bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a simple model for predicting liver fibrosis in HIV/hepatitis C virus‐coinfected patients
Authors: Al‐Mohri H , Cooper C , Murphy T , Klein MB 
Published: October 2005

ObjectivesRecently, several models incorporating laboratory measurements have been validated for use as surrogate markers for liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono‐infection, the simplest of these being the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI). We evaluated how well the APRI predicts significant hepatic fibrosis in patients with HIV/HCV coinfection.MethodsForty‐six HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients who underwent liver biopsy and had concomitant laboratory measurements (±3 months) were included in the study. Significant fibrosis was defined as F2–F4 using Batt and Ludwig scoring (=3 Ishak). APRI=[(AST/upper limit of normal)/platelet count (109/L)] × 100. We used sas proc logistic (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) to calculate the area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) (AUC). Sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were compared using cut‐offs previously identified in the literature.ResultsThirty‐three of 46 patients (72%) had significant fibrosis on biopsy. For significant fibrosis, the area under the ROC for the APRI was 0.847±0.057. APRI scores >1.5 (the higher cut‐off) were 100% specific and 52% sensitive; PPV was 100% and NPV 45%. Scores <0.5 (the lower cut‐off) were 82% sensitive and 46% specific in ruling out significant fibrosis (PPV 79%; NPV 50%).ConclusionsA simple model incorporating readily available laboratory data is highly predictive of significant fibrosis in HIV/HCV coinfection and could serve as a biopsy‐sparing measure, thus making treatment more accessible for this population.
Consumer credit, household financial management, and sustainable consumption
Authors: Cohen Maurie J. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractOver the past decade, sustainable consumption has emerged as an issue of growing international prominence. Policy initiatives to facilitate more environmentally and socially preferable household provisioning have typically emphasized materials and energy efficiency. While this approach holds the prospect for some notable short‐term gains, experience suggests that longer‐term improvements are likely to fall short of expectations and trigger unanticipated rebound effects. Effective policy programs need to acknowledge the social and financial dimensions of consumer decision making and become more attentive to the role of households as catalysts of production. From this perspective, consumer payment systems take on special significance. In particular, the prevalence of credit cards and the accumulation of consumer debt in the USA and other advanced countries have been important drivers of economic growth in recent years. This paper highlights the linkages between consumer credit and sustainable consumption and discusses the structural changes in lending practices that account for the popularity of this payment system. While unsatisfactory conceptual models and inadequate data make it difficult to advance any definitive assessment of this relationship, it is possible to outline the basic elements of a research agenda in this area.
Estimating Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Well‐Functioning Older Adults: Treadmill Validation of the Long Distance Corridor Walk
Authors: Simonsick Eleanor M. , Fan Ellen , Fleg Jerome L. 
Published: October 2005

Objectives: To determine criterion validity of the 400‐m walk component of the Long Distance Corridor Walk (LDCW) and develop equations for estimating peak oxygen consumption (VO2) from 400‐m time and factors intrinsic to test performance (e.g., heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) response) in older adults.Design: Cross‐sectional validation study.Setting: Gerontology Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland.Participants: Healthy volunteers (56 men and 46 women) aged 60 to 91 participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging between August 1999 and July 2000.Measurements: The LDCW, consisting of a 2‐minute walk followed immediately by a 400‐m walk “done as quickly as possible” over a 20‐m course was administered the day after maximal treadmill testing. HR and SBP were measured before testing and at the end of the 400‐m walk. Weight, height, activity level, perceived effort, and stride length were also acquired.Results: Peak VO2 ranged from 12.2 to 31.1 mL oxygen/kg per minute, and 400‐m time ranged from 2 minutes 52 seconds to 6 minutes 18 seconds. Correlation between 400‐m time and peak VO2 was −0.79. The estimating equation from linear regression included 400‐m time (partial coefficient of determination (R2)=0.625), long versus short stride (partial R2=0.090), ending SBP (partial R2=0.019), and a correction factor for fast 400‐m time (<240 seconds; partial R2=0.020) and explained 75.5% of the variance in peak VO2 (correlation coefficient=0.87).Conclusion: A 400‐m walk performed as part of the LDCW provides a valid estimate of peak VO2 in older adults. Incorporating low‐cost, safe assessments of fitness in clinical and research settings can identify early evidence of physical decline and individuals who may benefit from therapeutic interventions.
Evidence That Activation Following Failed Defibrillation Is Not Caused by Triggered Activity
Authors: ZHENG XIANGSHENG , WALCOTT GREGORY P. , SMITH WILLIAM M. , IDEKER RAYMOND E. 
Published: October 2005

