bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcome of lesion size index‐guided high‐power radiofrequency catheter ablation for pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation: 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Cai Chi , Wang Jing , Niu Hong‐Xia , Chu Jian‐Min , Hua Wei , Zhang Shu , Yao Yan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe long‐term efficacy of high‐power (50 W) ablation guided by lesion size index (LSI‐guided HP) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains undetermined. Our study sought to assess the clinical efficacy of LSI‐guided HP ablation for PVI in patients with AF and explore the potential predictors associated with clinical outcomes.MethodsWe consecutively included 186 patients with AF who underwent LSI‐guided HP (50 W) ablation at Fuwai Hospital from June 2019 to October 2021. The target LSI values of 4.5–5.5 and 4.0–4.5 at the anterior and posterior walls, respectively, were used in our study. The baseline clinical characteristics, procedural and ablation data, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The independent potential predictors associated with AF recurrence were further evaluated.ResultsThe incidence rate of first‐pass PVI was 83.9% (156/186). A total of 11 883 lesions were analyzed, and compared with posterior walls of pulmonary veins, anterior walls had significantly lower mean contact force (8.2 ± 3.0 vs. 8.3 ± 2.3 g, p = .015), longer mean radiofrequency duration (16.9 ± 7.2 vs. 12.9 ± 4.5 s, p < .001) and higher mean LSI (4.8 ± 0.2 vs. 4.4 ± 0.2, p < .001). The overall incidence of periprocedural complications was 3.7%, and steam pops without pericardial effusion occurred in three patients (1.6%). During a mean follow‐up of 24.0 ± 8.4 months, the overall AF recurrence‐free survival was 87.1% after a single procedure. Patients with paroxysmal AF had a higher incidence of freedom from AF recurrence than those with persistent AF (91.2% vs. 80.8%, log‐rank p = .034). Higher LSI (HR 0.50, p < .001) and paroxysmal AF (HR 0.39, p = .029) were significantly associated with decreased AF recurrence. By receiver operating characteristic analysis, the LSI of 4.7 and 4.3 for the anterior and posterior walls of the PVs had the highest predictive value for AF recurrence, respectively.ConclusionLSI‐guided HP (50 W) ablation for PVI was an efficient and safe strategy and led to favorable single‐procedure 2‐year AF recurrence‐free survival in patients with AF. Higher LSI and paroxysmal AF were independent predictors of decreased 2‐year AF recurrence. The LSI of 4.7 for the anterior wall and 4.3 for the posterior wall of the PVs were the best cutoff values for predicting AF recurrence after LSI‐guided HP ablation.
Correlation of spatial patterns of endocardial pace mapping to underlying scar topography in patients with scar‐related ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Kotake Yasuhito , Bennett Richard , Silva Kasun De , Bhaskaran Ashwin , Kanawati Juliana , Turnbull Samual , Zhou Julia , Kumar Saurabh , Campbell Timothy 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIntroductionEndocardial pace mapping (PM) can identify conducting channels for ventricular tachycardia (VT) circuits in patients with structural heart disease (SHD). Recent findings show the temporal and spatial pattern of PM may aid identification of the surface harboring VT isthmii. The specific correlation of PM patterns to scar topography has not been examined.ObjectiveTo correlate the pattern of endocardial PMs to underlying scar topography in SHD patients with VT.MethodsData from patients undergoing VT ablation from August 2018 to February 2022 were reviewed.ResultsSixty‐three patients with SHD‐related VT (mean age 65 ± 14 years) with 83 endocardial PM correlation maps were analysed. Two main correlation patterns were identified, an “abrupt‐change correlation pattern (AC‐pattern)” and “centrifugal‐attenuation correlation pattern (CA‐pattern).” AC‐pattern had lower scar ratio (unipolar/bipolar % scar area; 1.1 vs. 1.5, p < .001), had longer maximal stimulus‐QRS intervals (97.5 vs. 68 ms, p = .002), and higher likelihood of endocardial dominant scar (11/21 [52%] vs. 3/38 [8%], p < .001) than CA‐pattern seen on intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). In contrast, CA‐pattern was more likely to have epicardial dominant scar or mid‐intramural scar on ICE (epicardial dominant scar; CA‐pattern: 12/38 [32%] vs. AC‐pattern: 1/21 [5%], p = .02, mid‐intramural scar; CA‐pattern: 15/38 [39%] vs. AC‐pattern: 1/21 [5%], p = .005).ConclusionsThe spatial pattern of endocardial PM in SHD‐related VT directly correlates with scar topography. AC‐pattern is associated with endocardial dominant scar on ICE with lower scar ratio and longer stimulus‐QRS intervals, whereas CA‐pattern is strongly associated with epicardial dominant or mid‐intramural scar with higher scar ratio and shorter stimulus‐QRS intervals.
