bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elimination of Local Abnormal Ventricular Activities
Authors: Jaïs Pierre , Maury Philippe , Khairy Paul , Sacher Frédéric , Nault Isabelle , Komatsu Yuki , Hocini Mélèze , Forclaz Andrei , Jadidi Amir S. , Weerasooryia Rukshen , Shah Ashok , Derval Nicolas , Cochet Hubert , Knecht Sebastien , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Linton Nick , Rivard Lena , Wright Matthew , Wilton Stephen B. , Scherr Daniel , Pascale Patrizio , Roten Laurent , Pederson Michala , Bordachar Pierre , Laurent François , Kim Steven J. , Ritter Philippe , Clementy Jacques , Haïssaguerre Michel 
Published: April 2012

Background—
Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is effective and particularly useful in patients with frequent defibrillator interventions. Various substrate modification techniques have been described for unmappable or hemodynamically intolerable VT. Noninducibility is the most frequently used end point but is associated with significant limitations, so the optimal end point remains unclear. We hypothesized that elimination of local abnormal ventricular activities (LAVAs) during sinus rhythm or ventricular pacing would be a useful and effective end point for substrate-based VT ablation. As an adjunct to this strategy, we used a new high-density mapping catheter and frequently used epicardial mapping.

Methods and Results—

Seventy patients (age, 67±11 years; 7 female) with VT and structurally abnormal ventricle(s) were prospectively enrolled. Conventional mapping was performed in sinus rhythm in all, and a high-density Pentaray mapping catheter was used in the endocardium (n=35) and epicardially. LAVAs were recorded in 67 patients (95.7%; 95% confidence interval, 89.2–98.9). Catheter ablation was performed targeting LAVA with an irrigated-tip catheter placed endocardially via a transseptal or retrograde aortic approach or epicardially via the subxiphoid approach. LAVAs were successfully abolished or dissociated in 47 of 67 patients (70.1%; 95% confidence interval, 58.7–80.1). In multivariate analysis, LAVA elimination was independently associated with a reduction in recurrent VT or death (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.26–0.95;
P
=0.035) during long-term follow-up (median, 22 months).

Conclusions—
LAVAs can be identified in most patients with scar-related VT. Elimination of LAVAs is feasible and safe and is associated with superior survival free from recurrent VT.
The Age Associations of Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Glucose
Authors: Singh Gitanjali M. , Danaei Goodarz , Pelizzari Pamela M. , Lin John K. , Cowan Melanie J. , Stevens Gretchen A. , Farzadfar Farshad , Khang Young-Ho , Lu Yuan , Riley Leanne M. , Lim Stephen S. , Ezzati Majid 
Published: April 2012

Background—
The age association of cardiovascular disease may be in part because its metabolic risk factors tend to rise with age. Few studies have analyzed age associations of multiple metabolic risks in the same population, especially in nationally representative samples. We examined worldwide variations in the age associations of systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol (TC), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG).

Methods and Results—
We used individual records from 83 nationally or subnationally representative health examination surveys in 52 countries to fit a linear model to risk factor data between ages 30 and 64 years for SBP and FPG, and between 30 and 54 years for TC. We report the cross-country variation of the slope and intercept of this relationship. We also assessed nonlinear associations in older ages. Between 30 and 64 years of age, SBP increased by 1.7 to 11.6 mm Hg per 10 years of age, and FPG increased by 0.8 to 20.4 mg/dL per 10 years of age in different countries and in the 2 sexes. Between 30 and 54 years of age, TC increased by 0.2 to 22.4 mg/dL per 10 years of age in different surveys and in the 2 sexes. For all risk factors and in most countries, risk factor levels rose more steeply among women than among men, especially for TC. On average, there was a flattening of age-SBP relationship in older ages; TC and FPG age associations reversed in older ages, leading to lower levels in older ages than in middle ages.

