bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Conduction Abnormalities in a Systolic Heart Failure Population by Race, Ethnicity, and Gender
Authors: Hebert Kathy , Quevedo Henry C. , Tamariz Leonardo , Dias Andre , Steen Dylan L. , Colombo Rosario A. , Franco Emiliana , Neistein Sholom , Arcement Lee M. 
Published: April 2012

Background: There is paucity of data regarding conduction abnormalities in the Hispanic population with systolic heart failure (HF). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities in a systolic HF population, with attention to the Hispanic population.Methods: A cross sectional study of 926 patients enrolled in a systolic HF disease management program. ECGS were obtained in patients with an ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 40% by echocardiography at enrollment. Univariate and multivariate analysis adjusted by ethnicities was performed.Results: White patients exhibited higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (14.7%) than black patients (8.0%, P = 0.01) whereas Hispanics presented higher prevalence of paced rhythm (14.3% in Hispanics vs. 6.5% in whites and 5.2% in blacks, P<0.01 for both comparisons), higher prevalence of left bundle branch block (LBBB, 14.5% in Hispanics vs. 8.8% in whites and 5.8% in blacks, P = 0.002) and increased frequency of abnormal QT intervals (76.7% in Hispanics) than whites (59.6%) and blacks (69%) patients (P< 0.01 for both comparisons). A QRS interval greater than 120 ms was less prevalent among blacks (15.8% vs. 26.0% in whites and 25.3% in Hispanics, P = 0.01 for both comparisons). Univariate and multivariate analysis disclosed no influence of other characteristics (age, sex, coronary artery disease, hypertension, ejection fraction, medications) in the ECG findings.Conclusions: Hispanics with Systolic HF presented with increased prevalence of paced rhythm, LBBB, and abnormal QT intervals. Attention should be addressed to these ECG variations to recommend additional guidance for therapeutic interventions and provide important prognostic information.
Variations of Left Atrial Activation Patterns in Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Proietti Riccardo , Mafrici Antonio , Spodick David H. 
Published: April 2012

We report about a case of a patient admitted to the Intensive Cardiac Care Unit for severe congestive heart failure which showed modification of P‐wave morphology and duration, correlated with the clinical evolution. In the case here described, we show that ECG analysis, specifically P wave, allow us to assess the hemodynamic evolution of the acute decompensated heart failure patient.Electrocardiographic examination is the first and the most simple and available diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with cardiac diseases. Usually, P‐wave evaluation is not carefully assessed, in spite of very useful informations we can draw from its interpretation. We report about a patient admitted to our Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) for severe congestive heart failure which showed peculiar modification of P‐wave morphology and duration, well correlated with the clinical course.
Dynamicity of Early and Late Phases of Repolarization in Patients with Remote Anterior Myocardial Infarction: The Interlead Differences
Authors: Szydlo Krzysztof , Wita Krystian , Trusz‐Gluza Maria , Filipecki Artur , Orszulak Witold , Urbanczyk Dagmara , Tabor Zbigniew 
Published: April 2012

Background: Repolarization dynamicity (QT/RR) is supposed to be a prognostic marker in post‐MI patients. However, data on the relationships between early and late phases of QT and RR intervals (QT peak/RR and T peak–T end/RR) are insufficient, and which ECG lead should be used for the analysis is unclear. We analyzed repolarization dynamicity in patients after anterior MI with and without VT/VF history using two leads of Holter recordings‐ modified V5 and V3. The daytime and nighttime periods were also analyzed.Methods: Cohort of 88 patients after anterior MI (>6 months) consisted of 43 patients without VT/VF (33 males; 59 ± 12 years; LVEF: 41 ± 7%; NoVT/VF), and 45 patients with VT/VF history‐ ICD implanted as secondary prevention (40 males; 64 ± 10 years; LVEF: 32 ± 8%; VT/VF). QT/RR, QT peak/RR and T peak–T end/RR were calculated from 24‐hour ECG for the entire recording, daytime and nighttime periods, from V5 and V3 leads, respectively.Results: VT/VF patients had lower LVEF (P = 0.001). There were no differences in age and gender. VT/VF group had steeper QT/RR, QT peak/RR, and T peak–T end/RR in V5: 0.233 ± 0.04 versus 0.150 ± 0.05, P = 0.0001, 0.181 ± 0.04 versus 0.120 ± 0.04, P = 0.0001, 0.052 ± 0.02 versus 0.030 ± 0.02, P = 0.0001, and in V3: 0.201 ± 0.04 versus 0.149 ± 0.05, P = 0.0001, 0.159 ± 0.03 versus 0.118 ± 0.04, P = 0.0001, and 0.042 ± 0.02 versus 0.031 ± 0.02, P = 0.004; respectively. VT/VF patients had higher indices in V5 than in V3 lead (P = 0.001). QT/RR and QT peak/RR were steeper at daytime period in both leads. It was not found for T peak–T end/RR.Conclusions: Patients with VT/VF history are characterized by steeper relationships between repolarization duration and RR intervals. These findings are more evident in modified V5 lead.
