bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How social profiles influence community entrepreneurs’ capacity to develop networks. A Bourdieuan perspective on Italian community co-operatives
Authors: Michele Bianchi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDuring the last decade, Italian community co-operatives have emerged as a new form of community-development organization. The literature on community-based enterprises (CBEs) explains this phenomenon as a community that becomes entrepreneurial and develops locally based businesses for its socio-economic development. Nevertheless, a more critical view of CBEs reveals the partiality of a community’s participation in these organizations. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the extent to which the mainstream theoretical framework for analysing these organizations has influenced the general understanding of this phenomenon. This research brings into discussion social–capital theories, particularly Putnam’s neo-communitarian approach. It also proposes a diverse perspective on CBEs and community development by offering a critical analysis based on Pierre Bourdieu’s works. The present study considers a specific form of CBEs—the community co-operative—with particular reference to the Italian context. Results from an online questionnaire (twenty-nine participants) and a cross-case study analysis (five co-operatives) show that community entrepreneurs have common determined social profiles and these help them to aggregate certain local agents instead of others.
Two-stage instrumental variable estimation of linear panel data models with interactive effects
Authors: Cui Guowei , Norkutė Milda , Sarafidis Vasilis , Yamagata Takashi 
Published: October 2021

Summary
This paper analyses the instrumental variables (IV) approach put forward by Norkute et al. (2021), in the context of static linear panel data models with interactive effects present in the error term and the regressors. Instruments are obtained from transformed regressors, thereby it is not necessary to search for external instruments. We consider a two-stage IV (2SIV) and a mean-group IV (MGIV) estimator for homogeneous and heterogeneous slope models, respectively. The asymptotic analysis reveals that: (i) the $\sqrt{\textit {NT}}$-consistent 2SIV estimator is free from asymptotic bias that may arise due to the estimation error of the interactive effects, while (ii) existing estimators can suffer from asymptotic bias; (iii) the proposed 2SIV estimator is asymptotically as efficient as existing estimators that eliminate interactive effects jointly in the regressors and the error, while (iv) the relative efficiency of the estimators that eliminate interactive effects only in the error term is indeterminate. A Monte Carlo study confirms good approximation quality of our asymptotic results.
Commodity risk in European dairy firms
Authors: Bagnarosa Guillaume , Cummins Mark , Dowling Michael , Kearney Fearghal 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We apply a multivariate mixed-data sampling (MIDAS) conditional quantile regression technique to understand the dairy commodity exposure of European dairy firms. Leveraging a theoretically sound hedonic dairy pricing framework, we show that our approach is able to identify both market and operational risk. Profit margins for butter and milk price are particularly important for operational performance. Additional tests are provided, including an application of MIDAS quantile on a period of amplified dairy market risk. Our approach thus allows dairy firms to gain new perspectives on the significant risks posed by the current structure of dairy production in Europe.
Prediction of early left ventricular recovery and adverse remodelling in patients with acute myocardial infarction: the role of non-invasive myocardial work evaluation
Authors: Caminiti R , Vetta G , Parlavecchio A , Marano G , Ruggieri C , Citro R , Radano I , Pucci M , Di Bella G , Micari A , Carerj S , Zito C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Left ventricular recovery (LVR) and adverse left ventricular remodelling (aLVR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) play an important prognostic role.

Purpose
Our aim was to evaluate the usefulness of non-invasive myocardial work (MW), a new index of global and regional myocardial performance, to predict LVR and aLVR.

Methods
Fifty patients with AMI (mean age, 63,8±13,4 years), treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), were prospectively enrolled and underwent a transthoracic Doppler echocardiography within 48 hours after PCI and a median of 31 days at follow-up. Myocardial work is derived from the strain-pressure relation, integrating in its calculation the non-invasive arterial pressure. Segmental LVR was defined as an absolute improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥5% from LVEF at the baseline. The aLVR was defined as an increase of ≥20% of the LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV) at 1 month follow up.

