bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Porphyromonas gingivalis,Treponema denticola and toll‐like receptor 2 are associated with hypertensive disorders in placental tissue: a case–control study
Authors: Chaparro A. , Blanlot C. , Ramírez V. , Sanz A. , Quintero A. , Inostroza C. , Bittner M. , Navarro M. , Illanes S. E. 
Published: May 2013

Aim(s)To explore the associations between the presence of periodontal pathogens and the expression of toll‐like receptors (TLR‐2 and TLR‐4) in the placental tissue of patients with hypertensive disorders compared to the placentas of healthy normotensive patients.Material and MethodsA case–control study was performed. From a cohort composed of 126 pregnant women, 33 normotensive healthy pregnant women were randomly selected, and 25 cases of patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and pre‐eclampsia, were selected. Placental biopsy was obtained after aseptic placental collection at the time of delivery. All of the samples were processed and analysed for the detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Determination of the expressions of TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 was performed in samples of total purified protein isolated from placental tissues and analysed by ELISA. The data were assessed using descriptive statistics. The associations among variables were estimated through multiple logistic regression models and the Mann–Whitney test to evaluate the differences between the two groups.ResultsA significant increase was observed in the expression of TLR‐2 in the placentas of patients with hypertensive disorders (p = 0.04). Additionally, the multiple logistic regression models demonstrated an association between the presence of T. denticola and P. gingivalis in placental tissues and hypertensive disorders (OR: 9.39, p = 0.001, CI 95% 2.39–36.88 and OR: 7.59, p = 0.019, CI 95% 1.39–41.51, respectively).ConclusionsIn the present study, pregnant women with periodontal disease presented an association in the placental tissue between the presence of T. denticola and P. gingivalis and hypertensive disorders. Additionally, increased expression of TLR‐2 was observed. However, further studies are required to determine the specific roles of periodontal pathogens and TLRs in the placental tissue of patients with pregnancy‐related hypertensive disorders.
Iron plays a key role in the cytodifferentiation of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Hou J. , Yamada S. , Kajikawa T. , Ozaki N. , Awata T. , Yamaba S. , Fujihara C. , Murakami S. 
Published: May 2013

Background and ObjectiveThe periodontal ligament (PDL) is vital to maintaining the homeostasis of the tooth and periodontal tissue. The influence of iron levels on the cytodifferentiation of PDL cells has not been studied, despite evidence that iron overload or deficiency can have adverse effects on alveolar bone density. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of altered iron levels on cytodifferentiation in human PDL cells.Material and MethodsHuman PDL cells were incubated with culture media supplemented with 10–50 μm ammonium ferric citrate or 5 μm deferoxamine (an iron chelator) during differentiation. Intracellular iron status was assessed by measuring changes in the expression of ferritin RNA and protein. PDL cell differentiation and function were evaluated by measuring osteoblast differentiation gene markers and the capacity of cultures to form mineralized nodules.ResultsIron accumulation resulted in upregulation of light and heavy chain ferritin proteins. Concurrently, osteoblast differentiation gene markers and mineralized nodule formation were suppressed. Iron deficiency resulted in downregulation of light and heavy chain ferritin proteins, suppression of alkaline phosphatase activity and formation of mineralized nodules during PDL cell differentiation.ConclusionWe conclude that iron is critical for normal cell differentiation of human PDL cells.
Fluid inclusions in microstructures of shocked quartz from the Keurusselkä impact site, Central Finland
Authors: Poutiainen Matti , Heikkilä Pasi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractGranitoid rock samples from the assumed center of the Keurusselkä impact site were subjected to a systematic study of fluid‐inclusion compositions and densities in various microstructures of the shocked quartz. The results are consistent with the following impact‐induced model of formation. After cessation of all major regional tectonic activity and advanced erosional uplift of the Fennoscandian shield, a meteorite impact (approximately 1.1 Ga) caused the formation of planar fractures (PFs) and planar deformation features (PDFs) and the migration of shock‐liberated metamorphic fluid (CO2 ± H2O) to the glass in the PDFs. Postimpact annealing of the PDFs led to the formation of CO2 (±H2O) fluid‐inclusion decorated PDFs. The scarce fluid‐inclusion implosion textures (IPs) suggest a shock pressure of 7.6–10 GPa. The postimpact pressure release and associated heating initiated hydrothermal activity that caused re‐opening of some PFs and their partial filling by moderate‐salinity/high temperature (>200 °C) H2O (+ chlorite + quartz) and moderate‐density CO2. The youngest postimpact endogenic sub‐ and nonplanar microfractures (MFs) are characterized by low‐density CO2 and low‐salinity/low‐temperature (<200 °C) H2O.
