bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visceral adipose tissue is significantly associated with hearing thresholds in adult women
Authors: Kim Tae Su , Park Sung Won , Kim Do Yeon , Kim Eon Bin , Chung Jong Woo , So Hong‐Seob
Published: February 2013

Objective

Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for age‐related hearing impairment (ARHI). There are metabolic differences between abdominal adipose tissue present in subcutaneous and visceral areas. In this study, we investigated the association between abdominal fat composition, measured by computerized tomography (CT), and hearing thresholds.

Patients and Methods

We recruited 662 adults aged 40–82 years with normal or symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss who underwent fat measurement by CT. Linear regression models were used to address the association between risk factors, including abdominal fat composition, and average hearing levels at low and high frequencies.

Results

After adjusting for age, systemic disease and other variables, a positive association between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area and average hearing threshold was observed in women. In men, there was no significant association between abdominal fat composition and hearing threshold.

Conclusion

Our findings show an association between VAT and hearing impairment in women. A reduction in visceral adiposity may help to prevent hearing loss in women.
Comparison between microcomputed tomography and cone‐beam computed tomography radiologic bone to assess atrophic posterior maxilla density and microarchitecture
Authors: Monje Alberto , Monje Florencio , González‐García Raúl , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Rodriguez‐Salvanes Francisco , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between bone density obtained by cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and morphometric parameters of bone analyzed by microcomputed tomography (μ‐CT).

Material and methods

An overall of 32 subjects ≤8 mm of bone height were included in the study. One site per patient was randomly selected to obtain bone core. Totally, 27 biopsies were available for μ‐CT analysis. In addition, CBCT was taken after positioning a previously fabricated acrylic resin template with a 2‐mm‐diameter metal rod at the randomly selected implant site to study radiographic bone density (RBD). The relationship between μ‐CT and CBCT quantitative variable and RBD was analyzed using Spearman correlation.

Results

Positive correlations between BV/TV (r = 0.769, P < 0.001), BS/TV (r = 0.563, P = 0.002), Tb.Th (r = 0.491, P = 0.009), Tb.N (r = 0.518, P = 0.005) and vBMD (r = 0.699, P < 0.001) with RBD were identified. On the contrary, BS/BV (r = −0.509, P = 0.006), Tb.Sp (r = −0.539, P = 0.003) and Tb.Pf (r = −0.636, P < 0.001) were negatively correlated with RBD. Moreover, SMI (r = −0.380, P = 0.050) and DA (−0.245, P = 0.217) were negatively correlated but not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the correlation between radiographic bone density (RBD) and bone density assessed by μ‐CT. Therefore, our data supported the use of CBCT as pre‐operative tool for implant treatment planning because it is shown to be reliable to assess atrophic posterior maxilla density and microarchitecture.
Effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation on sinus augmentation in rabbits
Authors: Takebe Hiroaki , Nakanishi Yasuhiro , Hirose Yukito , Ochi Morio
Published: February 2013

Objectives

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of low intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) and to determine the optimal frequency for enhancing bone regeneration in sinus augmentation using a rabbit model.

Material and methods

Thirty male rabbits underwent sinus augmentation. Two rectangular nasal bone windows were outlined bilaterally. LIPUS was applied at two different frequencies (1 MHz and 3 MHz) on experimental sites daily for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Each histological area of the experimental and control sites was divided into upper and lower parts from the parietal region to a depth of 5 mm. Each area of new bone was measured.

Results

At 2, 4 and 8 weeks, the experimental sites in the 1 MHz group exhibited significantly more new bone growth than the control sites in both the upper and lower parts. When the upper and lower parts of each area were measured in combination there was a statistical difference between the test and control sites in the 1 MHz group at 2, 4 and 8 weeks; however, there were no statistical differences between the test and control sites in the 3 MHz group.

Conclusions

The results suggest that clinical application of LIPUS for sinus augmentation may promote new bone formation, and that the effect of LIPUS for sinus augmentation at a frequency of 1 MHz was greater than at 3 MHz until 8 weeks after sinus augmentation.
Photocatalytically induced hydrophilicity influences bone remodelling at longer healing periods: a rabbit study
Authors: Hayashi M. , Jimbo R. , Xue Y. , Mustafa K. , Andersson M. , Wennerberg A.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Previously, we have reported that photocatalytically active hydrophilicity of the anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles coated onto commercially pure titanium discs presented significantly improved hydrophilicity after ultraviolet irradiation. As hydrophilicity has shown enhancement of osseointegration, the in vivo responses were of great interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether or not the photo‐activated hydrophilicity generated at the time of implant placement has an effect on the longer healing periods for osseointegration.

Materials and methods

Photocatatytically active nanostructured TiO2 powder (Degussa P‐25), which consists of approximately 80% anatase and 20% rutile, was spin‐coated onto commercially pure titanium discs and was heat‐treated thereafter. These P25‐coated discs were irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light for the test (+UV) group, and non‐irradiated discs were prepared for the control (−UV) group. Both groups of discs were placed in the rabbits' tibiae. After 12 weeks of healing period, histological analysis and gene expression analysis using real‐time RT‐PCR were performed.

