bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term basal forebrain cholinergic‐rich graftsderived from trisomy 16 mice do not develop β‐AMYLOID pathology and neurodegeneration butdemonstrate neuroinflammatory responses
Authors: Stahl Tobias , Goldammer Axel , Luschekina Elena , Beck Mike , Schliebs Reinhard , Bigl Volker 
Published: July 2002

AbstractPatients with Down syndrome (human trisomy 21) develop neuropathological andcholinergic functional defects characteristic of Alzheimers disease, which has been attributed tothe location of the Alzheimer β‐amyloid precursor protein on chromosome 21. Due tothe partial genetic homology between mouse chromosome 16 and human chromosome 21, murinetrisomy 16 was used as a model to study functional links between increased expression of theamyloid precursor protein, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammatory responses. Basal forebraincholinergic‐rich tissue derived from trisomy 16 mice at embryonic age of day 16 was transplantedinto the lateral ventricle of adult normal mice. At 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after transplantation,the grafts were characterized by immunocytochemistry, molecular biological analysis, andstereological methods. Grafts survived up to one year and still demonstrated immunoreactivity forcholinergic, GABAergic and astroglial cells. Though a 1.5‐fold neuronal overexpression ofamyloid precursor protein was detected in brains from trisomy 16 embryos by Northern analysis, β‐amyloid deposits were found neither in control nor trisomic grafts. Detailedstereological analysis of trisomic grafts did not reveal any neurodegeneration or morphologicalchanges of cholinergic and GABAergic neurons during the course of graft maturation up to oneyear, as compared to grafts derived from euploid tissue. However, both euploid and trisomicgrafts demonstrated a strong infiltration with T‐ and B‐lymphocytes and a significant micro‐ andastroglial activation (hypertrophic astrocytes) within and around the grafts. These observationsfurther suggest that the trisomy 16‐induced neurodegeneration is seemingly due to a lack ofneuron supporting factors which are provided by either the metabolic interaction of trisomic graftwith surrounding healthy host tissue or by cells of the immune system infiltrating the graft.
MIC trial: metoprolol in patients with mild to moderate heart failure: effects on ventricular function and cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Authors: Genth‐Zotz Sabine , Zotz Rainer J. , Sigmund Martin , Hanrath Peter , Hartmann Dagmar , Böhm Michael , Waagstein Finn , Treese Norbert , Meyer Jürgen , Darius Harald 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBeta‐blocker therapy results in a functional benefit in patients with heart failure (CHF) due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This study assessed if similar effects were observed in patients with ischemic heart disease (CAD), NYHA II–III after 6 months of therapy with metoprolol.Methods and results:Fifty‐two patients with CHF secondary to DCM (26 patients) and CAD (26 patients) and a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) < 40% were enrolled in the placebo‐controlled study. The study medication was titrated over 6 weeks, the mean final dosage was 135 mg/day. Three patients died due to cardiogenic shock, two received placebo and one metoprolol. Eight patients did not complete the study due to non‐compliance. Metoprolol significantly reduced heart rate at rest and after submaximal and maximal exercise. V̇o2‐max and V̇o2‐AT as well as the 6‐min walk test improved significantly after metoprolol treatment. There was a significant increase in EF at rest (27.3–35.2%), submaximal (28.5–37.7%) and maximal exercise (28.7–40.9%) in the metoprolol‐treated patients. No differences were found between patients with CAD and DCM. We also observed reduced left ventricular volumes.Conclusion:The additional therapy with metoprolol improved cardiac function and the cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in patients with CHF.
