bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The global context for public health nutrition taxation
Authors: Thow Anne Marie , Heywood Peter , Leeder Stephen , Burns Lee 
Published: August 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo assess critically the scope for public health nutrition taxation within the framework of the global tax reform agenda.DesignReview of the tax policy literature for global policy priorities relevant to public health nutrition taxation; critical analysis of proposals for public health nutrition taxation judged against the global agenda for tax reform.SettingThe global tax reform agenda shapes decisions of tax policy makers in all countries. By understanding this agenda, public health nutritionists can make feasible taxation proposals and thus improve the development, uptake and implementation of recommendations for nutrition-related taxation.ResultsThe priorities of the global tax reform agenda relevant to public health nutrition taxation are streamlining of taxes, adoption of value-added tax (VAT), minimisation of excise taxes (except to correct for externalities) and removal of import taxes in line with trade liberalisation policies. Proposals consistent with the global tax reform agenda have included excise taxes, extension of VAT to currently exempted (unhealthy) foods and tariff reductions for healthy foods.ConclusionsProposals for public health nutrition taxation should (i) use existing types and rates of taxes where possible, (ii) use excise taxes that specifically address externalities, (iii) avoid differential VAT on foods and (iv) use import taxes in ways that comply with trade liberalisation priorities.
Multi-scale Simulations of Membrane Sculpting by N-BAR Domains
Authors: Yin Ying , Arkhipov Anton , Schulten Klaus 
Published: August 2010

Cells contain membranes of various shapes, often formed with the help of cellular proteins. In particular, proteins of the BAR domain superfamily participate in various membrane sculpting processes, bending membranes through the concerted action of multiple BAR domains arranged in lattices. Despite extensive experimental studies, information on the dynamics of membrane bending and an explanation of the lattices' role are still lacking. Computational studies can furnish such information. Here we summarize recent work on the dynamics of membrane bending by N-BAR domains, a well-studied member of the BAR domain superfamily, at four levels of resolution: described by all-atom molecular dynamics, residue-based coarse graining (resolving single amino acids and lipid molecules), shape-based coarse graining (resolving overall protein and membrane shapes), and a continuum elastic membrane model. Simulations showed how the membrane curvature generated depends on the arrangement of N-BAR domains on the membrane surface. The lattice arrangements found to be optimal for producing high membrane curvature are composed of protein rows separated by ~5 nm, stability of the rows being maintained through electrostatic interactions between N-BAR domains. Formation of entire membrane tubes by lattices of N-BAR domains over time scales of ~200 μs was observed in coarse-grained simulations; an all-atom simulation of a 2.3 million atom system covering 0.3 μs complemented the coarse-grained simulations.
Cost‐Effectiveness of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator:
Authors: LYND LARRY D. , O'BRIEN BERNIE J. 
Published: August 2010

Introduction: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy is indicated for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). The high relative cost of therapy with the ICD versus antiarrhythmic drugs has raised questions regarding its cost‐effectiveness. To address these questions, we review the literature on ICD cost‐effectiveness. Methods and Results: MEDLINE and other databases were searched for articles published since 1980 reporting original data on the cost‐effectiveness of ICD versus drug therapy for patients at risk for SCD. Data on costs and life‐years were abstracted and studies grouped into decision analysis models and trial‐based analyses. Cost‐effectiveness ratios were inflated to 2002 US dollars. Thirteen economic studies were included in this review: 6 decision‐analytic models, 4 economic analysis alongside randomized controlled trials, and 1 observational study. Two additional studies evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of ICDs stratified by mortality risk. Studies varied in time horizon, and in all but one study ICD therapy was more costly than drug therapy. Early models assumed larger survival benefits than were observed in subsequent trials; therefore, ICDs appeared to be more cost‐effective (i.e., $28,000–$60,000 per life‐year gained). Three large clinical trial‐based studies estimated that the cost per life‐year gained was between $30,181 and $185,000. Stratified analyses show that patients at higher risk for mortality due to structural heart disease (e.g., left ventricular ejection fraction <35%) benefit more from ICD therapy, resulting in lower cost‐effectiveness ratios. Conclusion: ICD therapy continues to evolve with changing methods of implantation and improving technology. Current evidence suggests that ICDs may be a cost‐effective option in patients at high risk for VT/VF. The cost‐effectiveness of ICD therapy for primary and secondary prevention of SCD depends upon patient characteristics that influence their prior risk of mortality. Further research on patient selection criteria and the measurement of health‐related quality of life is required. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. S99‐S103, September 2003, Suppl.)
Anterograde Slow Pathway Is Not the Same as Retrograde Slow Pathway Conducted in the Reverse Direction in Patients with Uncommon Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia
Authors: Ooie Tatsuhiko , Tsuchiya Takeshi , Ashikaga Keiichi , Honda Toshihiro , Takahashi Naohiko 
Published: August 2010

