bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early or deferred cardiovascular magnetic resonance after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction for effective risk stratification
Authors: Masci Pier Giorgio , Pavon Anna Giulia , Pontone Gianluca , Symons Rolf , Lorenzoni Valentina , Francone Marco , Zalewski Jaroslaw , Barison Andrea , Guglielmo Marco , Aquaro Giovanni Donato , Galea Nicola , Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Muller Olivier , Carbone Iacopo , Baggiano Andrea , Iglesias Juan F , Nessler Jadwiga , Andreini Daniele , Camici Paolo G , Claus Piet , de Luca Laura , Agati Luciano , Janssens Stefan , Schwitter Jurg , Bogaert Jan 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Aims
In ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) holds the potentiality to improve risk stratification in addition to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score. Nevertheless, the optimal timing for CMR after STEMI remains poorly defined. We aim at comparing the prognostic performance of three stratification strategies according to the timing of CMR after STEMI.

Methods and results
The population of this prospective registry-based study included 492 reperfused STEMI patients. All patients underwent post-reperfusion (median: 4 days post-STEMI) and follow-up (median: 4.8 months post-STEMI) CMR. Left ventricular (LV) volumes, function, infarct size, and microvascular obstruction extent were quantified. Primary endpoint was a composite of all-death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. Baseline-to-follow-up percentage increase of LV end-diastolic (EDV; ΔLV-EDV) ≥20% or end-systolic volumes (ESV; ΔLV-ESV) ≥15% were tested against outcome. Three multivariate models were developed including TIMI risk score plus early post-STEMI (early-CMR) or follow-up CMR (deferred-CMR) or both CMRs parameters along with adverse LV remodelling (paired-CMRs). During a median follow-up of 8.3 years, the primary endpoint occurred in 84 patients (47 deaths; 37 HF hospitalizations). Early-CMR, deferred-CMR, and paired-CMR demonstrated similar predictive value for the primary endpoint (C-statistic: 0.726, 0.728, and 0.738, respectively; P = 0.663). ΔLV-EDV ≥20% or ΔLV-ESV ≥15% were unadjusted outcome predictors (hazard ratio: 2.020 and 2.032, respectively; P = 0.002 for both) but lost their predictive value when corrected for other covariates in paired-CMR model.

Conclusion
In STEMI patients, early-, deferred-, or paired-CMR were equivalent stratification strategies for outcome prediction. Adverse LV remodelling parameters were not independent prognosticators.
Management of arrhythmia recurrence in patients with pulmonary vein stenosis following atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Fink Thomas , Tilz Roland Richard , Heeger Christian-Hendrik , Schlüter Michael , Feickert Sebastian , Rottner Laura , Reissmann Bruno , Lemes Christine , Alessandrini Hannes , Maurer Tilman , Mathew Shibu , Rillig Andreas , Metzner Andreas , Ouyang Feifan , Kuck Karl-Heinz 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Aims
Arrhythmia recurrence is a common clinical problem in patients with pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. The study sought to analyse the management of arrhythmia recurrence in patients with PVS.

Methods and results
Retrospective analysis was performed on 29 patients with high-degree PVS. Follow-up contained clinical visits, Holter-electrocardiogram recordings and invasive pulmonary vein (PV) angiography and electrophysiological studies. Arrhythmia recurrence was observed in 18 patients (62%) after PVS formation. Fifteen of 18 patients (83.3%) with and 1 of 11 patients (9.1%) without arrhythmia recurrence had electrical PV reconnection (P = 0.0003). In 14 of 16 patients repeat pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was conducted (radiofrequency ablation in 12 and cryoballoon ablation in 2 cases). Repeat PVI was successful in all PVs in nine patients and incomplete in five patients (failed attempt in two patients with stent implantation, no attempt in three patients with stenotic PVs). Freedom from arrhythmia recurrence was estimated at 56.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 36.4–72.0%] after 24 months. At the end of the follow-up, complete PVI was documented in 19 of 23 patients (82.6%) with stable sinus rhythm and in 2 of 6 patients with arrhythmia recurrence (33.3%) (P = 0.0335). The Kaplan–Meier estimate of recurrence-free survival of restenosis after interventional PVS treatment was similar in patients without and with repeat ablation [75.6% (95% CI 57.0–94.3%) and 67.0% (95% CI 43.2–90.7%) after 500 days, P = 0.77].

Conclusions
Pulmonary vein reconnection is the major driver of arrhythmia recurrence in PVS patients. Repeat PVI is feasible and does not lead to progression of PVS or restenosis if the procedure is carefully performed.
Multidisciplinary approach to low-dose CT screening for lung cancer in a metropolitan community
Authors: Shields Lisa BE , Wilkett Barnes Jessica G , Buckley Connie , Mikos George J , Rogers Katie N , Hamm John T , Flynn Joseph M , Hester Steven T , Honaker Joshua T 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer death in men and women in the USA, led by Kentucky. In 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services initiated annual lung cancer screening with a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. This observational cohort study evaluated the multidisciplinary approach to this screening in our metropolitan community.

