bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cryoballoon Ablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Koektuerk Buelent , Yorgun Hikmet , Hengeoez Oezlem , Turan Cem H. , Dahmen Alina , Yang Alexander , Bansmann Paul M. , Gorr Eduard , Hoppe Christian , Turan Ramazan G. , Horlitz Marc 
Published: August 2015

Background—
Data regarding the freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF) in the follow-up of persistent AF patients is limited. The second-generation cryoballoon has better cooling properties compared with first-generation cryoballon. In this study, we aimed to assess the medium-term efficacy of second-generation cryoballoon in patients with persistent AF.

Methods and Results—

A total of 100 patients (63±10 years, 80% male) with symptomatic persistent AF, despite ≥1 antiarrhythmic drug(s), who were scheduled for pulmonary vein isolation using second-generation cryoballoon were enrolled in this study. Follow-up was based on outpatient clinic visits, including Holter ECGs. Recurrence was defined as a symptomatic or documented arrhythmia episode of >30 seconds excluding a 3-month blanking period. As a result, 393 pulmonary veins (7 patients with common ostium) were successfully isolated. Mean procedural and fluoroscopy times were 96.2±21.3 and 19.7±6.7 minutes, respectively. Phrenic nerve palsy occurred in 3% (3/100) of the patients. At a mean follow-up duration of 10.6±6.3 months, 67% of the patients were in sinus rhythm. Stepwise multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that early AF recurrence (hazard ratio 3.83, 95% confidence interval 1.91–7.68,
P
<0.001) was the only independent predictor for late AF recurrence apart from other clinical and echocardiographic variables.

Conclusions—
Our findings indicated that second-generation cryoballoon use is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with persistent AF. Recurrence at blanking period was the only predictor of long-term AF recurrence.
Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction After Carotid Endarterectomy and Stenting
Authors: Boulanger Marion , Camelière Lucie , Felgueiras Rui , Berger Ludovic , Rerkasem Kittipan , Rothwell Peter M. , Touzé Emmanuel 
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose—
Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) is associated with higher risk of periprocedural stroke and death when compared with carotid endarterectomy (CEA). By contrast, the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) was higher after CEA than after CAS in randomized trials. However, numbers were small, and risk factors are unknown.

Methods—
We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis of studies published from January 1980 to June 2014 and collected unpublished data. We extracted data on 9 predefined risk factors (age, contralateral carotid occlusion, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, sex, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, type stenosis, and clinical presentation). We selected studies with data available on MI in at least 1 subgroup, calculated absolute and relative risks, and identified differential effects on risks of MI.

Results—

The 30-day absolute risk of MI was 0.87% (95% confidence interval, 0.69–1.07) after CEA and 0.70% (95% confidence interval, 0.54–0.88) after CAS (
P
int
=0.38). After CAS, patients with symptomatic stenosis and restenosis were at higher risk of MI, whereas men were at lower risk. After CEA, age, history of coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and restenosis increased the risk of MI. Only the effect of sex differed between CAS and CEA with men being at lower risk of MI than women after CAS, whereas there was no difference between after CEA (
P
int
=0.01).

Conclusions—
The risk of MI after CEA and CAS did not significantly differ. Risk factors for MI are overall similar in both techniques except that men are at lower risk of MI after CAS but not after CEA.
Ethnic Differences in Poststroke Quality of Life in the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) Project
Authors: Reeves Sarah L. , Brown Devin L. , Baek Jonggyu , Wing Jeffrey J. , Morgenstern Lewis B. , Lisabeth Lynda D. 
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose—
Mexican Americans (MAs) have an increased risk of stroke and experience worse poststroke disability than non-Hispanic whites, which may translate into worse poststroke quality of life (QOL). We assessed ethnic differences in poststroke QOL, as well as potential modification of associations by age, sex, and initial stroke severity.

Methods—
Ischemic stroke survivors were identified through the biethnic, population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) Project. Data were collected from medical records, baseline interviews, and 90-day poststroke interviews. Poststroke QOL was measured at ≈90 days by the validated short-form stroke-specific QOL in 3 domains: overall, physical, and psychosocial (range, 0–5; higher scores represent better QOL). Tobit regression was used to model associations between ethnicity and poststroke QOL scores, adjusted for demographics, clinical characteristics, and prestroke cognition and function.

