bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Initial Human Feasibility of Infusion Needle Catheter Ablation for Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Sapp John L. , Beeckler Christopher , Pike Robert , Parkash Ratika , Gray Christopher J. , Zeppenfeld Katja , Kuriachan Vikas , Stevenson William G. 
Published: September 2013

Background—
Ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is sometimes unsuccessful when ablation lesions are of insufficient depth to reach arrhythmogenic substrate. We report the initial experience with the use of a catheter with an extendable/retractable irrigated needle at the tip capable of intramyocardial mapping and ablation.

Methods and Results—
Sequential consenting patients with recurrent VT underwent ablation with the use of a needle-tipped catheter. At target sites, the needle was advanced 7 to 9 mm into the myocardium, permitting pacing and recording. Infusion of saline/iodinated contrast mixture excluded perforation and ensured intramyocardial deployment. Further infusion was delivered before and during temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy delivery through the needle. All 8 patients included (6 male; mean age, 54) with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 29% were refractory to multiple antiarrhythmic drugs, and 1 to 4 previous catheter ablation attempts (epicardial in 4) had failed. Patients had 1 to 7 (median, 2) VTs present or inducible; 2 were incessant. Some intramyocardial VT mapping was possible in 7 patients. A mean of 22 (limits, 3–48) needle ablation lesions were applied in 8 patients. All patients had at least 1 VT terminated or rendered noninducible. During a median of 12 months follow-up, 4 patients were free of recurrent VT, and 3 patients were improved, but had new VTs occur at some point during follow-up. Two died of the progression of preexisting heart failure without recurrent VT. Complications included tamponade in 1 patient and heart block in 2 patients.

Conclusions—
Intramyocardial infusion-needle catheter ablation is feasible and permits control of some VTs that have been refractory to conventional catheter ablation therapy, warranting further study.
C-Reactive Protein, but not Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels, Associate With Coronary Atheroma Regression and Cardiovascular Events After Maximally Intensive Statin Therapy
Authors: Puri Rishi , Nissen Steven E. , Libby Peter , Shao Mingyuan , Ballantyne Christie M. , Barter Phillip J. , Chapman M. John , Erbel Raimund , Raichlen Joel S. , Uno Kiyoko , Kataoka Yu , Nicholls Stephen J. 
Published: September 2013

Background—
Baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: death, myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and hospitalization for unstable angina). The association between changes in CRP levels with plaque progression and MACE in the setting of maximally intensive statin therapy is unknown.

Methods and Results—

The Study of Coronary Atheroma by Intravascular Ultrasound: Effect of Rosuvastatin Versus Atorvastatin (SATURN) used serial intravascular ultrasound measures of coronary atheroma volume in patients treated with rosuvastatin 40 mg or atorvastatin 80 mg for 24 months. The treatment groups did not differ significantly in the change from baseline of percent atheroma volume on intravascular ultrasound, CRP-modulating effects, or MACE rates, thus allowing for a (prespecified) post hoc analysis to test associations between the changes in CRP levels with coronary disease progression and MACE. Patients with nonincreasing CRP levels (n=621) had higher baseline (2.3 [1.1–4.7] versus 1.1 [0.5–1.8] mg/L;
P
<0.001) and lower follow-up CRP levels (0.8 [0.5–1.7] versus 1.6 [0.7–4.1] mg/L;
P
<0.001) versus those with increasing CRP levels (n=364). Multivariable analysis revealed a nonincreasing CRP level to independently associate with greater percent atheroma volume regression (
P
=0.01). Although the (log) change in CRP did not associate with MACE (hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.93–1.50;
P
=0.17), the (log) on-treatment CRP associated significantly with MACE (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.56;
P
=0.02). On-treatment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels did not correlate with MACE (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.35;
P
=0.45).

Conclusions—
Following 24 months of potent statin therapy, on-treatment CRP levels associated with MACE. Inflammation may be an important driver of residual cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary artery disease despite aggressive statin therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT000620542.
Targeting Nuclear Import Shuttles, Importins/Karyopherins alpha by a Peptide Mimicking the NFκB1/p50 Nuclear Localization Sequence
Authors: Zienkiewicz Jozef , Armitage Amy , Hawiger Jacek 
Published: September 2013

Background

We recently reported that a bifunctional nuclear transport modifier (
NTM
),
cSN
50.1 peptide, reduced atherosclerosis, plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose along with liver fat and inflammatory markers, in a murine model of familial hypercholesterolemia. We determined that
cSN
50.1 improved lipid homeostasis by modulating nuclear transport of sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins through interaction with importin β. Previous studies established that
cSN
50.1 and related
NTM
s also modulate nuclear transport of proinflammatory transcription factors mediated by binding of their nuclear localization sequences (
NLS
s) to importins/karyopherins α. However, selectivity and specificity of
NTM
s for importins/karyopherins α were undetermined.