Background: Earliest postshock activation following failed defibrillation shocks slightly lower than the defibrillation threshold (DFT) in large animals appears to arise from a focus. We tested the hypothesis that these foci are caused by early or delayed afterdepolarizations (EADs or DADs) by performing epicardial electrical mapping and giving the EAD inhibitor pinacidil or the DAD inhibitor flunarizine to see if the foci were extinguished or altered in timing or location. Methods and Results: A sock containing 504 electrodes was placed over the entire ventricular epicardium of 12 open‐chested pigs. After the DFT was determined and additional shocks given, pinacidil was administered to 6 pigs and flunarizine to 6 pigs. Then, the DFT was again determined and additional shocks were given. Pinacidil significantly shortened the effective refractory period (ERP) (162 ± 16 vs 130 ± 28 msec) and action potential duration (APD90) (179 ± 6 vs 149 ± 19 msec) and significantly increased the peak frequency of the power spectrum of a left ventricle (LV) electrode during ventricular fibrillation (VF) (9.3 ± 0.6 vs 10.5 ± 1.0 Hz), while flunarizine did not significantly alter the ERP (162 ± 8 vs 167 ± 18 msec) or APD90 (187 ± 12 vs 191 ± 20) but significantly reduced the peak frequency (9.2 ± 0.5 vs 7.5 ± 1.0 Hz). These findings suggest the drugs had their expected electrophysiological effects. However, the DFT was not significantly changed by either drug. Following the same strength shock 10% below the predrug DFT, earliest postshock activation arose in a focal epicardial pattern from the anterior‐apical LV both before and after the drugs. The time from the shock until the appearance of this activation was not significantly different before and after either drug. Conclusion: The lack of change in DFT as well as the lack of change in the incidence, location, and timing of the postshock focus with sub‐DFT strength shocks before and after pinacidil and flunarizine provide evidence that these foci are not caused by triggered activity.
Left Mitral Isthmus Ablation Associated with PV Isolation: Long‐Term Results of a Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: FASSINI GAETANO , RIVA STEFANIA , CHIODELLI ROBERTA , TREVISI NICOLA , BERTI MARCO , CARBUCICCHIO CORRADO , MACCABELLI GIUSEPPE , GIRALDI FRANCESCO , BELLA PAOLO DELLA 
Published: October 2005

Background: The deployment of an ablation line connecting the left inferior PV to the mitral annulus (mitral isthmus line [MIL]) enhances the efficacy of pulmonary vein disconnection (PVD) in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences. Objectives: To investigate the long‐term effect of the additional linear lesion in a prospective randomized study. Methods: One hundred and eighty‐seven patients (37 females, mean age: 55 ± 11 years) with paroxysmal (126) or persistent (61 patients) AF, were prospectively randomized into two groups: PVD (group A, 92 patients) or PVD combined with MIL (group B, 95 patients), performed by means of an irrigated‐tip ablation catheter. Results: Successful disconnection of all PVs was achieved in all patients. A bidirectional block (BB) along the left atrial isthmus was obtained in 72 of 95 (76%) patients in group B, most of whom required additional RF pulses from within the distal CS. A transient ischemic attack occurred in 1 patient of group A, and a cardiac tamponade occurred in 1 patient of group B. At 1 year, 53 ± 5% (group A) and 71 ± 5% (group B) remained arrhythmia free (P = 0.01); subgroup analysis highlights a higher improvement among patients with persistent AF (74 ± 9% vs 36 ± 9%; P < 0.01) than what was observed in paroxysmal AF (76 ± 6% vs 62 ± 6%; P < 0.05); antiarrhythmic drugs were continued in 56% and 50%, respectively, in groups A and B (P = ns). Conclusions: The addition of mitral isthmus line to the PV disconnection allows a significant improvement of sinus rhythm maintenance rate, particularly in patients with persistent AF, without the risk for major complications.
Noninvasive Risk Stratification of Subjects with a Brugada‐Type Electrocardiogram and No History of Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Ikeda Takanori , Takami Mitsuaki , Sugi Kaoru , Mizusawa Yuka , Sakurada Harumizu , Yoshino Hideaki 
Published: October 2005