Results—
Among 290 eligible stroke survivors (66% MA, 34% non-Hispanic whites, median age=69 years), median scores for overall, physical, and psychosocial poststroke QOL were 3.3, 3.8, and 2.7, respectively. Poststroke QOL was lower for MAs than non-Hispanic whites both overall (mean difference, −0.30; 95% confidence interval, −0.59, −0.01) and in the physical domain (mean difference, −0.47; 95% confidence interval, −0.81, −0.14) after multivariable adjustment. No ethnic difference was found in the psychosocial domain. Age modified the associations between ethnicity and poststroke QOL such that differences were present in older but not in younger ages.

Conclusions—
Disparities exist in poststroke QOL for MAs and seem to be driven by differences in older stroke patients. Targeted interventions to improve outcomes among MA stroke survivors are urgently needed.
Molecular and morphological characterization of Veleshkinema iranicum n. gen., n. sp. (Nematoda: Hexatylina, Sphaerularioidea) from Iran
Authors: MIRAEIZ ESMAEIL , HEYDARI RAMIN , ÁLVAREZ-ORTEGA SERGIO , PEDRAM MAJID , ATIGHI MOHAMMAD REZA 
Published: August 2015

Veleshkinema iranicum n. gen., n. sp. is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular characters. The new genus is characterized by having slender females and males, stylet with asymmetrical knobs, dorsal gland orifice just posterior to subventral knob, lip region with flattened apex and eight sectors, pharynx with a non-muscular and non-valvular median bulb, pharyngeal glands slightly overlapping intestine dorsally, visible cellular cardia, female with a single gonad having a quadricolumellate crustaformeria with 8–10 cells in each column, no postvulval uterine sac and rounded and offset spermatheca containing spheroid sperm cells, males with arcuate tylenchoid spicules and subterminal bursa. The new genus is morphologically compared with four genera: Abursanema, Deladenus, Prothallonema and Sphaerularia. Molecular phylogenetic studies of the new genus using 808 bp partial sequences of SSU ribosomal RNA gene placed the new genus in a clade with Sphaerularia spp. In phylogenetic analyses using 756 bp partial sequences of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene (D2–D3 segments), the new genus formed a monophyletic group with Abursanema iranicum and Sphaerularia spp.
One-Way Coupling of the WRF–QUIC Urban Dispersion Modeling System
Authors: Kochanski A. K. , Pardyjak E. R. , Stoll R. , Gowardhan A. , Brown M. J. , Steenburgh W. J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSimulations of local weather and air quality in urban areas must account for processes spanning from meso- to microscales, including turbulence and transport within the urban canopy layer. Here, the authors investigate the performance of the building-resolving Quick Urban Industrial Complex (QUIC) Dispersion Modeling System driven with mean wind profiles from the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. Dispersion simulations are performed for intensive observation periods 2 and 8 of the Joint Urban 2003 field experiment conducted in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, using an ensemble of expert-derived wind profiles from observational data as well as profiles derived from WRF runs. The results suggest that WRF can be used successfully as a source of inflow boundary conditions for urban simulations, without the collection and processing of intensive field observations needed to produce expert-derived wind profiles. Detailed statistical analysis of tracer concentration fields suggests that, for the purpose of the urban dispersion, WRF simulations provide wind forcing as good as individual or ensemble expert-derived profiles. Despite problems capturing the strength and the elevation of the Great Plains low-level jet, the WRF-simulated near-surface wind speed and direction were close to observations, thus assuring realistic forcing for urban dispersion estimates. Tests performed with multilayer and bulk urban parameterizations embedded in WRF did not provide any conclusive evidence of the superiority of one scheme over the other, although the dispersion simulations driven by the latter showed slightly better results.
Subinertial Oscillations on the Amundsen Sea Shelf, Antarctica
Authors: Wåhlin A. K. , Kalén O. , Assmann K. M. , Darelius E. , Ha H. K. , Kim T. W. , Lee S. H. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMooring data from the western flank of Dotson trough, Amundsen Sea shelf region, show the presence of barotropic oscillations with a period of 40–80 h. The oscillations are visible in velocity, temperature, salinity, and pressure and are comparable to tides in magnitude. The period of the oscillations corresponds to topographic Rossby waves of low group velocity and a wavelength of about 40 km, that is, the half-width of the channel. It is suggested that these resonant topographic Rossby waves cause the observed peak in the wave spectra. The observations show that sparse CTD data from this region should be treated with caution and need to be complemented with moorings or yo-yo stations in order to give a representative picture for the hydrography.
Predictability of Frontal Waves and Cyclones
Authors: Frame Thomas H. A. , Methven John , Roberts Nigel M. , Titley Helen A. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The statistical properties and skill in predictions of objectively identified and tracked cyclonic features (frontal waves and cyclones) are examined in the 15-day version of the Met Office Global and Regional Ensemble Prediction System (MOGREPS-15). The number density of cyclonic features is found to decline with increasing lead time, with analysis fields containing weak features that are not sustained past the first day of the forecast. This loss of cyclonic features is associated with a decline in area-averaged enstrophy with increasing lead time. Both feature number density and area-averaged enstrophy saturate by around 7 days into the forecast. It is found that the feature number density and area-averaged enstrophy of forecasts produced using model versions that include stochastic energy backscatter saturate at higher values than forecasts produced without stochastic physics. The ability of MOGREPS-15 to predict the locations of cyclonic features of different strengths is evaluated at different spatial scales by examining the Brier skill (relative to the analysis climatology) of strike probability forecasts: the probability that a cyclonic feature center is located within a specified radius. The radius at which skill is maximized increases with lead time from 650 km at 12 h to 950 km at 7 days. The skill is greatest for the most intense features. Forecast skill remains above zero at these scales out to 14 days for the most intense cyclonic features, but only out to 8 days when all features are included irrespective of intensity.
Molecular and cellular characteristics of human and non-human primate multipotent stromal cells from the amnion and bone marrow during long term culture
Authors: Pogozhykh Olena , Pogozhykh Denys , Neehus Anna-Lena , Hoffmann Andrea , Blasczyk Rainer , Müller Thomas 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) are among the key candidates in regenerative medicine. However variety of MSC sources and general heterogeneity lead to controversial data in functional characterization. Furthermore, despite intensive usage as preclinical animal model, little is known about MSCs of the common marmoset monkey.

