bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Pacing Site Characteristics on Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Wong Jorge A. , Yee Raymond , Stirrat John , Scholl David , Krahn Andrew D. , Gula Lorne J. , Skanes Allan C. , Leong-Sit Peter , Klein George J. , McCarty David , Fine Nowell , Goela Aashish , Islam Ali , Thompson Terry , Drangova Maria , White James A. 
Published: June 2013

Background—
Transmural scar occupying left ventricular (LV) pacing regions has been associated with reduced response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, spatial influences of lead tip delivery relative to scar at both pacing sites remain poorly explored. This study evaluated scar distribution relative to LV and right ventricular (RV) lead tip placement through coregistration of late gadolinium enhancement MRI and cardiac computed tomographic (CT) findings. Influences on CRT response were assessed by serial echocardiography.

Methods and Results—

Sixty patients receiving CRT underwent preimplant late gadolinium enhancement MRI, postimplant cardiac CT, and serial echocardiography. Blinded segmental evaluations of mechanical delay, percentage scar burden, and lead tip location were performed. Response to CRT was defined as a reduction in LV end-systolic volume ≥15% at 6 months. The mean age and LV ejection fraction were 64±9 years and 25±7%, respectively. Mean scar volume was higher among CRT nonresponders for both the LV (23±23% versus 8±14% [
P
=0.01]) and RV pacing regions (40±32% versus 24±30% [
P
=0.04]). Significant pacing region scar was identified in 13% of LV pacing regions and 37% of RV pacing regions. Absence of scar in both regions was associated with an 81% response rate compared with 55%, 25%, and 0%, respectively, when the RV, LV, or both pacing regions contained scar. LV pacing region dyssynchrony was not predictive of response.

Conclusions—
Myocardial scar occupying the LV pacing region is associated with nonresponse to CRT. Scar occupying the RV pacing region is encountered at higher frequency and seems to provide a more intermediate influence on CRT response.
Influence of temperature on life history traits of the free-living, bacterial-feeding nematode Panagrolaimus sp. strain NFS-24
Authors: Ayub Farhana , Strauch Olaf , Seychelles Laurent , Ehlers Ralf-Udo 
Published: June 2013

Life cycle analysis data of the free-living, bacterial-feeding Panagrolaimus sp. strain NFS 24-5 were assessed at different temperatures using a hanging drop method with single male and female individuals and a food density of 3 × 109 Escherichia coli cells ml−1. Lifespan at the moment when the first egg was laid was 5.7 days at 21°C and 4 days at 25, 27 and 29°C. The intrinsic rate of natural increase () was 0.53 at 21°C, 0.81 at 25°C, 0.93 at 27°C and 0.81 at 29°C, corresponding to population doubling times () of 1.3, 0.9, 0.7 and 0.9 days, respectively. Over 200 offspring per female were produced at 27°C. All other temperatures yielded fewer offspring. When females were kept without males, the life span was 49 days, whereas the last reproductive female (hanging drop with male individual) died after 16.5 days. These data will contribute to the interpretation of nematode population dynamics recorded in liquid culture.
Mental illness and psychiatric treatment amongst firesetters, other offenders and the general community
Authors: Ducat Lauren , Ogloff James RP , McEwan Troy 
Published: June 2013

Objective: Firesetting is often reported to be associated with psychopathology, but frequently these conclusions are based on studies reliant on selective forensic psychiatric samples without the use of comparison groups. The aim of the study was to examine the rates of mental illness, substance use disorders, personality pathology and psychiatric service usage in a population of convicted firesetters compared with other offenders and community controls. Method: Using a data-linkage design, the study examined the psychiatric histories and usage of public mental health services by 1328 arsonists convicted between 2000 and 2009 in Victoria, Australia. These were compared with 1328 matched community controls and 421 non-firesetting offenders. Results: Firesetters were significantly more likely to have been registered with psychiatric services (37%) compared with other offenders (29.3%) and community controls (8.7%). The firesetters were also more likely to have utilised a diverse range of public mental health services. Firesetters attracted psychiatric diagnoses more often than community controls and other offenders, particularly affective, substance use, and personality disorders. Conclusions: This study confirms that there is a link between firesetting and psychopathology, suggesting that there is a role for the psychiatric screening of known firesetters, and a need to consider psychopathology in formulating the risk for further firesetting.
Language proficiency among hospitalized immigrant psychiatric patients in Italy
Authors: Ventriglio Antonio , Baldessarini Ross J. , Iuso Salvatore , La Torre Antonella , D’Onghia Antonio , La Salandra Michela , Mazza Maristella , Bellomo Antonello 
Published: June 2013