Effect of contact force on pulsed field ablation lesions in porcine cardiac tissue
Authors: Mattison Lars , Verma Atul , Tarakji Khaldoun G. , Reichlin Tobias , Hindricks Gerhard , Sack Kevin L. , Önal Birce , Schmidt Megan M. , Miklavčič Damijan , Sigg Daniel C. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIntroductionContact force has been used to titrate lesion formation for radiofrequency ablation. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a field‐based ablation technology for which limited evidence on the impact of contact force on lesion size is available.MethodsPorcine hearts (n = 6) were perfused using a modified Langendorff set‐up. A prototype focal PFA catheter attached to a force gauge was held perpendicular to the epicardium and lowered until contact was made. Contact force was recorded during each PFA delivery. Matured lesions were cross‐sectioned, stained, and the lesion dimensions measured.ResultsA total of 82 lesions were evaluated with contact forces between 1.3 and 48.6 g. Mean lesion depth was 4.8 ± 0.9 mm (standard deviation), mean lesion width was 9.1 ± 1.3 mm, and mean lesion volume was 217.0 ± 96.6 mm3. Linear regression curves showed an increase of only 0.01 mm in depth (depth = 0.01 × contact force + 4.41, R2 = 0.05), 0.03 mm in width (width = 0.03 × contact force + 8.26, R2 = 0.13) for each additional gram of contact force, and 2.20 mm3 in volume (volume = 2.20 × contact force + 162, R2 = 0.10).ConclusionIncreasing contact force using a bipolar, biphasic focal PFA system has minimal effects on acute lesion dimensions in an isolated porcine heart model and achieving tissue contact is more important than the force with which that contact is made.
Experience of clinical nurses engaged in caring for patients with COVID‐19: A qualitative systematic review and meta‐synthesis
Authors: Luo Yunting , Feng Xianqiong , Wang Dandan , Qiao Xu , Xiao Xujia , Jia Shiqi , Zheng Mingyue , Reinhardt Jan D. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAims and ObjectiveThis qualitative review summarises and synthesises the available evidence on subjective experiences of clinical nurses who cared for patients with COVID‐19.BackgroundNurses are first responders and play a vital role in emerging infectious disease epidemics such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. In this context, they also face many difficulties and challenges related, for example to the imbalance between extensive demands and low control over work tasks.Design and MethodA systematic review of qualitative studies and meta‐synthesis focused on the experiences of clinical nurses caring for patients with COVID‐19 during the pandemic was carried out.ResultsA total of 279 findings were extracted, aggregated into 21 categories and combined into seven synthesised findings, namely (1) professional nursing practice during the pandemic, (2) support systems, (3) somatic sensations and psychological experiences, (4) difficulties and challenges, (5) coping strategies and behaviour, (6) impact on life, profession and values, and (7) needs and expectations for the future.ConclusionNurses encountered considerable difficulties and challenges in caring for patients with COVID‐19. Nurses caring for patients with COVID‐19 need more support from organisations, families and society. It is essential to explore positive coping strategies suitable for working in different cultural backgrounds. Policymakers and decision‐makers should pay attention to the experiences and voices of nurses.Relevance to Clinical PracticeIt is critical for nurse managers to consider how to enhance the support system and help nurses develop adaptive coping strategies in response to COVID‐19. Nurses' experiences and voices are valuable in improving health emergency response systems.Patient or Public ContributionThere was no patient or public contribution.