Multilocus phylogeny and Bayesian estimates of species boundaries reveal hidden evolutionary relationships and cryptic diversity in Southeast Asian monitor lizards
Authors: Welton L. J. , Siler C. D. , Oaks J. R. , Diesmos A. C. , Brown R. M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRecent conceptual, technological and methodological advances in phylogenetics have enabled increasingly robust statistical species delimitation in studies of biodiversity. As the variety of evidence purporting species diversity has increased, so too have the kinds of tools and inferential power of methods for delimiting species. Here, we showcase an organismal system for a data‐rich, comparative molecular approach to evaluating strategies of species delimitation among monitor lizards of the genus Varanus. The water monitors (Varanus salvator Complex), a widespread group distributed throughout Southeast Asia and southern India, have been the subject of numerous taxonomic treatments, which have drawn recent attention due to the possibility of undocumented species diversity. To date, studies of this group have relied on purportedly diagnostic morphological characters, with no attention given to the genetic underpinnings of species diversity. Using a 5‐gene data set, we estimated phylogeny and used multilocus genetic networks, analysis of population structure and a Bayesian coalescent approach to infer species boundaries. Our results contradict previous systematic hypotheses, reveal surprising relationships between island and mainland lineages and uncover novel, cryptic evolutionary lineages (i.e. new putative species). Our study contributes to a growing body of literature suggesting that, used in concert with other sources of data (e.g. morphology, ecology, biogeography), multilocus genetic data can be highly informative to systematists and biodiversity specialists when attempting to estimate species diversity and identify conservation priorities. We recommend holding in abeyance taxonomic decisions until multiple, converging lines of evidence are available to best inform taxonomists, evolutionary biologists and conservationists.
Tricuspid Insufficiency after Laser Lead Extraction
Authors: RODRIGUEZ YASSER , MESA JULIAN , ARGUELLES ERIC , CARRILLO ROGER G. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundThe use of laser lead extraction (LLE) to remove pacemaker and implantable cardiac defibrillator leads has become more prevalent in the past decade. Though the procedure is associated with a low rate of complications, LLE still poses some risks to patients. Some reports have suggested an increase in tricuspid insufficiency (TI) associated with LLE. We present a series of patients who underwent both LLE and complete evaluation for TI with echocardiographic techniques.MethodsFrom August 2008 to January 2010, 173 prospective, consecutive patients underwent LLE in a single center. All patients had transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) during the extraction. Fifty‐three patients had tricuspid valve function evaluated a day before the procedure with a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), during the procedure with a TEE and 2 days postoperatively with a TTE.ResultsAll 173 patients experienced no change in tricuspid valve function during the procedure with TEE. Of the 53 patients who underwent a complete TI evaluation, 38 were males (72%) and 15 females (38%), with a mean age of 69.45 ± 14.08. Mean ejection fraction was 35.82 ± 14.72. Three (6%) patients experienced TI after the procedure (two mild and one severe, all with tricuspid valve endocarditis); 16 (30%) patients were found to have TI before LLE that returned to normal valve function during or after the procedure. Thirty‐four (64%) patients did not experience any significant change of the tricuspid valve performance after LLE.ConclusionLLE was not associated with increased TI.
