bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Stress Echocardiography in Patients Presenting with Syncope
Authors: Po Jose Ricardo F. , Chaudhry Farooq A. , Balasundaram Kiruthika , Shami Waseem , Penesetti Sunil , Kommaraju Kiran K. , Mohareb Sameh , Patel Suketukumar , Agarwal Vikram , Argulian Edgar 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundEvaluation for ischemia is appropriate in patients at risk for or with a history of coronary artery disease presenting with syncope. The aim of this study is to determine the prognostic value of stress echocardiography in patients presenting with syncope.MethodsWe examined our database of all patients undergoing stress echocardiography at our institution. Patients referred due to syncope were grouped as high risk based on any of the following: (1) known history of coronary artery disease, (2) left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, (3) moderate or severe mitral or aortic valve regurgitation, and (4) moderate mitral or aortic valve stenosis. The main outcomes were the presence of ischemia on stress imaging and all‐cause mortality using the social security death index.ResultsA total of 225 patients were identified; mean age was 64.3 ± 14.5 years, the mean follow‐up duration was 29.2 ± 13.8 months. There were 163 patients in the low‐risk group and 62 patients in the high‐risk group. On imaging, 7% of the overall cohort had ischemia. The low‐risk group had 5 (3%) patients with ischemia and the high‐risk group had 10 patients (16%) with ischemia (P < 0.01). The mortality rate was significantly higher in the high‐risk group (3.99%/year vs. 1.02%/year; P = 0.02); this difference was not affected by the presence of ischemia.ConclusionsHigh‐risk patients with syncope as defined by appropriateness criteria and existing evidence carry a higher risk of ischemia and all‐cause mortality. The presence of ischemia may not be predictive of long‐term outcome in this group.
Exploring Noninvasive Tricuspid dP/dt as a Marker of Right Ventricular Function
Authors: Singbal Yash , Vollbon William , Huynh Luan Tan , Wang William Y. S. , Ng Arnold C. T. , Wahi Sudhir 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) function assumes prognostic significance in various disease states, but RV geometry is not amenable to volumetric assessment by two‐dimensional echocardiography. Intra‐ventricular pressure rate of rise (dP/dt) predicts myocardial contractility and adjusting for the maximal regurgitant velocity (Vmax) corrects for preload. We examined the relationship of noninvasive tricuspid dP/dt and dP/dt/Vmax with RV ejection fraction (RVEF) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) as a measure of RV function.MethodsFifty CMRs and echocardiograms performed within 30 days were included. Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) spectral Doppler trace was analyzed offline. TR dP/dt was calculated using simplified Bernoulli equation (dP/dt between 1 and 2 m/sec). dP/dt/Vmax was calculated as a ratio of dP/dt and TR Vmax. RV end‐diastolic (EDV) and end‐systolic volumes (ESV) were obtained from contouring of steady‐state‐free precession axial stack CMR images; RVEF was calculated as [(RVEDV − RVESV)/RVEDV] × 100. RVEF >42% was considered normal.ResultsMajority of studies were suitable for analysis. Median age was 48 years (IQR = 36–63); 56.4% were female (n = 22/39). There was correlation between dP/dt and RVEF (r2 = 0.51, P < 0.01) which improved with dP/dt/Vmax (r2 = 0.59, P < 0.01). dP/dt >400 mmHg/sec had a positive predictive value of 91%, sensitivity and specificity of 74% and 84% respectively for normal RVEF. Inter‐observer agreement and repeatability analysis showed no significant difference.ConclusionTricuspid dP/dt correlates well with CMR RVEF. A dP/dt of more than 400 mmHg/sec strongly predicts normal RVEF. Adjusting for preload (dP/dt/Vmax) further improves this correlation.
