bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation is Associated with a Poor Prognosis in Patients with Atrioventricular Block and Dual‐Chamber Pacemaker
Authors: PETRAČ DUBRAVKO , RADELJIĆ VJEKOSLAV , DELIĆ‐BRKLJAČIĆ DIANA , MANOLA ŠIME , CINDRIĆ‐BOGDAN GRETA , PAVLOVIĆ NIKOLA 
Published: March 2012

Background
: The prognostic significance of development of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with atrioventricular (AV) block and dual chamber (DDD) pacemakers has not been separately investigated. We sought to determine whether persistent AF influences clinical outcome in these patients.
Methods:

Three hundred‐eight consecutive patients with second‐ or third‐degree AV block and implanted a DDD pacemaker were followed for 36 ± 20 months and retrospectively divided into two groups. Thirty‐four patients who developed persistent AF formed persistent AF group, and 278 patients who remained free of this arrhythmia control group. Clinical and outcome data of the two groups were compared. The primary outcome was cardiovascular death.
Results:

The primary outcome occurred more often among the patients in the persistent AF group (6.8% per year) than among those in the control group (2.9% per year; P = 0.028). This difference was primarily because of higher rate of heart failure‐related deaths in the persistent AF group (P = 0.009). Secondary outcomes, hospitalization for heart failure and paroxysmal AF episode ≥5 minutes, occurred also more often among the patients in the persistent AF group (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively), although the risk of nonfatal stroke was similar in both groups (P = 0.628).
Conclusion:

In patients with second‐ or third‐degree AV block and DDD pacemaker, the development of persistent AF is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure. (PACE 2012; 35:695–702)
A Randomized Study of Defibrillator Lead Implantations in the Right Ventricular Mid‐Septum versus the Apex: The SEPTAL Studyτ
Authors: MABO PHILIPPE , DEFAYE PASCAL , MOUTON ELISABETH , CEBRON JEAN‐PIERRE , DAVY JEAN MARC , TASSIN AUDE , BABUTY DOMINIQUE , MONDOLY PIERRE , PAZIAUD OLIVIER , ANSELME FREDERIC , DAUBERT JEAN‐CLAUDE 
Published: March 2012

Impact of Recalls on ICD Utilization. Introduction: The study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and performance of right ventricular (RV) mid‐septal versus apical implantable defibrillator (ICD) lead placement.Methods and Results: SEPTAL is a randomized, noninferiority trial, which randomly assigned patients to implantation of ICD leads in the RV mid‐septum versus apex, with a primary objective of comparing the implant success rate of implant at each site, based on strict electrical predefined criteria. We also compared the (1) pacing lead characteristics, (2) rates of appropriate and inappropriate ICD therapies, and (3) all‐cause mortality between the 2 sites at 1 year. The trial enrolled 215 patients (mean age = 59.7 ± 12.4 years, mean LVEF = 34.0 ± 14.2%, 84.2% men), of whom 148 (68.8%) presented with ischemic heart disease. The ICD indication was primary prevention in 117 patients (54.4%). The lead was successfully implanted in 96/107 patients (89.7%) assigned to the RV mid‐septum, and in 99/108 (91.7%) assigned to the apex (ns). The 1‐year rate of lead‐related adverse events was similar in both groups. A total of 8 first inappropriate ICD therapies (7.9%) were delivered in the RV mid‐septal group, versus 8 (7.8%) in the apical group (ns), while first appropriate therapies were delivered to 22 (21.4%) and 24 patients (23.8%), respectively (ns). All‐cause mortality was 7.9% in the RV mid‐septal versus 2.9% in the RV apical group (ns).Conclusion: This study confirmed the technical feasibility and noninferior performance of ICD leads implanted in the RV mid‐septum versus the apex. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 853‐860, August 2012)
Identification of the Slow Conduction Zone in a Macroreentry Circuit of Verapamil‐Sensitive Idiopathic Left Ventricular Tachycardia Using Electroanatomic Mapping
Authors: CHU JIANMIN , SUN YUFA , ZHAO YINGJIE , WEI WEI , WANG JING , LIU XIAOYAN , JIA YUHE , MAO KEXIU , PU JIELIN , ZHANG SHU 
Published: March 2012

