bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathology and Function of Conduction Tissue in Fabry Disease Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Frustaci Andrea , Morgante Emanuela , Russo Matteo A. , Scopelliti Fernanda , Grande Claudia , Verardo Romina , Franciosa Pasquale , Chimenti Cristina 
Published: June 2015

Background—
Cardiac arrhythmias are common in Fabry disease (FD) and may occur in prehypertrophic cardiomyopathy suggesting an early compromise of conduction tissue (CT). Therefore, FD X-linked and CT may be variously involved in male and female patients with FD cardiomyopathy, affecting CT function.

Methods and Results—

Among 74 patients with endomyocardial biopsy diagnosis of FD cardiomyopathy, 13 (6 men; 7 women; mean age, 50.1±13.5 years; maximal wall thickness, 16.7±3.7 mm) had CT included in histological specimens and 6 also at electron microscopy. CT glycolipid infiltration was defined as focal, moderate, extensive, or massive, if involved ≤30%, ≤50%, >50%, or 100% of cells; identified as loosely arranged small myocytes positive to HCN4 immunostaining, supplied by a centrally placed thick-walled arteriole. CT involvement was correlated with age, sex, and α-
Gal
gene mutation. CT function was evaluated by electrophysiological study and arrhythmias at Holter registration. CT infiltration was focal/moderate in 4 women with no arrhythmias and normal electrophysiological study, extensive in 3 women with atrial or ventricular arrhythmias and short HV interval, and massive in 6 men with atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias and short HV. Short PR/AH with increased refractoriness was additionally found in 3 patients with extensive/massive CT infiltration. A male patient with the shortest HV presented infra-Hissian block during decremental atrial stimulation. There was no correlation with age, maximal wall thickness, and type of gene mutation.

Conclusions—
CT infiltration in FD cardiomyopathy is constant in men and variable in women because of skewed X-chromosome inactivation; its extensive/massive involvement causes accelerated conduction with prolonged refractoriness and electric instability.
Coronary Artery Calcium Improves Risk Assessment in Adults With a Family History of Premature Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Patel Jaideep , Al Rifai Mahmoud , Blaha Michael J. , Budoff Matthew J. , Post Wendy S. , Polak Joseph F. , Bluemke David A. , Scheuner Maren T. , Kronmal Richard A. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Nasir Khurram , McEvoy John W. 
Published: June 2015

Background—
The prognostic value of coronary artery calcium (CAC) or carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) among asymptomatic adults with a family history (FH) of premature coronary heart disease is unclear.

Methods and Results—

Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis enrolled 6814 adults without known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Hard ASCVD events were ascertained over a median follow-up of 10.2 years. We estimated adjusted-hazard ratios for CAC and CIMT categories using Cox regression, both within and across FH status groups. Improvement in discrimination with CAC or CIMT added to variables from the ASCVD pooled cohort equation was also evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic curve and likelihood ratio analysis. Of 6125 individuals (62±10 years; 47% men) who reported information on FH, 1262 (21%) had an FH of premature coronary heart disease. Among these, 104 hard ASCVD events occurred. Crude incidence rates (per 1000 person-years) for hard ASCVD were 4.4 for CAC, 0 (n=574; 46% of the sample); 8.8 for CAC, 1 to 99 (n=368); 14.9 for CAC, 100 to 399 (n=178); and 20.8 for CAC, ≥400 (n=142). Relative to CAC=0, adjusted hard ASCVD hazard ratios for each CAC category among persons with an FH were 1.64 (95% confidence interval, 0.94–2.87), 2.45 (1.31–4.58), and 2.80 (1.44–5.43), respectively. However, there was no increased adjusted hazard for hard ASCVD in high versus low CIMT categories. In participants with an FH of premature coronary heart disease, CAC improved discrimination of hard ASCVD events (
P
<0.001). However, CIMT did not discriminate ASCVD (
P
=0.70).

