bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Syncope and Structural Heart Disease: Historical Criteria for Vasovagal Syncope and Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: SHELDON ROBERT , HERSI AHMAD , RITCHIE DEBBIE , KOSHMAN MARY‐LOU , ROSE SARAH 
Published: June 2010

Syncope and Structural Heart Disease. Introduction: To develop evidence‐based criteria that distinguish syncope due to ventricular tachycardia (VT) from vasovagal syncope (VVS) in patients with structural heart disease (SHD).
Methods and Results:
One hundred and thirty‐four patients with syncope and SHD completed a 118‐item questionnaire and underwent noninvasive and invasive diagnostic assessments in a prospective cohort study. The contributions of symptoms to diagnoses were estimated with logistic regression and a point score was developed and then tested using receiver‐operator characteristic analysis. The effectiveness of the decision rule was evaluated with long‐term outcome. There were 21 patients with tilt‐positive VVS, 78 with clinically declared or inducible VT, and 35 with no identified cause of syncope. Six features were significant predictors. Factors that predicted VT included male sex and age at onset >35 years; factors predicting VVS included prolonged sitting or standing; developing presyncope preceded by stress; recurrent headaches; and experiencing fatigue, which lasts longer than 1 minute after syncope. The point score correctly classified 92% of patients, diagnosing VT with 99% sensitivity and 68% specificity. The negative predictive value is ≥96%. Fully 67% of patients with undiagnosed syncope were classified as having VT based upon their symptoms. The decision rule predicted 9‐year arrhythmia‐free survival (VVS 84%, VT 39%, hazard ratio 4.32) and 9‐year overall survival (VVS 66%, VT 37%, hazard ratio 2.87).
Conclusions:
The causes of syncope in patients with SHD, and their clinical outcomes, can be estimated accurately based on the clinical history. The history safely screens out the possibility of VT as a cause of syncope. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1358‐1364, December 2010)
International Patent Strategies of Small and Large Firms: An Empirical Study of Nanotechnology
Authors: Fernández‐Ribas Andrea 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe aim of this article is to investigate to what extent small‐firm foreign patents differ from those of their larger counterparts. The research setting consists of the population of U.S.‐owned small and large businesses with patent applications at the World International Patent Organization during 1996–2006 in the emerging field of nanotechnology. Findings reveal a significant and growing contribution of small firms to the globalization of patents. The analysis also suggests that small‐firm patents tend to be more novel and embedded in domestic innovation networks than large‐firm patents. Policy implications are multiple, including putting international patenting on the policy agenda and helping highly innovative small companies to explore foreign commercial opportunities in new markets of capital and technology.
Regional Corporate Spawning and the Role of Homegrown Companies
Authors: Avnimelech Gil , Feldman Maryann 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis paper presents the results and policy implications of a study that examined the spawning of founders who had previously been employed at large corporations. We found that spawning of founders is positively associated with the parent companies' productivity, innovativeness, and headquarter location. Furthermore, we found that the spin‐off per employee rate is higher in smaller establishments. We also found that the local entrepreneurial culture is significant in explaining local spawning of founders. Finally, we present new empirical evidence on the crucial role of successful homegrown companies in regional cluster development. More specifically, we found that the existence of successful homegrown companies is significantly correlated with the level of the regional entrepreneurial activity. This finding is consistent with the finding of many cluster development case studies. Thus, we argue that successful homegrown companies have a unique role in cluster development. This role can seldom be replaced by nonhomegrown companies. This is related to the notion that prior to the development of an entrepreneurial cluster, some intangible precondition should be realized such as the appearance of local role models and a shift toward a more entrepreneurial culture. In a more general perspective, these results support the notion that knowledge‐based regional development is a complex process that requires a long‐term and continuously adjusting supporting policy rather than being based mainly on attracting established companies' R&D centers to the region.
Engineered heart tissue graft derived from somatic cell nuclear transferred embryonic stem cells improve myocardial performance in infarcted rat heart