Specificity of Elevated Intercostal Space ECG Recording for the Type 1 Brugada ECG Pattern
Authors: Holst Anders G. , Tangø Mogens , Batchvarov Velislav , Govindan Malini , Haunsø Stig , Svendsen Jesper H. , Behr Elijah R. , Tfelt‐Hansen Jacob 
Published: April 2012

Background: Right precordial (V1–3) elevated electrode placement ECG (EEP‐ECG) is often used in the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome (BrS). However, the specificity of this has only been studied in smaller studies in Asian populations. We aimed to study this in a larger European population.Methods: Two different populations consisting of healthy subjects were used. A total of 340 subjects were included, 80% were men, the median age was 43 year (interquartile range: 31–51) and all were of European ethnicity.Results: No type 1 ECG patterns were identified but 16 (4.7%) subjects with a type 2 ECG and 32 (9.4%) subjects with a type 3 ECG were identified in any lead placement. In total 43 (13%) subjects had any BrS ECG pattern in any lead placement. The specificity was 100% (one‐sided 97.5% CI: 99%) for the use of EEP‐ECG to uncover type 1 pattern. For type 2 pattern the specificity was 95% (95% CI: 92–97%) and for type 3 pattern 91% (95% CI: 88–94%).Conclusions: Elevated electrode placement ECG in the diagnosis of BrS seems to have a very high specificity with regards to the finding of a type 1 ECG pattern in a European population; conversely a finding of a type 2 or 3 pattern is of a significantly lower specificity and should perhaps be disregarded.
Global and Regional Ventricular Repolarization Study by Body Surface Potential Mapping in Patients with Left Bundle‐Branch Block and Heart Failure Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Douglas Roberto A. G. , Samesima Nelson , Filho Martino M. , Pedrosa Anísio A. , Nishioka Silvana A. D. , Pastore Carlos A. 
Published: April 2012

Background: The controversial effects promoted by cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on the ventricular repolarization (VR) have motivated VR evaluation by body surface potential mapping (BSPM) in CRT patients.Methods: Fifty‐two CRT patients, mean age 58.8 ± 12.3 years, 31 male, LVEF 27.5 ± 9.2, NYHA III‐IV heart failure with QRS181.5 ± 14.2 ms, underwent 87‐lead BSPM in sinus rhythm (BASELINE) and biventricular pacing (BIV). Measurements of mean and corrected QT intervals and dispersion, mean and corrected T peak end intervals and their dispersion, and JT intervals characterized global and regional (RV, Intermediate, and LV regions) ventricular repolarization response.Results: Global QTm (P < 0.001) and QTcm (P < 0.05) were decreased in BIV; QTm was similar across regions in both modes (P = ns); QTcm values were lower in RV/LV than in Intermediate region in BASELINE and BIV (P < 0.001); only RV/Septum showed a significant difference (P < 0.01) in the BIV mode. QTD values both of BASELINE (P < 0.01) and BIV (P < 0.001) were greater in the Intermediate than in the LV region. CRT effect significantly reduced global/regional QTm and QTcm values. QTD was globally decreased in RV/LV (Intermediate: P = ns). BIV mode significantly reduced global T peak end mean and corrected intervals and their dispersion. JT values were not significant.Conclusions: Ventricular repolarization parameters QTm, QTcm, and QTD global/regional values, as assessed by BSPM, were reduced in patients under CRT with severe HF and LBBB. Greater recovery impairment in the Intermediate region was detected by the smaller variation of its dispersion.