Conclusions—
Nearly half of individuals reporting FH have zero CAC and may receive less net benefit from aspirin or statin therapy. Among persons with an FH, CAC is a robust marker of absolute and relative risk of ASCVD, whereas CIMT is not.
Association Between Acute Kidney Injury and In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Kooiman Judith , Seth Milan , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Heung Michael , Humes David , Gurm Hitinder S. 
Published: June 2015

Background—
Acute kidney injury (AKI) post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with increased mortality but both death and AKI share common risk factors. Moreover, the effect of a high contrast dose, a known modifiable risk factor for AKI, on mortality is unknown. The aim of our study was to analyze the association between AKI and in-hospital mortality post PCI after adjustment for confounding by common risk factors.

Methods and Results—
This study was performed using a regional registry of all patients undergoing PCI in Michigan. Primary end points were AKI (serum creatinine increase >0.5 mg/dL) and all-cause in-hospital mortality. Propensity matching was performed, with each AKI patient matched to 4 controls. Attributable risk fraction and the exposed index number of AKI for mortality were calculated within the propensity-matched cohort. Between 2010 and 2013, 92 317 patients underwent PCI, of whom 2141 (2.3%) developed AKI. We matched 1371/2141 patients with AKI to 5484 controls. AKI was strongly associated with mortality (odds ratio=12.52, 95% confidence interval 9.29–16.86) in the propensity-matched cohort. The attributable risk fraction for mortality of AKI was 31.4% (95% confidence interval 26.8%–37.5%), and one death could be prevented for every 9 cases of AKI successfully avoided. The independent impact of a high contrast dose at time of PCI on in-hospital mortality risk was weak (adjusted odds ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 0.97–1.45).

Conclusions—
Nearly one-third of the in-hospital mortality post PCI is attributable to AKI. Preventing 9 cases of AKI could potentially prevent one death. These study findings stress the need for developing effective AKI preventive strategies beyond minimization of contrast dose.
Comparison of Zotarolimus- and Everolimus-Eluting Coronary Stents
Authors: Iqbal Javaid , Serruys Patrick W. , Silber Sigmund , Kelbaek Henning , Richardt Gert , Morel Marie-Angele , Negoita Manuela , Buszman Pawel E. , Windecker Stephan 
Published: June 2015

Background—
Newer-generation drug-eluting stents that release zotarolimus or everolimus have been shown to be superior to the first-generation drug-eluting stents. However, data comparing long-term safety and efficacy of zotarolimus- (ZES) and everolimus-eluting stents (EES) are limited. RESOLUTE all-comers (Randomized Comparison of a Zotarolimus-Eluting Stent With an Everolimus-Eluting Stent for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) trial compared these 2 stents and has shown that ZES was noninferior to EES at 12-month for the primary end point of target lesion failure. We report the secondary clinical outcomes at the final 5-year follow-up of this trial.

Methods and Results—

RESOLUTE all-comer clinical study is a prospective, multicentre, randomized, 2-arm, open-label, noninferiority trial with minimal exclusion criteria. Patients (n=2292) were randomly assigned to treatment with either ZES (n=1140) or EES (n=1152). Patient-oriented composite end point (combination of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and any revascularizations), device-oriented composite end point (combination of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically indicated target lesion revascularization), and major adverse cardiac events (combination of all-cause death, all myocardial infarction, emergent coronary bypass surgery, or clinically indicated target lesion revascularization) were analyzed at 5-year follow-up. The 2 groups were well-matched at baseline. Five-year follow-up data were available for 98% patients. There were no differences in patient-oriented composite end point (ZES 35.3% versus EES 32.0%,
P
=0.11), device-oriented composite end point (ZES 17.0% versus EES 16.2%,
P
=0.61), major adverse cardiac events (ZES 21.9% versus EES 21.6%,
P
=0.88), and definite/probable stent thrombosis (ZES 2.8% versus EES 1.8%,
P
=0.12).

