bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Practice-Level Variation in Use of Recommended Medications Among Outpatients With Heart Failure
Authors: Peterson Pamela N. , Chan Paul S. , Spertus John A. , Tang Fengming , Jones Philip G. , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Allen Larry A. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Maddox Thomas M. 
Published: October 2013

Background—
The objective of this study is to examine practice-level variation in rates of guideline-recommended treatment for outpatients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, and to examine the association between treatment variation and practice site, independent of patient factors.

Methods and Results—
Cardiology practices participating in the National Cardiovascular Disease Registry Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence registry from July 2008 to December 2010 were evaluated. Practice rates of treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and β-blockers and an optimal combined treatment measure were determined for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction and no documented contraindications. Multivariable hierarchical regression models were adjusted for demographics, insurance status, and comorbidities. A median rate ratio was calculated for each therapy, which describes the likelihood that the treatment of a patient with given comorbidities would differ at 2 randomly selected practices. We identified 12 556 patients from 45 practices. The unadjusted practice-level prescription rates ranged from 44% to 100% for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (median, 85%; interquartile range, 75%–89%), from 49% to 100% for β-blockers (median, 92%; interquartile range, 83%–95%), and from 37% to 100% for optimal combined treatment (median, 79%; interquartile range, 66%–85%). The adjusted median rate ratio was 1.11 (95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.18) for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers therapy, 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.15) for β-blockers therapy, and 1.17 (1.13–1.26) for optimal combined treatment.

Conclusions—
Variation in the use of guideline-recommended medications for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction exists in the outpatient setting. Addressing practice-level differences may be an important component of improving quality of care for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
Comparable Performance of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Joseph Susan M. , Novak Eric , Arnold Suzanne V. , Jones Philip G. , Khattak Himad , Platts Anne E. , Dávila-Román Victor G. , Mann Douglas L. , Spertus John A. 
Published: October 2013

Background—
Despite the growing epidemic of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), no valid measure of patients’ health status (symptoms, function, and quality of life) exists. We evaluated the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), a validated measure of HF with reduced EF, in patients with HFpEF.

Methods and Results—

Using a prospective HF registry, we dichotomized patients into HF with reduced EF (EF≤ 40) and HFpEF (EF≥50). The associations between New York Heart Association class, a commonly used criterion standard, and KCCQ Overall Summary and Total Symptom domains were evaluated using Spearman correlations and 2-way ANOVA with differences between patients with HF with reduced EF and HFpEF tested with interaction terms. Predictive validity of the KCCQ Overall Summary scores was assessed with Kaplan–Meier curves for death and all-cause hospitalization. Covariate adjustment was made using Cox proportional hazards models. Internal reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s α. Among 849 patients, 200 (24%) had HFpEF. KCCQ summary scores were strongly associated with New York Heart Association class in both patients with HFpEF (
r
=−0.62;
P
<0.001) and HF with reduced EF (
r
=−0.55;
P
=0.27 for interaction). One-year event-free rates by KCCQ category among patients with HFpEF were 0 to 25=13.8%, 26 to 50=59.1%, 51 to 75=73.8%, and 76 to 100=77.8% (log rank
P
<0.001), with no significant interaction by EF (
P
=0.37). The KCCQ domains demonstrated high internal consistency among patients with HFpEF (Cronbach’s α=0.96 for overall summary and ≥0.69 in all subdomains).

Conclusions—
Among patients with HFpEF, the KCCQ seems to be a valid and reliable measure of health status and offers excellent prognostic ability. Future studies should extend and replicate our findings, including the establishment of its responsiveness to clinical change.
Associations Between Fibrocytes and Postcontrast Myocardial T
1
Times in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fang Lu , Beale Anna , Ellims Andris H. , Moore Xiao‐lei , Ling Liang‐han , Taylor Andrew J. , Chin‐Dusting Jaye , Dart Anthony M. 
Published: October 2013

Background
Fibrocytes are bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal progenitors that have been linked to various fibrotic disorders. This study was undertaken to investigate whether fibrocytes are increased in diffuse myocardial fibrosis in humans.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐seven patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (
HCM
) and 20 healthy controls were recruited. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with postcontrast T
1
mapping was performed to non‐invasively quantify diffuse myocardial fibrosis and these patients were classified into 2 groups (T
1
<470 ms or T
1
≥470 ms, as likely or unlikely to have diffuse fibrosis, respectively). Circulating fibrocytes (
CD
45+/
CD
34+/collagen I+) were measured by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (
PBMC
s) were cultured for 13 days and fibrocytes were quantitated by flow cytometry (
CD
45+/collagen I+) and real‐time
PCR
(gene expression of matrix proteins). Plasma cytokines/chemokines mediating fibrocyte trafficking and differentiation were measured by multiplex assays. Circulating fibrocytes were decreased in
HCM
patients compared to controls. The proportion of fibrocytes derived from
PBMC
s was increased in patients with diffuse fibrosis compared with those without or controls (31.1±4.1% versus 18.9±3.9% and 10.9±2.0%,
P
<0.05 and
P
<0.001, respectively), and the proportion of fibrocytes was inversely correlated with T
1
time (
r
=−0.37,
P
=0.03). Plasma levels of stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 were elevated in patients with diffuse fibrosis compared with those without or controls (5131±271 pg/mL versus 3893±356 pg/mL and 4172±185 pg/mL, respectively, both
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

