bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diffuse Ventricular Fibrosis Is a Late Outcome of Tachycardia-Mediated Cardiomyopathy After Successful Ablation
Authors: Ling Liang-han , Kalman Jonathan M. , Ellims Andris H. , Iles Leah M. , Medi Caroline , Sherratt Craig , Kaye David M. , Hare James L. , Kistler Peter M. , Taylor Andrew J. 
Published: July 2013

Background—
Successful arrhythmia ablation normalizes ejection fraction (EF) in tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy, but recurrent heart failure and late sudden death have been reported. The aim of this study was to characterize the left ventricle (LV) of tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy patients long after definitive arrhythmia cure.

Methods and Results—

Thirty-three patients with a history of successfully ablated incessant focal atrial tachycardia 64±36 months prior, and 20 healthy controls were recruited. At ablation, 18 patients had EF<50% (AT-low EF) that recovered within 3 months from 37±12 to 56±4% (
P
<0.001), whereas 15 patients had EF>55% (AT-normal EF). No subjects had EF of 50% to 55%. Subjects underwent echocardiography with speckle tracking and contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI with ventricular T
1
mapping as an index of diffuse fibrosis. Contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI was performed using a clinical 1.5-T scanner and 0.2 mmol/kg gadolinium-diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid for contrast. Subject characteristics were similar across the 3 groups. Compared with AT-normal EF patients and controls, AT-low EF patients had lower EF (60±6 versus 64±4 and 65±4%;
P
<0.05), greater indexed LV end-diastolic volume (102±34 versus 84±14 and 85±16 mL/m
2
;
P
<0.05), and greater indexed LV end-systolic volume (41±11 versus 31±7 and 30±8 mL/m
2
;
P
<0.01) on contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI. Compared with controls, AT-low EF patients had reduced global LV corrected T
1
time (442±53 versus 529±61;
P
<0.05) consistent with diffuse fibrosis.

Conclusions—
Tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy patients exhibit differences in LV structure and function including diffuse fibrosis long after arrhythmia cure, indicating that recovery is incomplete.
AMG145, a Monoclonal Antibody Against Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin Type 9, Significantly Reduces Lipoprotein(a) in Hypercholesterolemic Patients Receiving Statin Therapy
Authors: Desai Nihar R. , Kohli Payal , Giugliano Robert P. , O’Donoghue Michelle L. , Somaratne Ransi , Zhou Jing , Hoffman Elaine B. , Huang Fannie , Rogers William J. , Wasserman Scott M. , Scott Robert , Sabatine Marc S. 
Published: July 2013

Background—
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Currently, there are few available therapies to lower Lp(a). We sought to evaluate the impact of AMG145, a monoclonal antibody against proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9), on Lp(a).

Methods and Results—

As part of the LDL-C Assessment With PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibody Inhibition Combined With Statin Therapy (LAPLACE)–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 57 trial, 631 patients with hypercholesterolemia receiving statin therapy were randomized to receive AMG145 at 1 of 3 different doses every 2 weeks or 1 of 3 different doses every 4 weeks versus placebo. Lp(a) and other lipid parameters were measured at baseline and at week 12. Compared with placebo, AMG145 70 mg, 105 mg, and 140 mg every 2 weeks reduced Lp(a) at 12 weeks by 18%, 32%, and 32%, respectively (
P
<0.001 for each dose versus placebo). Likewise, AMG145 280 mg, 350 mg, and 420 mg every 4 weeks reduced Lp(a) by 18%, 23%, and 23%, respectively (
P
<0.001 for each dose versus placebo). The reduction in Lp(a) correlated with the reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ρ=0.33,
P
<0.001). The effect of AMG145 on Lp(a) was consistent regardless of age, sex, race, history of diabetes mellitus, and background statin regimen. Patients with higher levels of Lp(a) at baseline had larger absolute reductions but comparatively smaller percent reductions in Lp(a) with AMG145 compared with those with lower baseline Lp(a) values.

