bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a Regional Network for ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Care and 30‐Day Mortality in a Low‐ to Middle‐Income City in Brazil: Findings From Salvador's STEMI Registry (RESISST)
Authors: Filgueiras Filho Nivaldo Menezes , Feitosa Filho Gilson Soares , Solla Davi Jorge Fontoura , Argôlo Felipe Coelho , Guimarães Patrícia Oliveira , Paiva Filho Ivan de Mattos , Carvalho Larissa Gordilho Mutti , Teixeira Larissa Silva , Rios Marcos Nogueira de Oliveira , Câmara Sergio Figueiredo , Novais Victor Oliveira , Barbosa Leonardo de Souza , Ballalai Constance Silva , De Lúcia Carolina Vitoria , Granger Christopher B. , Newby L. Kristin , Lopes Renato D. 
Published: July 2018

Background

Few data exist on regional systems of care for the treatment of
ST
‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (
STEMI
) in developing countries. Our objective was to describe temporal trends in 30‐day mortality and identify predictors of mortality among
STEMI
patients enrolled in a prospective registry in Brazil.

Methods and Results

From January 2011 to June 2013, 520 patients who received initial
STEMI
care at 23 nonspecialized public health units or hospitals, some of whom were transferred to a public cardiology referral center, were identified through a regional
STEMI
network supported by telemedicine and the local prehospital emergency medical service. We stratified patients into five 6‐month periods based on presentation date. Mean age (±
SD
) of patients was 62.0 (±12.2) years, and 55.6% were men. The mean Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (
GRACE
) score was 145 (±34). Overall mortality at 30 days was 15.0%. Use of dual antiplatelet therapy and statins increased significantly from baseline (January 2011) to period 5 (June 2013): 61.8% to 93.6% (
P
<0.001) and 60.4% to 79.7% (
P
<0.001), respectively. Rates of primary reperfusion also increased (29.1%–53.8%;
P
<0.001), and more patients were transferred to the referral center (44.7%–76.3%;
P
=0.001). Thirty‐day mortality rates decreased from 19.8% to 5.1% (
P
<0.001). In multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with 30‐day mortality were higher
GRACE
score, history of previous stroke, lack of transfer to the referral center, and lack of use of optimized medical therapy.

Conclusions

Implementation of a regional
STEMI
system was associated with lower mortality and higher use of evidence‐based therapies.
Grand Sumo Tournaments and Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrests in Tokyo
Authors: Hagihara Akihito , Onozuka Daisuke , Hasegawa Manabu , Miyazaki Shogo , Nagata Takashi 
Published: July 2018

Background
Sumo wrestling is a demanding sport. Although watching sumo wrestling may have cardiovascular effects, no studies of this relationship have been performed. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the association between sumo wrestling tournaments and the rate of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests.

Methods and Results
We counted the daily number of patients aged 18 to 110 years who had an out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest of presumed‐cardiac origin in the Tokyo metropolis between 2005 and 2014. A Poisson regression was used to model out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests of presumed‐cardiac origin per day. Exposure days were the days on which a sumo tournament was held and broadcast, whereas control days were all other days. Events that occurred on exposure days were compared with those that occurred on control days. Risk ratios for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests on Grand Sumo tournaments days compared with control days were estimated. In total, 71 882 out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests met the inclusion criteria. We recorded a 9% increase in the occurrence of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests on the day of a sumo tournament compared with control days. In patients aged 75 to 110 years, we found a 13% increase in the occurrence of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests on the day of a sumo tournament compared with control days.

Conclusions
We found a significant increase in the occurrence of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests on the days of sumo tournaments compared with control days in the Tokyo metropolis between 2005 and 2014. Further studies are needed to verify these initial findings on sumo tournaments and cardiovascular events.
Diagnostic Performance of In‐Procedure Angiography‐Derived Quantitative Flow Reserve Compared to Pressure‐Derived Fractional Flow Reserve: The FAVOR II Europe‐Japan Study
Authors: Westra Jelmer , Andersen Birgitte Krogsgaard , Campo Gianluca , Matsuo Hitoshi , Koltowski Lukasz , Eftekhari Ashkan , Liu Tommy , Di Serafino Luigi , Di Girolamo Domenico , Escaned Javier , Nef Holger , Naber Christoph , Barbierato Marco , Tu Shengxian , Neghabat Omeed , Madsen Morten , Tebaldi Matteo , Tanigaki Toru , Kochman Janusz , Somi Samer , Esposito Giovanni , Mercone Giuseppe , Mejia‐Renteria Hernan , Ronco Federico , Bøtker Hans Erik , Wijns William , Christiansen Evald Høj , Holm Niels Ramsing 
Published: July 2018

Background

Quantitative flow ratio (
QFR
) is a novel modality for physiological lesion assessment based on 3‐dimensional vessel reconstructions and contrast flow velocity estimates. We evaluated the value of online
QFR
during routine invasive coronary angiography for procedural feasibility, diagnostic performance, and agreement with pressure‐wire–derived fractional flow reserve (
FFR
) as a gold standard in an international multicenter study.

