bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Risk of Mortality After Coronary Artery Revascularization in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Potential Role of the Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: Zishiri Edwin T. , Williams Sarah , Cronin Edmond M. , Blackstone Eugene H. , Ellis Stephen G. , Roselli Eric E. , Smedira Nicholas G. , Gillinov A. Marc , Glad Jo Ann , Tchou Patrick J. , Szymkiewicz Steven J. , Chung Mina K. 
Published: December 2012

Background—
Implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillator for prevention of sudden cardiac death is deferred for 90 days after coronary revascularization, but mortality may be highest early after cardiac procedures in patients with ventricular dysfunction. We determined mortality risk in postrevascularization patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and compared survival with those discharged with a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD).

Methods and Results—

Hospital survivors after surgical (coronary artery bypass graft surgery) or percutaneous (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) revascularization with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% were included from Cleveland Clinic and national WCD registries. Kaplan–Meier, Cox proportional hazards, propensity score-matched survival, and hazard function analyses were performed. Early mortality hazard was higher among 4149 patients discharged without a defibrillator compared with 809 with WCDs (90-day mortality post–coronary artery bypass graft surgery 7% versus 3%,
P
=0.03; post-PCI 10% versus 2%,
P
<0.0001). WCD use was associated with adjusted lower risks of long-term mortality in the total cohort (39%,
P
<0.0001) and both post–coronary artery bypass graft surgery (38%,
P
=0.048) and post-PCI (57%,
P
<0.0001) cohorts (mean follow-up, 3.2 years). In propensity-matched analyses, WCD use remained associated with lower mortality (58% post–coronary artery bypass graft surgery,
P
=0.002; 67% post-PCI,
P
<0.0001). Mortality differences were not attributable solely to therapies for ventricular arrhythmia. Only 1.3% of the WCD group had a documented appropriate therapy.

Conclusions—
Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% have higher early compared to late mortality after coronary revascularization, particularly after PCI. As early hazard seemed less marked in WCD users, prospective studies in this high-risk population are indicated to confirm whether WCD use as a bridge to left ventricular ejection fraction improvement or implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation can improve outcomes after coronary revascularization.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Cardiac Structure and Systolic Function in African Americans
Authors: Fox Ervin R. , Musani Solomon K. , Barbalic Maja , Lin Honghuang , Yu Bing , Ogunyankin Kofo O. , Smith Nicholas L. , Kutlar Abdullah , Glazer Nicole L. , Post Wendy S. , Paltoo Dina N. , Dries Daniel L. , Farlow Deborah N. , Duarte Christine W. , Kardia Sharon L. , Meyers Kristin J. , Sun Yan V. , Arnett Donna K. , Patki Amit A. , Sha Jin , Cui Xiangqui , Samdarshi Tandaw E. , Penman Alan D. , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten , Bůžková Petra , Benjamin Emelia J. , Bluemke David A. , Morrison Alanna C. , Heiss Gerardo , Carr J. Jeffrey , Tracy Russell P. , Mosley Thomas H. , Taylor Herman A. , Psaty Bruce M. , Heckbert Susan R. , Cappola Thomas P. , Vasan Ramachandran S. 
Published: December 2012

Background—
Using data from 4 community-based cohorts of African Americans, we tested the association between genome-wide markers (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) and cardiac phenotypes in the Candidate-gene Association Resource study.

Methods and Results—

Among 6765 African Americans, we related age, sex, height, and weight-adjusted residuals for 9 cardiac phenotypes (assessed by echocardiogram or magnetic resonance imaging) to 2.5 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped using Genome-wide Affymetrix Human SNP Array 6.0 (Affy6.0) and the remainder imputed. Within the cohort, genome-wide association analysis was conducted, followed by meta-analysis across cohorts using inverse variance weights (genome-wide significance threshold=4.0 ×10
−7
). Supplementary pathway analysis was performed. We attempted replication in 3 smaller cohorts of African ancestry and tested lookups in 1 consortium of European ancestry (EchoGEN). Across the 9 phenotypes, variants in 4 genetic loci reached genome-wide significance: rs4552931 in
UBE2V2
(
P
=1.43×10
−7
) for left ventricular mass, rs7213314 in
WIPI1
(
P
=1.68×10
−7
) for left ventricular internal diastolic diameter, rs1571099 in
PPAPDC1A
(
P
=2.57×10
−8
) for interventricular septal wall thickness, and rs9530176 in
KLF5
(
P
=4.02×10
−7
) for ejection fraction. Associated variants were enriched in 3 signaling pathways involved in cardiac remodeling. None of the 4 loci replicated in cohorts of African ancestry was confirmed in lookups in EchoGEN.