Results
We found significant differences between the baseline and the follow-up value of LVEF (49,28 vs 52,80 p=0.001), Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) (−13,41 vs −18,72, p=0.016), Global Work Index (GWI) (1368,68 vs 1788,08, p&lt;0.0001), Global Work Efficiency (GWE) (86,96 vs 91,36, p=0.001), and Global Constructive Work (GCW) (1619,16 vs 2008,68, p&lt;0.0001). The LVR at 1 month of follow-up was observed in 36% of the population enrolled, whereas aLVR was described in 18% of cases. Using ROC curve analysis, we identified a cut off value of 137 mmHg/% for baseline Global Wasted Work (Sensitivity 100%, Specificity 57,14%, AUC 0.6667, CI 95%: 0,51618- 0,81715, p&lt;0.0001) to identify patients with aLVR at 1 month. With regards to conventional echo parameters, patients with LVR showed lower baseline Wall Motion Score Index (WMSI) than those with LVR (1,73 vs 1,38, p=0.007).

Conclusions
Baseline global wasted work can predict early adverse left ventricular remodelling at 1 months after AMI. These parameters could be used at baseline in order to predict worse outcome in AMI patients. Further larger scale studies are needed to validate these findings.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Chronic kidney disease and risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure in general population-based cohorts – the BiomarCaRE project
Authors: Rehm M , Rothenbacher D , Iacoviello L , Costanzo S , Tunstall-Pedoe H , Fitton C.A , Soederberg S , Hultdin J , Salomaa V , Palosaari T , Waldeyer C , Schnabel R.B , Zeller T , Blankenberg S , Koenig W ,   the BiomarCaRE Consortium
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a complicated relationship with the heart, leading to many adverse outcomes.

Purpose
The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between CKD and the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) along with mortality as a competing risk in general population cohorts.

Methods
This study was conducted as part of the BiomarCaRE project using harmonised data from 12 population-based cohorts (n=40,212) from Europe. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine hazard ratios (HRs) for the incidence of AF and HF in CKD and with competing mortality risk after adjusting for covariates.

Results
Mean age at baseline was 51.1 (standard deviation 11.9) years, and 49.3% were men. Overall, 3.5% had CKD at baseline. The rate for incident AF was 3.9 per 1000 person-years during follow-up. The HR for AF for those with CKD compared with those without was 1.23 (95% CI 1.00–1.52, p=0.0465) after adjustment for covariates. The rate for incident HF was 3.9 per 1000 person-years and the associated risk in the presence of CKD was HR 1.67 (95% CI 1.39–2.01). In subjects with CKD, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) showed an association with AF, while NT-proBNP and C-reactive protein (CRP) showed an association with HF.

Conclusion
CKD is an independent risk factor for subsequent AF and even more so for HF. In patients with CKD, NT-proBNP was clearly associated with subsequent risk of AF. In addition to this marker, hs-CRP was also associated with risk of subsequent HF.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): 7th framework programme collaborative project, grant agreement no. HEALTH-F2-2011_278913. Atrial Fibrillation and HF in CKD
Antidiabetic drugs use and new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fauchier L , Fauchier G , Bisson A , Bodin A , Herbert J , Angoulvant D , Ducluzeau P.H , Lip G.Y.H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic disorders worldwide and is an important cause of cardiovascular disease. Large studies investigating the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in diabetic patients taking different diabetes medications are still missing.

Methods
The analysis was based on the EGB (“Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires”) database, a 1/97 representative sample of the French nationwide claims and hospitalisation database. A cohort comprising 25,117 adult patients with diabetes and no previous AF seen between 2010 and 2018 was created and followed until December 2018 for incidence of new-onset AF. Among these diabetic patients, 36.0% were treated with metformin, 32.0% were treated with Sulfonylureas, 7.0% were treated with DPP4-inhibitors, 1.6% were treated with GLP1- analogues and 19.6% were treated with insulin. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine factors and different oral diabetes medications independently associated with the risk of AF during follow-up.

