sex.

Results
A total of 3,462 women provided responses to their psoriasis status: 2,753 (80%) women were heterosexual and 709 (20%) were nonheterosexual. Among them, 2.7% reported a physician-given diagnosis of psoriasis. On multivariate analyses, psoriasis was not associated with differences in sexual orientation (odds ratio [OR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–2.01). Among nonheterosexual women, multivariate analysis revealed a lower number of lifetime female sexual partners in women with psoriasis (rate ratio [RR] 0.11, 95% CI 0.04–0.33, P = 0.001). Among heterosexual women, no significant differences existed between those with and without psoriasis in age of first sexual encounter (weighted difference −0.54 years, 95% CI −1.27 to 0.19), number of lifetime male sexual partners (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.69–2.06), or number of lifetime male oral sex partners (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.40–1.29). Heterosexual women with psoriasis had 1.13 times more unprotected sex (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.24, P = 0.03) compared with those without psoriasis.

Conclusion
Psoriasis is associated with a significantly reduced number of sexual partners in nonheterosexual women. Psoriasis may differentially impact sexual behavior based on sexual orientation in women.
Altered cortical and subcortical local coherence in obstructive sleep apnea: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Santarnecchi Emiliano , Sicilia Isabella , Richiardi Jonas , Vatti Giampaolo , Polizzotto Nicola Riccardo , Marino Daniela , Rocchi Raffaele , Van De Ville Dimitri , Rossi Alessandro 
Published: November 2012

SummaryObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is the most common sleep‐related breathing disorder, characterized by excessive snoring and repetitive apneas and arousals, which leads to fragmented sleep and, most importantly, to intermittent nocturnal hypoxaemia during apneas. Considering previous studies about morphovolumetric alterations in sleep apnea, in this study we aimed to investigate for the first time the functional connectivity profile of OSA patients and age–gender–matched healthy controls, using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Twenty severe OSA patients (mean age 43.2 ± 8 years; mean apnea–hypopnea index, 36.3 h−1) and 20 non‐apneic age–gender–body mass index (BMI)‐matched controls underwent fMRI and polysomnographic (PSG) registration, as well as mood and sleepiness evaluation. Cerebro‐cerebellar regional homogeneity (ReHo) values were calculated from fMRI acquisition, in order to identify pathology‐related alterations in the local coherence of low‐frequency signal (<0.1 Hz). Multivariate pattern classification was also performed using ReHo values as features. We found a significant pattern of cortical and subcortical abnormal local connectivity in OSA patients, suggesting an overall rearrangement of hemispheric connectivity balance, with a decrease of local coherence observed in right temporal, parietal and frontal lobe regions. Moreover, an increase in bilateral thalamic and somatosensory/motor cortices coherence have been found, a finding due possibly to an aberrant adaptation to incomplete sleep–wake transitions during nocturnal apneic episodes, induced by repetitive choke sensation and physical efforts attempting to restore breathing. Different hemispheric roles into sleep processes and a possible thalamus key role in OSA neurophysiopathology are intriguing issues that future studies should attempt to clarify.
Efficacy of Low‐ and High‐Dose Trilostane Treatment in Dogs (< 5 kg) with Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Cho K.‐D. , Kang J.‐H. , Chang D. , Na K.‐J. , Yang M.‐P. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundTrilostane is commonly used to treat pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) in dogs. There are differing opinions regarding the dose and frequency of trilostane administration in dogs withPDH.ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy of 2 trilostane protocols in the treatment of dogs withPDH.AnimalsSixteen client‐owned dogs withPDHand a body weight <5 kg.MethodsProspective observational study. Group A (n=9; low‐dose treatment group) received 0.78 ± 0.26 mg of trilostane/kg PO every 12 h and group B (n = 7; high‐dose treatment group) 30 mg of trilostane/dog PO every 24 h. All of the dogs were reassessed at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks after the initiation of treatment.ResultsAn improvement in bothACTH‐stimulated serum cortisol concentrations and clinical signs occurred more slowly in group A than in group B; however, after 20 weeks of treatment, 2/7 dog in group B had clinical signs and abnormal laboratory findings consistent with hypoadrenocorticism. At 24 weeks, an improvement in the clinical findings of all of the dogs in both groups was detected.Conclusions and clinical importanceIn dogs withPDH, twice‐daily administration of low‐dose trilostane is an effective approach to the management ofPDH. In addition, our results suggest fewer potential adverse effects if trilostane is administered twice daily in the lower dose.