Authors: Lü Shuanghong , Li Ying , Gao Shaorong , Liu Sheng , Wang Haibin , He Wenjun , Zhou Jin , Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Ye , Lin Qiuxia , Duan Cumi , Yang Xiangzhong (Jerry) , Wang Changyong 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe concept of regenerating diseased myocardium by implanting engineered heart tissue (EHT) is intriguing. Yet it was limited by immune rejection and difficulties to be generated at a size with contractile properties. Somatic cell nuclear transfer is proposed as a practical strategy for generating autologous histocompatible stem (nuclear transferred embryonic stem [NT‐ES]) cells to treat diseases. Nevertheless, it is controversial as NT‐ES cells may pose risks in their therapeutic application. EHT from NT‐ES cell‐derived cardiomyocytes was generated through a series of improved techniques in a self‐made mould to keep the EHTs from contraction and provide static stretch simultaneously. After 7 days of static and mechanical stretching, respectively, the EHTs were implanted to the infarcted rat heart. Four weeks after transplantation, the suitability of EHT in heart muscle repair after myocardial infarction was evaluated by histological examination, echocardiography and multielectrode array measurement. The results showed that large (thickness/diameter, 2–4 mm/10 mm) spontaneously contracting EHTs was generated successfully. The EHTs, which were derived from NT‐ES cells, inte grated and electrically coupled to host myocardium and exerted beneficial effects on the left ventricular function of infarcted rat heart. No teratoma formation was observed in the rat heart implanted with EHTs for 4 weeks. NT‐ES cells can be used as a source of seeding cells for cardiac tissue engineering. Large contractile EHT grafts can be constructed in vitro with the ability to survive after implantation and improve myocardial performance of infarcted rat hearts.
Generation of easily accessible human kidney tubules on two‐dimensional surfaces in vitro
Authors: Zhang Huishi , Lau Samantha Fong‐Ting , Heng Ber Fong , Teo Pei Yun , Alahakoon P. K. D. Thilini , Ni Ming , Tasnim Farah , Ying Jackie Y. , Zink Daniele 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe generation of tissue‐like structuresin vitrois of major interest for various fields of research includingin vitrotoxicology, regenerative therapies and tissue engineering. Usually 3D matrices are used to engineer tissue‐like structuresin vitro, and for the generation of kidney tubules, 3D gels are employed. Kidney tubules embedded within 3D gels are difficult to access for manipulations and imaging. Here we show how large and functional human kidney tubules can be generatedin vitroon 2D surfaces, without the use of 3D matrices. The mechanism used by human primary renal proximal tubule cells for tubulogenesis on 2D surfaces appears to be distinct from the mechanism employed in 3D gels, and tubulogenesis on 2D surfaces involves interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The process is induced by transforming growth factor‐β1, and enhanced by a 3D substrate architecture. However, after triggering the process, the formation of renal tubules occurs with remarkable independence from the substrate architecture. Human proximal tubules generated on 2D surfaces typically have a length of several millimetres, and are easily accessible for manipulations and imaging, which makes them attractive for basic research andin vitronephrotoxicology. The experimental system described also allows forin vitrostudies on how primary human kidney cells regenerate renal structures after organ disruption. The finding that human kidney cells organize tissue‐like structures independently from the substrate architecture has important consequences for kidney tissue engineering, and it will be important, for instance, to inhibit the process of tubulogenesis on 2D surfaces in bioartificial kidneys.
Early predictors of hypertension in prematurely born adolescents
Authors: Vohr Betty R , Allan Walter , Katz Karol H , Schneider Karen C , Ment Laura R 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjective:  To assess the blood pressure of former preterm and term matched adolescent controls and to identify risk factors associated with blood pressure at 16 years.Design:  Observational cohort study. Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.Setting:  Three academic centres participating in the Multicenter Indomethacin IVH Prevention Trial.Participants:  A total of 296 children born in 1989–1992 with birth weights 600 to <1250 g who participated in the Multicenter Indomethacin IVH Prevention Trial and 95 term controls were evaluated at 16 years.Main outcome measures:  Blood pressure and predictors of blood pressure.Results:  The adjusted mean difference in blood pressure for preterm adolescents was 5.1 mm Hg; p = 0.002 for systolic and 2.1 mm Hg; p = 0.027 for diastolic blood pressure. Among preterms, the primary predictors of increased systolic blood pressure were weight gain velocity between birth and 36 months (b = 8.54, p < 0.001), pre‐eclampsia (b = 5.67, p = 0.020), non‐white race (b = 3.77, p = 0.04) and male gender (b = 5.09). Predictors of diastolic blood pressure were weight gain velocity between birth and 36 months (b = 4.69, p = 0.001), brain injury (b = 6.51, p = 0.002) and male gender (b = −2.4, p = 0.02).Conclusions:  Early programming secondary to increased early weight gain velocity, intrauterine stress and neonatal brain injury may all contribute to risk of increased blood pressure among former preterm adolescents.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up of CeraOne™ Single‐Implant Restorations: An 18‐Year Follow‐Up Study Based on a Prospective Patient Cohort