HCM
patients with diffuse fibrosis as assessed by postcontrast T
1
mapping have elevated plasma
SDF
and an enhanced ability of
PBMC
s to differentiate into fibrocytes, suggesting that fibrocytes may contribute to the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis.
Comparison of Performance Achievement Award Recognition With Primary Stroke Center Certification for Acute Ischemic Stroke Care
Authors: Fonarow Gregg C. , Liang Li , Smith Eric E. , Reeves Mathew J. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Xian Ying , Hernandez Adrian F. , Peterson Eric D. , Schwamm Lee H. ,   GWTG‐Stroke Steering Committee & Investigators
Published: October 2013

Background

Hospital certification and recognition programs represent 2 independent but commonly used systems to distinguish hospitals, yet they have not been directly compared. This study assessed acute ischemic stroke quality of care measure conformity by hospitals receiving Primary Stroke Center (
PSC
) certification and those receiving the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines‐Stroke (GWTG‐Stroke) Performance Achievement Award (PAA) recognition.

Methods and Results

The patient and hospital characteristics as well as performance/quality measures for acute ischemic stroke from 1356 hospitals participating in the GWTG‐Stroke Program 2010–2012 were compared. Hospitals were classified as
PAA
+/
PSC
+ (hospitals n=410, patients n=169 302),
PAA
+/
PSC
− (n=415, n=129 454),
PAA
−/
PSC
+ (n=88, n=26 386), and
PAA
−/
PSC
− (n=443, n=75 565). A comprehensive set of stroke measures were compared with adjustment for patient and hospital characteristics. Patient characteristics were similar by
PAA
and
PSC
status but
PAA
−/
PSC
− hospitals were more likely to be smaller and nonteaching. Measure conformity was highest for
PAA
+/
PSC
+ and
PAA
+/
PSC
− hospitals, intermediate for
PAA
−/
PSC
+ hospitals, and lowest for
PAA
−/
PSC
− hospitals (all‐or‐none care measure 91.2%, 91.2%, 84.3%, and 76.9%, respectively). After adjustment for patient and hospital characteristics,
PAA
+/
PSC
+,
PAA
+/
PSC
−, and
PAA
−/
PSC
+ hospitals had 3.15 (95% CIs 2.86 to 3.47); 3.23 (2.93 to 3.56) and 1.72 (1.47 to 2.00), higher odds for providing all indicated stroke performance measures to patients compared with
PAA
−/
PSC
− hospitals.

Conclusions

While both
PSC
certification and
GWTG
‐Stroke
PAA
recognition identified hospitals providing higher conformity with care measures for patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke,
PAA
recognition was a more robust identifier of hospitals with better performance.
A new species of Neosclerocalyptus Paula Couto (Mammalia: Xenarthra: Cingulata): the oldest record of the genus and morphological and phylogenetic aspects
Authors: ZURITA ALFREDO E. , TAGLIORETTI MATIAS , ZAMORANO MARTIN , SCILLATO-YANÉ GUSTAVO J. , LUNA CARLOS , BOH DANIEL , SAFFER ARIANO MAGNUSSEN 
Published: October 2013

