bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of drug‐induced proarrhythmias due to pilsicainide in patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias
Authors: Koike Hideki , Fujino Tadashi , Koike Makiko , Yao Shintaro , Shinohara Masaya , Kitahara Ken , Kinoshita Toshio , Yuzawa Hitomi , Suzuki Takeya , Sato Hideyuki , Fukunaga Shunji , Kobayashi Kenzaburo , Ikeda Takanori 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundPilsicainide, a pure Na+ channel blocker, is a popular antiarrhythmic drug for the management of atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT), in Japan. However, serious drug‐induced proarrhythmias (DIPs) may unexpectedly occur. We assessed the clinical background of AT patients presenting with DIPs caused by pilsicainide.MethodsThis study retrospectively enrolled 874 consecutive patients (543 men, 63.6±15.3 years old, and 57.9±16.5 kg of body weight), who were orally administered pilsicainide for AT management. We evaluated the relationship between DIPs and serum pilsicainide concentration, renal dysfunction (estimate glomerular filtration rate, eGFR), and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters.ResultsAmong the patients, 154 (17.6%) had renal dysfunction (eGFR<50 mL/min), including 12 (1.4%) on hemodialysis. DIPs were present in 10 patients (1.1%): all had renal dysfunction, and one was on hemodialysis. The eGFR in DIP patients was significantly lower than that in the non‐DIP patients (32.2±15.1 vs. 68.4±22.1 mL/min, p<0.001). Among the clinical factors measured, only renal dysfunction (eGFR<50 mL/min) was significantly associated with DIPs (OR 44.6; 95% CI 5.61–335.0, p<0.001). Interestingly, among the ECG parameters, the corrected QT (QTc) intervals in DIP patients were longer than those in non‐DIP patients (555.8±37.6 vs. 430.7±32.6 ms, p<0.001). As pilsicainide concentration increased, both QRS and QTc intervals prolonged. The latter were improved by discontinuing pilsicainide administration, and additional treatments.ConclusionsDIPs caused by pilsicainide administration were strongly associated with renal dysfunction. Hence, confirmation of renal function would be necessary prior to and/or during the pilsicainide administration.
Genesis and crystallization of ultramafic alkaline carbonatite magmas of Siberia: ore potential, mantle sources, and relationship with plume activity
Authors: Vladykin N.V. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This paper discusses the genesis of large Siberian alkaline massifs hosting major ore deposits. These reference massifs are grouped based on the predominance of alkalies (K or Na) and their agpaitic index (miaskitic and agpaitic). We proposed new emplacement schemes for the Tomtor, Murun, Burpala, Synnyr, and Bilibino massifs supported by petrochemical and geochemical data, as well as new age estimates. Types of their ore potential and genesis of rare-metal mineralization are discussed. The formational types of carbonatites as the main ore-bearing rocks are given. The depth of magma generation and types of mantle sources are determined using isotopic data from previous studies. A model of plume-related generation of ultramafic alkaline magmas is proposed.
