bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetics of Brugada syndrome
Authors: Juang Jyh‐Ming Jimmy , Horie Minoru 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn 1992, the Brugada syndrome (BrS) was recognized as a disease responsible for sudden cardiac death, characterized by a right bundle‐branch block with ST segment elevation in the leads V1 and V2. This syndrome is highly associated with sudden cardiac death, especially in young males. BrS is currently diagnosed in patients with ST‐segment elevation showing type 1 morphology ≥ 2 mm in ≥1 leads among the right precordial leads V1 or V2 positioned in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th intercostal space, and occurring either spontaneously or after a provocative drug test by the intravenous administration of Class I antiarrhythmic drugs. With accumulated findings, the BrS inheritance model is believed to be an autosomal dominant inheritable model with incomplete penetrance, although most patients with BrS were sporadic cases. SCN5A, which was identified as the first BrS‐associated gene in 1998, has emerged as the most common gene associated with BrS, and more than 10 BrS‐associated genes have been identified thereafter. Mutation‐specific genetic testing is recommended for the family members and appropriate relatives following the identification of BrS‐causative mutations in an index patient. In addition, comprehensive or BrS1 (SCN5A) targeted genetic testing could be useful for patients in whom a cardiologist has established a clinical index of suspicion for BrS based on the patient's clinical history, family history, and the expressed electrocardiographic (resting 12‐lead ECGs and/or provocative drug challenge testing) phenotype.Over the past 20 years, extensive research in this field has allowed better understanding of the pathophysiology, genetic background, and management of BrS even though controversies still exist. In this review article, a background of genetics, the genetic background of BrS, the genotype and phenotype relationship, the role of genetic screening in clinical practice, and the interpretation of the identified genetic variants have been addressed based on this understanding.
Comparison of the measured pre‐ejection periods and left ventricular ejection times between echocardiography and impedance cardiography for optimizing cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Noda Kazuki , Endo Hideaki , Kadosaka Takahide , Nakata Takashi , Watanabe Tasuku , Terui Yosuke , Kajitani Shoko , Monnma Yuto , Sato Kenjiro , Kanazawa Masanori , Nakajima Sota , Kondo Masateru , Takahashi Tohru , Nakamura Akihiro , Nozaki Eiji 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe pre‐ejection period (PEP) and left ventricular ejection time (LVET) are easily measured by impedance cardiography (ICG). We hypothesized that the PEP/LVET measured by ICG would correlate with that measured by echocardiography, and that PEP/LVET measured by ICG would be useful for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) optimization.MethodsNewly CRT implanted patients were optimized by echocardiography. The PEP/LVET was measured by echocardiography and ICG in two different settings: optimized setting and right ventricle (RV)‐only pacing.ResultsThe PEP/LVET was significantly decreased in the optimized setting compared with that in RV‐only pacing (0.62±0.13 vs 0.75±0.16, p<0.05). The PEP/LVET values calculated by ICG and echocardiography were positively correlated (r=0.553, p=0.003).ConclusionICG was useful for the optimization of CRT.
Impact of positive surgical margin on biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy in locally advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Ceylan Cavit , Tonyali Senol , Keles Ibrahim 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the effect of surgical margin positivity on biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). The medical records of all patients with locally advanced PCa that underwent RRP were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, digital rectal examination findings, prostate biopsy Gleason score, prostate volume, pre‐ and post‐treatment prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels, definitive pathology Gleason score, surgical margin status, seminal vesicle invasion, perineural invasion, absence or presence of BCR, and the time to BCR were analyzed. The study included 130 patients. The final pathologic examination showed that seven (5.4%) patients had T3a disease and 123 (94.6%) had T3b disease. In all, 93 (71.5%) patients had a positive surgical margin [SM(+)], whereas 37 (28.5%) patients had a negative surgical margin [SM(−)]. Among the seven patients with pT3a disease, four (57.1%) had SM(+), whereas 89 (72.4%) of the 123 patients with pT3b disease had SM(−). BCR occurred in 11.8% (11 of 93) of patients with SM(+) and in 45.9% (17 of 37) of those with SM(−) (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that SM(+) was the only significant predictor of BCR following RRP (relative risk, 0.163; 95% confidence interval (0.062–0.433); p < 0.001). SM(+) in RRP specimens is not always indicative of BCR in patients with locally advanced PCa. RRP should be considered an effective treatment choice for selected patients with locally advanced PCa, despite the associated high SM(+) rate.
