Race and Employment: The Historical Case of Head Coaches in College Basketball.

This study analyzes how the number of Black coaches in college basketball has evolved since 1947. The analysis puts a focus on the time period after 1973 when regulatory requirements changed and a new Division was established. The change in the number of Divisions created distorted conditions and led to a significant difference in the number of Black coaches within Divisions. We trace a significantly lower number of Black coaches in Division 3 which is still visible 40 years later. The results are time consistent, not clustered geographically, and unrelated to specific institutions. Our results have policy implications for college sports as well as other industries with similar working conditions.

Perceived health problems in swimmers according to the chemical treatment of water in swimming pools.

The objective of this study was to determine which chemical treatment used for disinfecting water in indoor swimming pools had the least impact on users' perceptions of health problems, and which generated the greatest satisfaction with the quality of the water. A survey on satisfaction and perceived health problems was given to 1001 users at 20 indoor swimming pools which used different water treatment methods [chlorine, bromine, ozone, ultraviolet lamps (UV) and salt electrolysis]. The findings suggest that there is a greater probability of perceived health problems, such as eye and skin irritation, respiratory problems and skin dryness, in swimming pools treated with chlorine than in swimming pools using other chemical treatment methods. Pools treated with bromine have similar, although slightly better, results. Other factors, such as age, gender, time of day of use (morning and afternoon) and type of user (competitive and recreational), can also affect the probability of suffering health problems. For all of the above, using combined treatment methods as ozone and UV, or salt electrolysis produces a lower probability of perceived health problems and greater satisfaction.

QRS duration and early hemodynamic instability after coronary revascularization surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The duration of the QRS interval measured by ECG is a marker of ventricular dysfunction and indicates a poor prognosis. Its value in patients undergoing coronary revascularization surgery has not been established. METHODS: The study involved 203 consecutive patients (age 64+/-9 years, 74% male) scheduled for elective coronary surgery. The maximum QRS duration measured on a preoperative 12-lead ECG was recorded. Hemodynamic instability was defined as the occurrence of cardiac death, heart failure, or a need for intravenous inotropic drugs or intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation during the postoperative period. RESULTS: The occurrence of hemodynamic instability (n=94, 46%) was associated with a longer preoperative QRS duration (97.5+/-21.14 ms vs 88.5+/-16.9 ms; P=.001). The QRS duration was also longer in patients who developed heart failure (n=23; 104.3+/-22.9 ms vs. 91.1+/-18.5 ms; P=.002), needed inotropic drugs (n=77; 96.5+/-20.5 ms vs. 90.1+/-18.2 ms; P=.007) or developed postoperative atrial fibrillation (n=58; 98.2+/-23.8 ms vs. 90.4+/-17.0 ms; P=.018). Bundle branch block was associated with a greater need for intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (29% vs 12%; P=.012) or inotropic drugs (58% vs 35%; P=.014) and a higher incidence of hemodynamic instability (69% vs 42%; P=.006). Multivariate analysis identified the following independent predictors of hemodynamic instability: QRS duration (adjusted odds ratio [OR] per 10 ms=1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-2; P=.007), the lack of an arterial graft (OR=3.6; 95% CI, 1.14-11.6; P=.029) and extracorporeal circulation time (OR per min=1.013; 95% CI, 1.003-1.023; P=.013). CONCLUSIONS: The intraventricular conduction delay, or QRS duration, was associated with a higher risk of postoperative hemodynamic instability following coronary surgery.