Identification of the Slow Conduction Zone in a Macroreentry. Background: Although idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) has been shown to possess a slow conduction zone (SCZ), the details of the electrophysiological and anatomic aspects are still not well understood.
Objective:
We hypothesized that the SCZ can be identified using a 3‐dimensional electroanatomic (EA) mapping system.
Methods
: Ten patients with ILVT were mapped using a 3‐dimensional electroanatomic (EA) mapping system. After a 3‐dimensional endocardial geometry of the left ventricular was created, the conduction system with left Purkinje potential (PP) and the SCZ with diastolic potential (DP) in LV were mapped during sinus rhythm (SR) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) and were tagged as special landmarks in the geometry. The electrophysiological and anatomic aspects of it were investigated.
Results:
EA mapping during SR and VT was successfully performed in 7 patients, during VT in 3 patients. The SCZ with DPs located at the inferoposterior septum was found in 7 patients during SR and all patients during VT. The length of the SCZ was 25.2 ± 2.3 mm with conduction velocity 0.08 ± 0.01 m/s. No differences in these parameters were found between patients during SR and VT (P > 0.05). An area with PP was found within the posterior septum. A crossover junction area with DP and PP was found in 7 patients during SR and VT. This area with DP and PP during SR coincided or were in proximity to such area during VT and radiofrequency ablation targeting the site within the area abolished VT in all patients.
Conclusion:
The ILVT substrate within the junction area of the SCZ and the posterior fascicular can be identified and can be used to guide the ablation of ILVT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 840‐845, August 2012)
Rate‐Dependent and Site‐Specific Conduction Block at the Posterior Right Atrium and Drug Effects Evaluated Using a Noncontact Mapping System in Patients with Typical Atrial Flutter
Authors: TAKAMI MITSURU , YOSHIDA AKIHIRO , FUKUZAWA KOJI , TAKEI ASUMI , KANDA GAKU , TAKAMI KAORU , KUMAGAI HIROYUKI , TANAKA SATOKO , ITOH MITSUAKI , IMAMURA KIMITAKE , FUJIWARA RYUDO , SUZUKI ATSUSHI , HIRATA KEN‐ICHI 
Published: March 2012

Functional Block in the Posterior Right Atrium. Introduction: Conduction block in the posterior right atrium (RA) plays an important role in perpetuating atrial flutter (AFL). Although conduction blocks have functional properties, it is not clear how the block line changes with the pacing rate, pacing site, and administration of antiarrhythmic drugs.
Methods and Results:
Forty patients with typical AFL were enrolled. Pacing (110, 170, 230 ppm) from the coronary sinus ostium (CSo) and low lateral RA was performed. After 1 mg/kg pilsicainide (pure sodium channel blockade) administration, the pacing protocol was repeated. Conduction block was assessed based on a color‐coded isopotential map and 20 points of virtual unipolar electrograms in the posterior RA using noncontact mapping. Block line proportion was defined as the percentage of length of the block line between the superior and inferior vena cava. The pacing rate‐dependent extension of the block proportion was significant during pacing from both sides (pacing from the CSo: 59 ± 17% at 110 ppm, 69 ± 16% at 230 ppm, P < 0.05; pacing from the low lateral RA: 43 ± 19% at 110 ppm, 55 ± 22% at 230 ppm, P < 0.05). The block line was significantly longer during CSo pacing than during low lateral RA pacing at each rate (all P < 0.05). After pilsicainide administration, the block line extended further.
Conclusion:
In addition to pacing rate‐dependent and site‐dependent changes in the block line, pilsicainide further extended the block line length. This phenomenon explains the clinical observation that counterclockwise AFL occurs more frequently than clockwise AFL, and the mechanism of class IC AFL. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 827‐834, August 2012)
The Diversity of Microsporidia in Parasitic Copepods (Caligidae: Siphonostomatoida) in the Northeast Pacific Ocean with Description of Facilispora margolisi n. g., n. sp. and a new Family Facilisporidae n. fam.
Authors: Jones Simon R. M. , Prosperi‐Porta Gina , Kim Eliah 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThree distinct microsporidia were identified from parasitic copepods in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of a partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) sequence identified a genetically distinct variety of Desmozoon lepeophtherii from Lepeophtheirus salmonis on cultured Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, and this was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis resolved the SSU rDNA sequence of the second organism in a unique lineage that was most similar to microsporidia from marine and brackish water crustaceans. The second occurred in L. salmonis on Atlantic, sockeye Oncorhynchus nerka, chum O. keta and coho O. kisutch salmon, in Lepeophtheirus cuneifer on Atlantic salmon, and in Lepeophtheirus parviventris on Irish Lord Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus. Replication occurred by binary fission during merogony and sporogony, diplokarya were not present, and all stages were in contact with host cell cytoplasm. This parasite was identified as Facilispora margolisi n. g., n. sp. and accommodated within a new family, the Facilisporidae n. fam. The third, from Lepeophtheirus hospitalis on starry flounder Platichthys stellatus, was recognized only from its unique, but clearly microsporidian SSU rDNA sequence. Phylogenetic analysis placed this organism within the clade of microsporidia from crustaceans.
Preparation and Growth of Predominantly (100)‐Oriented Ca0.4Sr0.6Bi4Ti4O15 Thin Film by Rapid Thermal Annealing
Authors: Fan Suhua , Dong Pengchao , Zhang Fengqing , Chen Yang , Wang Yingying 
Published: March 2012