Results
During a follow-up of 4.8±3.5 years, there were 3,300 patients with new onset AF (yearly rate 2.7%). In multivariable analysis, among baseline characteristics, we found that older age, male sex, hypertension, heart failure, aortic stenosis, chronic kidney disease, anemia and diuretic use were independently associated with a higher risk of new AF. Among diabetes medications included in the multivariable model, use of sulfonylureas was independently associated with a lower risk of AF (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.92, p&lt;0.0001 vs no use). By contrast, use of GLP1-analogues (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.49–3.46, p=0.0001 vs no use), DPP4-inhibitors (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.59–2.22, p&lt;0.0001 vs no use), metformin (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.18, p=0.03 vs no use) and of insulin (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.05–1.26, p=0.004 vs no use) were independently associated with a higher risk of AF.

Conclusions
Patients with different diabetes medications have significantly different long-term risk of AF. Specifically, sulfonylureas use was associated with a lower risk of incident AF whilst other antidiabetic drugs were associated with a higher risk of AF during follow-up.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Immunothrombosis and new-onset atrial fibrillation in the general population
Authors: Tilly M.J , Geurts S , Donkel S.J , Ikram M.A , De Groot N.M.S , De Maat M.P.M , Kavousi M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, age-related cardiac arrhythmia. However, the etiology underlying atrial fibrillation is still largely unknown. At the intersection of the innate immune system and hemostasis, immunothrombosis may be a possible cause of atrial remodeling, and therefore be an underlying cause of AF.

Purpose
We aim to evaluate the association between markers of immunothrombosis and new-onset AF in the general population

Methods
From 1990 to 2014, we followed 6,174 participants aged 55 and over, free from AF at inclusion. Immunothrombosis factors fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, ADAMTS13, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) levels were measured at baseline. Participants were followed until either onset of AF, death, loss-to-follow-up, or reaching the end-date of 01–01–2014. Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors.

Results
We followed 6,174 participants (mean age 69.1 years, 57% women) for a median follow-up time of 12.8 years. 364 men (13.7%, incidence rate 13.0/100 person-years) and 365 women (10.4%, incidence rate 8.9/1000 person-years) developed AF. We found no significant associations between markers of immunothrombosis and new-onset AF after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors [HR 1.00 (95% CI 0.93–1.08) for fibrinogen, 1.04 (0.97–1.12) for von Willebrand factor, 1.00 (1.00–1.01) for ADAMTS13, and 1.01 (0.94–1.09) for NETs]. Additionally, we found no significant differences in associations between men and women.

Conclusion
We found no association between markers of immunothrombosis and new-onset AF in the general population. Our findings imply that inflammation and immunothrombosis may be associated with AF by other cardiovascular risk factors or predisposing conditions of AF.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Netherlands Organization for the Health Research and Development (ZonMw) Erasmus MC Mrace grant
Less dementia in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation adhering with a clustering of healthy lifestyle behaviours: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Park S.H , Lee S.R , Choi E.K , Lee S.W , Han K.D , Oh S , Lip G.Y.H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of dementia. A new paradigm for AF management should include a new pillar targeting lifestyle modification. There are limited data on the clinical impact of healthy lifestyle behaviours on the risk of dementia in patients with newly diagnosed AF.

Purpose
To evaluate the association between the combination(s) of healthy lifestyle behaviours and the risk of incident dementia in patients with AF

Methods
Using the Korean National Health Insurance database between 2009 and 2016, we identified adult patients who were newly diagnosed as AF without dementia and underwent national health screening examination within 2-year after their AF diagnosis. Patients were categorized into 4 groups according to a healthy lifestyle-behavior score (HLS) 0, 1, 2, and 3 by assigning 1 point each for no current smoking, abstaining alcohol, and performing regular exercise. For the comparison, each group was balanced using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). The primary outcome was incident dementia during follow-up.

