bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Renal Artery, Soft Tissue, and Nerve Damage After Irrigated Versus Nonirrigated Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Sakakura Kenichi , Ladich Elena , Fuimaono Kristine , Grunewald Debby , O’Fallon Patrick , Spognardi Anna-Maria , Markham Peter , Otsuka Fumiyuki , Yahagi Kazuyuki , Shen Kai , Kolodgie Frank D. , Joner Michael , Virmani Renu 
Published: January 2015

Background—
The long-term efficacy of radiofrequency ablation of renal autonomic nerves has been proven in nonrandomized studies. However, long-term safety of the renal artery (RA) is of concern. The aim of our study was to determine if cooling during radiofrequency ablation preserved the RA while allowing equivalent nerve damage.

Methods and Results—

A total of 9 swine (18 RAs) were included, and allocated to irrigated radiofrequency (n=6 RAs, temperature setting: 50°C), conventional radiofrequency (n=6 RAs, nonirrigated, temperature setting: 65°C), and high-temperature radiofrequency (n=6 RAs, nonirrigated, temperature setting: 90°C) groups. RAs were harvested at 10 days, serially sectioned from proximal to distal including perirenal tissues and examined after paraffin embedding, and staining with hematoxylin-eosin and Movat pentachrome. RAs and periarterial tissue including nerves were semiquantitatively assessed and scored. A total of 660 histological sections from 18 RAs were histologically examined by light microscopy. Arterial medial injury was significantly less in the irrigated radiofrequency group (depth of medial injury, circumferential involvement, and thinning) than that in the conventional radiofrequency group (
P
<0.001 for circumference;
P
=0.003 for thinning). Severe collagen damage such as denatured collagen was also significantly less in the irrigated compared with the conventional radiofrequency group (
P
<0.001). Nerve damage although not statistically different between the irrigated radiofrequency group and conventional radiofrequency group (
P
=0.36), there was a trend toward less nerve damage in the irrigated compared with conventional. Compared to conventional radiofrequency, circumferential medial damage in highest-temperature nonirrigated radiofrequency group was significantly greater (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
Saline irrigation significantly reduces arterial and periarterial tissue damage during radiofrequency ablation, and there is a trend toward less nerve damage.
Coronary Microvascular Rarefaction and Myocardial Fibrosis in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Mohammed Selma F. , Hussain Saad , Mirzoyev Sultan A. , Edwards William D. , Maleszewski Joseph J. , Redfield Margaret M. 
Published: January 2015

Background—
Characterization of myocardial structural changes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been hindered by the limited availability of human cardiac tissue. Cardiac hypertrophy, coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary microvascular rarefaction, and myocardial fibrosis may contribute to HFpEF pathophysiology.

Methods and Results—

We identified HFpEF patients (n=124) and age-appropriate control subjects (noncardiac death, no heart failure diagnosis; n=104) who underwent autopsy. Heart weight and CAD severity were obtained from the autopsy reports. With the use of whole-field digital microscopy and automated analysis algorithms in full-thickness left ventricular sections, microvascular density (MVD), myocardial fibrosis, and their relationship were quantified. Subjects with HFpEF had heavier hearts (median, 538 g; 169% of age-, sex-, and body size–expected heart weight versus 335 g; 112% in controls), more severe CAD (65% with ≥1 vessel with >50% diameter stenosis in HFpEF versus 13% in controls), more left ventricular fibrosis (median % area fibrosis, 9.6 versus 7.1) and lower MVD (median 961 versus 1316 vessels/mm
2
) than control (
P
<0.0001 for all). Myocardial fibrosis increased with decreasing MVD in controls (
r
=–0.28,
P
=0.004) and HFpEF (
r
=–0.26,
P
=0.004). Adjusting for MVD attenuated the group differences in fibrosis. Heart weight, fibrosis, and MVD were similar in HFpEF patients with CAD versus without CAD.