Restorative effect of hair follicular dermal cells on injured human hair follicles in a mouse model
Authors: Yamao Mikaru , Inamatsu Mutsumi , Okada Taro , Ogawa Yuko , Ishida Yuji , Tateno Chise , Yoshizato Katsutoshi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractNo model is available for examining whether in vivo‐damaged human hair follicles (hu‐HFs) are rescued by transplanting cultured hu‐HF dermal cells (dermal papilla and dermal sheath cells). Such a model might be valuable for examining whether in vivo‐damaged hu‐HFs such as miniaturized hu‐HFs in androgenic alopecia are improvable by auto‐transplanting hu‐HF dermal cells. In this study, we first developed mice with humanized skin composed of hu‐keratinocytes and hu‐dermal fibroblasts. Then, a ‘humanized scalp model mouse’ was generated by transplanting hu‐scalp HFs into the humanized skin. To demonstrate the usability of the model, the lower halves of the hu‐HFs in the model were amputated in situ, and cultured hu‐HF dermal cells were injected around the amputated area. The results demonstrated that the transplanted cells contributed to the restoration of the damaged HFs. This model could be used to explore clinically effective technologies for hair restoration therapy by autologous cell transplantation.
Help‐seeking amongst women survivors of domestic violence: a qualitative study of pathways towards formal and informal support
Authors: Evans Maggie A. , Feder Gene S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundInformal and formal support for women experiencing domestic violence and abuse (DVA) can improve safety and health outcomes. There has been little qualitative work on the role of both pathways to support and women's experiences of disclosing their experience of DVA in different contexts.Objective and study designThis qualitative study used repeat interviews with women survivors of DVA to explore their pathways to support and their experiences of barriers and facilitators to disclosure and help‐seeking.Setting and participantsThirty‐one women seeking help from specialist DVA agencies in the UK were interviewed twice over 5 months.ResultsWomen recounted long journeys of ambivalence, often only disclosing abuse after leaving the perpetrator. Access to specialist support rarely came via general practitioners, despite high levels of consulting for anxious and depressed feelings, and was more often facilitated by police or housing agencies following a crisis such as assault. Informal disclosure only led to specialist help if the family member or friend themselves had experience or knowledge of DVA.Discussion and conclusionsWomen experiencing DVA need earlier access to specialized DVA services. Many women needed an ‘enabler’ to facilitate access, but once this contact was made, disclosure to other professionals or to family and friends was legitimized in the eyes of the women. Safely accessible publicity about DVA services and an appropriate response from social and health‐care professionals should be promoted, including support for women disclosing DVA to take action on the information they receive about services.
A reference image‐based method for optimization of clinical immunohistochemistry
Authors: Kap Marcel , Lam King H , Ewing‐Graham Patricia , Riegman Peter 
Published: January 2015

AimsCold ischaemic and formalin fixation time (CIT and FFT) are considered to be crucial parameters for intralaboratory variation in immunohistochemistry (IHC). Here we describe a new method to optimize IHC, by using control tissue blocks with known pre‐analytical history and comparing the IHC outcome with digitized reference slides.Methods and resultsTissue specimens (two per tissue type) were divided into eight samples, which were subjected to different CIT and FFT. Immunohistochemistry was performed with 34 routinely used antibodies, following standard operating procedures. Relative staining intensity of four sections per slide was scored. Of the antibodies studied, seven were influenced by CIT, 13 by FFT and five by both parameters. IHC protocols were adapted until most sections on the slide showed the same intensity. Changing the antibody dilution for 10 protocols and the antigen retrieval method for six protocols improved the consistency of the IHC staining. Nine protocols could not be optimized. The optimized staining results were compared to reference slides and were found to be of adequate quality.ConclusionsIt was possible to optimize most IHC protocols by adapting the analytical, rather than the pre‐analytical, phase. If global references can be established, this method could decrease interlaboratory variation, preceding standardization of the pre‐analytical workflow.
Mediating Community Participation: Practice of Support Workers in Initiating, Facilitating or Disrupting Encounters between People with and without Intellectual Disability
Authors: Bigby Christine , Wiesel Ilan 
Published: January 2015

Promoting community participation for people with intellectual disability through encounter with strangers is an integral part of the mission of disability support workers. This paper offers detailed micro‐level analysis of the practices of support workers when they accompany a person with intellectual disability outside their home and explores the subtle differences which make some staff practices more effective than others in promoting more convivial encounters with strangers. Based on 160 h of observations of twenty‐six adults with intellectual disability in a variety of public places, and interviews and focus groups with their support workers, the paper points to some of the critical judgements support workers need to make when considering whether, when and how to initiate or intervene in such encounters.