Methods and Results

FAVOR II
E‐J (Functional Assessment by Various Flow Reconstructions II Europe‐Japan) was a prospective, observational, investigator‐initiated study. Patients with stable angina pectoris were enrolled in 11 international centers.
FFR
and online
QFR
computation were performed in all eligible lesions. An independent core lab performed 2‐dimensional quantitative coronary angiography (2D‐
QCA
) analysis of all lesions assessed with
QFR
and
FFR
. The primary comparison was sensitivity and specificity of
QFR
compared with 2D‐
QCA
using
FFR
as a reference standard. A total of 329 patients were enrolled. Paired assessment of
FFR
,
QFR,
and 2D‐
QCA
was available for 317 lesions. Mean
FFR
,
QFR,
and percent diameter stenosis were 0.83±0.09, 0.82±10, and 45±10%, respectively.
FFR
was ≤0.80 in 104 (33%) lesions. Sensitivity and specificity by
QFR
was significantly higher than by 2D‐
QCA
(sensitivity, 86.5% (78.4–92.4) versus 44.2% (34.5–54.3);
P
<0.001; specificity, 86.9% (81.6–91.1) versus 76.5% (70.3–82.0);
P
=0.002). Area under the receiver curve was significantly higher for
QFR
compared with 2D‐
QCA
(
area under the receiver curve,
0.92 [0.89–0.96] versus 0.64 [0.57–0.70];
P
<0.001). Median time to
QFR
was significantly lower than median time to
FFR
(time to
QFR,
5.0 minutes [
interquartile range
, –6.1] versus time to
FFR,
7.0 minutes [
interquartile range,
5.0–10.0];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Online computation of
QFR
in the catheterization laboratory is clinically feasible and is superior to angiographic assessment for evaluation of intermediary coronary artery stenosis using
FFR
as a reference standard.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02959814.
Personal computer-based visible spectrophotometer design
Authors: Böcekçi Veysel Gökhan , Özyetgin Osman , Toker Kenan , Korkmaz Hayriye 
Published: July 2018

Background It is possible to see a number of spectrophotometers produced by commercial purposes developed in line with the technical advices identified by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) in universities’ chemistry labs. These devices are employed in measuring and testing materials with unidentified characteristics as well as reporting the results. However, these systems are not modular in design and do not allow updates or modifications. Moreover, when the literature is reviewed, it can be seen that the researches on computer-controlled devices is limited. It is also reported that the devices with user interfaces bring advantages to researchers in terms of time efficiency and safety. Methods In this study, a computer-controlled, modular and low-cost spectrophotometer is designed to measure material densities contained within liquid samples. The proposed system is composed of a main unit, a data acquisition unit and a user interface. All tasks and relevant arrangements involved in a spectrophotometer application are controlled through an interface developed on LabVIEW graphical development platform; the results of the measurements can be monitored in real time, and it is also possible to store data. Thanks to the modular design, it became possible to change and update the relevant stage as needed. The waveform filter can be selected specifically as visible range, ultraviolet range or both depending on the application. Results The experiment was conducted in the visible range and a waveform filter between 400 and 700 nm was used. In the experiments, an easily accessible materials–methylene blue and copper sulfate solutions–were preferred as samples. For these solutions, the waveforms that give the best absorption values were identified and the density was measured at those values. Furthermore, the nonlinearity and repeatability characteristics of the proposed spectrophotometer were analyzed. For this purpose, measured values were compared with the acquired values from another commercial instrument that is already used in medical field. Measurements were repeated 50 times for copper sulfate and 43 times for methylene blue solutions. Conclusions After statistical analysis, it was observed that the reliability of the proposed system is high.
Effects of binge alcohol consumption on sleep and inflammation in healthy volunteers
Authors: Wilkinson Amanda N. , Afshar Majid , Ali Osman , Bhatti Waqas , Hasday Jeffrey D. , Netzer Giora , Verceles Avelino C. 
Published: July 2018