Variability and change in adolescents' prosocial behavior across multiple time scales
Authors: te Brinke Lysanne W. , van de Groep Suzanne , van der Cruijsen Renske , Crone Eveline A. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWe examined variability and change in adolescents' prosocial behaviors directed to peers and friends across four time scales: two‐years, one‐year, two‐monthly, and daily. Data from three longitudinal datasets with a total of 569 adolescents (55.7% girl, Mage = 15.23, SD = 3.90) were included. The overall time‐related stability of prosocial behavior across time scales was moderate to excellent. Variability did not differ between early (age 10–15) and late (age 16–21) adolescence, but late adolescence was associated with higher mean levels of prosociality. Finally, results indicated that prosocial behaviors measured over longer periods (i.e., two‐years and one‐year) were positively associated with cognitive processes (perspective taking), whereas prosocial behaviors measured over shorter periods (i.e., two‐monthly) were positively associated with affective processes (empathy).
Melatonin increases susceptibility to atrial fibrillation in obesity via Akt signaling impairment in response to lipid overload
Authors: Qin Xinghua , Fu Yuping , Fan Jiali , Liu Binghua , Liu Peng , Zhang Yudi , Jiang Tiannan , Zheng Qiangsun 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMelatonin has been proven to have antiarrhythmic potential; however, several studies have recently challenged this view. Herein, using a mouse model of obesity‐induced atrial fibrillation (AF), we tentatively explored whether exogenous melatonin supplementation could increase AF susceptibility in the context of obesity. We observed that an 8‐week drinking administration of melatonin (60 µg/ml in water) induced a greater susceptibility to AF in obese mice, although obesity‐induced structural remodeling was alleviated. An investigation of systemic insulin sensitivity showed that melatonin treatment improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice, whereas it inhibited glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. Notably, melatonin treatment inhibited protein kinase B (Akt) signaling in the atria of obese mice and palmitate‐treated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, thereby providing an AF substrate. Melatonin increased lipid stress in obesity, as evidenced by elevated lipid accumulation and lipolysis‐related gene expression, thus contributing to the impairment in atrial Akt signaling. Taken together, our results demonstrated that melatonin could increase AF susceptibility in obesity, probably due to increased lipid stress and resultant impairment of atrial Akt signaling. Our findings suggest that special precautions should be taken when administering melatonin to obese subjects.
A tale of two distractions: How institutional forces influence R&D‐based problemistic search in transition economies
Authors: Gao Renfei , Lu Jane Wenzhen , Hu Helen Wei , Martin Geoffrey 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe behavioral theory of the firm (BTOF) suggests that firms are motivated to increase R&D search in response to profitability shortfalls—that is, R&D‐based problemistic search. Although prior studies have provided considerable evidence for this influential explanation of R&D search, recent research shows that it is not the case in transition economies. Our study sheds light on this critical question of Why not for transition economy firms (TEFs), by identifying institutionally derived mechanisms that distract TEF decision makers' attention from R&D‐based problemistic search. Specifically, we examine the implications of institutional environments for goal definition and problem attribution—two critical yet underexplored components of problemistic search. Integrating the BTOF and institutional implications, we theorize how TEFs' R&D‐based problemistic search is distracted by government‐imposed goal definition and politically oriented problem attribution. Using panel data on Chinese listed firms, we find that R&D search in response to profitability shortfalls is negatively moderated by employment shortfalls (government‐imposed goal definition) and lack of political connections relative to peers (politically oriented problem attribution). Our study provides novel insights into TEFs' R&D‐based problemistic search by revealing two institutionally derived distractive mechanisms (i.e., boundary conditions). Moreover, this study extends the BTOF literature by exploring how decision makers' intrinsic attention allocation (among different goals and among different latent problems) is subject to extrinsic institutional environments.
Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of 24 dogs with bacterial meningitis or meningoencephalitis without empyema (2010‐2020)
Authors: Rawson Faye , Foreman Max , Mignan Thomas , Galer Jack , Fraser Anne , Crawford Abbe 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundBacterial meningitis (BM) and meningoencephalitis (BMEM) are associated with high case fatality rates and neurologic sequelae in people, but limited data exists on outcome in dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo report the clinicopathologic features, treatment and outcome of BM/BMEM in dogs, with a focus on clinical presentation, relapse and long‐term neurological deficits.AnimalsTwenty‐four client‐owned dogs diagnosed with BM/BMEM without empyema.MethodsRetrospective case series of dogs diagnosed with BM/BMEM from 5 veterinary referral hospitals between January 2010 and August 2020.ResultsTwenty‐four dogs were included. Median duration of clinical signs was 2 days (range ≤24 hours to 30 days) and signs recorded included pyrexia (3) and cervical hyperesthesia (10). Neurological deficits were present in 18 dogs including altered mentation (12), ataxia (8), nonambulatory status (8), head tilt (8), and cranial nerve deficits (13). Intracellular bacteria were visualized on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis in 15/24 dogs, with positive CSF bacteriological culture in 8/21. Otitis media/interna (OMI) was diagnosed in 15/24 dogs, of which 6/15 dogs underwent total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy.Twenty dogs survived to hospital discharge. Median duration of antibiotic administrations was 8 weeks (range, 2‐16 weeks). Glucocorticoids were administered to 15 dogs. Median follow‐up time was 92 days (range, 10‐2233 days). Residual neurological deficits were reported in 9 dogs, with a single case of suspected relapse.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceClinical signs were variable in dogs with BM/BMEM, the nidus of bacterial infection was often OMI and the majority of dogs made a full recovery with treatment.
Noncognitivism without expressivism
Authors: Beddor Bob 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAccording to expressivists, normative language expresses desire‐like states of mind. According to noncognitivists, normative beliefs have a desire‐like functional role. What is the relation between these two doctrines? It is widely assumed that expressivism commits you to noncognitivism, and vice versa. This paper opposes that assumption. I advance a view that combines a noncognitivist psychology with a descriptivist semantics for normative language. While this might seem like an ungainly hybrid, I argue that it has important advantages over more familiar metaethical positions. The noncognitivist aspect of the theory captures all of the explanatory benefits standardly associated with expressivism. At the same time, the descriptivist element allows us to avoid the semantic headaches for expressivism.
Benefits of sourcing alternative inputs of manufacturers for suppliers
Authors: Gao Yuetao , Johnson Norman , Shen Bo , Tan Yinliang (Ricky) 
Published: January 2023

A downstream manufacturer can procure high‐quality inputs from its upstream raw material supplier to produce finished products with high quality. The manufacturer may also have the option to source alternative cheaper low‐quality inputs to partially replace the inputs from its supplier to produce finished products of lower quality. That is, the manufacturer can use a mixture of the supplier's inputs and alternative ones in product design such that product quality depends on the proportion of each input used in products. We endogenize this product quality decision in a simple analytical model to study the impact of this option on the supplier's profits. Intuitively, the option of sourcing alternative inputs could hurt the supplier in two ways: It sells fewer inputs, and it needs to set a lower wholesale price due to competitive pressure. However, our study reveals an opposite finding: The supplier can benefit not only by selling more inputs but also by setting a higher wholesale price when the manufacturer has the option of sourcing alternative low‐quality inputs. This interesting finding is due to the wholesale price push‐up effect: The upstream supplier may deliberately raise the wholesale price when sourcing alternative inputs is an option for the downstream manufacturer. This increased wholesale price encourages the manufacturer to use a higher proportion of alternative cheaper inputs in its product design; as a result, the manufacturer's marginal cost is reduced, which leads to a decrease in its retail price. Therefore, consumer demand for the manufacturer's products becomes higher, which in turn results in higher manufacturer demand for the supplier's inputs. Moreover, we show that despite this higher wholesale price, the manufacturer can earn higher profits by optimally charging a lower retail price. Furthermore, we find that the wholesale price of the supplier's inputs can exceed the manufacturer's retail price, thereby leading to a negative profit margin for the manufacturer from using the supplier's inputs. Finally, we demonstrate the robustness of our findings under several model extensions.