Conclusions—
AMG145 significantly reduces Lp(a), by up to 32%, among subjects with hypercholesterolemia receiving statin therapy, offering an additional, complementary benefit beyond robust low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction with regard to a patient’s atherogenic lipid profile.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01380730.
Northern Hemisphere Winter Atmospheric Transient Eddy Heat Fluxes and the Gulf Stream and Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension Variability
Authors: Kwon Young-Oh , Joyce Terrence M. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Spatial and temporal covariability between the atmospheric transient eddy heat fluxes (i.e., 〈υ′T′〉 and 〈υ′q′〉) in the Northern Hemisphere winter (January–March) and the paths of the Gulf Stream (GS), Kuroshio Extension (KE), and Oyashio Extension (OE) are examined based on an atmospheric reanalyses and ocean observations for 1979–2009.
For the climatological winter mean, the northward heat fluxes by the synoptic (2–8 days) transient eddies exhibit canonical storm tracks with their maxima collocated with the GS and KE/OE. The intraseasonal (8 days–3 months) counterpart, while having overall similar amplitude, shows a spatial pattern with more localized maxima near the major orography and blocking regions. Lateral heat flux divergence by transient eddies as the sum of the two frequency bands exhibits very close coupling with the exact locations of the ocean fronts.
Linear regression is used to examine the lead–lag relationship between interannual changes in the northward heat fluxes by the transient eddies and the meridional changes in the paths of the GS, KE, and OE, respectively. One to three years prior to the northward shifts of each ocean front, the atmospheric storm tracks shift northward and intensify, which is consistent with wind-driven changes of the ocean. Following the northward shifts of the ocean fronts, the synoptic storm tracks weaken in all three cases. The zonally integrated northward heat transport by the synoptic transient eddies increases by ~5% of its maximum mean value prior to the northward shift of each ocean front and decreases to a similar amplitude afterward.
Evaluation of Spatial Errors of Precipitation Rates and Types from TRMM Spaceborne Radar over the Southern CONUS
Authors: Chen S. , Kirstetter P. E. , Hong Y. , Gourley J. J. , Tian Y. D. , Qi Y. C. , Cao Q. , Zhang J. , Howard K. , Hu J. J. , Xue X. W. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this paper, the authors estimate the uncertainty of the rainfall products from NASA and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) so that they may be used in a quantitative manner for applications like hydrologic modeling or merging with other rainfall products. The spatial error structure of TRMM PR surface rain rates and types was systematically studied by comparing them with NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory's (NSSL) next generation, high-resolution (1 km/5 min) National Mosaic and Multi-Sensor Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE; NMQ/Q2) over the TRMM-covered continental United States (CONUS). Data pairs are first matched at the PR footprint scale (5 km/instantaneous) and then grouped into 0.25° grid cells to yield spatially distributed error maps and statistics using data from December 2009 through November 2010. Careful quality control steps (including bias correction with rain gauges and quality filtering) are applied to the ground radar measurements prior to considering them as reference data. The results show that PR captures well the spatial pattern of total rainfall amounts with a high correlation coefficient (CC; 0.91) with Q2, but this decreases to 0.56 for instantaneous rain rates. In terms of precipitation types, Q2 and PR convective echoes are spatially correlated with a CC of 0.63. Despite this correlation, PR's total annual precipitation from convection is 48.82% less than that by Q2, which points to potential issues in the PR algorithm's attenuation correction, nonuniform beam filling, and/or reflectivity-to-rainfall relation. Finally, the spatial analysis identifies regime-dependent errors, in particular in the mountainous west. It is likely that the surface reference technique is triggered over complex terrain, resulting in high-amplitude biases.
The Influence of Surface Forcings on Prediction of the North Atlantic Oscillation Regime of Winter 2010/11
Authors: Maidens Anna , Arribas Alberto , Scaife Adam A. , MacLachlan Craig , Peterson Drew , Knight Jeff 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
December 2010 was unusual both in the strength of the negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) intense atmospheric blocking and the associated record-breaking low temperatures over much of northern Europe. The negative North Atlantic Oscillation for November–January was predicted in October by 8 out of 11 World Meteorological Organization Global Producing Centres (WMO GPCs) of long-range forecasts. This paper examines whether the unusual strength of the NAO and temperature anomaly signals in early winter 2010 are attributable to slowly varying boundary conditions [El Niño–Southern Oscillation state, North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) tripole, Arctic sea ice extent, autumn Eurasian snow cover], and whether these were modeled in the Met Office Global Seasonal Forecasting System version 4 (GloSea4). Results from the real-time forecasts showed that a very robust signal was evident in both the surface pressure fields and temperature fields by the beginning of November. The historical reforecast set (hindcasts), used to calibrate and bias correct the real-time forecast, showed that the seasonal forecast model reproduces at least some of the observed physical mechanisms that drive the NAO. A series of ensembles of atmosphere-only experiments was constructed, using forecast SSTs and ice concentrations from November 2010. Each potential mechanism in turn was systematically isolated and removed, leading to the conclusion that the main mechanism responsible for the successful forecast of December 2010 was anomalous ocean heat content and associated SST anomalies in the North Atlantic.
Neoliberalism and Women’s Struggle for Food Security in Tlaucingo
Authors: Palacios Luna Adriana Paola 
Published: July 2013

