bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced staff communication and reduced near-miss errors with a neurointerventional procedural checklist
Authors: Fargen Kyle M , Velat Gregory J , Lawson Matthew F , Firment Christopher S , Mocco J , Hoh Brian L 
Published: July 2012

IntroductionOver the past several decades, checklists have emerged in a variety of different patient care settings to help reduce medical errors and ensure patient safety. To date, there have been no published accounts demonstrating the effectiveness of checklists designed specifically for the unique demands of neurointerventional procedures.MethodsA three-part, 20-item checklist was developed specific to neurointerventional procedures using the WHO surgical checklist as a template. Staff members (nurses, radiation technologists and physicians) were surveyed regarding near-miss adverse events and the quality of communication immediately following each neurointerventional procedure for 4 weeks prior to implementation of the checklist and again for 4 weeks after using the checklist. Staff members were asked to complete final surveys at the end of the study period.Results71 procedures were performed during the 4 weeks prior to checklist implementation and 60 procedures were performed during the 4 weeks after institution of the checklist. Post-checklist surveys indicated significantly improved communication compared with pre-checklist surveys (χ229.4, p<0.001). The number of adverse events was lower after checklist implementation for eight of the nine adverse event types (not individually significant), but the total number of adverse events was significantly lower after checklist implementation (χ211.4, p=0.001). Final staff surveys were uniformly positive with 95% of individuals indicating that the checklist should be continued in the department.ConclusionsUse of a neurointerventional procedural checklist resulted in statistically significant improvements in team communication and a significant reduction in total adverse events, with uniformly positive staff feedback.
The Effect of Spironolactone on Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators
Authors: Zarraga Ignatius Gerardo E. , Dougherty Cynthia M. , MacMurdy Karen S. , Raitt Merritt H. 
Published: July 2012

Background—
Previous studies have suggested that aldosterone blockade can reduce the incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with heart failure. The SPIronolactone to Reduce ICD Therapy (SPIRIT) trial was designed to test the hypothesis that spironolactone reduces the incidence of VT/VF in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) who are at moderately high risk for recurrent VT/VF.

Methods and Results—

Ninety patients who had ICDs who were at moderately high risk for recurrent VT/VF and who were not candidates for spironolactone by current heart failure guidelines were randomized to receive spironolactone 25 mg daily or placebo in a double-blind fashion. All patients had previously received ICD therapy (shock or antitachycardia pacing) for VT/VF within 2 years of randomization or an ICD for secondary prevention of VT/VF within 6 months of randomization. The primary end point was time to first recurrence of VT/VF requiring ICD therapy. After a median follow-up of 35 months, the Kaplan–Meier probability estimates for VT/VF requiring ICD therapy were 68.7% in the placebo group and 84.7% in the spironolactone group. Compared with placebo, spironolactone was associated with a similar risk of VT/VF (hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.64–1.83;
P
=0.71). There was no significant difference between the median times to first VT/VF recurrence requiring ICD therapy in the 2 groups.

Conclusions—
In patients with ICDs who were at moderately high risk for recurrent VT/VF on account of a recent VT/VF event that was either sustained or treated by the ICD and who were not candidates for spironolactone by current heart failure guidelines, spironolactone did not delay the first recurrence of VT/VF or reduce the risk of recurrent VT/VF.
Does Location of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Correspond to Endocardial High Dominant Frequency or Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrogram Sites During Atrial Fibrillation?
Authors: Nagashima Koichi , Okumura Yasuo , Watanabe Ichiro , Nakai Toshiko , Ohkubo Kimie , Kofune Masayoshi , Mano Hiroaki , Sonoda Kazumasa , Hiro Takafumi , Nikaido Mizuki , Hirayama Atsushi 
Published: July 2012

Background—
Although increased epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume is known to be associated with increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF), the exact mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether EAT locations were associated with high dominant frequency (DF) sites or complicated fractionated atrial electrogram sites during AF.

Methods and Results—

Three-dimensional reconstruction computed tomography images depicting EAT volumes (obtained by 320-detector-row multislice computed tomography) were merged with NavX-based DF and complicated fractionated atrial electrogram maps obtained during AF for 16 patients with paroxysmal AF and for 18 patients with persistent AF. Agreement between locations of the EAT, especially EAT surrounding the left atrium, and of high DF or complicated fractionated atrial electrogram sites was quantified. In addition, serum biomarker levels were determined. EAT surrounding the left atrium volumes was significantly greater in patients with persistent AF than in patients with paroxysmal AF (52.9 cm
3
[95% CI, 44.2–61.5] versus 34.8 cm
3
[95% CI, 26.6–43.0];
P
=0.007). Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels were significantly higher in persistent AF patients than in paroxysmal AF patients (median high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, 969 ng/mL [interquartile range, 307–1678] versus 320 ng/mL [interquartile range, 120–660];
P
=0.008; median interleukin-6, 2.4 pg/mL [interquartile range, 1.7–3.2] versus 1.3 [interquartile range, 0.8–2.4] pg/mL;
P
=0.017). EAT locations were in excellent agreement with high DF sites (κ=0.77 [95% CI, 0.71–0.82]) but in poor agreement with complicated fractionated atrial electrogram sites (κ=0.22 [95% CI, 0.13–0.31]).