Pictures of you: God images, gun ownership, and empowerment in the United States
Authors: Upenieks Laura , Hill Terrence D. , Robertson James E. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveIn the current study, we seek to shed new light on the role of religion in American gun culture by considering whether images people hold of God affect the probability of gun ownership and the experience of empowerment through guns for religious Americans (i.e., the extent to which owners derive security, identity, and status from their guns).MethodsWe analyze nationally representative data from the 2021 Baylor Religion Survey in the United States. Binary logistic and ordinary least squares regression models were used.ResultsWe failed to observe any associations between God images and gun ownership. However, among gun owners (n = 430), belief in an engaged God was associated with lower levels of gun empowerment, while belief in a judgmental God was associated with higher levels.ConclusionGod images may contribute to the experience of empowerment through guns by representing spiritual connection and intimacy or divine anger and retribution. We suggest that future research delve deeper into the intersection of God images and gun‐related beliefs and behaviors.
Hypoxia Does Not Change Performance and Psychophysiological Responses During Repeated Cycling Sprints to Exhaustion With Short Exercise-to-Rest Ratio
Authors: Raberin Antoine , Willis Sarah J. , Richard Thomas , Elmer Joakim , Vernillo Gianluca , Iaia F. Marcello , Girard Olivier , Malatesta Davide , Millet Grégoire P. 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To compare the acute performance and psychophysiological responses of repeated cycling sprints to exhaustion with a short exercise-to-rest ratio (1:6), between different effort durations and inspired oxygen fractions. Methods: On separate visits, 10 active participants completed 6 repeated cycling sprint exercises to exhaustion with 3 different effort durations (5, 10, and 20 s) and 2 conditions of inspired oxygen (20.9% and 13.6%). Exercise-to-rest ratio was 1:6 for all trials (ie, 5:30, 10:60, and 20:120). Vastus lateralis muscle oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy), blood lactate concentration, and lower-limb and breathing discomfort, using ratings of perceived exertion, were measured. Results: Number of sprints and peak power output decreased while blood lactate increased (all P < .001) during 5:30 compared with 10:60 or 20:120. No condition or interaction effects were reported for blood lactate and exercise-related sensation. Muscle deoxyhemoglobin increased (P < .001) and total hemoglobin decreased (P = .002) during sprint with increasing sprint duration (no condition or interaction). Conclusion: During repeated-sprint exercise to exhaustion with a short exercise-to-rest ratio, the psychophysiological responses did not differ between normoxia and moderate hypoxia, probably due to an extended recovery period. It means that hypoxia did not modify repeated-sprint exercise performance with a short exercise-to-rest ratio. The sprint duration was the primary underlying factor of the observed differences in performance and muscle oxygenation reported between the repeated-sprint exercise sessions.
Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults Living With HIV
Authors: Jones Raymond , Enogela Ene M. , Buchanan Taylor L. , Buford Thomas W. , Vance David E. , Fazeli Pariya L. 
Published: January 2023

Background: Inflammation is an indicator of oxidative stress that may contribute to cardiovascular diseases in older people living with HIV (OPWH). Physical activity (PA) may reduce these biomarkers in OPWH, but little is known about the association of PA with inflammatory and cardiovascular biomarkers. We sought to examine the inflammatory and cardiovascular biomarker correlates of PA and sedentary behavior in OPWH. Methods: We included 101 OPWH with complete assessments of PA, sedentary behavior, and biomarker data to examine the association between the volume of PA and inflammatory and cardiovascular biomarkers. Results: In this cohort of OPWH (mean age 55.9 y), 68% were male and 83% were African American/Black. Among OPWH, greater volume of PA (ie, walking, moderate, vigorous, and/or total) was associated with lower systolic (P < .05) and diastolic blood pressure (P < .05), pulse pressure (P < .05), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P < .05). Greater duration of sitting was associated with greater triglycerides, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P < .05). Conclusions: Although adherence to regular PA among OPWH is low and sedentary behavior is high, the associations between biomarkers and PA suggest a greater volume of PA could attenuate the inflammatory and cardiovascular derangements experienced by OPWH.