Conclusions—
In this study, patients with HFpEF had more cardiac hypertrophy, epicardial CAD, coronary microvascular rarefaction, and myocardial fibrosis than controls. Each of these findings may contribute to the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and cardiac reserve function impairment characteristic of HFpEF.
Transatlantic variation in the attributed etiology of psychosis
Authors: Jarvis G Eric , Bhat Venkat , Jurcik Tomas , Spigonardo Vincenzo , Whitley Rob 
Published: January 2015

Background: Differences in transatlantic perception of psychosis have been reported in the historical psychiatric literature. Aims: This study aims to determine if articles in the American Journal of Psychiatry (AJP) are more likely to attribute biological factors to the etiology of psychosis than those of the British Journal of Psychiatry (BJP). Methods: A systematic MEDLINE search for articles in the AJP and BJP from 2005 to 2007 identified 360 abstracts with psychosis and etiology-related words. Chi-square analyses were used to test differences in the proportion of attributed biological or psychosocial etiology of psychosis in each journal. Results: A greater proportion of abstracts (83/87) in the AJP attributed biological etiology of psychosis (χ2 = 12.33, df = 1, p < 0.001), while a greater proportion in the BJP (16/44 abstracts) attributed psychosocial etiology (χ2 = 19.76, df = 1, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The AJP tends to publish biomedical explanations of psychosis, while the BJP shows a relative preference for psychosocial theories.
Morphological and mechanical characterization of foamed polyethylene via biaxial rotational molding
Authors: Moscoso-Sánchez Francisco J , Mendizábal Eduardo , Jasso-Gastinel Carlos F , Ortega-Gudiño Pedro , Robledo-Ortíz Jorge R , González-Núñez Rubén , Rodrigue Denis 
Published: January 2015

Foamed linear medium density polyethylene parts were prepared by rotational molding in biaxial mode, using different amounts of chemical-blowing agent (azodicarbonamide). Morphological and mechanical properties are presented and discussed in terms of foam density, cell density, average cell diameter, and open cell content. Internal air temperature of the mold was measured as a function of time. Significant differences were observed between unfoamed and foamed parts. The use of an exothermic chemical-blowing agent increased the peak internal air temperature and part cooling was slower due to the presence of gas bubbles acting as insulating material. The most important changes were observed for foam density: adding 1 phr of azodicarbonamide the density decreased from 0.931 g/cm3 (0 phr azodicarbonamide) to 0.295 g/cm3. Finally, the mechanical properties were highly influenced by azodicarbonamide content. Tensile and impact properties were correlated with part density using a simple power–law equation.
A new approach for the oocyte genotoxicity assay: adaptation of comet assay on mouse cumulus–oocyte complexes
Authors: Greco F , Perrin J , Auffan M , Tassistro V , Orsière T , Courbiere B 
Published: January 2015

Conventional genotoxicity tests are technically difficult to apply to oocytes, and results obtained on somatic cells cannot be extrapolated to gametes. We have previously described a comet assay (original–CA) on denuded mouse oocytes, but, in vivo, oocytes are not isolated from their surrounding follicular cells. Our objective was to develop a comet assay on cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC–CA) for a more physiological approach to study the genotoxicity of environmental factors on oocytes. For COC–CA, whole COC were exposed directly to exogenous agents after ovulation and removal from oviducts. Three conditions were studied: a negative control group, and two positive control groups, one of which was exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the other group was incubated with cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs). With both tests, DNA damage was significant in the presence of both H2O2 and CeO2 NPs compared with the negative control. COC–CA offers an interesting tool for assaying the genotoxicity of environmental agents towards germinal cells. Furthermore, COC–CA is less time-consuming and simplifies the protocol of the original–CA, because COC-CA is easier to perform without the washing-out procedure.
Do Estimated Impacts on Earnings Depend on the Source of the Data Used to Measure Them? Evidence From Previous Social Experiments
Authors: Barnow Burt S. , Greenberg David 
Published: January 2015

