bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Central and peripheral oxytocin profiles during milking in ewes
Authors: Bochini João Carlos , Alvisi Renato Duarte , Negrão João Alberto , Hucke Erica Engelberg Teixeira da Silva , Felicio Luciano Freitas 
Published: October 2014

Foi investigada a possível relação entre as concentrações de ocitocina no líquido céfalo-raquidiano e no soro em diferentes formas de ordenha em ovinos. Foram utilizadas dez ovelhas multíparas divididas em quatro grupos de acordo com o estímulo para ejeção do leite: ordenha exclusivamente mecânica (EM), ordenha mista mecânica e mamada com os carneiros separados das mães durante a noite e reunidos a elas pela manhã para amamentação (MMS); ordenha mista com ordenha manual (MMS); apenas amamentação natural (ES). Foram coletadas amostras de fluido cerebroespinhal e de sangue simultaneamente durante as ordenhas. A média, coeficiente de variação e valores máximos e mínimos de ocitocina do plasma foram respectivamente 257,88 ± 265,90 pg/ml, 103,11%, e 11,70 e 1000,00 pg/ml. Não foram encontradas correlações entre as concentrações centrais e plasmáticas de ocitocina (EM: -0,26; ES: -0,19; MMM: 0,05; MMS: 0,04). Não foi evidenciada influência do tipo de estímulo para ejeção do leite nas concentrações centrais de ocitocina. Entretanto, as concentrações plasmáticas de ocitocina foram maiores nos grupos MMM (679,80 ± 25,63) e MMS (591,82 ± 30,56) quando comparadas as dos grupos EM e ES. Alem disso, as concentrações plasmáticas de ocitocina foram maiores no grupo de OME (381,04 ± 22,09) em relação ao grupo AE (218,82 ± 27,04). Os resultados obtidos sugerem que as concentrações plasmáticas de ocitocina são mais sensíveis ao tipo de ordenha que as concentrações centrais desse hormônio.
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Normalization in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Ruwald Martin H. , Solomon Scott D. , Foster Elyse , Kutyifa Valentina , Ruwald Anne-Christine , Sherazi Saadia , McNitt Scott , Jons Christian , Moss Arthur J. , Zareba Wojciech 
Published: October 2014

Background—
Appropriate guideline criteria for use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) do not take into account potential recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients treated with CRT-defibrillator.

Methods and Results—

Patients randomized to CRT-defibrillator from the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial With Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (MADIT-CRT) trial who survived and had paired echocardiograms at enrollment and at 12 months (n=752) were included. Patients were evaluated by LVEF recovery in 3 groups (LVEF ≤35% [reference], 36%–50%, and >50%) on outcomes of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs), VTA ≥200 bpm, ICD shock, heart failure or death, and inappropriate ICD therapy by multivariable Cox models. A total of 7.3% achieved LVEF normalization (>50%). The average follow-up was 2.2±0.8 years. The risk of VTA was reduced in patients with LVEF >50% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07–0.82;
P
=0.023) and LVEF of 36% to 50% (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28–0.68;
P
<0.001). Among patients with LVEF >50%, only 1 patient had VTA ≥200 bpm (HR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.02–1.51), none were shocked by the ICD, and 2 died of nonarrhythmic causes. The risk of HF or death was reduced with improvements in LVEF (LVEF >50%: HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.09–0.97;
P
=0.045; and LVEF of 36%–50%: HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28–0.69;
P
<0.001). For inappropriate ICD therapy, no additional risk reduction for LVEF>50% was seen compared with an LVEF of 36% to 50%. A total of 6 factors were associated with LVEF normalization, and patients with all factors present (n=42) did not experience VTAs (positive predictive value, 100%).

