bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complications of Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Peichl Petr , Wichterle Dan , Pavlu Ludek , Cihak Robert , Aldhoon Bashar , Kautzner Josef 
Published: June 2014

Background—
Catheter ablation has become an established treatment modality for a broad spectrum of ventricular tachycardias (VTs). We analyzed incidence and predictors of major complications of VT ablation procedures in a high-volume expert center.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated 548 consecutive patients who underwent 722 ablation procedures, 473 (65.5%) for structural heart disease VT in the period 2006 to 2012. There were 45 (6.2%) major complications observed in 44 patients. Access site vascular complications were the most frequent (3.6%). Three patients (0.4%) had cardiac tamponade/hemopericardium, and 5 patients (0.7%) had a thromboembolic event. No procedural deaths occurred. Procedures for structural heart disease VT versus idiopathic VT had a significantly higher complication rate (8.0% versus 2.8%;
P
=0.006). Similarly, patients with electrical storm (10.1% versus 5.3%;
P
=0.04) and nonelective procedures (8.4% versus 3.5%;
P
=0.007) were at higher risk of complications. On multivariate analysis, age >70 years (
P
=0.01), serum creatinine >115 μmol/L (
P
=0.0003), and individual operator (
P
=0.0001) were the only independent predictors of complications. Overall 30-day mortality in the structural heart disease VT group reached 5.0% (patients) and 3.6% (procedures). Death was associated with early recurrence of VT/ventricular fibrillation (
P
=0.003) and ablation for electrical storm (
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—
Complication rates for VT ablation are significantly lower in idiopathic VT or in elective procedures. Independent predictors of complications include age, renal insufficiency, and individual operator. Postprocedural mortality is predicted by early recurrence of VT/ventricular fibrillation and ablation for electrical storm.
Adolescents Adapt More Slowly than Adults to Varying Reward Contingencies
Authors: Javadi Amir Homayoun , Schmidt Dirk H. K. , Smolka Michael N. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIt has been suggested that adolescents process rewards differently from adults, both cognitively and affectively. In an fMRI study we recorded brain BOLD activity of adolescents (age range = 14–15 years) and adults (age range = 20–39 years) to investigate the developmental changes in reward processing and decision-making. In a probabilistic reversal learning task, adolescents and adults adapted to changes in reward contingencies. We used a reinforcement learning model with an adaptive learning rate for each trial to model the adolescents' and adults' behavior. Results showed that adolescents possessed a shallower slope in the sigmoid curve governing the relation between expected value (the value of the expected feedback, +1 and −1 representing rewarding and punishing feedback, respectively) and probability of stay (selecting the same option as in the previous trial). Trial-by-trial change in expected values after being correct or wrong was significantly different between adolescents and adults. These values were closer to certainty for adults. Additionally, absolute value of model-derived prediction error for adolescents was significantly higher after a correct response but a punishing feedback. At the neural level, BOLD correlates of learning rate, expected value, and prediction error did not significantly differ between adolescents and adults. Nor did we see group differences in the prediction error-related BOLD signal for different trial types. Our results indicate that adults seem to behaviorally integrate punishing feedback better than adolescents in their estimation of the current state of the contingencies. On the basis of these results, we argue that adolescents made decisions with less certainty when compared with adults and speculate that adolescents acquired a less accurate knowledge of their current state, that is, of being correct or wrong.
Text Messaging Intervention for Teens and Young Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Markowitz Jessica T. , Cousineau Tara , Franko Debra L. , Schultz Alan T. , Trant Meredith , Rodgers Rachel , Laffel Lori M. B. 
Published: June 2014

Background: Adolescents and young adults use text messaging as their primary mode of communication, thus providing an opportunity to use this mode of communication for mobile health (mHealth) interventions. Youth with diabetes are an important group for these mHealth initiatives, as diabetes management requires an enormous amount of daily effort and this population has difficulty achieving optimal diabetes management. Goal setting and self-efficacy are 2 factors in the management of diabetes. We examined the feasibility of a healthy lifestyle text messaging program targeting self-efficacy and goal setting among adolescents and young adults with diabetes. Methods: Participants, ages 16-21, were assigned to either a text messaging group, which received daily motivational messages about nutrition and physical activity, or a control group, which received paper-based information about healthy lifestyle. Both groups set goals for nutrition and physical activity and completed a measure of self-efficacy. Results: Participants’ mean age was 18.7 ± 1.6 years old, with diabetes duration of 10.0 ± 4.6 years, and A1c of 8.7 ± 1.7%. The text messaging intervention was rated highly and proved to be acceptable to participants. Self-efficacy, glycemic control, and body mass index did not change over the course of the short, 1-month pilot study. Conclusions: Positive, daily, motivational text messages may be effective in increasing motivation for small goal changes in the areas of nutrition and physical activity. These interventions may be used in the future in youth with diabetes to improve diabetes care. Utilizing more targeted text messages is an area for future research.
Fontan Circulation in Adult Patients
Authors: Melero-Ferrer Josep Lluís , Osa-Sáez Ana , Buendía-Fuentes Francisco , Ballesta-Cuñat Antonio , Flors Lucía , Rodríguez-Serrano María , Calvillo-Batllés Pilar , Arnau-Vives Miguel-Ángel , Palencia-Pérez Miguel A. , Rueda-Soriano Joaquín 
Published: June 2014