Authors: Bergenblock Sibel , Andersson Bernt , Fürst Björn , Jemt Torsten 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTBackground: Knowledge on long‐term clinical performance of more than 5 years on the single‐implant CeraOne™ (Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) concept is limited.Purpose: The aim of this study is to report the long‐term clinical performance of the first CeraOne single‐implant restorations, installed 17 to 19 years ago.Materials and Methods: The group comprised 57 patients provided with 65 CeraOne single‐tooth restorations. Sixty‐two all‐ceramic and three metal‐ceramic crowns were cemented between 1989 and 1991. Patients were followed up clinically and with intraoral radiographs at placement, after 1, 5, and between 17 and 19 years after placement.Results: Data were available for altogether 48 patients, followed up on an average time of 18 years. Excluding deceased patients (n = 2) and failed implant patients (n = 2), only five patients were lost to follow‐up (8.8%). Two implants failed, resulting in an 18‐year implant cumulative success rate (CSR) of 96.8%, and altogether eight original single‐crown restorations were replaced (CSR 83.8%). The most common reason for crown replacement was infra‐position of the implant crown (n = 3). Many of the remaining original crowns showed various signs of implant crown infraposition at the termination of the study. In general, the soft tissue at the restorations was assessed to be healthy and comparable with the gingiva at the adjacent natural teeth. Bone levels were on an average stable with only few patients exhibiting bone loss of more than 2 mm during 18 years in function.Conclusion: This long‐term follow‐up study of single‐implant restorations shows encouraging results with few implant failures and minimal bone loss over an 18‐year period. Original single‐crown restorations were replaced more frequently, because of, for example, implant crown infraposition and veneer fractures. The CeraOne concept proved to be a highly predictable and safe prosthodontic treatment.
Bone Regeneration Using a Hollow Hydroxyapatite Space‐Maintaining Device for Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation – A Clinical Pilot Study
Authors: Johansson Lars‐Åke , Isaksson Sten , Adolfsson Erik , Lindh Christina , Sennerby Lars 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTBackground: The mere lifting of the maxillary sinus membrane by implants protruding into the sinus cavity allows the establishment of a void space for blood clot and new bone formation.Purpose: To evaluate bone formation by using a spherical, hollow, and perforated hydroxyapatite space‐maintaining device (HSMD) in a two‐stage sinus lift procedure where residual alveolar bone height was ≤2 mm.Material and Methods: Spherical, hollow, and perforated HSMDs with a diameter of 12 mm were manufactured for this pilot study. Three patients with a residual bone height of 1–2 mm, as verified clinically and radiographically, and in need of a sinus augmentation procedure prior to implant installation were selected for the study. The HSMD and bone formation was evaluated by cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) 6 months after augmentation procedure. Implants were installed 6 to 9 months after augmentation. The implant sites were prepared by a trephine drill to obtain a specimen of HSMD and bone for histological evaluation. After implant installation, the condition of the sinus membrane adjacent to the HSMD was evaluated endoscopically. After an additional 8 weeks, fixed partial prostheses were fabricated.Results: Bone formation verified by CBCT was found around and inside the device in all three patients after 6 months. Despite the fact that residual bone before augmentation was ≤2 mm, 12‐mm‐long implants with diameter of 4.8 mm could be inserted with preservation of an intact and healthy sinus membrane verified endoscopically. Bone formation inside HSMDs was noted histologically in two out of three HSMDs. Implants were stable and without any marginal bone loss after 1 year of prosthetic loading.Conclusion: A spherical, hollow, and perforated HSMD used in sinus lift procedures can produce a void space for blood clot and new bone formation and subsequent implant installation.
Durability of Response Following Cessation of Tadalafil Taken Once Daily as Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Porst Hartmut , Glina Sidney , Ralph David , Zeigler Haoyue , Wong David G. , Woodward Brad 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Research has focused on improvement of erectile function during treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, but less is known about what occurs after treatment cessation.