Results

From the histological analyses, there were no specific differences between −UV and +UV groups. However, from the gene expression analysis, ALP, RUNX‐2 and IL‐10 were significantly upregulated for the +UV group compared with the −UV group.

Conclusions

The biologically enhancing effect to photocatalytically activated surfaces remained even after 12 weeks of healing time in terms of genetic responses.
Characterization and prognostic significance of mitochondrial DNA variations in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Silkjaer Trine , Nørgaard Jan Maxwell , Aggerholm Anni , Ebbesen Lene Hyldahl , Kjeldsen Eigil , Hokland Peter , Nyvold Charlotte Guldborg
Published: February 2013

Recent studies have suggested that mutations in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) may play a role in the development and response to treatment for human cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mtDNA variations have any prognostic relevance, to clarify the spectra of mtDNA variation and to determine whether there was any correlation to known prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To elucidate this, we sequenced the entire mtDNA in 56 AML patients and 14 control subjects. When analyzing the biologic impact of the non‐synonymous variations in the mtDNA coding genes, we found an inferior disease‐free survival for patients exhibiting variations in the two most important catalytic genes of the complex IV of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes (OXPHOS), that is, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (hazard ratio 2.6, P = 0.03; multivariate analysis). In addition, the most frequent variation was the T16311C in the control region, which was found in 11 (20%) of the 56 patients. This observation was confirmed in another cohort of 173 diagnostic AML samples. In this expanded group, the T16311C variation tended to be associated with chromosomal abnormalities.
Canonical transient receptor potential channel subtype 3‐mediated hair cell Ca2+ entry regulates sound transduction and auditory neurotransmission
Authors: Wong Ann Chi Yan , Birnbaumer Lutz , Housley Gary D.
Published: February 2013

The physiological significance of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) ion channels in sensory systems is rapidly emerging. Heterologous expression studies show that TRPC3 is a significant Ca2+ entry pathway, with dual activation via G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR)–phospholipase C–diacylglycerol second messenger signaling, and through negative feedback, whereby a fall in cytosolic Ca2+ releases Ca2+–calmodulin channel block. We hypothesised that the latter process contributes to cochlear hair cell cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis. Confocal microfluorimetry with the Ca2+ indicator Fluo‐4 acetoxymethylester showed that, when cytosolic Ca2+ was depleted, Ca2+ re‐entry was significantly impaired in mature TRPC3−/− inner and outer hair cells. The impact of this disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis on sound transduction was assessed with the use of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), which constitute a direct measure of the outer hair cell transduction that underlies hearing sensitivity and frequency selectivity. TRPC3−/− mice showed significantly stronger DPOAE (2f1 − f2) growth functions than wild‐type (WT) littermates within the frequency range of best hearing acuity. This translated to hyperacusis (decreased threshold) measured by the auditory brainstem response (ABR). TRPC3−/− and WT mice did not differ in the levels of temporary and permanent threshold shift arising from noise exposure, indicating that potential GPCR signaling via TRPC3 is not pronounced. Overall, these data suggest that the Ca2+ set‐point in the hair cell, and hence membrane conductance, is modulated by TRPC3s through their function as a negative feedback‐regulated Ca2+ entry pathway. This TPRC3‐regulated Ca2+ homeostasis shapes the sound transduction input–output function and auditory neurotransmission.
Periodontal regeneration: experimental observations—clinical consequences
Authors: Wikesjö Ulf M.E. , Susin Cristiano , Lee Jaebum , Dickinson Douglas P. , Polimeni Giuseppe
Published: February 2013

Biologic evidence thus far points to the presence of cells originating from the periodontal ligament, wound stability, space‐provision, and primary intention healing as central biologic and clinical factors that must be afforded to a site to obtain periodontal regeneration. Only profound appreciation of these biological and clinical variables affecting the outcome of periodontal regenerative procedures will allow clinicians to proficiently manipulate them to optimize the clinical result and elevate predictability of periodontal regenerative therapy.
Effects of ozone in normal human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: McCarthy James T. , Pelle Edward , Dong Kelly , Brahmbhatt Krupa , Yarosh Dan , Pernodet Nadine
Published: February 2013

Ozone is a tropospheric pollutant that can form at ground level as a result of an interaction between sunlight and hydrocarbon engine emissions. As ozone is an extremely oxidative reaction product, epidermal cells are in the outer layer of defense against ozone. We exposed normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) to concentrations of ozone that have been measured in cities and assayed for its effects. Hydrogen peroxide and IL‐1α levels both increased while ATP levels decreased. We found a decrease in the NAD‐dependent histone deacetylase, sirtuin 3. Lastly, we found that ozone increased DNA damage as evaluated by Comet assay. Taken together, our results show increased damage to NHEK that will ultimately impair normal cellular function as a result of an environmentally relevant ozone exposure.
Ca2+‐calmodulin interacts with DdCAD‐1 and promotes DdCAD‐1 transport by contractile vacuoles in Dictyostelium cells
Authors: Sriskanthadevan Shrivani , Brar Simuran K. , Manoharan Kumararaaj , Siu Chi‐Hung
Published: February 2013