Silent Cerebral Events/Lesions Related to Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: A Clinical Review
Authors: DENEKE THOMAS , JAIS PIERRE , SCAGLIONE MARCO , SCHMITT RAINER , DI BIASE LUIGI , CHRISTOPOULOS GEORGIOS , SCHADE ANJA , MÜGGE ANDREAS , BANSMANN MARTIN , NENTWICH KARIN , MÜLLER PATRICK , KRUG JOACHIM , ROOS MARKUS , HALBFASS PHILLIP , NATALE ANDREA , GAITA FIORENZO , HAINES DAVID 
Published: January 2015

Silent Cerebral Events/Lesions Related to AF AblationBrain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has identified a high incidence of cerebral ischemia in asymptomatic patients after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation (silent). Detection of cerebral ischemic events on MRI is based on acute hyperintense lesions on diffusion‐weighted imaging. In the literature, the incidence is related to specifications of MRI and depends on the definition applied. In comparative studies, silent cerebral events (SCE, diffusion‐weighted MRI [DWI] positive only) appear to be approximately 3 times more common compared to using a definition of silent cerebral lesions (SCL; without fluid attenuated inverse recovery sequence [FLAIR] positivity). Whereas the FLAIR sequence may turn positive within days after the ischemic event, SCE definition is highly sensitive for early phases of ischemic brain damage. SCE/SCL appear to represent cerebral ischemic infarcts and determine the “embolic fingerprint” of a specific ablation technology and strategy used. The optimum time point for detecting SCE is early after AF ablation (24–72 hours), whereas detection of SCL can only be performed within the first 2–7 days (due to delay of FLAIR positivity). Different technology‐, procedure‐, and patient‐related parameters have been identified to play a role in the multifactorial genesis of SCE/SCL. In recent years, evidence has been gathered that there may be differences of SCE/SCL rates depending upon the ablation technology used, but small patient numbers and a large number of potential confounders hamper all studies. As major findings of recent studies, mode of periprocedural and intraprocedural anticoagulation has been identified as a major predictor for incidences of SCE/SCL. Whereas procedural characteristics related to higher SCE/SCL‐rates may be modified, unchangeable patient‐related factors should be taken into account for future individualized risk assessment. Novel ablation devices introduced into the market should be tested for their potential embolic fingerprint and refinements of ablation procedures to reduce their embolic potential should be prompted. The knowledge of “best practice” in terms of low SCE/SCL rates has prompted changes in work‐flow, which have been implemented into ablation procedures using novel ablation devices. So far, no study has linked SCE/SCL to neuropsychological decline and the low number of AF‐ablation‐associated events needs to be weighted against the multitude of preexisting asymptomatic MRI‐detected brain lesions related to the course of AF itself. Future studies are needed to evaluate if more white matter hyperintensities due to AF may be prevented by AF ablation (producing only a small number of SCE/SCL).