Predominantly (100)‐oriented Ca0.4Sr0.6Bi4Ti4O15 thin films were fabricated by the sequential layer annealing procedure using a metal‐organic decomposition method with the annealing temperatures ranging from 650°C to 850°C. The relative intensity of (200) peak [I(200)/I(119)] can even reach up to 5.974 if the film is sequentially deposited on SiO2/Si substrates and annealed at 800°C for 11 times. The epitaxial growth mode of the thin film was discussed based on the structure evolution with annealing temperature and the number of layers. The maximum remnant polarization of 19.4 μC/cm2 and subsequent coercive field of 153 kV/cm was found in the film with the highest I(200)/I(119).
Local Crystallization of Noncrystallized PbTiO3 Thin Film by a Heated Atomic Force Microscope Tip
Authors: Son Jong Yeog , Jung Inhwa , Lee Min Jea 
Published: March 2012

We report locally crystallized ferroelectric nanodots in a noncrystallized PbTiO3 thin film with a thickness of about 50 nm. A sol PbTiO3 thin film was deposited on a Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrate by a spin coating process. To form a noncrystallized PbTiO3 thin film, the sol PbTiO3 thin film was annealed at 450°C for 1 h. Locally crystallized nanodots were formed by the local crystallization process using an atomic force microscopy tip heated to 700°C. We adjusted the diverse diameters of locally crystallized PbTiO3 nanodots in the range from 200 to 400 nm by controlling the local heating times.
Changes in frequencies of genes that enable Phyllotreta nemorum to utilize its host plant, Barbarea vulgaris, vary in magnitude and direction, as much within as between seasons
Authors: Vermeer Kim M.C.A. , Verbaarschot Patrick , de Jong Peter W. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe interaction between the flea beetle, Phyllotreta nemorum L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and its host plants is well suited to study the dynamics of a geographic mosaic of (co)evolution. The flea beetle can either be resistant or susceptible to the defense of one of its host plants, Barbarea vulgaris R.Br. G‐type (Brassicaceae). Previous findings suggested that the frequency of resistant beetles on host plants other than the G‐type of B. vulgaris had decreased over time within the period of 1999–2003. In 2008 and 2009 new sampling was performed to investigate whether or not this decrease in frequency of resistance of the flea beetles formed a continuing trend and whether or not the frequency of resistant beetles also varies within the year. The frequency of resistant beetles on different host plants was determined during the reproductive season of the flea beetles in both years. Overall, the frequencies of resistant beetles on B. vulgaris (G‐type) remained close to 100%, as found before, but those on other host plants did not consistently decrease across the years, in contrast to what had been suggested. Furthermore, the repeated sampling revealed that the frequency of resistant beetles differed significantly within a season. The present data show that relative frequencies of different resistance phenotypes of P. nemorum on other host plants than B. vulgaris (G‐type) are highly dynamic, both within and across years. Therefore, monitoring the changes in these resistance frequencies should involve season‐wide sampling efforts. Although the monitoring in this study does not provide an explanation for the observed dynamics, we propose a testable scenario.
Social capital and loan repayment performance in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Dufhues Thomas , Buchenrieder Gertrud , Quoc Hoang Dinh 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis study analyses the effects of social capital on the loan repayment behavior of borrowers in Vietnam. In the context of agricultural economics, an innovative data collection approach is used that originates from the field of sociology. A personal network survey is carried out to measure the individual social capital of borrowers. Social capital variables are defined according to tie strength (bonding/bridging) and social distance (linking) between the respondent and his/her network member. Social capital has a significant and positive influence on the rescheduling of loans. However, we find no significant evidence for an effect of social capital on late payment of principal or interest.
Senescence determines the fate of activated rat pancreatic stellate cells
Authors: Fitzner Brit , Müller Sarah , Walther Michael , Fischer Madlen , Engelmann Robby , Müller‐Hilke Brigitte , Pützer Brigitte M. , Kreutzer Michael , Nizze Horst , Jaster Robert 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn chronic pancreatitis (CP), persistent activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) converts wound healing into a pathological process resulting in organ fibrosis. Here, we have analysed senescence as a novel mechanism involved in the termination of PSC activation and tissue repair. PSC senescence was first studied in vitro by establishing long‐term cultures and by applying chemical triggers, using senescence‐associated β‐Galactosidase (SA β‐Gal) as a surrogate marker. Subsequently, susceptibility of PSC to immune cell‐mediated cytolysis was investigated employing cocultures. Using the model of dibutyltin dichloride‐induced CP in rats, appearance of senescent cells was monitored by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and correlated with the progression of tissue damage and repair, immune cell infiltration and fibrosis. The results indicated that long‐term culture and exposure of PSC to stressors (doxorubicin, H2O2 and staurosporine) induced senescence. Senescent PSC highly expressed CDKN1A/p21, mdm2 and interleukin (IL)‐6, but displayed low levels of α‐smooth muscle actin. Senescence increased the susceptibility of PSC to cytolysis. In CP, the number of senescent cells correlated with the severity of inflammation and the extension of fibrosis. Areas staining positive for SA β‐Gal overlapped with regions of fibrosis and dense infiltrates of immune cells. Furthermore, a close physical proximity of immune cells and activated PSC was observed. We conclude that inflammation, PSC activation and cellular senescence are timely coupled processes which take place in the same microenvironment of the inflamed pancreas. Lymphocytes may play a dual‐specific role in pancreatic fibrogenesis, triggering both the initiation of wound healing by activating PSC, and its completion by killing senescent stellate cells.
