bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Programmed Electrical Stimulation in Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Sieira Juan , Conte Giulio , Ciconte Giuseppe , de Asmundis Carlo , Chierchia Gian-Battista , Baltogiannis Giannis , Di Giovanni Giacomo , Saitoh Yukio , Irfan Ghazala , Casado-Arroyo Ruben , Juliá Justo , La Meir Mark , Wellens Francis , Wauters Kristel , Van Malderen Sophie , Pappaert Gudrun , Brugada Pedro 
Published: April 2015

Background—
The prognostic value of electrophysiological investigations in individuals with Brugada syndrome remains controversial. Different groups have published contradictory data. Long-term follow-up is needed to clarify this issue.

Methods and Results—

Patients presenting with spontaneous or drug-induced Brugada type I ECG and in whom programmed electric stimulation was performed at our institution were considered eligible for this study. A total of 403 consecutive patients (235 males, 58.2%; mean age, 43.2±16.2 years) were included. Ventricular arrhythmias during programmed electric stimulation were induced in 73 (18.1%) patients. After a mean follow-up time of 74.3±57.3 months (median 57.3), 25 arrhythmic events occurred (16 in the inducible group and 9 in the noninducible). Ventricular arrhythmias inducibility presented a hazard ratio for events of 8.3 (95% confidence interval, 3.6–19.4),
P
<0.01.

Conclusions—
Programmed ventricular stimulation of the heart is a good predictor of outcome in individuals with Brugada syndrome. It might be of special value to guide further management when performed in asymptomatic individuals. The overall accuracy of the test makes it a suitable screening tool to reassure noninducible asymptomatic individuals
Segmental Aortic Stiffening Contributes to Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development
Authors: Raaz Uwe , Zöllner Alexander M. , Schellinger Isabel N. , Toh Ryuji , Nakagami Futoshi , Brandt Moritz , Emrich Fabian C. , Kayama Yosuke , Eken Suzanne , Adam Matti , Maegdefessel Lars , Hertel Thomas , Deng Alicia , Jagger Ann , Buerke Michael , Dalman Ronald L. , Spin Joshua M. , Kuhl Ellen , Tsao Philip S. 
Published: April 2015

Background—
Stiffening of the aortic wall is a phenomenon consistently observed in age and in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, its role in AAA pathophysiology is largely undefined.

Methods and Results—
Using an established murine elastase-induced AAA model, we demonstrate that segmental aortic stiffening precedes aneurysm growth. Finite-element analysis reveals that early stiffening of the aneurysm-prone aortic segment leads to axial (longitudinal) wall stress generated by cyclic (systolic) tethering of adjacent, more compliant wall segments. Interventional stiffening of AAA-adjacent aortic segments (via external application of surgical adhesive) significantly reduces aneurysm growth. These changes correlate with the reduced segmental stiffness of the AAA-prone aorta (attributable to equalized stiffness in adjacent segments), reduced axial wall stress, decreased production of reactive oxygen species, attenuated elastin breakdown, and decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines and macrophage infiltration, and attenuated apoptosis within the aortic wall, as well. Cyclic pressurization of segmentally stiffened aortic segments ex vivo increases the expression of genes related to inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Finally, human ultrasound studies reveal that aging, a significant AAA risk factor, is accompanied by segmental infrarenal aortic stiffening.

Conclusions—
The present study introduces the novel concept of segmental aortic stiffening as an early pathomechanism generating aortic wall stress and triggering aneurysmal growth, thereby delineating potential underlying molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. In addition, monitoring segmental aortic stiffening may aid the identification of patients at risk for AAA.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Risk of Incident Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Qureshi Waqas T. , Alirhayim Zaid , Blaha Michael J. , Juraschek Stephen P. , Keteyian Steven J. , Brawner Clinton A. , Al-Mallah Mouaz H. 
Published: April 2015

Background—
Poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the relationship between CRF and atrial fibrillation (AF) is less clear. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the association between CRF and incident AF in a large, multiracial cohort that underwent graded exercise treadmill testing.