Methods
We present the prospective findings of patients who underwent a screening lung LDCT scan over a 2-year period at our institution in Kentucky. Patients who fulfilled the screening criteria were identified during an office visit with their primary care provider.

Results
Of the 4170 patients who underwent a screening lung LDCT scan, a total of 838 (20.9%) patients had nodules >4 mm. Of the 70 patients diagnosed with lung cancer, Stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer was most commonly detected [38 cases (54.3%)]. A follow-up lung LDCT scan (n = 897), pulmonary function test (n = 157), positron emission tomography scan (n = 12) and a lung biopsy (n = 53) were performed for certain individuals who had anomalies observed on the screening lung LDCT scan. A total of 42% of patients enrolled in group tobacco cessation classes quit smoking.

Conclusions
This study provides a unique perspective of a lung LDCT scan screening program driven by primary care providers in a state plagued by cigarette smoking and lung cancer deaths and offers a valuable message into the prevention, high-risk screening and diagnosis of lung cancer.
Conceptualizing the ‘whole university’ approach: an international qualitative study
Authors: Dooris Mark , Powell Sue , Farrier Alan 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Focusing on the conceptualization of a whole university approach, this paper reports on an international qualitative study that explored vice-chancellors’ and network members’ understanding of and commitment to Health Promoting Universities, examined perspectives on leadership and investigated the Okanagan Charter’s potential to catalyse whole university leadership and change. A multi-method qualitative approach was used: semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted face-to-face with vice-chancellors (n = 12) and Health Promoting University co-ordinators who were members of the UK Healthy Universities Network (n = 8); telephone interviews were conducted with a mix of UK and non-UK Health Promoting University co-ordinators (n = 5) and two online questionnaires were distributed to non-UK network co-ordinators (n = 6) and non-UK Health Promoting University co-ordinators (n = 10). Through thematic analysis, a number of key themes emerged that build a new conceptualization of the whole university approach (see Figure 1): building a broad understanding and framing of health; developing a supportive ethos and culture; embedding health into the university and joining up areas of work; focusing on the whole population and facing challenges and seizing opportunities. The study elicited rich and wide-ranging views from multiple stakeholders from universities and networks across four continents, confirming Health Promoting Universities as a truly global movement. Looking ahead, there are clear opportunities and challenges. First, the media narrative of a student mental health ‘crisis’ has focused universities’ attention on ‘health’, but from a single issue ‘illness’ perspective. This risks detracting from the whole system Health Promoting Universities approach. Second, even with the Okanagan Charter inspiring individuals and universities, there are still major challenges in translating the rhetoric of whole system approaches into meaningful action within large, complex and culturally diverse organizations.
Ambient air pollution and in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes
Authors: Boulet S L , Zhou Y , Shriber J , Kissin D M , Strosnider H , Shin M 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
Is air pollution associated with IVF treatment outcomes in the USA?

