bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time Course of Recovery of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Patients with Premature Ventricular Contraction‐Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: HASDEMİR CAN , KARTAL YİLDİRİM , SİMSEK EVRİM , YAVUZGİL OGUZ , AYDİN MEHMET , CAN LEVENT H. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundIdiopathic ventricular arrhythmias in the form of frequent, monomorphic premature ventricular contractions (PVC) can cause PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy (PICMP). The aim of this study was to determine the baseline echocardiographic characteristics and the time course and degree of recovery of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with PICMP.MethodsStudy population consisted of 348 consecutive patients (205F/143M, 44 ± 19 y/o) with frequent PVCs and/or ventricular tachycardia. PICMP was defined as LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of <55% in the absence of any detectable underlying heart disease and improvement of LVEF ≥ 15% following treatment of ventricular arrhythmia. Patients with PCIMP underwent transthoracic echocardiography for LV size and function at 1 week and at 1–3 to 6–12 months of follow‐up.ResultsTwenty‐four patients (8F/16M, 47 ± 18 y/o) with PICMP with complete echocardiographic data were included in the study. Average baseline LV end‐diastolic diameter, LV end‐systolic volume, LV mass index, and LVEF were 55.4 ± 6.8 mm, 69.6 ± 23.3 mL, 110.2 ± 28.3 g/m2, and 41 ± 8.4%, respectively. Mild‐to‐moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) was present in 13 (54%) patients. Early improvement (≥25% increase in LVEF at 1‐week follow‐up compared to baseline) was observed in 13 (54%) patients. Patients with early improvement had higher LVEF at 12 months of follow‐up compared to patients without early improvement (58.8 ± 5.0% vs 52.5 ± 6.7%, P = 0.019).ConclusionsPCIMP is characterized by mild‐to‐moderate global LV systolic dysfunction with slightly increased LV mass and mild‐to‐moderate MR. Greatest improvement in LV systolic dysfunction was observed at 1‐week follow‐up in our study population. Early improvement in LVEF may potentially predict the complete reversibility of LV systolic dysfunction.
Wolff‐Parkinson‐White Syndrome and Adenosine Response in Pediatric Patients
Authors: WACKEL PHILIP , BEERMAN LEE , ARORA GAURAV 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundAdenosine administration to patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) usually increases preexcitation and therefore may be diagnostic for WPW syndrome when the electrocardiogram (ECG) is questionable. We aimed to determine the adenosine response in pediatric patients with WPW pattern on ECG and whether blocked accessory pathway (AP) conduction with adenosine correlated with nonrapid AP conduction measured by invasive electrophysiology study (EPS).MethodsAll patients with WPW ≤18 years of age who underwent EPS over a 5‐year period were identified. The adenosine response during atrial pacing was characterized as blocked or continued AP conduction. Invasive data were obtained during atrial pacing and atrial fibrillation. Conduction through the AP to a cycle length ≤250 ms was considered rapid; otherwise patients were nonrapid. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive value were calculated for blocked AP conduction to identify nonrapid baseline AP conduction during EPS.ResultsThere were 59 patients included and nine (15%) had blocked AP conduction with adenosine. Five of these nine had WPW syndrome and four had fasciculoventricular APs. All nine patients had nonrapid conduction on baseline EPS. Blocked AP conduction with adenosine as a marker of nonrapid baseline AP conduction had a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100%.ConclusionsIn these pediatric patients with WPW pattern on ECG, a significant minority blocked AP conduction with adenosine and this finding had 100% specificity and PPV for nonrapid baseline antegrade AP conduction. The finding of blocked AP conduction with adenosine may aid in risk stratification.
Innovations in Contemporary Indian Dance: From Religious and Mythological Roots in Classical Bharatanatyam
Authors: Katrak Ketu H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractContemporary Indian Dance as a new multi‐layered dance genre unfolds at the intersection of Indian classical dance and other movement vocabularies such as modern dance, yoga, martial arts, and theatre techniques. This three‐part essay traces a brief history of the “revival” of bharatanatyam in late 19th and early 20th century, then discusses the work of pioneers in Contemporary Indian Dance, Chandralekha, Anita Ratnam, and Hari Krishnan. Discussion includes a redefinition of the sacred, use of Indian goddesses and epic stories for contemporary relevance, as well as the subverting of stereotypes of gender, culture, and nation in Contemporary Indian Dance.
Explaining the United States’ Penal Exceptionalism: Political, Economic, and Social Factors
Authors: Brayne Sarah 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn this review, I examine explanations for why the United States is a world leader in its use of imprisonment. I first outline cross‐national trends in incarceration and then evaluate the state of the literature and empirical evidence for why the United States is more punitive than other advanced industrialized nations. I argue a confluence of political, economic, and social factors distinct to the United States context are implicated in the punitive turn in the 1970s. Specifically, United States’ penal exceptionalism is the result of (1) a shift of criminal justice policy from the judicial to the legislative branch of government; (2) political responses to social and economic changes including deindustrialization and the upheaval of race relations in the 1960s; and (3) a weak welfare state. These changes stand in stark contrast to the dynamics of criminal justice policymaking among comparable nations. However, there is a need for more comparative research on the topic, as understanding the mechanism behind the stabilization or decrease of penal populations in other countries may better elucidate the reasons for America’s divergence from international trends.
The Political and Economic Consequences of Defining Sustainable Agriculture in the US
Authors: Pilgeram Ryanne 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDespite the increasing popularity of sustainably produced foods, a concrete definition of sustainable agriculture has been elusive. Even the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) article, “What is Sustainable Agriculture?” starts with the idea that “Some terms defy definition. ‘Sustainable agriculture’ has become one of them” (Gold 2011). This essay explores (1) the history of sustainable agriculture as a concept in the United States, (2) the political and economic forces that have impacted and stifled the process of defining sustainable agriculture, and (3) the implications for social justice that come with creating a specific definition of sustainable agriculture. Recognizing that the ability to define a varied set of agricultural practices as “sustainable” (or not) is an important source of political, economic, or social power, this essay explains how such processes might impact the future of food systems in the United States.
Soil organic carbon sequestration under different fertilizer regimes in north and northeast China: RothC simulation
Authors: Wang J. , Lu C. , Xu M. , Zhu P. , Huang S. , Zhang W. , Peng C. , Chen X. , Wu L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSoil organic carbon (SOC) modelling is a useful approach to assess the impact of nutrient management on carbon sequestration. RothC was parameterized and evaluated with two long‐term experiments comparing different fertilizer treatments in north (Zhengzhou) and northeast (Gongzhuling) China. Four nutrient application treatments were used: no fertilizer (Control), mineral nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium fertilizers (NPK), NPK mineral fertilizer plus manure (NPKM), and NPK mineral fertilizer plus straw return (NPKS). The comparison between simulated and observed data showed that the model can adequately simulate SOC contents in the Control, NPK and NPKM treatments but overestimated in the NPKS treatment at both sites. By changing the value of decomposable plant material:resistant plant material (DPM:RPM) ratio from the default value to 3.35 for the NPKS treatment at the Zhengzhou site, dynamics of simulated SOC agreed with measured values. A pseudo‐parameter, straw retention factor was introduced to adjust the amount of straw incorporated into soils. Using the inverse simulation method and the modified value of the ratio, the best‐fitted value was 0.24 for the NPKS treatment at the Gongzhuling site. This result indicated that retaining straw on the soil surface makes less contribution to carbon sequestration than if it is incorporated. With this modification for straw, the model produced reasonable predictions for the two sites. The model was run for another 30 years with the modified parameter values and current average climatic conditions for different fertilizer treatments at both sites. The results suggested that the NPK application plus the addition of manure or straw would be better management practices for carbon sequestration.
GUX1 and GUX2 glucuronyltransferases decorate distinct domains of glucuronoxylan with different substitution patterns
Authors: Bromley Jennifer R. , Busse‐Wicher Marta , Tryfona Theodora , Mortimer Jennifer C. , Zhang Zhinong , Brown David M. , Dupree Paul 
Published: February 2013

