Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of inadvertent atrioventricular block on clinical outcomes during cryoablation of the slow pathway in the treatment of atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia.

AIMS The study aimed at evaluating the long-term effects of transient atrioventricular (AV) block on clinical outcomes during atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) cryoablation. METHODS AND RESULTS In 150 consecutive patients (39 +/- 14 years, ineffective anti-arrhythmic drugs 1.9 +/- 1.3), slow-pathway cryoablation for AVNRT was performed. A 7 Fr 6 mm-tip cryocatheter was used. After successful cryomapping (-30 degrees C), defined as jump abolition or AV nodal refractory period prolongation, cryoablation (-80 degrees C for 4 min) was applied if no AV block occurred. Atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia inducibility was checked after 30 min. Acute success (AVNRT non-inducibility) was achieved in 142 patients (95%). Overall, after a follow-up of 18 +/- 10 months, 118 of 150 patients (79%) were recurrence-free (including 2 patients for whom the procedure was unsuccessful). Among successful procedures, 116 of 142 (82%) patients were recurrence-free. During cryoablation, inadvertent transient AV block of varying degrees occurred in 34 patients (22.7%), namely, increased PR in 17 patients and a 2nd-3rd AV block in the remaining 17. In 24 patients, AV block occurred at the last effective site (increased PR in 13 patients and a 2nd-3rd AV block in 11). In the study population as a whole, univariate predictors of recurrence in the follow-up were AVNRT inducibility (P < 0.001), increased PR at the last effective site (P < 0.001), residual jump (P < 0.02), and small Koch's triangle (X-ray distance < 11 mm between the His and coronary sinus ostium catheters; P < 0.02). Atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia inducibility (P < 0.03), increased PR (P < 0.01), and small Koch's triangle (P< 0.04) were independently significant. For attempts at the last effective site, 3 groups of patients were compared: 13 patients with increased PR duration (Group A), 11 with a 2nd-3rd AV block (Group B), and 126 without AV block (Group C). Cryo-application time was 277 +/- 203 s in Group A, 75 +/- 87 s in Group B, and 253 +/- 135 s in Group C (A vs. B, P < 0.01; B vs. C, P < 0.001; and C vs. A, P= NS). There was no statistical difference among groups in the atriogram/ventriculogram amplitude ratio at the site of the last attempt, unsuccessful acute procedure, small Koch's triangle, and residual jump. Actuarial incidence of recurrence-free status at 12 months was 38% in A, 82% in B, and 82% in C (A vs. B, P < 0.05; B vs. C, P = NS; and C vs. A, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION All AV blocks occurring during cryoablation were transient, confirming the safety of this method. An increased PR duration at the last effective site is associated with a higher recurrence rate, whereas a 2nd-3rd degree AV block has a recurrence rate similar to that of patients without AV block despite a shorter cryo-application time at the last site.
Reduced mortality rates after intensive statin therapy in managed-care patients.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether intensive statin therapy in a managed-care setting produces greater clinical benefit than more moderate statin use. METHODS Adults hospitalized for a coronary heart disease (CHD) event were identified from a longitudinal database of pharmaceutical and medical claims. Propensity scores representing a patient's likelihood of receiving statin therapy were calculated. Statin-treated patients were those who received statin therapy within 30 days of hospital discharge after a CHD event, had been supplied with statin therapy for at least 10 days during the follow-up period, and received statin therapy for at least 10 days before the first recurrent CHD event. Standard or intensive statin therapy was identified according to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reductions expected with statin dose. Patients in the standard and intensive groups were matched by propensity scores to patients not receiving statin therapy after discharge. Patients in the standard statin therapy group were also matched to patients who received intensive statin therapy. Mortality rates after hospital discharge were compared in all matched groups. RESULTS Patients treated with standard therapy experienced a 32% reduction in risk of death compared with patients not receiving statin therapy (P = 0.003). Patients who received intensive statin therapy after a CHD event experienced a 42% reduction in risk of mortality (P = 0.002) versus those not receiving statin therapy. Compared with standard therapy, intensive statin treatment further reduced the risk of death by 29% (P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS High risk CHD patients benefit from intensive statin therapy in a real-world, managed-care cohort, confirming the results of randomized clinical trials.
Cell receptors for the mammalian reovirus. I. Syngeneic monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody identifies a cell surface receptor for reovirus.