SUMMARY ANSWER
We did not find clear evidence of a meaningful association between reproductive outcomes and average daily concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Maternal exposure to air pollution such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide or O3 may increase risks for adverse perinatal outcomes. Findings from the few studies using data from IVF populations to investigate associations between specific pollutants and treatment outcomes are inconclusive.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION
Retrospective cohort study of 253 528 non-cancelled fresh, autologous IVF cycles including 230 243 fresh, autologous IVF cycles with a transfer of ≥1 embryo was performed between 2010 and 2012.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
We linked 2010–2012 National ART Surveillance System data for fresh, autologous IVF cycles with the ambient air pollution data generated using a Bayesian fusion model available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. We calculated county-level average daily PM2.5 and O3 concentrations for three time periods: cycle start to oocyte retrieval (T1), oocyte retrieval to embryo transfer (T2) and embryo transfer +14 days (T3). Multivariable predicted marginal proportions from logistic and log-linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% CI for the association between reproductive outcomes (implantation rate, pregnancy and live birth) and interquartile increases in PM2.5 and O3. The multipollutant models were also adjusted for patients and treatment characteristics and accounted for clustering by clinic and county of residence.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
For all exposure periods, O3 was weakly positively associated with implantation (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001–1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001–1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001–1.02 for T3) and live birth (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.002–1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.004–1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.02, 95% CI 1.004–1.03 for T3). PM2.5 was not associated with any of the reproductive outcomes assessed.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The main limitation of this study is the use of aggregated air pollution data as proxies for individual exposure. The weak positive associations found in this study might be related to confounding by factors that we were unable to assess and may not reflect clinically meaningful differences.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
More research is needed to assess the impact of air pollution on reproductive function.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
None.
The Future is Bright for Evolutionary Morphology and Biomechanics in the Era of Big Data
Authors: Muñoz Martha M , Price Samantha A 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn recent years, the fields of evolutionary biomechanics and morphology have developed into a deeply quantitative and integrative science, resulting in a much richer understanding of how structural relationships shape macroevolutionary patterns. This issue highlights new research at the conceptual and experimental cutting edge, with a special focus on applying big data approaches to classic questions in form–function evolution. As this issue illustrates, new technologies and analytical tools are facilitating the integration of biomechanics, functional morphology, and phylogenetic comparative methods to catalyze a new, more integrative discipline. Although we are at the cusp of the big data generation of organismal biology, the field is nonetheless still data-limited. This data bottleneck is primarily due to the rate-limiting steps of digitizing specimens, recording and tracking organismal movements, and extracting patterns from massive datasets. Automation and machine-learning approaches hold great promise to help data generation keep pace with ideas. As a final and important note, almost all the research presented in this issue relied on specimens—totaling the tens of thousands—provided by museum collections. Without collection, curation, and conservation of museum specimens, the future of the field is much less bright.
Automation and productivity—a cross-country, cross-industry comparison
Authors: Kromann Lene , Malchow-Møller Nikolaj , Skaksen Jan Rose , Sørensen Anders 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe investigate the effects of automation on total factor productivity (TFP). Using industry-level panel data for nine countries, we find that more intensive use of industrial robots has a significantly positive effect on TFP. Specifically, an increase of one standard deviation in the robot intensity is associated with more than 6% higher TFP. Moreover, we find that the robot intensity increases with Chinese import competition and that automation is associated with higher wages and unchanged or higher employment.
Creating a pathway for public hospital accreditation in Rwanda: progress, challenges and lessons learned
Authors: Binagwaho Agnes , Scott Kirstin Woody , Dushime Theophile , Uwaliraye Parfait , Kamuhangire Edward , Akishuri Dennis , Wanyana Denise , Eagan Arielle , Kakana Laetitia , Atwine Joy 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Quality problem
Weaknesses in the quality of care delivered at hospitals translates into patient safety challenges and causes unnecessary harm. Low-and-middle-income countries disproportionately shoulder the burden of poor quality of hospital care.

Initial assessment
In the early 2000s, Rwanda implemented a performance-based financing (PBF) system to improve quality and increase the quantity of care delivered at its public hospitals. PBF evaluations identified quality gaps that prompted a movement to pursue an accreditation process for public hospitals.

Choice of solution
Since it was prohibitively costly to implement an accreditation program overseen by an external entity to all of Rwanda’s public hospitals, the Ministry of Health developed a set of standards for a national 3-Level accreditation program.

Implementation
In 2012, Rwanda launched the first phase of the national accreditation system at five public hospitals. The program was then expected to expand across the remainder of the public hospitals throughout the country.

Evaluation
Out of Rwanda’s 43 public hospitals, a total of 24 hospitals have achieved Level 1 status of the accreditation process and 4 have achieved Level 2 status of the accreditation process.