SummaryXylan comprises up to one‐third of plant cell walls, and it influences the properties and processing of biomass. Glucuronoxylan in Arabidopsis is characterized by a linear β‐(1,4)‐linked backbone of xylosyl residues substituted by glucuronic acid and 4‐O‐methylglucuronic acid (collectively termed [Me]GlcA). The role of these substitutions remains unclear. GUX1 (glucuronic acid substitution of xylan 1) and GUX2, recently identified as glucuronyltransferases, are both required for substitution of the xylan backbone with [Me]GlcA. Here, we demonstrate clear differences in the pattern of [Me]GlcA substitution generated by each of these glucuronyltransferases. GUX1 decorates xylan with a preference for addition of [Me]GlcA at evenly spaced xylosyl residues. Intervals of eight or 10 residues dominate, but larger intervals are observed. GUX2, in contrast, produces more tightly clustered decorations with most frequent spacing of five, six or seven xylosyl residues, with no preference for odd or even spacing. Moreover, each of these GUX transferases substitutes a distinct domain of secondary cell wall xylan, which we call the major and minor domains. These major and minor xylan domains were not separable from each other by size or charge, a finding that suggests that they are tightly associated. The presence of both differently [Me]GlcA decorated domains may produce a xylan molecule that is heterogeneous in its properties. We speculate that the major and minor domains of xylan may be specialised, such as for interaction with cellulose or lignin. These findings have substantial implications for our understanding of xylan synthesis and structure, and for models of the molecular architecture of the lignocellulosic matrix of plant cell walls.
Climatological Characteristics of Fog at Cape Town International Airport
Authors: van Schalkwyk Lynette , Dyson Liesl L. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The character of fog at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), South Africa, is investigated, using 13 yr of historical hourly data during the period 1997–2010. Hourly surface observations are used to identify fog types that most frequently affect CTIA, by using an objective fog-type classification method that classifies fog events according to their primary formation mechanisms. Fog-type characteristics, such as the minimum visibility, duration, and time of onset and dissipation, are determined. Self-organizing maps (SOMs) are used to determine the dominant synoptic circulation types associated with fog at CTIA. Results show that radiative processes are the most common cause of fog, with an enhanced likelihood of radiation fog in winter. Cloud-base-lowering fog and advection fog events are more likely at the start of the fog season. As the fog season (March–August) progresses, synoptic circulations associated with fog change from a dominant low pressure pattern along the west coast in March and April to a dominant interior high pressure pattern toward July and August. The techniques presented may be used to provide aviation forecasters with a detailed description of the types of fog that frequently occur, their characteristics, and the synoptic circulation associated therewith.
Incidence and outcome of contrast-associated acute kidney injury in a mixed medical-surgical ICU population: a retrospective study
Authors: Clec’h Christophe , Razafimandimby Dominique , Laouisset Mehdi , Chemouni Frank , Cohen Yves 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Contrast-enhanced radiographic examinations carry the risk of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). While CA-AKI is a well-known complication outside the intensive care unit (ICU) setting, data on CA-AKI in ICU patients are scarce. Our aim was to assess the incidence and short-term outcome of CA-AKI in a mixed medical-surgical ICU population.