The Euro Heart Failure Survey of The EUROHEART Survey Programme: A survey on the quality of care among patients with heart failure in Europe
Authors: Cleland J.G.F. , Swedberg K. , Cohen‐Solal A. , Cosin‐Aguilar J. , Dietz R. , Follath F. , Gavazzi A. , Hobbs R. , Korewicki J. , Madeira H.C. , Preda I. , van Gilst W.H. , Widimsky J. , Mareev V. ,   for The Study Group on Diagnosis of the Working Group on Heart Failure of the European Society of Cardiology, Mason J. , Freemantle N. , Eastaugh Joanne ,   for The Medicines Evaluation Group Centre for Health Economics University of York
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackground:The EUROHEART programme is a rolling programme of cardiovascular surveys among the member nations of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). These surveys will provide information on the nature of cardiovascular disease and its management. This manuscript describes a survey into the nature and management of heart failure.Aims:The Euroheart Failure survey aims to describe the quality of hospital care, diagnostic and therapeutic, for patients with suspected or confirmed heart failure in ESC member countries. Patients will be interviewed subsequent to hospital discharge to assess their understanding of their condition, side effects from and their compliance with therapy and their satisfaction with the management for heart failure. The quality of management will be judged against the recommendations contained in the ESC guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. Outcome will be further assessed by repeat interviews in 6–12 months time. A further survey of heart failure in 2001/2002 is also planned.Methods:A prospective survey of all deaths and discharges from medical (cardiology, internal medicine and geriatric medicine) and cardiac surgical wards to identify patients with heart failure, suspected or confirmed. Approximately 70 hospital clusters, comprising two to six hospitals in each cluster, in 24 member countries of the ESC are conducting the study. At the time of writing, approximately 30 000 deaths and discharges have been screened and approximately 4000 patients have been enrolled.Conclusions:The Euroheart Survey will allow actual practice to be compared to ESC guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. The surveys and guidelines should prove mutually informative. The main EuroHeart Failure project will be completed by late 2000. However, new centres volunteering to participate in the study (contact corresponding author) may be accepted providing they have the necessary research personnel and provided funding can be agreed for statistical support and administration.
The effect of valvular regurgitation on plasma Cardiotrophin‐1 in patients with normal left ventricular systolic function
Authors: Talwar Suneel , Squire Iain B. , Davies Joan E. , Ng Leong L. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackgroundCardiotrophin‐1 (CT‐1), a member of the interleukin‐6 related cytokine family that act via the gp130 signalling pathway, has been shown to stimulate the assembly of sarcomeric units in series in cardiomyocytes resulting in eccentric hypertrophy, ventricular dilatation and finally loss of function. In situations of volume overload a similar form of eccentric hypertrophy occurs with time.AimsWe hypothesised that plasma CT‐1 would be raised in patients with significant mitral, tricuspid and/or aortic regurgitation (MR/TR or AR, respectively) when compared to those with no (or mild) valvular regurgitant lesion.MethodsA novel competitive immunoluminometric assay using an in‐house polyclonal antibody to amino acids 105–120 of the CT‐1 sequence was developed. Seventy‐eight patients (31 male, mean±S.D. age 63.5±17.9 years), all with normal left ventricular systolic function were studied. Results are expressed as mean±S.D. fmol/ml.ResultsSixty‐three subjects had no significant valvular lesion, seven had moderate/severe MR, nine had moderate/severe TR and four had moderate/severe AR. These subjects had CT‐1 concentrations of 53.3±23.2, 90.5±44.4, 72.6±43.8 and 48.4±24.4, respectively (P=0.02, ANOVA). Mean log CT‐1 was higher in those with moderate/severe MR when compared to those without a significant regurgitant valvular lesion (P<0.03). The only predictor of moderate/severe MR was log CT‐1 (P=0.004).ConclusionThese results suggest that plasma CT‐1 is raised in those patients with moderate/severe MR in the presence of normal left ventricular systolic function. This secretion of CT‐1 could potentially be the cause of ventricular dilatation and subsequent loss of contractile function in these patients. It also offers the intriguing possibility that plasma CT‐1 could be used to monitor progression of mitral regurgitation biochemically.