Aim
The aim of this retrospective analysis was to examine durability of response, defined as sustainability of erectogenic benefits following treatment cessation, in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) following long-term treatment with daily tadalafil.

Methods
The subjects (N=160) had participated in a 12-week double-blind trial followed by a one-year, open-label extension of tadalafil 5 mg once daily. The extension was followed by a 4-week, treatment-free follow-up period. A total of 158 subjects completed International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain score and were included in this analysis.

Main Outcome Measures
The primary measures for this analysis were changes in ED severity category as captured by the IIEF-EF domain score.

Results
At the end of the 1-year open-label treatment period, a majority (86.1%, n=136) of subjects had either improved by at least one ED severity category (e.g., Severe to Moderate) (n=128), or maintained Normal erectile function (EF domain score ≥26) (n=8), compared to baseline. Following the 4-week, treatment-free period, 63 of those subjects (46.3% of the 136 subjects) had continued improvement of at least one ED severity category (n=61) or maintained scores in the Normal category (n=2) compared with baseline. Subjects who showed a sustained benefit of treatment were considered to have demonstrated a “durable response.” Seventy-three subjects (53.7%) did not have a durable response following treatment cessation. A few patient characteristics were associated with durability of response.

Conclusions
Of those men who demonstrated improved erectile function while taking tadalafil 5 mg once daily for 1 year, 46.3% continued to show improvement compared with baseline following a 4-week treatment free period. Durability of response should be a focus of future research.
Portuguese Version of Cues for Sexual Desire Scale: The Influence of Relationship Duration
Authors: Carvalheira Ana , Brotto Lori A. , Maroco João 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
It is well established that sexual desire is a triggered response to effective sexual stimuli. Factors that trigger women’s sexual desire can change over time and circumstances. The Cues for Sexual Desire Scale (CSDS) is a valuable assessment tool to measure the range and magnitude of such stimuli.

Aim
To investigate the psychometric properties of CSDS within a Portuguese community sample of women; to examine the influence of relationship duration on CSDS scores.

Methods
Portuguese women (N = 3,687) over age 18 completed a web-based survey of previously pilot-tested items.

Main Outcome Measures
Factor structure and internal consistency of CSDS scores; differences between women in longer-term (more than five years) and shorter-term (less than three years) relationships; predictors of CSDS scores.

Results
A factor analysis revealed a difference in factor structure between the Portuguese and the original (English) version of CSDS. A five factor solution explained 58.3% of the total variance. The CSDS demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s = 0.913). All subscales had α values greater than 0.85. Women in longer-term relationships had significantly fewer cues for sexual desire (M = 124) compared to women in shorter-term relationships (M = 128), t(1,879) = 3.7, P &lt; 0.001. Older women (β = −0.075; P &lt; 0.001), and longer term relationships (β = −0.056; P &lt; 0.05), were significant predictors of lower CSDS-P scores. Additionally, women who masturbated (β = 0.172; P &lt; 0.001) and reached orgasm easily (β = 0.059; P &lt; 0.001) had higher scores for CSDS-P.