Results
Among a total of 199,952 patients (mean age 63.2; 60.2% male) were included, the number of patients within the HLS 0, 1, 2, and 3 groups were 8709 (4.4%), 34839 (17.4%), 106796 (53.4%) and 49608 (24.8%), respectively. After IPTW, weighted incidence rates of dementia were 21.8, 16.8, 16.8, and 13.6 per 1000 person-years for HLS 0, 1, 2, and 3 groups, respectively. After multivariable adjustment of subjects edited by IPTW, HLS 1,2, and 3 groups were associated with a lower risk of dementia compared to HLS 0 group: Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.769, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.704–0.842 for score 1; HR 0.770, 95% CI 0.709–0.836 for score 2; HR 0.622, 95% CI 0.569–0.679 for score 3. The effect of healthy lifestyle was similar for Alzheimer's dementia (HR 0.823, 95% CI 0.739–0.917 for score 1; HR 0.839, 95% CI 0.760–0.927 for score 2; HR 0.660, 95% CI 0.594–0.734 for score 3) and vascular dementia (HR 0.532, 95% CI 0.437–0.648 for score 1; HR 0.503 95% CI 0.422–0.600 for score 2; HR 0.458, 95% CI 0.378–0.554 for score 3). There was consistency in subgroup analyses stratified by age, sex, CHA2DS2-VASc score, oral anticoagulation use and prior stroke history.

Conclusion
A combination of a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking, abstaining from alcohol consumption, and performing regular physical activity, was associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia in both Alzheimer's dementia and vascular dementia in patients with new-onset AF. These findings support the promotion of a healthy lifestyle within an integrated care approach to AF patient management, which could reduce the risk of dementia.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Atrial chamber colocalization for multiple 3D imaging techniques in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Rios-Munoz G , Perez-Hernandez C , Fernandez-Aviles F , Arenal A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
There exist many imaging techniques and systems to reproduce atrial chambers in 3D. These technologies include electroanatomical (EA) mapping systems, noninvasive electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans. In the case of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most employed non-pharmacological treatment is catheter ablation to electrically isolate the pulmonary veins from the rest of the left atrium. Driver mechanisms such as focal or rotational activity have been proposed as possible initiating and maintaining mechanisms of AF. However, correspondence and validation of these sites when several systems are employed in the same patient remains a challenge, as they are mostly manually aligned based on visual inspection.

Purpose
To develop an automatic 3D alignment algorithm for cardiac 3D meshes to colocalize points between atrial maps generated with multiple EA mapping systems, ECGI, MRI, or CT scans.

Methods
A total of 25 left atrial meshes from persistent AF patients were exported from an EA mapping system. The total number of vertices for all the meshes was 2545444 points (101817.8±13593.3 points per map). A reference mesh was employed with minor modifications [1]. All meshes were manually segmented into 12 different left atrial regions, see Table for the region names. The method implements a non-rigid variant of the iterative closest point algorithm to transform the atrial mesh onto the reference one, see Figure. The geographical distance between the mean position of the 12 different segmented reference areas and the 12 transformed points was employed as the performance metric.

Results
The global error for all the fiducial points in all left atrial meshes was 11.57±2.55 mm. The average local errors for the 12 atrial areas are summarized in the Table. The best three aligned areas were the RSPV, atrial septum, and lateral wall. The areas with less alignment accuracy were the LAA, LSPV, and atrial roof.

Conclusions
The algorithm provides a promising solution to evaluate and validate site-related results from different systems, e.g., rotational activity presence between EA mapping and ECGI systems. The method works automatically for any given chamber anatomy or any number of points. No prior segmentation is needed since the transformation and co-localization are applied to the raw chamber mesh. Further analysis with a larger mesh database is needed.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Instituto de Salud Carlos III and Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaciόn y Universidades
Should we keep performing electrical cardioversion in atrial fibrillation/flutter?
Authors: Menezes Fernandes R , Mota T.F , Costa H.A , Espirito Santo M , Bento D , Candeias R , Mimoso J , Jesus I 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are frequently diagnosed arrhythmias in the outpatient setting or in the Emergency Department. Electrical cardioversion (EC) is a therapeutic option when a rhythm control strategy is pursued.

Purpose
To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with AF/AFL referred to EC and to analyse the procedures' complications.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study enrolling patients with AF/AFL referred to EC in our Cardiology Department, from September 2011 to September 2020. Clinical characteristics, echocardiographic studies and follow-up data were analysed. Primary endpoint was the incidence of ischemic stroke during follow-up.

