bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement in the management of chronic heart failure since the publication of the updated guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: de Groote Pascal , Isnard Richard , Clerson Pierre , Jondeau Guillaume , Galinier Michel , Assyag Patrick , Demil Nacima , Ducardonnet Alain , Thebaut Jean‐François , Komajda Michel 
Published: January 2009

AimsRecent studies have shown that prescription rates and doses of recommended drugs for chronic heart failure (CHF) are not optimal in daily practice. The aim of the Impact‐Reco programme was to analyse prescription rates of CHF drugs in stable outpatients with CHF related to left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in two similar surveys in France.Methods and resultsThe two surveys, which included 1917 and 1974 patients, were performed between September 2004 to March 2005 and September 2005 to May 2006, respectively. Prescription rates of angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitors (ACE‐I) remained stable (71 vs. 68%, respectively), whereas the proportion of patients receiving angiotensin receptor blockers (21 vs. 30%, P < 0.0001) and beta‐blockers (65 vs. 70% P < 0.0001) increased significantly. Doses of ACE‐I and beta‐blockers increased significantly between the two surveys. However, the improvement was of lesser magnitude in some subgroups of patients, such as elderly patients or patients with renal failure.ConclusionThe Impact‐Reco programme found an improvement in prescription rates and in the dosage of neurohumoral antagonists in French outpatients with stable CHF. However, there is still room for improvement, especially regarding the doses of medications and the treatment of some subgroups of patients such as the elderly and patients with renal failure.
Effects of global longitudinal strain and total scar burden on response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: D'Andrea Antonello , Caso Pio , Scarafile Raffaella , Riegler Lucia , Salerno Gemma , Castaldo Francesca , Gravino Rita , Cocchia Rosangela , Del Viscovo Luca , Limongelli Giuseppe , Di Salvo Giovanni , Ascione Luigi , Iengo Raffaele , Cuomo Sergio , Santangelo Lucio , Calabrò Raffaele 
Published: January 2009

AimsTo evaluate whether quantification of the extent of scarred left ventricular (LV) tissue by speckle‐tracking strain echo (2DSE) can predict response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Methods and resultsForty‐five patients (58.3 ± 8.3 years; 24 males) with ischaemic DCM scheduled for CRT, and 25 controls were studied. A week before implantation all the patients underwent standard Doppler echo, 2DSE, and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance (MR). Clinical and echocardiographic evaluation was repeated 6 months after CRT. The patients were considered as responders to CRT if LV end‐systolic volume decreased by 15%. In DCM patients, LV ejection fraction was 29.2 ± 5.1%. By evaluating the 765 segments with MR, subendocardial infarct was identified in 17.0% and transmural infarct in 18.3%. With 2DSE, the average global longitudinal strain (GLS) was −23.1 ± 3.6% in controls and −15.1 ± 5.1% in DCM (P = 0.001). GLS showed a close correlation with total scar burden using MR (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). At follow‐up, patients were subdivided into responders (n = 30; 66.7%) and non‐responders (n = 15; 33.3%) to CRT. GLS was significantly different in non‐responders than in responders (GLS: −10.4 ± 5.1 in non‐responders vs. −18.4 ± 14% in responders, P < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, GLS (P < 0.0001) and radial intraventricular dyssynchrony (P < 0.001) were powerful independent determinants of response to CRT.ConclusionGLS is strongly associated with total scar burden assessed by MR, and is an excellent independent predictor of response to CRT.