We have prepared and characterized a syngeneic monoclonal anti-idiotype directed against the idiotype (Id3) of the anti-reovirus type 3 hemagglutinin B cell hybridoma 9BG5. We have shown this monoclonal antibody to be anti-idiotypic in a series of inhibition studies with purified sigma 1 (hemagglutinin) protein and with absorption studies on the idiotypic R1.1 cell line. That the idiotype Id 3 defined by the monoclonal anti-idiotype is distinct from H-2 was demonstrated by its presence on an idiotype-expressing H-2 negative cell line (R1.E). Binding of the anti-idiotype is relatively tunicamycin resistant and pronase/trypsin sensitive, which suggests that the recognition site of the anti-idiotypic receptor is poorly glycosylated. The presence of idiotype-like receptors on reovirus type 3 susceptible neurons may have important implications for the presence of related gene families between neural and lymphoid tissue. The implications of recognition by neuronal cells of an anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody directed against the reovirus 3 attachment receptor for the pathogenesis of viral-induced auto-immunity are discussed.
headache study the German DMKG − − Prevalence of chronic migraine and medication overuse headache in Germany

Population-based epidemiological studies about the prevalence of chronic migraine using the 2004 International Headache Society (IHS) classification definition are rare. We analysed the data of the Deutsche Migräne und Kopfschmerz Gesellschaft headache study, which included 7417 adults in three regions of Germany, with respect to their headache. Additionally, body mass index, alcohol consumption and smoking behaviour were recorded. Using the IHS definition from 2004, chronic migraine was diagnosed in 0.2% of the population. Half of these patients also fulfilled the criteria of medication overuse headache (MOH). The distribution of migraine attacks per subject was highly skewed, with only 14% of all migraine patients having more than six migraine attacks per month. Patients with chronic migraine or MOH seem more often to be active smokers than controls without headache. A body mass index of 30 was present significantly more often in patients with MOH than in controls or in patients with episodic migraine. The skewed distribution of the numbers of attacks per patient supports the recommendation to differentiate between episodic migraine with low and high attack frequency, as is done in the classification of tension-type headache. It further suggests that migraine with high attack frequency might be biologically different. The higher prevalence of smokers and of patients with a body mass index 30 in chronic migraine or MOH supports the idea of a frontal dysfunction in these patients.
A Double-Blind Comparison of Terazosin and Tamsulosin on Their Differential Effects on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Nocturnal Orthostatic Stress Testing