Evaluation of Acute Cardiac and Chest Wall Damage after Shocks with a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Swine
Authors: KILLINGSWORTH CHERYL R. , MELNICK SHARON B. , LITOVSKY SILVIO H. , IDEKER RAYMOND E. , WALCOTT GREGORY P. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundA subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) could ease placement and reduce complications of transvenous ICDs, but requires more energy than transvenous ICDs. Therefore we assessed cardiac and chest wall damage caused by the maximum energy shocks delivered by both types of clinical devices.MethodsDuring sinus rhythm, anesthetized pigs (38 ± 6 kg) received an S‐ICD (n = 4) and five 80‐Joule (J) shocks, or a transvenous ICD (control, n = 4) and five 35‐J shocks. An inactive S‐ICD electrode was implanted into the same control pigs to study implant trauma. All animals survived 24 hours. Troponin I and creatine kinase muscle isoenzyme (CK‐MM) were measured as indicators of myocardial and skeletal muscle injury. Histopathological injury of heart, lungs, and chest wall was assessed using semiquantitative scoring.ResultsTroponin I was significantly elevated at 4 hours and 24 hours (22.6 ± 16.3 ng/mL and 3.1 ± 1.3 ng/mL; baseline 0.07 ± 0.09 ng/mL) in control pigs but not in S‐ICD pigs (0.12 ± 0.11 ng/mL and 0.13 ± 0.13 ng/mL; baseline 0.06 ± 0.03 ng/mL). CK‐MM was significantly elevated in S‐ICD pigs after shocks (6,544 ± 1,496 U/L and 9,705 ± 6,240 U/L; baseline 704 ± 398 U/L) but not in controls. Electrocardiogram changes occurred postshock in controls but not in S‐ICD pigs. The myocardium and lungs were histologically normal in both groups. Subcutaneous injury was greater in S‐ICD compared to controls.ConclusionAlthough CK‐MM suggested more skeletal muscle injury in S‐ICD pigs, significant cardiac, lung, and chest wall histopathological changes were not detected in either group. Troponin I data indicate significantly less cardiac injury from 80‐J S‐ICD shocks than 35‐J transvenous shocks.
Multipole Analysis of Heart Rate Variability as a Predictor of Imminent Ventricular Arrhythmias in ICD Patients
Authors: ROZEN GUY , KOBO ROI , BEINART ROY , FELDMAN SHLOMO , SAPUNAR MICHAL , LURIA DAVID , ELDAR MICHAEL , LEVITAN JACOB , GLIKSON MICHAEL 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundContemporary implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) enable storage of multiple, preepisode R‐R recordings in patients who suffered from ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA). Timely prediction of VTA, using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis techniques, may facilitate the implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies.AimTo evaluate the novel multipole method of the HRV analysis in prediction of imminent VTAs in ICD patients.MethodsWe screened patients from the Biotronik HAWAI Registry (Heart Rate Analysis with Automated ICDs). A total of 28 patients from the HAWAI registries (phase I and II), having medical records, who had experienced documented, verified VTA during the 2‐year follow‐up, were included in our analysis. HRV during preepisode recordings of 4,500 R‐R intervals were analyzed using the Dyx parameter and compared to HRV of similar length recordings from the same patients that were not followed by arrhythmia.ResultsOur study population consisted mainly of men 25 of 28 (89%), average age of 64.8 ± 9.4 years, 92% with coronary artery disease. HRV during 64 preevent recordings (2.3 events per patient on average) was analyzed and compared with 60 control recordings. The multipole method of HRV analysis showed 50% sensitivity and 91.6% specificity for prediction of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation in the study population, with 84.5% positive predictive value. No statistically significant correlation was found between various clinical parameters and the sensitivity of imminent VTA predetection in our patients.ConclusionThe multipole method of HRV analysis emerges as a highly specific, possible predictor of imminent VTA, providing an early warning allowing to prepare for an arrhythmic episode.
Axillary Vein Puncture Without Contrast Venography for Pacemaker and Defibrillator Leads Implantation
Authors: ANTONELLI DANTE , FELDMAN ALEXANDER , FREEDBERG NAHUM A. , TURGEMAN YOAV 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundAxillary vein puncture has been demonstrated to be an effective method for pacemaker and defibrillator leads implantation, without the complications encountered with the standard intrathoracic approach.ObjectiveDifferent techniques have been adopted for the cannulation of the axillary vein. We report our experience using the outer edge of the first rib below the inferior border of the clavicle as fluoroscopic landmark.MethodA subcutaneous pocket is created 1‐cm medially and parallel to the delto‐pectoral groove and 2 cm below the clavicle. An 18‐gauge needle from the upper border of the pocket is directed perpendicularly to the outer edge of the first rib just below the inferior border of the clavicle. If the vein is not entered, the needle is withdrawn and the puncture is repeated with slight variations of needle direction for a maximum of four to five times, then contrast‐guided vein puncture is performed. Upon successful vein puncture, a guidewire is inserted and positioned in the superior vena cava. The remainder of the implantation is carried out in a routine manner.ResultsThe axillary vein was successfully cannulated without venography in 172 of 182 consecutive patients (94.5%); the vein could not be found in 10 patients (5.5%): in these patients the vein was successfully cannulated after venography performance. No pneumothorax, hemothorax, or brachial plexus injury occurred.ConclusionsOur approach of axillary venipunture using fluoroscopic landmark, without contrast venography, is simple, safe, and effective.