Results
A total of 719 patients were referred to EC during the 9-year period, with a median age of 67 years-old and 70,4% male predominance. Most patients were cardioverted in an outpatient setting (60,6%) and 21% had AFL. 62,1% had persistent AF/AFL, 19,6% presented with first diagnosed AF/AFL and 17,2% had paroxysmal episodes. EC was successfully performed in 93,2% and 0,3% had major non-fatal immediate complications. Arterial hypertension was present in 57,3% of patients, 20,4% had diabetes, 34,6% were obese, 13,3% mentioned alcohol consumption and 6,3% had sleep apnea. Previous stroke was diagnosed in 6,8% and 19% had ischemic heart disease. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) was preserved in 66,7%. Median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2,0 and 89,8% were anticoagulated (75,7% with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants). Antiarrhythmic therapy was prescribed in 85% and 64,5% maintained sinus rhythm one-year after EC. After EC, it was documented complete reversal of LV systolic dysfunction in 46,3% of patients with previously reduced LVEF, confirming the diagnosis of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC). During a median follow-up of 1355 days, ischemic stroke occurred in 4,8%, but only 5 patients had an embolic event in the first week after EC (0,7% stroke rate at one week, the same at one month). AIC was associated to a lower rate of cardiovascular death (3,8% vs 25,5%; p=0,002), comparing to patients who did not recover LV function.

Conclusion
EC is a safe procedure, with a very low rate of immediate and embolic complications. AIC was diagnosed in 46,3% of patients with previously reduced LVEF and it was associated with a significantly lower rate of CV death. EC should be considered to relieve patients' symptoms and when there is suspicion of AIC.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Pulmonary congestion during exercise stress echocardiography in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Palinkas E.D , Re F , Torres M.A.R , Peteiro J , Cotrim C , Van De Heyning C , Agoston G , D'Alfonso M.G , Mori F , De Castro E Silva Pretto J.L , Sepp R , Palinkas A , Simova I , Ciampi Q , Picano E ,   Stress Echo 2020 study group of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI)
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
B-lines detected by lung ultrasound (LUS) indicate pulmonary congestion during exercise stress echo (ESE).

Aim
To assess B-lines during ESE in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods
We enrolled 110 HCM patients (age 52±16 years, 74 males) referred for ESE (treadmill in 39, semi-supine bicycle in 71 patients) in 10 quality-controlled centers from 8 countries (Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Serbia, Spain). ESE assessment included: left ventricular outflow tract gradient (LVOTG); mitral regurgitation (MR, score from 0 to 3); E/e'; systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP, from tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity); end-diastolic volume (EDV); left atrial volume (LAV). B-lines were assessed by LUS with the 4-site simplified scan, each site scored from 0 (normal A-lines) to 10 (coalescing B-lines). The positivity criterion was a B-line score stress ≥2 points.

Results
LUS was feasible in all subjects, with additional scanning and analysis time &lt;1 minute for each stage (rest and peak stress). B-lines were present in 13 patients at rest and in 33 during stress (12 vs 30%, p&lt;0.001). When compared to patients without stress B-lines (Group 2, n=77), patients with B-lines (Group 1) showed higher values of change from rest to stress (Δ) in LVOTG (Group 1= 39±54 vs Group 2= 21±24 mm Hg, p=0.015) and ΔMR grade (Group 1= 0.7±0.8 vs Group 2= 0.1±0.5, p&lt;0.001), more frequent peak stress E/e' ≥15 (Group 1=61% vs Group 2=27%, p=0.007), lower peak EDV (Group 1= 86±35 vs Group 2= 102±33 ml, p=0.039) and higher peak SPAP (Group 1= 60±21 vs Group 2= 39±12 mm Hg, p&lt;0.001): see figure. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, presence of stress B-lines was predicted by ΔMR grade (odds ratio: 3.96, 95% CI 1.46–10.71) and stress E/e' ≥15 (odds ratio: 4.95, 95% CI 1.24–19.70).

Conclusion
B-lines are found in about 1 of 10 HCM patients at rest and in 1 of 3 during ESE. Acute backward heart failure during exercise can recognize multiple mechanisms in HCM, and ESE can help to capture this heterogeneity.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Functional correlates of stress B-lines