Methods
We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis between September 2006 and December 2008 on adult patients who underwent a contrast-enhanced computed tomography for urgent diagnostic purposes. CA-AKI was defined as either a relative increment in serum creatinine of ≥ 25% or an absolute increment in serum creatinine of ≥ 0.3 mg/dL within 48 hrs after contrast administration. ICU mortality rates of patients with and without CA-AKI were compared in univariate and multivariate analyses. The need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) was also recorded.

Results
CA-AKI occurred in 24/143 (16.8%) patients. Coexisting risk factors for kidney injury, such as sepsis, nephrotoxic drugs and hemodynamic failure were commonly observed in patients who developed CA-AKI. ICU mortality was significantly higher in patients with than in those without CA-AKI (50% vs 21%, p = 0.004). In multivariate logistic regression, CA-AKI remained associated with ICU mortality (odds ratio: 3.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-11.46, p = 0.04). RRT was required in 7 (29.2%) patients with CA-AKI.

Conclusions
In our cohort, CA-AKI was a frequent complication. It was associated with a poor short-term outcome and seemed to occur mainly when multiple risk factors for kidney injury were present. Administration of ICM should be considered as a potential high-risk procedure and not as a routine innocuous practice in ICU patients.
Validation of an information–motivation–behavioral skills model of self-care among Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gao Junling , Wang Jingli , Zhu Yaocheng , Yu Jinming 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Self-care is a crucial component of diabetes management. But comprehensive behavior change frameworks are needed to provide guidance for the design, implementation, and evaluation of diabetes self-care programs in diverse populations. We tested the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills (IMB) model in a sample of Chinese adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods
A cross-sectional study of 222 Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes was conducted in a primary care center. We collected information on demographics, provider-patient communication (knowledge), social support (motivation), self-efficacy (behavioral skills), and diabetes self-care (behavior). The values of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were also obtained. Measured variable path analyses were used to the IMB framework.

Results
Provider-patient communication (β = 0.12, p = .037), and social support (β = 0.19, p = .007) and self-efficacy (β = 0.41, p < .001) were independent, direct predictors of diabetes self-care behavior. Diabetes self-care behaviors had a direct effect on TC/HDL-C (β = −0.31, p < .001) and LDL-C/HDL-C (β = −0.30, p < .001).

Conclusions
Consistent with the IMB model, having better provider-patient communication, having social support, and having higher self-efficacy was associated with performing diabetes self-care behaviors; and these behaviors were directly linked to lipid control. The findings indicate that diabetes education programs should including strategies enhancing patients’ knowledge, motivation and behavioral skills to effect behavior change.
Mobile phones improve case detection and management of malaria in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Prue Chai S , Shannon Kerry L , Khyang Jacob , Edwards Laura J , Ahmed Sabeena , Ram Malathi , Shields Timothy , Hossain Mohammad S , Glass Gregory E , Nyunt Myaing M , Sack David A , Sullivan David J , Khan Wasif A 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The recent introduction of mobile phones into the rural Bandarban district of Bangladesh provided a resource to improve case detection and treatment of patients with malaria.