Single Center Experience of Fluoroless AVNRT Ablation Guided by Electroanatomic Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents
Authors: SCAGLIONE MARCO , EBRILLE ELISA , CAPONI DOMENICO , BLANDINO ALESSANDRO , DI DONNA PAOLO , SIBOLDI ALESSANDRA , BERTERO GIOVANNI , ANSELMINO MATTEO , RAIMONDO CRISTINA , SARDI DAVIDE , GABBARINI FULVIO , MARASINI MAURIZIO , GAITA FIORENZO 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundAnatomical considerations and risks related to x‐ray exposure make atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) ablation in pediatric patients a concerning procedure. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of performing fluoroless slow‐pathway cryoablation guided by the electroanatomic (EA) mapping in children and adolescents.MethodsTwenty‐one consecutive patients (mean age 13.5 ± 2.4 years) symptomatic for AVNRT were prospectively enrolled to right atrium EA mapping and electrophysiological study prior to cryoablation. Cryoablation was guided by slow‐pathway potential and performed using a 4‐mm‐tip catheter.ResultsSustained slow‐fast AVNRT was inducible in all the patients with a dual AV nodal physiology in 95%. Acute success was achieved in 100% of the patients with a median of two cryo‐applications. Fluoroless ablation was feasible in 19 patients, while in two subjects 50 seconds and 45 seconds of x‐ray were needed due to difficult progression of the catheters along the venous system. After a mean follow‐up of 25 months, AVNRT recurred in five patients. All the recurrences were successfully treated with a second procedure. In three patients, a fluoroless cryoablation with a 6‐mm‐tip catheter was successfully performed, while in the remaining two patients, a single pulse of 60 seconds of radiofrequency energy was applied under fluoroscopic monitoring. No complications occurred.ConclusionsCombination of EA mapping systems and cryoablation may allow to perform fluoroless slow‐pathway ablation for AVNRT in children and adolescents in the majority of patients. Fluoroless slow‐pathway cryoablation showed a high efficacy and safety comparable to conventional fluoroscopy guided procedures.
Does day case pediatric tonsillectomy increase postoperative pain compared to overnight stay pediatric tonsillectomy? A prospective comparative audit
Authors: Norrington Amy C. , Flood Liam M. , Meek Tim , Tremlett Michael R. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryBackgroundClinical and financial pressures in the United Kingdom's National Health Service have been a stimulus for change from overnight stay to day case surgery for many procedures, including pediatric tonsillectomy. There are no prospective studies to assess whether such a change in practice alters children's experiences of pain and perioperative morbidity. Therefore, we undertook a prospective audit to measure these adverse outcomes during this change of practice in our unit.MethodsSixty children aged between 3 and 15 years who required tonsillectomy were recruited to this prospective comparative audit. Children received treatment on either an overnight stay (n = 28) or day case (n = 32) basis following a strict perioperative care pathway. The primary endpoints were the pain scores reported using a visual analogue scale, and secondary endpoints were vomiting, consultation with healthcare providers, readmission and patient satisfaction. Outcome data were collected from parents at 24 h and 7 days.ResultsThere was a small, but significant, risk of greater baseline pain scores in the day case surgery group during the first 24 h. However, there was no difference in the worst pain experienced during the first 24 h, or any pain experienced at 7 days. There was no difference in any of the secondary outcome measures between the groups.ConclusionsChange in practice from overnight stay to day case surgery for pediatric tonsillectomy requires careful consideration of how to extend effective analgesia for this painful procedure into the home.
Development and utilization of novel SSRs in foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.]
