bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)
Authors: Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Delcroix Marion , Lang Irene , Mayer Eckhard , Jansa Pavel , Ambroz David , Treacy Carmen , D'Armini Andrea M. , Morsolini Marco , Snijder Repke , Bresser Paul , Torbicki Adam , Kristensen Bent , Lewczuk Jerzy , Simkova Iveta , Barberà Joan A. , de Perrot Marc , Hoeper Marius M. , Gaine Sean , Speich Rudolf , Gomez-Sanchez Miguel A. , Kovacs Gabor , Hamid Abdul Monem , Jaïs Xavier , Simonneau Gérald 
Published: October 2011

Background—
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is often a sequel of venous thromboembolism with fatal natural history; however, many cases can be cured by pulmonary endarterectomy. The clinical characteristics and current management of patients enrolled in an international CTEPH registry was investigated.

Methods and Results—
The international registry included 679 newly diagnosed (≤6 months) consecutive patients with CTEPH, from February 2007 until January 2009. Diagnosis was confirmed by right heart catheterization, ventilation-perfusion lung scintigraphy, computerized tomography, and/or pulmonary angiography. At diagnosis, a median of 14.1 months had passed since first symptoms; 427 patients (62.9%) were considered operable, 247 (36.4%) nonoperable, and 5 (0.7%) had no operability data; 386 patients (56.8%, ranging from 12.0%– 60.9% across countries) underwent surgery. Operable patients did not differ from nonoperable patients relative to symptoms, New York Heart Association class, and hemodynamics. A history of acute pulmonary embolism was reported for 74.8% of patients (77.5% operable, 70.0% nonoperable). Associated conditions included thrombophilic disorder in 31.9% (37.1% operable, 23.5% nonoperable) and splenectomy in 3.4% of patients (1.9% operable, 5.7% nonoperable). At the time of CTEPH diagnosis, 37.7% of patients initiated at least 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension–targeted therapy (28.3% operable, 53.8% nonoperable). Pulmonary endarterectomy was performed with a 4.7% documented mortality rate.

Conclusions—
Despite similarities in clinical presentation, operable and nonoperable CTEPH patients may have distinct associated medical conditions. Operability rates vary considerably across countries, and a substantial number of patients (operable and nonoperable) receive off-label pulmonary arterial hypertension–targeted treatments.
Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Promotes Paracellular Transmigration of Neutrophils Via Mac-1, But Independently of Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor
Authors: Reichel Christoph A. , Uhl Bernd , Lerchenberger Max , Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Rehberg Markus , Liebl Johanna , Khandoga Andrej , Schmalix Wolfgang , Zahler Stefan , Deindl Elisabeth , Lorenzl Stefan , Declerck Paul J. , Kanse Sandip , Krombach Fritz 
Published: October 2011

Background—
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear.

Methods and Results—
Using in vivo microscopy on the mouse cremaster muscle, I/R-elicited firm adherence and transmigration of neutrophils were found to be significantly diminished in uPA-deficient mice and in mice treated with the uPA inhibitor WX-340, but not in uPA receptor (uPAR)–deficient mice. Interestingly, postischemic leukocyte responses were significantly reduced on blockade of the integrin CD11b/Mac-1, which also serves as uPAR receptor. Using a cell transfer technique, postischemic adherence and transmigration of wild-type leukocytes were significantly decreased in uPA-deficient animals, whereas uPA-deficient leukocytes exhibited a selectively reduced transmigration in wild-type animals. On I/R or stimulation with recombinant uPA, >90% of firmly adherent leukocytes colocalized with CD31-immunoreactive endothelial junctions as detected by in vivo fluorescence microscopy. In a model of hepatic I/R, treatment with WX-340 significantly attenuated postischemic neutrophil infiltration and tissue injury.

Conclusions—
Our data suggest that endothelial uPA promotes intravascular adherence, whereas leukocyte uPA facilitates the subsequent paracellular transmigration of neutrophils during I/R. This process is regulated via CD11b/Mac-1, and does not require uPAR. Pharmacological blockade of uPA interferes with these events and effectively attenuates postischemic tissue injury.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pericardial Late Gadolinium Enhancement and Elevated Inflammatory Markers Can Predict the Reversibility of Constrictive Pericarditis After Antiinflammatory Medical Therapy
Authors: Feng DaLi , Glockner James , Kim Kyehun , Martinez Matthew , Syed Imran S. , Araoz Philip , Breen Jerome , Espinosa Raul E. , Sundt Thoralf , Schaff Hartzell V. , Oh Jae K. 
Published: October 2011

Background—
Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a disabling disease, and usually requires pericardiectomy to relieve heart failure. Reversible CP has been described, but there is no known method to predict the reversibility. Pericardial inflammation may be a marker for reversibility. As a pilot study, we assessed whether cardiac magnetic resonance imaging pericardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and inflammatory biomarkers could predict the reversibility of CP after antiinflammatory therapy.