Conclusions—
In the largest genome-wide association study of cardiac structure and function to date in African Americans, we identified 4 genetic loci related to left ventricular mass, interventricular septal wall thickness, left ventricular internal diastolic diameter, and ejection fraction, which reached genome-wide significance. Replication results suggest that these loci may be unique to individuals of African ancestry. Additional large-scale studies are warranted for these complex phenotypes.
Two-Dimensional Strain for the Assessment of Left Ventricular Function in Low Flow–Low Gradient Aortic Stenosis, Relationship to Hemodynamics, and Outcome
Authors: Bartko Philipp Emanuel , Heinze Georg , Graf Senta , Clavel Marie-Annick , Khorsand Aliasghar , Bergler-Klein Jutta , Burwash Ian Gordon , Dumesnil Jean Gaston , Sénéchal Mario , Baumgartner Helmut , Rosenhek Raphael , Pibarot Philippe , Mundigler Gerald 
Published: December 2012

Background—
Decision making in patients with low flow–low gradient aortic stenosis mainly depends on the actual stenosis severity and left ventricular function, which is of prognostic importance. We used 2-dimensional strain parameters measured by speckle tracking at rest and during dobutamine stress echocardiography to document the extent of myocardial impairment, its relationship with hemodynamic variables, and its prognostic value.

Methods and Results—

In 47 patients with low flow–low gradient aortic stenosis, global peak systolic longitudinal strain (PLS) and peak systolic longitudinal strain rate (PLSR) were analyzed. PLS and PLSR at rest and peak stress were −7.56±2.34% and −7.41±2.89% (
P
=NS) and −0.38±0.12 s
−1
and −0.53±0.18 s
−1
(
P
<0.001), respectively. PLS and PLSR inversely correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction at rest (
r
s
=−0.52;
P
<0.0001 and −0.38;
P
=0.008) and peak stress (
r
s
=−0.39;
P
=0.007 and −0.45;
P
=0.002). The overall 2-year survival rate was 60%. Univariate predictors of survival were peak stress left ventricular ejection fraction (
P
=0.0026), peak stress PLS (
P
=0.0002), peak stress PLSR (
P
<0.0001), and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (
P
<0.0001). Three hierarchically nested multivariable Cox regression models were constructed—model 1: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons score as an indicator of clinical risk (area under the receiver operating characteristic=0.59); model 2: model 1+N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide and peak stress left ventricular ejection fraction (area under the receiver operating characteristic=0.83; incremental
P
<0.0001); model 3: model 2+peak stress PLSR (area under the receiver operating characteristic=0.89; incremental
P
=0.035).

Conclusions—
In patients with low flow–low gradient aortic stenosis, 2-dimensional strain parameters are strong predictors of outcome. Peak stress PLSR may add incremental prognostic value beyond what is obtained from N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide and peak stress left ventricular ejection fraction. A larger study is needed to confirm these findings.
Incident Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease in Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Bansal Nisha , Fan Dongjie , Hsu Chi-yuan , Ordonez Juan D. , Marcus Greg M. , Go Alan S. 
Published: December 2012

Background—
Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the long-term impact of development of AF on the risk of adverse renal outcomes in patients with CKD is unknown. In this study, we determined the association between incident AF and risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among adults with CKD.