Conclusions
The CSDS is a useful instrument for identifying triggers that facilitate sexual desire in Portuguese women. Women in longer-term relationships reported fewer cues compared to women in shorter-term relationships. This has clinical implications and suggests that encouraging women to consider newer and varied cues that might evoke or enhance sexual desire may be one means of addressing concerns with low sexual desire.
Radiofrequency Treatment of Vaginal Laxity after Vaginal Delivery: Nonsurgical Vaginal Tightening
Authors: Millheiser Leah S. , Pauls Rachel N. , Herbst Seth Jordan , Chen Bertha H. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
All women who have given birth vaginally experience stretching of their vaginal tissue. Long-term physical and psychological consequences may occur, including loss of sensation and sexual dissatisfaction. One significant issue is the laxity of the vaginal introitus.

Aim
To evaluate safety and tolerability of nonsurgical radiofrequency (RF) thermal therapy for treatment of laxity of the vaginal introitus after vaginal delivery. We also explored the utility of self-report questionnaires in assessing subjective effectiveness of this device.

Methods
Pilot study to treat 24 women (25–44 years) once using reverse gradient RF energy (75–90 joules/cm2), delivered through the vaginal mucosa. Post-treatment assessments were at 10 days, 1, 3, and 6 months.

Main Outcome Measures
Pelvic examinations and adverse event reports to assess safety. The author modified Female Sexual Function Index (mv-FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), Vaginal Laxity and Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaires (designed for this study) to evaluate both safety and effectiveness, and the Global Response Assessment to assess treatment responses.

Results
No adverse events were reported; no topical anesthetics were required. Self-reported vaginal tightness improved in 67% of subjects at one month post-treatment; in 87% at 6 months (P &lt;0.001). Mean sexual function scores improved: mv-FSFI total score before treatment was 27.6 ± 3.6, increasing to 32.0 ± 3.0 at 6 months (P &lt;0.001); FSDS-R score before treatment was 13.6 ± 8.7, declining to 4.3 ± 5.0 at month 6 post-treatment (P &lt;0.001). Twelve of 24 women who expressed diminished sexual satisfaction following their delivery; all reported sustained improvements on SSQ at 6 months after treatment (P = 0.002).

Conclusion
The RF treatment was well tolerated and showed an excellent 6-month safety profile in this pilot study. Responses to the questionnaires suggest subjective improvement in self-reported vaginal tightness, sexual function and decreased sexual distress. These findings warrant further study.
Vascularized Cadaveric Fibula Flap for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Following Failure of Penile Implants
Authors: Salgado Christopher J. , Chim Harvey , Rowe David , Bodner Donald R. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Postpriapism erectile dysfunction in patients with sickle cell disease is a particularly devastating condition. Where penile implants have failed, there is no good surgical alternative at present. Free tissue transfer is fraught with risks in patients with sickle cell disease and are not the best option for treatment.

Aim
To describe a new surgical technique involving prefabrication of a bone flap for treatment of erectile dysfunction in a patient with sickle cell disease.

Methods
The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was isolated and implanted within a cadaveric bone segment. The prefabricated flap was then transferred 2 months later as a neophallus for penile autoaugmentation.

Results
Bone scan showed viability of the bone flap after transfer. The patient was able to have vaginal intercourse and successfully achieve orgasm 2 months after the second stage surgery.

Conclusions
Prefabrication of a cadaveric bone flap and subsequent transfer is a novel and effective technique for treatment of erectile dysfunction refractory to medical management. This technique may be particularly useful for “implant cripples,” who have no other surgical option.