Methods and Results

We analyzed interaction of the
NTM
hydrophilic module, N50 peptide, derived from the
NLS
of
NF
κB1/p50, with endogenous human importins/karyopherins α to determine the mechanism of
NTM
modulation of importin α‐mediated nuclear transport. We show that N50 peptide forms stable complexes with multiple importins/karyopherins α. However, only interaction with importin α5 (Imp α5) displayed specific, high‐affinity binding. The 2:1 stoichiometry of the N50‐Imp α5 interaction (

K
D

1
=73 nmol/L,

K
D

2
=140 nmol/L) indicated occupancy of both major and minor
NLS
binding pockets. Utilizing
in silico
3‐dimensional (3‐D) docking models and comparative structural analysis, we identified a structural component of the Imp α5 major
NLS
binding pocket that may stabilize N50 binding. Imp α5 also displayed rapid stimulus‐induced turnover, which could influence its availability for nuclear transport during the inflammatory response.

Conclusions

These results provide direct evidence that N50 peptide selectively targets Imp α5, encouraging further refinement of
NLS
‐derived peptides as new tools to modulate inflammatory disorders.
Posterior Tibial Slope and Further Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Reconstructed Patient
Authors: Webb Justin M. , Salmon Lucy J. , Leclerc Etienne , Pinczewski Leo A. , Roe Justin P. 
Published: September 2013

Background: An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a multifactorial event influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. Recently, the geometry of the proximal tibia has come under focus as a possible risk factor for an ACL injury. Hypothesis: An increased posterior tibial slope is associated with an increased risk of further ACL injuries in the previously ACL-reconstructed patient. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 200 consecutive patients with isolated ACL ruptures who underwent primary reconstruction with hamstring autografts were enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study over 15 years. The posterior tibial slope was measured from a lateral knee radiograph by 2 blinded observers. The data were analyzed for the association between an increased posterior tibial slope and the incidence of further ACL injuries. Interobserver reliability of the posterior tibial slope measurements was assessed. Results: Radiographs and follow-up were available for 181 of the 200 enrolled patients. Fifty patients had a further injury to either the ACL graft or the contralateral knee. The mean posterior tibial slope of those with a further ACL injury was 9.9° compared with 8.5° for those with no further injury ( P = .001). The mean posterior tibial slope for those with both an ACL graft and contralateral ACL rupture was 12.9°. The odds of further ACL injuries after reconstruction were increased by a factor of 5, to an incidence of 59%, in those with a posterior tibial slope of ≥12°. Conclusion: An increased posterior tibial slope is associated with increased odds of a further ACL injury after ACL reconstruction. The increased risk is most pronounced in those with a posterior tibial slope of ≥12°.
Preparation and characterization of carboxyl-treated multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced shape-memory polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Choudhury Mousam , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K 
Published: September 2013