The Ca2+‐dependent cell–cell adhesion molecule DdCAD‐1, encoded by the cadA gene of Dictyostelium discoideum, is synthesized at the onset of development as a soluble protein and then transported to the plasma membrane by contractile vacuoles. Calmodulin associates with contractile vacuoles in a Ca2+‐dependent manner, and co‐localizes with DdCAD‐1 on the surface of contractile vacuoles. Bioinformatics analysis revealed multiple calmodulin‐binding motifs in DdCAD‐1. Co‐immunoprecipitation and pull‐down studies showed that only Ca2+‐bound calmodulin was able to bind DdCAD‐1. Structural integrity of DdCAD‐1, but not the native conformation, was required for its interaction with calmodulin. To investigate the role of calmodulin in the import of DdCAD‐1 into contractile vacuoles, an in vitro import assay consisting of contractile vacuoles derived from cadA− cells and recombinant proteins was employed. Prior stripping of the bound calmodulin from contractile vacuoles by EGTA impaired import of DdCAD‐1, which was restored by addition of exogenous calmodulin. The calmodulin antagonists W‐7 and compound 48/80 blocked the binding of calmodulin onto stripped contractile vacuoles, and inhibited the import of DdCAD‐1. Together, the data show that calmodulin forms a complex with DdCAD‐1 and promotes the docking and import of DdCAD‐1 into contractile vacuoles.

Structured digital abstract

CaM physically interacts with DdCAD-1 by pull down (View Interaction: 1, 2)

DdCAD-1 binds to CaM by far western blotting (View interaction)

DdCAD-1 physically interacts with CaM by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
Long‐term effects of aerobic training versus combined aerobic and resistance training in modifying cardiovascular disease risk factors in healthy elderly men
Authors: Sousa Nelson , Mendes Romeu , Abrantes Catarina , Sampaio Jaime , Oliveira José
Published: February 2013

Aims

The purpose of the present study was to compare different modes of exercise in chronic modification of cardiovascular diseases risk factors.

Methods

A total of 48 healthy elderly men were randomly assigned to an aerobic training group (n = 15, aged 71.7 ± 4.7 years), a combined (aerobic and resistance) training group (n = 16, aged 68.5 ± 3.5 years) and a control group (n = 17, aged 67.0 ± 5.8 years). Both training programs were of moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity, 3 days per week for 9 months. Primary outcome measures included body composition, blood pressure and lipid profile. Odds ratios (OR) between hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia were calculated. The independence between risk factors, aggregation and group factor was tested (baseline vs post‐test).

Results

There was significant aggregation between hypertension and obesity (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.24–5.33). After 32 weeks, there was a significant change in the number of hypertensive (χ2 = 8.1, P = 0.004) and dyslipidemic (χ2 = 3.9, P = 0.049) participants, and also a favorable modification in the risk factors aggregation (χ2 = 7.9, P = 0.019), but only in the combined training group.

Conclusions

Combined aerobic and resistance training is more effective in the chronic modification of blood pressure and lipid profile, and in the reduction of total risk factors aggregated. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 928–935.
‘From the time he took on the form of a servant’: The Christ's Pilgrimage of Faith
Authors: Allen Michael
Published: February 2013

Addressing the pistis christou debate in New Testament studies, this article argues that in the eternal life of the perfect God, the divine Son pleases the Father in the Spirit and, therefore, the divine Son trusts the Father by the Spirit's power during his earthly pilgrimage. It roots soteriology in Christology and shows that the christological account flows forth from the eternal relations of the Trinity. The article concludes by noting implications for dogmatics and exegesis.
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for renal stones in pediatric patients: A multivariate analysis model for estimating the stone‐free probability
Authors: El‐Nahas Ahmed R , El‐Assmy Ahmed M , Awad Bassam A , Elhalwagy Samer M , Elshal Ahmed M , Sheir Khaled Z
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To define factors affecting the stone‐free rate of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in the treatment of pediatric renal calculi, and to establish a regression model for pretreatment prediction of stone‐free probability.

Methods

From January 1999 through February 2012, 207 children with mean age 6.4 ± 3.8 years underwent shockwave lithotripsy with Dornier Lithotripter S for treatment of renal stones. The stone‐free rate was evaluated 3 months after the last shockwave lithotripsy session with non‐contrast computed tomography. Treatment success was defined as complete clearance of the stones with no residual fragments. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors and to predict the probability of being stone free.

Results

The mean length of the stone was 11.6 ± 4 mm. The stone‐free rate was 71%. Independent factors that adversely affect stone‐free rate were increasing stone length and calyceal site of the stone. Relative risks for not being free of stones were 1.123 for stone length, 2.673 for stones in the upper or middle calyx and 4.208 for lower calyx stones.