Background: Impact evaluations draw their data from two sources, namely, surveys conducted for the evaluation or administrative data collected for other purposes. Both types of data have been used in impact evaluations of social programs. Objective: This study analyzes the causes of differences in impact estimates when survey data and administrative data are used to evaluate earnings impacts in social experiments and discusses the differences observed in eight evaluations of social experiments that used both survey and administrative data. Results: There are important trade-offs between the two data sources. Administrative data are less expensive but may not cover all income and may not cover the time period desired, while surveys can be designed to avoid these problems. We note that errors can be due to nonresponse or reporting, and errors can be balanced between the treatment and the control groups or unbalanced. We find that earnings are usually higher in survey data than in administrative data due to differences in coverage and likely overreporting of overtime hours and pay in survey data. Evaluations using survey data usually find greater impacts, sometimes much greater. Conclusions: The much lower cost of administrative data make their use attractive, but they are still subject to underreporting and other problems. We recommend further evaluations using both types of data with investigative audits to better understand the sources and magnitudes of errors in both survey and administrative data so that appropriate corrections to the data can be made.
Modifiable Risk Factors and Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Stansifer Kyle J. , Guynan John F. , Wachal Brandon M. , Smith Russell B. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between modifiable patient risk factors including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI), and thyroid cancer.Study DesignRetrospective study with chart review.SettingMidwest university hospital.Subjects and MethodsRetrospective study comparing Midwest patients with thyroid cancer from our Thyroid Tumor and Cancer Registry with Midwest controls without a personal history of cancer. Descriptive statistics were created from patient questionnaires and chart reviews. Odds ratios (ORs) were reported for significant associations.ResultsThere were 467 patients with cancer and 255 controls. The thyroid cancer group included 404 papillary, 47 follicular, 13 medullary, and 3 anaplastic cancers. When comparing all patients with cancer with controls, smoking more than 100 lifetime cigarettes was associated with a reduced cancer risk (OR, 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50‐0.94). Secondhand smoke exposure did not show a statistically significant relationship to thyroid cancer. Compared with never drinking, current drinking was associated with a reduced cancer risk (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.29‐0.73) as was consuming 1 to 2 drinks daily compared to drinking <1 drink daily (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34‐0.89). There was no difference between median BMI at age 20 years, lifetime maximum BMI, or current BMI between patients with cancer and controls.ConclusionOur data showed no positive correlation between tobacco use, alcohol consumption, or obesity and thyroid cancer risk. Our data suggest that tobacco use and mild alcohol consumption may be associated with a slightly reduced risk of thyroid cancer. There was no association between BMI and thyroid cancer in our study population.
Prediction of reversibility of intestinal mucosal damage after ischemia-reperfusion injury by plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels in pigs
Authors: Kano H , Okada K , Morimoto K , Bao W , Fukase K , Ito A , Okita Y 
Published: January 2015

Objective: The aims of this study were to elucidate the association between plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) level and actual pathological damage of intestinal mucosa and its reversibility. Methods: An intestinal ischemia-reperfusion model was created by temporary occlusion of the descending aorta in 9 pigs which were divided into 3 groups according to the duration of visceral ischemic insult: 15-minute ischemia (n=3), 30-minute ischemia (n=3) and 60-minute ischemia (n=3). Blood samples and short segments of the jejunum for pathological examinations, including immunohistochemical staining of I-FABP, Ki-67 and E-cadherin, were taken at the beginning of the operation (T1) and 15 minutes (T2), 30 minutes (T3), 45 minutes (T4) and 60 minutes (T5) after reperfusion. Results: Plasma I-FABP after 15 minutes of ischemia reached a peak of 1859±1089 pg/ml at T3, while the level after 30 minutes of ischemia achieved a peak level of 5053±1717 pg/ml at T5. The level after 60 minutes of ischemia demonstrated a rapid increment up to 10734±93 pg/ml at T3. There was a significant difference in the trend of plasma I-FABP levels between 30 minutes and 60 minutes of ischemia (p=0.01). The strongest immunohistochemical staining of the intestinal epithelium for I-FABP was observed at T4 after 30 minutes of ischemia, with the shedding of injured epithelium followed by re-epithelialisation, with sequential up-regulation of Ki67 and E-cadherin. However, the intestinal epithelium after 60 minutes of ischemia demonstrated the lack of I-FABP expression with irreversible damage. Conclusion: Plasma I-FABP levels may be a crucial marker to recognize the reversibility of damage of the intestinal epithelium after an ischemic insult and the level of 5000 pg/ml is considered to be the critical borderline for irreversibility, which might prevent diagnostic delay in the clinical setting.
Functional outcomes of outpatient balance training following total knee replacement in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liao Chun-De , Lin Li-Fong , Huang Yi-Ching , Huang Shih-Wei , Chou Lin-Chuan , Liou Tsan-Hon 
Published: January 2015