Liver manipulation during liver surgery in humans is associated with hepatocellular damage and hepatic inflammation
Authors: van den Broek Maartje A. J. , Shiri‐Sverdlov Ronit , Schreurs Joris J. W. , Bloemen Johanne G , Bieghs Veerle , Rensen Sander S , Dejong Cornelis H C , Olde Damink Steven W M 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundManipulation of the liver during liver surgery results in profound hepatocellular damage. Experimental data show that mobilization‐induced hepatocellular damage is related to hepatic inflammation. To date, information on this link in humans is lacking. As it is possible to modulate inflammation, it is clinically relevant to unravel this relationship.AimThis observational study aimed to establish the association between liver mobilization and hepatic inflammation in humans.MethodsConsecutive patients requiring mobilization of the right hemi‐liver during liver surgery were studied. Plasma samples and liver biopsies were collected prior to and directly after mobilization and after transection of the liver. Hepatocellular damage was assayed by liver fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP) and aminotransferase levels. Hepatic inflammation was determined by (a) immunohistochemical identification of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and CD68‐ positive cells and (b) hepatic gene expression of inflammatory and cell adhesion molecules (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, VCAM‐1 and ICAM‐1).ResultsA total of 25 patients were included. L‐FABP levels increased significantly during mobilization (301 ± 94 ng/ml to 1599 ± 362 ng/ml, P = 0.008), as did ALAT levels (36 ± 5 IU/L to 167 ± 21 IU/L, P < 0.001). A significant increase in MPO (P = 0.001) and CD68 (P = 0.002) positive cells was noticed in the liver after mobilization. The number of MPO‐positive cells correlated with the duration of mobilization (Pearson correlation=0.505, P = 0.033). Hepatic gene expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐6, chemo‐attractant IL‐8 and adhesion molecule ICAM‐1 increased significantly during liver manipulation.ConclusionsLiver mobilization is associated with hepatocellular damage and liver inflammation, as shown by infiltration of inflammatory cells and upregulation of genes involved in acute inflammation.
Role of MAP Kinases and PI3K‐Akt on the cytokine inflammatory profile of peritoneal macrophages from the ascites of cirrhotic patients
Authors: Tapia‐Abellán Ana , Ruiz‐Alcaraz Antonio J. , Hernández‐Caselles Trinidad , Such José , Francés Rubén , García‐Peñarrubia Pilar , Martínez‐Esparza María 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimsSeveral new approaches targeting inflammation associated with different diseases are in clinical development.ObjectiveTo explore the role played by MAPK and PI3K‐Akt pathways on the release of cytokines in monocyte‐derived macrophages (M‐DM) obtained from the ascites of cirrhotic patients to identify novel targets for pharmaceutical intervention to prevent hepatic damage.MethodsM‐DM were isolated from the ascites of cirrhotic patients and stimulated in vitro with LPS and heat‐killed Candida albicans in the presence or absence of the inhibitors for MEK1, p38 MAPK, JNK and PI3K. The MAPK phosphorylation levels were determined by Western Blot. Cell culture supernatants were assayed by ELISA for TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐10.ResultsThe release of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and TNF‐α at baseline was more effectively reduced by the MAPK inhibitors, while the basal IL‐10 anti‐inflammatory cytokine secretion was only and strongly (90.3%) affected by the PI3K inhibitor. The incubation of peritoneal M‐DM in the presence of LPS and C. albicans increased the release of IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐10. LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines secretion was more sensitive to MAPK inhibitors, whereas that induced by C. albicans was more susceptible to inhibition of PI3K. Finally, inhibition of PI3K almost completely suppressed the secretion of IL‐10 in stimulated M‐DM.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that pro‐inflammatory cytokines release in M‐DM from this clinical setting strongly depends on the MAPK signalling pathways, differs depending on the microbial stimulus added and confirms the prominent role of the PI3K‐Akt pathway in the modulation of IL‐10‐mediated anti‐inflammatory function.