DO IMPROVED GROUNDNUT SEEDS MAKE AFRICAN FARMERS MORE FOOD SECURE? EVIDENCE FROM UGANDA
Authors: MURRAY ANTHONY G. , MILLS BRADFORD F. , KOSTANDINI GENTI 
Published: September 2016

AbstractGroundnuts are an important crop for Ugandan smallholders because they are high in protein, resupply nutrients to the soil, and are a storable source of wealth once dried. Adoption of virus-resistant seeds that increase yield and reduce yield variance may improve household food security, but the complex relationship is an empirical question. This article considers the effect of improved groundnut seed on smallholder food security in eastern Uganda. Results indicate that adopters have significantly higher household food security after controlling for observed and unobserved household heterogeneity. The food consumption score index increases more than 15 points with improved seed adoption.
Guest Editors’ Introduction:Human Dignity and Business
Authors: Pirson Michael , Goodpaster Kenneth , Dierksmeier Claus 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT:After a brief historical introduction, three interpretations of dignity in relation to management theory and business ethics are elaborated: Dignity as a general category, Human Dignity as Inherent and Universal, and Human Dignity as Earned and Contingent. Next, two literature reviews are presented under the headings of “Dignity and Business Research” and “Dignity and Business Ethics Research.” The latter discussion identifies three subcategories of business ethics research involving human dignity: the role of dignity as a cornerstone for paradigmatic shifts, the role of dignity as the ‘ultima ratio’ for the protection of human rights, and the role of dignity in organizing business practices. The article concludes with summaries of the three articles chosen for this special section.
Can an emergency department clinical “triggers” program based on abnormal vital signs improve patient outcomes?
Authors: Imperato Jason , Mehegan Tyler , Henning Daniel J. , Patrick John , Bushey Chase , Setnik Gary , Sanchez Leon D. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundBecause abnormal vital signs indicate the potential for clinical deterioration, it is logical to make emergency physicians immediately aware of those patients who present with abnormal vital signs.ObjectivesTo determine if a clinical triggers program in the emergency department (ED) setting that utilized predetermined abnormal vital signs to activate a rapid assessment by an emergency physician-led multidisciplinary team had a measurable effect on inpatient hospital metrics.MethodsThe study design was a retrospective pre and post intervention study. The intervention was the implementation of an ED clinical “triggers” program. Abnormal vital sign criteria that warranted a trigger response included: heart rate &lt;40 beats/minute or&gt;130 beats/minutes, respiratory rate &lt;8 breaths/minute or&gt;30 breaths/minute, systolic blood pressure &lt;90 mm Hg, or oxygen saturation &lt;90% on room air. The primary outcome investigated was the median days admitted with secondary outcomes of median days in special care unit, in-hospital 30-day mortality and proportion of patients who required an upgrade in inpatient care level.ResultsThere was no difference in median days admitted for inpatient care (3.8 v. 4.0 days,p=0.21) or median days spent in a special care unit (5.0 v. 5.6 days,p=0.42) between the groups. There was no difference in the percentage of in-hospital patient deaths (6.0% v. 5.6%,p=0.66) or frequency of upgrade in level of care within 24 hours (4.9% v. 4.0%,p=0.52).ConclusionsIn our study, the implementation of an ED clinical triggers program did not result in a significant change in measured inpatient outcomes.