Objective: To evaluate whether balance training after total knee replacement surgery improves functional outcomes and to determine whether postoperative balance is associated with mobility. Design: A prospective intervention study and randomized controlled trial with an intention-to-treat analysis. Setting: The rehabilitation center of a university-based teaching hospital. Participants: A total of 130 patients with knee osteoarthritis who had undergone total knee replacement surgery were recruited to attend an outpatient rehabilitation program. They were randomly allocated to additional balance rehabilitation and functional rehabilitation groups. Interventions: During the eight-week outpatient rehabilitation program, both groups received general functional training. Patients in the balance rehabilitation group received an additional balance-based rehabilitation program. Primary outcome measures: The functional reach test, single-leg stance test, 10-m walk test, Timed Up and Go Test, timed chair-stand test, stair-climb test, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index were measured at baseline, eight weeks (T1), and 32 weeks (T2). Results: The balance rehabilitation group patients demonstrated significant improvement in the results of the functional reach test at T1 (37.6 ±7.8 cm) and T2 (39.3 ±9.7 cm) compared with the baseline assessment (11.5 ±2.9 cm) and Timed Up and Go Test at T1 (8.9 ±1.2 seconds) and T2 (8.0 ±1.9 seconds) compared with the baseline assessment (12.5 ±1.8 seconds). Moreover, the balance rehabilitation group patients exhibited significantly greater improvements in balance and mobility than did the functional rehabilitation group patients (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, improved balance was significantly associated with improved mobility at T2. Conclusion: Postoperative outpatient rehabilitation with balance training improves the balance, mobility, and functional outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis after total knee replacement.
Respiratory muscle training on pulmonary and swallowing function in patients with Huntington’s disease: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Reyes Alvaro , Cruickshank Travis , Nosaka Kazunori , Ziman Mel 
Published: January 2015

Objective: To examine the effects of 4-month of respiratory muscle training on pulmonary and swallowing function, exercise capacity and dyspnoea in manifest patients with Huntington’s disease. Design: A pilot randomised controlled trial. Setting: Home based training program. Participants: Eighteen manifest Huntington’s disease patients with a positive genetic test and clinically verified disease expression, were randomly assigned to control group ( n=9) and training group ( n=9). Intervention: Both groups received home-based inspiratory (5 sets of 5 repetitions) and expiratory (5 sets of 5 repetitions) muscle training 6 times a week for 4 months. The control group used a fixed resistance of 9 centimeters of water, and the training group used a progressively increased resistance from 30% to 75% of each patient’s maximum respiratory pressure. Main measures: Spirometric indices, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, six minutes walk test, dyspnoea, water-swallowing test and swallow quality of life questionnaire were assessed before, at 2 and 4 months after training. Results: The magnitude of increases in maximum inspiratory ( d=2.9) and expiratory pressures ( d=1.5), forced vital capacity ( d=0.8), forced expiratory volume in 1 second ( d=0.9) and peak expiratory flow ( d=0.8) was substantially greater for the training group in comparison to the control group. Changes in swallowing function, dyspnoea and exercise capacity were small ( d≤0.5) for both groups without substantial differences between groups. Conclusions: A home-based respiratory muscle training program appeared to be beneficial to improve pulmonary function in manifest Huntington’s disease patients but provided small effects on swallowing function, dyspnoea and exercise capacity.
Does adding a dietician to the liaison team after discharge of geriatric patients improve nutritional outcome: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Beck A , Andersen UT , Leedo E , Jensen LL , Martins K , Quvang M , Rask KØ , Vedelspang A , Rønholt F 
Published: January 2015