Background and aim: Lack of cultural adaptation may risk or worsen mental illness among immigrants, and interfere with assessment and treatment. Language proficiency (LP) seems essential for access to foreign environments, and the limited research concerning its effects on mental health care encouraged this preliminary study. Methods: We reviewed clinical records of all immigrant psychiatric patients hospitalized at the University of Foggia in 2004–09 ( N = 85), and compared characteristics of patients with adequate versus inadequate LP. Results: Subjects (44 men, 41 women; aged 35.7±10.0 years) represented 3.62±0.94% of all hospitalizations in six years. (2004–09). Most (60.0%) had emigrated from other European countries. Many were diagnosed with a DSM-IV unspecified psychosis (40.0%) or adjustment disorder (18.8%), and 45.9% were in first-lifetime episodes. Average comprehension and spoken LP was considered adequate in 62.4% and inadequate in 37.6%. In multivariate modelling, adequate LP was more prevalent among women, emigration from another European country, receiving more psychotropic drugs at hospitalization, and having entered Italy legally. Conclusion: Findings support an expected importance of LP among immigrant psychiatric inpatients, and encourage language assessment and training as part of the comprehensive support of such patients, especially men.
A Minimally Invasive Technique for the Implantation of Bone‐Anchored Hearing Devices
Authors: Wilson David F. , Kim Harold H. 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveTo describe and evaluate a novel technique for the implantation of bone conduction hearing devices as compared with a common, conventional technique.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary referral otology and neurotology practice.MethodsIndividuals who underwent the implantation of bone‐anchored hearing devices between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2011, were identified. Demographic data, surgical indications, surgical technique used, surgical time, and complications were recorded. Soft tissue complications were graded on the Holgers classification scheme. Group 1 was defined as those undergoing a traditional technique using a dermatome with subcutaneous tissue reduction. Group 2 was defined as those undergoing the described technique for implantation of the coupling hardware with minimal subcutaneous soft tissue reduction.ResultsForty patients underwent the procedure, with 11 patients comprising group 1 and 29 patients comprising group 2. Group 2 required a shorter operative time (32.3 vs 56.1 minutes, P <. 0001). Of patients in group 1, 2 of 11 developed soft tissue complications, whereas 5 of 29 in group 2 developed soft tissue complications (P = 1.000). Most soft tissue complications were reversed with conservative wound care.ConclusionSurgery was performed faster with similar postoperative outcomes in individuals undergoing implantation of bone‐anchored hearing devices using the described technique that necessitated minimal soft tissue reduction.
Pediatric Sports Injuries
Authors: Stracciolini Andrea , Casciano Rebecca , Levey Friedman Hilary , Meehan William P. , Micheli Lyle J. 
Published: June 2013

Background: Significant knowledge deficits exist regarding sports injuries in the young child. Children continue to engage in physically demanding, organized sports to a greater extent despite the lack of physical readiness, predisposing themselves to injury. Purpose: To evaluate sports injuries sustained in very young children (5-12 years) versus their older counterparts (13-17 years) with regard to the type and location of injuries, severity, and diagnosis. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on a 5% random probability sample (final N = 2133) of 5- to 17-year-old patients treated for sports injuries in the Division of Sports Medicine at a large, academic pediatric medical center between 2000 and 2009. Using descriptive statistics, correlates of injuries by age group, injury type, and body area are shown. Results: Five- to 12-year-old patients differed in key ways from older patients. Children in this category sustained injuries that were more often traumatic in nature and more commonly of the upper extremity. Older patients (13-17 years) were more likely to be treated for injuries to the chest, hip/pelvis, and spine. A greater proportion of the older children were treated for overuse injuries, as compared with their younger counterparts (54.4% vs 49.2%, respectively), and a much larger proportion of these injuries were classified as soft tissue injuries as opposed to bony injuries (37.9% vs 26.1%, respectively). Injury diagnosis differed between the 2 age groups. The 13- to 17-year age group sustained more anterior cruciate ligament injuries, meniscal tears, and spondylolysis, while younger children were diagnosed with fractures, including physeal fractures, apophysitis, and osteochondritis dissecans. The 5- to 12-year-old patients treated for spine injuries were disproportionately female (75.8%); most of these injuries were overuse (78.8%) and bony (60.6%); over one third of the youngest children were diagnosed with spondylolysis. Surgery was required in 40% of the injuries in the full sample. Conclusion: Sports injuries to children differ by age in injury diagnosis, type, and body area. Older children sustain a greater proportion of overuse injuries classified as soft tissue in nature. Children of all ages are sustaining significant sports injuries that require surgical intervention.
Investigations of the Pediatric Hospice Care in Taiwan
Authors: Kang Shih-Chao , Hwang Shinn-Jang , Wang Wei-Shu 
Published: June 2013