Conclusions—
Patients who achieve LVEF normalization (>50%) have very low absolute and relative risk of VTAs and a favorable clinical course within 2.2 years of follow-up. Risk of inappropriate ICD therapy is still present, and these patients could be considered for downgrade from CRT-defibrillator to CRT-pacemaker at the time of battery depletion if no VTAs have occurred.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00180271.
Relation of Antiphospholipid Antibodies to Postmortem Brain Infarcts in Older People
Authors: Arvanitakis Zoe , Brey Robin L. , Rand Jacob H. , Schneider Julie A. , Capuano Ana W. , Yu Lei , Leurgans Sue E. , Bennett David A. , Levine Steven R. 
Published: October 2014

Background—
There are few data on the relationship of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) to pathologically proven brain infarcts. We tested the hypothesis that aPLs are associated with a higher odds of brain infarcts among older, community-dwelling individuals who came to autopsy.

Methods and Results—

Specimens and clinical and pathological data were derived from 607 deceased subjects (mean age at death, 89 years; 66% women) who were participating in 1 of 2 cohort studies of aging (Rush Memory and Aging Project and Religious Orders Study) and had agreed to brain autopsy. Brain infarcts were identified on gross and microscopic examinations, and severity of cerebral vessel disease (atherosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis) was graded. Four clinically used aPLs were measured longitudinally: 3 in serum (anticardiolipin antibodies, β
2-
glycoprotein I, and anti–phosphatidyl-serine) and 1 in plasma (lupus anticoagulant). A quarter of subjects (142 of 607, 23%) had at least 1 aPL present at baseline (median time interval from baseline to death, 4.6 years), and three quarters of these subjects had persistently positive measures over time. In a logistic regression analysis, baseline aPL positivity did not increase the odds of brain infarcts (odds ratio=1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–1.58;
P
=0.19) or of gross or microscopic infarcts separately. Findings were essentially unchanged when considering number of baseline aPLs, aPLs proximate to death, and persistence of aPLs. Associations did not differ among subjects with increased severity of vessel disease.

Conclusion—
Overall, we did not find evidence that aPLs increase the odds of pathological brain infarcts in older people.
Spot Sign on 90-Second Delayed Computed Tomography Angiography Improves Sensitivity for Hematoma Expansion and Mortality
Authors: Ciura Viesha A. , Brouwers H. Bart , Pizzolato Raffaella , Ortiz Claudia J. , Rosand Jonathan , Goldstein Joshua N. , Greenberg Steven M. , Pomerantz Stuart R. , Gonzalez R. Gilberto , Romero Javier M. 
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose—
The computed tomography angiography (CTA) spot sign is a validated biomarker for poor outcome and hematoma expansion in intracerebral hemorrhage. The spot sign has proven to be a dynamic entity, with multimodal imaging proving to be of additional value. We investigated whether the addition of a 90-second delayed CTA acquisition would capture additional intracerebral hemorrhage patients with the spot sign and increase the sensitivity of the spot sign.

Methods—
We prospectively enrolled consecutive intracerebral hemorrhage patients undergoing first pass and 90-second delayed CTA for 18 months at a single academic center. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess clinical and neuroimaging covariates for relationship with hematoma expansion and mortality.

Results—

Sensitivity of the spot sign for hematoma expansion on first pass CTA was 55%, which increased to 64% if the spot sign was present on either CTA acquisition. In multivariate analysis the spot sign presence was associated with significant hematoma expansion: odds ratio, 17.7 (95% confidence interval, 3.7–84.2;
P
=0.0004), 8.3 (95% confidence interval, 2.0–33.4;
P
=0.004), and 12.0 (95% confidence interval, 2.9–50.5;
P
=0.0008) if present on first pass, delayed, or either CTA acquisition, respectively. Spot sign presence on either acquisitions was also significant for mortality.