The 1501 Ma Kuonamka Large Igneous Province of northern Siberia: U–Pb geochronology, geochemistry, and links with coeval magmatism on other crustal blocks
Authors: Ernst R.E. , Okrugin A.V. , Veselovskiy R.V. , Kamo S.L. , Hamilton M.A. , Pavlov V. , Söderlund U. , Chamberlain K.R. , Rogers C. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
A new large igneous province (LIP), the 1501 ± 3 Ma Kuonamka LIP, extends across 700 km of northern Siberia and is linked with coeval dikes and sills in the formerly attached São Francisco craton (SFC)–Congo craton to yield a short-duration event 2000 km across. The age of the Kuonamka LIP can be summarized as 1501 ± 3 Ma (95% confidence), based on 7 U–Pb ID-TIMS ages (6 new herein) from dolerite dikes and sills across the Anabar shield and within western Riphean cover rocks for a distance of 270 km. An additional sill yielded a SIMS (CAMECA) age of 1483 ± 17 Ma and sill in the Olenek uplift several hundred kilometers farther east, a previous SIMS (SHRIMP) age of ca. 1473 Ma was obtained on a sill; both SIMS ages are within the age uncertainty of the ID-TIMS ages. Geochemical data indicate a tholeiitic basalt composition with low MgO (4–7 wt%) within-plate character based on trace element classification diagrams and source between E-MORB and OIB with only minor contamination from crust or metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Two subgroups are distinguished: Group 1 has gently sloping LREE ((La/Sm)PM = 1.9) and HREE ((Gd/Yb)PM = 1.8) patterns, slightly negative Sr and moderate TiO2 (2.2 wt%), and Group 2 has steeper LREE ((La/Sm)PM = 2.3) and HREE ((Gd/Yb)PM = 2.3), strong negative Sr anomaly, is higher in TiO2 (2.7 wt%), and is transitional from tholeiitic to weakly alkaline in composition. The slight differences in REE slopes are consistent with Group 2 on average melting at deeper levels. Proposed reconstructions of the Kuonamka LIP with 1500 Ma magmatism of the SFC–Congo craton are supported by a geochemical comparison. Specifically, the chemistry of the Chapada Diamantina and Curaça dikes of the SFC can be linked to that of Groups 1 and 2, respectively, of the Kuonamka LIP and are consistent with a common mantle source between EMORB and OIB and subsequent differentiation history. However, the coeval Humpata sills and dikes of the Angola block of the Congo craton represent a different magma batch.
Discharge Against Medical Advice in Traumatic Brain Injury: Follow-Up and Readmission Rate
Authors: Marcoux Judith , Alkutbi Mohammad , Lamoureux Julie , Feyz Mitra , Saluja Rajeet S. , de Guise Elaine 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground:Patients who leave hospital against medical advice (AMA) may be at risk of adverse health outcomes, medical complications, and readmission. In this study, we examined the characteristics of patients who left AMA after traumatic brain injury (TBI), their rates of follow-up visits, and readmission.Methods:We retrospectively studied 106 consecutive patients who left the tertiary trauma center AMA (1.8% of all admitted patients with a TBI). Preinjury health and social issues, mechanism of injury, computed tomography findings, and injury markers were collected. They were correlated to compliance with follow-up visits and unplanned emergency room (ER) visits and readmission rates.Results:The most prevalent premorbid health or social-related issues were alcohol abuse (33%) and assault as a mechanism of trauma (33%). Only 15 (14.2%) subjects came to follow-up visit for their TBI. Sixteen (15.1%) of the 106 subjects had multiple readmissions and/or ER visits related to substance abuse. Seven (6.6%) had multiple readmissions or ER visits with psychiatric reasons. Those patients with multiple readmissions and ER visits showed in higher proportion preexisting neurological condition (p=0.027), homelessness (p=0.012), previous neurosurgery (p=0.014), preexisting encephalomalacia (p=0.011), and had a higher ISS score (p=0.014) than those who were not readmitted multiple times.Conclusions:The significantly increased risks of multiple follow-up visits and readmission among TBI patients who leave hospital AMA are related to a premorbid vulnerability and psychosocial issues. Clinicians should target AMA TBI patients with premorbid vulnerability for discharge transition interventions.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Safety-Engineered Devices
Authors: Fukuda Haruhisa , Moriwaki Kensuke 
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVETo estimate the cost-effectiveness of safety-engineered devices (SEDs) relative to non-SEDs for winged steel needles, intravenous catheter stylets, suture needles, and insulin pen needles.DESIGNDecision analysis modeling.PARTICIPANTSHypothetical cohort of healthcare workers who utilized needle devices.METHODSWe developed a decision-analytic model to estimate and compare the life-cycle costs and benefits for SED and non-SED needle devices. For this cost-effectiveness analysis, we quantified the total direct medical cost per needlestick injury, number of needlestick injuries avoided, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of the base-case analysis.RESULTSIn the base-case analysis, we calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of SED winged steel needles, intravenous catheter stylets, suture needles, and insulin pen needles to be $2,633, $13,943, $1,792, and $1,269 per needlestick injury avoided, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that the calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio values for using SEDs did not fall below zero even after adjusting the values of each parameter.CONCLUSIONThe use of SED needle devices would not produce cost savings for hospitals. Government intervention may be needed to systematically protect healthcare workers in Japan from the risk of bloodborne pathogen infections.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:1012–1021
Wards, At-Large Systems and the Focus of Representation in Canadian Cities
Authors: Koop Royce , Kraemer John 
Published: May 2016

AbstractProponents of both ward and at-large systems agree that these systems of election play a role in shaping the representational foci (that is, who representatives seek to represent) of city councillors and, in so doing, affect the quality of local democracy. Canadian cities employ both ward and at-large systems of election, and therefore provide an opportunity to explore the relationship between elective systems and focus of representation. We draw on data derived from both 52 interviews with and a survey of councillors in Canadian cities to test the proposition that cities' systems of election influence the representational foci of councillors. We find strong evidence that ward systems are related to a representational focus on geographically defined neighbourhoods, whereas councillors in at-large systems report prioritizing representation of their cities as wholes.