Lessons learned
Linking the program to the country’s existing PBF program increased compliance and motivation for participation, especially for those who were unfamiliar with accreditation principles. Furthermore, identifying dedicated quality improvement officers at each hospital has been important for improving engagement in the program. Lastly, to improve upon this process, there are ongoing efforts to develop a non-governmental accreditation entity to oversee this process for Rwanda’s health system moving forward.
Distribution of brachyuran larvae in an Amazonian estuary as evidence for retention and export
Authors: de Lima Francielly A , Oliveira Terezinha Ferreira de , Martinelli-Lemos Jussara M 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBrachyuran crabs, like other decapod crustaceans, adopt a number of different strategies for larval dispersal. We verified the influence of variations in temperature, salinity, and pH on the abundance and taxonomic composition of brachyuran larvae in an Amazonian estuary and found evidence of both retention and export dispersal strategies. We identified larvae of 20 different taxa belonging to the families Grapsidae, Ocypodidae, Panopeidae, Pinnotheridae, and Sesarmidae. Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Ocypodidae), Pachygrapsus gracilis (Saussure, 1857) (Grapsidae), Leptuca cumulanta (Crane, 1943) (Ocypodidae), and Armases rubripes (Rathbun, 1897) (Sesarmidae) were the most abundant species. Most of the taxa present in the study area were at the zoea I stage but later larval stages were found in some species, indicating retention and export. Results were supported by canonical correspondence analysis and general linear model, which related larval community structure and reproduction patterns to variations in salinity, influenced primarily by the enormous discharge of the Amazon River and the high rainfall levels in the region. Further investigations of the distribution of larvae on the continental shelf are necessary to confirm the identified dispersal patterns. The study also presents novel data on the composition, abundance, and dispersal of brachyuran larvae in the tropical estuaries of the Amazon River.
Effect of Vegetable Oils as Phagostimulants in Adults of Dichroplus vittigerum (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Sepúlveda Luciana , Pietrantuono Ana Laura , Buteler Micaela , Fernández-Arhex Valeria 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSeveral species of grasshoppers are attracted to vegetable oils. These oils have kairomonal properties mainly due to the presence of linolenic and linoleic fatty acids. This study aimed to determine whether the odors of canola, flax, and olive oils are attractive to Dichroplus vittigerum (Blanchard 1851) and if they induce preference and feeding. We conducted three bioassays to determine whether oil modifies attraction and feeding behavior of this grasshopper. We first determined the attraction of the oils using a wind tunnel, secondly evaluated phagostimulation produced by the oils, and finally performed preference tests comparing consumption of Taraxacum officinale (Weber ex F.H.Wigg. 1780, Asterales: Asteraceae) leaves treated with the oils versus control leaves. Even though all of the oils induced attraction, only flax oil acted as a phagostimulant. However, the oils did not determine the preference and did not increase feeding on leaves. We hypothesize that T. officinale leaves are inherently attractive and treatment with oils did not affect feeding on them. Our results provide a starting point to develop baits that can be used to attract and control these harmful insects, presenting flax oil as a potential bait for D. vittigerum since its odor was both attractive and led to increased feeding or phagostimulation. Future studies should test the effect of the oils on other plant species or at varying doses, under field conditions.
Effects of radiation based on whole-body irradiation in HTLV-1-infected mice
Authors: Tanaka Masakazu , Kawazu Yusuke , Yoshida Toshinori , Konishi Tomoko , Takenouchi Norihiro , Miwa Masanao 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Adult T-cell leukemia is one of the life-threatening diseases that occur in individuals infected with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Clinical trials of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation therapy are being performed in addition to chemotherapy; however, neither is satisfactory. As a pretreatment for transplantation, anticancer drugs or whole-body irradiation is used to decrease the number of HTLV-1-infected cells, but there are numerous side effects. Therefore, in the present study, using a mouse model of HTLV-1 infection, the long-term survival and number of infected cells in the reservoir organ were investigated in order to determine the effect of γ-irradiation on HTLV-1-infected mice in vivo. There was no improvement in the survival period following γ-irradiation in the γ-irradiated group after HTLV-1 infection when compared with the HTLV-1-infected group. It was also found that the incidence of splenomegaly was ≥80% in the HTLV-1-infected and γ-irradiated group, which was significantly higher than that in the HTLV-1-infected mice. The tissue morphology in the spleen became non-uniform because of γ-rays. Importantly, the number of infected cells in the spleen was increased 4.1-fold in the HTLV-1-infected and γ-irradiated mice compared with that in the HTLV-1-infected mice. Careful consideration might be necessary when using whole-body irradiation in patients with HTLV-1 infection.
Lateral flow assays for diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in adult hematology patients: A comparative multicenter study
Authors: Mercier Toine , Dunbar Albert , de Kort Elizabeth , Schauwvlieghe Alexander , Reynders Marijke , Guldentops Ellen , Blijlevens Nicole M A , Vonk Alieke G , Rijnders Bart , Verweij Paul E , Lagrou Katrien , Maertens Johan 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Fast diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is essential as early adequate therapy improves survival. However, current microbiological methods suffer from a low sensitivity or a long turnaround time, often as a result of batching. Recently, two lateral flow assays for diagnosing IPA have been CE (Conformité Européenne)-marked and commercialized. These assays can be used for fast single sample testing. However, clinical validation and comparative studies are lacking. We therefore sought to evaluate and compare these assays in adult hematology patients. We retrospectively tested 235 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) samples of adult hematology patients from four centers using the AspLFD (OLM Diagnostics) and the sōna Aspergillus galactomannan LFA (IMMY). Both tests were read out independently by two researchers and by a digital reader. We included 11 patients with proven IPA, 64 with probable IPA, 43 with possible fungal disease, and 117 controls with no signs of IPA. In cases of proven IPA, the performance of both assays was similar. In cases of proven and probable IPA, we found an identical specificity for both assays, but a higher sensitivity (0.83 vs 0.69, P = .008) and a better negative predictive value (0.89 vs 0.82, P = .009) for the LFA. Digital readout improved the diagnostic performance of both tests. In conclusion, both assays showed a good performance for the diagnosis of IPA in BALf from adult hematology patients. Results were further improved by using a digital reader, especially for weakly positive results.