Objective Alcohol is a hypnotic that modifies immune function, specifically the cytokines interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 2 (IL-2). We evaluated the association between unscheduled napping and acute alcohol-induced augmentation of IFN-γ and IL-2 expression. Methods In this prospective, observational pilot study, volunteers completed questionnaires on sleep quality, alcohol use, and hangover characteristics. Actigraph recordings began three nights before and continued for four nights after study initiation. Napping was recorded by actigraphy and self-reporting. A weight-based dose of 100-proof vodka was consumed, and the blood alcohol content (BAC) and phytohemagglutinin-M stimulated cytokine level were measured before and 20 minutes, 2 hours, and 5 hours after binge consumption. Results Ten healthy volunteers participated (mean age, 34.4 ± 2.3 years; mean body mass index, 23.9 ± 4.6 kg/m2; 60% female). The mean 20-minute BAC was 137.7 ± 40.7 mg/dL. Seven participants took an unscheduled nap. The ex vivo IFN-γ and IL-2 levels significantly increased at all time points after binge consumption in the nappers, but not in the non-nappers. Conclusion Augmented IFN-γ and IL-2 levels are associated with unscheduled napping after binge alcohol consumption. Further studies are needed to clarify the associations among alcohol consumption, sleep disruption, and inflammatory mediators.
One-year experience with ex vivo lung perfusion: Preliminary results from a single center
Authors: Koch Achim , Pizanis Nikolaus , Olbertz Carolin , Abou-Issa Omar , Taube Christian , Slama Alexis , Aigner Clemens , Jakob Heinz G , Kamler Markus 
Published: July 2018

Objective: To enlarge the donor pool for lung transplantation, an increasing number of extended criteria donor lungs are used. However, in more than 50% of multi-organ donors the lungs are not used. Ex vivo lung perfusion offers a unique possibility to evaluate and eventually recondition the injured donor lungs. The aim of our study was to assess the enlargement of the donor pool and the outcome with extended criteria donor lungs after ex vivo lung perfusion. Patients and Methods: Data were prospectively collected in our lung transplant database. We compared the results of lung transplants after ex vivo lung perfusion with those after conventional cold static preservation. In total, 11 extended criteria donor lungs processed with ex vivo lung perfusion and 41 cold static preservation lungs transplanted consecutively between May 2016 and May 2017 were evaluated. Normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion was performed according to the Toronto protocol for 4 h. Cold static preservation lungs were stored in low-potassium dextran solution. Results: Ex vivo lung perfusion lungs before procurement had significantly lower PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratios and more X-ray abnormalities. There were no statistically significant differences for pre-donation ventilation time, smoking history, or sex. After reconditioning with ex vivo lung perfusion, 9 out of 11 processed lungs were considered suitable and successfully transplanted. The mean postoperative ventilation time and in-hospital stay were not significantly different in ex vivo lung perfusion and cold static preservation recipients. Conclusion: Ex vivo lung perfusion can safely be used in the evaluation of lungs initially considered not suitable for transplantation. The primary outcome was not negatively affected and normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion is a useful tool to increase the usage of potentially transplantable lungs.
Evaluation of the effects of a polyglycolic acid–collagen tube in the regeneration of facial nerve defects in rats
Authors: Oatari Miwako , Uehara Miyuki , Shimizu Fumiaki 
Published: July 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of a polyglycolic acid–collagen tube and to investigate its possible application in the field of facial nerve reconstruction. Methods: Wistar rats were used in this study. In the operation, a periauricular incision was made to expose the buccal and marginal branches of the facial nerve. Gaps of 10 mm were created by resection of a part of the nerve into the marginal branches and the buccal branch of the left facial nerve. The left marginal branch gap was bridged with a 10-mm polyglycolic acid–collagen tube or an autograft. At 12 weeks after the operation, nerve regeneration was assessed based on clinical, histopathological, and electrophysiological evaluations. Result: The functional recovery of the vibrissal muscle was observed with the polyglycolic acid–collagen tube. However, the functional recovery obtained with the use of the polyglycolic acid–collagen tube was inferior to that obtained with an autograft. Conclusion: We found that polyglycolic acid–collagen tubes could be applied in facial nerve gap reconstruction. However, further improvements will be necessary to achieve results that are equivalent to those obtained with autografts.
Risk stratification with longitudinal neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio assessment after left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Bhat Geetha , Yost Gardner L , Ibrahim Kamel , Pappas Patroklos , Tatooles Antone 
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Inflammatory processes are well-characterized risk factors in cardiovascular disease including advanced heart failure. Previous studies have utilized individual white cell subtypes in risk analysis, and a recent study has focused on the efficacy of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in evaluating negative outcomes following left ventricular assist device implantation. To investigate the interaction between the left ventricular assist device and white cell counts, we assessed longitudinal changes in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio following left ventricular assist device implantation. Methods: This retrospective study included 100 patients who underwent left ventricular assist device implantation between 2012 and 2013. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was calculated prior to left ventricular assist device implantation, daily for the first 30 postoperative days, and at the first two postoperative outpatient visits. Preoperative demographic and clinical data were collected for all patients. Results: The mean neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio immediately before left ventricular assist device implantation was 5.2 ± 4.9. After surgery, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio decreased asymptotically, from a peak of 29.2 on postoperative day 1 to 4.1 at the second outpatient visit ( p < 0.001). Lack of improvement in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at postoperative day 10 was associated with increased length of stay, right heart failure, and a trend toward worsened survival. Conclusion: Our results indicate a significant inflammatory response to implantation of the left ventricular assist device, a known effect. The magnitude of this response may be effectively and easily monitored over time using the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. In general, approximately 30 days is required for the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio to return to preoperative levels. After several months, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio improves to below preoperative levels. It is possible that this reduction reflects the reversal of various heart failure–mediated inflammatory processes following left ventricular assist device implantation.
The Cumulative Incidence of Self-Reported Suicide-Related Thoughts and Attempts in Young Canadians
Authors: Goodday Sarah M. , Bondy Susan , Sutradhar Rinku , Brown Hilary K. , Rhodes Anne 
Published: July 2018