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the location of anterograde and retrograde slow pathways in 16 patients with uncommon atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), including the fast‐slow form in 10, slow‐slow form in 5, and both fast‐slow and slow‐slow forms in 1. Methods and Results: Patients were divided into two groups according to the approach used for slow pathway ablation in the initial radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA): one approach used earliest atrial activation during tachycardia (ES group, n = 9), and the other used a slow potential during sinus rhythm (SP group, n = 7). When the initial RFCA failed to eliminate slow pathway conduction in the ES group, an additional RFCA guided by a slow potential was performed. The ratio of lengths from the His‐bundle region to the RFCA site and coronary sinus ostium (Abl/His‐CS ratio) and the ratio of amplitudes of atrial and ventricular potentials at the RFCA site (A/V ratio) were compared between the two groups. In the initial RFCA, retrograde slow pathway conduction was eliminated without impairment of anterograde slow pathway conduction in 8 (89%) patients from the ES group, and bidirectional slow pathway conduction was eliminated in 6 (86%) patients from the SP group. Residual anterograde slow pathway conduction that was preserved after the initial RFCA in 8 of 9 patients was eliminated by an additional slow potential‐guided RFCA. Both the Abl/His‐CS ratio (0.86 ± 0.07 vs 0.73 ± 0.11, P = 0.01) and A/V ratio (0.80 ± 0.31 vs. 0.14 ± 0.01, P < 0.001) were higher in the ES group than the SP group. The ratios for the residual anterograde slow pathway ablation in the ES group were similar to those in the SP group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the retrograde slow pathway runs more on the atrial side of the tricuspid valve annulus at the level of the coronary sinus ostium compared with the anterograde slow pathway, although both pathways run parallel or are fused in portions more proximal to the His bundle. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 722‐727, July 2003)
Heart Rate Versus Heart Rate Variability in Risk Prediction after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: ABILDSTROM STEEN Z. , JENSEN BERIT T. , AGNER ERIK , TORP‐PEDERSEN CHRISTIAN , NYVAD OLE , WACHTELL KRISTIAN , OTTESEN MICHAEL M. , KANTERS JØRGEN K. ,   BEAT Study Group
Published: August 2010

Heart Rate versus Heart Rate Variability.
Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) in risk prediction after acute myocardial infarction (MI) and to evaluate the effect of beta‐blocker treatment on the prognostic performance of heart rate and HRV. Methods and Results: Three hundred sixty‐six patients underwent 24‐hour Holter recording 1 to 6 days after an MI. HRV was expressed as the standard deviation of all normal‐to‐normal intervals. Left ventricular systolic function was evaluated using the wall motion index. Half of the patients were taking a beta‐blocker at the time of Holter recording. Mean follow‐up was 44 months (median 34) after MI. By the end of follow‐up, 82 patients had died. Mortality at 1 and 3 years was 12.5% and 22.6%, respectively. HRV, heart rate, wall motion index, number of ventricular premature beats per hour, and ventricular tachycardia were all significantly (P < 0.05) associated with mortality in univariate analysis, independent of beta‐blocker therapy. In multivariate Cox analysis, only heart rate, wall motion index, number of ventricular premature beats per hour, and age had independent prognostic value (P < 0.001). In any model, including heart rate, HRV had no predictive value. Conclusion: The prognostic information of HRV is contained completely in heart rate, which carries prognostic information further than that of HRV. This result was independent of beta‐blocker treatment. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 168‐173, February 2003)
Electrophysiologically Guided Pulmonary Vein Isolation During Sustained Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: MACLE LAURENT , JAÏS PIERRE , SCAVÉE CHRISTOPHE , WEERASOORIYA RUKSHEN , SHAH DIPEN C. , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , CHOI KEE‐JOON , RAYBAUD FLORENCE , CLÉMENTY JACQUES , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL 
Published: August 2010