Conclusions—
At 5-year follow-up, ZES and EES had similar efficacy and safety in a population of patients who had minimal exclusion criteria.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00617084.
Circulating Very-Long-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids and Incident Coronary Heart Disease in US Men and Women
Authors: Malik Vasanti S. , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Campos Hannia , Rimm Eric B. , Mozaffarian Dariush , Hu Frank B. , Sun Qi 
Published: June 2015

Background—
Circulating very-long-chain saturated fatty acids (VLCSFAs) may play an active role in the origin of cardiometabolic diseases.

Methods and Results—

We measured 3 VLCSFAs (C20:0, C22:0, and C24:0) in plasma and erythrocytes using gas-liquid chromatography among 794 incident coronary heart disease (CHD) cases who were prospectively identified and confirmed among women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS; 1990–2006) and among men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS; 1994–2008). A total of 1233 CHD-free controls were randomly selected and matched to cases in these 2 cohorts. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Plasma VLCSFAs were correlated with favorable profiles of blood lipids, C-reactive protein, and adiponectin in the NHS and HPFS and with fasting insulin and C-peptide levels in a nationally representative US comparison population. After multivariate adjustment for lifestyle factors, body mass index, diet, and long-chain n-3 and
trans
fatty acids, total VLCSFAs in plasma were associated with a 52% decreased risk of CHD (pooled hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.72, comparing extreme quintiles;
P
trend
<0.0001). For VLCSFAs in erythrocytes, a nonsignificant inverse trend with CHD risk was observed (pooled hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.41–1.06, comparing extreme quintiles;
P
trend
=0.16).

Conclusions—
In US men and women, plasma VLCSFAs were independently associated with favorable profiles of blood lipids and other cardiovascular disease risk markers and a lower risk of CHD. Erythrocyte VLCSFAs were associated with nonsignificant trends of lower CHD risk. Future studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms.
Long-Term Muscle Fatigue After Standing Work
Authors: Garcia Maria-Gabriela , Läubli Thomas , Martin Bernard J. 
Published: June 2015

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine long-term fatigue effects in the lower limbs associated with standing work and to estimate possible age and gender influences. Background: The progressive accumulation of muscle fatigue effects is assumed to lead to musculoskeletal disorders, as fatigue generated by sustained low-level exertions exhibits long-lasting effects. However, these effects have received little attention in the lower limbs. Method: Fourteen men and 12 women from two different age groups simulated standing work for 5 hr including 5-min seated rest breaks and a 30-min lunch. The younger group was also tested in a control day. Muscle fatigue was quantified by electrically induced muscle twitches (muscle twitch force [MTF]), postural stability, and subjective evaluation of discomfort. Results: MTF showed a significant fatigue effect after standing work that persisted beyond 30 min after the end of the workday. MTF was not affected on the control day. The center of pressure displacement speed increased significantly over time after standing work but was also affected on the control day. Subjective evaluations of discomfort indicated a significant increase in perception of fatigue immediately after the end of standing work; however, this perception did not persist 30 min after. Age and gender did not influence fatigue. Conclusion: Objective measures show the long-term effects of muscle fatigue after 5 hr of standing work; however, this fatigue is no longer perceived after 30 min of rest postwork. Application: The present results suggest that occupational activities requiring prolonged standing are likely to contribute to lower-extremity and/or back disorders.
Performance management in the local public sector in France: an administrative rather than a political model
Authors: Favoreu Christophe , Carassus David , Gardey Damien , Maurel Christophe 
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this research is to analyse and characterize the practices of French local authorities in the field of performance management. It sets out to do so, as a first step, by putting forward a theoretical analytical framework of the different models of local performance management. It then goes on to draw on this framework and test it empirically in order to understand the nature of the French model of local performance management. The results of our research demonstrate the existence of a French, ‘performance administration’ type model evident in the trends common to French local authorities with regard to the instrumental and methodological content and the methods of steering public performance. Points for practitioners The managerial and practical contributions of this research on local performance initiatives are twofold. First of all, it will provide an analytical and evaluative framework for this type of initiative, not only structured around planning, accountability and evaluation tools but also around steering methods. Second, this study makes it possible to take stock of and characterize French practices in the field and their limitations compared to more mature international practices. Thus, a local authority adopting this path can therefore draw on this study to determine the scope and structure of the tools to be rolled out, depending on their purpose, be it administrative and/or political.
Public services management and co-production in multi-level governance settings
Authors: Sicilia Mariafrancesca , Guarini Enrico , Sancino Alessandro , Andreani Martino , Ruffini Renato 
Published: June 2015