Brown tumors in dialyzed patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism: Report of 16 cases
Authors: Hamouda Mouna , Handous Insaf , Dhia Nasr Ben , Ayachi Samia , Letaief Ahmed , Aloui Sabra , Frih Ammeur , Skhiri Habib , Khochtali Habib , Elmay Mezri 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBrown tumors (BTs) are relatively uncommon but they are serious complications of renal osteodystrophy. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical, biological, and radiological characteristics of 16 patients with BTs provoked by secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) and its response to the decrease in parathyroid hormone levels after parathyroidectomy (PTX). The management of that uncommon condition was also reviewed. We conducted a retrospective study including 16 end‐stage renal disease patients who underwent subtotal PTX between 1997 and 2007 for severe sHPT with BTs. Our study included 10 men and 6 women, whose average age was 34 years. All patients were on dialysis. Ten of them were on dialysis for more than 5 years. The median duration on dialysis was 84 months. Patients included suffered from swellings associated with functional limitations. BTs had multiple locations in 7 patients. Jaw was the most frequent location (62%). Radiography and tomodensitometry demonstrated a mixed radio lucent and radio‐opaque lesions with an expansion of the cortical bone. Bone scan demonstrated an increased uptake of lesions. Chirurgical treatment was indicated in all cases because of severe refractory sHPT with functional limitations and/or disfiguring deformities. In all cases, BTs stopped its progression and even decreased in size. However, it was insufficient in four cases, which required a surgical resection. PTX remains an efficacious approach in resistant cases of sHPT with persistent BTs.
Development and Characterization of Ag2O‐Doped ZnLB Glasses and Biological Assessment of Ag2O–ZnLB–Hydroxyapatite Composites
Authors: Coelho João , Nandyala Sooraj Hussain , Gomes Pedro S. , Sampaio Paula , Pacheco Ana P. , Nunes Olga C. , Lopes Maria A. , Fernandes Maria H. , Santos José D. 
Published: April 2012

This work aims to report the preparation, physico‐chemical characterization, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility testing of novel Ag‐containing ZnO–Li2O–B2O3–HA composites, which are intended to be applied in bone tissue regenerative applications.Silver oxide (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mol%) doped ZnO–Li2O–B2O3 (Ag2O–ZLB) glasses were prepared by conventional quenching techniques. The newly developed glasses were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Raman and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, and Scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, glass‐ceramic composites (Ag2O–ZnLB–HA composites) were obtained by the mixture of 2.5 wt% of each silver glass with 97.5 wt% of hydroxyapatite, and thoroughly characterized. The initial bacteria adhesion was evaluated using Escherichia coli, whereas the biocompatibility profile of these materials was assessed following the establishment of MG63 osteoblast‐like cell cultures, for 7 days. All the assayed compositions revealed a significant antibacterial activity against E. coli, at early culture time points. Moreover, osteoblastic cells revealed an adequate adhesion to all the assayed Ag2O–ZnLB–HA compositions and following, an active proliferation was established over seeded materials, throughout the culture period. No signs of cytotoxicity were attained by the assessment of cell morphology, viability, and proliferation. Furthermore, the composites containing a higher amount of silver (2 Ag2O–ZnLB–HA and 4 Ag2O–ZnLB–HA) allowed an increased cell proliferation, in comparison with control.
NIR to Visible Up‐conversion Luminescence of Er3+‐Doped PMN‐PT Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Zeng Jiangtao , Wei Zhihao , Huang Yanlin , Tsuboi Taiju , Zheng Liaoying , Ruan Wei , Wang Shiwei , Li Guorong 
Published: April 2012

The non‐doped and 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 mol% Er3+‐doped 0.75Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.25PbTiO3 (called PMN‐PT) transparent ceramics have been fabricated. The optical absorption spectra, photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, and the up‐conversion luminescence spectra under the excitation of 980 nm laser were investigated. The up‐conversion luminescence of Er3+‐doped PMN‐PT transparent ceramics changes from yellowish green to reddish orange with increasing the Er3+ doping concentration. The dependence of visible up‐conversion luminescence on the laser power was measured. The up‐conversion luminescence saturation is observed for Er3+ 5.0 mol%‐doped PMN‐PT. A possible up‐conversion luminescence mechanism is proposed, which depends on Er3+ concentration. The up‐conversion emission is mainly due to excited state absorption for lightly Er3+‐doped PMN‐PT transparent ceramics, while the energy‐transfer processes are for highly doped ones.