STATISTICS AND INTELLIGENCE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A NOTE
Authors: Kodila-Tedika Oasis , Asongu Simplice A. , Azia-Dimbu Florentin 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThe purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between intelligence (or human capital) and the statistical capacity of developing countries. The line of inquiry is motivated essentially by the scarce literature on poor statistics in developing countries and an evolving stream of literature on the knowledge economy. A positive association is established between intelligence quotient (IQ) and statistical capacity. The relationship is robust to alternative specifications with varying conditioning information sets and control for outliers. Policy implications are discussed.
Use of bait containing triclabendazole against Fasciola gigantica in a herd of captive wild impala (Aepyceros melampus)
Authors: Phiri A.M. , Mudenda N.M. , Luwe M. , Phiri I.G.K. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlthough the efficacy of triclabendazole treatment against Fasciola gigantica has been shown before in cattle and buffaloes, there appears to be no published report on the efficacy of triclabendazole in impala or other antelope species. As part of a health monitoring programme at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka, Zambia, a coprological examination was undertaken to investigate the helminthological status of captive impala (Aepyceros melampus). Of 39 fresh coprological samples, 46% contained F. gigantica. The source of infection was identified to be a fountain within the grounds of the conference centre. Lymnaea natalensis, collected from the study site, were induced to shed cercariae, and were thus confirmed as the snail intermediate host. In managing this disease, triclabendazole at 6 mg/kg was administered together with the feed bait. Water from the pond was drained; vegetation within it cleared and the pond allowed to dry for 1 week before water was replaced. Three weeks post-treatment, faecal examination revealed that the Fasciola had been cleared. To the best of our knowledge, this is a first case of Fasciola spp. infection reported in captive wild impala in Zambia and provides evidence that triclabendazole may be delivered to free-ranging antelope using medicated bait.
Distribution and status of the African forest buffalo Syncerus caffer nanus in south-eastern Nigeria
Authors: Eniang Edem A. , Ebin Clement O. , Nchor Ayuk A. , Agba Gabriel I. , Gideon Idorenyin K. , Amori Giovanni , Luiselli Luca 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlthough not categorized as threatened on the IUCN Red List, the African forest buffalo Syncerus caffer nanus is declining across its range. In Nigeria its distribution, abundance and status are virtually unknown. We conducted interviews with experienced hunters, and field surveys (linear and recce transects), to study the buffalo's distribution and ecology in the montane forests of Cross River State. General linear modelling indicated that the number of individuals varied significantly across survey areas and habitat types but not with the survey period, and there was no study area × study period interaction. Buffalo were found most commonly in mature and secondary forests. Given the species’ scattered distribution, fragmentation of its habitat, and the relatively low numbers observed, Nigerian populations require a separate, regional categorization on the IUCN Red List.