Introduction: Sustained atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently encountered during pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of PV isolation during sustained AF.
Methods and Results: Thirty‐seven patients (30 men, age

54 ± 10 years

) underwent Lasso‐guided isolation of 87 PVs during sustained AF. Baseline PV electrogram patterns were classified into one of two types: organized, with consistent PV activation sequence; or disorganized, with constant variation of PV activation sequence. In disorganized activity, radiofrequency ablation was performed circumferentially around the Lasso while the earliest PV potential was targeted during organized activity. Complete left atrial (LA) to PV block during AF was identified by abolition or dissociation of all sharp potentials recorded within the vein. PV isolation then was verified during sinus rhythm. Baseline activation patterns of PV potential were organized in 32 PVs (37%) [more frequently in inferior veins than superior veins

(53% vs 26%, P = 0.01)

] and disorganized in 55 PVs (63%). In 59 of 87 PVs, isolation was begun and completed during AF. Radiofrequency ablation organized PV activation sequence in 75% prior to isolation. LA‐PV block was confirmed during sinus rhythm in 54 (92%) of 59 PVs. In 28 of 87 PVs, sinus rhythm was restored before complete LA‐PV block. Complete isolation was achieved in all 87 PVs without complications.
Conclusion: PV isolation can be effectively and safely performed during sustained AF, preceded in most cases by organization of PV electrogram activity. This strategy may be the preferred alternative to multiple intraprocedural cardioversions.
(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 255‐260, March 2003)
Effects of Glucose‐Induced Insulin Secretion on ST Segment Elevation in the Brugada Syndrome
Authors: NISHIZAKI MITSUHIRO , SAKURADA HARUMIZU , ASHIKAGA TAKASHI , YAMAWAKE NORIYOSHI , FUJII HIROYUKI , ARITA MASATAKA , ISOBE MITSUAKI , HIRAOKA MASAYASU 
Published: August 2010

Introduction: ST segment elevation in patients with Brugada syndrome is known to fluctuate occasionally, influenced by multiple factors. Insulin has been shown to affect QT dispersion in healthy volunteers, as well as result in abnormality of ventricular repolarization in patients with congenital long QT syndrome.
Methods and Results: To assess a possible role of insulin in ST segment elevation in patients with Brugada syndrome, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered to 20 patients with Brugada syndrome and 20 normal patients without ST‐T changes as a control group. Plasma glucose and potassium levels, immunoreactive insulin concentration (IRI), and ST segment elevation and ST‐T wave changes on 12‐lead ECG during OGTT were analyzed. Augmentation (>1 mm) of ST elevation or morphologic changes in ST‐T waves were observed frequently in response to increased IRI during OGTT [15/20 cases (75%)] in patients with Brugada syndrome but in none of the patients in the control group [0/20 cases (0%),

P < 0.01

]. The changes returned to baseline 180 minutes after the glucose load in 9 of 15 patients. Patients who showed coved‐type ST elevation before the glucose load exhibited positive ECG changes more frequently than patients with saddleback‐type elevation or transiently normalized ST segment [8/8 cases (100%) vs 7/12 (58%),

P < 0.05

]. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of glucose, IRI, and potassium levels during OGTT.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that glucose‐induced insulin secretion is one of the contributing factors to fluctuation of ST segment elevation in patients with Brugada syndrome.
(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 243‐249, March 2003)
QT Dynamicity and Sudden Death After Myocardial Infarction:
Authors: CHEVALIER PHILIPPE , BURRI HARAN , ADELEINE PATRICE , KIRKORIAN GILBERT , LOPEZ MICHEL , LEIZOROVICZ ALAIN , ANDRÉ‐FOUËT XAVIER , CHAPON PHILIPPE , RUBEL PAUL , TOUBOUL PAUL 
Published: August 2010