Among South American Quaternary Glyptodontidae (Mammalia, Cingulata), Neosclerocalyptus Paula Couto represents one of the best known genera. Prior to this contribution, four species were recognized. N. pseudornatus (Ameghino) and N. ornatus (Owen) (Ensenadan Age/Stage, early-middle Pleistocene); N. gouldi Zurita (Bonaerian Age/Stage, middle Pleistocene-late Pleistocene), and N. paskoensis (Zurita) (Lujanian Age/Stage, late Pleistocene-early Holocene). One of the most notable characters of the species of the genus is a modified area located in the distal part of the nasals, recently interpreted as a neomorphic structure derived from the ossification of the nasal cartilages. In this contribution, a new species of Neosclerocalyptus (N. castellanosi sp. nov.), which in turn represents the oldest record of the genus, is presented and described. In addition, a cladistic analysis is carried out to test the monophyly of Neosclerocalyptus and the phylogenetic position of this new species. The material comes from Vorohuean (late Pliocene) levels in the surroundings of Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Among other morphological characters, this new species has ossified nasal cartilages restricted to the latero-dorsal area of the nasals, whereas in the remaining species these structures are more expanded and both sides contact in the midline of the skull. In turn, the phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of Neosclerocalyptus, whereas N. castellanosi sp. nov. appears closely related to N. pseudornatus, being N. ornatus the sister taxa of this clade. On the other hand, N. gouldi + N. paskoensis constitute the other clade. The clade constituted by Hoplophorus euphractus Lund + Panochthus intermedius Lydekker constitutes the sister taxa of Neosclerocalyptus.
Temperature Changes in Central Asia from 1979 to 2011 Based on Multiple Datasets*
Authors: Hu Zengyun , Zhang Chi , Hu Qi , Tian Hanqin 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The arid and semiarid region in central Asia is sensitive and vulnerable to climate variations. However, the sparse and highly unevenly distributed meteorological stations in the region provide limited data for understanding of the region’s climate variations. In this study, the near-surface air temperature change in central Asia from 1979 to 2011 was examined using observations from 81 meteorological stations, three local observation validated reanalysis datasets of relatively high spatial resolutions, and the Climate Research Unit (CRU) dataset. Major results suggested that the three reanalysis datasets match well with most of the local climate records, especially in the low-lying plain areas. The consensus of the multiple datasets showed significant regional surface air temperature increases of 0.36°–0.42°C decade−1 in the past 33 years. No significant contributions from declining irrigation and urbanization to temperature change were found. The rate is larger in recent years than in the early years in the study period. Additionally, unlike in many regions in the world, the temperature in winter showed no increase in central Asia in the last three decades, a noticeable departure from the global trend in the twentieth century. The largest increase in surface temperature was occurring in the spring season. Analyses further showed a warming center in the middle of the central Asian states and weakened temperature variability along the northwest–southeast temperature gradient from the northern Kazakhstan to southern Xinjiang. The reanalysis datasets also showed significant negative correlations between temperature increase rate and elevation in this complex terrain region.
Comparing patient and parent recall of 90-day and 30-day migraine disability using elements of the PedMIDAS and an Internet headache diary
Authors: Heyer Geoffrey L , Perkins Sara Q , Rose Sean C , Aylward Shawn C , Lee JoEllen M 
Published: October 2013

Aim The aim of this article is to compare 90-day and 30-day recall of Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS) elements and headache frequency against daily entries from an Internet headache diary among pediatric patients and their parents. Methods In a prospective cohort study, patients aged 10–18 years with episodic migraine or probable migraine completed a 90-day Internet-based headache diary that incorporated PedMIDAS questions. Following the 90-day diary period, patients and parents completed modified PedMIDAS instruments to assess 90-day and 30-day recall. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to measure recall reliability. The Kruskal-Wallis and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests were used to explore recall accuracy as it relates to each participant’s self-reported confidence in recall and to patient age. Results Fifty-two subjects completed 90 consecutive diary entries. Comparing 30-day to 90-day recall of PedMIDAS elements, ICC scores improved by 26.2% (patients) and 17.5% (parents). Patients had better recall than their parents for all study measures. Self-reported confidence in recall and patient age had limited and inconsistent effects on recall accuracy. Conclusion The optimal recall interval to assess migraine disability must balance recall accuracy with generalizability across a range of headache frequencies. When compared to daily diary entries, recall accuracy of PedMIDAS elements and headache frequency improves at 30 days compared to 90 days. Parent report of migraine disability should not be used as a replacement for patient report.
Return to the Source: Asres Yenesew and the West
Authors: Kebede Messay 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper discusses the ideas of Asres Yenesew, who was a leading clerical scholar during Haile Selassie’s reign. Frustrated by the marginalization of Ethiopia despite the preservation of its independence, Asres identifies the introduction of Western education as the main culprit and derives the economic satellization of Ethiopia from the cultural ascendancy of the West. As a remedy, he proposes a return to the source by which alone Ethiopia can again recenter itself and make choices in accordance to its interests. He supports his proposal by expounding the empowering forces of some important components of the traditional system of social organization and cultural beliefs. The paper underlines the revolutionary message of Asres’s discourse, but also shows how the timidity of his political stand singularly diminished its resonance.
Impact of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Treatment on the Rates of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center Patient Population
Authors: Corbo Jason M. , Brown Jamie N. , Bryan William E. , Townsend Mary L. 
Published: October 2013