Methods and Results—

From 1991 to 2009, a total of 64 561 adults (mean age, 54.5±12.7 years; 46% female; 64% white) without AF underwent exercise treadmill testing at a tertiary care center. Baseline demographic and clinical variables were collected. Incident AF was ascertained by use of
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision
code 427.31 and confirmed by linkage to medical claim files. Nested, multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the independent association of CRF with incident AF. During a median follow-up of 5.4 years (interquartile range, 3–9 years), 4616 new cases of AF were diagnosed. After adjustment for potential confounders, 1 higher metabolic equivalent achieved during treadmill testing was associated with a 7% lower risk of incident AF (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–0.94;
P
<0.001). This relationship remained significant after adjustment for incident coronary artery disease (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–0.93;
P
<0.001). The magnitude of the inverse association between CRF and incident AF was greater among obese compared with nonobese individuals (
P
for interaction=0.02).

Conclusions—
There is a graded, inverse relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and incident AF, especially among obese patients. Future studies should examine whether changes in fitness increase or decrease risk of atrial fibrillation. This association was stronger for obese compared with nonobese, especially among obese patients.
Spatial pattern of syllable sharing in white-throated thrushes: implications for song learning and dispersal behaviours
Authors: Vargas-Castro Luis E. 
Published: April 2015

The relationship between song sharing among male songbirds and geographic distance between their territories is a function of juvenile dispersal distance and length of the song learning period. I analysed the spatial pattern of syllable sharing in white-throated thrushes (Turdus assimilis) to infer their song learning strategy. Songs of 23 males from three different sites (2.5–21 km) in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, were studied using visual classification, spectrogram correlation and multidimensional scaling analysis. In total, 8505 syllables were classified into 296 syllable types. All males shared syllables but most types were unique to particular males, suggesting that males invent most of their repertoires. Repertoire dissimilarity increased with geographic distance. Within sites, syllable sharing was higher between intermediate than between adjacent neighbours. These results suggest that juvenile dispersal distance is <2.5 km and relatively lower song sharing between adjacent neighbours may result from non-random dispersal or active avoidance by open-ended learners.
Descriptions of postembryonic developmental stages prior to adult of Hatschekia multibarbatae Izawa, 2015 (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Hatschekiidae)
Authors: Izawa Kunihiko 
Published: April 2015

A series of descriptions of postembryonic developmental stages prior to the adult ofHatschekia multibarbataeIzawa, 2015 is presented based on free-living larvae reared from eggs detached from ovigerous females, as well as on copepodids I-V recovered together with adults fromBrotula multibarbataTemminck & Schlegel, 1846 (Pisces, Ophidiiformes, Ophidiidae). The number of naupliar stages preceding the infective copepodid I is three in this species. The postnaupliar development proceeds linearly, up to the adult.
A review of naupliar development within the Harpacticidae, with naupliar description of Zaus wonchoelleei Kangtia, Dahms, Song, Myoung, Park & Khim, 2014 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida)
Authors: Kangtia Pawana , Kangtia Pawana , Dahms Hans-Uwe , Kangtia Pawana , Dahms Hans-Uwe , Song Sung Joon , Kangtia Pawana , Dahms Hans-Uwe , Song Sung Joon , Myoung Jung-Goo , Kangtia Pawana , Dahms Hans-Uwe , Song Sung Joon , Myoung Jung-Goo , Khim Jong Seong 
Published: April 2015

