bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcome Prediction by Quantitative Right Ventricular Function Assessment in 575 Subjects Evaluated for Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Fine Nowell M. , Chen Libo , Bastiansen Paul M. , Frantz Robert P. , Pellikka Patricia A. , Oh Jae K. , Kane Garvan C. 
Published: June 2013

Background—
Although right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a major determinant of outcome in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), the optimal measure of RV function is poorly defined. We hypothesized that RV strain measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography predicts outcome in PH over a broad range of pulmonary pressures.

Methods and Results—

Prospective peak RV longitudinal systolic strain measurement was performed on 575 patients (mean age, 56±18 years; 63% women) referred for echocardiography for known or suspected PH. Survival status was assessed over a median of 16.5 (interquartile range, 7.6–20.0) months. There were 406 patients with PH (71%) (74% group 1, 14% group 3, and 12% group 4) and 169 patients without evidence of PH (29%). Among patients with PH, 46% were World Health Organization functional class III–IV. The mean RV strain was −21.2±6.7% for all patients. RV strain declined with worse functional class, shorter 6-minute walk distances, higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and the presence of right heart failure. RV strain predicted outcome across pulmonary pressures and groups of PH. Eighteen-month survival was 92%, 88%, 85%, and 71% according to RV strain quartile (
P
<0.001), with a 1.46 higher risk of death (95% confidence interval, 1.05–2.12) per 6.7% decline in RV strain. RV strain predicted survival when adjusted for pulmonary pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and right atrial pressure and provided incremental prognostic value over conventional clinical and echocardiographic variables.

Conclusions—
Quantitative assessment of RV free-wall systolic strain is feasible and is a powerful predictor of the clinical outcome of patients with known or suspected PH.
Age-, Body Size-, and Sex-Specific Reference Values for Right Ventricular Volumes and Ejection Fraction by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Maffessanti Francesco , Muraru Denisa , Esposito Roberta , Gripari Paola , Ermacora Davide , Santoro Ciro , Tamborini Gloria , Galderisi Maurizio , Pepi Mauro , Badano Luigi P. 
Published: June 2013

Background—
Right ventricular (RV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) vary significantly with demographic and anthropometric factors and are associated with poor prognosis in several cardiovascular diseases. This multicenter study was designed to (1) establish the reference values for RV volumes and EF using transthoracic three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography; (2) investigate the influence of age, sex, and body size on RV anatomy; (3) develop normative equations.

Methods and Results—

RV volumes (end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume), stroke volume, and EF were measured by 3D echocardiography in 540 healthy adult volunteers, prospectively enrolled, evenly distributed across age and sex. The relation of age, sex, and body size parameters was investigated using bivariate and multiple linear regression. Analysis was feasible in 507 (94%) subjects (260 women; age, 45±16 years; range, 18–90). Age, sex, height, and weight significantly influenced RV volumes and EF. Sex effect was significant (
P
<0.01), with RV volumes larger and EF smaller in men than in women. Older age was associated with lower volumes (end-diastolic volume, −5 mLdecade; end-systolic volume, −3 mL/decade; EF, −2 mL/decade) and higher EF (+1% per decade). Inclusion of body size parameters in the statistical models resulted in improved overall explained variance for volumes (end-diastolic volume,
R
2
=0.43; end-systolic volume,
R
2
=0.35; stroke volume,
R
2
=0.30), while EF was unaffected. Ratiometric and allometric indexing for age, sex, and body size resulted in no significant residual correlation between RV measures and height or weight.

Conclusions—
The presented normative ranges and equations could help standardize the 3D echocardiography assessment of RV volumes and function in clinical practice, considering the effects of age, sex, and body size.
Association Between Maternal Chronic Conditions and Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Liu Shiliang , Joseph K.S. , Lisonkova Sarka , Rouleau Jocelyn , Van den Hof Michiel , Sauve Reg , Kramer Michael S. 
Published: June 2013

Background—
This study quantifies the association between maternal medical conditions/illnesses and congenital heart defects (CHDs) among infants.