Mood repair via attention refocusing or recall of positive autobiographical memories by adolescents with pediatric‐onset major depression
Authors: Kovacs Maria , Yaroslavsky Ilya , Rottenberg Jonathan , George Charles J. , Baji Ildikó , Benák István , Dochnal Roberta , Halas Kitti , Kiss Enikő , Vetró Ágnes , Kapornai Krisztina 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundImpaired emotion regulation is increasingly recognized as a core feature of depressive disorders. Indeed, currently and previously depressed adults both report greater problems in attenuating sadness (mood repair) in daily life than healthy controls. In contrast, studies of various strategies to attenuate sad affect have mostly found that currently or previously depressed adults and controls were similarly successful at mood repair in the laboratory. But few studies have examined mood repair among depression‐prone youths or the effects of trait characteristics on mood repair outcomes in the laboratory.MethodsAdolescents, whose first episode of major depressive disorder (MDD) had onset at age 9, on average (probands), and were either in remission or depressed, and control peers, watched a sad film clip. Then, they were instructed to engage in refocusing attention (distraction) or recalling happy memories. Using affect ratings provided by the youths, we tested two developmentally informed hypotheses about whether the subject groups would be similarly able to attenuate sadness via the two mood repair strategies. We also explored if self‐reported habitual (trait) mood repair influenced laboratory performance.ResultsContrary to expectations, attention refocusing and recall of happy memories led to comparable mood benefits across subjects. Control adolescents reported significantly greater reductions in sadness than did depressed (Cohen's d = .48) or remitted (Cohen's d = .32) probands, regardless of mood repair strategy, while currently depressed probands remained the saddest after mood repair. Habitual mood repair styles moderated the effects of instructed (state) mood repair in the laboratory.ConclusionsWhether depressed or in remission, adolescents with MDD histories are not as efficient at mood repair in the laboratory as controls. But proband‐control group differences in mood repair outcomes were modest in scope, suggesting that the abilities that subserve affect regulation have been preserved in probands to some degree. Further information about the nature of mood repair problems among youths with depression histories would help to better understand the clinical course of MDD and to design personalized interventions for depression.
Salty or Sweet? Nutritional Quality, Consumption, and Cost of Snacks Served in Afterschool Programs
Authors: Beets Michael W. , Weaver Robert G. , Tilley Falon , Turner‐McGrievy Gabrielle , Huberty Jennifer , Ward Dianne S. , Freedman Darcy A. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSnacks served in afterschool programs (ASPs, 3‐6 pm) represent an important opportunity to promote healthy eating. ASP policies suggest a fruit/vegetable is served daily, while sugar‐sweetened foods/beverages and artificially flavored snacks are eliminated. Limited information exists on the types of snacks served in ASPs, if snacks meet existing nutrition policies, whether children eat the snacks, and their cost.METHODSDirect observation of snacks served and consumed was collected in 20 ASPs serving over 1700 elementary age children. The number of days that snacks were served/week was evaluated for compliance with nutrition policies. Costs of snacks were collected via receipts.RESULTSPrograms served desserts and artificially flavored salty snacks on 2.7 and 2.1 days/week. Fruits and vegetables were served 0.6 and 0.1 days/week, respectively. Sugar‐sweetened beverages were served 1.8 days/week. Of the children (N = 383) observed, 75% to 100% consumed the snack served, with 95% and 100% of served fruits/vegetables consumed. No ASP served fruit/vegetables daily, 18 served sugar‐sweetened foods, 16 served artificially flavored snacks, and 14 served sugar‐sweetened beverages. Desserts and salty snacks cost $0.27‐$0.32/snack vs $0.38‐$0.40/snack for vegetables/fruits.CONCLUSIONSThe quality of snacks failed to meet nutrition policies and consists of predominately high‐sugar and artificially flavored options. Strategies to improve snack offerings in ASPs while addressing price barriers are required.
Religion, Religious Diversity and Tourism
Authors: Fourie Johan , Rosselló Jaume , Santana‐Gallego Maria 
Published: January 2015

SummaryReligious beliefs influence many aspects of daily life. It is therefore plausible to argue that these beliefs affect some of our most central endeavors, such as trade, migration, foreign investment and travel. This paper investigates the role a country's religious affiliation plays in destination choice for international tourism flows. To that end, a gravity model for international tourist arrivals is estimated by using a large dataset of 164 countries for the period 1995–2010. Results provide evidence that religious similarity have significant explanatory power in global tourism flows even after controlling for other measures of cultural affinity. Moreover, the presence of common religious minorities in the country has a positive impact on tourism flows. However, although religious pluralism foster tourism flows between countries, religious similarity has a stronger positive effect.