Objective: The development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis due to long-standing liver congestion is known to occur in adult patients with Fontan circulation. Hepatic elastography has shown to be a useful tool for the noninvasive assessment and staging of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, although the utility of this technique in Fontan patients remains to be adequately studied. Methods: Twenty-one patients with Fontan circulation underwent an abdominal ultrasound and an acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography. In order to compare the results from this group, a cohort of 14 healthy controls and another group containing 17 patients with cirrhosis were included. The association between the velocity values measured with elastography and clinical and analytical parameters were also studied. Results: Mean shear waves propagation velocity in liver tissue in the Fontan group was 1.86 ± 0.5 m/s, with 76% of patients over the cirrhosis threshold (1.55 m/s). The control group had a mean velocity of 1.09 ± 0.06 m/s, while the cirrhotic group obtained 2.71 ± 0.51 m/s. Seven patients with Fontan circulation had increased liver enzymes. Liver ultrasound showed evidence of chronic liver disease in six patients. Velocity values obtained in the presence or absence of analytical or liver ultrasound abnormalities showed significant differences in the univariate analysis ( P = .04 and P = .03 respectively). Conclusion: In conclusion, ARFI elastography showed increased wave propagation velocity values in the Fontan population suggesting increased liver stiffness which could be related to advanced fibrosis. A statistically significant association between ARFI values and the presence of analytical and ultrasound abnormalities has been demonstrated.
Completion of the Three-Stage Fontan Pathway Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Mainwaring Richard D. , Reddy V. Mohan , Hanley Frank L. 
Published: June 2014

Background: The three-stage surgical approach is now accepted as the standard for management of children born with functional single ventricle. However, there is little consensus on the cardiopulmonary bypass strategies employed for these procedures. We have attempted to avoid cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with single ventricle whenever possible to eliminate the adverse effects that are induced by this process. The purpose of this study was to review our experience in patients who underwent all three stages of the Fontan pathway without ever being exposed to bypass. Methods: A total of 52 patients with single ventricle underwent “off-pump” treatment at all three stages of their surgical management. The time period of the study was from 2002 to 2013. There were 31 males and 21 females. Anatomic diagnoses included double inlet left ventricle (n = 11), pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (n = 11), tricuspid atresia (n = 10), double outlet right ventricle (n = 9), and other (n = 11). Results: There was no operative mortality in the 52 patients undergoing Fontan completion. The patients have been followed for an average of 5.1 ± 2.5 years, with one late mortality. The median length of hospital stay for the three stages was 17, 5, and 9 days, respectively. Of the 52 patients, 42 were able to undergo all three stages without the need for a blood transfusion. Conclusions: This series demonstrates the feasibility of achieving a Fontan circulation without patients exposed to cardiopulmonary bypass. There was no operative mortality and low mid-term mortality. It is notable that 80% of patients never required a blood transfusion with this approach. The elimination of cardiopulmonary bypass provides several potential clinical benefits in this highly select subset of patients with single ventricle.
Peritoneal Drainage Versus Pleural Drainage After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Gowda Keshava Murty Narayana , Zidan Marwan , Walters Henry L. , Delius Ralph E. , Mastropietro Christopher W. 
Published: June 2014

Background: We aimed to determine whether infants undergoing cardiac surgery would more efficiently attain negative fluid balance postoperatively with passive peritoneal drainage as compared to traditional pleural drainage. Methods: A prospective, randomized study including children undergoing repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) or atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) was completed between September 2011 and June 2013. Patients were randomized to intraoperative placement of peritoneal catheter or right pleural tube in addition to the requisite mediastinal tube. The primary outcome measure was fluid balance at 48 hours postoperatively. Variables were compared using t tests or Fisher exact tests as appropriate. Results: A total of 24 patients were enrolled (14 TOF and 10 AVSD), with 12 patients in each study group. Mean fluid balance at 48 hours was not significantly different between study groups, −41 ± 53 mL/kg in patients with periteonal drainage and −9 ± 40 mL/kg in patients with pleural drainage ( P = .10). At 72 hours however, postoperative fluid balance was significantly more negative with peritoneal drainage, −52.4 ± 71.6 versus +2.0 ± 50.6 ( P = .04). On subset analysis, fluid balance at 48 hours in patients with AVSD was more negative with peritoneal drainage as compared to pleural, −82 ± 51 versus −1 ± 38 mL/kg, respectively ( P = .02). Fluid balance at 48 hours in patients with TOF was not significantly different between study groups. Conclusion: Passive peritoneal drainage may more effectively facilitate negative fluid balance when compared to pleural drainage after pediatric cardiac surgery, although this benefit is not likely universal but rather dependent on the patient’s underlying physiology.
The Ross Operation in Children and Young Adults
Authors: Zebele Carlo , Chivasso Pierpaolo , Sedmakov Christo , Angelini Gianni , Caputo Massimo , Parry Andrew , Stoica Serban 
Published: June 2014