Methods and Results—

We carried out a population-based study of all mother-infant pairs (n=2 278 838) in Canada (excluding Quebec) from 2002 to 2010 using data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. CHDs among infants were classified phenotypically through a hierarchical grouping of
International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Canada
codes. Maternal conditions such as multifetal pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and congenital heart disease were defined by use of diagnosis codes. The association between maternal conditions and CHDs and its subtypes was modeled using logistic regression with adjustment for maternal age, parity, residence, and other factors. There were 26 488 infants diagnosed with CHDs at birth or at rehospitalization in infancy; the overall CHD prevalence was 116.2 per 10 000 live births, of which the severe CHD rate was 22.3 per 10 000. Risk factors for CHD included maternal age ≥40 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39–1.58), multifetal pregnancy (aOR, 4.53; 95% CI, 4.28–4.80), diabetes mellitus (type 1: aOR, 4.65; 95% CI, 4.13–5.24; type 2: aOR, 4.12; 95% CI, 3.69–4.60), hypertension (aOR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.61–2.03), thyroid disorders (aOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.26–1.67), congenital heart disease (aOR, 9.92; 95% CI, 8.36–11.8), systemic connective tissue disorders (aOR, 3.01; 95% CI, 2.23–4.06), and epilepsy and mood disorders (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.16–1.72). Specific CHD subtypes were associated with different maternal risk factors.

Conclusions—
Several chronic maternal medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, connective tissue disorders, and congenital heart disease, confer an increased risk of CHD in the offspring.
Impact of Aortic Valve Replacement on Outcome of Symptomatic Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis With Low Gradient and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Ozkan Alper , Hachamovitch Rory , Kapadia Samir R. , Tuzcu E. Murat , Marwick Thomas H. 
Published: June 2013

Background—

The optimal management of low-gradient “severe” aortic stenosis (mean gradient <40 mm Hg, indexed aortic valve area ≤0.6 cm
2
/m
2
) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction remains controversial because gradients may be similar after aortic valve replacement (AVR). We compared outcomes of low-gradient severe aortic stenosis with AVR or medical therapy.

Methods and Results—

Comprehensive echocardiographic measurements including hemodynamic calculations were completed in 260 prospectively identified patients with symptomatic low-gradient severe aortic stenosis. Patients were followed up for mortality over 28±24 months. AVR was performed in 123 patients (47%). Compared with AVR patients, medically treated patients had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (25% versus 41%,
P
=0.009), lower stroke volume index (36.4±8.4 versus 34.4±8.7 mL/m
2
,
P
=0.02), higher pulmonary artery pressure (38±11 versus 48±21 mm Hg,
P
=0.001), and higher creatinine level (1.1±0.4 versus 1.22±0.5 mg/dL,
P
=0.02). These and other clinically relevant variables were entered into a propensity model that reflected likelihood of referral to AVR. This score and other variables were entered into a Cox model to explore the independent effect of AVR on outcome. During follow-up, 105 patients died (40%): 32 (30%) in the AVR group and 73 (70%) in the medical treatment group. AVR (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.94;
P
<0.001) was independently associated with outcome and remained a strong predictor of survival after adjustment for propensity score. Medical therapy was associated with 2-fold greater all-cause mortality than AVR. The protective effect of AVR was similar in 125 patients with normal flow (stroke volume index >35 mL/m
2
;
P
=0.22).

Conclusions—
AVR is associated with better survival than medical therapy in patients with symptomatic low-gradient severe AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
Cocaine-Induced Vasoconstriction in the Human Coronary Microcirculation
Authors: Gurudevan Swaminatha V. , Nelson Michael D. , Rader Florian , Tang Xiu , Lewis Joshua , Johannes Jimmy , Belcik J. Todd , Elashoff Robert M. , Lindner Jonathan R. , Victor Ronald G. 
Published: June 2013

Background—
Cocaine is a major cause of acute coronary syndrome, especially in young adults; however, the mechanistic underpinning of cocaine-induced acute coronary syndrome remains limited. Previous studies in animals and in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization suggest that cocaine constricts coronary microvessels, yet direct evidence is lacking.