Conclusions—
We demonstrate improved sensitivity for predicting hematoma expansion and poor outcome by adding a 90-second delayed CTA, which may enhance selection of patients who may benefit from hemostatic therapy.
Rethinking the Default Construction of Multimodel Climate Ensembles
Authors: Rauser Florian , Gleckler Peter , Marotzke Jochem 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
We discuss the current code of practice in the climate sciences to routinely create climate model ensembles as ensembles of opportunity from the newest phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP). We give a two-step argument to rethink this process. First, the differences between generations of ensembles corresponding to different CMIP phases in key climate quantities are not large enough to warrant an automatic separation into generational ensembles for CMIP3 and CMIP5. Second, we suggest that climate model ensembles cannot continue to be mere ensembles of opportunity but should always be based on a transparent scientific decision process. If ensembles can be constrained by observation, then they should be constructed as target ensembles that are specifically tailored to a physical question. If model ensembles cannot be constrained by observation, then they should be constructed as cross-generational ensembles, including all available model data to enhance structural model diversity and to better sample the underlying uncertainties. To facilitate this, CMIP should guide the necessarily ongoing process of updating experimental protocols for the evaluation and documentation of coupled models. With an emphasis on easy access to model data and facilitating the filtering of climate model data across all CMIP generations and experiments, our community could return to the underlying idea of using model data ensembles to improve uncertainty quantification, evaluation, and cross-institutional exchange.
An Object-Based Approach for Quantification of GCM Biases of the Simulation of Orographic Precipitation. Part I: Idealized Simulations
Authors: Yorgun M. Soner , Rood Richard B. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
An object-based evaluation method to quantify biases of general circulation models (GCMs) is introduced using the National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmosphere Model (CAM). Idealized experiments with different topography are designed to reproduce the spatial characteristics of precipitation biases that were present in Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project simulations using the CAM finite volume (FV) and CAM Eulerian spectral dynamical cores. Precipitation features are identified as “objects” to understand the causes of the differences between CAM FV and CAM Eulerian spectral dynamical cores. Three different mechanisms of precipitation were simulated in idealized experiments: stable upslope ascent, local surface fluxes, and resolved downstream waves. The results indicated stronger sensitivity of the CAM Eulerian spectral dynamical core to resolution. The application of spectral filtering to topography is shown to have a large effect on the CAM Eulerian spectral model simulation. The removal of filtering improved the results when the scales of the topography were resolvable. However, it reduced the simulation capability of the CAM Eulerian spectral dynamical core because of Gibbs oscillations, leading to unusable results. A clear perspective about models biases is provided from the quantitative evaluation of objects extracted from these simulations and will be further discussed in part II of this study.
Estimation of Ice Shelf Melt Rate in the Presence of a Thermohaline Staircase
Authors: Kimura Satoshi , Nicholls Keith W. , Venables Emily 
Published: October 2014

AbstractDiffusive convection–favorable thermohaline staircases are observed directly beneath George VI Ice Shelf, Antarctica. A thermohaline staircase is one of the most pronounced manifestations of double-diffusive convection. Cooling and freshening of the ocean by melting ice produces cool, freshwater above the warmer, saltier water, the water mass distribution favorable to a type of double-diffusive convection known as diffusive convection. While the vertical distribution of water masses can be susceptible to diffusive convection, none of the observations beneath ice shelves so far have shown signals of this process and its effect on melting ice shelves is uncertain. The melt rate of ice shelves is commonly estimated using a parameterization based on a three-equation model, which assumes a fully developed, unstratified turbulent flow over hydraulically smooth surfaces. These prerequisites are clearly not met in the presence of a thermohaline staircase. The basal melt rate is estimated by applying an existing heat flux parameterization for diffusive convection in conjunction with the measurements of oceanic conditions at one site beneath George VI Ice Shelf. These estimates yield a possible range of melt rates between 0.1 and 1.3 m yr−1, where the observed melt rate of this site is ~1.4 m yr−1. Limitations of the formulation and implications of diffusive convection beneath ice shelves are discussed.
Voice Outcomes After Endoscopic Treatment of Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Authors: Hatcher Jeanne L. , Dao Ashley M. , Simpson C. Blake 
Published: October 2014