MMP3 and TIMP1 variants contribute to chronic periodontitis and may be implicated in disease progression
Authors: Letra Ariadne , Silva Renato M. , Rylands Ryan J. , Silveira Elcia M. , de Souza Ana P. , Wendell Steven K. , Garlet Gustavo P. , Vieira Alexandre R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAimMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in the tissue destruction characteristic of chronic periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of MMP and TIMP polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis in two populations.Material and MethodsA total of 34 polymorphisms spanning 12 MMP and 2 TIMP genes were genotyped in 401 individuals from Brazil (99 cases with chronic periodontitis and 302 controls), and 274 individuals from the US (70 cases and 204 controls). Individuals were considered cases if presenting at least three teeth exhibiting sites of clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm in two different quadrants. Controls were characterized by absence of clinical attachment loss and no sites with probing depth >3 mm. MMP3 and TIMP1 mRNA expression was evaluated in healthy and diseased periodontal tissues.ResultsTIMP1 showed association with chronic periodontitis in the Brazilian population (for rs5906435, p = 0.0004), whereas MMP3 showed association in the US population (for rs679620, p = 0.0003; and rs650108, p = 0.002) and in the Brazilian population (for rs639752, p = 0.005). MMP3 and TIMP1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in diseased tissues when compared to control tissues.ConclusionsOur results further support a role for variations in MMP3 in chronic periodontitis and report a novel association with TIMP1. These genes may be considered additional candidate genes for chronic periodontitis.
Occurrence of risk factors for dental erosion in the population of young adults in Norway
Authors: Asmyhr Øyvind , Grytten Jostein , Holst Dorthe 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectives The aim of this study was to describe the occurrence of risk factors for dental erosion for a group of young adults who are particularly susceptible to erosion. Another aim was to describe the awareness of erosion and distribution of risk factors according to the educational background of the parents.Methods The sample (n = 2004 individuals) was randomly drawn from the population of 19–20‐year‐old Norwegians. The data were collected using telephone interviews. We measured awareness about erosion using the following question: ‘Have you ever heard about dental erosion?' We obtained information about the frequency of intake of the following risk factors: soft drinks with and without sugar, and juice. Soft drinks with sugar included lemonade (Coca‐Cola, Solo, Pepsi, Mozell and ice tea) and sport drinks (XL1, Maxim). Soft drinks without sugar included Cola light, Zero, PepsiMax, Solo light and ice tea light. Juice included orange, grapefruit, apple and kiwi juice. The parents' level of education was based on the Norwegian school system, which has three levels: compulsory schooling (10 years), upper secondary school education (up to 13 years) and university/college education. The data were analysed using logistic regressions analyses.Results Awareness of erosion was high – 93.5% of respondents were aware of the problem. The majority of respondents believed that erosion can be prevented – altogether 84.9%. They also believed that soft drinks with and without sugar are equally important for the development of erosion. 17.5% of respondents drank soft drinks with sugar daily or several times a day. The corresponding figures for soft drinks without sugar and juice were 4.9% and 34.1%, respectively. Young adults with mothers with high education drank soft drinks both with and without sugar less frequently than those who had mothers with low education. This pattern was the opposite for juice.Conclusion Consumption of soft drinks and juice is high, even though awareness and knowledge about the causes of erosion are widespread. This indicates the need for effective intervention strategies to reduce the level of consumption. These strategies should take into account the fact that the distribution of risk factors is skewed with respect to parents' level of education.
Factors affecting sick leave prescribing by dentists
Authors: Kankaanpää Anni Tuulia , Suominen Anna Liisa , Tuominen Risto Juhani 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe aim was to examine the prescribing of sick leave by dentists and factors affecting prescribing practices.MethodsA questionnaire study covering sick leave‐prescribing practice during the preceding year and in response to 16 hypothetical patient cases was conducted among 1132 Finnish dentists. The effects of both dentist‐related and local structural background variables on sick leave prescribing were studied.ResultsDuring the preceding year, dentists who were young, male, or practicing in small municipalities prescribed more days of sick leave than comparator groups. In response to the 16 hypothetical cases, dentists prescribed a mean of 31.6 days of sick leave (range, 0–98 days). The dentists with a specialty degree in oral and maxillofacial surgery prescribed longer sick leave than other dentists. Dentists working only in public dental services (PDS) and older dentists prescribed significantly less sick leave than others.ConclusionsThere is considerable variation among dentists in sick leave‐prescribing practices. The most significant factors affecting this variation are having a specialty in oral and maxillofacial surgery and working only in PDS. Further education and guidelines on dental sick leave prescribing are needed.