Conclusion

Stone length and location are prognostic factors determining stone‐free rate after shockwave lithotripsy for renal calculi in pediatric patients. Based on our analysis, shockwave lithotripsy should be recommended for renal pelvis stones up to 24 mm, upper or middle calyceal stones up to 15 mm and lower calyceal stones up to 11 mm.
Ambiguous genitalia and hypertension in a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Valsalan R. , Zimmermann A.
Published: February 2013

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an uncommon condition. Its clinical presentation with hypertension is rare. Deficiency of the steroid 11‐beta‐hydroxylase accounts for less than 10% of CAH. We report a case of a 19‐year‐old patient who presents with hypertension with ambiguous genitalia secondary to adrenal steroidogenesis dysfunction. We also discuss the defects in adrenal steroidogenesis and clinical phenotypes of CAH.
Renal Protective Effects of Early Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration in Rhabdomyolysis: Improved Renal Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Inhibited Apoptosis
Authors: Tang Wanxin , Chen Zejun , Wu Weihua , Qiu Hongyu , Bo Hong , Zhang Ling , Fu Ping
Published: February 2013

Rhabdomyolysis (RM) and subsequent myoglobin (Mb) deposition can lead to acute kidney injury. Continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) can remove Mb, but direct renal protection is unclear. We hypothesized that CVVH can improve renal mitochondrial dysfunction in its early stage. Twenty‐four mongrel dogs were randomly divided into four groups: (A) control; (B) model; (C) model + CVVH (50 mL/kg/h); and (D) model + CVVH (30 mL/kg/h). RM was induced by glycerol via intramuscular injection. The dogs were closely monitored for urine flow and renal function. Mb, plasma tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin (IL)‐6 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. After 8 h of CVVH, the morphological changes of renal mitochondria were observed and mitochondrial function indicators (reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and respiratory control index) were detected. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of Mb, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in renal tubules. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling assay method and Western blot analysis were used to detect apoptosis and apoptosis‐related proteins. In group B, the dog urine output gradually decreased with increased blood creatinine. In groups C and D, the urine output was normal and stable. CVVH effectively eliminated Mb. High‐dose CVVH was significantly better for removal efficiency than low‐dose CVVH. CVVH significantly reduced the deposition of circulating Mb in the kidney in a dose‐dependent manner. The impact of CVVH on TNF‐α and IL‐6 were not observed. The morphological changes of mitochondria and function indicators were significantly improved in group C compared with groups D and B. Compared with group B, renal apoptosis and apoptosis‐related protein expression were inhibited in groups C and D. Group C was significantly better for mitochondrial improvement and apoptosis inhibition than group D. At the cellular and molecular level, CVVH can improve renal mitochondrial function and inhibit cell apoptosis. Early CVVH can protect from RM‐caused renal injuries in a dose‐dependent manner.
Comparison and Experimental Validation of Fluid Dynamic Numerical Models for a Clinical Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Zhang Jiafeng , Zhang Pei , Fraser Katharine H. , Griffith Bartley P. , Wu Zhongjun J.
Published: February 2013

With the recent advances in computer technology, computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) has become an important tool to design and improve blood‐contacting artificial organs, and to study the device‐induced blood damage. Commercial CFD software packages are readily available, and multiple CFD models are provided by CFD software developers. However, the best approach of using CFD effectively to characterize fluid flow and to predict blood damage in these medical devices remains debatable. This study aimed to compare these CFD models and provide useful information on the accuracy of each model in modeling blood flow in circulatory assist devices. The laminar and five turbulence models (Spalart‐Allmaras, k‐ε (k‐epsilon), k‐ω (k‐omega), SST [Menter's Shear Stress Transport], and Reynolds Stress) were implemented to predict blood flow in a clinically used circulatory assist device, the CentriMag centrifugal blood pump. In parallel, a transparent replica of the CentriMag pump was constructed and selected views of the flow fields were measured with digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV). CFD results were compared with the DPIV experimental results. Compared with the experiment, all the selected CFD models predicted the flow pattern fairly well except the area of the outlet. However, quantitatively, the laminar model results were the most deviated from the experimental data. On the other hand, k‐ε renormalization group theory models and Reynolds Stress model are the most accurate. In conclusion, for the circulatory assist devices, turbulence models provide more accurate results than the laminar model. Among the selected turbulence models, k‐ε and Reynolds Stress Method models are recommended.
No increased sperm DNA fragmentation index in semen containing human papillomavirus or herpesvirus
Authors: Kaspersen M. D. , Bungum M. , Fedder J. , Bonde J. , Larsen P. B. , J Ingerslev H. , Höllsberg P.
Published: February 2013

It remains unknown whether human papillomaviruses (HPVs) or human herpesviruses (HHVs) in semen affect sperm DNA integrity. We investigated whether the presence of these viruses in semen was associated with an elevated sperm DNA fragmentation index. Semen from 76 sperm donors was examined by a PCR‐based hybridization array that identifies all HHVs and 35 of the most common HPVs. Sperm DNA integrity was determined by the sperm chromatin structure assay. HPVs or HHVs, or both, were found in 57% of semen samples; however, sperm DNA fragmentation index was not increased in semen containing these viruses.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Demonstrates Reversible Atrial Dysfunction After Catheter Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: MUELLERLEILE KAI , GROTH MICHAEL , STEVEN DANIEL , HOFFMANN BORIS A. , SARING DENNIS , RADUNSKI ULF K. , LUND GUNNAR K. , ADAM GERHARD , ROSTOCK THOMAS , WILLEMS STEPHAN
Published: February 2013

Reversible Dysfunction After Persistent AF Ablation

Introduction

There is a paucity of data on atrial injury following ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed at assessing reversibility of atrial dysfunction after successful persistent AF ablation using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods and Results