Objectives: This single-centre, double-blind, randomized parallel-group study compared ambulatory blood pressure (AMBP) and heart rate (HR) profiles and responses to orthostatic testing (OT) for recommended regimens of tamsulosin (TAM, modified release formulation) and terazosin (TER), two α1-adrenoceptor antagonists that differ in their selectivity for α1-adrenoceptor subtypes, pharmacokinetic properties and recommended posology for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Methods: 50 elderly normotensive male volunteers (mean age 68 years, range 61–78; 27 had LUTS) entered a single-blind 24-hour placebo run-in followed by a 15-day double-blind treatment in which the TER group received a 1-week treatment with 1 mg, then 1 week with 2 mg and finally a last dose of 5 mg, each dose administered once daily in the evening, while TAM subjects received 0.4 mg once daily after breakfast throughout. Subjects had AMBPs and OT while hospitalized on four occasions: during the placebo run-in and subsequent to the first dose of 1, 2 and 5 mg TER or at corresponding times under TAM. Regular OT (blood pressure after 5 min supine and after 2 min standing) was carried out between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m.; ‘nocturial’ OT took place whenever the subject had to leave the bed at night to void. Results: The baseline blood pressure values were slightly higher in the TAM group, but under treatment there was little difference between the treatments with regard to circadian changes in AMBP and HR. Under TER, there were 10 incidents of symptomatic hypotensive OT in 9 subjects (2 with syncope); furthermore, there were 24 events of asymptomatic exaggerated (≥20 mm Hg) decrease in systolic blood pressure in 12 subjects. With TAM in contrast, there was only 1 subject who experienced symptomatic hypotensive OT on 3 occasions (this subject had a previous history of vertigo and ought not to have been included); 7 subjects on TAM showed 16 incidents of asymptomatic hypotensive OT. The difference between TER and TAM was statistically significant for the number of subjects with positive symptomatic OT (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Once-daily dosing of TAM after breakfast at a fixed dose level (0.4 mg) offers a more efficient protection against undesired cardiovascular extension effects in the normotensive elderly treated for LUTS suggestive of BPO than the usually recommended treatment schedule of TER with step-up doses (1–5 mg) administered at night.
The Effect of Dietary Phytase Supplementation at Different Levels on Tibial Bone Characteristics and Strength in Broilers

The influence of various levels of supplemental phytase on P and Ca availability was investigated using morphometric indices and the bone strength of tibiotarsi in broilers. Forty tibiotarsi were used from the Ross 308 male broilers fed corn-soybean meal based diets. Dietary treatments were: 1) Control: diet with DCP, 2) Negative control: control diet without DCP, 3) Control diet + 300 U of phytase/kg, 4) Control diet + 500 U of phytase/kg, 5) Control diet + 700 U of phytase/kg. There were no significant differences among the groups in the mean for tibiotarsal weight and length and also for the thickness of the medial wall. However, 300 U/kg diet with phytase supplementation had a greater influence on the tibiotarsal weight/length index and the robusticity index when compared to those of broilers in both control groups, and the thickness of the lateral wall and tibiotarsal index among all the groups (P<0.05). The percentages of tibia ash were improved by the addition of dietary phytase. Phytase supplementation slightly improved tibia breaking stress and the modulus of elasticity in broilers. Increasing phytase levels from 300 to 700 U of phytase/kg of diet provided no additional benefits for tibiotarsal bone characteristics and strength in broilers.
Low Levels of Antibodies Against Oxidized but not Nonoxidized Cardiolipin and Phosphatidylserine Are Associated with Atherosclerotic Plaques in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective. We have reported that the prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques and their echolucency was increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We here study antibodies against oxidized cardiolipin (anti-OxCL) and phosphatidylserine (anti-OxPS) in SLE and in relation to atherosclerosis measures. Methods. Patients with SLE (n = 114) were compared with age- and sex-matched population-based controls (n = 122). Common carotid intima-media thickness and plaque occurrence were determined by B-mode ultrasonography. Plaques were graded according to echogenicity as 1–4, with 1 being echolucent. Antibodies were determined by ELISA. Results. In the SLE group, the prevalence of low IgM anti-OxPS and low total IgM levels (below 33rd percentile) was increased compared to controls (p = 0.045 and p = 0.0079, respectively). Among SLE patients with atherosclerotic plaques, the prevalence of low IgM anti-OxPS (p = 0.0019) and anti-OxCL (p = 0.031) was increased. Only IgM anti-OxPS remained significant (p = 0.019) after adjusting for other significant factors. Echolucent plaques (total, or left side) were more prevalent among SLE patients with low IgM anti-OxCL and anti-OxPS when controlled for other significant factors (p < 0.05). Low total IgM was independently associated with echolucent plaque on left side (p < 0.05), but not other atherosclerosis measures. IgM anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and antiphosphatidylserine antibodies (anti-PS) were higher among SLE patients with cardiopulmonary disease, including arterial, valvular, and venous disease (p < 0.05). There were no associations between antibodies and other disease manifestations or activity. Both anti-OxCL and anti-OxPS, in contrast to aCL, and anti-PS, were cofactor−β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI)-independent. Conclusion. The prevalence of low levels of IgM anti-OxCL and anti-OxPS (both cofactor-β2-GPI-independent) is associated with the presence of plaques and echolucent plaques in SLE.
Cytogenetic biomonitoring in oral mucosa cells following dental X-ray.