Method and Results—

Twenty-nine CP patients received antiinflammatory medications after cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Fourteen patients had resolution of CP, whereas 15 patients had persistent CP after 13 months of follow-up. Baseline LGE pericardial thickness was greater in the group with reversible CP than in the persistent CP group (4±1 versus 2±1 mm,
P
=0.001). Qualitative intensity of pericardial LGE was moderate or severe in 93% of the group with reversible CP and in 33% of the persistent CP group (
P
=0.002). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging LGE pericardial thickness ≥3 mm had 86% sensitivity and 80% specificity to predict CP reversibility. The group with reversible CP also had higher baseline C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate than the persistent CP group (59±52 versus 12±14 mg/L,
P
=0.04 and 49±25 versus 15±16 mm/h,
P
=0.04, respectively). Antiinflammatory therapy was associated with a reduction in C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and pericardial LGE in the group with reversible CP but not in the persistent CP group.

Conclusions—
Reversible CP was associated with pericardial and systemic inflammation. Antiinflammatory therapy was associated with a reduction in pericardial and systemic inflammation and LGE pericardial thickness, with resolution of CP physiology and symptoms. Further studies in a larger number of patients are needed.
Health-Related Quality of Life After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Inoperable Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Reynolds Matthew R. , Magnuson Elizabeth A. , Lei Yang , Leon Martin B. , Smith Craig R. , Svensson Lars G. , Webb John G. , Babaliaros Vasilis C. , Bowers Bruce S. , Fearon William F. , Herrmann Howard C. , Kapadia Samir , Kodali Susheel K. , Makkar Raj R. , Pichard Augusto D. , Cohen David J. ,   for the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves (PARTNER) Investigators
Published: October 2011

Background—
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been shown to improve survival compared with standard therapy in patients with severe aortic stenosis who cannot have surgery. The effects of TAVR on health-related quality of life have not been reported from a controlled study.

Methods and Results—

The Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves (PARTNER) trial randomized patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis who were not candidates for surgical valve replacement to TAVR (n=179) or standard therapy (n=179). Health-related quality of life was assessed at baseline and at 1, 6, and 12 months with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and the 12-item Short Form-12 General Health Survey (SF-12). The primary end point was the KCCQ overall summary score (range, 0–100; higher=better). At baseline, mean KCCQ summary scores (35±20) and SF-12 physical summary scores (28±7) were markedly depressed. Although the KCCQ summary score improved from baseline in both groups, the extent of improvement was greater after TAVR compared with control at 1 month (mean between-group difference, 13 points; 95% confidence interval, 8–19;
P
<0.001) with larger benefits at 6 months (mean difference, 21 points; 95% confidence interval, 15–27;
P
<0.001) and 12 months (mean difference, 26 points; 95% confidence interval, 19–33;
P
<0.001). At 12 months, TAVR patients also reported higher SF-12 physical and mental health scores with mean differences compared with standard care of 5.7 and 6.4 points, respectively (
P
<0.001 for both comparisons).

Conclusions—
Among inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis, compared with standard care, TAVR resulted in significant improvements in health-related quality of life that were maintained for at least 1 year.

Clinical Trials Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00530894.
Association of Physical Activity With Vascular Endothelial Function and Intima-Media Thickness
Authors: Pahkala Katja , Heinonen Olli J. , Simell Olli , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Rönnemaa Tapani , Niinikoski Harri , Raitakari Olli T. 
Published: October 2011

Background—
Impairment of vascular endothelial function and increased intima-media thickness (IMT) are important early steps in atherogenesis. Longitudinal data on the effect of physical activity on endothelial function and IMT in healthy adolescents are lacking. We investigated prospectively the association of leisure-time physical activity with endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation; FMD) and aortic IMT in adolescents.

Methods and Results—

FMD and IMT were measured with ultrasonography at 13 (n=553), 15 (n=531), and 17 (n=494) years of age in adolescents participating in a longitudinal atherosclerosis prevention study (Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project for Children). Mean aortic IMT, maximum FMD, and total FMD response (area under the dilatation curve 40 to 180 seconds after hyperemia) were calculated. Leisure-time physical activity was assessed with a questionnaire, and metabolic equivalent (MET) hours per week of leisure-time physical activity were calculated by multiplying weekly mean exercise intensity, duration, and frequency. Leisure-time physical activity was directly associated with endothelial function (
P
for maximum FMD=0.0021,
P
for total FMD response=0.0036) and inversely with IMT (
P
=0.011) after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein/total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and C-reactive protein and regarding FMD brachial artery diameter. Sedentary adolescents who increased their leisure-time physical activity from <5 to >5 (IMT) or >30 (maximum FMD) MET h/wk between 13 and 17 years of age had an increased maximum FMD (
P
=0.031) and decreased progression of IMT (
P
=0.047) compared with adolescents who remained sedentary. IMT progression was attenuated in persistently active adolescents compared with those who became sedentary (
P
=0.0072).