Methods and Results—

We used myocardial contrast echocardiography to test the hypothesis that cocaine causes vasoconstriction in the human coronary microcirculation. Measurements were performed at baseline and after a low, nonintoxicating dose of intranasal cocaine (2 mg/kg) in 10 healthy cocaine-naïve young men (median age, 32 years). Postdestruction time-intensity myocardial contrast echocardiography kinetic data were fit to the equation y=A(1−e
−βt
) to quantify functional capillary blood volume (A), microvascular flow velocity (β), and myocardial perfusion (A×β). Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and left ventricular work (2-dimensional echocardiography) were measured before and 45 minutes after cocaine. Cocaine increased mean arterial pressure (by 14±2 mm Hg [mean±SE]), heart rate (by 8±3 bpm), and left ventricular work (by 50±18 mm Hg·mL
−1
·bpm
−1
). Despite the increases in these determinants of myocardial oxygen demand, myocardial perfusion decreased by 30% (103.7±9.8 to 75.9±10.8 arbitrary units [AU]/s;
P
<0.01) mainly as a result of decreased capillary blood volume (133.9±5.1 to 111.7±7.7 AU;
P
<0.05) with no significant change in microvascular flow velocity (0.8±0.1 to 0.7±0.1 AU).

Conclusions—
In healthy cocaine-naïve young adults, a low-dose cocaine challenge evokes a sizeable decrease in myocardial perfusion. Moreover, the predominant effect is to decrease myocardial capillary blood volume rather than microvascular flow velocity, suggesting a specific action of cocaine to constrict terminal feed arteries.
Risk of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Early Case Fatality Associated With Outpatient Antithrombotic Drug Use
Authors: Garbe Edeltraut , Kreisel Stefan H. , Behr Sigrid 
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) accounts for <7% of all strokes, but is an enormous individual and societal burden. We investigated the risk of SAH associated with prior use of antithrombotic drugs and their influence on 30-day case fatality.

Methods—
We conducted a nested case–control study in a cohort of 13.4 million members of the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database. Ten controls were matched to each case hospitalized for SAH between July 2004 and November 2006 by health insurance, year of birth, and sex using risk set sampling. Exposure was assessed for the warfarin analog phenprocoumon, heparin, clopidogrel/ticlopidine, and acetylsalicylic acid. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for SAH were estimated by conditional logistic regression. Risk factors for 30-day case fatality were assessed in patients with SAH by logistic regression.

Results—
The nested case–control study included 2065 SAH cases and 20 649 matched controls. The risk of SAH was significantly increased for phenprocoumon (OR, 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–2.3), clopidogrel/ticlopidine (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.5), and for acetylsalicylic acid use (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2–2.0), but not for outpatient heparin use (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.5–2.7). The early case fatality of 22.8% was associated with an age >70 years (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.8–3.1) and arterial hypertension (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.6), but not with any of the antithrombotic drugs.

Conclusions—
Outpatient antithrombotic drug use was associated with an increased risk of SAH, but no association was observed with early case fatality.
Voices Yet to Be Heard: On Listening to the Last Speakers of Jewish Malayalam
Authors: Gamliel Ophira 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Jewish history in Kerala, the southernmost state in modern India, goes back to as early as the tenth century CE. In the mid-twentieth century, Kerala Jews migrated en masse to Israel, leaving behind but a handful of their community members and remnants of eight communities, synagogues, and cemeteries. The paper presents a preliminary attempt to describe and analyze the language—so far left undocumented and unexplored—still spoken by Kerala Jews in Israel, based on a language documentation project carried out in 2008 and 2009. In light of the data collected and studied so far, it is clear that the language in question fits nicely into the Jewish languages spectrum, while at the same time it fits perfectly into the linguistic mosaic of castolects in Kerala. Though the linguistic database described here reflects a language in its last stages, it affords salvaging the remnants of a once rich oral heritage and opens new channels for the study of the history, society, and culture of Kerala Jews.
Preanalytical stringency: what factors may confound interpretation of thiopurine S-methyl transferase enzyme activity?
Authors: van Egmond Remco , Barclay Murray L , Chin Paul K L , Sies Christiaan W , Florkowski Christopher M 
Published: June 2013