Low doses vs. high doses of the angiotensin converting‐enzyme inhibitor lisinopril in chronic heart failure: a cost‐effectiveness analysis based on the Assessment of Treatment with Lisinopril and Survival (ATLAS) study
Authors: Sculpher Mark J. , Poole Lynne , Cleland John , Drummond Michael , Armstrong Paul W. , Horowitz John D. , Massie Barry M. , Poole‐Wilson Philip A. , Ryden Lars 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjectiveA cost‐effectiveness analysis of high and low doses of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor lisinopril in the treatment of chronic heart failure.MethodsA cost‐effectiveness analysis using data from a randomized controlled trial, ATLAS, where 3164 patients with chronic heart failure were allocated to a high‐dose (daily target dose 32.5–35 mg) or low‐dose strategy (daily target dose 2.5–5.0 mg) of lisinopril. Differential costs were based on resource use data collected in the trial costed using UK unit costs. Cost‐effectiveness analysis related differential costs to differential life‐years during a 4‐year trial follow‐up.ResultsThe mean total number of hospital in‐patient days per patient was 18.5 in the high dose group and 22.5 in the low dose group. Over the whole duration of the trial, the mean (S.D.) daily dose of lisinopril in the high‐dose group was 22.5 mg (15.7mg) compared to 3.2 mg (2.5 mg) in the low‐dose group. The mean difference in cost per patient was £397 lower in the high‐dose group [95% CI (high‐dose–low‐dose) −£1263 to £436]. Mean life‐years per patient were 0.085 years higher in the high‐dose group [95% CI (high‐dose–low‐dose) −0.0074 to 0.1706). Based on mean costs and life‐years, high‐dose therapy dominates low‐dose (less costly and more effective). Allowing for uncertainty in mean costs and life‐years, the probability of high‐dose therapy being less costly than low dose was 82%. If a decision maker is willing to pay at least £3600 per life‐year gained, the probability of high‐dose being more cost‐effective was 92%.ConclusionsThe ATLAS Study showed that the treatment of heart failure with high‐doses of lisinopril has a high probability of being more cost‐effective than low‐dose therapy.
Altered diaphragm position and function in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Caruana Lynn , Petrie Mark C. , McMurray John J. , MacFarlane Niall G. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackground:Breathlessness is a common symptom experienced by patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) but its etiology remains controversial. Various molecular and histological adaptations have been reported for the diaphragm in CHF but their functional consequences are poorly described.Aims:This study aims to determine the position and function of the diaphragm in CHF patients.Methods:The diaphragm position was measured, relative to the renal pelvis, by ultrasound in 20 CHF patients and ninety controls matched for age and body mass. The extent and velocity of diaphragm movement was also measured during quiet breathing and sniffing.Results:At the end of expiration, the diaphragm was significantly nearer to the renal pelvis in CHF patients (89.3 ± 16.8 vs. 96.3 ± 19.2 mm, P < 0.05) and also moved further during quiet breathing (18.2 ± 4.4 vs. 12.7 ± 4.6 mm, P < 0.001) and sniffing (23.9 ± 7.4 vs. 18.2 ± 5.7 mm, P < 0.005). Velocity of diaphragm movement was also increased in CHF patients during quiet breathing (26.5 ± 8.2 vs. 15.9 ± 6.1 mm s−1, P < 0.001).Conclusions:These data demonstrate that the position and function of the diaphragm is altered in CHF.
The effect of chronic digitalization on pump function in systolic heart failure
Authors: Hassapoyannes Constantine A. , Easterling Bruce M. , Chavda Kiran , Chavda Krina K. , Movahed M. Reza , Welch Gary W. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackground:Short‐ and intermediate‐term use of cardiac glycosides promotes inotropy and improves the ejection fraction in systolic heart failure.Aim:To determine whether chronic digitalization alters left ventricular function and performance.Methods:Eighty patients with mild‐to‐moderate systolic heart failure (baseline ejection fraction ≤ 45%) participated from our institution in a multi‐center, chronic, randomized, double‐blind study of digitalis vs. placebo. Of the 40 survivors, 38 (20 allocated to the digitalis arm and 18 to the placebo arm) were evaluated at the end of follow‐up (mean, 48.4 months). Left ventricular systolic function was assessed by both nuclear ventriculography and echocardiography. The ejection fraction was measured scintigraphically, while the ventricular volumes were computed echocardiographically.Results:The groups did not differ, at baseline or end‐of‐study, with respect to the ejection fraction and the loading conditions (arterial pressure, ventricular volumes and heart rate) by either intention‐to‐treat or actual‐treatment‐received analysis. Over the course of the trial, the digitalis arm exhibited no significant increase in the use of diuretics (18%, P ‐ 0.33), in distinction from the placebo group (78%, P ‐ 0.004), and a longer stay on study drug among those patients who withdrew from double‐blind treatment (28.6 vs. 11.4 months, P ‐ 0.01).Conclusion:Following chronic use of digitalis for mild‐to‐moderate heart failure, cross‐sectional comparison with a control group from the same inception cohort showed no appreciable difference in systolic function or performance. Thus, the suggested clinical benefit cannot be explained by an inotropic effect.