Peripheral Blood NK Cell Cytotoxicities are Negatively Correlated with CD8+ T Cells in Fertile Women but not in Women with a History of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Yoo Ji Hee , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Han Ae‐Ra , Ahn Hyunkyong , Cha Sun‐Hwa , Koong Mi Kyung , Kang In Soo , Yang Kwang Moon 
Published: April 2012

ProblemWe aim to investigate NK cell cytolytic activities and its relationship to other lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).Methods of StudyWomen with a history of RPL (n = 48) comprised RPL group, and 15 fertile women served as controls. Lymphocyte subsets such as T (CD3+), T helper (CD3+/4+), cytotoxic T (CD3+/8+), NK (CD3−/56+), and peripheral blood NK cell cytolytic activities at three different effector to target cell ratios (E/T ratio, 50:1, 25:1 and 12.5:1) are measured by flow cytometric analysis.ResultsPeripheral blood NK cell levels are significantly increased in women with RPL as compared to controls (
P
= 0.001). NK cell cytolytic activities in RPL group are significantly increased as compared to those of controls at E/T ratio of 50:1 (42.5 ± 16.3 versus 29.9 ± 13.8,
P
= 0.009), 25:1 (31.6 ± 15.0 versus 19.4 ± 10.1,
P
= 0.004), and 12.5:1 (20.1 ± 10.9 versus 12.3 ± 7.5,
P
= 0.011). In RPL group, peripheral blood NK cell levels (%) showed a significant positive correlation with NK cell cytolytic activities at E/T ratio of 50:1 (r = 0.522,
P < 0.001), 25:1 (r = 0.588,
P
< 0.001), and 12.5:1 (r = 0.604,
P
< 0.001). In controls, CD3+/8+ cells (%) show a negative correlation with NK cell cytolytic activities at E/T ratio of 50:1 (r = −0.566,
P
= 0.028), 25:1 (r = −0.60.,
P
= 0.017), and 12.5:1 (r = −0.602,
P
= 0.018). Ratios of T‐helper cell to T‐cytotoxic cell are positively correlated with NK cell cytolytic activities at E/T ratio of 50:1 (r = 0.601,
P
= 0.018), 25:1 (r = 0.632,
P
= 0.012), and 12.5:1 (r = 0.637,
P
= 0.011).Conclusion
NK cell‐mediated immunopathology plays a role in RPL. Women with RPL have a disrupted immune regulation between cytotoxic T and NK cells. Failure of immune modulation by CD8+ T cells may exert NK cell activation and reproductive failures in women with RPL.
Changes in the Neuronal Glutamate Transporter EAAT3 in Rat Brain after Exposure to Methamphetamine
Authors: Kerdsan Walailuk , Thanoi Samur , Nudmamud‐Thanoi Sutisa 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMethamphetamine (METH), an addictive psychostimulant, can induce glutamate release in several brain areas such as cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Excess glutamate is ordinarily removed from the synaptic cleft by glutamate transporters for maintaining homoeostasis. EAAT3, a subtype of glutamate transporter expressed mainly by neurons, is a major glutamate transporter in the hippocampus and cortex. Therefore, this study examined the effects of acute and sub‐acute METH administration on the expression of the EAAT3 in the hippocampal formation, striatum and frontal cortex. Male Sprague–Dawley rats received vehicle injections (i.p.) for 13 days followed by one injection of METH (8 mg/kg, i.p.) on day 14 in acute group. Animals received METH (4 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle for 14 days in sub‐acute and control groups, respectively. EAAT3 immunoreactivity was determined by western blotting followed by measurement of the integrated optical density. A significant increase in EAAT3 was found in the hippocampal formation after sub‐acute, but not acute, METH administration. Conversely, a significant decrease in EAAT3 in striatum was observed in both acute and sub‐acute groups. A trend towards a decrease in EAAT3 was also found in frontal cortex in the sub‐acute group. Our results of decreased EAAT3 in striatum and frontal cortex suggest deficits of cortico‐striatal glutamatergic synapses after METH exposure. Increased EAAT3 expression in the hippocampus may be a compensatory response to possible deficits of glutamatergic neurotransmission induced by METH. Moreover, our findings provide further support for glutamatergic dysfunction with abnormalities involving a transporter important in the regulation of neuronal glutamate.