All six naupliar stages of the harpacticoid copepod Zaus wonchoelleei Kangtia, Dahms, Song, Myoung, Park & Khim, 2014 are described. A key for the identification of the naupliar stages is provided. Stages can be distinguished by number of segments of the exopod of antenna 2, setation of the limbs including the bud of the caudal ramus, and presence and setation of the bud of maxilla 1. In phylogenetic reconstructions there are several characters which link two taxa of different harpacticoid groups, the Harpacticidae of Exanechentera and the Thalestridae of Podogennonta. The Harpacticidae and the free-living genera of the Thalestridae develop from a 3-segmented naupliar antennular precursor in Harpacticidae and a 1-segmented antennule in Thalestridae to a 6-segmented antennule at copepodid I. Both families also share a single, stout spine terminally on the inner process of the mandibular naupliar endopodite which is unique for harpacticoid nauplii. A peculiar medial bifid seta on the antennal basis at nauplius I and II is also unique. This seta is replaced by a medial seta of the coxa at nauplius III, which has the same structure as the aforementioned set which gets reduced.
Climate Conditions at Perennially Ice-Covered Lake Untersee, East Antarctica
Authors: Andersen Dale T. , McKay Christopher P. , Lagun Victor 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn November 2008 an automated meteorological station was established at Lake Untersee in East Antarctica, producing a 5-yr data record of meteorological conditions at the lake. This dataset includes five austral summer seasons composed of December, January, and February (DJF). The average solar flux at Lake Untersee for the four years with complete solar flux data is 99.2 ± 0.6 W m−2. The mean annual temperature at Lake Untersee was determined to be −10.6° ± 0.6°C. The annual degree-days above freezing for the five years were 9.7, 37.7, 22.4, 7.0, and 48.8, respectively, with summer (DJF) accounting for virtually all of this. For these five summers the average DJF temperatures were −3.5°, −1.9°, −2.2°, −2.6°, and −2.5°C. The maximum (minimum) temperatures were +5.3°, +7.6°, +5.7°, +4.4°, and +9.0°C (−13.8°, −12.8°, −12.9°, −13.5°, and −12.1°C). The average of the wind speed recorded was 5.4 m s−1, the maximum was 35.7 m s−1, and the average daily maximum was 15 m s−1. The wind speed was higher in the winter, averaging 6.4 m s−1. Summer winds averaged 4.7 m s−1. The dominant wind direction for strong winds is from the south for all seasons, with a secondary source of strong winds in the summer from the east-northeast. Relative humidity averages 37%; however, high values will occur with an average period of ~10 days, providing a strong indicator of the quasi-periodic passage of storms across the site. Low summer temperatures and high wind speeds create conditions at the surface of the lake ice resulting in sublimation rather than melting as the main mass-loss process.
Reducing Vascular Calcification by Anti-IL-1β Monoclonal Antibody in a Mouse Model of Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Awan Zuhier , Denis Maxime , Roubtsova Anna , Essalmani Rachid , Marcinkiewicz Jadwiga , Awan Amani , Gram Hermann , Seidah Nabil G. , Genest Jacques 
Published: April 2015

Background: Given the link between cholesterol and activation of inflammation via interleukin 1β (IL-1β), we tested the effects of IL-1β inhibition on atherosclerotic calcification in mice. Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia develop extensive aortic calcification and calcific aortic stenosis. Although statins delay this process, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering alone is not enough to avert it. Data suggest that vascular inflammation initiated by hypercholesterolemia is followed by unchecked mineralization at sites of atherosclerotic plaques. The LDL-receptor (LDLR)-deficient (Ldlr−/−) and LDLR-attenuated Pcsk9(Tg) mice are available animal models for pharmacological testing. Methods: A mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) against IL-1β or placebo was administered subcutaneously in Ldlr−/− and Pcsk9(Tg) models fed a Western diet. Drug level, anthropometric, lipid, and glucose profiles were determined. Expressions of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), serum amyloid A1, and cytokine were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Aortic calcification was determined by microcomputerized tomography (micro-CT) and X-ray densitometry, and aortic flow velocity was assessed by ultrasound. Results: Circulating levels of IL-1β in Ldlr−/− mice were significantly greater (2-fold) than observed in Pcsk9(Tg) mice. Placebo- and mAb-treated mice did not differ in their growth, lipid, glucose profiles, and other cytokines. Calcifications were significantly diminished in mAb-treatment Ldlr−/− mice (a reduction of ∼75% by X-ray and ∼90% by micro-CT) and reduced insignificantly in mAb-treatment Pcsk9(Tg) mice, whereas aortic flow velocity was unchanged in both models. Conclusions: Herein, we demonstrate that aortic calcifications can be inhibited by an IL-1β mAb in LDLR-deficient mice. These results have a translational component to prevent vascular calcification in human and represent new evidence to rationalize targeting inflammation in cardiovascular disease.
Trauma and the Politics of Memory of the Uruguayan Dictatorship
Authors: D’Orsi Lorenzo 
Published: April 2015