Methods
MSCs derived from placental amnion and bone marrow samples from human and common marmoset were characterized in parallel over 12 passages to monitor similarities and significant differences (p ≤ 0.05, Student’s t-test) in MSC markers and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, metabolic activity test, with special focus on pluripotency associated genes.

Results
Human and non-human primate MSCs were characterized for expression of MSC markers and capability of differentiation into mesenchymal lineages. MSCs could be cultured more than 100 days (26 passages), but metabolic activity was significantly enhanced in amnion vs. bone marrow MSCs. Interestingly, MHC class I expression is significantly reduced in amnion MSCs until passage 6 in human and marmoset, but not in bone marrow cells. For MSC markers, CD73 and CD105 levels remain unchanged in amnion MSCs and slightly decline in bone marrow at late passages; CD166 is significantly higher expressed in human MSCs, CD106 significantly lower vs. marmoset. All cultured MSCs showed pluripotency marker expression like Oct-4A at passage 3 significantly decreasing over time (passages 6–12) while Nanog expression was highest in human bone marrow MSCs. Furthermore, human MSCs demonstrated the highest Sox2 levels vs. marmoset, whereas the marmoset exhibited significantly higher Lin28A values. Bisulfite sequencing of the Oct-4 promoter region displayed fewer methylations of CpG islands in the marmoset vs. human.