Shape-memory polyurethane (SMPU) having segmented structure, with 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate as hard segment, poly caprolactone diol 4000 as soft segment, and 1,4-butane diol as chain extender was synthesized using two-step polymerization technique. This pure SMPU was blended with unmodified and modified multiwalled nanotubes (MWNTs), using twin screw extruder and melt spinning technique. X-Ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, morphological analysis, and shape-memory behavior results for the SMPUs are presented in this study. An improvement in the thermal stability and degradation temperature of the SMPU was observed especially in the soft segments, upon 0.1% loading of MWNT. Slight decrease in crystallinity was recorded for MWNT/SMPU as compared to virgin SMPU. The recovery ratio of SMPU fiber increased to 90% with 0.1 wt% loading of MWNT, but the spinnability decreased due to reduced crystallinity and viscosity with an addition of nanotubes to the polyurethane matrix.
Indications for Implant Removal Following Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures and Subsequent Complications
Authors: Backes Manouk , Schep Niels W. L. , Luitse Jan S. K. , Goslings J. Carel , Schepers Tim 
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Implant removal following operative calcaneal fracture treatment has received little attention in the literature. The aim of the current retrospective cohort study was to assess the indications and number of wound complications following calcaneal plate removal. Methods: All consecutive adult patients who had their plate and screws removed following the operative treatment of a closed uni- or bilateral intra-articular calcaneal fracture using a stainless steel nonlocking calcaneal plate between 2000 and 2011 were included. Results: In 102 patients (46% of the total number of operated calcaneal fractures) implants were removed. Implant removal was performed in 75 patients for symptomatic reasons, in 10 patients due to implant malposition and in 19 patients because of a persistent wound infection or fistula. Following implant removal 17 (16%) patients had a wound complication (2 wound dehiscence, 15 culture positive wound infections). In 6 patients (9%) a wound complications was seen following implant removal after uncomplicated fracture surgery. Implant removal for active infection or plate fistula displayed an infection rate of 8 out of 19 (42%). Conclusion: Implant removal after an intra-articular calcaneal fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation via an extended lateral approach was followed by a wound complication in 1 of every 10 patients without a preexisting wound infection. Infection rates were especially high in patients in whom the implants were removed for an active wound problem. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Hypothesis
Authors: Hecht Eric M. , Landy David C. , Ahn Soyeon , Hlaing WayWay M. , Hennekens Charles H. 
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease via acute and chronic mechanisms, some of which remain unclear. One plausible but untested hypothesis concerns cadmium (Cd), a component of cigarette smoke, which is injurious to vascular endothelial cells and is independently associated with cardiovascular disease. To contribute to the formulation of this hypothesis, we performed a meta-analysis of the available data that consisted of cross-sectional studies useful to formulate but not test hypotheses. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched by combining the terms smoking, Cd, correlation, blood, human, and tobacco. Following abstract review, 10 cross-sectional studies were identified. We compared serum Cd levels between smokers and nonsmokers using standardized mean differences (SMDs) as well as correlation coefficients between smoking and Cd. Results: The estimated overall random effects SMD in Cd between smokers and nonsmokers was 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], .70-1.56) with significant heterogeneity (Q = 8.6, P < .001). The estimated overall random effects correlation coefficient between smoking and Cd was .54 (95% CI, .30-.72) with significant heterogeneity (Q = 71.3, P < .01). Conclusions: Despite major inherent limitations of meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies, we believe that the data contribute to the formulation of the hypothesis that Cd explains, in part, why smokers have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Further research, including analytic studies designed a priori are necessary to test the hypothesis.
Variant ALDH2 is associated with accelerated progression of bone marrow failure in Japanese Fanconi anemia patients
Authors: Hira Asuka , Yabe Hiromasa , Yoshida Kenichi , Okuno Yusuke , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Miyano Satoru , Nakamura Jun , Kojima Seiji , Ogawa Seishi , Matsuo Keitaro , Takata Minoru , Yabe Miharu 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
We found the defective ALDH2 variant is associated with accelerated progression of BMF in Japanese FA patients. The data support the view that aldehydes are an important source of genotoxicity in the human hematopoietic system.
Plasma microRNA signature as a noninvasive biomarker for acute graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Xiao Bin , Wang Yu , Li Wei , Baker Megan , Guo Jian , Corbet Kelly , Tsalik Ephraim L. , Li Qi-Jing , Palmer Scott M. , Woods Christopher W. , Li Zhiguo , Chao Nelson J. , He You-Wen 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
Identification of a miRNA panel as a biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of acute graft-versus-host disease.
Prediction of new-onset asthma and nasal allergy by skin prick test and RAST in a cohort of adults
Authors: Gallmeier Kerstin , Becker Eva , Kirsten Anne , Wölke Gabriele , Manuwald Olaf , Meyer Heike , Magnussen Helgo , Nowak Dennis , Heinrich Joachim 
Published: September 2013

Limited information exists regarding the incidence and predictors of asthma and nasal allergy in adulthood. We determined the incidence rate of asthma and nasal allergy in adults and assessed the predictive value of skin prick tests (SPTs) and radioallergosorbent tests (RASTs) for these two outcomes.Two German centres involved in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey conducted a follow-up assessment in 2012 of the baseline participants (1185 adults aged 21–47 years assessed in 1990). The predictive value of SPTs and RASTs on new-onset asthma and nasal allergy was assessed by Cox regression and by calculating the positive or negative predictive value.During the 20 years between baseline and follow-up, 3.1 and 4.4 per 1000 person-years of new-onset asthma and nasal allergy cases were recorded, respectively. The hazard ratios for SPTs of any specific and of all aeroallergens combined were slightly higher than those of RASTs for asthma and nasal allergy. The negative predictive values of both the SPT and RAST were very high and similar (0.94–0.96), whereas the postive predictive values were low (0.09–0.20).Positive SPT results showed a better association with new onset asthma and nasal allergy than positive RAST either to any specific aeroallergens or to all combined.
Probing the ArcA regulon under aerobic/ROS conditions in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Morales Eduardo H , Collao Bernardo , Desai Prerak T , Calderón Iván L , Gil Fernando , Luraschi Roberto , Porwollik Steffen , McClelland Michael , Saavedra Claudia P 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is part of the oxidative burst encountered upon internalization of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) by phagocytic cells. It has previously been established that, the ArcAB two-component system plays a critical role in ROS resistance, but the genes regulated by the system remained undetermined to date. We therefore investigated the ArcA regulon in aerobically growing S. Typhimurium before and after exposure to H2O2 by querying gene expression and other physiological changes in wild type and ΔarcA strains.