Methods and Results—

We studied adults with CKD (defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation) enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Northern California who were identified between 2002 and 2010 and who did not have previous ESRD or previously documented AF. Incident AF was identified by using primary hospital discharge diagnoses or 2 or more outpatient visits for AF. Incident ESRD was ascertained from a comprehensive health plan registry for dialysis and renal transplant. Among 206 229 adults with CKD, 16 463 developed incident AF. During a mean follow-up of 5.1±2.5 years, there were 345 cases of ESRD that occurred after development of incident AF (74 per 1000 person-years) in comparison with 6505 cases of ESRD during periods without AF (64 per 1000 person-years,
P
<0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, incident AF was associated with a 67% increase in the rate of ESRD (hazard ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.46–1.91).

Conclusions—
Incident AF is independently associated with increased risk of developing ESRD in adults with CKD. Further study is needed to identify potentially modifiable pathways through which AF leads to a higher risk of progression to ESRD.
Clipeus Hesiodicus: Aeneid 8 and the Shield of Heracles
Authors: Heckenlively Timothy S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this paper I argue that the ecphrasis ofAeneid8 contains an extensive pattern of allusion to the Ps.-HesiodicShield of Heracles.Other scholars have noted several of these references, but the frequency of such echoes and the scope of this subtext have, thus far, passed largely undetected. These recollections are not isolated nor are they merely learned allusions. Rather, they should be read in connection with the use of Herculean themes and imagery as a foil for Aeneas and, by extension, Augustus elsewhere in theAeneid. As such, they are a vital complement to the Iliadic motifs that are also present inAeneid8. The resulting synthesis captures the celebratory optimism of the early principate while simultaneously acknowledging the strife whence it was born.
Banqueting Gods in Valerius Flaccus Arg. 5.690-5
Authors: Martín Sandra Romano 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis work offers a new comment and interpretation of Valerius FlaccusArg.5.690-5, a passage where the poet describes a banquet of the gods on Olympus with music and dancing. Two elements of the scene have been put under consideration: the Greek and Latin sources for the traditional scene of the dance of the gods (especially in the context of Olympic councils), examined in such a way as to argue that the scene described is unusual within the extant Latin epic tradition; and the traditional content of Apollo’s song, the Gigantomachy. By mentioning the Gigantomachy theme in other parts of the poem, Valerius links this passage with the poem’s overarching theme of the imposition of order according to a divine plan.
Virtual Swimming — Breaststroke Body Movements Facilitate Vection
Authors: Seno Takeharu , Funatsu Fumiya , Palmisano Stephen 
Published: December 2012

Visually induced illusory self-motion (vection) was facilitated by active breaststroke arm and body movements. Optic flow was generated by having the standing observer make these arm movements, which were detected by Kinect and incorporated into the display. When generated, this optic flow was either expanding (i.e. congruent with the observer’s head motion) or contracting (i.e. incongruent with his/her head motion). Optic flow generated during these active movement conditions was also later played back to the observer during passive viewing conditions. On each of these trials, we recorded vection strength (latency, duration and magnitude). We found that: (i) both congruent and incongruent breaststroke movements increased vection (i.e. compared to passive viewing conditions); and (ii) congruent breaststroke movements increased vection more than incongruent ones. We name the enhancement provided by this type of active movement ‘virtual swimming’. This demonstration shows that even unusual body movements can function as a self-motion signal.
Morphology, thermal and barrier properties of green nanocomposites based on TPS and cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Kaushik Anupama , Kumra Jatinder 
Published: December 2012

The overall objective of this study was to fabricate and characterize the properties of nanocrystalline cellulose/thermoplastic starch (TPS)-based nanocomposites. For the isolation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from cotton, it is subjected to alkaline treatment followed by acid hydrolysis. Then these CNCs were dispersed in TPS using a Fluko high-shear mixer in varying proportions, and the films were casted out of these nanocomposites using solvent casting technique. The CNCs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. TEM images of cellulose crystals extracted from cotton linters confirmed its nanodimensions with a size of 20–50 nm. WAXD results showed 2 θ peaks at 14.8°, 16.7° and 22.5° characteristic of the cellulose type-I crystalline structure. The films were analyzed by WAXD, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and moisture barrier properties. There was an increase in the thermal stability with increase in the cellulose crystals percentage as depicted by the TGA. The water vapor diffusivity decreased from 7.73 × 10−5 to 2.04 × 10−6 mm2 s−1. The improvements in these properties may be attributed to the good interaction between CNC filler and TPS matrix because of similar polysaccharide structures of cellulose and starch.
Effects of 28 days of dairy or soy ingestion on skeletal markers of inflammation and proteolysis in post-menopausal women
Authors: Serra Monica C , Beavers Kristen M , Beavers Daniel P , Willoughby Darryn S 
Published: December 2012