Conclusions—
Increased EAT volume and elevation of inflammatory biomarkers are noted in persistent AF rather than paroxysmal AF patients. High DF sites are located adjacent to EAT sites. Thus, EAT may be involved in the maintenance of AF.
Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Using Novel 4-Dimensional Catheter Tracking Within Autoregistered Left Atrial Angiograms
Authors: Rolf Sascha , Sommer Philipp , Gaspar Thomas , John Silke , Arya Arash , Hindricks Gerhard , Piorkowski Christopher 
Published: July 2012

Background—
We describe a novel fluoroscopy coregistered, 4-dimensional catheter tracking technology (MediGuide Technology [MGT]) used for treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of the study was to investigate (1) the feasibility of nonfluoroscopic catheter manipulation within dynamic left atrial chamber models; (2) the integration of the technology into an established electroanatomical mapping system; and (3) potential clinical impact.

Methods and Results—

Forty-nine patients received atrial fibrillation ablation using MGT-enabled NavX-EnSite. Matched patients ablated with a conventional NavX-EnSite system served as a control group. MGT was used for the deployment of diagnostic catheters within preacquired cine loops, for nonfluoroscopic chamber mapping within dynamic angiograms, and for 4-dimensional tagging of anatomical landmarks. Integration with the electroanatomical mapping system allowed correction of field distortions and a reference tool to detect and correct map shifts. Catheter ablation was done without MGT because the ablation catheter was not MGT enabled. MGT worked safely and stably in all 49 patients. Catheter deployment within the preacquired cine loops was successfully performed in 45 of 49 (92%) patients. Catheter tracking within dynamic left atrial angiograms allowed nearly nonfluoroscopic creation of NavX-EnSite geometries with subsequent computed tomography model registration in all 49 patients. Overall, MGT significantly reduced total procedural fluoroscopy time (median [quartiles]) from 31 minutes (25, 43 minutes) to 16 minutes (10, 23 minutes) and irradiation dose from 14 453±7403 to 7363±5827 cGy*cm
2
(mean±SD), respectively (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
MGT is a tracking technology that allows 4-dimensional visualization of dedicated catheters within moving chamber models. Integration of the MGT with an established electroanatomical mapping system provided algorithms to facilitate mapping in the electroanatomical mapping system environment. As a first measurable clinical impact, MGT was able to reduce fluoroscopy exposure by nearly 50%.
Incompatible ABO-plasma exchange and its impact on patient selection in paediatric cardiac transplantation
Authors: Issitt RW , Crook RM , Cross NT , Shaw M , Robertson A , Burch M , Hsia TY , Tsang VT 
Published: July 2012

Objectives: A decade ago, the first series of ABO-incompatible heart transplants was published, with surprising and extremely promising results; drastically reduced waiting list mortalities of infants listed for heart transplantation. Essential to the procedure was the process of plasma exchange transfusion, required to reduce isohaemagglutinin titres and facilitate the crossing of ABO blood group boundaries. Since then, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London has offered ABO-incompatible heart transplants to infants who potentially would die waiting for a suitable organ. We report the results of a decade of evolving plasma exchange experience and its impact upon patient selection. Methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all elective ABO-incompatible heart transplants at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital from January 2001 until January 2011. Data were sought on underlying conditions and demographics of the patients, the isohaemagglutinin titre before and after plasma exchange and survival figures to date. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent ABO-incompatible heart transplantation, ranging from 3 to 44 months, with preoperative isohaemagglutinin titres ranging from 0 to 1:32. All patients underwent a “3 times” plasma exchange before transplantation, requiring exchange volumes of up to 3209 mL. Postoperative isohaemagglutinin titres ranged from 0 to 1:16. One patient died of causes unrelated to organ rejection. Conclusions: Our data showed that eight patients (38.1%) were older than the previously suggested 12-month cut-off age. Using a combination of adult reservoir/paediatric oxygenator and extracorporeal circuit, ABO-incompatible plasma exchange transfusions can be undertaken safely using a simplified ‘3 times’ method, reducing the circulating levels of isohaemagglutinins whilst providing minimal circuit size. This allows ABO-incompatible heart transplantation in a broader patient population than previously reported.
The history of oxygen inhalation as a treatment for cluster headache
Authors: Haane Danielle YP , Dirkx Thijs HT , Koehler Peter J 
Published: July 2012