Background: Recent studies suggest that the Brugada‐type electrocardiogram (ECG) is much more prevalent than the manifest Brugada syndrome. Although invasive electrophysiologic investigations have been proposed as a risk stratifier, their value is controversial, and alternative noninvasive techniques may be preferred. We sought a noninvasive strategy to detect a high‐risk group in a long‐term follow‐up study of subjects with a Brugada‐type ECG, and no history of cardiac arrest. Methods: This study enrolled 124 consecutive subjects with a Brugada‐type ECG. Prognostic indices included: age, sex, a family history of sudden death, syncopal episodes, a spontaneous coved‐type ST‐segment elevation, maximal magnitude of ST‐segment elevation, a spontaneous change in ST segment, a mean QRS duration, maximal QT interval, QT dispersion, late potentials (LP) by signal‐averaged ECG, and microvolt T‐wave alternans. Results: Of the 124 subjects, 20 consenting subjects had an implantable defibrillator before follow‐up. During a 40 ± 19‐month follow‐up, 12 subjects (9.7%) reached one of the endpoints (sudden death or ventricular tachyarrhythmia). Of the 12 risk indices, a family history of sudden death, syncopal episodes, a spontaneous coved‐type ST‐segment elevation, a spontaneous change in ST segment, and LP had significant values. In multivariate analysis, a spontaneous change in ST segment had the most significance (a relative hazard, 9.2; P = 0.036). Combined assessment of this index and other significant indices obtained higher positive predictive values (43–71%). Conclusions: A spontaneous change in ST segment is associated with the highest risk for subsequent events in subjects with a Brugada‐type ECG. The presence of syncopal episodes, a history of familial sudden death, and/or LP may increase its value.
Effects of Mobile Telephones on the Function of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: Tandogan Izzet , Ozin Bulent , Bozbas Huseyin , Turhan Sibel , Ozdemir Ramazan , Yetkin Ertan , Topal Ergun 
Published: October 2005

Objective: We investigated whether mobile telephones affect the function of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Background: It is well known that electromagnetic fields can affect medical devices. Methods: The study included 43 patients with ventricular tachycardia and/or fibrillation treated with transvenous pectoral ICDs. Testing was done under continuous electrocardiograph monitoring under supervision of an ICD programmer. Initially, each patient was tested during spontaneous rhythm. Then the ICD was programmed to a pace rhythm higher than the patient's heart rate, and the tests were repeated at paced rhythm. In 7 patients, tests were performed during the implantation procedure as well. In 3 of the patients, only a single defibrillation zone was active. The other 40 patients had one or more active ventricular tachycardia zones. Two mobile phones (both GSM 900 MHz) were positioned 50 cm away from the implanted device in opposite directions and switched on. Communication was established between these phones, two investigators had a 20‐second conversation, and then the phones were switched off. The same procedure was repeated at 30, 20, and 10 cm away from the implantation site, respectively. Finally, the procedure was performed with the antennae of both phones touching the device pocket. In the above‐mentioned 7 cases where testing was done during implantation of the ICD, a call was made from one phone to the other, ringing occurred for 5 seconds, and then two investigators conversed while the device was implanted. Results: There was no change in the function of the ICDs during any of the phone testing procedures. In 5 cases, artifacts were noted on the surface electrocardiographic (ECG) screen of the programmer during the tests, but no such changes were observed on the simultaneous intracardiac ECGs. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that mobile phones have no effects on ICD function.
Differences in Outcomes Between Patients Treated with Single‐ versus Dual‐Chamber Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: A Substudy of the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial II
Authors: Berenbom Loren D. , Weiford Brian C. , Vacek James L. , Emert Martin P. , Hall W. Jackson , Andrews Mark L. , McNitt Scott , Zareba Wojciech , Moss Arthur J. ,   for the MADIT‐II Investigators
Published: October 2005