Anti‐remodelling effect of canrenone in patients with mild chronic heart failure (AREA IN‐CHF study): final results
Authors: Boccanelli Alessandro , Mureddu Gian Francesco , Cacciatore Giuseppe , Clemenza Francesco , Di Lenarda Andrea , Gavazzi Antonello , Porcu Maurizio , Latini Roberto , Lucci Donata , Maggioni Aldo Pietro , Masson Serge , Vanasia Massimo , de Simone Giovanni ,   on behalf of AREA IN‐CHF Investigators
Published: January 2009

AimsTo test whether canrenone, an aldosterone receptor antagonist, improves left ventricular (LV) remodelling in NYHA class II heart failure (HF). Aldosterone receptor antagonists improve outcome in severe HF, but no information is available in NYHA class II.Methods and resultsAREA IN‐CHF is a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study testing canrenone on top of optimal treatment in NYHA class II HF with low ejection fraction (EF) to assess 12‐month changes in LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was also measured. Information was available for 188 subjects on canrenone and 194 on placebo. Left ventricular end‐diastolic volume was similarly reduced (−18%) in both arms, but EF increased more (P = 0.04) in the canrenone (from 40% to 45%) than in the placebo arm (from 40–43%). Brain natriuretic peptide (n = 331) decreased more in the canrenone (−37%) than in the placebo arm (−8%; P < 0.0001), paralleling a significant reduction in left atrial dimensions (−4% vs. 0.2%; P = 0.02). The composite endpoint of cardiac death and hospitalization was significantly lower in the canrenone arm (8% vs. 15%; P = 0.02).ConclusionCanrenone on top of optimal treatment for HF did not have additional effects on LVEDV, but it increased EF, and reduced left atrial size and circulating BNP, with potential beneficial effects on outcome. A large‐scale randomized study should be implemented to confirm benefits on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HF in NYHA class II.
Heart rate per se impacts cardiac function in patients with systolic heart failure and pacing: a pilot study
Authors: Logeart Damien , Gueffet Jean‐Pierre , Rouzet François , Pousset Françoise , Chavelas Christophe , Solal Alain Cohen , Jondeau Guillaume 
Published: January 2009

AimsThis study was designed to compare the specific effects of two heart rates (HR), 55 and 75 b.p.m., in patients with heart failure (HF).Methods and resultsPatients with chronic HF, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35%, and a pacemaker with >90% of paced QRS, were included in a randomized cross‐over trial of two 3‐month periods where pacing rate was set at either 55 or 75 b.p.m. At the end of each period, patients were examined and radionuclide ventriculography, echocardiography, and blood sampling were performed for centralized and blinded analysis. Two patients did not complete the study because of early worsening while paced at 75 b.p.m. Twelve patients completed the study. Compared with 75 b.p.m., pacing at 55 b.p.m. was associated with a higher LVEF [+4.7% (2.6–6.7), P < 0.001], lower B‐type natriuretic peptide levels [−91 pg/mL (−148 to −33), P < 0.01], lower systolic pulmonary artery pressure (41 ± 10 vs. 47 ± 10 mmHg, P = 0.02) and lower NYHA (New York Heart Association) class (2.2 ± 0.6 vs. 2.6 ± 0.5, P = 0.03). The baseline pacing rate prior to inclusion had no effect on results.ConclusionHR per se may impact cardiac function and low HR might be beneficial in patients with systolic HF compared with intermediate HR.
Liver function abnormalities and outcome in patients with chronic heart failure: data from the Candesartan in Heart Failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and Morbidity (CHARM) program
Authors: Allen Larry A. , Felker G. Michael , Pocock Stuart , McMurray John J.V. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Swedberg Karl , Wang Duolao , Yusuf Salim , Michelson Eric L. , Granger Christopher B. ,   for the CHARM Investigators
Published: January 2009

AimsThe prevalence and importance of liver function test (LFT) abnormalities in a large contemporary cohort of heart failure patients have not been systematically evaluated.Methods and resultsWe characterized the LFTs of 2679 patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure from the Candesartan in Heart failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity program (CHARM). We used multivariable modelling to assess the relationships between baseline LFT values and long‐term outcomes. Liver function test abnormalities were common in patients with chronic heart failure, ranging from alanine aminotransferase elevation in 3.1% of patients to low albumin in 18.3% of patients; total bilirubin was elevated in 13.0% of patients. In multivariable analysis, elevated total bilirubin was the strongest LFT predictor of adverse outcome for both the composite outcome of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization (HR 1.21 per 1 SD increase, P < 0.0001) and all‐cause mortality (HR 1.19 per 1 SD increase, P < 0.0001). Even after adjustment for other variables, elevated total bilirubin was one of the strongest independent predictors of poor prognosis (by global chi‐square).ConclusionBilirubin is independently associated with morbidity and mortality. Changes in total bilirubin may offer insight into the underlying pathophysiology of chronic heart failure.