The women of Tlaucingo, a small community in the Mexican state of Puebla, have organized to pursue food security in response to the proletarianization produced by neoliberalism. Interviews with women members of the organization reveal that their participation has brought them not only better diets, health, education, and housing but also benefits in terms of women’s rights. Las mujeres de Tlaucingo, una pequeña comunidad en el estado mexicano de Puebla, se han organizado para buscar la seguridad alimenticia como respuesta a la proletarización producida por el neoliberalismo. Por medio de entrevistas con las mujeres socias de la organización se revela que la participación no solo brinda mejor dieta, salud, educación y vivienda, sino que también beneficia en el ámbito de derechos de la mujer.
Osteopontin Does Not Mitigate Cisplatin Ototoxicity or Nephrotoxicity in Adult Mice
Authors: Schmitt Nicole C. , Rubel Edwin W 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to determine whether osteopontin, a molecule with a variety of biologic effects including cell death inhibition, plays an important role in protection of the inner ear and kidney from the toxic effects of the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin.Study DesignIn vivo study using a model system of cisplatin toxicity in adult mice.SettingVirginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington.Subjects and MethodsOsteopontin+/+ and Osteopontin−/− adult mice were treated with intraperitoneal cisplatin (20 mg/kg) or saline (control). Osteopontin levels were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Auditory brainstem response thresholds and cochlear histology were used to assess ototoxicity, while serum creatinine and renal histology were used to assess nephrotoxicity. For quantitative experiments, 8 to 18 animals were included in each treatment group.ResultsAt 72 hours after cisplatin treatment, there was a slight increase in osteopontin levels within the kidney but not in the inner ear. There was no difference in auditory brainstem response threshold shifts, outer hair cell death, or serum creatinine between Osteopontin+/+ and Osteopontin−/− mice. Cochlear and renal histologic damage following cisplatin appeared to be similar in Osteopontin+/+ and Osteopontin−/− mice.ConclusionOsteopontin is not required for development of normal auditory or renal function. Osteopontin is unlikely to play a role in protection of the inner ear or kidney from acute cisplatin toxicity. Slight increases in renal osteopontin 72 hours after cisplatin injury may be important for regeneration of proximal tubule cells.
The size, burden and cost of disorders of the brain in the UK
Authors: Fineberg Naomi A , Haddad Peter M , Carpenter Lewis , Gannon Brenda , Sharpe Rachel , Young Allan H , Joyce Eileen , Rowe James , Wellsted David , Nutt David J , Sahakian Barbara J 
Published: July 2013