Objective: To estimate the cumulative incidence of self-reported suicide-related thoughts (SRTs) and suicide attempts (SAs) in males and females from 11 to 25 years of age in Canada. Methods: A cohort study was conducted by linking cycles 2 to 8 from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, a representative survey of Canadians aged 11 to 25 years conducted from 1996 to 2009. The 11- to 25-year cumulative incidence of self-reported SRTs and SAs (with suicidal intent) was estimated in males and females using a novel application of a counting process approach to account for discontinuous risk intervals between survey cycles. Results: The risk of SRTs was 29% (95% confidence interval [CI], 26% to 31%) in females and 19% (95% CI, 16% to 23%) in males. The risk of SAs was 16% (95% CI, 14% to 19%) in females and 7% (95% CI, 6% to 8%) in males. Over 70% of SRTs and SAs first occur between 11 and 16 years of age and 30% between 11 and 13 years of age, respectively. Conclusions: The risk of SRTs and SAs is high in young Canadians, with most events first occurring in early to mid-adolescence and possibly earlier. Females are at a higher risk compared to males. This research underscores the need for better longitudinal surveillance of SRTs and SAs in the population. A counting process framework could be useful for future research using existing longitudinal surveys suffering from design limitations relating to gaps in respondent follow-up. Furthermore, these findings have implications for younger SRT and SA risk management by clinicians and earlier implementation of suicide prevention programs.
National and Professional: Anchoring High Performance in PTCL
Authors: Nadeem Sadia , Aziz Amna 
Published: July 2018

With the story line of the senior HR leadership team at Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) gathered to reflect on HR function’s evolution since PTCL’s privatization in 2006 to UAE telecom conglomerate Etisalat Group, this case focuses on PTCL’s journey as this corporate giant went through large-scale structural and cultural changes in an attempt to become more performance-centric. The decade long journey covers major changes, for example, a reduction in the size of workforce from 64,000 to 18,000, a move from annual confidential reviews to a balanced scorecard approach in performance management, adoption of the HR business partner model, and various leadership development initiatives. Overall, the case presents a real-life story of evolution of the HR function from an administrative to a strategic role in a large organization. It allows for an in-depth discussion on the adoption of best practices belonging to the academic framework of high performance work practices (HPWPs), and portrays the effects of Pakistan’s distinct national culture and contextual factors on implementation of HPWPs. The case can also be used to enhance familiarity and awareness of Pakistani national culture in the international academic and business community for future research and business opportunities.
Predicting post treatment client satisfaction between behavioural activation for depression delivered either in-person or via home-based telehealth
Authors: Pruitt Larry D , Vuletic Simona , Smolenski Derek J , Wagner Amy , Luxton David D , Gahm Gregory A 
Published: July 2018

Introduction Treatment engagement, adherence, cancellations and other patient-centric data are important predictors of treatment outcome. But often these data are only examined retrospectively. In this investigation, we analysed data from a clinical trial focused on innovative delivery of depression treatment to identify which patients are likely to prefer either in-home or in-person treatment based on pre-treatment characteristics. Methods Patient satisfaction was assessed in a trial of individuals with depression treated using identical behavioural activation therapy protocols in person or through videoconferencing to the home ( N = 87 at post treatment: 42 in-person and 45 in-home participants). The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire was administered at the end of the treatment. A Tobit regression model was used to assess moderation using treatment assignment. Regression lines were generated to model treatment satisfaction as a function of treatment assignment and to identify whether and where the groups intersected. We examined the distributions of the contributing moderators to the subsets of participants above and below the intersection point to identify differences. Results While no significant differences in patient satisfaction were observed between the two groups, or between patients receiving treatment by different providers, baseline characteristics of the sample could be used to differentiate those with a preference for traditional, in-office care from those preferring in-home care. Discussion Participants who were more likely to prefer in-home care were characterized by larger proportions of veterans and lower-ranked enlisted service members. They also had more severe symptoms at baseline and less formal education. Understanding client reactions when selecting treatment modality may allow for a more satisfying patient experience.