CMR was performed during sinus rhythm (SR) in 20 consecutive patients with persistent AF at baseline (BL) within 24 hours after ablation and after 6‐month follow‐up (FU). Catheter ablation included atrial substrate modification using the stepwise approach following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in order to attempt termination of persistent AF. Active left (LA) and right atrial (RA) function were quantified by calculating the active emptying fraction (AEF) from transvalvular flow profiles using velocity encoded (VENC) CMR. LA appendage (LAA) function was quantified by measurements of peak a‐wave velocities from flow profiles perpendicular to the LAA orifice. Peri‐atrial edema was assessed using black‐blood T2‐weighted CMR. A significant improvement was found in LA‐AEF from 18 (12–26)% at BL to 25 (22–35)% at FU (P = 0.0001). Furthermore, RA‐AEF significantly increased from 31 (19–35)% at BL to 40 (35–51)% at FU (P < 0.0001). A significant improvement was also found for LAA a‐wave velocities from 45 (31–65) cm/s at BL to 62 (49–75) cm/s at FU (P < 0.01). The area of peri‐atrial edema on T2‐weighted CMR decreased from 1393 (1098–1797) mm2 at BL to 24 (1–92) mm2 at FU (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

CMR demonstrates reversibility of LA, LAA, and RA dysfunction associated with resorption of peri‐atrial edema in patients with SR after persistent AF ablation.
Characteristics of Atrial Fibrillation and Comorbidities in Familial Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: JURKKO RAIJA , PALOJOKI EEVA , HUTTUNEN HANNA , HOLM CHRISTIAN , LEHTO MIKA , HELIÖ TIINA , SWAN HEIKKI , TOIVONEN LAURI
Published: February 2013

Familial Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction

One‐third of lone atrial fibrillation (AF) presents as familial disorder. Heterogeneity of both genetic background and clinical manifestations remains largely uncharacterized. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and especially the triggering factors of familial AF.

Methods and Results

Probands were screened from 84 consecutive lone AF patients seen in our tertiary hospital arrhythmia clinic. Those confirmed to have at least 1 first‐degree relative with lone AF were included. 12‐lead ECG, Holter recording, and cardiac ultrasound were performed. Data concerning arrhythmias and other medical history were collected. Altogether 17 kindreds with 59 AF patients, 52 of whom had lone AF, were identified. Initiation of AF was atrial extrasystolia (PACs) related in 35%, and vagal or sympathetic in 30% of cases. Within any given family, the characteristics related to AF initiation were the same in two‐thirds of kindreds. AV conduction abnormalities were found in 2 families, sinus node dysfunction in 2 families, and both in 3 families. Frequent premature ventricular complexes (>1,000/24 hours) were observed in 9 families. Additional comorbidities included dilative cardiomyopathy and sudden death in 3 families.

Conclusions

In familial AF the proportion of PACs‐related AF is lower than expected. The arrhythmia triggers for lone AF in general are heterogeneous but often family specific. Concomitant rhythm disorders, as well as cardiomyopathies, are common in patients with familial AF. A positive family history for AF in an apparently lone AF patient may be a marker for wider spectrum of cardiac pathology.
Phenolic Composition Analysis and Gene Expression in Developing Seeds of Yellow‐ and Black‐seeded Brassica napus
Authors: Jiang Jinjin , Shao Yanlin , Li Aimin , Lu Chunliang , Zhang Yongtai , Wang Youping
Published: February 2013

Breeders have focused on yellow‐seeded Brassica napus (rapeseed) for its better quality compared with the black‐seeded variety. Moreover, flavonoids have been associated with this kind of rapeseed. In this study, we applied lipid chromatography‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MSn) to compare flavonoids in developing seeds of natural black‐seeded B. napus and yellow‐seeded introgression lines selected from progenies of B. napus–Sinapis alba somatic hybrids. Aside from the most abundant phenolic compounds (sinapine and sinapic acid) and 1, 2‐disinapoylglucose, 16 different flavonoids were identified and quantified, including (‐)‐epicatechin, five monocharged oligomers of (‐)‐epicatechin ([DP 2]−, [DP 3]−, [DP 4] [DP 2]−B2 and [DP 2]−B5), quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin‐dihexoside, kaempferol‐sinapoyl‐trihexoside, isorhamnetin‐sinapoyl‐trihexoside, isorhamnetin‐hexoside‐sulfate, and isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐glucoside. Most of the flavonoids accumulated with seed development, whereas some rapidly decreased during maturation. The content of these flavonoids were lower in the yellow‐seeded materials than in the black seeds. In addition, variations of insoluble procyanidin oligomers and soluble phenolic acids were observed among both rapeseed varieties. Transcriptome changes of genes participating in the flavonoid pathway were discovered by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Consistent with flavonoid changes identified by high performance liquid chromatography analysis, the expression of most genes in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway was also downregulated.
Cardiac self‐efficacy and its predictors in patients with coronary artery diseases
Authors: Kang Younhee , Yang In‐Suk
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectives

To investigate cardiac self‐efficacy and its predictors among patients with coronary artery diseases.

Background

Patients with coronary artery diseases must perform the health behaviour to prevent recurrent cardiac events. It has been already well known that self‐efficacy is a vital factor in both initiating and maintaining health behaviours.