Conclusions—
Physical activity is favorably associated with endothelial function and IMT in adolescents. Importantly, a moderate increase in physical activity is related to decreased progression of IMT. A physically active lifestyle seems to prevent the development of subclinical atherosclerotic vascular changes in healthy adolescents.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00223600 (STRIP19902010).
A Contribution to Situation Awareness Analysis
Authors: Mundutéguy Christophe , Ragot-Court Isabelle 
Published: October 2011

Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify how knowledge elaborated by specific experience may lead to erroneous expectations during interactions between drivers and riders. Background: Situation awareness is partly determined by prior knowledge. Unshared knowledge may cause difficulties in managing driving interactions, but there is still an important gap in the literature devoted to this field of research. Method: There were 226 participants, distinguished according to their vehicle use (for drivers, type of vehicle driven and whether they were exclusive or dual drivers; for motorcycle and scooter riders, the type of powered two-wheeler [PTW] used and its engine size) and their driving experience. Focusing on the most vulnerable users, we studied prior representations to interactions using a series of closed questions on drivers’ performance relating to different stages of the interaction process from the perspective both of drivers’ self-reflection and of riders’ expectations. Results: Although most drivers are self-confident, their abilities tend to be questioned by riders. Owners of medium or large motorbikes feel that drivers do not assess their approach speed accurately. Similarly, scooter riders doubt drivers’ ability to assess the distance that separates them from PTWs. Riders who use medium or large motorbikes are more likely to question drivers’ skills in relation to crossing situations. Scooter riders do so more often for overtaking situations. Conclusion: The development of shared prior knowledge is essential to prevent accidents and incidents between drivers and riders. Application: To help improve effectiveness, we re-commend specific ways of embedding each type of road user profile in training, prevention, and research.
Unpacking U.S. Democracy Promotion in Bolivia
Authors: Burron Neil 
Published: October 2011

U.S. democracy promotion programs in Bolivia in the early 2000s originally sought to stabilize the neoliberal state through “soft” tactics whose origins were rooted in the “inclusive” neoliberal project of Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada’s first presidency. As left indigenous social forces tipped the balance of power away from U.S. political allies, these programs were reconfigured to undermine the rise of Evo Morales’s Movement toward Socialism (MAS) through “hard” tactics including support for the right-wing departments of the western part of the country, where autonomist forces mobilized to destabilize the MAS after Morales won the presidential elections in December 2005. U.S. programs also continued to channel support to moderate civil society organizations and nongovernmental organizations that sought to confine the popular revolt within a liberal-institutional framework. Soft and hard tactics combined to promote neoliberal polyarchy. Estados Unidos buscó promover la democracia en Bolivia durante principios de la década del 2000 para estabilizar al estado neoliberal; sus tácticas “suaves” de promoción democrática partían del proyecto neoliberal “inclusivo” de la primer presidencia de Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada. Conforme las fuerzas sociales izquierdistas indígenas cobraron poder sobre los aliados de Estados Unidos, estos programas se reconfiguraron para contrarrestar la ascensión del Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) de Evo Morales. En este caso se utilizaron tácticas “duras” como el apoyo a departamentos derechistas en la parte oeste del país, donde fuerzas autonomistas se movilizaron para desestabilizar al MAS después de que Morales ganara las elecciones de diciembre de 2005. Los programas estadounidenses continuaron canalizando apoyos a organizaciones civiles y no gubernamentales moderadas que buscaron confinar la revuelta popular dentro de un marco liberal e institucional. Las tácticas “suaves” y “duras” se combinaron para promover una poliarquía neoliberal.
Issues and needs in end-of-life decision making: An international modified Delphi study
Authors: Raijmakers Natasja JH , van Zuylen Lia , Costantini Massimo , Caraceni Augusto , Clark Jean B , De Simone Gustavo , Lundquist Gunilla , Voltz Raymond , Ellershaw John E , van der Heide Agnes 
Published: October 2011