OBJECTIVES In the past decades, X-rays have been used widely for diagnosis in dentistry. However, it is well known that ionizing radiation causes damage (including single- and double-strand breaks) to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and DNA-protein crosslinks, and induces cellular death. Therefore, outlining the cytogenetic effects induced by X-ray is necessary to identify the degree of cancer risk and minimize potential risks to patients and clinicians. To date, a variety of assays have been proposed in cytogenetic biomonitoring studies, including those that assess metaphase chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges, and micronucleus and single-cell gel (comet) assay. METHODS Cytogenetic biomonitoring studies focusing on oral mucosa cells in individuals exposed to dental X-ray were reviewed. RESULTS Dental X-ray can induce DNA damage and cytotoxicity in oral mucosa cells. CONCLUSION These results will contribute to a better understanding of X-ray-induced effects upon the cellular system in individuals continually exposed to known genotoxic/cytotoxic agents.
An analysis of patient information leaflets supplied with medicines sold by pharmacists in the United Kingdom

The primary aim of this exploratory study was to analyse the design factors contributing to the reading ease and comprehension of medicinal information leaflets. Good practice guidelines on general typography and layout were chosen from the literature and compared with European Commission guidelines on preparing package leaflets. The suitability of the guidelines for evaluating package inserts was investigated using leaflets accompanying thirteen different medicines available from pharmacies. With minor revision, the design recommendations were appropriate for developing over the counter medicinal leaflets. There was general agreement that simplicity is the key to good information design. It was concluded that the design of readable medicinal package inserts is a complex, process. Consumer participation is essential and advice from a professional designer highly desirable.
Depression and communication processes in later life marriages

Objective: About six hundred and fourteen elderly people married to each other, average ages 66 and 63 respectively, in long term, mature marriages, lasting on the average 36 years, completed the Marital Satisfaction Inventory, Revised–MSIr (Snyder, D.K. 1999) and the short version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (Kohout, F.J., Berkman, L.F., Evans, D.A., & Cornoni-Huntley, J. (1993). The purpose of this study was to determine whether depression in one or both spouses and poor affective and problem solving communication occur together. Methods: Husbands and wives were divided into nine groups based on their levels of depression (hlow/wlow, hmed/wmed, hhigh/whigh, hhigh/wlow, hhigh/wmed, wlow/hhigh, and wlow/hmed, hmed/wlow, and hmed/whigh). Analysis of Variance was used to examine the difference in couple affective communication and problem solving scores from the MSIr (1999). Results: The findings indicated that when husbands or wives are more depressed, both affective communication and problem solving processes are impaired for the couple. When both are depressed, affective communication and problem solving are worse than when only one is depressed, and both husband and wife communication scores are worse when one or both partners is depressed than when neither husband nor wife is depressed. Conclusion: While these findings do not point to cause, implications for providing mental health services (including marital therapy) or couple based education groups as supports to the depressed elderly and their spouses are recommended.
Partial discharge characterization of streamers in liquid nitrogen under applied AC voltages