Design

Descriptive correlational and cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

Subjects were interviewed using structured study questionnaires. The data collected were statistically analysed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including the t‐test, anova, Tukey's test, Pearson's correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analysis to determine the predictors of cardiac self‐efficacy.

Results

A convenience sample of 214 patients with coronary artery diseases was included. The mean age of subjects was 60·71 ± 10·07 years, and three‐fourths were men. The overall model significantly explained 15·8% of variance in cardiac self‐efficacy. Among predictors, occupation, diagnosis, body mass index, experience of receiving patient education and awareness of risk factors had statistically significant influences on cardiac self‐efficacy.

Conclusions

Rather than disease knowledge, factors related to subject's perception were more likely to associate with cardiac self‐efficacy. These findings might provide a theoretical basis to develop nursing interventions for enhancing cardiac self‐efficacy of patients with coronary artery diseases.

Relevance to clinical practice

Clinical nurses taking care of patients with coronary artery diseases should consider the patients' perception on their coronary artery diseases including experience of receiving patient education, and awareness of risk factors in encouraging the cardiac self‐efficacy to promote the health behaviours for the secondary prevention of coronary artery diseases.
Factors associated with quality of life after attempted suicide: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Shu‐May , Chou Yu‐Ching , Yeh Mei‐Yu , Chen Chih‐Hao , Tzeng Wen‐Chii
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe factors associated with the subjective quality of life of individuals who had attempted suicide.

Background

Although quality of life has been a focus of concern in mental health care, data are lacking on what life is like and what factors are related to an individual's quality of life after a suicide attempt.

Design

A cross‐sectional, descriptive design was used.

Methods

Participants comprised a convenience sample of 103 individuals who had attempted suicide within the previous three months and received follow‐up care from one suicide‐prevention centre in northern Taiwan. Participants were assessed for depression and quality of life using the Beck Depression Inventory, Taiwan version and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Instrument‐BREF, Taiwan version, respectively.

Results

Almost half the participants (n = 49) had severe depression and one‐third of them (n = 30) reattempted suicide while receiving follow‐up care. Depression and quality‐of‐life scores were statistically significantly inversely correlated. participants' quality‐of‐life scores were most associated with their depressive level, reattempting suicide during suicidal follow‐up care, high educational level and older age.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that factors associated with quality of life decreased more in individuals with moderate/severe depression than in those with mild depression. In addition, individuals who reattempted suicide during follow‐up care were more likely to suffer from poor life quality.

Relevance to clinical practice

Mental health professionals should include frequent evaluation of depressive status and quality of life in follow‐up care for patients who have recently attempted suicide. Particularly, mental health professionals must treat suicidal individuals with a high tendency to reattempt suicide by establishing trust with them and allowing them to narrate their painful experiences during follow‐up care.
Severe dietary lysine restriction affects growth and body composition and hepatic gene expression for nitrogen metabolism in growing rats
Authors: Kim J. , Lee K. S. , Kwon D.‐H. , Bong J. J. , Jeong J. Y. , Nam Y. S. , Lee M. S. , Liu X. , Baik M.
Published: February 2013

Dietary lysine restriction may differentially affect body growth and lipid and nitrogen metabolism, depending on the degree of lysine restriction. This study was conducted to examine the effect of dietary lysine restriction on growth and lipid and nitrogen metabolism with two different degree of lysine restriction. Isocaloric amino acid–defined diets containing 1.4% lysine (adequate), 0.70% lysine (50% moderate lysine restriction) and 0.35% lysine (75% severe lysine restriction) were fed from the age of 52 to 77 days for 25 days in male Sprague–Dawley rats. The 75% severe lysine restriction increased (p < 0.05) food intake, but retarded (p < 0.05) growth, increased (p < 0.05) liver and muscle lipid contents and abdominal fat accumulation, increased (p < 0.05) blood urea nitrogen levels and mRNA levels of the serine‐synthesizing 3‐phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase gene, but decreased (p < 0.05) urea cycle arginase gene mRNA levels. In contrast, the 50% lysine restriction did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect body growth and lipid and nitrogen metabolism. Our results demonstrate that severe 75% lysine restriction has detrimental effects on body growth and deregulate lipid and nitrogen metabolism.
Isorhamnetin inhibits Prevotella intermedia lipopolysaccharide‐induced production of interleukin‐6 in murine macrophages via anti‐inflammatory heme oxygenase‐1 induction and inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 activation
Authors: Jin J. Y. , Choi E. Y. , Park H. R. , Choi J. I. , Choi I. S. , Kim S. J.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objective

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a key proinflammatory cytokine that has been considered to be important in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Therefore, host‐modulatory agents directed at inhibiting IL‐6 appear to be beneficial in terms of attenuating periodontal disease progression and potentially improving disease susceptibility. In the current study, we investigated the effect of the flavonoid isorhamnetin on the production of IL‐6 in murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Prevotella intermedia, a pathogen implicated in inflammatory periodontal disease, and its mechanisms of action.

Material and Methods

Lipopolysaccharide from P. intermedia ATCC 25611 was isolated using the standard hot phenol–water method. Culture supernatants were collected and assayed for IL‐6. We used real‐time PCR to quantify IL‐6 and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) mRNA expression. The expression of HO‐1 protein and the levels of signaling proteins were monitored using immunoblot analyses. The DNA‐binding activity of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) was analyzed using ELISA‐based assay kits.