Conclusions—
The rise with age of major metabolic cardiovascular disease risk factors varied substantially across populations, especially for FPG and TC. TC rose more steeply in high-income countries and FPG in the Oceania countries, the Middle East, and the United States. The SBP age association had no specific income or geographical pattern.
Subacute Ischemic Stroke Is Associated With Focal
11
C PiB Positron Emission Tomography Retention But Not With Global Neocortical Aβ Deposition
Authors: Ly John V. , Rowe Christopher C. , Villemagne Victor L. , Zavala Jorge A. , Ma Henry , Sahathevan Ramesh , O'Keefe Graeme , Gong Sylvia J. , Gunawan Rico , Churilov Leonid , Saunder Tim , Ackerman Uwe , Tochon-Danguy Henri , Donnan Geoffrey A. 
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—
Conflicting evidence exists as to whether focal cerebral ischemia contributes to cerebral amyloid deposition. We aimed to look at Aβ deposits, detected by N-methyl-2-(4′-methylaminophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzothiazole (PiB) positron emission tomography, in patients with recent ischemic stroke. Specifically, we hypothesized that patients with recent ischemic stroke have higher local and neocortical PiB positron emission tomography retention and that this may be associated with major vascular risk factors.

Methods—
Ischemic stroke patients were studied using PiB positron emission tomography within 30 days and compared to age-matched controls. Distribution volume ratio maps were created using Logan graphical analysis with the cerebellar cortex as a reference.

Results—

Among the 21 ischemic stroke patients (median age, 76 years; interquartile range, 68–77), the ipsilateral peri-infarct region PiB retention was higher compared to the contralateral mirror region, with a PiB distribution volume ratio difference of 0.29 (95% CI, 0.2–0.44;
P
=0.001) at median 10 (interquartile range, 7–14) days after stroke. Two patients also had higher PiB retention within the infarct compared to the contralateral side. There was no difference in the neocortical PiB retention elsewhere in the brain among ischemic stroke patients compared with 22 age-matched normal controls (
P
=0.22). Among the risk factors in the ischemic stroke patients, diabetes was associated with a higher neocortical PiB retention (Spearman Rho=0.48; 95% CI, 0.28–0.72).

Conclusions—
PiB retention was higher in the peri-infarct region among patients with recent ischemic stroke. This did not translate into a higher global neocortical PiB retention except possibly in patients with diabetes. The cause of the focal PiB retention is uncertain and requires further investigation.
Baseline Cardiovascular Risk Predicts Subsequent Changes in Resting Brain Function
Authors: Beason-Held Lori L. , Thambisetty Madhav , Deib Gerard , Sojkova Jitka , Landman Bennett A. , Zonderman Alan B. , Ferrucci Luigi , Kraut Michael A. , Resnick Susan M. 
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—
The Framingham Heart Study group cardiovascular disease risk profile (FCRP) score was used to assess the relationship between baseline cardiovascular risk and subsequent changes in resting state cerebral blood flow (CBF) in cognitively normal older participants from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Methods—
Ninty-seven cognitively normal participants underwent annual resting-state positron emission tomography scans at baseline and over a period of up to 8 years (mean interval, 7.4 years). Images quantifying voxel-wise longitudinal rates of CBF change were calculated and used to examine the relationship between baseline FCRP score and changes over time in regional CBF. Individual components of the FCRP score (age, cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking status, and type 2 diabetes) were also correlated with changes in regional CBF to examine the independent contributions of each component to the overall pattern of change.

Results—
Higher baseline FCRP scores were associated with accelerated longitudinal decline in CBF in orbitofrontal, medial frontal/anterior cingulate, insular, precuneus, and brain stem regions. Of the components that comprise the FCRP score, higher diastolic blood pressure and diabetes were associated independently with greater decline in the medial frontal/anterior cingulate and insular regions, respectively.