Objective: This study aimed to assess vocal disability in patients with laryngotracheal stenosis who are managed with endoscopic surgery, comparing patients with posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) to those with subglottic or tracheal stenosis (SGS/TS). Methods: Patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for laryngotracheal stenosis with voice outcomes data from 2005 to 2013 were studied. The mean Voice Handicap Index–10 (VHI-10) was compared over the study period. Of those with SGS/TS, the distance from the vocal folds to the proximal portion of the stenosis was obtained and compared to VHI-10. Results: Forty-four patients met inclusion criteria. The mean VHI-10 for all patients was 14.6. Fifty percent were dysphonic (VHI-10 > 11). The mean VHI-10 for PGS patients was 22.4, and for SGS/TS patients, 10.9 ( P = .004). Of those with PGS, 78.6% were dysphonic compared to only 36.7% of those with SGS/TS. Voice Handicap Index–10 improved from 14.1 for those with proximal stenosis to 4 for those with stenosis more than 2 cm distal to the vocal folds. Conclusion: Following endoscopic management of stenosis, those with PGS have poorer voice outcomes compared to those with SGS/TS. The majority of those with SGS/TS are not dysphonic. Vocal outcomes are greatest for those with stenosis beginning at least 2 cm distal to the vocal folds.
Head and Trunk Moments of Inertia of Able-Bodied and Unbraced Scoliotic Girls
Authors: Damavandi Mohsen , Allard Paul , Rivard Charles-Hilaire 
Published: October 2014

Objective: The purposes of this study were to estimate head and trunk’s (HT) radii of gyration (K) and moments of inertia (I) in able-bodied and unbraced scoliotic girls using an angular momentum method, to test if the use of mean ratios calculated in this study and given by de Leva present similar values compared to the experimental data, and to determine how these methods behave in estimation of scoliotic HT’s K and I with variable Cobb angles. Background: Scoliotic HT’s I estimated from anthropometric tables can lead to error in joint muscle moment calculations. Method: Twenty-one unbraced scoliotic and 20 able-bodied girls participated. HT’s I values were calculated using an angular momentum method. Results: Angular momentum method provided greater HT’s I for the scoliotic group compared with the able-bodied girls. HT’s I obtained by the mean ratios calculated from this study were close to the measured values. Compared with the experimental I, de Leva method provided significantly lower I in the scoliotic group. Scoliotic HT’s K and I obtained from angular momentum method showed greater correlations with the Cobb angles. Conclusion: The use of mean ratios obtained in this study to estimate HT’s K values in unbraced scoliotic girls could overcome the drawbacks of current anthropometric methods. Application: These results can be used to calculate more precise moments of force during daily activities in scoliotic girls with mild scoliosis and to improve the design of corrective flexible body braces prescribed in cases of rapid interventions in young patients of moderate spinal deformities.
Where are patients who have co-occurring mental and physical diseases located?
Authors: Toftegaard Kristian L , Gustafsson Lea Nørgreen , Uwakwe Richard , Andersen Ulla A , Becker Thomas , Bickel Graziella Giacometti , Bork Bernhard , Cordes Joachim , Frasch Karel , Jacobsen Bent Ascanius , Kilian Reinhold , Larsen Jens Ivar , Lauber Christoph , Mogensen Birthe , Rössler Wulf , Tsuchiya Kenji J , Munk-Jørgensen Povl 
Published: October 2014

Background: Patients with a psychiatric illness have a higher prevalence of physical diseases and thus a higher morbidity and mortality. Aim: The main aim was to investigate where patients with co-occurring physical diseases and mental disorders (psychotic spectrum or mood) in the health and social service system are identified most frequently before admission into psychiatry. The second aim was to compare the differences in the treatment routes taken by the patients before entry into psychiatric services in all the participating countries (Denmark, Germany, Japan, Nigeria and Switzerland). Methodology: On admission to a psychiatric service, patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizotypal or delusional disorders (International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) group F2) or mood (affective) disorders (ICD-10 group F3) and a co-morbid physical condition (cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and overweight) were asked with which institutions or persons they had been in contact with in the previous 6 months. Results: Patients from Denmark, Germany and Switzerland with mental disorders had almost the same contact pattern. Their primary contact was to public or private psychiatry, with a contact percentage of 46%–91%; in addition, general practice was a common contact, with a margin of 41%–93%. Similar tendencies are seen in Japan despite the small sample size. With regard to general practice, this is also the case with Nigerian patients. However, religious guidance or healing was rarely sought by patients in Europe and Japan, while in Nigeria about 80% of patients with mental disorders had contacted this type of service. Conclusion: Promoting prophylactic work between psychiatry and the general practice sector may be beneficial in diminishing physical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and overweight in patients with mental disorders in European countries and Japan. In Nigeria (a low-to-middle-income country), religious guides or healers, along with general practitioners, are the most frequently contacted, and they therefore seem to be the most obvious partner to collaborate with.
Lower pain and faster treatment with mechanico-chemical endovenous ablation using ClariVein®
Authors: Vun SV , Rashid ST , Blest NC , Spark JI 
Published: October 2014