Results

Isorhamnetin significantly down‐regulated P. intermedia LPS‐induced production of IL‐6 as well as its mRNA expression in RAW264.7 cells. Isorhamnetin up‐regulated the expression of HO‐1 at both gene transcription and translation levels in cells stimulated with P. intermedia LPS. In addition, inhibition of HO‐1 activity by tin protoporphyrin IX blocked the inhibitory effect of isorhamnetin on IL‐6 production. Isorhamnetin failed to prevent LPS from activating either c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase or p38 pathways. Isorhamnetin did not inhibit NF‐κB transcriptional activity at the level of inhibitory κB‐α degradation. Isorhamnetin suppressed NF‐κB signaling through inhibition of nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of NF‐κB p50 subunit and attenuated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signaling.

Conclusion

Although further research is required to clarify the detailed mechanism of action, we propose that isorhamnetin may contribute to blockade of the host‐destructive processes mediated by IL‐6 and could be a highly efficient modulator of the host response in the treatment of inflammatory periodontal disease. Further research in animal models of periodontitis is required to better evaluate, the potential of isorhamnetin as a novel agent for treating periodontal disease.
Antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy using high‐power blue light‐emitting diode and red‐dye agent on Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Chui C. , Aoki A. , Takeuchi Y. , Sasaki Y. , Hiratsuka K. , Abiko Y. , Izumi Y.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objective

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a‐PDT) using a combination of red‐colored laser/light‐emitting diode (LED) and blue dye has been employed for periodontal therapy and the antimicrobial effect seems promising. Blue light, which has favorable wavelength properties, would be more effective as a light source for a‐PDT because blue light itself possesses an antimicrobial effect. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a‐PDT using a novel combination of high‐power blue LED and red‐dye agent on Porphyromonas gingivalis in vitro.

Material and Methods

Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 suspension was irradiated with blue LED (BL) (425–470 nm) or red LED (RL) (625–635 nm) at 30–90 J/cm2, or was mixed with erythrosine (ER), phloxine B (PB) or rose bengal (RB) with or without BL irradiation (30 J/cm2). RL (30 J/cm2) in combination with toluidine blue was employed as positive control. All the suspensions of P. gingivalis were serially diluted, plated and incubated anaerobically, and the numbers of colony‐forming units (CFUs) were counted on day 7.

Results

BL irradiation at 60 and 90 J/cm2 demonstrated a significant reduction in the numbers of CFUs. ER, PB and RB solutions at 160 μg/mL showed almost no or only a minimal reduction in the numbers of CFUs. BL at 30 J/cm2 combined with ER, PB or RB at 160 μg/mL resulted in a log reduction of 0.9, 1.0 and 7.1, respectively, in the numbers of CFUs; 30 J/cm2 BL with RB at 1.6, 16 and 160 μg/mL demonstrated a log reduction of 6.3, 8.0 and 5.5, respectively; and a log reduction of 5.2 was obtained after 30 J/cm2 RL with 16 μg/mL TB.

Conclusion

Within the limits of this study, BL was found to have an antimicrobial/growth‐inhibiting effect on P. gingivalis, and a‐PDT using a combination of BL and RB shows promise as a new technical modality for bacterial elimination in periodontal therapy.
Effects of periodontal non‐surgical therapy plus azithromycin on glycemic control in patients with diabetes: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Botero J. E. , Yepes F. L. , Ochoa S. P. , Hincapie J. P. , Roldan N. , Ospina C. A. , Castrillon C. A. , Becerra M. A.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objective

Periodontitis may alter the systemic condition in patients with diabetes and hence interfere with glycemic control. The objective of this study was to determine the quantifiable changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) after periodontal non‐surgical therapy plus azithromycin in a mixed population of patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and five patients were randomized to receive non‐surgical therapy plus azythromycin (AZ‐Sca =33), non‐surgical therapy plus placebo (PB‐Sca = 37) and supragingival prophylaxis plus azithromycin (AZ‐Pro = 35). Glycated hemoglobin, glycemia and periodontal parameters were measured at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 mo after treatment.

Results

Periodontal parameters were improved in the AZ‐Sca and PB‐Sca groups as compared to the AZ‐Pro group. A greater reduction in probing depth was observed in the AZ‐Sca as compared to the PB‐Sca group. Improvement in clinical attachment level was similar between AZ‐Sca and PB‐Sca groups. A reduction from 8.0% to 7.2% (∆0.8%; p < 0.05) in HbA1C was observed in the AZ‐Sca at 9 mo as compared to the PB‐Sca group in which the reduction was from 7.9% to 7.6% (∆0.3%). There was no decrease in HbA1C in the AZ‐Pro group over time. Mean glycemia values decreased from 195 mg/dL to 159.2 mg/dL (∆35.8 mg/dL; p < 0.05) in the AZ‐Sca group whereas a decrease from 194 mg/dL to 174.8 mg/dL (∆19.2 mg/dL) in the PB‐Sca group at 9 mo was observed. There were no differences between the AZ‐Sca and PB‐Sca groups for glycemic parameters. No improvement in glycemic values in the AZ‐Pro group was observed.