Background Measurement of red blood cell thiopurine S-methyl transferase (TPMT) enzyme activity before commencing thiopurine therapy is recommended to avoid severe bone marrow suppression in TPMT-deficient patients. Patient's samples go through preanalytical transportation and storage steps before measurement. We studied patient's TPMT activity sample data to assess the effect of preanalytical variables including transportation time. Methods A total of 8524 TPMT enzyme activity analyses were conducted from 2002 to 2010 in a single laboratory, with samples sent from seven centres throughout New Zealand. TPMT activity was correlated with time of arrival at the reference laboratory, patient gender and age and centre of sample collection. Results The 6348 (74%) selected TPMT measurements that fulfilled selection criteria ranged from 0 to 25.8 IU/mL. Median delay to sample analysis was 42 h. Median TPMT activity was significantly lower for all centres compared with the reference centre ( P < 0.001). Delay in sample arrival was significantly and independently correlated with TPMT enzyme activity (ANCOVA; P < 0.001), which showed a 0.011 (95% CI, 0.008–0.014) IU/mL decrease per extra hour of delay. After correcting for these data, one centre still had a significantly lower TPMT enzyme activity compared with the reference centre. Conclusions There was a significant negative correlation between TPMT enzyme activity and delay from sample collection to analysis. Transportation time is therefore an important preanalytical variable influencing TPMT activity. Samples from one centre had a lower TPMT activity after correcting for transportation delay, suggesting that other factors related to sample processing may also be relevant.
Team Knowledge Representation
Authors: Espinosa J. Alberto , Clark Mark A. 
Published: June 2013

Objective: We propose a network perspective of team knowledge that offers both conceptual and methodological advantages, expanding explanatory value through representation and measurement of component structure and content. Background: Team knowledge has typically been conceptualized and measured with relatively simple aggregates, without fully accounting for differing knowledge configurations among team members. Teams with similar aggregate values of team knowledge may have very different team dynamics depending on how knowledge isolates, cliques, and densities are distributed across the team; which members are the most knowledgeable; who shares knowledge with whom; and how knowledge clusters are distributed. Method: We illustrate our proposed network approach through a sample of 57 teams, including how to compute, analyze, and visually represent team knowledge. Results: Team knowledge network structures (isolation, centrality) are associated with outcomes of, respectively, task coordination, strategy coordination, and the proportion of team knowledge cliques, all after controlling for shared team knowledge. Conclusion: Network analysis helps to represent, measure, and understand the relationship of team knowledge to outcomes of interest to team researchers, members, and managers. Our approach complements existing team knowledge measures. Application: Researchers and managers can apply network concepts and measures to help understand where team knowledge is held within a team and how this relational structure may influence team coordination, cohesion, and performance.
Experiences from the implementation of a comprehensive development plan for user involvement in a mental health hospital: A qualitative case study
Authors: Rise Marit B , Solbjør Marit , Steinsbekk Aslak 
Published: June 2013