Autonomy‐Enhancing Paternalism
Authors: Binder Martin , Lades Leonhard K. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryWe present a form of soft paternalism called “autonomy‐enhancing paternalism” that seeks to increase individual well‐being by facilitating the individual ability to make critically reflected, autonomous decisions. The focus of autonomy‐enhancing paternalism is on helping individuals to become better decision‐makers, rather than on helping them by making better decisions for them. Autonomy‐enhancing paternalism acknowledges that behavioral interventions can change the strength of decision‐making anomalies over time, and favors those interventions that improve, rather than reduce, individuals' ability to make good and unbiased decisions. By this it prevents manipulation of the individual by the soft paternalist, accounts for the heterogeneity of individuals, and counteracts slippery slope arguments by decreasing the probability of future paternalistic interventions. Moreover, autonomy‐enhancing paternalism can be defended based on both liberal values and welfare considerations.
Allergen expression in the European house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus throughout development and response to environmental conditions
Authors: VIDAL‐QUIST J. C. , ORTEGO F. , LOMBARDERO M. , CASTAÑERA P. , HERNÁNDEZ‐CRESPO P. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractHouse dust mites are a major source of allergy worldwide. While diagnosis and treatment based on mite extracts have remarkably advanced, little information exists on the expression of allergens in mites. We have studied gene expression of eight Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart) (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) allergens (Der p 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 21). All allergens showed higher transcription in nymphs compared with larvae or adults, with the only exception of Der p 10. The transcription of Der p 4 and Der p 10, together with the transcription and protein ratios Der p 1 to Der p 2, were higher in males than in females. One‐week exposure of mite cultures to 16 or 35 °C (versus 24 °C) or low RH (44% versus 76%) significantly influenced the allergen gene transcription profile. Our results demonstrate that allergen expression is quantitatively and/or qualitatively influenced by mite development and sex, as well as by the environment. We suggest that monitoring allergen gene expression may be a useful tool to assist the optimization of mite cultures in the production of standardized allergenic extracts for clinical use.
Foxhole Faith and Funk Religion: Anglo-American Perspectives from Two World Wars
Authors: Snape Michael 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe role of combat as a religious stimulant was widely observed and debated during both World Wars. Through a consideration of American opinion in World War II, especially in the light of British opinion a generation earlier, this paper illustrates that, however similar expressions of combatants’ faith may have been across time and space, their perceived value was very much dictated by their wider religious context, and particularly by the existing assumptions and priorities of religious observers and pundits. This meant that, in the American context of World War II, appraisals tended to be much more positive than in the British context of World War I, adding considerable substance and longevity to the claim that ‘there are no atheists in foxholes’.
Normal esophageal pressure topography metrics for data derived from the Sandhill‐Unisensor high‐resolution manometry assembly in supine and sitting positions
Authors: do Carmo G. C. , Jafari J. , Sifrim D. , de Oliveira R. B. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundNormal values of the esophageal motor function parameters for high‐resolution manometry (HRM‐EPT) adopted by the Chicago classification were established using the proprietary system of Given Imaging. It is conceivable that normal values of a system do not apply to data from others. Most studies using HRM were based on supine swallows, whereas deglutition occurs mostly in the upright position. We wished to establish normal values for HRM‐EPT parameters obtained with the Sandhill's HRM‐EPT system and compare the results in supine and sitting positions.MethodsSixty‐nine healthy volunteers, 38 females, median age 27 years, were included in this study. All underwent supine HRM, and 34 of them underwent sitting HRM, with at least 10 single 5‐mL swallows for analysis obtained in each position.Key ResultsThe normal range (5–95th percentiles) for the following parameters was calculated: distal contractile integral (DCI), 606–4998 mmHg·s·cm; contractile front velocity (CFV), 2.0–6.5 cm/s; distal latency (DL), 5.1–8.8 s; intrabolus pressure (IBP), 1.9–17.6 mmHg; upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressure, 45.2–186.9 mmHg; esophagogastric junction (EGJ) length, 1.8–4 cm; EGJ resting pressure, 8.1–61.6 mmHg, and integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) 2.5–23.5 mmHg. Normal values of EGJ resting pressure, IRP, DCI, and IBP but not CFV, DL, and UES resting pressure were significantly lower in the sitting posture.Conclusions & InferencesStudies performed with Sandhill's HRM‐EPT system should use its own specific normal data. Normal values should be established for different study