Objectives:We sought to evaluate the influence of single‐ versus dual‐chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) on the occurrence of heart failure and mortality as well as appropriate and inappropriate ICD therapy in the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial II (MADIT‐II).Background:In MADIT‐II, ICD therapy in patients with a prior myocardial infarction and ejection fraction ≤0.30 was associated with a 31% reduction in risk of mortality when compared to conventionally treated patients. An unexpected finding was an increased occurrence of hospitalization for heart failure in the ICD group.Methods:Data from 717 patients randomized to ICD therapy with single‐ or dual‐chamber pacing devices in MADIT‐II were retrospectively analyzed. Endpoints selected for analysis included death from any cause, new or worsening heart failure requiring hospitalization, death or heart failure, appropriate therapy for ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF), and inappropriate ICD therapy for atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia.Results:A total of 404 single‐chamber ICDs (S‐ICDs) and 313 dual‐chamber ICDs (D‐ICDs) were implanted. Patients receiving D‐ICDs were at a higher risk at baseline than those receiving S‐ICDs, with older age, higher NYHA class, more frequent prior CABG, wider QRS complex, more LBBB, higher BUN level, a history of more atrial arrhythmias requiring treatment, and a longer time interval from their index myocardial infarction to enrollment. While there was a trend toward an increase in adverse outcomes in the D‐ICD group, no statistically significant differences in heart failure or mortality were observed between S‐ICD versus D‐ICD groups.Conclusions:Patients with D‐ICDs had a nonsignificant trend toward higher mortality and heart failure rates than patients with S‐ICDs.
Safety and Efficacy of Flecainide in Subjects with Long QT‐3 Syndrome (ΔKPQ Mutation): A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Moss Arthur J. , Windle John R. , Hall W. Jackson , Zareba Wojciech , Robinson Jennifer L , McNitt Scott , Severski Patricia , Rosero Spencer , Daubert James P. , Qi Ming , Cieciorka Michael , Manalan Allan S. 
Published: October 2005

Background: We conducted a study of chronic therapy with flecainide versus placebo in a small group of LQT‐3 patients with the ΔKPQ deletion to evaluate the safety and efficacy of flecainide in this genetic disorder. In vitro studies have shown that flecainide provides correction of the impaired inactivation associated with the ΔKPQ deletion.Methods:A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted with flecainide and placebo in six male LQT‐3 subjects with the ΔKPQ deletion.Results:The lowest possible dose of flecainide associated with at least a 40 ms reduction in the QTc interval was determined in an initial open‐label, dose‐ranging investigation using one‐fourth or half of the recommended maximal antiarrhythmic flecainide dose. QTc reduction was achieved with a flecainide dose of 1.5 mg/kg per day in 4 subjects and with 3.0 mg/kg per day in 2 subjects. Subjects were randomized to four 6‐month alternating periods of flecainide and placebo therapy based on the open‐label dose findings. Average QTc values during placebo and flecainide therapies were 534 ms and 503 ms, respectively, with an adjusted reduction in QTc of −27.1 ms (95% confidence interval: −36.8 ms to −17.4 ms; P < 0.001) at a mean flecainide blood level of 0.11 ±0.05 μg/ml. Minimal prolongation in QRS occurred (mean: +2.5 ms), and there were no major adverse cardiac effects.Conclusions:Chronic low‐dose flecainide significantly shortens the QTc interval in LQT‐3 subjects with the ΔKPQ mutation. No major adverse drug effects were observed with flecainide during this trial, but the sample size is not large enough to evaluate the safety of flecainide therapy in patients with this mutation.
Assessment of the effect of endurance training on left ventricular relaxation with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kivistö S. , Perhonen M. , Holmström M. , Lauerma K. 
Published: October 2005