Objectives: To determine UK national trends and results of the Ross operation in relation to all aortic valve interventions. Methods: Examination of the UK Congenital Central Cardiac Audit Database for all aortic valve procedures performed between 2000 and 2011 in children (0-16 years) and young adults (16-30 years). Results: A total of 2,206 aortic valve procedures were performed in children and 1,824 in young adults, the proportions in the two groups being: Ross operation (19% vs 15%, respectively), surgical valvoplasty (9.5% vs 4%), surgical valvotomy (9.5% vs 1%), aortic valve replacement (AVR; 11% vs 55%), aortic root replacement (4% vs 18%), and balloon valvoplasty (47% vs 7%). The 30-day and 1-year survival after Ross is 99.3% and 98.7%, respectively, in the last four years achieving 100%. In children, the proportion of balloon valvoplasty increased from an average of 43% in 2000 to 2006 to 53% in 2007 to 2011, whereas the Ross operation decreased from 22% to 16% ( P < .001). In young adults, the figures are an increase from 49% to 58% for AVR compared to a decrease from 23% to 9% for Ross ( P < .001). Our own single-center series of 91 patients also shows standard results for early- and long-term survival and freedom from reoperation, but gradually fewer Ross operations performed. The year-on-year changes show a significant decreasing trend locally and nationally. Conclusions: Despite an excellent track record, the Ross operation is performed less frequently in the United Kingdom. This report is a first step in comparing treatment modalities at national level.
The Arg98Trp mutation in human VKORC1 causing VKCFD2 disrupts a di-arginine–based ER retention motif
Authors: Czogalla Katrin J. , Biswas Arijit , Rost Simone , Watzka Matthias , Oldenburg Johannes 
Published: June 2014

Key Points
VKORC1:p.Arg98Trp disrupts a di-arginine ER retention motif, resulting in mislocalization and degradation of the mutant VKORC1 protein. A second low-efficiency di-lysine ER localization and retention motif contributes to the partially deficient phenotype of VKCFD2 patients.
A novel integrated cytogenetic and genomic classification refines risk stratification in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Moorman Anthony V. , Enshaei Amir , Schwab Claire , Wade Rachel , Chilton Lucy , Elliott Alannah , Richardson Stacey , Hancock Jeremy , Kinsey Sally E. , Mitchell Christopher D. , Goulden Nicholas , Vora Ajay , Harrison Christine J. 
Published: June 2014

Key Points
Integrating cytogenetic and genomic data in pediatric ALL reveals 2 subgroups with different outcomes independent of other risk factors. A total of 75% of children on UKALL2003 had a good-risk genetic profile, which predicted an EFS and OS of 94% and 97% at 5 years.
First-episode psychosis and migration in Italy (PEP-Ita migration): a study in the Italian mental health services
Authors: Tarricone Ilaria , Braca Mauro , Allegri Fabio , Barrasso Giuseppe , Bellomo Antonello , Berlincioni Vanna , Carpiniello Bernardo , Ceregato Alessio , Conforti Donati Marco , Defilippi Samuele , Del Vecchio Valeria , De Rosa Corrado , Ferrannini Luigi , Ferrari Silvia , Furio Maria Antonietta , Gramaglia Carla , La Cascia Caterina , Luciano Mario , Mulè Alice , Nardini Marcello , Podavini Francesca , Primavera Diego , Reggianini Corinna , Rigatelli Marco , Todarello Orlando , Turella Elena , Ventriglio Antonio , Zeppegno Patrizia , Fiorillo Andrea , Berardi Domenico 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
It has been frequently reported a higher incidence of psychotic disorders in immigrants than in native populations. There is, however, a lack of knowledge about risk factors which may explain this phenomenon. A better understanding of the causes of psychosis among first-generation migrants is highly needed, particularly in Italy, a country with a recent massive migration.