Finasteride-Induced Myalgia and HyperCKemia
Authors: Al-Harbi Talal M , Kagan Jennifer , Tarnopolsky Mark A 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background:
Finasteride is an antiandrogen, inhibits type II 5-α reductase (enzyme that converts testosterone to more potent form dihydrotestosterone), and is commonly used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and male frontal baldness; however, it is not free from side effects, which include sexual dysfunction and, rarely, myopathy. We report a case of finasteride-associated myalgia and hyperCKemia and review similar cases reported in the literature.

Case report:
A 30-year-old man who had been taking finasteride 5 mg/d for 10 years to treat frontal baldness developed diffuse muscle aches associated with elevated creatine kinase level to 10,117 IU/L with neither weakness nor pigmenturia. His symptoms resolved and his creatine kinase level dropped down to 256 IU/L 3 weeks after finasteride discontinuation.

Conclusion:
Reversible myalgia associated with significant hyperCKemia is a possible adverse reaction of finasteride therapy.
Nitric Oxide Contributes to Cadmium Toxicity in Arabidopsis by Promoting Cadmium Accumulation in Roots and by Up-Regulating Genes Related to Iron Uptake
Authors: Besson-Bard Angélique , Gravot Antoine , Richaud Pierre , Auroy Pascaline , Duc Céline , Gaymard Frédéric , Taconnat Ludivine , Renou Jean-Pierre , Pugin Alain , Wendehenne David 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) functions as a cell-signaling molecule in plants. In particular, a role for NO in the regulation of iron homeostasis and in the plant response to toxic metals has been proposed. Here, we investigated the synthesis and the role of NO in plants exposed to cadmium (Cd2+), a nonessential and toxic metal. We demonstrate that Cd2+ induces NO synthesis in roots and leaves of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings. This production, which is sensitive to NO synthase inhibitors, does not involve nitrate reductase and AtNOA1 but requires IRT1, encoding a major plasma membrane transporter for iron but also Cd2+. By analyzing the incidence of NO scavenging or inhibition of its synthesis during Cd2+ treatment, we demonstrated that NO contributes to Cd2+-triggered inhibition of root growth. To understand the mechanisms underlying this process, a microarray analysis was performed in order to identify NO-modulated root genes up- and down-regulated during Cd2+ treatment. Forty-three genes were identified encoding proteins related to iron homeostasis, proteolysis, nitrogen assimilation/metabolism, and root growth. These genes include IRT1. Investigation of the metal and ion contents in Cd2+-treated roots in which NO synthesis was impaired indicates that IRT1 up-regulation by NO was consistently correlated to NO's ability to promote Cd2+ accumulation in roots. This analysis also highlights that NO is responsible for Cd2+-induced inhibition of root Ca2+ accumulation. Taken together, our results suggest that NO contributes to Cd2+ toxicity by favoring Cd2+ versus Ca2+ uptake and by initiating a cellular pathway resembling those activated upon iron deprivation.