Aim: The aim of this paper is to increase awareness of the prevalence and cost of psychiatric and neurological disorders (brain disorders) in the UK. Method: UK data for 18 brain disorders were extracted from a systematic review of European epidemiological data and prevalence rates and the costs of each disorder were summarized (2010 values). Results: There were approximately 45 million cases of brain disorders in the UK, with a cost of €134 billion per annum. The most prevalent were headache, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, mood disorders and somatoform disorders. However, the five most costly disorders (€ million) were: dementia: €22,164; psychotic disorders: €16,717; mood disorders: €19,238; addiction: €11,719; anxiety disorders: €11,687. Apart from psychosis, these five disorders ranked amongst those with the lowest direct medical expenditure per subject (<€3000). The approximate breakdown of costs was: 50% indirect costs, 25% direct non-medical and 25% direct healthcare costs. Discussion: The prevalence and cost of UK brain disorders is likely to increase given the ageing population. Translational neurosciences research has the potential to develop more effective treatments but is underfunded. Addressing the clinical and economic challenges posed by brain disorders requires a coordinated effort at an EU and national level to transform the current scientific, healthcare and educational agenda.
The clinical and CT imaging features of metanephric adenoma
Authors: Zhu Qingqiang , Zhu Wenrong , Wu Jingtao , Chen Wenxin , Wang Shouan 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundPatients with metanephric adenoma have a good prognosis after undergoing total nephrectomy or local resection with kidney preservation. Accurate diagnosing is important for guiding clinical treatment. Only few previous case reports have been found focusing on the imaging findings of metanephric adenoma.PurposeTo evaluate the multislice computed tomography (MSCT) imaging characteristics of metanephric adenoma.Material and MethodsThe imaging findings in eight patients with metanephric adenoma were studied retrospectively. MSCT was undertaken to investigate tumor location, size, attenuation, cystic or solid appearance, calciﬁcation, capsule sign, and enhancement pattern.ResultsTumors (mean diameter, 3.3 ± 1.0 cm) were solitary (8/8), solid (7/8) with cystic components (2/8), no calcifications (7/8), had a poorly-deﬁned margin (8/8), were centered in the renal medulla (7/8), compressed the renal pelvis (3/8), and none had retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis. The attenuation of metanephric adenoma tumors was less or equal compared to the renal cortex or medulla on unenhanced CT (30.6 ± 2.6 vs. 36.3 ± 4.6 vs. 33.2 ± 3.9, P > 0.05), while tumor enhancement after administration of an contrast agent was lower than that of normal renal cortex and medulla during all phases ( P < 0.05).ConclusionMetanephric adenoma tends to be a solitary, poorly defined margin, isodense or hypodense mass arising from the renal medulla with enhancement less than the cortex and medulla during all phases.
Indigenous men’s groups and social and emotional well-being: an indigenous doctor’s perspective
Authors: McDonald Josef , Haswell Melissa 
Published: July 2013

Objectives: Traditional indigenous society promoted the social and emotional well-being of indigenous men through the meeting of men in daily life and during ceremonial times. There is an increasing recognition that men’s groups use similar mechanisms to enhance the social and emotional well-being of participants and their communities. This paper seeks to increase understanding of the processes and impacts of contemporary indigenous men’s groups from an indigenous doctor’s perspective. Method: Review of published and unpublished literature and reflections on the primary author’s experiences within several indigenous men’s groups using a participatory action research model were used to examine how participation within these groups can improve social and emotional well-being. Results: There is a scarcity of published data on the distribution, activities and outcomes of indigenous men’s groups. Published qualitative and experiential observations suggest that they contribute to improved social and emotional well-being for participants, their families and communities. Conclusions: Men’s groups may be a good adjunct to the outpatient care of indigenous patients. As the published literature is entirely qualitative, mixed methods evaluation using appropriate and sensitive measures would assist in systematically capturing the impacts and outcomes of men’s groups. Such evaluations could enhance programme longevity and encourage the referral of patients by mainstream mental health practitioners.
A Mixed Methodology Retrospective Analysis of the Learning Experience of Final Year Medical Students Attached to a 1-Week Intensive Palliative Care Course Based at an Australian University
Authors: Tai Vicki , Cameron-Taylor Erica , Clark Katherine 
Published: July 2013

Aims: To assess the experiences in an established 1-week palliative care placement for final year medical students attending the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Design: A retrospective, mixed methodology, consecutive cohort. Student data collected included satisfaction feedback scores, open-ended questions and palliative medicine multiple-choice results before and after their 1-week placement. Results: Although there were high satisfaction ratings and objective improvements ( P < .001) seen in multiple-choice quiz scores, a subset did not improve. Practical issues such as prescribing, opioid use, and conversions were particularly valued by students. More teaching time and practical experience were requested. Discussion: Given the importance of palliative care teaching within a medical degree, the results suggest continued development and review of palliative medical education are essential.
Angiotensin-(1–9) enhances stasis-induced venous thrombosis in the rat because of the impairment of fibrinolysis
Authors: Mogielnicki A , Kramkowski K , Hermanowicz JM , Leszczynska A , Przyborowski K , Buczko W 
Published: July 2013