Conclusions
Little is known about MSC characteristics from the preclinical animal model common marmoset vs. human during long term culture. Studied human and common marmoset samples share many similar features such as most MSC markers and reduced MHC class I expression in amnion cells vs. bone marrow. Furthermore, pluripotency markers indicate in both species a subpopulation of MSCs with true ‘stemness’, which could explain their high proliferation capacity, though possessing differences between human and marmoset in Lin28A and Sox2 expression.
Strong convergence theorems for Bregman W-mappings with applications to convex feasibility problems in Banach spaces
Authors: Naraghirad Eskandar , Timnak Sara 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn this paper we introduce new modified Mann iterative processes for computing fixed points of an infinite family of Bregman W-mappings in reflexive Banach spaces. Let $W_{n}$

W
n

be the Bregman W-mapping generated by $S_{n},S_{n-1},\ldots,S_{1}$

S
n

,

S

n
−
1

,
…
,

S
1

and $\beta_{n,n},\beta_{n,n-1},\ldots,\beta_{n,1}$

β

n
,
n

,

β

n
,
n
−
1

,
…
,

β

n
,
1

. We first express the set of fixed points of $W_{n}$

W
n

as the intersection of fixed points of $\{S_{i}\}_{i=1}^{n}$

{

S
i

}

i
=
1

n

. As a consequence, we show that $W_{n}$

W
n

is a Bregman weak relatively nonexpansive mapping if $S_{i}$

S
i

is a Bregman weak relatively nonexpansive mapping for each $i=1,2,\ldots,n$
i
=
1
,
2
,
…
,
n
. When specialized to the fixed point set of a Bregman nonexpansive type mapping T, the required sufficient condition $\tilde{F}(T)=F(T)$

F
˜

(
T
)
=
F
(
T
)
is less restrictive than the usual condition $\hat{F}(T)=F(T)$

F
ˆ

(
T
)
=
F
(
T
)
which is based on the demiclosedness principle. We then prove some strong convergence theorems for these mappings. Some application of our results to convex feasibility problem is also presented. Our results improve and generalize many known results in the current literature.
Evaluating search and matching models using experimental data
Authors: Lise Jeremy , Seitz Shannon , Smith Jeffrey 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis paper introduces an innovative test of search and matching models using the exogenous variation available in experimental data. We take an off-the-shelf search model and calibrate it to data on thecontrolgroup from a randomized social experiment. We then simulate aprogramgroup from a randomized experiment within the model. As a measure of the performance of the model, we compare the outcomes of the program groups from the model and from the randomized experiment. We illustrate our methodology using the Canadian Self-Sufficiency Project (SSP), a social experiment providing a time-limited earnings supplement for Income Assistance recipients who obtain full-time employment within a 12-month period. We find two features of the model are consistent with the experimental results: endogenous search intensity andexogenousjob destruction. We find mixed evidence in support of the assumption of fixed hours of labor supply. Finally, we find aconstantjob destruction rate is not consistent with the experimental data in this context.JEL Classification:J2; I38; J6
An ex ante evaluation of the Revenu de Solidarité Active by micro–macro simulation techniques
Authors: Canova Luciano , Piccoli Luca , Spadaro Amedeo 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the effects of the introduction of an active welfare state measure in France, the Revenu de Solidarité Active, which replaced the old system of social minima. By using a micro–macro simulation model, we characterize the effects on households’ disposable income, labor supply, wages, GDP, public deficit, and other micro and macroeconomic aspects. Our findings suggest that although increasing public expenditure, the reform largely repays its cost by reducing involuntary unemployment, increasing labor supply and private consumption and thus improves GDP and the deficit/GDP ratio. If the great recession did not occur, poverty and inequality would have been significantly reduced by the RSA reform.
JEL codes: I38, C63, C68, J22, H31
Efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin as first line treatment in patients with diabetes type 2 in an outpatient setting
Authors: Yavropoulou M. P. , Pikilidou M. , Kotsa K. , Michopoulos A. , Papakonstantinou E. , Yovos J. G. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background
Inhibitors of dipeptidyl-peptidase IV are recommended as second-line therapy in type 2 diabetes (DT2), but data, as a first-line treatment in everyday clinical practice are scarce. To address this issue we conducted a 12-month, clinical study in an outpatient setting, using vildagliptin as the first-line treatment.

Methods
Ninety-one drug naïve patients with DT2 started with vildagliptin monotherapy (100 mg daily) for 4 months and were scheduled to regular 4-monthly visits for 1 year. Patients received add-on treatment with metformin or metformin and glimepiride according to their glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at each study-visit.