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine whether impaired adaptation of the QT interval to changes in heart rate predicts sudden death after an acute myocardial infarction.
Methods and Results: The Groupe d'Etude du Pronostic de l'Infarctus du Myocarde (GREPI) trial was a prospective multicenter study designed to evaluate the long‐term outcome of myocardial infarction. QT dynamicity was evaluated in 265 patients by analyzing 24‐hour Holter recordings obtained 9 to 14 days after myocardial infarction. The linear regression slope of QT intervals measured to the apex and to the end of the T wave (QTe) plotted against RR intervals was calculated using a dedicated Holter algorithm. The value of QT/RR in predicting sudden death and total mortality was compared with those of ejection fraction, heart rate variability, and late potentials. Mean follow‐up was 81 ± 27 months. There were 73 deaths, of which 23 were sudden. Of all the parameters, an increased diurnal QTe/RR slope (>0.18) was the strongest independent predictor of sudden death (relative risk 6.07, confidence interval 1.48–24.95,

P = 0.01

).
Conclusion: Increased diurnal QTe dynamicity is independently predictive of sudden death among patients with myocardial infarction. This simple parameter may help to stratify risk and select patients who may benefit from antiarrhythmic prophylaxis.
(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 227‐233, March 2003)
Autonomic Blockade Unmasks Maturational Differences in Rate‐Dependent Atrioventricular Nodal Conduction and Facilitation in the Mouse
Authors: SABA SAMIR , LONDON BARRY , GANZ LEONARD 
Published: August 2010

Maturational Differences in Murine AVN Conduction. Introduction: In large animals, rate‐dependent AV nodal (AVN) properties of conduction are modulated by autonomic inputs. In this study, we investigated whether the properties of AVN conduction and facilitation are altered by autonomic blockade in the mouse and whether this effect is age dependent. Methods and Results: Young (age 4–6 weeks; n = 11) and adult (age 8–9 months; n = 11) female mice underwent in vivo electrophysiologic testing, before and after autonomic blockade. After autonomic blockade, the adult mice had significantly longer AVN effective refractory period (AVNERP; 67 ± 14 msec vs 56 ± 4 msec, P = 0.05) and functional refractory period (AVNFRP; 81 ± 10 msec vs 72 ± 4 msec, P = 0.05). With autonomic blockade, the increase from baseline of AVN Wenckebach cycle length (ΔAVW; 1.8 ± 8.1 msec vs 8.8 ± 3.3 msec, P = 0.04), as well as of AVNERP (ΔAVNERP; 3.5 ± 3.5 msec vs 21.4 ± 12.6 msec, P = 0.002) and AVNFRP (ΔAVNFRP; 2.3 ± 3.2 msec vs 12.8 ± 9.0 msec, P = 0.008), was significantly larger in adult than in young mice. Compared with young mice, adult mice were less likely to exhibit AVN facilitation (44% vs 90%, P = 0.03) and had smaller maximal shortening of AVN conduction times after the “test beat” for any coupling of the “facilitating beat” (4 ± 4 msec vs 7 ± 3 msec, P = 0.05). Conclusion: Complete autonomic blockade significantly increases AVN conduction times and refractory periods in adult but not in young mice. Adult mice also exhibit less AVN facilitation. Our results confirm that, like in larger animals, rate‐dependent murine AVN properties of conduction are under autonomic regulation. Adult mice have higher sympathetic AVN inputs at baseline, leading to slower conduction after autonomic blockade. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 191‐195, February 2003)
Effect of Heating on Pulmonary Veins:
Authors: KOK LAI CHOW , EVERETT THOMAS H. , AKAR JOSEPH G. , HAINES DAVID E. 
Published: August 2010

Introduction: The success of radiofrequency energy catheter ablation for the treatment of patients with paroxysmal or chronic atrial fibrillation has been complicated by postablation development of pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis. The acute effect of heat on PV structure has not been well characterized. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of hyperthermic exposure on PVs and to determine the critical temperature at which PV stenosis would be observed.
Methods and Results: The main PVs of acutely explanted canine hearts were identified, isolated, and dissected from the left atria. Measurements of the diameter of 3‐mm PV rings were obtained at baseline and after hyperthermic exposure at 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, and 80°C. Mechanical behavior of PVs was studied by examining the stress‐strain relationship of each PV specimen after heat exposure at different temperature settings. Twenty‐eight PVs samples from 15 dogs (1–3 PVs/dog) were obtained and had a mean circumference of

8.7 ± 2.3 mm

at baseline. After heating to 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, and 80°C, the mean PV circumference was