Background: Aging is associated with increased local inflammation and resultant proteolysis in skeletal muscle. In animal models, soy supplementation is a beneficial countermeasure against muscle inflammation and proteolysis; however, the effect on aging humans is not clear. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 31 post-menopausal women. Volunteers were randomly assigned to consume three servings of soy ( n=16) or dairy ( n=15) milk each day for 28 days. The expression of inflammation-responsive (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and proteolytic (calpain 1, calpain 2, ubiquitin, E2, atrogin-1, muRF-1) genes in skeletal muscle was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction before and after supplementation, and then after a downhill run performed to elicit muscle damage. Results: While no group by time interactions were observed, significant main effects for time were observed for IL-1β, IL-6, calpain 2, and atrogin-1 mRNA post exercise. Further analysis revealed that, compared with post-supplementation values, calpain 2 and atrogin-1 mRNA significantly increased at 4 h post exercise ( p=0.01 and p<0.01, respectively), whereas IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA significantly decreased at 4 h post exercise (both p<0.01). Conclusions: Soy or dairy milk supplementation at the amount ingested for 28 days does not appear to preferentially inhibit the expression of inflammation-responsive and proteolytic genes that were assessed, and does not attenuate the eccentric exercise-induced up-regulation in the proteolytic genes.
Alternative Historical Narrative
Authors: Wigura Karolina 
Published: December 2012

“Polish Bishops’ Appeal to Their German Colleagues” of 18 November 1965 was one of the fifty-six letters written by the Polish Episcopate to episcopates all over the world on the occasion of the end of the Second Vatican Council. However, this one had a special character. In all letters, the brother bishops were first informed about one thousand years of Christianity in Poland, then an outline of the millennium history was given, emphasizing, if possible, common history. The Letter to the German Episcopate had a special significance symbolized by the famous words contained in it: “we grant forgiveness and we ask for forgiveness.” Twenty years after the end of the Second World War, in a communist Poland, where being anti-German (more precisely being anti-Western Germany) was an inherent feature of the official propaganda of the state, the Polish bishops undertook to write an alternative history of relations with the western neighbour. The article examines the Appeal, presenting the background of creating the document, recalling its text and interpreting the text, using keys derived from contemporary philosophy of forgiveness, such as for example Paul Ricoeur’s and Józef Tischner’s, as well as historical documents such as letters written by the authors of the Appeal. Thanks to the alternative history described by the letter, the Appeal has served for years not only as the first step on the way to German–Polish reconciliation but also as the first political declaration using the word “forgiveness” after the Second World War.
How a creative storytelling intervention can improve medical student attitude towards persons with dementia: A mixed methods study
Authors: George Daniel R , Stuckey Heather L , Whitehead Megan M 
Published: December 2012

Background The creative arts can integrate humanistic experiences into geriatric education. This experiential learning case study evaluated whether medical student participation in TimeSlips, a creative storytelling program with persons affected by dementia, would improve attitudes towards this patient population. Methods Twenty-two fourth-year medical students participated in TimeSlips for one month. The authors analyzed pre- and post-program scores of items, sub-domains for comfort and knowledge, and overall scale from the Dementia Attitudes Scale using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon Signed-rank tests to evaluate mean change in students' self-reported attitudes towards persons with dementia. A case study approach using student reflective writing and focus group data was used to explain quantitative results. Results Twelve of the 20 items, the two sub-domains, and the overall Dementia Attitudes Scale showed significant improvement post-intervention. Qualitative analysis identified four themes that added insight to quantitative results: (a) expressions of fear and discomfort felt before storytelling, (b) comfort experienced during storytelling, (c) creativity and openness achieved through storytelling, and (d) humanistic perspectives developed during storytelling can influence future patient care. Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence that participation in a creative storytelling program improves medical student attitudes towards persons with dementia, and suggests mechanisms for why attitudinal changes occurred.
Reversed Sequence Arch Debranching for Treatment of a Ruptured Juxta-Innominate Artery Saccular Aneurysm
Authors: Malgor Rafael D. , Bilfinger Thomas V. , Tassiopoulos Apostolos K. 
Published: December 2012