Improved outcomes from a comprehensive management system for heart failure
Authors: Holst Diane P. , Kaye David , Richardson Meroula , Krum Henry , Prior David , Aggarwal Anne , Wolfe Rory , Bergin Peter 
Published: July 2002

AbstractAims:Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with a high readmission rate after diagnosis. We assessed the ability of a comprehensive management program (CMP) for CHF to reduce readmissions with secondary endpoints of improving quality of life, exercise capacity and targeted drug doses.Methods and results:Patients (pts) with: New York Heart Association Class (NYHA) III or IV CHF; left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%; and stable outpatient therapy were assigned to a CMP of cardiology assessment intensive education and referral to a tailored exercise program. Forty‐two pts (35 M, 7 F, mean age 54 years, S.D. 12 years) were enrolled. Two pts were transplanted, two died during follow‐up and two were lost to follow‐up. Hospital admissions were reduced by 87.2%, (mean 1.05, S.D. 0.98, admissions per pt to mean 0.08, S.D. 0.28, admissions per pt at 6‐month follow‐up; P < 0.0001). ACE‐inhibitor dose increased by 42% (P < 0.0008) and beta‐blocker dose increased by 61% (P < 0.0001). NYHA Class, 6‐min walk and quality of life scores all improved significantly (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:A CMP improves QOL and exercise capacity as well as substantially reducing hospital admissions in CHF pts. This study validates the benefit of intensive outpatient care of CHF.
Results from post‐hoc analyses of the CIBIS II trial: effect of bisoprolol in high‐risk patient groups with chronic heart failure
Authors: Erland Erdmann , Philippe Lechat , Patricia Verkenne , Hermann Wiemann 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackground:The beneficial effects of the β‐blocker bisoprolol on mortality and rate of hospitalisation as well as its safety in patients with chronic heart failure has been proven. However, its efficacy in patients in whom β‐blockers have traditionally been contraindicated or caution has been advised has not been clearly determined. Therefore, analyses in high‐risk subgroups of patients taking part in CIBIS II have been performed to investigate the effect of bisoprolol in elderly patients, in patients with type 2 diabetes, with renal failure, NYHA functional class IV or concomitantly treated with digitalis, aldosterone antagonists or amiodarone.Methods:High‐risk subgroups of patients with chronic heart failure taking part in the CIBIS II study were retrospectively analysed with respect to mortality, hospitalisation, combined endpoint of cardiovascular mortality or hospitalisation for cardiovascular reasons and treatment withdrawal as well as cause of death and hospitalisation. Analysis is based on intention‐to‐treat.Results:It was demonstrated that in spite of the expected increase in the overall risk of death and hospitalisation, patients who are diabetic, have renal impairment, NYHA class IV symptoms, are elderly, are taking either digitalis, amiodarone or aldosterone antagonists as co‐medication benefit equally from β‐blockade with bisoprolol as patients without these complications or drugs. Benefit was shown for the primary endpoint all cause mortality, as well as for the secondary endpoints.Conclusions:Contrary to the hitherto prevailing doctrine of not using beta‐blockers in high risk patient groups with chronic heart failure, retrospective analyses of the CIBIS II study justify the use of this drug class in patients regardless of age, NYHA functional class, the presence of diabetes, renal impairment or concomitant treatment with digitalis, amiodarone or aldosterone antagonists.
International Connections Among Midwives
Authors: Thompson Joyce E. 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACTWomen's health throughout the world is adversely affected by low status and literacy, poor nutrition, environmental toxins, violence, and other social, cultural, and economic factors. The majority of maternal deaths and disability occur in the developing nations of the world, such as Africa, where being born female is often a tragedy. The International Confederation of Midwives and the American College of Nurse‐Midwives have nearly a century of commitment to making pregnancies and births safer and women's lives better. The shared vision of women as persons who are due full human rights guides the efforts of nurses and midwives in their global efforts of working with women and childbearing families and promoting health for all.