Introduction: ACE2 alternatively converts angiotensin (Ang) II into Ang-(1–7) and Ang I into Ang-(1–9). There is little information in the literature with respect to Ang-(1–9) properties. A number of studies show a link between peptides of the renin-angiotensin system and thrombosis. Materials and methods: We have investigated the influence of Ang-(1–9) on stasis-induced venous thrombosis in the rat. The contribution of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1) and MAS receptor in the mode of Ang-(1–9) action was also determined. Results: Ang-(1–9) enhanced thrombosis development, decreased plasma concentration of tissue plasminogen activator and increased the level of its inhibitor (PAI-1). The action of Ang-(1–9) was reversed by selective antagonist of AT1 receptor, but not Ang-(1–7) antagonist. Ang-(1–9) did not bind to the AT1 receptor. Conclusions: Ang-(1–9) enhances venous thrombosis in the rat because of the impairment of fibrinolysis. The prothrombotic effect of Ang-(1–9) is mediated by Ang II acting via the AT1 receptor.
Characterization method through the electrophoretic behaviour of clays in an aqueous medium
Authors: Piccinini C. A. , Bragança S. , Bergmann C. P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study investigated a method for characterizing the behaviour of clays in an aqueous medium in the presence of an electric field. The experiments were performed with different clays (kaolinite, smectite, kaolinite-smectite) suspended in deionized water. An apparatus was developed for measuring a continuous electric current under the singular effect of adding sodium silicate to the aqueous suspensions. The results showed that the method allows the differentiation of the investigated clays through their electrophoretic behaviour in an aqueous solution.
Clinical and experimental studies regarding the expression and diagnostic value of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Mu-qing , Du Yan , Liu Yi-wen , Wang Ying-zhi , He Yi-qing , Yang Cui-xia , Wang Wen-juan , Gao Feng 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a multifunctional Ig-like cell adhesion molecule that has a wide range of biological functions. According to previous reports, serum CEACAM1 is dysregulated in different malignant tumours and associated with tumour progression. However, the serum CEACAM1 expression in non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) is unclear. The different expression ratio of CEACAM1-S and CEACAM1-L isoform has seldom been investigated in NSCLC. This research is intended to study the serum CEACAM1 and the ratio of CEACAM1-S/L isoforms in NSCLC.

Methods
The expression of the serum CEACAM1 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein expression and the location of CEACAM1 in tumours were observed by immunohistochemical staining. The CEACAM1 mRNA levels in tumour and normal adjacent tissues were measured using quantitative real-time PCR, and the expression patterns and the rate of CEACAM1-S and CEACAM1-L were analysed by reverse transcription-PCR.

Results
Serum CEACAM1 levels were significantly higher in NSCLC patients compared with that from normal healthy controls (P <0.0001). 17 patients (81%) among 21 showed high expression of CEACAM1 by immunohistochemical staining. Although no significant differences were found between tumour and normal tissues on mRNA expression levels of CEACAM1 (P >0.05), the CEACAM1-S and the CEACAM1-S/L (S: L) ratios were significantly higher in tumour than normal tissues (P <0.05).

Conclusions
Our data indicated that the serum levels of CEACAM1 could discriminate lung cancer patients from health donors and that CEACAM1 might be a useful marker in early diagnosis of NSCLC. Moreover, our results showed that the expression patterns of CEACAM1 isoforms could be changed during oncogenesis, even when total CEACAM1 in tumour tissues did not show significant changes. Our study suggested that the expression ratios of CEACAM1-S/CEACAM1-L might be a better diagnostic indicator in NSCLC than the quantitative changes of CEACAM1.
Existence of three solutions for a nonlocal elliptic system of "Equation missing" -Kirchhoff type
Authors: Chen Guang-Sheng , Tang Hui-Yu , Zhang De-Quan , Jiao Yun-Xiu , Wang Hao-Xiang 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we study the solutions of a nonlocal elliptic system of

(
p
,
q
)

-Kirchhoff type on a bounded domain based on the three critical points theorem introduced by Ricceri. Firstly, we establish the existence of three weak solutions under appropriate hypotheses; then, we prove the existence of at least three weak solutions for the nonlocal elliptic system of

(
p
,
q
)

-Kirchhoff type.