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of endurance training on the early diastolic global and regional left ventricular (LV) relaxation with three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.Fourteen subjects were examined with MRI before and after 3‐month endurance training. Global early diastolic LV myocardial relaxation was assessed with mitral flow velocity mapping and regional LV early myocardial relaxation with myocardial tagging. LV end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes and mass were assessed with cine Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Mitral flow velocity mapping analysis revealed that the time to peak early filling shortened after training (before 112±32 ms, after 97±21, P<0.05), indicating more rapid global early myocardial relaxation. LV mass increased (97±19 g, 105±18, P<0.01) and end‐systolic volume decreased (47±11 mL, 42±13, P<0.05). According to myocardial tagging analysis early myocardial relaxation in the septum and in the LV lateral wall increased (P<0.05). Regional tagging analysis showed enhanced myocardial relaxation in the basal septum (P<0.05).Global and regional LV early diastolic relaxation improved and physiological LV hypertrophy was found after the exercise training period for 3 months in healthy sedentary subjects.
SEMIQUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF PROTEIN RESIDUES IN FOODS USING THE FLASH RAPID CLEANING VALIDATION METHOD†
Authors: OLDS DAVID A. , FUNG DANIEL Y.C. , SHANKLIN CAROL W. 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACT Cross‐contamination of food contact surfaces in retail foodservice establishments may result in outbreaks of foodborne illness. Traditional microbiological sampling collection methods that use swab tests or agar surface tests to monitor cross‐contamination can be time‐ and cost‐prohibitive to restaurant operators. The purpose of this study was to develop an identification protocol for residual proteins on foodservice contact surfaces using rapid chemical detection methods. The FLASH Rapid Cleaning Validation device (BioControl Systems, Bellevue, WA) was used to detect residual protein traces (exposed for 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h) of six different food samples (ground beef, ground turkey, ground pork, catfish, shredded cheddar cheese and shredded vegetables) on plastic cutting boards. Catalase testing was performed concurrently with FLASH validation to add further estimation of potential biological activities. Results showed that meat, cheese and vegetable samples were positive for the FLASH test and could provide semiquantification using a red–green–blue color chart. In addition, catalase testing provided more selective identification of food samples. This study demonstrates the time savings and cost‐effectiveness of using rapid methods of monitoring food safety standards in a foodservice operation.
DETECTION OF LISTERIA SP. IN MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS USING TECRA LISTERIA VISUAL IMMUNOASSAY AND BIOCONTROL VISUAL IMMUNOPRECIPITATE ASSAY FOR LISTERIA IMMUNOASSAYS AND A CULTURAL PROCEDURE
Authors: ARAGON‐ALEGRO LINA CASALE , WITTMANN ROBERTA MARIA , PADOVANI CARLOS ROBERTO , LANDGRAF MARIZA , DE MELO FRANCO BERNADETTE DORA GOMBOSSY , DESTRO MARIA TERESA 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACT The routine methods for detecting Listeria sp. in foods are time consuming and involve using selective enrichments and plating on agars. In this study, the presence of Listeria sp. in 120 meat and meat product samples was investigated by two rapid immunoassays (TECRA Listeria Visual Immunoassay [VIA] and BioControl Visual Immunoprecipitate Assay [VIP] for Listeria) and a cultural procedure. The cultural method of detecting Listeria sp. followed Canada's Health Protection Branch Method, and the rapid tests followed the manufacturers' instructions. The agreement between the cultural and the rapid tests was established at a confidence limit of 95%. Seventy‐nine samples (65.8%) were Listeria sp. positive in at least one of the three tests. There was no statistically significant difference between the cultural procedure and any of the rapid immunoassays. The agreement rates between the VIA and the cultural method and between the VIP and the cultural method were 87 and 84%, respectively. Both tests – the VIA and VIP – proved to be rapid, efficient and easy to perform.