Background: The utilization of pediatric hospice care remains unclear in Taiwan. Methods: Data were analyzed from the claims of hospice admissions in patients aged 18 years or younger using the National Health Insurance Research Database from 2005 to 2010. Results: A total of 91 patients and 136 admissions were enrolled (male–female = 50:41; mean 11.6 years old). In all, 62 patients were admitted once, including 47 patients who died. All the patients had cancer, with brain cancer (40.7%) accounting the most . Among acute comorbidities, neurological complications (16.2%) were mostly accounted. Family physicians provided most (64.7%) of the hospice services. Hospice stay ≤3 days correlated positively with death in hospices (odds ratio = 2.922, 95% confidence interval = 1.268-6.730). Conclusions: Pediatric hospice care revealed characteristics different from adults. Underlying late referrals were prevalent. There is space to promote the utilization of hospices for terminally ill pediatric patients.
Stimulating whole system redesign: Lessons from an organizational analysis of the Whole System Demonstrator programme
Authors: Chrysanthaki Theopisti , Hendy Jane , Barlow James 
Published: June 2013

Objectives Whole system integration of health and social care has been positioned as key to improving care, increasing efficiency and controlling costs. However, evidence for the benefits of whole system integration is scarce. Drawing on organizational theory, this study uses the implementation of remote care services, viewed as an enabler for whole system working, to explore the reality of achieving this policy objective. Methods Qualitative, longitudinal data were collected across nine UK sites adopting remote care over three years. Three sites formed the Department of Health's Whole Systems Demonstrator (WSD) programme for remote care. In addition, the implementation of remote care was explored in six other sites unconstrained by the randomized control trial procedures of the WSD programme. The methods were ethnographic (including 235 hours of observations and 184 interviews). Participants were health and social care staff and Government policy makers. Results Remote care did not lead to system redesign; however, local ‘ownership’ of new services did lead to more collaborative practices across the care system. Lack of integration was an enduring and endemic challenge across all sites, relating to differences in statutory responsibilities, absence of shared budgets and hybrid organizational roles, differences in work practices and organizational philosophies, and ambiguity around what ‘whole system working’ actually entailed. Conclusions Policy initiatives like the WSD programme provide opportunities to phase in collaborative practices and create an awareness of the need for joint working. However, the progress observed suggests that the concept of whole system redesign around remote care is currently unrealistic.
Commissioning vocational rehabilitation after stroke: Can the Cinderella services get to the ball? A qualitative study
Authors: Radford Kathryn , Crompton Amanda , Stainer Karen 
Published: June 2013

Objective To understand the barriers and enablers to commissioning vocational rehabilitation (VR) after stroke. Methods Interviews with health and social care commissioners responsible for stroke services across three counties were conducted to explore their views on the barriers and enablers to commissioning VR. Transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis, and validity checked with members of the research team. Results The findings indicate that health commissioners have had to focus on demand-led and expensive acute stroke services, leaving little resource for community services. Though the benefits of VR to patient health are acknowledged, any cost savings would not be realized within the health budget. Social care commissioners, in times of budget restriction, focus on the most vulnerable, aiming to maintain independence and reduce care home admission. In the absence of evidence, there is a perception that the need for VR after stroke is relatively minor. Conclusions Factors which might facilitate commissioning of a VR service include adapting the service to align with commissioners’ requirements, making VR a targeted outcome of community stroke services, utilizing emerging opportunities for joint health and social care commissioning such as Health and Wellbeing Boards, and closer working with researchers to improve the evidence-base.
Burden of disease, research funding and innovation in the UK: Do new health technologies reflect research inputs and need?
Authors: Ward Derek , Martino Orsolina , Packer Claire , Simpson Sue , Stevens Andrew 
Published: June 2013