Methods
During studies to define the epidemiology of malaria in villages in south-eastern Bangladesh, an area with hypoendemic malaria, the project recorded 986 mobile phone calls from families because of illness suspected to be malaria between June 2010 and June 2012.

Results
Based on phone calls, field workers visited the homes with ill persons, and collected blood samples for malaria on 1,046 people. 265 (25%) of the patients tested were positive for malaria. Of the 509 symptomatic malaria cases diagnosed during this study period, 265 (52%) were detected because of an initial mobile phone call.

Conclusion
Mobile phone technology was found to be an efficient and effective method for rapidly detecting and treating patients with malaria in this remote area. This technology, when combined with local knowledge and field support, may be applicable to other hard-to-reach areas to improve malaria control.
Comparison of anti-inflammatory effects and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels between therapy with quadruple-dose rosuvastatin and rosuvastatin combined with ezetimibe
Authors: Yamazaki Daisuke , Ishida Masaru , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Nobori Kiyoshi , Oguma Yasunori , Terata Yutaka , Koyama Takashi , Iino Kenji , Kosaka Toshimitsu , Ito Hiroshi 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Statins are frequently administered to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and vascular inflammation, because LDL-C and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are associated with high risk for cardiovascular events. When statins do not reduce LDL-C to desired levels in high-risk patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), ezetimibe can be added or the statin dose can be increased. However, which strategy is more effective for treating patients with CAD has not been established. The present study compares anti-inflammatory effects and lipid profiles in patients with CAD and similar LDL-C levels who were treated by increasing the statin dose or by adding ezetimibe to the original rosuvastatin dose to determine the optimal treatment for such patients.

Methods
46 patients with high-risk CAD and LDL-C and hs-CRP levels of >70 mg/dL and >1.0 mg/L, respectively, that were not improved by 4 weeks of rosuvastatin (2.5 mg/day) were randomly assigned to receive 10 mg (R10, n = 24) of rosuvastatin or 2.5 mg/day of rosuvastatin combined with 10 mg/day of ezetimibe (R2.5/E10, n = 22) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was a change in hs-CRP.

Results
Baseline characteristics did not significantly differ between the groups. At 12 weeks, LDL-C and inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and pentraxin 3) also did not significantly differ between the two groups (LDL-C: R10 vs. R2.5/E10: -19.4 ± 14.2 vs. -22.4 ± 14.3 mg/dL). However, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly improved in the R10, compared with R2.5/E10 group (4.6 ± 5.9 vs. 0.0 ± 6.7 mg/dL; p < 0.05).

Conclusion
Both enhanced therapies exerted similar anti-inflammatory effects under an equal LDL-C reduction in patients with high-risk CAD despite 2.5 mg/day of rosuvastatin. However, R10 elevated HDL-C more effectively than R2.5/E10.

Trial registration
UMIN000003746
T and NK cells: two sides of tumor immunoevasion
Authors: Fruci Doriana , Monaco Elisa Lo , Cifaldi Loredana , Locatelli Franco , Tremante Elisa , Benevolo Maria , Giacomini Patrizio 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are known to reject several experimental murine tumors, but their antineoplastic activity in humans is not generally agreed upon, as exemplified by an interesting correspondence recently appeared in Cancer Research. In the present commentary, we join the discussion and bring to the attention of the readers of the Journal of Translational Medicine a set of recent, related reports. These studies demonstrate that effectors of the adaptive and innate immunity need to actively cooperate in order to reject tumors and, conversely, tumors protect themselves by dampening both T and NK cell responses. The recently reported ability of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expressed by melanoma cells to down-regulate activating NK receptors is yet another piece of evidence supporting combined and highly effective T/NK cell disabling. Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (MHC-I) molecules, including Human Leukocyte Antigen E (HLA-E), represent another class of shared activating/inhibitory ligands. Ongoing clinical trials with small molecules interfering with IDO and PGE2 may be exploiting an immune bonus to control cancer. Conversely, failure to simultaneously engage effectors of both the innate and the adaptive immunity may contribute to explain the limited clinical efficacy of T cell-only vaccination trials. Shared (T/NK cells) natural immunosuppressants and activating/inhibitory ligands expressed by tumor cells may provide mechanistic insight into impaired gathering and function of immune effectors at the tumor site.