Overview: Oxygen has been a generally accepted treatment method for cluster headache attacks ever since Kudrow (1981) conducted a controlled trial showing that oxygen was equally or even more effective than ergotamine injections. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to provide a historical perspective of oxygen treatment in cluster headache and to find the origin of this treatment. Oxygen for cluster headache was first described by Horton in 1952 and for migraine patients in 1940 by Alvarez. At the time, neither of the authors provided any reason why they chose for this treatment method. The vasoconstrictive effect of oxygen was not described by Horton until 1961. Conclusion: We suggest that these authors originally adhered to the vasoconstrictive theory of vascular headache that was prevalent in the early 20th century until Wolff demonstrated the contrary in the late 1930s. The early literature describes an analogy between angina pectoris and migraine, as both being due to vasoconstriction. As oxygen was described as a treatment for angina pectoris, this may be the reason why oxygen was tried for migraine and cluster headache at a time when they were not recognized as separate entities. Later it turned out to be more effective for cluster headache.
Writing the Past in the Present: An Anglo-Saxon Perspective
Authors: Berger Stefan 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article reviews some of the major developments in the field of historical studies from the late 1970s onwards. It argues that many of these developments take their cue from the emergence of the narrative or linguistic turn which can be dated back to the 1970s. Foucauldian ideas were also very influential in giving historical studies a new direction from the 1970s onwards. In particular the article looks at the development of gender history, the history from below and memory history. Subsequently it reviews the diverse impact the narrative and linguistic turn had on traditional areas of history writing, including political, social, economic and cultural history. In particular the rise of the new cultural history from the 1980s onwards was deeply connected to the linguistic turn and resulted in a visual turn and in the opening up of new areas for research, among which the turn to material culture was of particular importance over the last decade or so. The article concludes by discussing the increasing move towards forms of interdisciplinarity and intertextuality and the popularity of transnational history writing (including comparative history and the history of cultural transfers), among which world and global history have had the strongest appeal of late.
Linguistics: The Study of the Language Capacity and Its Functions
Authors: Traugott Elizabeth Closs 
Published: July 2012

AbstractLanguage is considered a defining property of humanity in ancient myths and in contemporary humanities disciplines such as philosophy and in linguistics. But there are competing views about what constitutes the capacity for language. One approach, known as the formal generative approach, regards the language capacity as autonomous from other cognitive abilities, and equates it with the syntactic ability to form an infinite number of sentences from finite means. Another, known as the functional approach, regards the language capacity as a non-autonomous symbolic system. From this perspective factors such as speech acts, narrative discourses, and frequency effects are as important as syntax for understanding the language capacity. Implications of work from these two perspectives for a broad range of disciplines, especially literary studies, are suggested.
Art History in Japan and Its Future Development
Authors: Osano Shigetoshi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCommencing with the argument that modern art history is rooted in fifteenth- and early six-teenth-century Italy, a period of unusual primacy for the ‘eye’, the author provides an over-view of the history of art history: from its foundation as a university discipline to its recent bipolarity. In the 1980s art history devolved into a state of confusion. At the same time, con-noisseurship, a primary and indispensable foundation for training in art history, went into decline. This state of affairs resulted from the penetration of the language-based disciplines into the realm of art historical study, since their approaches are not predicated upon direct access to the art object. Counter to this trend, however, the author argues that art history is a humanistic discipline that begins with the careful viewing of an individual work of art or visual object, and works outward toward the building up of a historical, geographical and worldwide map of art.A close examination of the limitations of a globally-oriented approach (that is, world art studies or world art history) and a regionally-oriented practice that could be categorized as a traditional form of art history, leads the author to consider the future of art history in Japan. He proposes a comparative approach as a promising way of bridging Western and Japanese art history, as practiced both inside and outside Japan, in future years.
The Status of Knowledge and New Directions for the Humanities
Authors: Chung Daihyun 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA new notion of language can play an important role in developing a new understanding of knowledge and the humanities. I believe that language gives rise to pluralism not only because different verbal languages force us to see the world differently, but also because any object that can be per-ceived by humans or can be processed digitally is in need of interpretation. Consequently, our notion of knowledge needs to be communal rather than absolutistic, and our response to the contemporary human predicament needs to invoke active rather than passive freedom. These two conditions appear to suggest the possibility of building a bridge between the humanities in the academic world and the humanities in the cultural markets.
Is a Pragmatics of Collective Action Possible? -
NAISHTAT, Francisco, Action et langage. Des niveaux linguistiques de l’action aux forces illocutionnaires de la protestation. (Action and Language. From Linguistic Levels of Action to the Illocutionary Forces of Protest) Paris: L’Harmattan, 2010.
260 pp.
Authors: Poulain Jacques 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis paper is a review of Francisco Naishtat’s volume Action et Langage (Paris, 2010).
Preliminary validation of the Nepean Dysphoria Scale
Authors: Berle David , Starcevic Vladan 
Published: July 2012