SGEM Hot Off the Press: hypertonic saline in severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Purdy Eve , Thoma Brent , Milne Ken , Bond Chris 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAs part of the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine’s (CJEM) developing social media strategy,1 we are collaborating with the Skeptics’ Guide to Emergency Medicine (SGEM) to summarize and critically appraise the current emergency medicine (EM) literature using evidence-based medicine principles. In the “Hot Off the Press” series, we select original research manuscripts published in CJEM to be featured on the SGEM website/podcast and discussed by the study authors and the online EM community. A similar collaboration is under way between the SGEM and Academic Emergency Medicine. What follows is a summary of the selected article, the immediate post-publication synthesis from the SGEM podcast, commentary by the first author, and the subsequent discussion from the SGEM blog and other social media. Through this series, we hope to enhance the value, accessibility, and application of important, clinically relevant EM research. In this, the second SGEM HOP hosted collaboratively with CJEM, we discuss a systematic review evaluating the use of hypertonic saline in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury.2
Life and Mind in Hegel’sLogicand Subjective Spirit
Authors: Ng Karen 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis paper aims to understand Hegel’s claim in the introduction to hisPhilosophy of Mindthat mind is an actualization of the Idea and argues that this claim provides us with a novel and defensible way of understanding Hegel’s naturalism. I suggest that Hegel’s approach to naturalism should be understood as ‘formal’, and argue that Hegel’sLogic, particularly the section on the ‘Idea’, provides us with a method for this approach. In the first part of the paper, I present an interpretation of Hegel’s method in which life plays a central role. In the second part of the paper, I develop Hegel’s method by providing a reading of Hegel’s Subjective Spirit, focusing on the sections ‘Anthropology’ and ‘Phenomenology’ in particular, arguing that they display the dialectic between life and cognition outlined by Hegel’s Idea.
A Novel Risk Factor Associated With Colonization by Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae: Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Addition to Antimicrobial Treatment
Authors: Cheng Vincent C. C. , Chen Jonathan H. K. , So Simon Y. C. , Wong Sally C. Y. , Chau Pui-Hing , Wong Lisa M. W. , Ching Radley H. C. , Ng Modissa M. L. , Lee Wan-Mui , Hung Ivan F. N. , Ho Pak-Leung , Yuen Kwok-Yung 
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVETo study the association between gastrointestinal colonization of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).METHODSWe analyzed 31,526 patients with prospective collection of fecal specimens for CPE screening: upon admission (targeted screening) and during hospitalization (opportunistic screening, safety net screening, and extensive contact tracing), in our healthcare network with 3,200 beds from July 1, 2011, through December 31, 2015. Specimens were collected at least once weekly during hospitalization for CPE carriers and subjected to broth enrichment culture and multiplex polymerase chain reaction.RESULTSOf 66,672 fecal specimens collected, 345 specimens (0.5%) from 100 patients (0.3%) had CPE. The number and prevalence (per 100,000 patient-days) of CPE increased from 2 (0.3) in 2012 to 63 (8.0) in 2015 (P<.001). Male sex (odds ratio, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.15–3.18],P=.013), presence of wound or drain (3.12 [1.70–5.71],P<.001), and use of cephalosporins (3.06 [1.42–6.59],P=.004), carbapenems (2.21 [1.10–4.48],P=.027), and PPIs (2.84 [1.72–4.71],P<.001) in the preceding 6 months were significant risk factors by multivariable analysis. Of 79 patients with serial fecal specimens, spontaneous clearance of CPE was noted in 57 (72.2%), with a median (range) of 30 (3–411) days. Comparing patients without use of antibiotics and PPIs, consumption of both antibiotics and PPIs after CPE identification was associated with later clearance of CPE (hazard ratio, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.17–0.73],P=.005).CONCLUSIONSConcomitant use of antibiotics and PPIs prolonged duration of gastrointestinal colonization by CPE.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2016;1418–1425
Understanding Barriers to Optimal Cleaning and Disinfection in Hospitals: A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Survey of Environmental Services Workers
Authors: Bernstein Daniel A. , Salsgiver Elizabeth , Simon Matthew S. , Greendyke William , Eiras Daniel P. , Ito Masahiro , Caruso Dean A. , Woodward Timothy M. , Perriel Odette T. , Saiman Lisa , Furuya E. Yoko , Calfee David P. 
