bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Outcome After Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Muser Daniele , Santangeli Pasquale , Castro Simon A. , Pathak Rajeev K. , Liang Jackson J. , Hayashi Tatsuya , Magnani Silvia , Garcia Fermin C. , Hutchinson Mathew D. , Supple Gregory G. , Frankel David S. , Riley Michael P. , Lin David , Schaller Robert D. , Dixit Sanjay , Zado Erica S. , Callans David J. , Marchlinski Francis E. 
Published: October 2016

Background—
Catheter ablation (CA) of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy can be challenging because of the complexity of underlying substrates. We sought to determine the long-term outcomes of endocardial and adjuvant epicardial CA in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—
We examined 282 consecutive patients (aged 59±15 years, 80% males) with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent CA. Ablation was guided by activation/entrainment mapping for tolerated VT and pacemapping/targeting of abnormal electrograms for unmappable VT. Adjuvant epicardial ablation was performed for recurrent VT or persistent inducibility after endocardial–only ablation. Epicardial ablation was performed in 90 (32%) patients. Before ablation, patients failed a median of 2 antiarrhythmic drugs), including amiodarone, in 166 (59%) patients. The median follow-up after the last procedure was 48 (19–67) months. Overall, VT-free survival was 69% at 60-month follow-up. Transplant-free survival was 76% and 68% at 60- and 120-month follow-up, respectively. Among the 58 (21%) patients with VT recurrence, CA still resulted in a significant reduction of VT burden, with 31 (53%) patients having only isolated (1–3) VT episodes in 12 (4–35) months after the procedure. At the last follow-up, 128 (45%) patients were only on β-blockers or no treatment, 41 (15%) were on sotalol or class I antiarrhythmic drugs, and 62 (22%) were on amiodarone.

Conclusions—
In patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and VT, endocardial and adjuvant epicardial CA is effective in achieving long-term VT freedom in 69% of cases, with a substantial improvement in VT burden in many of the remaining patients.
Changes in Medical Therapy and Lifestyle After Anatomical or Functional Testing for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ladapo Joseph A. , Hoffmann Udo , Lee Kerry L. , Coles Adrian , Huang Megan , Mark Daniel B. , Dolor Rowena J. , Pelberg Robert A. , Budoff Matthew , Sigurdsson Gardar , Severance Harry W. , Douglas Pamela S. 
Published: October 2016

Background
Diagnostic testing in the care of patients newly presenting with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease may influence risk factor management, independent of test type or test results. However, little is known about changes in medications and lifestyle after anatomical or functional testing.

Methods and Results

We examined what factors influenced preventive medical therapy and lifestyle practices at 60 days among 10 003 symptomatic patients (53% women; mean age 61 years) randomly assigned to anatomical testing with coronary computed tomographic angiography or functional testing (NCT01174550). We also assessed the association of preventive changes with major cardiovascular events. There were no differences in medications/lifestyle at baseline. At 60 days, relative to baseline, the computed tomographic angiography strategy was associated with a higher proportion of patients newly initiating aspirin (11.8% versus 7.8%), statins (12.7% versus 6.2%), and β‐blockers (8.1% versus 5.3%), compared to functional testing (
P
<0.0001 for each). No significant differences between computed tomographic angiography and functional testing strategies were observed for initiation of exercise, quitting smoking, or weight loss in overweight/obese patients, though overall prevalence of healthy eating was higher after computed tomographic angiography (
P
=0.002) while obese/overweight status was lower (
P
=0.040). Positive initial test results and revascularization demonstrated stronger associations with preventive medications and lifestyle than test type. Medication initiation was not associated with fewer cardiovascular events.

Conclusions
Positive initial test results and revascularization are primary drivers of changes in preventive medical and lifestyle practices, with test type making secondary contributions. However, substantial opportunities exist to further reduce cardiovascular risk.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01174550.
Hydrometeorological Characterization of a Flash Flood Associated with Major Geomorphic Effects: Assessment of Peak Discharge Uncertainties and Analysis of the Runoff Response
Authors: Amponsah William , Marchi Lorenzo , Zoccatelli Davide , Boni Giorgio , Cavalli Marco , Comiti Francesco , Crema Stefano , Lucía Ana , Marra Francesco , Borga Marco 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Postflood indirect peak flow estimates provide key information to advance understanding of flash flood hydrometeorological processes, particularly when peak observations are combined with flood simulations from a hydrological model. However, indirect peak flow estimates are affected by significant uncertainties, which are magnified when floods are associated with important geomorphic processes. The main objective of this work is to advance the integrated use of indirect peak flood estimates and hydrological model simulations by developing and testing a procedure for the assessment of the geomorphic impacts–related uncertainties. The methodology is applied to the analysis of an extreme flash flood that occurred on the Magra River system in Italy on 25 October 2011. The event produced major geomorphic effects and peak discharges close to the maxima observed for high-magnitude rainstorm events in Europe at basin scales ranging from 30 to 1000 km2. Results show that the intensity of geomorphic impacts has a significant effect on the accuracy of postflood peak discharge estimation and model-based flood response analysis. It is shown that the comparison between rainfall–runoff model simulations and indirect peak flow estimates, accounting for uncertainties, may be used to identify erroneous field-derived estimates and isolate consistent hydrological simulations. Comparison with peak discharges obtained for other Mediterranean flash floods allows the scale-dependent flood response of the Magra River system to be placed within a broader hydroclimatological context. Model analyses of the hydrologic response illustrate the role of storm structure and evolution for scale-dependent flood response.
The first 30 months of the MindSpot Clinic: Evaluation of a national e-mental health service against project objectives
Authors: Titov Nickolai , Dear Blake F , Staples Lauren G , Bennett-Levy James , Klein Britt , Rapee Ronald M , Andersson Gerhard , Purtell Carol , Bezuidenhout Greg , Nielssen Olav B 
Published: October 2016