Results
In the ΔarcA strain, expression of 292 genes showed direct or indirect regulation by ArcA in response to H2O2, of which 141were also regulated in aerobiosis, but in the opposite direction. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of the expression data from WT and ΔarcA strains, revealed that, in response to H2O2 challenge in aerobically grown cells, ArcA down regulated multiple PEP-PTS and ABC transporters, while up regulating genes involved in glutathione and glycerolipid metabolism and nucleotide transport. Further biochemical analysis guided by GSEA results showed that deletion of arcA during aerobic growth lead to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which was concomitant with an increased NADH/NAD+ ratio. In absence of ArcA under aerobic conditions, H2O2 exposure resulted in lower levels of glutathione reductase activity, leading to a decreased GSH (reduced glutathione)/GSSG (oxidized glutathione) ratio.

Conclusion
The ArcA regulon was defined in 2 conditions, aerobic growth and the combination of peroxide treatment and aerobic growth in S. Typhimurium. ArcA coordinates a response that involves multiple aspects of the carbon flux through central metabolism, which ultimately modulates the reducing potential of the cell.
Application of quantitative second-line drug susceptibility testing at a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Mpagama Stellah G , Houpt Eric R , Stroup Suzanne , Kumburu Happiness , Gratz Jean , Kibiki Gibson S , Heysell Scott K 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Lack of rapid and reliable susceptibility testing for second-line drugs used in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) may limit treatment success.

Methods

Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from patients referred to Kibong’oto National TB Hospital in Tanzania for second-line TB treatment underwent confirmatory speciation and susceptibility testing. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing on MYCOTB Sensititre plates was performed for all drugs available in the second-line formulary. We chose to categorize isolates as borderline susceptible if the MIC was at or one dilution lower than the resistance breakpoint. M. tuberculosis DNA was sequenced for resistance mutations in rpoB (rifampin), inhA (isoniazid, ethionamide), katG (isoniazid), embB (ethambutol), gyrA (fluoroquinolones), rrs (amikacin, kanamycin, capreomycin), eis (kanamycin) and pncA (pyrazinamide).

Results
Of 22 isolates from patients referred for second-line TB treatment, 13 (59%) were MDR-TB and the remainder had other resistance patterns. MIC testing identified 3 (14%) isolates resistant to ethionamide and another 8 (36%) with borderline susceptibility. No isolate had ofloxacin resistance, but 10 (45%) were borderline susceptible. Amikacin was fully susceptible in 15 (68%) compared to only 11 (50%) for kanamycin. Resistance mutations were absent in gyrA, rrs or eis for all 13 isolates available for sequencing, but pncA mutation resultant in amino acid change or stop codon was present in 6 (46%). Ten (77%) of MDR-TB patients had at least one medication that could have logically been modified based on these results (median 2; maximum 4). The most common modifications were a change from ethioniamide to para-aminosalicylic acid, and the use of higher dose levofloxacin.

Conclusions
In Tanzania, quantitative second-line susceptibility testing could inform and alter MDR-TB management independent of drug-resistance mutations. Further operational studies are warranted.
Serological responses to a soluble recombinant chimeric Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein in VK210 and VK247 population
Authors: Cheng Yang , Ito Daisuke , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Lim Chae Seung , Kong Deok-Hoon , Ha Kwon-Soo , Wang Bo , Tsuboi Takafumi , Han Eun-Taek 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is essential for sporozoite formation and sporozoite invasion into human hepatocyte. Previously, a recombinant P. vivax CSP based on chimeric repeats (rPvCSP-c) representing two major alleles VK210 and VK247 within central region has been designed. Naturally acquired humoral immune responses study show that antigenicity of rPvCSP-c was much higher than that of native strain. However, the serologic reactivity of rPvCSP-c was still unclear in detail.

Methods
In present study, recognition of rPvCSP-c in vivax malaria typed VK210 and VK247 alleles was assessed. VK210 typed and VK247 typed sera from adult residents reacted specifically with rPvCSP-c using protein array and immunoblot assay. Additionally, anti-rPvCSP-c serum recognized the fixed VK210 and VK247 sporozoites by immunofluorescence assay. Furthermore, statistic analysis was performed for correlational detection.

Results
The rPvCSP-c reacted with both VK210 typed and VK247 typed P. vivax infected patient sera and anti-rPvCSP-c immune serum also reacted with VK210 and VK247 sporozoite parasites of P. vivax specifically. There was a positive correlation between increased antibody level, age of patients and also associated with pvcsp repeat number, although the level of responses did vary considerably in their reactivity to the rPvCSP-c from negative to very high level within each age group.

Conclusions
These data confirmed the serologic reactivity of the novel rPvCSP-c in exposed both VK210 and VK247 populations. These results strongly suggested that this recombinant CSP was biologically active and potently immunogenic across major strains and raised the prospect that this protein could be used as serologic marker.