Published: September 2016

In this study, we used an online survey to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to environmental cleaning and other infection prevention strategies among environmental services workers (ESWs) at 5 hospitals. Our findings suggest that ESWs could benefit from additional education and feedback as well as new strategies to address workflow challenges.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1492–1495
Energy Consumption Minimization of an Industrial Furnace by Optimization of Recuperative Heat Exchange
Authors: Ghadamian H. , Esmailie F. , Ozgoli H. A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA mathematical model has been developed to determine the best geometry of a compact heat exchanger in this research study. Accordingly, an objective function was introduced to define the optimized structure of the exchanger. Two main targets were pursued in this regard. First was the rate of existing discrepancy between the possible heat transfer rate in the exchanger and the maximum rate. Second was possible heat transfer consideration between exchanging gasses and incoming air of the furnace. A sample shell and tube heat exchanger of existing tube in a processing industry has been studied and the calculations have been performed to solve the relevant equations. In addition, a comprehensive code to design an optimized compact heat exchanger for heat recovery of the furnaces has been presented. Then, data gathering and model synchronization caused to a preliminary evaluation of model quality. Thus, for increasing accuracy level of mentioned research, along with measurements’ correction program, model modification has been done and new results were calculated. Optimization model analysis showed that by using this approach, not only significant heat conservation can be achieved, but also suggested procedure might be completely economical.
Vibration Behavior of Laminated Composite Beams Integrated with Magnetorheological Fluid Layer
Authors: Naji J. , Zabihollah A. , Behzad M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractVibration behavior of adaptive laminated composite beams integrated with magnetorheological (MR) fluid layer has been investigated using layerwise displacement theory. In most of the existing studies on the adaptive laminated beams with MR fluids, shear strain across the thickness of magnetorheological (MR) layer has been assumed a constant value, resulting in a constant shear stress in MR layer. However, due to the high shear deformation pattern inside MR layer, this assumption is not adequate to accurately describe the shear strain and stress in MR fluid layer. In this work a modified layerwise theory is employed to develop a Finite Element Model (FEM) formulation to simulate the laminated beams integrated with MR fluids. In the present model, each layer is modeled based on First-order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT). The inter-laminar stresses between face-layer and MR layer is estimated more precise so FEM results are more accurate. Standard test of ASTM E 756-98 was employed to develop an empirical relationship for the complex shear modulus of MR fluid. Numerical examples have been illustrated the effects of MR fluid layer on the vibration behavior of the laminated beam. An experimental setup has been (FSDT) fabricated for the verification of the results.
Investigating the Local Reservoir Age and Stable Isotopes of Shells from Southeast Arabia
Authors: Lindauer Susanne , Marali Soraya , Schöne Bernd R , Uerpmann Hans-Peter , Kromer Bernd , Hinderer Matthias 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe recently started a systematic approach to determine the reservoir age in southeast Arabia and its dependence on mollusk species and their environment. This part of the study concentrates on local reservoir age and stable isotopes of the lagoonal species Terebralia palustris and Anadara uropigimelana at Khor Kalba, Oman Sea. Environmental and nutritive influences on mollusks are reflected in the radiocarbon and stable isotope signal. We found a local reservoir age of A. uropigimelana of about 940 yr and that of T. palustris as 800 yr. Sclerochronological analyses yielded information about seasonality of growth and death in A. uropigimelana. The modern shell of Periglypta reticulata shares food resources and habitat with Anadara sp., of which we did not find a modern specimen. It provided information on response to changes in temperature in the lagoonal system needed for suitability as reflecting climatic conditions. We were interested in carbon pathways of the mangrove in Kalba and a mangrove planted anew on a former mangrove sediment in Ajman. Being an obvious source of charcoal and food of T. palustris makes this information necessary. Further analyses will be performed to interpret changes in reservoir age in complex lagoonal systems as reaction to environmental variability.