Ethnographic research on the life experiences of former political prisoners and their families in Uruguay suggests the need for rethinking of the concept of trauma, which is often inadequate to convey the historical and social specificity of painful memories. The collective wound is constructed in public space, and intimate memories are closely linked to the framework in which they are embedded. Working on the victim’s self is not sufficient to overcome the trauma, distracting attention from the need for social recognition and justice. Making history and doing justice are unavoidable steps in the establishment of a different political regime. Las investigaciones etnográficas sobre las experiencias de vida de ex presos políticos y sus familias en Uruguay sugieren la necesidad de replantearse el concepto de trauma, el cual suele ser casi siempre inadecuado para expresar la especificidad histórica y social de las memorias dolorosas. La herida colectiva se construye en el espacio público y las memorias íntimas están estrechamente vinculadas con el marco en el que están inmersas. Trabajar sólo con el yo de la víctima no es suficiente para superar el trauma, y desvía la atención de la necesidad de reconocimiento social y justicia. Hacer historia y hacer justicia son pasos ineludibles en el establecimiento de un régimen político diferente.
The use of illicit drugs as self-medication in the treatment of cluster headache: Results from an Italian online survey
Authors: Di Lorenzo C , Coppola G , Di Lorenzo G , Bracaglia M , Rossi P , Pierelli F 
Published: April 2015

Background Cluster headache (CH) patients often receive unsatisfactory treatment and may explore illicit substances as alternatives. We aimed to explore this use of illicit drugs for CH treatment. Methods We invited CH patients from an Internet-based self-help group to complete a questionnaire regarding their therapeutic use of illicit substances. Results Of the 54 respondents, 29 were classified as chronic and 39 were drug-resistant cases. Fifty patients had previously tried subcutaneous sumatriptan, 40 had tried O2, and 48 had tried at least one prophylactic treatment. All 54 patients specified that they were dissatisfied with conventional treatments. Thirty-four patients had used cannabinoids, 13 cocaine, 8 heroin, 18 psilocybin, 12 lysergic acid amide (LSA), and 4 lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Discussion Some patients with intractable CH decided to try illicit drugs concomitantly with cessation of medical care. Most of these patients found suggestions for illicit drug use on the Internet. Many patients seemed to underestimate the judicial consequences of, and had an overestimated confidence in the safety of, such illicit treatments. Physicians are often not informed by patients of their choice to use illicit drugs. This leads to questions regarding the true nature of the physician-patient relationship among dissatisfied CH patients.
Numerical simulation of observed flow phenomena in the supply and control ports and associated feed channels of a mini-vortex amplifier
Authors: Francis J , Parker D 
Published: April 2015

The trajectory and reach of jets issuing from tangential control ports at the periphery of a vortex amplifier's swirl chamber depend largely on design geometry, size and pressures applied. Excessive control port pressure causes these jets to extend too far across the face of the radial supply ports, to impact on the opposing supply port wall whereupon, they bifurcate to create back diffusion of control port flow along the supply port channels. Flow through vortex amplifier geometry is simulated using a baseline Reynolds stress turbulence model with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFX) automatic wall treatment. Anisotropic stress and vortex stretching in the swirl chamber and outlet have not prevented convergence (based on normalised vortex amplifier residuals). Known flow structures are reproduced. This paper is focussed on simulation close to pressures needed for bifurcation. Just before the point on an operating characteristic at which bifurcated tangential flow appears, the recirculation zone crossing most of the radial supply stretches to intermittently cut off the radial flow. The steady state results indicate asymmetry between the four ports, as smoke visualisation tests also imply. The transient results are sufficient to demonstrate time-dependent structures and suggest periodicity of flow structures. The model can be used to inform design and operability studies. Moreover, a curious near-wall structure of spinning flow not previously reported has been predicted close to the axis and hugging the swirl chamber wall opposite the outlet, at radii within the forced part of the Rankine vortex.
Comparative study of cholinergic and oxidative stress biomarkers in brains of diabetic and hypercholesterolemic rats
Authors: Hegazy AM , Azeem AS Abdel , Shahy EM , El-Sayed EM 
Published: April 2015