Validity of intraoperative gross examination of myometrial invasion in patients with endometrial cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: MAVROMATIS IOANNIS D. , ANTONOPOULOS CONSTANTINE N. , MATSOUKIS IOANNIS L. , FRANGOS CONSTANTINOS C. , SKALKIDOU ALKISTIS , CREATSAS GEORGE , PETRIDOU ELENI TH. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjective. The current recommended endometrial cancer surgical treatment is abdominal extrafascial total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy followed by pelvic lymphadenectomy if >50% myometrial invasion is estimated by intraoperative gross examination (IGE). This meta‐analysis aims to quantify evidence regarding the validity/predictive value of IGE staging compared with final histology. Design. Meta‐analysis of studies published until October 2011. Setting. Systematic search, according to PRISMA guidelines, of the six major medical literature databases – Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Ovid, Cochrane. Population. Sixteen eligible studies including 2567 endometrial cancer patients. Methods. Pooled sensitivity/specificity, accuracy, negative/positive predictive value (NPV/PPV) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of IGE were calculated and the summary receiver operator characteristic (sROC) curve was constructed. A meta‐regression analysis was used to explore the role of potential modifiers of sensitivity and specificity. Main outcome measures. Pooled diagnostic measures of IGE indices. Results. Sixteen studies (15 retrospective, one prospective) meeting the inclusion criteria were qualitatively analyzed. Pooled IGE estimates were: sensitivity = 0.75 (95%CI: 0.72–0.78), specificity = 0.92 (95%CI 0.90–0.94), accuracy = 0.87 (95%CI 0.86–0.88), NPV = 0.89 (95%CI 0.87–0.92), PPV = 0.80 (95%CI 0.76–0.84) and DOR = 36.9 (95%CI 28.7–47.4). No significant modifiers were identified for sensitivity or specificity. Conclusions. The synthesized measures presented here for the first time showed that accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of IGE were 87, 75 and 92%, respectively, which indicates that IGE is useful for estimating depth of myometrial invasion and staging of endometrial cancer in clinical practice. The degree to which the relatively low values of some of its performance indicators could be improved remains to be elucidated in order for the values to be comparable with those from frozen section biopsies.
Cost‐effectiveness of extending the coverage of water supply fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries inAustralia
Authors: Cobiac Linda J. , Vos Theo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveFluoride was first added to theAustralian water supply in 1953, and by 2003, 69% ofAustralia's population was receiving the minimum recommended dose. Extending coverage of fluoridation to all remaining communities of at least 1000 people is a key strategy ofAustralia'sNationalOralHealthPlan 2004–2013. We evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of this strategy from anAustralian health sector perspective.MethodsHealth gains from the prevention of caries in theAustralian population are modelled over the average 15‐year lifespan of a treatment plant. Taking capital and on‐going operational costs of fluoridation into account, as well as costs of caries treatment, we determine the dollars per disability‐adjusted life years (DALY) averted from extending coverage of fluoridation to all large (≥1000 people) and small (<1000 people) communities inAustralia.ResultsExtending coverage of fluoridation to all communities of at least 1000 people will lead to improved population health (3700DALYs, 95% uncertainty interval: 2200–5700DALYs), with a dominant cost‐effectiveness ratio and 100% probability of cost‐savings. Extending coverage to smaller communities leads to 60% more health gains, but is not cost‐effective, with a median cost‐effectiveness ratio ofA$92 000/DALYand only 10% probability of being under a cost‐effectiveness threshold ofA$50 000/DALY.ConclusionsExtension of fluoridation coverage under theNationalOralHealthPlan is highly recommended, but given the substantial dental health disparities and inequalities in access to dental care that currently exist for more regional and remote communities, there may be good justification for extending coverage to include allAustralians, regardless of where they live, despite less favourable cost‐effectiveness.
Marathon of eponyms: 25 Yersiniosis
Authors: Scully C , Langdon J , Evans J 
Published: March 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 417–419The use of eponyms has long been contentious, but many remain in common use, as discussed elsewhere (Editorial: Oral Diseases. 2009: 15; 185). The use of eponyms in diseases of the head and neck is found mainly in specialties dealing with medically compromised individuals (paediatric dentistry, special care dentistry, oral and maxillofacial medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and maxillofacial surgery) and particularly by hospital‐centred practitioners. This series has selected some of the more recognised relevant eponymous conditions and presents them alphabetically. The information is based largely on data available from MEDLINE and a number of internet websites as noted below: the authors would welcome any corrections. This document summarises data about Yersiniosis.
Effect of light‐cure initiation time on polymerization efficiency and orthodontic bond strength with a resin‐modified glass‐ionomer
Authors: Thomas J. T. , Roberts H. W. , Diaz L. , Bradley T. G. , Berzins D. W. 
Published: March 2012