Board characteristics and involvement in strategic decision making
Authors: Ogbechie Chris , Koufopoulos Dimitrios N. , Argyropoulou Maria 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to review how corporate governance is institutionalised in Nigeria and examine the relationship between board size, CEOs’ duality, board composition and the board's involvement in strategy.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was sent by post to the chairmen of 138 publicly quoted companies in Nigeria in November 2004.FindingsUsing primary and secondary data, our results suggest that the Nigerian public companies have embraced some principles of the Code of Best Practices for Public Companies. There is a high level of board involvement in strategy decision‐making process, but no correlation was found between board involvement and a number of governance variables (board size, board independence and CEO duality).Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of 39 responding companies is small although it represents a 28 per cent of response rate and is representative of the Nigerian stock market. However, we are unable to look at other factors such as industry sectors and we cannot generalise our findings regarding corporate governance practices in Nigeria.Practical implicationsThe investment climate in Nigeria can become more reassuring than in the past although there is room for further improvements as the effectiveness of the corporate government practices is still in doubt.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the scanty literature available on corporate governance practices in developing, countries. Findings extend our understanding about the strategic functions of the board in Nigeria, which is Africa's most populous nation, and the world's sixth larger producer of oil.
The relationship between knowledge management enablers and performance
Authors: Ho Chin‐Tsang 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to study the correlation between knowledge management (KM) enablers and performance indices of KM.Design/methodology/approachReferring to the literature reviews, it attempts to construct the KM process performance index, analyze its importance, and further analyze a company's characteristics, the relationship between KM enablers with the importance of the KM process performance index, and try to adopt four KM enablers as independent variables. Lastly, it intends to explore whether the relationship between the importance of the KM process performance and financial performance indices affects the importance of the financial performance index.FindingsAmong KM enablers, the factor strategy and leadership appears to be one of the most significant positive relationships among all of the KM process performance indices. The importance of performance indices in knowledge creation and knowledge internalization on the operational and customer sides show a positive, significant relationship in the importance of the financial performance index.Research limitations/implicationsWith the constraint of the number of samples, this study does not construct the KM process performance indices of every industry category or strategy.Originality/valueThe main contribution of the paper is that it explores the causes that influence KM process performance indices, and this enriches empirical research literatures in the domain of the KM process performance indices.
An output approach to property portfolio performance measurement
Authors: Price Ilfryn , Clark Elizabeth 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the analysis of portfolios of office properties using measures of business outputs, namely occupation efficiency and staff satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachSatisfaction is measured using a proprietary online survey instrument that has proved highly reliable and repeatable in three separate trials. The data on 192 buildings are analysed using data envelopment analysis.FindingsInstant and significant differences are revealed between clusters of buildings and individual properties. The approach reveals inefficiencies that are concealed by more conventional cost‐based metrics.Practical implicationsThe study has proven to be of use in gaining organisational commitment to strategic property improvements.Originality/valueThe authors are not aware of this approach having been applied elsewhere in either research or application.
Ultrasonic bonding of flexible PCB to rigid PCB using an Sn interlayer
Authors: Kim Kyoo‐Seok , Jung Jae‐Pil , Norman Zhou Y. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to study the feasibility of direct ultrasonic bonding between contact pad arrays on flexible printed circuit boards (FPCB) and rigid printed circuit boards (RPCB) at ambient temperature.Design/methodology/approachMetallization layers on the RPCB comprised Sn on Cu while the pads on the FPCB consisted of Au/Ni/Cu. Prepared RPCB and FPCB were bonded by ultrasound at ambient temperature using an ultrasonic frequency of 20 kHz, a power of 1,400 W, and 0.62 MPa of bonding pressure. The bonded samples were cross‐sectioned and the joints and microstructures were observed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The soundness of the joints was evaluated by pull testing.FindingsRobust bonding between FPCB and RPCB was obtained by bonding for 1.0 and 1.5 s. This result has confirmed that direct room temperature ultrasonic bonding of Au and Sn is feasible. At a longer bonding time of 3.0 s, cracks and voids were found in the joints due to excessive ultrasonic energy. The IMC (intermetallic compound) between the Sn layer and pads of the RPCB was confirmed as Cu6Sn5. On the FPCB side, Cu6Sn5 and Ni3Sn4 were formed by contact with the facing Sn coating, and mechanically alloyed Cu0.81Ni0.19 was found within the pads. Meanwhile, the strength of bonded joints between FPCB and RPCB increased with bonding time up to 1.5 s and the maximum value reached 12.48 N. At 3.0 s bonding time, the strength decreased drastically, and showed 5.75 N. Footprints from the fracture surfaces showed that bonding started from the edges of the metal pads, and extended to the pad centers as ultrasonic bonding time was increased.Originality/valueDirect ultrasonic bonding with transverse vibration at ambient temperature between the surface layers of the pads of FPCB and RPCB has been confirmed to be feasible.