Labor and Delivery Nurses' Attitudes Toward Intermittent Fetal Monitoring
Authors: Walker Deborah S. , Shunkwiler Susan , Supanich Judith , Williamsen Jodi , Yensch Amy 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACTFetal monitoring is a routine procedure overseen by labor and delivery nurses and upon which they exert considerable influence. There is a discrepancy, however, between the type of fetal monitoring routinely used and the evidence provided by current research and professional organization recommendations. This study provides the first look at labor and delivery nurses' attitudes toward fetal monitoring in more than 20 years. A descriptive, correlational study was conducted at five southeastern Michigan hospitals to evaluate attitudes toward intermittent fetal monitoring and the effect of selected demographic variables on their attitudes. Of the labor and delivery nurses who participated (N = 145), 72.4% agreed that intermittent fetal monitoring should be the standard of care. Although 87% of the respondents stated that they were willing to provide intermittent monitoring, 53.9% indicated that nurse/patient ratios were a problem in providing this service. Nurses' attitudes were significantly influenced by education level (P = .004), and 48% were unsure about current research findings related to intermittent auscultation. Nurses have a positive attitude toward intermittent monitoring, although safe nurse/patient ratios and clear policies need to be addressed. Lack of knowledge regarding the current evidence and other barriers may contribute to intermittent auscultation not being used routinely, despite the fact that its use for women of low obstetrical risk is supported by current research and professional organizations.
Exosome‐Coated 10B Carbon Dots for Precise Boron Neutron Capture Therapy in a Mouse Model of Glioma In Situ
Authors: Li Juan , Kong Jianglong , Ma Sihan , Li Jiacheng , Mao Meiru , Chen Kui , Chen Ziteng , Zhang Jiaxin , Chang Yanan , Yuan Hui , Liu Tong , Zhang Zizhu , Xing Gengmei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNovel boron‐containing carbon dots (BCDs) are designed and prepared for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) with superior water solubility and excellent optical property for tracking 10B in vitro and in vivo. Encapsulation of BCDs using exosomes (Exos) from macrophages yields BCD–Exos of ≈100 nm. Fluorescent imaging shows that the BCD–Exos are internalized and distributed around the nuclei of U‐87‐MG glioma cells. BCD–Exos are also verified to cross the blood–brain barrier and significant accumulation in tumor tissue of the orthotopic U‐87‐MG glioma tumor‐bearing mice model 4 h after administration. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), it is detected that 10B in tumor tissue is 107.07 ± 1.58 ppm, and T/N ratios are enhanced from 2.03 ± 0.08 of boron phenylalanine (BPA) to 5.28 ± 0.29 of the BCD–Exos. In BNCT, the neutron radiation dose is 8.40 ± 0.12 Gy when a 500 mg kg−1 10B dosage is given. Finally, there is a prominent BNCT effect of the BCD–Exos‐treated brain glioma in the mice model, and the survival ratio is 100% at the end of the experiment. The excellent curative effect of BNCT using BCD–Exos to brain glioma is achieved through adjusted biodistribution of boron in the cancer cell, enhanced T/N ratios, and the precise match between boron and neutron exposure in the site of the tumor in vivo with fluorescence imaging of BCD–Exos.
A CoN‐based OER Electrocatalyst Capable in Neutral Medium: Atomic Layer Deposition as Rational Strategy for Fabrication
Authors: Guo Daying , Zeng Zhihao , Wan Zhixin , Li Yan , Xi Bin , Wang Chengxin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractReported herein is an active and durable CoN‐containing oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst which efficiently functions in a neutral medium (pH ≈7). The composite material (N, S)‐RGO@CoN is synthesized by delicate atomic layer deposition (ALD) of CoN on a nitrogen and sulfur (N, S) co‐doped reduced graphene oxide (RGO) substrate. Representative results of the comprehensive study are: 1) The flower‐like sphere RGO substrate prepared by spray drying method features rich physical and chemical properties, which are beneficial for rapid mass/charge transfer to improve the intrinsic OER process; 2) the optimal ALD material for OER tests is afforded by tuning spray conditions and ALD parameters. Versatile structural and compositional characterizations confirm uniform growth and strong chemical coupling of nanostructured CoN on (N, S)‐RGO matrix; 3) the material is electrocatalytically active and durable in a neutral electrolyte, recording an OER overpotential of 220 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and stability of 20 h continuous catalysis at 20 mA cm−2 with nearly 100% Faradic efficiency; 4) Upon the experimental studies and density functional theory calculations, the eventual mechanism of remarkable OER activity conforms to the structural fate of ALD CoN electronic coupling to the carbon substrate.