bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apheresis‐related enrichment of CD26++ T lymphocytes: phenotypic characterization and correlation with unfavorable outcome in autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation
Authors: Hildebrandt Martin , Dijkstra Dorothea , Gollasch Hella , Daemen Kerstin , Stevanovic‐Meyer Maja , Ludwig Wolf‐Dieter 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: The lymphocyte surface glycoprotein CD26 anchors adenosine deaminase to the lymphocyte surface and possesses dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity. A distinct subset of CD26++ lymphocytes in autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplants (HPCTs) was investigated with regard to clinical outcome after autologous HPCT. The phenotype of these cells was characterized in more detail.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty‐two eligible patients (multiple myeloma, n = 31; Hodgkin's disease, n = 3; non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, n = 6; peripheral neuroectodermal tumor, n = 1; acute myeloid leukemia, n = 1) were included in a retrospective analysis. Distinct cellular subsets, including CD26+/− and CD26++ subpopulations, were analyzed for correlations with kinetics of engraftment, progression‐free survival, and overall survival.RESULTS: The numbers of CD26++ T lymphocytes in the autograft correlated inversely with progression‐free survival (p = 0.013). CD26++ T lymphocytes transfused per kg of body weight were predictive for the occurrence of disease progression or relapse (p = 0.006). Importantly, the numbers of CD26++ cells showed a highly variable degree of enrichment in the autograft, but no significant variations in the peripheral blood before apheresis. The characterization of CD26++ cells revealed that CD26++/CD8+ cells form a homogeneous population with a distinct T memory cell phenotype (CD45RO+, CD161++, interleukin‐18Rα++, CCR7−).CONCLUSION: CD26++ lymphocytes define a discrete phenotype of T memory cells with known chemoresistance and T‐cell‐repopulating capacity. Their enrichment during apheresis and corresponding depletion from the circulation are associated with an adverse outcome in autologous HPCT.
Pediatric and Adult Congenital Endocardial Lead Extraction or Abandonment Decision (PACELEAD) Survey of Lead Management
Authors: McCANTA ANTHONY C. , SCHAFFER MICHAEL S. , COLLINS KATHRYN K. 
Published: September 2011

Background:
Nonfunctional, dysfunctional, recalled, or additional endocardial leads in pediatric and congenital heart disease patients pose significant challenges for management. There are no set standards for lead extraction in this patient population.
Methods:
Physician members of the Pediatric and Adult Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES) were contacted via e‐mail and invited to respond to a 33‐question online Pediatric and Adult Congenital Endocardial Lead Extraction or Abandonment (PACELEAD) survey.
Results:
Responses were received from 75 of 138 (54%) physician members of PACES. Institutional volumes of device placement (<25 devices/year for 51% of responders), patients with abandoned leads (<25 patients for 71%), and lead extractions (<10 extractions/year for 51% and no extractions for 29%) were low for the majority of responders. Personal experience with lead extraction was also minimal with 49% not performing the procedure and 39% with less than 40 leads extracted as primary operator. Most responders (54, 72%) refer their lead extractions to another practitioner or facility with more experience. Responders were more likely to recommend lead extraction (>70%) for class IIa indications such as bacteremia, chronic pain that is not medically manageable, and functional leads with ipsilateral venous occlusion. Lead abandonment was favored (>70%) for one class IIb indication, a functional lead that is not currently being used.
Conclusions:
Optimal lead management is challenging in pediatric and congenital heart disease patients, and considerable variability of practice is reported in their care. Low institutional and personal volumes may account for this variability. (PACE 2011; 34:1621–1627)
Electroanatomic Remodeling of the Left Atrium in Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Patients Without Structural Heart Disease
Authors: TEH ANDREW W. , KISTLER PETER M. , LEE GEOFFREY , MEDI CAROLINE , HECK PATRICK M. , SPENCE STEVEN J. , SPARKS PAUL B. , MORTON JOSEPH B. , KALMAN JONATHAN M. 
Published: September 2011