Organizational commitment among high school teachers of India and Iran
Authors: Joolideh Faranak , Yeshodhara K. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the organizational commitment of teachers in India and Iran. It is an attempt to understand how these perceptions vary by demographic variables such as age and subject taught by teachers.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 721 high school teachers in Bangalore (India) and Sanandaj (Iran). They were asked to responsed to the Meyer and Allen questionnaire. Data were analyzed via SPSS version 11.0.FindingsResults revealed that Indian teachers had better organizational commitment in the affective and normative components and Iranian teachers were found to have better organizational commitment in the continuance component. In both countries age groups and subject taught by teachers did not have any influence over their organizational commitment.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was limited by the relatively restricted sample of high school teachers in both countries. Future research should test initially confirmed associations in different school contexts with substantially dissimilar teacher demographics, and include consideration of dispositional antecedents that may affect teacher perceptions.Originality/valueThis is the only study comparing Indian and Iranian organizational commitment in schools. The study provides an initial understanding of the possible effect of cultures on the organizational commitment of teachers in two different countries.
Wincanton reduces sickness absence by 10,000 days
Authors: Madden Carol 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to demonstrate how supply‐chain company Wincanton has reduced sickness absence, improved productivity and heightened morale.Design/methodology/approachDraws upon the experience of Wincanton's sickness absence management program, driven by the partnership between the HR department, Wincanton employees and absence‐management specialist active health partners (AHP).FindingsDescribes the significant variation in staff‐absence levels across different sites and types of work contract and the detrimental effects of such absence on Wincanton's performance. The company selected an absence‐management service led by nurses in order to provide effective, timely medical advice, encouraging staff to take responsibility for their health while at the same time facilitating a prompt return to work.Practical implicationsShows how taking an active approach to staff absence and aligning reporting systems to identify and share good practice have had a positive impact on staff morale, productivity and profitability.Originality/valueHighlights a significant reduction in average absence figures per employee and cost savings for the business.
Application of Taguchi loss functions for supplier selection
Authors: Ordoobadi Sharon 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide a tool for decision makers to make more informed decisions regarding their outsourcing decisions and selection of the appropriate supplier.Design/methodology/approachThe method uses the Taguchi loss function for the inclusion of intangibles in the evaluation and selection of suppliers. Intangibles are defined as factors that have an impact on the selection of an appropriate supplier but are not easily quantified to be included in the financial evaluation. These intangibles are classified as the benefits and risks of using a supplier to perform the outsourcing function. A decision maker has certain expectations regarding these intangibles and a loss occurs when a supplier's performance does not meet the decision maker's expectations. The Taguchi loss function has been selected as a means of measuring the loss. The decision maker defines the target value and the specification limits for each benefit and risk category. The weighted loss scores are calculated where the weights are the importance ratings assigned to benefit/risk categories by the decision maker. Based on this analysis each supplier will receive a weighted loss score for all the pertinent benefit categories and one weighted loss score for all the risk categories. To achieve a single measure, the aforementioned weighted loss scores are combined to determine a single aggregate loss score for each supplier, which is then used to rank them. The supplier who receives the highest ranking (minimum loss score) will be selected to perform the outsourcing function.FindingsThe procedure proposed here can help companies to identify the best supplier to perform an outsourcing function.Originality/valueThe paper presents a phased decision model that begins with economic evaluation and then uses Taguchi functions to measure the impact of intangibles.