Objective: The MindSpot Clinic provides online mental health services to Australian adults with anxiety and depression. This paper describes users of MindSpot between January 2013 and June 2015. Outcomes are considered against three key objectives: improving access to mental health services, improving public awareness of how to access services and providing evidence-based treatments. Method: Website traffic data were examined to determine patterns of use. Demographic characteristics, past service utilisation and reasons for contacting MindSpot were analysed. Outcomes for patients enrolled in a MindSpot treatment course were also analysed. Primary outcomes were scores on the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-Item, Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist–Civilian Version, administered at assessment, post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Results: The website was visited by almost 500,000 Australians, of which 33,990 adults started assessments, and 25,469 people completed assessment and were eligible for analysis. Mean age was 36.4 years (standard deviation = 13.3 years; range = 18–94 years), and 72% were female. The proportion living in rural or remote regions and who identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander closely matched national statistics. The majority (82%) reported that they were not currently in contact with mental health services. Most patients sought an assessment, information about treatment options, or referral to another service, and only 24% of those completing an assessment commenced a MindSpot treatment course. Of these, large clinical effects ( d: 0.7–2.4; average symptom reductions: 25.5% to 61.6%) were found from assessment to follow-up on all outcome measures. Deterioration ranged from 1.0% to 4.3%. Conclusion: Based on the number of website visits, completed assessments and treatment outcomes, MindSpot achieved its three programme objectives. This model of service provision has considerable value as a complement to existing services, and is proving particularly important for improving access for people not using existing services.
Applications of a Within-Study Comparison Approach for Evaluating Bias in Generalized Causal Inferences From Comparison Groups Studies
Authors: Jaciw Andrew P. 
Published: October 2016

Background: Past studies have examined factors associated with reductions in bias in comparison group studies (CGSs). The companion work to this article extends the framework to investigate the accuracy of generalized inferences from CGS. Objectives: This article empirically examines levels of bias in CGS-based impact estimates when used for generalization, and reductions in bias resulting from covariate adjustment. It assesses potential for bias reduction against criteria from past studies. Research design: Multisite trials are used to generate impact estimates based on cross-site comparisons that are evaluated against site-specific experimental benchmarks. Strategies for reducing bias are evaluated. Results from two experiments are considered. Subjects: Students in Grades K–3 in 79 schools in Tennessee and students in Grades 4–8 in 82 schools in Alabama. Measures: Grades K–3 Stanford Achievement Test reading and math scores; Grades 4–8 Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) 10 reading scores. Results: Generalizing impacts to sites through estimates based on between-site nonexperimental comparisons leads to bias from differences between sites in average performance, and in impact, and covariation between these quantities. The first of these biases is larger. Covariate adjustments reduce bias but not completely. Criteria for bias reduction from past studies appear to extend to generalized inferences based on CGSs. Conclusion: When generalizing from a CGS, results may be affected by bias from differences between the study and inference sites in both average performance and average impact. The same factors may underlie both forms of bias. Researchers and practitioners can assess the validity of generalized inferences from CGSs by applying criteria for bias reduction from past studies.
A randomized, single-blinded pilot study evaluating the effects of kinesiology taping and the tape application techniques in addition to therapeutic exercises in the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis
Authors: Giray Esra , Karadag-Saygi Evrim , Mansiz-Kaplan Basak , Tokgoz Duygu , Bayindir Ozun , Kayhan Onder 
Published: October 2016