Objective: To present the psychometric properties of the Nepean Dysphoria Scale (NDS), the first instrument developed to measure the severity of dysphoria. Method: The NDS was administered to 134 university students and its characteristics were examined. The structure of the scale was investigated using exploratory factor analysis. Convergent and divergent validity were examined by investigating the associations between the NDS and its subscales with other conceptually similar (Beck Depression Inventory II, Dysfunctional Attitude Scale – Form A and Toronto Alexithymia Scale) and conceptually distinct (Anxiety Sensitivity Index) instruments. Results: The 24-item NDS demonstrated excellent internal consistency. A four-factor solution was derived, with factors pertaining to irritability, discontent, surrender and interpersonal resentment. There were medium to strong correlations between the NDS and its subscales and depressive symptoms as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory II. The NDS and its subscales showed weaker, but still significant, correlations with Dysfunctional Attitude Scale – Form A, Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Anxiety Sensitivity Index. Conclusions: The study suggests that the NDS has good psychometric properties. Further research would more firmly establish the NDS as a valid measure of the complex emotional state of dysphoria.
Diagnostic performance of using one- or two-HbA1c cut-point strategies to detect undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose regulation within a multi-ethnic population
Authors: Mostafa SA , Khunti K , Kilpatrick ES , Webb D , Srinivasan BT , Gray LJ , Davies MJ 
Published: July 2012

Introduction: We compared test performance and cost per case for strategies detecting diabetes on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) using either (a) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or (b) two HbA1c thresholds where the first cut-point ‘rules out’ and the second ‘rules in’ diabetes. HbA1c values in between the thresholds require confirmatory glucose testing for diagnosis. Materials and methods: We conducted an analysis of adults aged 40–75 years from the Leicester Ethnic Atherosclerosis and Diabetes Risk (LEADER) cohort (Leicester, UK), from 2002 to 2008, who underwent oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) and HbA1c testing. Results: From 8696 individuals (mean age 57.3 years, 73% white Europeans (WE) and 27% South Asians (SA)), HbA1c ≥ 6.5% produced sensitivity of 62.1% for detecting diabetes in WE and 78.9% in SA. Using two selected thresholds, HbA1c ≤ 5.8% (rule-in, 40 mmol/mol) and HbA1c ≥ 6.8% (rule-out, 51 mmol/mol) produced high sensitivity/specificity (> 91.0%) for detecting diabetes, however, 28.8% of the cohort with HbA1c 5.9%–6.7% required a subsequent glucose test. The two cut-point threshold produced a lower cost per case of diabetes detected in WE, compared to HbA1c≥ 6.5% of £38.53 (1.89 to 86.81) per case, but was more expensive in SA by £84.50 (69.72 to 100.92) per case. Using a risk score to determine HbA1c testing, the same costs per case became £63.33 (23.33 to 113.26) in WE and £69.21 (55.60 to 82.41) in SA. Conclusion: Using a two-threshold strategy may have some benefits over a single cut-point; however, 28.8% of individuals required two blood tests.
Automated identification of protein-ligand interaction features using Inductive Logic Programming: a hexose binding case study
Authors: A Santos Jose C , Nassif Houssam , Page David , Muggleton Stephen H , E Sternberg Michael J 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
There is a need for automated methods to learn general features of the interactions of a ligand class with its diverse set of protein receptors. An appropriate machine learning approach is Inductive Logic Programming (ILP), which automatically generates comprehensible rules in addition to prediction. The development of ILP systems which can learn rules of the complexity required for studies on protein structure remains a challenge. In this work we use a new ILP system, ProGolem, and demonstrate its performance on learning features of hexose-protein interactions.

Results
The rules induced by ProGolem detect interactions mediated by aromatics and by planar-polar residues, in addition to less common features such as the aromatic sandwich. The rules also reveal a previously unreported dependency for residues cys and leu. They also specify interactions involving aromatic and hydrogen bonding residues. This paper shows that Inductive Logic Programming implemented in ProGolem can derive rules giving structural features of protein/ligand interactions. Several of these rules are consistent with descriptions in the literature.

Conclusions
In addition to confirming literature results, ProGolem’s model has a 10-fold cross-validated predictive accuracy that is superior, at the 95% confidence level, to another ILP system previously used to study protein/hexose interactions and is comparable with state-of-the-art statistical learners.