Duración del QRS y deterioro hemodinámico precoz tras cirugía de revascularización coronaria / QRS Duration and Early Hemodynamic instability after coronary Revascularization Surgery

Introducción y objetivos. La duración del intervalo QRS en el ECG es un marcador de disfunción ventricular y peor pronóstico. Su valor en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de revascularización coronaria no ha sido establecido. Métodos. Estudiamos a 203 pacientes consecutivos (64 ± 9 años de edad; el 74% varones) programados para cirugía electiva coronaria. Se registró la duración máxima del intervalo QRS en el ECG de 12 derivaciones preoperatorio. Definimos inestabilidad hemodinámica como la aparición de muerte cardiaca, insuficiencia cardiaca, uso de fármacos inotrópicos intravenosos o balón de contrapulsación intraaórtico durante el postoperatorio. Resultados. La aparición de inestabilidad hemodinámica (n = 94 [46%]) se asoció a una mayor duración del intervalo QRS preoperatorio (97,5 ± 21,14 frente a 88,5 ± 16,9 ms; p = 0,001). El QRS fue mayor en quienes apareció insuficiencia cardiaca (n = 23; 104,3 ± 22,9 frente a 91,1 ± 18,5 ms; p = 0,002), precisaron inotrópicos intravenosos (n = 77; 96,5 ± 20,5 frente a 90,1 ± 18,2 ms; p = 0,007) o sufrieron fibrilación auricular postoperatoria (n = 58; 98,2 ± 23,8 frente a 90,4 ± 17 ms; p = 0,018). El bloqueo de rama se asoció a mayor necesidad de balón de contrapulsación (el 29 frente al 12%; p = 0,012), inotrópicos (el 58 frente al 35%; p = 0,014) y mayor incidencia de inestabilidad hemodinámica (el 69 frente al 42%; p = 0,006). Tras el ajuste multivariable, los predictores de inestabilidad hemodinámica fueron la duración del QRS (odds ratio [OR] = 1,49; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,11-2; p = 0,007), la ausencia de injerto arterial (OR = 3,6; IC del 95%, 1,14-11,6; p = 0,029) y el tiempo de circulación extracorpórea (OR = 1,013; IC del 95%, 1,003-1,023; p = 0,013), con independencia de otros factores de riesgo. Conclusiones. El retraso de la conducción intraventricular o duración del intervalo QRS se asocia a mayor riesgo de inestabilidad hemodinámica durante el post-operatorio de cirugía coronaria (AU)

Introduction and objectives. The duration of the QRS interval measured by ECG is a marker of ventricular dysfunction and indicates a poor prognosis. Its value in patients undergoing coronary revascularization surgery has not been established.Methods. The study involved 203 consecutive patients (age 64±9 years, 74% male) scheduled for elective coronary surgery. The maximum QRS duration measured on a preoperative 12-lead ECG was recorded. Hemodynamic instability was defined as the occurrence of cardiac death, heart failure, or a need for intravenous inotropic drugs or intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation during the postoperative period.Results. The occurrence of hemodynamic instability (n=94, 46%) was associated with a longer preoperative QRS duration (97.5±21.14 ms vs 88.5±16.9 ms; P=.001). The QRS duration was also longer in patients who developed heart failure (n=23; 104.3±22.9 ms vs. 91.1±18.5 ms; P=.002), needed inotropic drugs (n=77; 96.5±20.5 ms vs. 90.1±18.2 ms; P=.007) or developed postoperative atrial (..) (AU)

[Epidemiology and new predictors of atrial fibrillation after coronary surgery]. / Epidemiología y nuevos predictores de la fibrilación auricular tras cirugía coronaria.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a frequent complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Our aims were to study its epidemiology and to identify predictors in everyday clinical practice, while taking into account statin use, extracorporeal circulation, and new biomarkers of inflammation and ventricular stress. METHODS: The study included 102 consecutive patients (65 [9] years, 72% male) who were undergoing CABG. Blood samples were taken the day before surgery to determine baseline levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Details of baseline clinical characteristics, preoperative treatment and surgery were recorded. The end-point was PAF at 30 days. RESULTS: The incidence of PAF was 23% (n=23; 3.2 [2.9] days, range 1-15 days). Its appearance was associated with a longer stay in the intensive care unit (+ 1 day; P=.019), but not with an increased total hospital stay (P=.213). Among patients with PAF, 4.3% had an embolism and 8.6% remained in atrial fibrillation at discharge. Moreover, PAF was associated with a longer duration of ischemia (28.5 [22.3] vs 18.0 [27.9]; P=.045) and a lower statin pretreatment rate (39% vs 66%; P=.022). Multivariate analysis showed that the only factor associated with a higher risk of PAF was the absence of statin pretreatment (odds ratio = 4.31, 95% confidence interval 1.33-13.88; P=.015). There was no association between either extracorporeal circulation or the baseline CRP or NT-proBNP level and an increased risk of PAF. CONCLUSION: In everyday clinical practice, PAF is a frequent complication. Statin pretreatment could have a protective effect against its appearance.