Conclusions—
Baseline cardiovascular risk factors are associated with greater rates of decline in resting state regional brain function. The regions showing accelerated decline participate in higher-order cognitive processes and are also vulnerable to age-related neuropathology. These results, in conjunction with other studies, encourage early treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in older individuals.
Highly Automated Driving, Secondary Task Performance, and Driver State
Authors: Merat Natasha , Jamson A. Hamish , Lai Frank C. H. , Carsten Oliver 
Published: April 2012

Objective: A driving simulator study compared the effect of changes in workload on performance in manual and highly automated driving. Changes in driver state were also observed by examining variations in blink patterns. Background: With the addition of a greater number of advanced driver assistance systems in vehicles, the driver’s role is likely to alter in the future from an operator in manual driving to a supervisor of highly automated cars. Understanding the implications of such advancements on drivers and road safety is important. Method: A total of 50 participants were recruited for this study and drove the simulator in both manual and highly automated mode. As well as comparing the effect of adjustments in driving-related workload on performance, the effect of a secondary Twenty Questions Task was also investigated. Results: In the absence of the secondary task, drivers’ response to critical incidents was similar in manual and highly automated driving conditions. The worst performance was observed when drivers were required to regain control of driving in the automated mode while distracted by the secondary task. Blink frequency patterns were more consistent for manual than automated driving but were generally suppressed during conditions of high workload. Conclusion: Highly automated driving did not have a deleterious effect on driver performance, when attention was not diverted to the distracting secondary task. Application: As the number of systems implemented in cars increases, an understanding of the implications of such automation on drivers’ situation awareness, workload, and ability to remain engaged with the driving task is important.
Aortic root pathology in Marfan syndrome increases the risk of migraine with aura
Authors: Koppen H , Vis JC , Gooiker DJ , Knudsen S , Bouma BJ , Tijssen JGP , de Mol BAJM , Mulder BJM , Russell MB , Ferrari MD 
Published: April 2012

Aim: To assess the lifetime prevalence of migraine in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and to investigate a history of aortic root replacement (AR) as a possible risk factor. Methods: In a multicentre study 123 MFS patients ( n = 52 with AR, n = 71 without AR), 82 age- and sex-matched controls and 51 patients with AR but without MFS, were interviewed using a semi-structured headache questionnaire. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to investigate risk factors for migraine with and without aura, adjusting for age and gender. Results: Lifetime migraine prevalence was increased in female MFS patients (51%) compared to healthy female controls (29%), p = 0.017. In males lifetime migraine prevalence among MFS patients was only numerically increased. Lifetime prevalence of migraine with aura was increased among MFS patients compared to healthy controls both in males (19% vs. 3%, p = 0.048) and females (30% vs. 14%, p = 0.049). A history of AR, independently from MFS, gender and age, increased the lifetime prevalence of migraine with aura (OR 3.1 [1.2–8.0]). In all but one patient migraine started before the AR. Conclusions: The lifetime prevalence of migraine with aura, but not migraine without aura, is increased in patients with MFS. This association is driven by a history of AR. The replacement procedure itself is unlikely to be causally associated with migraine as in nearly all subjects, migraine started before the procedure. However this study adds to the evidence that underlying vessel wall pathology may be involved in migraine with aura.
Delayed development of visual motion processing in childhood migraine
Authors: Braunitzer Gábor , Rokszin Alice , Kóbor Jenő , Benedek György , Nagy Attila , Kincses Zsigmond Tamás 
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Altered visual processing has been observed in adult migraineurs. But because visual processing has not been studied in paediatric cases, it is not known whether such visual system alterations are already present in early development. We therefore used a dynamic visual task to investigate motion detection threshold in paediatric migraine. Methods: Fourteen migraineurs and 21 controls participated in the study (age range: 8–17 years). The minimal percentage of coherently moving dot stimuli at which subjects were still able to detect coherent movement (absolute threshold) was determined using a random dot kinematogram paradigm. Results: Motion coherence detection threshold was higher in migraineurs ( p < 0.05). This difference between groups was more pronounced at younger ages, but migraineurs seem to catch up with healthy controls over the years. Conclusions: Children with migraine exhibit a delayed development of visual motion processing. This might be a useful supplementary biomarker in paediatric migraine.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Samuelson Eric M. , Brown David E. 
Published: April 2012