Objective: To investigate the effects of kinesiology taping and different types of application techniques of kinesiology taping in addition to therapeutic exercises in the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis. Design: Prospective, single blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting: An outpatient rehabilitation clinic in a tertiary university hospital. Subjects: Infants with congenital muscular torticollis aged 3-12 months. Interventions: Group 1 included 11 infants who only received exercises, Group 2 included 12 infants who received kinesiology taping applied on the affected side by using inhibition technique in addition to exercises. Group 3 included 10 infants who additionally received kinesiology taping applied on the unaffected side by using facilitation technique and on the affected side by using inhibition technique. Main measures: Range of motion in lateral flexion and rotation of the neck, muscle function and degree of craniofacial changes were assessed at pretreatment, post treatment and, 1 month and 3 months’ post treatment. Results: Friedman analysis of within-group changes over time revealed significant differences for all of the outcome variables in all groups except cervical rotation in Group 3 ( P<0.05). No significant differences were found between groups at any of the follow-up time points for any of the outcome variables ( P>0.05). Conclusions: There is no any additive effect of kinesiology taping to exercises for the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis. Also different techniques of applying kinesiology taping resulted in similar clinical outcomes.
A 3-D CT Analysis of Screw and Suture-Button Fixation of the Syndesmosis
Authors: Schon Jason M. , Williams Brady T. , Venderley Melanie B. , Dornan Grant J. , Backus Jonathon D. , Turnbull Travis Lee , LaPrade Robert F. , Clanton Thomas O. 
Published: October 2016

Background: Historically, syndesmosis injuries have been repaired with screw fixation; however, some suggest that suture-button constructs may provide a more accurate anatomic and physiologic reduction. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in the volume of the syndesmotic space following screw or suture-button fixation using a preinjury and postoperative 3-D computed tomography (CT) model. The null hypothesis was that no difference would be observed among repair techniques. Methods: Twelve pairs of cadaveric specimens were dissected to identify the syndesmotic ligaments. Specimens were imaged with CT prior to the creation of a complete syndesmosis injury and were subsequently repaired using 1 of 3 randomly assigned techniques: (a) one 3.5-mm cortical screw, (b) 1 suture-button, and (c) 2 suture-buttons. Specimens were imaged postoperatively with CT. 3-D models of all scans and tibiofibular joint space volumes were calculated to assess restoration of the native syndesmosis. Analysis of variance and Tukey’s method were used to compare least squares mean differences from the intact syndesmosis among repair techniques. Results: For each of the 3 fixation methods, the total postoperative syndesmosis volume was significantly decreased relative to the intact state. The total mean decreases in volume compared with the intact state for the 1-suture-button construct, 2-suture-button construct, and syndesmotic screw were −561 mm3 (95% CI, −878 to −244), −964 mm3 (95% CI, −1281 to −647) and −377 mm3 (95% CI, −694 to −60), respectively. Conclusion: All repairs notably reduced the volume of the syndesmosis beyond the intact state. Fixation with 1 suture-button was not significantly different from screw or 2-suture-button fixation; however, fixation with 2 suture-buttons resulted in significantly decreased volume compared with screw fixation. Clinical Relevance: The results of this study suggest that the 1-suture-button repair technique and the screw fixation repair technique were comparable for reduction of syndesmosis injuries, although both may overcompress the syndesmosis.
MRI Quantification of the Impact of Ankle Position on Syndesmosis Anatomy
Authors: Nault Marie-Lyne , Marien Melissa , Hébert-Davies Jonah , Laflamme G. Yves , Pelsser Vincent , Rouleau Dominique M. , Gosselin-Papadopoulos Nayla , Leduc Stéphane 
Published: October 2016

Background: Despite the common occurrence of syndesmotic injuries in ankle trauma, the distal tibiofibular relationship remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical impact of ankle sagittal positioning on the tibiofibular relationship in intact ankles by using a validated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based measurement system. Methods: In this radiologic study, 34 healthy volunteers underwent a series of ankle MRIs with the ankle stabilized in 3 positions: neutral position (NP), dorsiflexion (DF), and plantarflexion (PF). Using a previously validated measurement system, 6 fixed translational measurements and 2 fixed angles were recorded on each MRI and compared using paired t tests. Results: When comparing PF to DF, the anterior distance between the tibial incisura and the fibula varied from 2.5 mm to 3.9 mm ( P < .001), respectively. The middle distance between the tibial incisura and the fibula varied from 1.5 mm to 2.6 mm ( P < .001). Fibular angle varied from 8.7 degrees to 7.8 degrees of internal rotation ( P = .046), respectively. When comparing NP to DF, only the anterior distance was found to be significantly different, varying 0.4 mm ( P < .002). Conclusions: Ankle dorsiflexion leads to an increase in external rotation and lateral translation of the fibula. These changes could be measured on MRI using a validated measurement system. Ankle motion did have an impact on the distal tibiofibular relationship and should be considered in studies pertaining to syndesmosis imaging. Clinical Relevance: This is the first in vivo study demonstrating the impact of sagittal ankle position on the distal tibiofibular relationship in an uninjured ankle. Our findings also support the practice of placing the ankle in dorsiflexion when fixing a disrupted syndesmosis. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.
Mitochondrial-dependent mechanisms are involved in angiotensin II-induced apoptosis in dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Ou Zhou , Jiang Teng , Gao Qing , Tian You-Yong , Zhou Jun-Shan , Wu Liang , Shi Jian-Quan , Zhang Ying-Dong 
Published: October 2016