Epidemiología y nuevos predictores de la fibrilación auricular tras cirugía coronaria / Epidemiology and new predictors of atrial fibrillation after coronary surgery

Introducción y objetivos. La fibrilación auricular postoperatoria (FAP) es una complicación frecuente tras la cirugía de revascularización coronaria. Estudiamos su epidemiología y los predictores en la práctica actual, considerando el uso de estatinas, la circulación extracorpórea y los nuevos biomarcadores de inflamación y estrés ventricular. Métodos. Se estudió a 102 pacientes consecutivos (65 ± 9 años, 72% varones) en los que se realizó cirugía coronaria. El día previo se obtuvieron las muestras plasmáticas para medida de proteína C reactiva (PCR) y porción amino-terminal del propéptido natriurético cerebral (NT-proBNP), se recogieron las características clínicas basales y el tratamiento preoperatorio, posteriormente se registraron los datos quirúrgicos y se estudió la aparición de FAP a 30 días. Resultados. La incidencia de FAP fue del 23% (n = 23) (3,2 ± 2,9 días; intervalo, 1-15 días). Su aparición prolongó los cuidados intensivos (mediana + un día; p = 0,019) pero no la estancia hospitalaria total (p = 0,213). Entre los pacientes con FAP, los embolismos y la persistencia en FA en el momento del alta fueron del 4,3 y el 8,6%, respectivamente. La FAP se asoció con un mayor tiempo de isquemia (28,5 ± 22,30 frente a 18,0 ± 27,9 min; p = 0,045) y una menor tasa de estatinas preoperatorias (el 39 frente al 66%; p = 0,022). En el análisis multivariable, sólo la ausencia de estatinas conllevó un mayor riesgo de FAP (odds ratio [OR] = 4,31; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,33-13,88; p = 0,015). El uso de circulación extracorpórea (CEC) y los valores basales de PCR y NT-proBNP no se asociaron con un mayor riesgo. Conclusión. En la práctica actual, la FAP es una complicación frecuente y la administración de estatinas en el preoperatorio podría proteger frente a su aparición (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Postoperative atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a frequent complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Our aims were to study its epidemiology and to identify predictors in everyday clinical practice, while taking into account statin use, extracorporeal circulation, and new biomarkers of inflammation and ventricular stress. Methods. The study included 102 consecutive patients (65 [9] years, 72% male) who were undergoing CABG. Blood samples were taken the day before surgery to determine baseline levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Details of baseline clinical characteristics, preoperative treatment and surgery were recorded. The end-point was PAF at 30 days. Results. The incidence of PAF was 23% (n=23; 3.2 [2.9] days, range 1-15 days). Its appearance was associated with a longer stay in the intensive care unit (+ 1 day; P=.019), but not with an increased total hospital stay (P=.213). Among patients with PAF, 4.3% had an embolism and 8.6% remained in atrial fibrillation at discharge. Moreover, PAF was associated with a longer duration of ischemia (28.5 [22.3] vs 18.0 [27.9]; P=.045) and a lower statin pretreatment rate (39% vs 66%; P=.022). Multivariate analysis showed that the only factor associated with a higher risk of PAF was the absence of statin pretreatment (odds ratio = 4.31, 95% confidence interval 1.33­13.88; P=.015). There was no association between either extracorporeal circulation or the baseline CRP or NT-proBNP level and an increased risk of PAF. Conclusion. In everyday clinical practice, PAF is a frequent complication. Statin pretreatment could have a protective effect against its appearance (AU)