Background: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) involves the use of a periosteal patch (ACI-P) as a cover for transplanted chondrocytes. Theoretically, this periosteal patch provides mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors that encourage chondrocyte development/differentiation. However, there is a significant rate of graft hypertrophy with the use of periosteum compared with using a type I/III collagen patch (ACI-C). This type I/III collagen patch, although not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for ACI, has been used extensively in Europe and in an “off-label” nature in the United States as a cover during ACI. Purpose: To examine the cost effectiveness of ACI and determine whether ACI-C is more cost effective than ACI-P. Study Design: Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Outcome data and complication rates from patients undergoing ACI (ACI-P and ACI-C) were derived from the best evidence in the literature. Costs were determined by examining the typical patient charges undergoing ACI at a local orthopaedic hospital. The costs, results, and complication rates were used to develop a decision analysis model comparing ACI-P to ACI-C. Results: The cost of ACI-P was $66,752 and for ACI-C was $66,939.50 ($187.50 difference). The cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for ACI-P was $9466 compared with $9243 for ACI-C. Sensitivity analysis was performed regarding the additional cost of the type I/III collagen patch ($780) in ACI-C as well as the rate of graft hypertrophy after ACI-P (25%). This analysis revealed that the cost of the type I/III collagen patch would have to reach $1721, or the rate of graft hypertrophy after ACI-P reduced to almost 11%, before ACI-P became more cost effective than ACI-C. Conclusion: This cost-effectiveness analysis reveals that, while both ACI-P and ACI-C are cost effective, ACI-C is slightly more cost effective than ACI-P. This is likely secondary to the significant rate of patch-related complications associated with ACI-P, which is significantly reduced with ACI-C. Although the model is very sensitive to differences in outcomes between ACI-P and ACI-C, there is no high-quality evidence to suggest that there is a significant difference between the two. Thus, ACI-P becomes more cost effective if the cost of the type I/III collagen membrane is significantly increased or if the rate of graft hypertrophy after ACI-P were to be markedly reduced.
Effectiveness of antibacterial copper additives in silicone implants
Authors: Gosau Martin , Bürgers Ralf , Vollkommer Tobias , Holzmann Thomas , Prantl Lukas 
Published: April 2012

Staphylococcus epidermidis plays a major role in capsular contractures of silicone breast implants. This in vitro study evaluates the antibacterial effect of copper on S. epidermidis in silicone implants. Specimens of a silicone material used for breast augmentation (Cu0) and specimens coated with different copper concentrations (Cu1, Cu2) were artificially aged. Surface roughness and surface free energy were assessed. The specimens were incubated in an S. epidermidis suspension. We assessed the quantification and the viability of adhering bacteria by live/dead cell labeling with fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, inhibition of bacterial growth was evaluated by agar diffusion, broth culture, and quantitative culture of surface bacteria. No significant differences in surface roughness and surface free energy were found between Cu0, Cu1 and Cu2. Aging did not change surface characteristics and the extent of bacterial adhesion. Fluorescence microscopy showed that the quantity of bacteria on Cu0 was significantly higher than that on Cu1 and Cu2. The ratio of dead to total adhering bacteria was significantly lower on Cu0 than on Cu1 and Cu2, and tended to be higher for Cu2 than for Cu1. Quantitative culture showed equal trends. Copper additives seem to have anti-adherence and bactericidal effects on S. epidermidis in vitro.
The unidimensional self-efficacy scale for MS (USE-MS): developing a patient based and patient reported outcome
Authors: Young CA , Mills RJ , Woolmore J , Hawkins CP , Tennant A 
Published: April 2012