Dynamic cerebral reorganization in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia: a MRI-derived cortical thickness study
Authors: Guo S. , Palaniyappan L. , Liddle P. F. , Feng J. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundA structural neuroanatomical change indicating a reduction in brain tissue is a notable feature of schizophrenia. Several pathophysiological processes such as aberrant cortical maturation, progressive tissue loss and compensatory tissue increase could contribute to the structural changes seen in schizophrenia.MethodWe studied cortical thickness using surface-based morphometry in 98 clinically stable patients with schizophrenia and 83 controls. Using a pattern classification approach, we studied whether the features that discriminate patients from controls vary across the different stages of the illness. Using a covariance analysis, we also investigated if concurrentincreasesaccompanydecreasesin cortical thickness.ResultsVery high levels of accuracy (96.3%), specificity (98.8%) and sensitivity (88%) were noted when classifying patients with <2 years of illness from controls. Within the patient group, reduced thickness was consistently accompanied by increased thickness in distributed brain regions. A pattern of cortical amelioration or normalization (i.e. reduced deviation from controls) was noted with increasing illness duration. While temporo-limbic and fronto-parietal regions showed reduced thickness, the occipital cortex showed increased thickness, especially in those with a long-standing illness.ConclusionA compensatory remodelling process might contribute to the cortical thickness variations in different stages of schizophrenia. Subtle cerebral reorganization reflecting the inherent plasticity of brain may occur concomitantly with processes contributing to tissue reduction in adult patients with schizophrenia.
Chromosomal Mechanisms in the Evolution of Artiodactyls
Authors: Todd Neil B. 
Published: May 2016

Evidence is presented that primitive artiodactyls had a diploid number of 14. The higher diploid numbers of most living artiodactyls are interpreted as resulting from karyotypic fissioning at the times of past adaptive radiations. The fossil record appears to support this contention.An evolutionary sequence of unusual X chromosome transformations has been deduced from the differences that exist among extant species. From these, and from interrelationships of karyotypes, certain phylogenetic revisions are suggested.
Strength of pedicle attachment in articulate brachiopods: ecologic and paleoecologic significance
Authors: Thayer Charles W. 
Published: May 2016

It has been claimed that articulate brachiopods are excluded from turbulent environments by the weakness of their pedicle attachment. The evidence does not support this conclusion. Experiments on the force required to remove brachiopods from their substrate show that removal force often equals that of bivalve mussels from turbulent environments having the same valve area. Intertidal brachiopods probably occupy cryptic habitats to avoid desiccation, not to avoid waves. Subtidal brachiopods are abundant in tidal currents of 4 knots (2 m/sec) where they are usually attached in exposed positions.Although paleoecologists often assume that the size of the pedicle foramen is directly proportional to attachment strength, the relationship is not precise. Experimental detachment of brachiopods resulted from failure of the substrate, pedicle-substrate attachment, pedicle, or pedicle adjustor muscles, in approximately equal frequencies. At the same attachment strength, the foramen in Terebratalia is four times the size of the foramen in Hemithiris.Although subapical foramina are supposedly unable to enlarge as the brachiopod grows, the subapical foramen of Hemithiris appears to do so.
Neonatal management and outcomes of prenatally diagnosed CHDs
Authors: Bensemlali Myriam , Bajolle Fanny , Laux Daniela , Parisot Pauline , Ladouceur Magalie , Fermont Laurent , Lévy Marilyne , Le Bidois Jérôme , Raimondi Francesca , Ville Yves , Salomon Laurent J. , Boudjemline Younes , Bonnet Damien 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the probability of intervention at birth after prenatal diagnosis of CHD.MethodsA 10-year retrospective study including all foetuses with a prenatally diagnosed CHD and those delivered in a tertiary-care cardiac centre between January, 2002 and December, 2011 was carried out. Patients were classified into eight groups according to the anticipated risk of neonatal intervention.ResultsThe need for urgent intervention and/or PGE1 infusion within the first 48 hours of life was 47% (n=507/1080): 72% (n=248) for CHD at risk for a Rashkind procedure, 77% (n=72) for CHD with ductal-dependent pulmonary flow, 13% (n=22) for CHD with potentially ductal-dependent pulmonary flow, 94% (n=62) for CHD with ductal-dependent systemic flow, 29% (n=88) for CHD with potentially ductal-dependant systemic flow, 50% (n=4) for total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, and 17% (n=1) for CHD with atrio-ventricular block. In all, 34% of the patients received PGE1 infusion and 21.4% underwent urgent catheter-based or surgical interventions; 10% of patients without anticipated risk (n=10) underwent an early intervention; 6.7% (n=73) of the patients died; and 55% (n=589) had an intervention before discharge from hospital.ConclusionHalf of the neonates with foetal CHD benefited from an urgent intervention or PGE1 infusion at birth. We recommend scheduled delivery and in utero transfer for transposition of the great arteries, double-outlet right ventricle with sub-pulmonary ventricular septal defect, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, CHD with atrio-ventricular block with heart rate <50, all ductal-dependant lesions, and CHD with potentially ductal-dependant systemic flow.