Atrial Remodeling in Atrial Fibrillation. Introduction: The nature of the atrial substrate thought to contribute toward maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF) outside the pulmonary veins remains poorly defined. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF have an abnormal electroanatomic substrate within the left atrium (LA).
Methods and Results:
Thirty‐one patients with AF (17 paroxysmal AF and 14 persistent AF) were compared with 15 age‐matched controls with left‐sided supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). High‐density 3‐dimensional electroanatomic maps were created and the LA was divided into 8 segments for regional analysis. Bipolar voltage, conduction, and effective refractory periods (ERPs) of the posterior LA, left atrial appendage (LAA), and distal coronary sinus (CSd) and percentage complex signals were assessed. In the majority of LA regions, compared with controls, AF patients had: (1) lower mean voltage and a higher percentage low voltage; (2) slower conduction; and (3) more prevalent complex signals. Many of these changes were more marked in the persistent than the paroxysmal AF group.
Conclusions:
Patients with AF have lower regional voltage, increased proportion of low voltage, slowed conduction, and increased proportion of complex signals compared to controls. Many of these changes are more pronounced in persistent AF patients, suggesting there may be a progressive nature to the changes. Differences occurred in the absence of structural heart disease. These substrate abnormalities provide further insight into the progressive nature of atrial remodeling and the mechanisms involved in maintenance of AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 p. 232‐238, March 2012.)
Ablation of Perimitral Flutter Following Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Impact on Outcomes from a Randomized Study (PROPOSE)
Authors: BAI RONG , BIASE LUIGI DI , MOHANTY PRASANT , RUSSO ANTONIO DELLO , CASELLA MICHELA , PELARGONIO GEMMA , THEMISTOCLAKIS SAKIS , MOHANTY SANGHAMITRA , ELAYI CLAUDE S. , SANCHEZ JAVIER , BURKHARDT J. DAVID , HORTON RODNEY , GALLINGHOUSE G. JOSEPH , BAILEY SHANE M. , BONSO ALDO , BEHEIRY SALWA , HONGO RICHARD H. , RAVIELE ANTONIO , TONDO CLAUDIO , NATALE ANDREA 
Published: September 2011

MVI Block vs Trigger Ablation in PMFL. Introduction: Patients with previous ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) may experience recurrence of perimitral flutter (PMFL). These arrhythmias are usually triggered from sources that may also induce AF. This study aims at determining whether ablation of triggers or completing mitral valve isthmus (MVI) block prevents more arrhythmia recurrences.Methods and Results: Sixty‐five patients with recurrent PMFL after initial ablation of long standing persistent AF were included in this study. Thirty‐two patients were randomized to MVI ablation only (Group 1) and 33 were randomized to cardioversion and repeat pulmonary vein (PV) isolation plus ablation of non‐PV triggers (Group 2). MVI bidirectional block was achieved in all but 1 patient from Group 1. In Group 2, reconnection of 17 PVs was detected in 14 patients (42%). With isoproterenol challenge, 44 non‐PV trigger sites were identified in 28 patients (85%, 1.57 sites per patient). At 18‐month follow‐up, 27 patients (84%) from Group 1 had recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias, of whom 15 remained on antiarrhythmic drug (AAD); however, 28 patients from Group 2 (85%, P < 0.0001 vs Group 1) were free from arrhythmia off AAD. The ablation strategy used in Group 2 was associated with a lower risk of recurrence (hazard ratio = 0.10, 95% CI 0.04–0.28, P < 0.001) and an improved arrhythmia‐free survival (log rank P < 0.0001).Conclusion: In patients presenting with PMFL after ablation for longstanding persistent AF, MVI block had limited impact on arrhythmia recurrence. On the other hand, elimination of all PV and non‐PV triggers achieved higher freedom from atrial arrhythmias at follow‐up. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 137‐144, February 2012)
Differential Structural Remodeling of the Left‐Atrial Posterior Wall in Patients Affected by Mitral Regurgitation with or Without Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Morphological and Molecular Study
Authors: CORRADI DOMENICO , CALLEGARI SERGIO , MAESTRI ROBERTA , FERRARA DAVID , MANGIERI DOMENICA , ALINOVI ROSSELLA , MOZZONI PAOLA , PINELLI SILVANA , GOLDONI MATTEO , PRIVITERA YLENIA ADELAIDE , BARTOLI VERONICA , ASTORRI ETTORE , MACCHI EMILIO , VAGLIO AUGUSTO , BENUSSI STEFANO , ALFIERI OTTAVIO 
Published: September 2011

Structural Remodeling in Atrial Fibrillation. Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) in mitral regurgitation (MR) is a complex disease where multiple factors may induce left‐atrial structural remodeling (SR). We explored the differential SR of the left‐atrial posterior wall (LAPW) of patients affected by MR with or without persistent AF, and the expression of key proteins involved in its pathogenesis.Methods and Results: Light microscopy of LAPW samples from 27 patients with MR and persistent AF (group 1), 33 with MR in sinus rhythm (group 2), and 15 autopsy controls (group 3) was used to measure myocyte diameter, percentage of myocytolytic myocytes, interstitial fibrosis, and capillary density; RT‐PCR and Western blotting were used to assess the mRNA and protein levels of SOD‐1, SOD‐2, HO‐1, calpain, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2, and VEGF; immunofluorescence was used to locate these proteins. Myocyte diameter was similar in groups 1 and 2, but larger than controls. Compared to group 2, group 1 had more myocytolytic myocytes (20.8 ± 5.6% vs 14.7 ± 4.5%; P < 0.0001), increased interstitial fibrosis (10.4 ± 5.1% vs 7.5 ± 4.2%; P < 0.05), and decreased capillary density (923 ± 107 No/mm2 vs 1,040 ± 100 No/mm2; P < 0.0001). All of the proteins were more expressed in groups 1 and 2 than in controls. The protein and mRNA levels of SOD‐1, SOD‐2, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 were higher in group 1 than in group 2.Conclusions: The LAPW of MR patients with or without AF shows considerable SR. The former has more severe histopathological changes and higher levels of proteins involved in SR, thereby reaching a threshold beyond which the sinus impulse cannot normally activate atrial myocardium. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 p. 271‐279, March 2012.)
Redox Balance in the Aging Microcirculation: New Friends, New Foes, and New Clinical Directions
Authors: MULLER‐DELP JUDY M. , GUROVICH ALVARO N. , CHRISTOU DEMETRA D. , LEEUWENBURGH CHRISTIAAN 
Published: September 2011