Results
HbA1c was significantly decreased with vildagliptin monotherapy from 8.16 % ± 1.60 to 7.52 % ± 1.60, p < 0.001. Only 39 % of the patients achieved the target of HbA1c ≤ 7.0 % at the end of the 4th month. Mean change in HbA1c was significantly correlated with baseline HbA1c values (r = −0.51, p < 0.001). At the end of the study only 35 % of the patients remained on vildagliptin monotherapy while the rest required add-on treatment with metformin or metformin and sulfonylurea.

Conclusions
Vildagliptin is well tolerated either as monotherapy or in combination but the majority of patients require add-on therapy shortly after the beginning of treatment.
A role for 12/15-lipoxygenase-derived proresolving mediators in postoperative ileus: protectin DX-regulated neutrophil extravasation
Authors: Stein Kathy , Stoffels Melissa , Lysson Mariola , Schneiker Bianca , Dewald Oliver , Krönke Gerhard , Kalff Jörg C , Wehner Sven 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Resolution of inflammation is an active counter-regulatory mechanism involving polyunsaturated fatty acid-derived proresolving lipid mediators. Postoperative intestinal motility disturbances, clinically known as postoperative ileus, occur frequently after abdominal surgery and are mediated by a complex inflammation of the intestinal muscularis externa. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that proresolving lipid mediators are involved in the resolution of postoperative ileus. In a standardized experimental model of postoperative ileus, we detected strong expression of 12/15-lipoxygenase within the postoperative muscularis externa of C57BL/6 mice, predominately located within CX3CR1+/Ly6C+ infiltrating monocytes rather than Ly6G+ neutrophils. Mass spectrometry analyses demonstrated that a 12/15-lipoxygenase increase was accompanied by production of docosahexaenoic acid-derived lipid mediators, particularly protectin DX and resolvin D2, and their common precursor 17-hydroxy docosahexaenoic acid. Perioperative administration of protectin DX, but not resolvin D2 diminished blood-derived leukocyte infiltration into the surgically manipulated muscularis externa and improved the gastrointestinal motility. Flow cytometry analyses showed impaired Ly6G+/Ly6C+ neutrophil extravasation after protectin DX treatment, whereas Ly6G-/Ly6C+ monocyte numbers were not affected. 12/15-lipoxygenase-deficient mice, lacking endogenous protectin DX synthesis, demonstrated increased postoperative leukocyte levels. Preoperative intravenous administration of a docosahexaenoic acid-rich lipid emulsion reduced postoperative leukocyte infiltration in wild-type mice but failed in 12/15-lipoxygenase-deficient mice mice. Protectin DX application reduced leukocyte influx and rescued 12/15-lipoxygenase-deficient mice mice from postoperative ileus. In conclusion, our results show that 12/15-lipoxygenase mediates postoperative ileus resolution via production of proresolving docosahexaenoic acid-derived protectin DX. Perioperative, parenteral protectin DX or docosahexaenoic acid supplementation, as well as modulation of the 12/15-lipoxygenase pathway, may be instrumental in prevention of postoperative ileus.
Parainflammation, chronic inflammation, and age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Chen Mei , Xu Heping 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Inflammation is an adaptive response of the immune system to noxious insults to maintain homeostasis and restore functionality. The retina is considered an immune-privileged tissue as a result of its unique anatomic and physiologic properties. During aging, the retina suffers from a low-grade chronic oxidative insult, which sustains for decades and increases in level with advancing age. As a result, the retinal innate-immune system, particularly microglia and the complement system, undergoes low levels of activation (parainflammation). In many cases, this parainflammatory response can maintain homeostasis in the healthy aging eye. However, in patients with age-related macular degeneration, this parainflammatory response becomes dysregulated and contributes to macular damage. Factors contributing to the dysregulation of age-related retinal parainflammation include genetic predisposition, environmental risk factors, and old age. Dysregulated parainflammation (chronic inflammation) in age-related macular degeneration damages the blood retina barrier, resulting in the breach of retinal-immune privilege, leading to the development of retinal lesions. This review discusses the basic principles of retinal innate-immune responses to endogenous chronic insults in normal aging and in age-related macular degeneration and explores the difference between beneficial parainflammation and the detrimental chronic inflammation in the context of age-related macular degeneration.