Thomas J. T., Roberts H. W., Diaz L., Bradley T. G., Berzins D. W. Effect of light‐cure initiation time on polymerization efficiency and orthodontic bond strength with a resin‐modified glass‐ionomer  Orthod Craniofac Res 2012; 15: 124–134. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/SStructured AbstractObjectives –  The polymerization and acid–base reactions in resin‐modified glass‐ionomers (RMGI) are thought to compete with and inhibit one another. To examine the effect of visible light‐cure (VLC) delay on the polymerization efficiency and orthodontic bond strength of a dual‐cured RMGI.Setting and Sample Population –  The Orthodontics Graduate Program at Marquette University. An in vitro study utilizing 72 freshly extracted human bicuspid teeth.Materials and Methods –  A RMGI light‐cured immediately, 2.5, 5, or 10 min after mixing comprised the experimental groups. Isothermal and dynamic temperature scan differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the RMGI was performed to determine extents of VLC polymerization and acid–base reaction exotherms. Human premolars (n = 18/group) were bonded with the RMGI. Shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were determined.Results –  Differential scanning calorimetry results showed the 10‐min‐delay RMGI group experienced significantly (p < 0.05) lower VLC polymerization compared with the other groups. Acid–base reaction exotherms were undetected in all groups except the 10‐min delay group. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were noted among the groups for mean shear bond strength. A chi‐square test showed no significant difference (p = 0.428) in ARI scores between groups.Conclusions –  Delay in light‐curing may reduce polymerization efficiency and alter the structure of the RMGI, but orthodontic shear bond strength does not appear to be compromised.