Objectives: The objective was to test whether adding a dietician to a discharge Liaison-Team after discharge of geriatric patients improves nutritional status, muscle strength and patient relevant outcomes. Design: Twelve-week randomized controlled trial. Setting and subjects: Geriatric patients (70 + years and at nutritional risk) at discharge. Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to receive discharge Liaison-Team vs. discharge Liaison-Team in cooperation with a dietician. The dietician performed a total of three home visits with the aim of developing and implementing an individual nutritional care plan. The first visit took place at the day of discharge together with the discharge Liaison-Team while the remaining visits took place approximately three and eight weeks after discharge and were performed by a dietician alone. Main measures: Nutritional status (weight, and dietary intake), muscle strength (hand grip strength, chair-stand), functional status (mobility, and activities of daily living), quality of life, use of social services, re-/hospitalization and mortality. Results: Seventy-one patients were included (34 in the intervention group), and 63 (89 %) completed the second data collection after 12 weeks (31 in the intervention group). Odds ratios for hospitalization and mortality 6 months after discharge were 0.367 (0.129; 1.042) and 0.323 (0.060; 1.724). Nutritional status improved and some positive tendencies in favour of the intervention group were observed for patient relevant outcomes, i.e. activities of daily living, and quality of life. Almost 100 % of the intervention group received three home visits by a dietician. Conclusion: Adding a dietician to the discharge Liaison-Team after discharge of geriatric patients can improve nutritional status and may reduce the number of times hospitalized within 6 months. A larger study is necessary to see a significant effect on other patient relevant outcomes.
A feasibility and pilot randomized controlled trial of the “Timing it Right Stroke Family Support Program”
Authors: Cameron Jill I , Naglie Gary , Green Theresa L , Gignac Monique AM , Bayley Mark , Huijbregts Maria , Silver Frank L , Czerwonka Anna 
Published: January 2015

Objective: Examine feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of the Timing it Right Stroke Family Support Program (TIRSFSP) and collect pilot data. Design: Multi-site mixed method randomized controlled trial. Setting: Acute and community care in three Canadian cities. Subjects: Caregivers were family members or friends providing care to individuals who experienced their first stroke. Intervention: The TIRSFSP offered in two formats, self-directed by the caregiver or stroke support person-directed over time, were compared to standard care. Main measures: Caregivers completed baseline and follow-up measures 1, 3 and 6 months post-stroke including Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression, Positive Affect, Social Support, and Mastery Scales. We completed in-depth qualitative interviews with caregivers and maintained intervention records describing support provided to each caregiver. Results: Thirty-one caregivers received standard care ( n=10), self-directed ( n=10), or stroke support person-directed ( n=11) interventions. We retained 77% of the sample through 6-months. Key areas of support derived from intervention records ( n=11) related to caregiver wellbeing, caregiving strategies, patient wellbeing, community re-integration, and service delivery. Compared to standard care, caregivers receiving the stroke support person-directed intervention reported improvements in perceived support (estimate 3.1, P=.04) and mastery (estimate .35, P=.06). Qualitative caregiver interviews ( n=19) reflected the complex interaction between caregiver needs, preferences and available options when reporting on level of satisfaction. Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest the research design is feasible, caregivers’ needs are complex, and the support intervention may enhance caregivers’ perceived support and mastery. The intervention will be tested further in a large scale trial.