Dietary patterns and the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality in older British men
Authors: Atkins Janice L. , Whincup Peter H. , Morris Richard W. , Lennon Lucy T. , Papacosta Olia , Wannamethee S. Goya 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDietary patterns are a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; however, few studies have examined this relationship in older adults. We examined prospective associations between dietary patterns and the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality in 3226 older British men, aged 60–79 years and free from CVD at baseline, from the British Regional Heart Study. Baseline FFQ data were used to generate thirty-four food groups. Principal component analysis identified dietary patterns that were categorised into quartiles, with higher quartiles representing higher adherence to the dietary pattern. Cox proportional hazards examined associations between dietary patterns and risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes. We identified three interpretable dietary patterns: ‘high fat/low fibre’ (high in red meat, meat products, white bread, fried potato, eggs), ‘prudent’ (high in poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, legumes, pasta, rice, wholemeal bread, eggs, olive oil) and ‘high sugar’ (high in biscuits, puddings, chocolates, sweets, sweet spreads, breakfast cereals). During 11 years of follow-up, 899 deaths, 316 CVD-related deaths, 569 CVD events and 301 CHD events occurred. The ‘high-fat/low-fibre’ dietary pattern was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality only, after adjustment for confounders (highest v. lowest quartile; hazard ratio 1·44; 95 % CI 1·13, 1·84). Adherence to a ‘high-sugar’ diet was associated with a borderline significant trend for an increased risk of CVD and CHD events. The ‘prudent’ diet did not show a significant trend with cardiovascular outcomes or mortality. Avoiding ‘high-fat/low-fibre’ and ‘high-sugar’ dietary components may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in older adults.
THE RIGHT TO VOTE FOR NON-RESIDENT CITIZENS IN EUROPE
Authors: Lappin Richard 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe right to vote is the most important political right in international human rights law. Framed within the broader right of political participation, it is the only right in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights not guaranteed as a universal human right but rather as a citizen's right. While limitations on the right to vote are permissible in respect of citizenship and age, residency-based restrictions are not explicitly provided. However, recent judgments of the European Court of Human Rights endorse a view that voting rights may be conditioned on residency on the grounds of an individual's bond to their country-of-origin and the extent to which laws passed by that government would affect them. This article questions this proposition and explores whether disenfranchisement based solely on residency constitutes an unreasonable and discriminatory restriction to the essence of the right.
Childhood trauma, psychosis liability and social stress reactivity: a virtual reality study
Authors: Veling W. , Counotte J. , Pot-Kolder R. , van Os J. , van der Gaag M. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundChildhood trauma is associated with higher risk for mental disorders, including psychosis. Heightened sensitivity to social stress may be a mechanism. This virtual reality study tested the effect of childhood trauma on level of paranoid ideations and distress in response to social stress, in interaction with psychosis liability and level of social stress exposure.MethodSeventy-five individuals with higher psychosis liability (55 with recent onset psychotic disorder and 20 at ultra-high risk for psychosis) and 95 individuals with lower psychosis liability (42 siblings and 53 controls) were exposed to a virtual café in five experiments with 0–3 social stressors (crowded, other ethnicity and hostility). Paranoid ideation was measured after each experiment. Subjective distress was self-rated before and after experiments. Multilevel random regression analyses were used to test main effects of childhood trauma and interaction effects.ResultsChildhood trauma was more prevalent in individuals with higher psychosis liability, and was associated with higher level of (subclinical) psychotic and affective symptoms. Individuals with a history of childhood trauma responded with more subjective distress to virtual social stress exposures. The effects of childhood trauma on paranoia and subjective distress were significantly stronger when the number of virtual environmental stressors increased. Higher psychosis liability increased the effect of childhood trauma on peak subjective distress and stress reactivity during experiments.ConclusionsChildhood trauma is associated with heightened social stress sensitivity and may contribute to psychotic and affective dysregulation later in life, through a sensitized paranoid and stress response to social stressors.