Streamer growth has been examined with the aim to further understand the issues related to using liquid nitrogen as a part of a dielectric system within power apparatus using high temperature superconducting conductors (HTSC). An experiment has been designed to image streamer events in liquid nitrogen for applied electric fields with alternating current using a technique that allows time correlated partial discharge signal and image capture of the density-change streamers. This method employs high speed digital imaging at 5,000 and 30,000 frames per second with stroboscopic backlighting of samples. Samples are point-plane with divergent electric field geometry and consists of liquid nitrogen and a composite solid barrier preventing total field collapse during discharge. Magnitude of apparent charge and phase relationship of partial electrical discharge in liquid nitrogen have been correlated to simultaneously captured images of the resulting density-change streamer. Images of streamers at different points on the applied wave are shown to highlight that different physical mechanisms of propagation occur, phi-q-n plots of partial discharge activity are presented for a range of applied voltages, bulk liquid temperatures and pressures. Analysis of obtained results support the hypothesis that positive filamentary streamer growth is caused by ionization processes occurring in the liquid phase.
Changing sulphasalazine to methotrexate does not improve the 2-year outcomes of the initial single DMARD treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis: subanalysis of the FIN-RACo trial

The current treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) aims at early and sustained remission.1 However, the opinions on how to reach this target vary. The European guideline recommends the use of initial methotrexate (MTX), and if that fails, adding a biologic. A combination of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is not seen as an option as initial therapy or as the next step in patients with active RA failing MTX.2 Others have, however, included combination DMARDs in the first and second line treatment recommendations,3 ,4 and the Finns, thanks to the encouraging results and comprehensive national participation in the FIN-RACo trial,5 even propose triple DMARD combination as the initial treatment in active early RA.6 Direct comparisons between combination therapy and single MTX have been lacking; until recently, the tREACH trial fulfilled this gap by confirming the superiority of triple combination compared with single MTX in early RA.7 The FIN-RACo trial proved that the initial triple DMARD combination (MTX, sulphasalazine (SASP) and hydroxychloroquine) is superior to single DMARD therapy, started with SASP, which, however, could be …
Identification of conditions for nanostructured burnishing and subsurface shear instability

Numerical as well as physical modeling of nanostructuring burnishing has been carried out to find out the process parameter limiting levels, which serve both to provide appropriate surface quality and positive deformation-induced structural modification of the subsurface layers as well as to avoid shear instability in the subsurface layers of burnished metal. The effects of load, burnishing speed, tool tip material, tool pass number and tribological transfer on the burnished surface roughness have been elucidated by the example of quenched and tempered steel 20X (EN 20Cr4). It was shown that overloading results in quasi-viscous flow of the subsurface material, deterioration of the surface and ruining the positive effect of nanostructuring burnishing.
Tumor necrosis factor enhances the sleep‐like state and electrical stimulation induces a wake‐like state in co‐cultures of neurons and glia

We characterise sleep‐like states in cultured neurons and glia during development in vitro as well as after electrical stimulation, the addition of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), and the combination of TNF plus electrical stimulation. We also characterise optogenetic stimulation‐induced ATP release and neuronal interleukin‐1 and TNF expression in vitro demonstrating the activity dependence of these putative sleep‐regulatory substances. Action potential (AP) burstiness, expressed as the burstiness index (BI), synchronization of slow electrical potentials between recording electrodes (SYN), and slow wave (SW) power (0.25–3.75 Hz) determined using fast Fourier analyses emerged as network properties, maturing after 2 weeks in culture. Homologous in vivo measures are used to characterise sleep. Electrical stimulation reduced the BI, SYN and SW power values during and/or after the stimulus period. One day later, homeostasis was evident from rebounds of SYN and SW power values to above baseline levels; the magnitude of the rebound was stimulus pattern‐dependent. The addition of TNF enhanced BI, SYN and SW power values, suggesting the induction of a deeper sleep‐like state. Electrical stimulation reversed these TNF effects, suggesting the network state was more wake‐like. The day after TNF plus electrical stimulation, the changes in SYN and SW power values were dependent upon the stimulus patterns the cells received the day before. We conclude that sleep and wake states in cultured in vitro networks can be controlled and they share molecular regulatory mechanisms with local in vivo networks. Further, sleep is an activity‐dependent emergent local network property.