From a normative stance, co-production has been recommended at all stages of the public service cycle. However, previous empirical studies on co-production have neglected the question of how to make this happen. Moreover, little attention has been paid to how co-production might occur in multi-level governance settings. The aim of this article is to fill these gaps, identifying triggers and organizational and managerial issues that could support the adoption of co-production in multi-level governance settings. The empirical analysis is based on a case study of services for autistic children. The findings highlight that co-production was prompted by inter-organizational arrangements and that trust-building among the actors played a pivotal role in nurturing a co-production approach. Points for practitioners From an organizational perspective, our case study shows that, in order to foster co-production in multi-level governance settings, all stages of the public service cycle should be aligned and inspired by the same logic. From a managerial perspective it highlights that the implementation of co-production requires new managerial skills and tools. Public managers are asked to listen to community groups and individuals, to mobilize collective resources and knowledge, and exercise a meta-governance role. Finally, in order to have co-produced services, our findings point to the need to start thinking differently about the roles of civil society and government in satisfying the common good.
Activating collective co-production of public services: influencing citizens to participate in complex governance mechanisms in the UK
Authors: Bovaird Tony , Stoker Gerry , Jones Tricia , Loeffler Elke , Pinilla Roncancio Monica 
Published: June 2015

Previous research has suggested that citizen co-production of public services is more likely when the actions involved are easy and can be carried out individually rather than in groups. This article explores whether this holds in local areas of England and Wales. It asks which people are most likely to engage in individual and collective co-production and how people can be influenced to extend their co-production efforts by participating in more collective activities. Data were collected in five areas, using citizen panels organized by local authorities. The findings demonstrate that individual and collective co-production have rather different characteristics and correlates and highlight the importance of distinguishing between them for policy purposes. In particular, collective co-production is likely to be high in relation to any given issue when citizens have a strong sense that people can make a difference (‘political self-efficacy’). ‘Nudges’ to encourage increased co-production had only a weak effect. Points for practitioners Much of the potential pay-off from co-production is likely to arise from group-based activities, so activating citizens to move from individual to collective co-production may be an important issue for policy. This article shows that there is major scope for activating more collective co-production, since the level of collective co-production in which people engage is not strongly predicted by their background and can be influenced by public policy variables. ‘Nudges’ may help to encourage more collective co-production but they may need to be quite strong to succeed.
End User Comparison of Anatomically Matched 3‐Dimensional Printed and Virtual Haptic Temporal Bone Simulation
Authors: Hochman Jordan Brent , Rhodes Charlotte , Kraut Jay , Pisa Justyn , Unger Bertram 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveSimulation has assumed a prominent role in education. It is important to explore the effectiveness of different modalities. In this article, we directly compare surgical resident impression of 2 distinct temporal bone simulations (physical and haptic).Study DesignResearch Ethics Board–approved prospective cohort study.SettingA haptic voxel‐based virtual model (VM) and a physical 3‐dimensional printed temporal bone model (PBM) were developed. Participants rated each construct on a number of parameters and performed a direct comparison of the simulations using a survey instrument that employed a 7‐point Likert scale and rank lists.Subjects and MethodsTen otolaryngology residents dissected anatomically identical, matched physical and virtual models. Data for both simulations originated from 10 unique cadaveric micro–computed tomography images.ResultsSubjects rated the PBM drill quality as being more similar to cadaveric temporal bone than the VM (cortical bone mean: 5.5 vs 3.2, P =. 011; trabecular bone mean: 5.2 vs 2.8, P =. 004) and with better air cell system representation (mean: 5.4 vs 4.5, P =. 003). Subjects strongly agreed that both simulations are effective educational tools, but they rated the PBM higher (mean: 6.7 vs 5.4, P =. 019). Notably, subjects agreed that both modalities should be integrated into training, but they were more favorably inclined toward the PBM (mean: 7.0 vs 5.5, P =. 002). In direct comparison, the PBM was the preferred simulation in 7 of 9 educational domains.ConclusionsAppraisal of a PBM and a VM found both to have perceived educational benefit. However, the PBM was considered to have more realistic physical properties and was considered the preferred training instrument.