Purpose: To describe a hybrid approach for the treatment of a ruptured juxta-innominate artery saccular aneurysm. Case report: A 68-year-old smoker male with poor exercise tolerance sustained a contained ruptured saccular aneurysm at the origin of the innominate artery. Although under the femoral-axillary bypass to allow direct brain perfusion, a 36 × 110 mm thoracic endograft was successfully deployed with total coverage of the distal ascending and aortic arch. A sternotomy was performed and an aorto-innominate and left common carotid artery bypass was done. At 1-month follow-up, a type 2 endoleak at the innominate artery stump was noted and successfully treated with coil embolization. The patient remains neurologically intact 1 year after the surgery. Conclusion: Juxta-innominate artery saccular aneurysms are rare. A hybrid open-endovascular repair using a reversed sequence arch debranching after endovascular repair is feasible and may be an alternative to deep hypothermic circulatory arrest particularly in frail patients.
Innovative Sandwich Technique in Treating a Symptomatic Saccular Suprarenal Aneurysm Involving the Celiac Trunk
Authors: Zhang Yong-Xue , Lu Qing-Sheng , Jing Zai-Ping 
Published: December 2012

Purpose: To describe a new technique that combines traditional stent graft and multiple overlapping uncovered stents to form a sandwich-like structure in the management of a wide-necked saccular suprarenal aneurysm. Case report: An 83-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with a large symptomatic aortic aneurysm that involved celiac trunk. Traditional stent graft and coiling were precluded due to the anatomical complexity of the aneurysm. A novel combination of multiple overlapping stents and grafted stents was utilized in this patient in order to maximally reduce the blood flow into the sac and to preserve visceral branches. At 3-month follow-up, patent celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery along with complete shrinkage of aneurismal sac were documented. Conclusion: The combination of grafted stents and uncovered stents can effectively reduce velocity and volume of blood flow into the aneurismal sac, which induces thrombosis within the sac, while all the branches could be preserved.
Standardised classification of pre-release development in male-brooding pipefish, seahorses, and seadragons (Family Syngnathidae)
Authors: Sommer Stefan , Whittington Camilla M , Wilson Anthony B 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Background
Members of the family Syngnathidae share a unique reproductive mode termed male pregnancy. Males carry eggs in specialised brooding structures for several weeks and release free-swimming offspring. Here we describe a systematic investigation of pre-release development in syngnathid fishes, reviewing available data for 17 species distributed across the family. This work is complemented by in-depth examinations of the straight-nosed pipefish Nerophis ophidion, the black-striped pipefish Syngnathus abaster, and the potbellied seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis.

Results
We propose a standardised classification of early syngnathid development that extends from the activation of the egg to the release of newborn. The classification consists of four developmental periods – early embryogenesis, eye development, snout formation, and juvenile – which are further divided into 11 stages. Stages are characterised by morphological traits that are easily visible in live and preserved specimens using incident-light microscopy.

Conclusions
Our classification is derived from examinations of species representing the full range of brooding-structure complexity found in the Syngnathidae, including tail-brooding as well as trunk-brooding species, which represent independent evolutionary lineages. We chose conspicuous common traits as diagnostic features of stages to allow for rapid and consistent staging of embryos and larvae across the entire family. In view of the growing interest in the biology of the Syngnathidae, we believe that the classification proposed here will prove useful for a wide range of studies on the unique reproductive biology of these male-brooding fish.