Methods/Design
The “Italian study on first-episode psychosis and migration (PEP-Ita)” is a prospective observational study over a two-year period (1 January 2012–31 December 2013) which will be carried out in 11 Italian mental health centres. All participating centres will collect data about all new cases of migrants with first-episode psychosis. The general purpose (“core”) of the PEP-Ita study is to explore the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and the pathways to care of a population of first-episode psychosis migrants in Italy. Secondary aims of the study will be: 1) to understand risk and protective factors for the development of psychotic disorders in migrants; 2) to evaluate the correlations between psychopathology of psychotic disorders in migrants and socio-demographic characteristics, migration history, life experiences; 3) to evaluate the clinical and social outcomes of first-episode psychoses in migrants.

Discussion
The results of the PEP-Ita study will allow a better understanding of risk factors for psychosis in first-generation migrants in Italy. Moreover, our results will contribute to the development of prevention programmes for psychosis and to the improvement of early intervention treatments for the migrant population in Italy.
An NSFD scheme for SIR epidemic models of childhood diseases with constant vaccination strategy
Authors: Cui Qianqian , Xu Jiabo , Zhang Qiang , Wang Kai 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we construct a nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) scheme for an SIR epidemic model of childhood disease with constant strategy. The dynamics of the obtained discrete model is investigated. First we show that the discrete model has equilibria which are exactly the same as those of the continuous model. Furthermore, we prove that the conditions for those equilibria to be globally asymptotically stable are consistent with the continuous model for any size of numerical time-step. The analytical results are confirmed by some numerical simulations.
Network biomarkers, interaction networks and dynamical network biomarkers in respiratory diseases
Authors: Wu Xiaodan , Chen Luonan , Wang Xiangdong 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIdentification and validation of interaction networks and network biomarkers have become more critical and important in the development of disease‐specific biomarkers, which are functionally changed during disease development, progression or treatment. The present review headlined the definition, significance, research and potential application for network biomarkers, interaction networks and dynamical network biomarkers (DNB). Disease‐specific interaction networks, network biomarkers, or DNB have great significance in the understanding of molecular pathogenesis, risk assessment, disease classification and monitoring, or evaluations of therapeutic responses and toxicities. Protein‐based DNB will provide more information to define the differences between the normal and pre‐disease stages, which might point to early diagnosis for patients. Clinical bioinformatics should be a key approach to the identification and validation of disease‐specific biomarkers.
A review of data mining using big data in health informatics
Authors: Herland Matthew , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M , Wald Randall 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The amount of data produced within Health Informatics has grown to be quite vast, and analysis of this Big Data grants potentially limitless possibilities for knowledge to be gained. In addition, this information can improve the quality of healthcare offered to patients. However, there are a number of issues that arise when dealing with these vast quantities of data, especially how to analyze this data in a reliable manner. The basic goal of Health Informatics is to take in real world medical data from all levels of human existence to help advance our understanding of medicine and medical practice. This paper will present recent research using Big Data tools and approaches for the analysis of Health Informatics data gathered at multiple levels, including the molecular, tissue, patient, and population levels. In addition to gathering data at multiple levels, multiple levels of questions are addressed: human-scale biology, clinical-scale, and epidemic-scale. We will also analyze and examine possible future work for each of these areas, as well as how combining data from each level may provide the most promising approach to gain the most knowledge in Health Informatics.
Effect of menopause on the modified Rodnan skin score in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Vinet Évelyne , Bernatsky Sasha , Hudson Marie , Pineau Christian A , Baron Murray ,   the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Introduction
We aimed to evaluate the effect of menopause on skin thickening, as measured by the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods
We identified women with either limited or diffuse SSc, aged ≥ 18 years, enrolled within the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG) cohort, between 2004 and 2011. As part of the CSRG cohort, subjects undergo annual assessments with standardized questionnaires and physical examinations. We performed multivariate regression analyses using generalized estimating equation (GEE) to determine the effect of menopause on the mRSS, adjusting for relevant covariates including notably age, follow-up time, and disease duration.

Results
We identified 1070 women with SSc, contributing a total of 3546 observations over the study period. Of these women, at baseline, 65% had limited disease and 35% diffuse disease. In multivariate analyses, we observed a substantial effect of postmenopausal status on the mean mRSS in women with diffuse disease subtype [−2.62 units, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.44, −0.80] and significant interaction between menopausal status and disease subtype (2.04 units, 95% CI 0.20, 3.88). The effect of postmenopausal status on the mean mRSS was smaller in women with limited SSc (−0.58, 95% CI −1.50, 0.34).

Conclusions
Our results suggest that menopause has a substantial effect on skin thickening in diffuse SSc, with postmenopausal status being associated with a lower mean mRSS compared to premenopausal status.