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are higher in a veteran population prescribed phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for erectile dysfunction compared to individuals not prescribed these medications. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included male veterans who filled at least 1 prescription for a PDE5 inhibitor at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009. A comparator cohort of male veterans was matched for age and marital status. Results: A total of 10 154 subjects were evaluated. The number of unique subjects with confirmed STDs within the study period was not significantly different between the PDE5 inhibitor cohort and the comparator cohort (n = 8 vs 10, P = .638) nor was there a significant difference in the total number of STDs acquired (n = 8 vs 13, P = .267). Characteristics of subjects who contracted an STD included younger age, African American race, and single marital status. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the use of a PDE5 inhibitor in this VAMC patient population was not associated with an increase in the incidence of STDs. Individuals who contracted a new STD tended to be younger, not married, and African American.
Ribosomal protein S6 mRNA is a biomarker upregulated in multiple sclerosis, downregulated by interferon treatment, and affected by season
Authors: Parnell Grant P , Gatt Prudence N , McKay Fiona C , Schibeci Stephen , Krupa Malgorzata , Powell Joseph E , Visscher Peter M , Montgomery Grant W , Lechner-Scott Jeannette , Broadley Simon , Liddle Christopher , Slee Mark , Vucic Steve , Stewart Graeme J , Booth David R 
Published: October 2013

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system which responds to therapies targeting circulating immune cells. Objective: Our aim was to test if the T-cell activation gene expression pattern (TCAGE) we had previously described from whole blood was replicated in an independent cohort. Methods: We used RNA-seq to interrogate the whole blood transcriptomes of 72 individuals (40 healthy controls, 32 untreated MS). A cohort of 862 control individuals from the Brisbane Systems Genetics Study (BSGS) was used to assess heritability and seasonal expression. The effect of interferon beta (IFNB) therapy on expression was evaluated. Results: The MS/TCAGE association was replicated and rationalized to a single marker, ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6). Expression of RPS6 was higher in MS than controls ( p<0.0004), and lower in winter than summer ( p<4.6E-06). The seasonal pattern correlated with monthly UV light index ( R=0.82, p<0.002), and was also identified in the BSGS cohort ( p<0.0016). Variation in expression of RPS6 was not strongly heritable. RPS6 expression was reduced by IFNB therapy. Conclusions: These data support investigation of RPS6 as a potential therapeutic target and candidate biomarker for measuring clinical response to IFNB and other MS therapies, and of MS disease heterogeneity.
Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Morris-Stiff G. , Teli M. , Khan P. Y. , Ogunbiyi S. O. , Champ C. S. , Hibberd R. , Brown R. , Bailey D. M. , Winter R. K. , Lewis M. H. 
Published: October 2013

Objective: To determine the incidence of recanalization of the occluded internal carotid artery (ICA) and establish its natural history. Methods: Patients with duplex-confirmed ICA occlusions were identified, and a subgroup offered repeat scanning. The antemortem condition and cause of death of patients who died were recorded. Results: Of 153 patients identified, 77 underwent follow-up at a median of 35 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 14-61).In all, 8 (10.3%) demonstrated recanalization at a median of 53 months (IQR: 35-114). Of 8, 7 underwent carotid endarterectomy with histopathological confirmation of recanalization. Of the 153 patients, 45 (29%) had further neurological events, and 38 (25%) were within the territory of the occluded ICA. In all, 76 patients died, and of the 53 with a confirmed cause of death, 12 (23%) were attributed to a cerebrovascular accident corresponding to the territory of the occluded artery. Conclusion: Recanalization of ICA occlusion is common and leads to significant neurological events. Duplex ultrasound follow-up appears mandatory.
A conceptual framework for managing modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in Fiji
Authors: Witter Trevor , Poudevigne Melanie , Lambrick Danielle M , Faulkner James , Lucero Adam A , Page Rachel , Perry Lane G , Tarrant Michael A , Stoner Lee 
Published: October 2013

Aims: The current review will look at modifiable lifestyle (physical inactivity, poor nutrition, risky alcohol behavior and cigarette smoking) and cardio-metabolic (obesity, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol and high blood pressure) cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among Indigenous-Fijian and Indo-Fijian subgroups. A framework for monitoring and managing these risk factors will be presented. Methods: National health surveys were identified where available. Electronic databases identified sources for filling missing data. The most relevant data were identified, organized and synthesized. Results: Compared to Indo-Fijians, Indigenous-Fijians have higher rates of obesity (17% vs 11%) and hypertension (21% vs 16%), but lower rates of diabetes mellitus (12% vs 21%) and high cholesterol (33% vs 39%). Indigenous-Fijians report higher rates of prescribed physical activity (25% vs 21%), but poorer recommended vegetable intake (48% vs 56%), greater risky alcohol behavior (17% vs 15%) and a much greater prevalence of cigarette smoking (45% vs 24%). Both Indigenous-Fijians and Indo-Fijians report a low prevalence of recommended fruit intake (17% vs 15%). Conclusions: Fiji is progressing through demographic and epidemiological transitions, including a decline in infectious diseases and improved life expectancy. However, in concert with other developing nations, ‘modernization’ is accompanied by increased mortality from non-communicable diseases, with CVD being the most prevalent. This transition has been associated with changes to socio-cultural aspects of Fiji, including poor lifestyle choices that may contribute to a cluster of cardio-metabolic conditions which precede CVD.