Left ventricular end-diastolic dimension as a predictive factor of outcomes in children with acute myocarditis
Authors: Kim Geena , Ban Gil-Ho , Lee Hyoung-Doo , Sung Si-Chan , Kim Hyungtae , Choi Kwang-Ho 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this study, we sought predictors of mortality in children with acute myocarditis and of incomplete recovery in the survivor group. We classified our patients into three groups according to their outcomes at last follow-up: full recovery was classified as group I, incomplete recovery was classified as group II, and death was classified as group III. In total, 55 patients were enrolled in the study: 33 patients in group I, 11 patients in group II, and 11 patients in group III. The initial left ventricular fractional shortening – left ventricular fractional shortening – was significantly lower in group III (p=0.001), and the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score was higher in groups II and III compared with group I (p=0.000). A multivariate analysis showed that the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score (odds ratio (OR), 1.251; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.004–1.559), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR, 9.842; 95% CI, 1.044–92.764), and epinephrine infusion (OR, 18.552; 95% CI, 1.759–195.705) were significant predictors of mortality. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score was the only factor that predicted incomplete recovery in the survivor group (OR, 1.360; 95% CI, 1.066–1.734; p=0.013). The receiver operating characteristic curve of the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score at admission showed a cut-off level of 3.01 for predicting mortality (95% CI, 0.714–0.948). In conclusion, a high left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score on admission was a significant predictor of worse outcomes, both regarding mortality and incomplete recovery.
The value of right ventricular longitudinal strain in the evaluation of adult patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a new tool for a contemporary challenge
Authors: Almeida-Morais Luís , Pereira-da-Silva Tiago , Branco Luísa , Timóteo Ana T. , Agapito Ana , de Sousa Lídia , Oliveira José A. , Thomas Boban , Jalles-Tavares Nuno , Soares Rui , Galrinho Ana , Cruz-Ferreira Rui 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe role of right ventricular longitudinal strain for assessing patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate its relation with other structural and functional parameters in these patients.MethodsPatients followed-up in a grown-up CHD unit, assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and treadmill exercise testing, were retrospectively evaluated. Right ventricular size and function and pulmonary regurgitation severity were assessed by echocardiography and MRI. Right ventricular longitudinal strain was evaluated in the four-chamber view using the standard semiautomatic method.ResultsIn total, 42 patients were included (61% male, 32±8 years). The mean right ventricular longitudinal strain was −16.2±3.7%, and the right ventricular ejection fraction, measured by MRI, was 42.9±7.2%. Longitudinal strain showed linear correlation with tricuspid annular systolic excursion (r=−0.40) and right ventricular ejection fraction (r=−0.45) (all p<0.05), which in turn showed linear correlation with right ventricular fractional area change (r=0.50), pulmonary regurgitation colour length (r=0.35), right ventricular end-systolic volume (r=−0.60), and left ventricular ejection fraction (r=0.36) (all p<0.05). Longitudinal strain (β=−0.72, 95% confidence interval −1.41, −0.15) and left ventricular ejection fraction (β=0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.11, 0.67) were independently associated with right ventricular ejection fraction. The best threshold of longitudinal strain for predicting a right ventricular ejection fraction of <40% was −17.0%.ConclusionsRight ventricular longitudinal strain is a powerful method for evaluating patients with tetralogy of Fallot. It correlated with echocardiographic right ventricular function parameters and was independently associated with right ventricular ejection fraction derived by MRI.