Background: Few studies have investigated user involvement initiatives in whole organizations. The aim was to explore the experiences of professionals and user representatives taking part in the implementation of a user involvement plan. Materials: A qualitative study in a mental health hospital included interviews and observational data. Discussion: Three different stories emerged. The first described the implementation as a success. The second described the implementation as a success, but after overcoming several obstacles. The third described that the development plan had limited impact. Conclusions: Close attention should be made to decision-making and resource allocation when implementing user involvement.
Changes in Histological Features of Nasal Polyps in a Korean Population over a 17‐year Period
Authors: Kim Su Jin , Lee Kun Hee , Kim Sung Wan , Cho Joong Saeng , Park Yong Koo , Shin Seung Youp 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveNasal polyps can be categorized as eosinophilic or non‐eosinophilic, depending on inflammatory cell infiltration. There are geographical differences in the prevalence of types of pathologic polyps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in the prevalence of histological subtypes of polyps over time in a Korean population.Study DesignA retrospective cross‐sectional study with histologic analysis.SettingA single academic medical center.Subjects and MethodsA total of 230 patients with nasal polyps were enrolled between 1993‐1994 (group A) and 2010‐2011 (group B). Specimens were fixed in formalin and embedded into paraffin blocks. Slides were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin (H&E) and were subsequently reviewed by 2 of the authors. The numbers of eosinophils per high power field (HPF), as well as other cellular, epithelial, and stromal markers, were recorded.ResultsWe compared nasal polyp eosinophil counts according to time period. The average eosinophil count/HPF increased from 6.8 in group A to 19.3 in group B (P =. 006). The prevalence of eosinophilic polyps also increased from 24.0% in group A to 50.9% in group B (P <. 001). Among other histologic markers, lymphocytes, basement membrane thickening, and gland hyperplasia showed significant differences between groups.ConclusionAfter comparison of histopathologic findings of nasal polyps from 1993 and 2011 at 1 academic medical center in Korea, the prevalence of eosinophilic nasal polyps, which are known to be rare among Asians, has significantly increased.
Comparative study of pregnancy outcomes between day 3 embryo transfer and day 5 blastocyst transfer in patients with progesterone elevation
Authors: Li Rui-Rui , Dong Yue-Zhi , Guo Yi-Hong , Sun Ying-Pu , Su Ying-Chun , Chen Fan 
Published: June 2013

Objective To explore the effects of progesterone (P) elevation on pregnancy outcomes of day 3 embryo and day 5 blastocyst transfer. Methods Clinical outcomes (pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy rates) following day 3 embryo and day 5 blastocyst transfer cycles were retrospectively analysed. Day 3 embryo and day 5 blastocyst transfer cycles were divided into normal P level (P ≤ 1.5 ng/ml) and P elevation group (P > 1.5 ng/ml), based on the serum P level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Results A total of 2868 cycles were analysed. In day 3 embryo transfer cycles ( n = 2345), the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the normal P level group compared with the P elevation group (55.4% versus 46.7%, respectively) and the ectopic pregnancy rate was significantly lower in the normal P level group compared with the P elevation group (2.8% versus 7.9%, respectively). In day 5 blastocyst transfer cycles ( n = 523), there were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy rates between the two groups, based on the P level. Conclusion These preliminary findings suggest that day 5 blastocyst transfer should be adopted for patients with P elevation on the day of hCG administration.
Physico-chemical stability of eribulin mesylate containing concentrate and ready-to-administer solutions
Authors: Spindeldreier Kirsten , Thiesen Judith , Lipp Hans-Peter , Krämer Irene 
Published: June 2013

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the stability of commercially available eribulin mesylate containing injection solution as well as diluted ready-to-administer solutions stored under refrigeration or at room temperature. Methods Stability was studied by a novel developed stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) assay with ultraviolet detection (detection wavelength 200 nm). Triplicate test solutions of eribulin mesylate containing injection concentrate (0.5 mg/mL) and with 0.9% sodium chloride solution diluted ready-to-administer preparations (0.205 mg/mL eribulin mesylate in polypropylene (PP) syringes, 0.020 mg/mL eribulin mesylate in polypropylene/polyethylene (PE) bags) were stored protected from light either at room temperature (25℃) or under refrigeration (2–8℃). Samples were withdrawn on day 0 (initial), 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of storage and assayed. Physical stability was determined by measuring the pH value once a week and checking for visible precipitations or colour changes. Results The stability tests revealed that concentrations of eribulin mesylate remained unchanged over a period of 28 days irrespective of concentration, container material or storage temperature. Neither colour changes nor visible particles have been observed. The pH value varied slightly over time but remained in the stability favourable range of 5–9. Conclusion Eribulin mesylate injection (0.5 mg/mL) is physico-chemically stable over a period of 28 days after first puncture of the vial. After dilution with 0.9% NaCl vehicle solution, ready-to-administer eribulin mesylate injection solutions (0.205 mg/mL in PP syringe) and infusion solutions (0.02 mg/mL in prefilled PP/PE bags) are physico-chemically stable for a period of at least four weeks either refrigerated or stored at room temperature. For microbiological reasons storage under refrigeration is recommended.