Field‐testing of guidance on the appropriate labelling of processed complementary foods for infants and young children inSouthAfrica
Authors: Sweet Lara , Jerling Johann , Van Graan Averalda 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThere is a lack of formal guidance from international normative bodies on the appropriate marketing of processed complementary foods. Such guidance is necessary to protect and promote optimal infant and young child feeding practices. The aim of this study was to field‐test, inSouthAfrica, the interim guidance provided by theMaternal,Infant andYoungChildNutritionWorkingGroup'sDraftGuide forMarketingComplementaryFoods as a potential tool for use by manufacturers and national governments for guiding the appropriate labelling (as a subset of appropriate marketing practices) of complementary foods. This guidance was used to develop a checklist of questions and criteria for each possible answer, which was tested using a comprehensive database of labels from products purchased inSouthAfrica fromJune toAugust 2011. One hundred and sixty product labels of 35 manufacturers were analysed, none of which complied with all checklist criteria. Fifty‐six (35%) labels did not provide an appropriate age of introduction while 37 (23%) used images of infants appearing younger than 6 months. Nineteen (12%) labels suggested a daily ration too large for a breastfed child, and 32 (20%) potentially promote the manufacturer's infant formula. Only 58 (36%) labels were easy to read. The majority (69% and 92%) of labels provided instructions for safe and appropriate preparation/use and storage, respectively. TheDraftGuide forMarketingComplementaryFoods was found to be a useful tool for guiding the appropriate labelling of complementary foods, although some changes and additions are recommended to improve understanding, ease of use and to minimise the subjective interpretation of the guidance.
The relation between age of attainment of motor milestones and future cognitive and motor development inBangladeshi children
Authors: Hamadani Jena Derakhshani , Tofail Fahmida , Cole Tim , Grantham‐McGregor Sally 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThere is a need for easily administered, low‐cost measures to assess child development in large field studies. Many researchers evaluate the age of attainment of motor milestones, but there is little information on their validity. A large longitudinal study (MINIMat) was conducted in a poor rural area ofBangladesh and we assessed the age of attainment of motor milestones in a subsample of over 2000 children. We examined their association with scores on theBayley psychomotor development index (PDI) and mental development index (MDI) at 18 months and with scores on theMovementAssessmentBattery forChildren and with intelligence quotient (IQ) on theWechslerPreschool andPrimaryScale ofIntelligence at 64 months. A field worker visited the children's homes monthly from 3 to 12 months of age and then at 15 months and examined the children. Mothers recorded the date of attainment of the milestones. Age of attainment of walking and standing alone was moderately correlated with thePDIand had significant but low associations with later motor development. They were as good as thePDIin predicting later motor development and could be used in field studies for that purpose. Milestone age of attainment had significant but low correlations withMDIand laterIQ. Height for age at 15 months was related to milestones and laterIQand motor development and accounted for some of the association between milestones andIQ. Milestone age of attainment may not be sensitive enough to be used as an indicator of laterIQ.
Where do you come from, where do you go? Directional migration rates in landscape genetics
Authors: Holderegger Rolf , Gugerli Felix 
Published: November 2012

Identifying landscape elements that influence gene flow and migration in wild species is the current main topic of landscape genetics. Most landscape genetic studies infer gene flow and migration from genetic distances among populations or individuals and statistically relate these measurements to landscape composition and configuration. This approach assumes symmetrical gene flow between pairs of populations. Such an assumption, however, will often be violated, especially in source–sink systems. Source populations provide more emigrants than they receive immigrants, and sink populations get many immigrants, but release few emigrants. Source–sink dynamics cannot be explored using common landscape genetic approaches relying on genetic distances. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Andreasen et al. () apply an alternative approach allowing them to infer asymmetrical migration. They use a Bayesian assignment test among objectively defined populations of mountain lions (Puma concolor) in western USA to estimate recent and directional migration rates. The study shows that an area with a high amount of wildlife refuges and low hunting pressure harbours a source population for mountain lion dispersal, while areas with high hunting pressures form sink populations; a result helpful in making informed decisions in conservation management.