Conclusions

A modest improvement in glycemic control was detected with a trend towards the use of non‐surgical therapy plus AZ as compared to the placebo.
Changes in Sexual Functioning in Women After Neuromodulation for Voiding Dysfunction
Authors: Yih Jessica M. , Killinger Kim A. , Boura Judith A. , Peters Kenneth M.
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Sacral neuromodulation is a well-established treatment for urinary and bowel disorders with potential use for other disorders such as sexual dysfunction.

Aim

To evaluate changes in sexual functioning in women undergoing neuromodulation for voiding symptoms.

Methods

Patients enrolled in our prospective, observational neuromodulation database study were evaluated. Data were collected from medical records, and patient-completed Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Interstitial Cystitis Symptom-Problem Indices (ICSI-PI) at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months post-implant. Patients rated overall change in sexual functioning on scaled global response assessments (GRA) at 3, 6, and 12 months post-implant. We grouped women by baseline FSFI scores: less (score < 26) and more sexually functional (score ≥ 26). Data were analyzed with Pearson's Chi-square or Fisher's Exact test and repeated measures.

Main Outcomes Measures

Changes in FSFI and ICSI-PI scores in women grouped by baseline FSFI score < 26 and ≥26.

Results

Of 167 women evaluated, FSFI scores improved overall from preimplant (mean 13.5 ± 8.5) to 12 months (N = 72; mean 15.9 ± 8.9, P = 0.004). At baseline and each follow-up point, ICSI-PI scores were similar between groups and improved through time. For patients in the FSFI < 26 group there was improvement from baseline to 12-month scores (N = 63; 11.9 ± 6.9 to 14.8 ± 8.7; P = 0.0006). Improved FSFI domains included desire, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Furthermore, of the 74 subjects in this group not sexually active at baseline, 10 became sexually active during follow-up. In the FSFI ≥ 26 group there was slight but statistically significant decline in mean scores between baseline and 12 months (N = 9; 27.4 ± 1.1 to 24.5 ± 3.4; P = 0.0302); however one had become sexually inactive. A significant decrease was seen in the satisfaction domain.

Conclusions

Many factors affect sexual functioning in women; however sexual function may improve along with urinary symptoms after neuromodulation.
A Psychophysiological Investigation of Sexual Arousal in Women with Lifelong Vaginismus
Authors: Cherner Rebecca A. , Reissing Elke D.
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Relatively little is known about the subjective reactions of women with lifelong vaginismus to erotic stimuli and genital arousal has never been investigated. Reports of maladaptive cognitions and fears regarding sexuality and intercourse suggest that anxiety may interfere with sexual arousal in women with vaginismus.

Aims

To examine the genital and subjective responses to sexually explicit film stimuli of women with lifelong vaginismus compared with women with lifelong dyspareunia and women with no pain.

Methods

Forty-five women (15 vaginismus, 15 dyspareunia, and 15 no pain) viewed two neutral and two erotic film sets, one depicting sexual activity without vaginal penetration and the other depicting intercourse, over two testing sessions.

Main Outcome Measures

Vulvar temperature was recorded using an infrared camera. Participants completed a measure of subjective responses after viewing each film.

Results

All groups experienced increased vulvar temperature during the erotic films regardless of activity depicted. In response to the erotic films, the vaginismus group reported less mental arousal than the no-pain group and a range of negative subjective responses, including threat and disgust. Overall, participants showed concordance between peak subjective sexual arousal and temperature change from baseline to peak arousal.

Conclusion

Despite negative subjective responses, women with vaginismus responded with increased genital sexual arousal to erotic films. The resilience of genital arousal may have resulted from moderate levels of anxiety experienced in the laboratory setting facilitating sexual response regardless of subjective appraisal; however, anxiety experienced in a dyadic context may interfere more substantially.
Assessment of Female Sexual Function in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Souza Flaviane de Oliveira , Dias Letícia Alves Rios , Franco Maíra de Menezes , Guirro Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira , Cavalli Ricardo de Carvalho , Lara Lúcia Alves da Silva , Ferreira Cristine Homsi Jorge
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction is a frequent problem that may be caused by several factors, such as pregnancy and diabetes, and that can affect the woman's quality of life.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the sexual function of pregnant women with gestational diabetes.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional clinical study involving 88 women, among which 33 were pregnant with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 55 were with low-risk pregnancy (LRP).

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a self-applicable questionnaire validated in Portuguese. All the pregnant women answered the questionnaire between the 20th and 25th week of gestation. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis by using the SAS version 9.2 procedure PROC MEANS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), whereas Student's t-test was applied by using the procedure PROC TTEST (SAS Institute Inc.) at a significance level of ≤5% for all analyses.

Results

The percentage of women presenting sexual dysfunction in each group was the following: 66.7% in Group GDM and 38.9% in the Group LRP, with significant difference between the groups (P = 0.03). However, no significant differences were found between the groups regarding sexual desire, excitement, lubrication, and pain. On the total score of FSFI, Group GDM had a score ≤26.55 (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Diabetic pregnant women were found to have a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction as their scores were lower for all FSFI domains compared with LRP females.