Authors: Gupta Sarika , Kumari Kajal , Muthamilarasan Mehanathan , Subramanian Alagesan , Prasad Manoj 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAlthough the foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] is recently regarded as a model crop for studying functional genomics of biofuel grasses, its genetic improvement to some extent was limited due to the non‐availability of molecular markers, particularly the microsatellite markers and the saturated genetic linkage map. Considering this, we attempted to generate a significant number of microsatellite markers in cultivar ‘Prasad’. Two hundred and fifty‐six clones were sequenced to generate 41.82‐kb high‐quality sequences retrieved from genomic library enriched with dinucleotide repeat motifs. Microsatellites were identified in 194 (76%) of the 256 positive clones, and 64 primer pairs (pp) were successfully designed from 95 (49%) unique SSR‐containing clones. The 67.4% primer designing ability, 100% PCR amplification efficiency and 45.3% polymorphic potential in the parents of F2 mapping population established the efficacy of genomic microsatellites. All the 64 microsatellite markers displayed high level of cross‐species amplification (~67%) in 10 millets and non‐millets species. These experimental findings suggest the utility and efficacy of SSRs in diverse genotyping applications, resolving QTLs, phylogenetic relationships and transferability in several important grass species.
Maternal overprotection score of the Parental Bonding Instrument predicts the outcome of cognitive behavior therapy by trainees for depression
Authors: Asano Motoshi , Esaki Kosei , Wakamatsu Aya , Kitajima Tomoko , Narita Tomohiro , Naitoh Hiroshi , Ozaki Norio , Iwata Nakao 
Published: May 2013

AimsThe purpose of this study was to predict the outcome of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) by trainees for major depressive disorder (MDD) based on the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). The hypothesis was that the higher level of care and/or lower level of overprotection score would predict a favorable outcome of CBT by trainees.MethodsThe subjects were all outpatients with MDD treated with CBT as a training case. All the subjects were asked to fill out the Japanese version of the PBI before commencing the course of psychotherapy. The difference between the first and the last Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score was used to represent the improvement of the intensity of depression by CBT. In order to predict improvement (the difference of the BDI scores) as the objective variable, multiple regression analysis was performed using maternal overprotection score and baseline BDI score as the explanatory variables.ResultsThe multiple regression model was significant (P = 0.0026) and partial regression coefficient for the maternal overprotection score and the baseline BDI was −0.73 (P = 0.0046) and 0.88 (P = 0.0092), respectively. Therefore, when a patient's maternal overprotection score of the PBI was lower, a better outcome of CBT was expected.ConclusionThe hypothesis was partially supported. This result would be useful in determining indications for CBT by trainees for patients with MDD.
Excessive dosing and polypharmacy of antipsychotics caused by pro re nata in agitated patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Fujita Junichi , Nishida Atsushi , Sakata Mutsumi , Noda Toshie , Ito Hiroto 
Published: May 2013

AimsIt has been recommended that for patients with schizophrenia, antipsychotics should be prescribed simply, using an optimal dose. However, pro re nata (p.r.n., meaning to use on an as‐needed basis) antipsychotics may increase the risk of excessive dosing (defined as mean chlorpromazine‐equivalent doses above 1000 mg) and polypharmacy (combination use of different antipsychotics). This study aimed to investigate the increased risk caused by p.r.n. antipsychotics.MethodThe subjects included 413 patients with schizophrenia from 17 acute psychiatric wards in nine hospitals. Over a 24‐h period on a survey day, data on regular medication and the use of p.r.n. were collected. The analysis focused on p.r.n. antipsychotics in agitated patients. We used McNemar's test to evaluate differences in the proportions of patients prescribed antipsychotics with excessive dosing or polypharmacy before (i.e., regular medication only) and after prescribed p.r.n. antipsychotics were added to regular medication (i.e., regular medication plus p.r.n. antipsychotics).ResultsOf 413 patients, 312 (75.5%) were prescribed p.r.n. for agitated status. Of those, 281 (90.1%) were prescribed p.r.n. antipsychotics. The total doses were significantly higher and more compounded in case patients prescribed p.r.n. antipsychotics than in those who were not. Seventeen patients (4.1%) were actually administered p.r.n. antipsychotics. Their total medication, including p.r.n. on the current day, represented excessive dosing or polypharmacy of antipsychotics.ConclusionThe use of p.r.n. antipsychotics may cause hidden excessive dosing and polypharmacy. Our results indicate the importance of careful monitoring of p.r.n. antipsychotics to agitated patients with schizophrenia.