9.2 ± 2.3 mm

(P = NS vs baseline),

6.8 ± 2.3 mm (P < 0.0001), 4.2 ± 1.5 mm (P < 0.0001)

, and

4.2 ± 0.8 mm (P < 0.0001)

, respectively. The stress‐strain curves of PV specimens were shifted to the left upon exposure to higher temperatures, indicating loss of compliance of PVs due to heat exposure. Histology showed loss of typical collagen matrix above 60°C.
Conclusion: Significant acute heat‐induced contraction of PVs at zero‐tension state was observed between 60°C and 65°C. This change was associated with collagen denaturation.
(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 250‐254, March 2003)
Discrepancies Between the Upper Limit of Vulnerability and Defibrillation Threshold:
Authors: Gurevitz Osnat T. , Friedman Paul A. , Glikson Michael , Trusty Jane M. , Ballman Karla V. , Rosales Ana G. , Hayes David L. , Hammill Stephen C. , Swerdlow Charles D. 
Published: August 2010

Introduction: Upper limit of vulnerability (ULV) has a strong correlation with defibrillation threshold (DFT) in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Significant discrepancies between ULV and DFT are infrequent. The aim of this study was to characterize patients with such discrepancies. Methods and Results: The ULV and DFT were determined in 167 ICD patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate clinical predictors of a significant difference (≥10 J) between ULV and DFT. Only 8 patients (5%) had ≥10 J difference. ULV exceeded DFT in all of them. Absence of coronary artery disease (6/8 vs 48/159 patients; P = 0.05) and absence of documented ventricular arrhythmias (4/8 vs 12/159 patients; P = 0.01) were the only independent predictors of a significant ULV‐DFT discrepancy. Conclusion: Significant discrepancies between ULV and DFT occur in 5% of patients with ICDs. Absence of coronary disease and documented ventricular arrhythmias predict such a discrepancy. At ICD implant, DFT testing is recommended in these patients and in patients with a high (>20 J) ULV before first‐shock energy and the need for lead repositioning are determined. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 728‐732, July 2003)
Pulmonary Vein Disconnection Using the LocaLisa Three‐Dimensional Nonfluoroscopic Catheter Imaging System
Authors: Macle Laurent , Jaïs Pierre , Scavée Christophe , Weerasooriya Rukshen , Hocini Mélèze , Shah Dipen C. , Raybaud Florence , Choi Kee‐Joon , Clémenty Jacques , Haïssaguerre Michel 
Published: August 2010

Introduction: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with prolonged fluoroscopy times. We prospectively evaluated the use of the LocaLisa three‐dimensional nonfluoroscopic catheter imaging system with the aim of reducing fluoroscopy times during pulmonary vein (PV) disconnection. Methods and Results: Fifty‐two patients with AF (47 men and 5 women, mean age 53 ± 9 years) underwent disconnection of all four PVs guided by a circumferential mapping catheter. The LocaLisa navigation system was used for real‐time three‐dimensional nonfluoroscopic imaging of the circumferential mapping catheter and ablation catheter electrodes in 26 patients. Procedural parameters were compared with those of a control group consisting of 26 patients in whom only standard fluoroscopy was used. PV disconnection was performed similarly in both groups by circumferential ablation around the ostia, with the endpoint of disconnecting left atrium to PV breakthroughs. The cumulative duration of radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery, procedural time, and fluoroscopy time required for PV disconnection were compared. Successful disconnection was achieved in all PVs, without acute complications. There was no significant difference in cumulative RF energy delivery: 34.8 ± 11.4 minutes for the nonfluoroscopic imaging group versus 38.2 ± 10.5 minutes for the control group. The fluoroscopy time required for disconnection of all four PVs was significantly lower in the LocaLisa group than in the control group: 8.4 ± 4.3 minutes versus 23.7 ± 9.7 minutes (P < 0.0001). There also was a significant difference in the mean time taken for PV disconnection: 46.5 ± 12.0 minutes for the nonfluoroscopic imaging group versus 66.3 ± 18.9 minutes for the control group (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: By allowing continuous three‐dimensional monitoring of ablation and mapping catheter position and orientation, the LocaLisa nonfluoroscopic imaging system significantly reduces fluoroscopy and PV disconnection times. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 693–697, July 2003)