Objectives New and emerging health technologies (innovation outputs) do not always reflect conditions representing the greatest disease burden. We examine the role of research and development (R&D) funding in this relationship, considering whether areas with fewer innovative outputs receive an appropriate share of funding relative to their disease burden. Methods We report a retrospective observational study, comparing burden of disease with R&D funding and innovation output. UK disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths came from the World Health Organization (WHO) 2004 Global Burden of Disease estimates; funding estimates from the UK Clinical Research Collaboration’s 2006 Health Research Analysis; and innovation output was estimated by the number of new and emerging technologies reported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Horizon Scanning Centre between 2000 and 2009. Results Disease areas representing the biggest burden were generally associated with the most funding and innovation output; cancer, neuropsychiatric conditions and cardiovascular disease together comprised approximately two-thirds of DALYs, funding and reported technologies. Compared with DALYs, funding and technologies were disproportionately high for cancer, and technologies alone were disproportionately high for musculoskeletal conditions and endocrine/metabolic diseases. Neuropsychiatric conditions had comparatively few technologies compared to both DALYs and funding. The relationship between DALYs and innovation output appeared to be mediated by R&D funding. Conclusions The relationship between burden of disease and new and emerging health technologies for different disease areas is partly dependent on the associated level of R&D funding (input). Discrepancies among key groups may reflect differential focus of research funding across disease areas.
How organizational factors interact to influence the quality of care of older people in the care home sector
Authors: Killett Anne , Hyde Paula , Burns Diane , Gray Richard , Poland Fiona 
Published: June 2013

Objectives To examine how organizational factors affect good care and mistreatment of older people in care homes. Methods Eight residential care homes for older people (including private sector, local authority and NHS providers) took part in a participatory observation-based study of organizational factors affecting care quality. Results Grouping organizational factors into infrastructure, management and procedures, staffing, resident population characteristics and culture, we show the context-sensitive nature of interactions between these factors. These interactions could enhance care quality where factors combined positively. Conversely, they could amplify difficulties where one factor came to undermine another, thereby limiting care quality. Conclusions This analysis provides empirical insights into how and why similar sector-wide changes to care provision have differential effects at the care home level. It indicates the situated and unpredictable ways in which organizational factors interact, implying the need for locally contextualized quality assessment and improvement actions.
Developing engagement, linkage and exchange between health services managers and researchers: Experience from the UK
Authors: Morris Zoë Slote , Bullock Alison , Atwell Christine 
Published: June 2013

Objectives The UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Service Delivery and Organisation (SDO) Management Fellowship programme enabled health services managers and university researchers to collaborate on research projects with the aim of improving research, managers’ research knowledge and skills, and the use of research in management. Our aim was to evaluate whether the programme encouraged greater engagement, linkage and exchange between researchers and managers. Methods A case-study approach with each case-study centred on 11 health care managers appointed as Fellows, chief investigators ( n = 13) and Fellows’ line managers ( n = 12). Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews. Interviews were analysed thematically to explore the impact of the programme, reported issues and to identify any lessons learned. Results Researchers benefited from the flow of (insider) knowledge and contacts from the workplace via the Fellow to the project. Engagement, linkage and exchange as a result of the Fellowship were less developed for the workplace. Reasons for this related to the fit of the research project with workplace interests, Fellows’ contact with the health care organization, feedback structures and training. The potential for co-production of knowledge was under-developed. A transactional notion of exchange was found in operation in workplaces. Conclusions The programme’s aim to enhance engagement, linkage and exchange was largely achieved, although exchange tended to be narrowly conceived. Knowing how models of exchange work in practice can ensure effort is put to best use.
Toward eliminating HLA class I expression to generate universal cells from allogeneic donors
Authors: Torikai Hiroki , Reik Andreas , Soldner Frank , Warren Edus H. , Yuen Carrie , Zhou Yuanyue , Crossland Denise L. , Huls Helen , Littman Nicholas , Zhang Ziying , Tykodi Scott S. , Kebriaei Partow , Lee Dean A. , Miller Jeffrey C. , Rebar Edward J. , Holmes Michael C. , Jaenisch Rudolf , Champlin Richard E. , Gregory Philip D. , Cooper Laurence J. N. 
Published: June 2013

Key PointsAllogeneic-donor–derived cells can be genetically modified to eliminate expression of HLA-A. HLA-A disruption from donor cells is a step toward generating allogeneic cells as an off-the-shelf therapeutic.
Loss of endothelial protein C receptors links coagulation and inflammation to parasite sequestration in cerebral malaria in African children
Authors: Moxon Christopher A. , Wassmer Samuel C. , Milner Danny A. , Chisala Ngawina V. , Taylor Terrie E. , Seydel Karl B. , Molyneux Malcolm E. , Faragher Brian , Esmon Charles T. , Downey Colin , Toh Cheng-Hock , Craig Alister G. , Heyderman Robert S. 
Published: June 2013

Key PointsIn cerebral malaria, IEs cause loss of protein C receptors and a highly localized microvascular coagulopathy. Low cerebral constitutive expression of these receptors, EPCR and TM, may explain the brain's vulnerability to IE-dependent pathology.