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypercholesterolemia (HC) when poorly controlled lead to debilitating central nervous system complications including cognitive deficits and memory impairment. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms that may be responsible for such deficits. Methods: Both diabetes and HC were induced in two groups of rats independently using alloxan and high cholesterol diet, respectively. Results: Acetyl cholinesterase was significantly increased in brain of diabetic rats. Also, brain malondialdehyde level was extremely elevated in both diabetic and hypercholesterolemic groups. Meanwhile, brain albumin was markedly decreased in both of them. However, the brain iron level was significantly increased in DM with concomitant increase in total antioxidant capacity in the same group as compared to the normal control. The concentration of brain calcium was noticeably increased in HC group. Our results were confirmed by the increased activity of lactate dehydrogenase in both DM and HC groups, indicating major brain cytotoxicity. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggested that both DM and HC have deleterious effects on the brain which may be attributed to oxidative stress and dysregulation of both cholinergic function and calcium level. Administration of antioxidant is recommended in both cases.
Moral distress in undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Sasso Loredana , Bagnasco Annamaria , Bianchi Monica , Bressan Valentina , Carnevale Franco 
Published: April 2015

Background: Nurses and nursing students appear vulnerable to moral distress when faced with ethical dilemmas or decision-making in clinical practice. As a result, they may experience professional dissatisfaction and their relationships with patients, families, and colleagues may be compromised. The impact of moral distress may manifest as anger, feelings of guilt and frustration, a desire to give up the profession, loss of self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Objectives: The purpose of this review was to describe how dilemmas and environmental, relational, and organizational factors contribute to moral distress in undergraduate student nurses during their clinical experience and professional education. Research design: The research design was a systematic literature review. Method: The search produced a total of 157 articles published between 2004 and 2014. These were screened with the assessment sheet designed by Hawker and colleagues. Four articles matched the search criteria (one quantitative study and three qualitative), and these were separately read and analyzed by the researchers. The process of review and analysis of the data was supervised by a colleague experienced in moral distress who provided an independent quality check. Ethical consideration: Since this was a systematic review, no ethical approval was required. Findings: From the analysis, it emerged that inequalities and healthcare disparities, the relationship with the mentor, and students’ individual characteristics can all impact negatively on the decisions taken and the nursing care provided, generating moral distress. All these factors condition both the clinical experience and learning process, in addition to the professional development and the possible care choices of future nurses. Conclusion: Few studies dealt with moral distress in the setting of nurse education, and there is a knowledge gap related to this phenomenon. The results of this review underline the need for further research regarding interventions that can minimize moral distress in undergraduate nursing students.
A Study on the Impact of Workplace Commuting on Citizenship Behaviour of Employees Working with Public and Private Sector Organizations
Authors: V.A. Santhosh 
Published: April 2015

Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) a key determinant of organizational success is getting prime focus in the research arena. The different antecedents and consequences of this discretionary behaviour are being considered as important for management of human resources. From among the different impacting variables explored through numerous researches, the relationship with workplace commuting, the daily travel between place of work and place of residence stands critical. The study focuses on finding out the impact of workplace commuting on citizenship behaviour of employees. Different dimensions of workplace commuting were identified and related with those of citizenship behaviour. Statistical analysis revealed the relationship between independent and dependent variable. Even though the relationship between the variables are rejected by the study, the negative correlation figures indicating lowering of citizenship behaviour as a result of workplace commuting and its different variables is worth noting. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of further research including variables like culture and performance.