Expression of Surfactant Protein–A during LPS‐Induced Otitis Media with Effusion in Mice
Authors: Li Li , Guo Xiangrui , Olszewski Emily , Fan Zhaomin , Ai Yu , Han Yuechen , Xu Lei , Li Jianfeng , Wang Haibo 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the expression and role of surfactant protein (SP) in the middle ear throughout lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced otitis media with effusion (OME).Study DesignRandomized case‐controlled animal model.SettingShandong University, Jinan, China.Subjects and MethodsSP expression was monitored using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in normal mice (n = 5). Two groups, control phosphate‐buffered saline–injected mice (n = 5) and LPS‐injected mice (n = 5), were euthanized 5 days following injection. RNA was extracted for reverse transcription PCR and real‐time PCR, and temporal bone samples were used for hematoxylin and eosin staining. LPS was injected into mice, and 5 mice per test were euthanized at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours following injection. For mRNA expression quantification, reverse transcription PCR and real‐time PCR were performed, and proinflammatory cytokine levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSP‐A and SP‐D expression was detected in normal murine Eustachian tubes. SP‐A expression was up‐regulated after LPS‐induced OME (P =. 01). At various time points after LPS injection, concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor–α [TNF‐α], interleukin (IL)–1β, and IL‐6) in the middle ear increased significantly (P <. 05) and correlated with changes in SP‐A expression.ConclusionSP‐A and SP‐D exist in the murine middle ear. The expression of SP‐A and TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 was up‐regulated in the middle ear of the LPS‐induced OME animal model.
Caring for continence in stroke care settings: a qualitative study of patients’ and staff perspectives on the implementation of a new continence care intervention
Authors: Brady MC , Jamieson K , Bugge C , Hagen S , McClurg D , Chalmers C , Langhorne P 
Published: June 2015

Objectives: Investigate the perspectives of patients and nursing staff on the implementation of an augmented continence care intervention after stroke. Design: Qualitative data were elicited during semi-structured interviews with patients ( n = 15) and staff (14 nurses; nine nursing assistants) and analysed using thematic analysis. Setting: Mixed acute and rehabilitation stroke ward. Participants: Stroke patients and nursing staff that experienced an enhanced continence care intervention. Results: Four themes emerged from patients’ interviews describing: (a) challenges communicating about continence (initiating conversations and information exchange); (b) mixed perceptions of continence care; (c) ambiguity of focus between mobility and continence issues; and (d) inconsistent involvement in continence care decision making. Patients’ perceptions reflected the severity of their urinary incontinence. Staff described changes in: (i) knowledge as a consequence of specialist training; (ii) continence interventions (including the development of nurse-led initiatives to reduce the incidence of unnecessary catheterisation among patients admitted to their ward); (iii) changes in attitude towards continence from containment approaches to continence rehabilitation; and (iv) the challenges of providing continence care within a stroke care context including limitations in access to continence care equipment or products, and institutional attitudes towards continence. Conclusion: Patients (particularly those with severe urinary incontinence) described challenges communicating about and involvement in continence care decisions. In contrast, nurses described improved continence knowledge, attitudes and confidence alongside a shift from containment to rehabilitative approaches. Contextual components including care from point of hospital admission, equipment accessibility and interdisciplinary approaches were perceived as important factors to enhancing continence care.