Background: Self-efficacy concerns the individual’s belief that he or she is capable of performing a certain task and producing a desired effect, i.e. it reflects the person’s perceptions of their capability for specific tasks, as distinct from their actual ability. Self-efficacy has been shown to influence motivation, psychological well-being, adherence with treatment regimes and quality of life in multiple sclerosis and other conditions. Objective: To develop a unidimensional scale of MS self-efficacy with robust psychometric properties, suitable for patient self report. Methods: A questionnaire pack covering three MS self-efficacy scales, the Dispositional Resilience Scale and demographic data was posted to MS patients from two MS databases. Data underwent Rasch analysis. Results: Response rate was 309/600 (51.5%). None of the existing MS self-efficacy scales were unidimensional. A new 12-item scale, created by combining items from our two scales, was shown to fit the Rasch model, was unidimensional, and invariant for gender, education and disease duration. Conclusion: The Unidimensional Self-Efficacy scale for MS (USE-MS) provides a simple summated scale for an ordinal estimate of a persons’ self efficacy. A transformation to interval scaling is available for use in the calculation of change scores and effect sizes.
Early autologous stem cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: long-term follow-up of the German CLL Study Group CLL3 trial
Authors: Dreger Peter , Döhner Hartmut , McClanahan Fabienne , Busch Raymonde , Ritgen Matthias , Greinix Hildegard , Fink Anna-Maria , Knauf Wolfgang , Stadler Michael , Pfreundschuh Michael , Dührsen Ulrich , Brittinger Günter , Hensel Manfred , Schetelig Johannes , Winkler Dirk , Bühler Andreas , Kneba Michael , Schmitz Norbert , Hallek Michael , Stilgenbauer Stephan 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The CLL3 trial was designed to study intensive treatment including autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) as part of first-line therapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here, we present the long-term outcome of the trial with particular focus on the impact of genomic risk factors, and we provide a retrospective comparison with patients from the fludarabine-cyclophosphamide-rituximab (FCR) arm of the German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG) CLL8 trial. After a median observation time of 8.7 years (0.3-12.3 years), median progression-free survival (PFS), time to retreatment, and overall survival (OS) of 169 evaluable patients, including 38 patients who did not proceed to autoSCT, was 5.7, 7.3, and 11.3 years, respectively. PFS and OS were significantly reduced in the presence of 17p- and of an unfavorable immunoglobulin heavy variable chain mutational status, but not of 11q-. Five-year nonrelapse mortality was 6.5%. When 110 CLL3 patients were compared with 126 matched patients from the FCR arm of the CLL8 trial, 4-year time to retreatment (75% vs 77%) and OS (86% vs 90%) was similar despite a significant benefit for autoSCT in terms of PFS. In summary, early treatment intensification including autoSCT can provide very effective disease control in poor-risk CLL, although its clinical benefit in the FCR era remains uncertain. The trial has been registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00275015.
Effect of the aqueous extract of Senecio biafrae (Oliv. & Hiern) J. Moore on sexual maturation of immature female rat
Authors: Lienou Landry L , Telefo Bruno P , Bale Bayala , Yemele Didiane , Tagne Richard S , Goka Stephanie C , Lemfack Chantal M , Mouokeu Celestin , Moundipa Paul F 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background

Senecio biafrae (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant widely used by traditional healers in the western region of Cameroon for the treatment of female infertility. This experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract from leaves and stems of S. biafrae (AESb) on the onset of puberty and some biochemical and physiological parameters of reproduction in immature Wistar female rats.

Methods
Different doses of AESb were daily and orally administered to immature female rats (13 animals/group) for 30 days. At the end of the treatment period, six animal of each experimental group were sacrificed and their body, ovarian, uterus weight; uterine, ovarian protein or cholesterol level as well as data on puberty onset recorded. The remaining animals of each group were used for the fertility test and some gestational parameters recorded.

Results
A linear increase in the growth rate of all animals was observed. The body weight gain in animals treated at the dose of 8 mg/kg of AESb significantly increased (p < 0.05) after 25 days of treatment while those receiving the doses of 32 and 64 mg/kg presented a significantly low body weight gain starting from the 19th day till the end of the treatment period. The ages (days) of animals at vaginal opening (VO) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in those treated with the doses of 32 (41.25 ± 0.51) and 64 mg/kg (41.42 ± 0.54) as compared to control animals (43.33 ± 0.73). AESb significantly increased (p < 0.05) the ovarian weight and the number of corpora lutea in animals treated with 8 mg/kg as well as the uterine weight and protein levels irrespective of the dose. No significant effect of the extract on various fertility and gestational parameters was registered.

Conclusion
The overall results of the present study provide evidence on the puberty onset induction and ovarian folliculogenesis effect of AESb in immature female rat.