Introduction: We recently demonstrated that angiotensin II (Ang II) was involved in the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) via induction of apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons, but the mechanisms are not completely elucidated. Here, we asked whether mitochondrial-dependent mechanisms contributed to the Ang II-induced dopaminergic neuronal apoptosis. Materials and methods: CATH.a cells were incubated with Ang II in combination with mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists, and apoptosis rate, caspase-3 activity, cytochrome c levels, and mPTP opening were assessed. Results: We showed that Ang II triggered apoptosis via a mitochondrial-dependent pathway, as elevated cytochrome c levels were observed in the cytosol. By employing cyclosporin A and sanglifehrin A, two specific mPTP inhibitors, we revealed that cytochrome c release from mitochondria into cytoplasm was ascribed to mPTP opening. Meanwhile, the aforementioned effects could be abrogated by an AT1 receptor antagonist losartan rather than an AT2 receptor antagonist PD123319. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that Ang II triggers mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis via facilitating mPTP opening through an AT1 receptor-mediated fashion in dopaminergic neurons. These findings give insight into the effect of Ang II in the etiology of PD, and reinforce the application of AT1 receptor antagonists for PD treatment.
Opinions and preferences of British Columbia pharmacists and physicians on medication management services
Authors: Tsao Nicole W. , Khakban Amir , Gastonguay Louise , Zafari Zafar , Lynd Larry D. , Marra Carlo A. 
Published: October 2016

Background: Medication management (MM) services are being provided by pharmacists across Canada in various forms, but pharmacist-physician collaboration is still not a routine practice in most jurisdictions. This survey aimed to gather pharmacists’ and physicians’ opinions and preferences for MM provision. Methods: Two parallel, cross-sectional online surveys, including best-worst scaling tasks, were designed for pharmacists and physicians in British Columbia to capture and compare their preferences for a number of attributes of MM. Results: Surveys were completed by 119 pharmacists and 146 physicians. Results indicate that pharmacists and physicians had similar opinions on many aspects of MM. Ninety-five percent of pharmacists and 69% of physicians believed that additional health services are needed to help patients optimize the use of their medications. However, the majority of each group felt that they were the most important health care professional in providing this service. Most pharmacists (79%) and some physicians (25%) thought that optimizing use of medications would result in both decreased costs and utilization to the health care system. Both pharmacists and physicians felt that the best attribute of an MM service would be if the services resulted in improved health and medication use for patients. Both groups were motivated by increased remuneration for MM; however, the relative strength of preference for this was higher among physicians. Interestingly, physicians valued improved medication adherence as a result of MM more highly than pharmacists did. Discussion and Conclusion: Most pharmacists and physicians agreed that improving patients’ health and medication use would be the best attribute of MM and that there is a need for such services. However, physicians also had strong preferences for being remunerated for participating in MM provision.
Key Spatial Factors Influencing the Perceived Privacy in Nursing Units: An Exploration Study With Eight Nursing Units in Hong Kong
Authors: Lu Yi , Cai Hui , Bosch Sheila J. 
Published: October 2016

Aim: This study examined how the spatial characteristics of patient beds, which are influenced by patient room design and nursing unit configuration, affect patients’ perceptions about privacy. Background: In the hospital setting, most patients expect a certain degree of privacy but also understand that their caregivers need appropriate access to them in order to provide high-quality care. Even veteran healthcare designers may struggle to create just the right balance between privacy and accessibility. Methods: A paper-based survey was conducted with 159 participants in Hong Kong—72 (45.3%) participants had been hospitalized and 87 (54.7%) participants had not—to document their selection of high-privacy beds, given simplified plans of eight nursing units. Two types of information, comprised of six variables, were examined for each bed. These include (1) room-level variables, specifically the number of beds per room and area per bed and (2) relational variables, including walking distance, directional change, integration, and control. Results: The results demonstrate that when asked to identify high-privacy beds, participants selected beds in patient rooms with fewer beds per room, a larger area per bed, and a longer walking distance to the care team workstation. Interestingly, the participants having been hospitalized also chose beds with a visual connection to the care team workstation as being high in privacy. Conclusions: The participants with hospitalization experience may be willing to accept a bed with reduced visual privacy, perhaps out of a concern for safety.