Objectives To assess the efficacy of the ClariVein® system of mechanico-chemical ablation of superficial vein incompetence. Method ClariVein® treatment uses a micropuncture technique and a 4-Fr sheath to allow a catheter to be placed 1.5 cm from the saphenofemoral junction. Unlike laser (endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), no tumescence is required. The technique depends on a wire rotating at 3500 r/min causing endothelial damage whilst liquid sclerosant (1.5% sodium tetradecyl sulphate) is infused. The wire is pulled back whilst continuously infusing sclerosant along the target vessel’s length. Initially, 8 mL of dilute sclerosant was used, but this was subsequently increased to 12 mL. No routine post-op analgesia was prescribed and specifically no non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Procedure times and pain scores (visual analogue scale) were recorded and compared to EVLT and RFA. All patients were invited for duplex post-procedure. Results Fifty-one great saphenous veins and six short saphenous veins were treated and followed up with duplex in the 10 months from July 2011. No major complications or deep vein thrombosis were reported. Duplex showed patency of three treated veins with two more veins having only a short length of occlusion, giving a technical success rate of 91%. Comparison with 50 RFA and 40 EVLT showed procedure times were significantly less for ClariVein® (23.0 ± 8.3 min) than for either RFA (37.9 ± 8.3 min) or EVLT (44.1 ± 11.4 min). Median pain scores were significantly lower for ClariVein® than RFA and EVLT (1 vs. 5 vs. 6, p < 0.01). Conclusion Mechanochemical ablation with the ClariVein® system is safe and effective. After some initial failures, the use of 12 mL of dilute sclerosant results in a very high technical success rate >90% which accords with the limited published literature. Procedure times and pain scores are significantly better than for RFA and EVLT. We await the long-term clinical outcomes.
French sclerotherapy and compression: Practice patterns
Authors: Tripey V , Monsallier J-M , Morello R , Hamel-Desnos C 
Published: October 2014

Based on the recommendations of experts, and supported by a low level of proof, compression after sclerotherapy is applied all over the world. Objective: Investigating the practice of French vascular physicians for sclerotherapy and the use of post-sclerotherapy compression. Methods: A questionnaire concerning their practices was sent to French vascular physicians through their regional vascular medicine professional development associations. Results: A total of 366 vascular physicians replied to the questionnaire, of whom 63% (229/366) were in private practice, 6% (21/366) in hospitals and 31% (115/366) had a mixed private–hospital practice. Sclerotherapy was practised by 88% (323/366) of them. Two-thirds of the vascular physicians used sclerosing foam and practised sclerotherapy using ultrasound guidance. Less than one-third of the vascular physicians regularly applied compression after sclerotherapy. When compression was applied, it was usually after treatment of saphenous or accessory saphenous veins and, in most cases, medical compression stockings of 15–20 mm Hg were used. With respect to the period recommended for wearing compression, this ranged from 48 h to 1 week for 65% (193/299) of the vascular physicians questioned. Conclusion: The great majority of vascular physicians who answered the questionnaire employ ultrasound guidance to perform sclerotherapy and use sclerosing foam. Compression after sclerotherapy is diversely applied in France and does not comply with the recommendations of the French Health Authorities who recommend wearing a stocking of 15–20 or 20–36 mm Hg for a period of 4–6 weeks. Thus, less than one-third of the vascular physicians regularly used elastic compression and when they did, it was usually a medical compression stocking of 15–20 mm Hg, for 1 week or less.