Background: end-of-life decision making is an important aspect of end-of-life care that can have a significant impact on the process of dying and patients’ comfort in the last days of life. Aim: the aim of our study was to identify issues and considerations in end-of-life decision making, and needs for more evidence among palliative care experts, across countries and professions. Participants: 90 palliative care experts from nine countries participated in a modified Delphi study. Participants were asked to identify important issues and considerations in end-of-life decision making and to rate the need for more evidence. Results: experts mentioned 219 issues in end-of-life decision making related to the medical domain, 122 issues related to the patient wishes and 92 related to relatives’ wishes, regardless of profession or country ( p > 0.05). In accordance, more than 90% of the experts rated the comfort and wishes of the patient and the potential futility of treatment as important considerations in end-of-life decision making, although some variation was present. When asked about issues that are in need of more evidence, 87% mentioned appropriate indications for using sedatives and effects of artificial hydration at the end of life. A total of 83% mentioned adequate communication approaches. Conclusions: palliative care experts from different professions in different countries encounter similar issues in end-of-life decision making. Adequate communication about these issues is universally experienced as a challenge, which might benefit from increased knowledge. This shared experience enables and emphasizes the need for more international research.
Is cerebrospinal fluid shunting in idiopathic intracranial hypertension worthwhile? A 10-year review
Authors: Sinclair Alexandra J , Kuruvath Sarin , Sen Diptasri , Nightingale Peter G , Burdon Michael A , Flint Graham 
Published: October 2011

Background: The role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in treating idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is disputed. Method: We conducted a 10-year, retrospective case note review to evaluate the effects of CSF diversion in IIH. Symptoms, signs and details of shunt type, complications and revisions were documented at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months post-operatively. Results: Fifty-three IIH patients were shunted [predominantly lumboperitoneal (92%)]. The most common symptom pre-surgery was headache (96%). Post-operatively, significantly fewer patients experienced declining vision and visual acuity improved at 6 ( p = 0.001) and 12 months ( p = 0.016). Headache continued in 68% at 6 months, 77% at 12 months and 79% at 2 years post-operatively. Additionally, post-operative low-pressure headache occurred in 28%. Shunt revision occurred in 51% of patients, with 30% requiring multiple revisions. Conclusion: We conclude that CSF diversion reduces visual decline and improves visual acuity. Unfortunately, headache remained in the majority of patients and low-pressure headache frequently complicated surgery. Over half of the patients required shunt revision with the majority of these requiring multiple revisions. We suggest that CSF shunting should be conducted as a last resort in those with otherwise untreatable, rapidly declining vision. Alternative treatments, such as weight reduction, may be more effective with less associated morbidity.
Development of a comprehensive and flexible forward dynamic powertrain simulation tool for various hybrid electric vehicle architectures
Authors: Cheng C , McGordon A , Jones R P , Jennings P A 
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a comprehensive and flexible forward dynamic powertrain simulation tool, WARwick Powertrain Simulation Tool for ARchitectures 2 (WARPSTAR2), for modelling of conventional internal combustion engine, hybrid, and pure electric vehicles. WARPSTAR2 includes physical powertrain component models and their controllers, a hybrid supervisory controller, the driver, and the environment model. The physical powertrain component models are developed in Dymola, while the component controllers, the hybrid supervisory controllers, and the driver model are realized in MATLAB/Simulink. Thus the power of these two software tools is combined. A generalized fuzzy-logic-based supervisory controller is proposed for all hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) architectures so that all HEVs with different architectures share the same structure of supervisory controller. The generalized formation can be used for the supervisory controllers of different HEV architectures with varied parameter settings, thus facilitating the controller design process. The rule-based supervisory controller is also developed in WARPSTAR2. Simulation is carried out for different HEVs with these two supervisory controllers in the driving cycles. The results of engine and battery power usages with these two supervisory controllers are similar and the differences of predicted engine fuel consumptions between the two supervisory controllers are within 5 per cent.
Tau protein: a possible prognostic factor in optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Frederiksen J , Kristensen K , Bahl JMC , Christiansen M 
Published: October 2011

Background: Tau protein has been proposed as biomarker of axonal damage leading to irreversible neurological impairment in MS. CSF concentrations may be useful when determining risk of progression from ON to MS. Objective: To investigate the association between tau protein concentration and 14-3-3 protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with monosymptomatic optic neuritis (ON) versus patients with monosymptomatic onset who progressed to multiple sclerosis (MS). To evaluate results against data found in a complete literature review. Methods: A total of 66 patients with MS and/or ON from the Department of Neurology of Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, were included. CSF samples were analysed for tau protein and 14-3-3 protein, and clinical and paraclinical information was obtained from medical records. Results: The study shows a significantly increased concentration of tau protein in CSF from patients with relapsing–remitting MS and patients monosymptomatic at onset who progressed to MS, but interestingly no increased tau protein concentration in monosymptomatic ON. The concentration of tau protein was significantly correlated to Expanded Disability Status Scale score. No 14-3-3 protein was detected in any CSF sample. Conclusions: The results of this study invite further exploration of the possible role of tau protein as a prognostic factor to predict progression from ON to MS in future studies.