Please cite this paper as: Muller‐Delp, Gurovich, Christou, and Leeuwenburgh (2012). Redox Balance in the Aging Microcirculation: New Friends, New Foes, and New Clinical Directions. Microcirculation 19(1), 19–28.AbstractCardiovascular aging is associated with a decline in the function of the vascular endothelium. Considerable evidence indicates that age‐induced impairment of endothelium‐dependent vasodilation results from a reduction in the availability of nitric oxide (NO•). NO• can be scavenged by reactive oxygen species (ROS), in particular by superoxide radical (O2•−), and age‐related increases in ROS have been demonstrated to contribute to reduced endothelium‐dependent vasodilation in numerous large artery preparations. In contrast, emerging data suggest that ROS may play a compensatory role in endothelial function of the aging microvasculature. The primary goal of this review is to discuss reports in the literature which indicate that ROS function as important signaling molecules in the aging microvasculature. Emphasis is placed upon discussion of the emerging roles of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxynitrite (ONOO•−) in the aging microcirculation. Overall, existing data in animal models suggest that maintenance in the balance of ROS is critical to successful microvascular aging. The limited work that has been performed to investigate the role of ROS in human microvascular aging is also discussed, and the need for future investigations of ROS signaling in older humans is considered.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Intrinsic Hardness of Layered Nanolaminate Ti3AlC2 and Ti3Al0.8Sn0.2C2 Solid Solution
Authors: Bei G. P. , Gauthier‐Brunet V. , Tromas C. , Dubois S. 
Published: September 2011

The HIPing of Ti–Al–1.9TiC and Ti–Al–0.2Sn–1.8TiC reactant mixtures yields Ti3AlC2 and Ti3Al0.8Sn0.2C2 solid solutions, respectively. Rietveld refinement gives a = 3.0786 ± 0.0001 Å and c = 18.589 ± 0.001 Å lattice parameters for Ti3AlC2 and a = 3.0837 ± 0.0001 Å and c = 18.621 ± 0.002 Å for Ti3Al0.8Sn0.2C2. Furthermore, about 2–3 vol% of TixAly intermetallics is detected in Ti3Al0.8Sn0.2C2 solid solution. The intrinsic hardness, measured by nanoindention tests, is 11.4 ± 0.7 GPa for Ti3AlC2 and 10.2 ± 0.6 GPa for Ti3Al0.8Sn0.2C2. Furthermore, hardness values, measured by microindentation tests, are compared with the ones measured by nanoindentation. It is shown that microindentation and nanoindentation performed with large loads lead to underestimated hardness values as several grains are involved in the deformation process. Finally, Young's modulus of Ti3AlC2 and Ti3Al0.8Sn0.2C2 is 260 ± 10 and 250 ± 10 GPa, respectively.
Enhanced Microwave Dielectric Properties of (Zr0.8,Sn0.2)TiO4 Ceramics with the Addition of Its Own Nanoparticles
Authors: Pamu D. , Lakshmi Narayana Rao G. , James Raju K. C. 
Published: September 2011

Nanoparticles of (Zr0.8Sn0.2)TiO4 (ZST) ceramics were prepared by ball milling. Different concentrations of (1, 2 and 3 wt%) nanoparticles of size about 60 nm were introduced into the sub micron‐sized (0.8 μm) powder of the ZST ceramics to study the effect of their inclusion on densification, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of the ZST ceramics. It is found that the addition of nanoparticles to the ZST ceramics significantly improved the density with reduction in sintering temperature. In the present case, it is believed that the surface energy of fine powders and their defect energy are the driving force for sintering and increase in uniform grain size, which are activated at the sintering temperature. The microwave dielectric properties of ZST ceramics were also heavily influenced by the addition of nanoparticles of ZST. The maximum dielectric constant of 39.2 and Q × fo value of 72 900 were found to be for the samples added with 2 wt% of the nanoparticles and sintered at 1300°C for 3 h. However, it is observed that samples made with nanopowder alone exhibited poor sinterability.
Flash‐Sinterforging of Nanograin Zirconia: Field Assisted Sintering and Superplasticity
Authors: Francis John S.C. , Raj Rishi 
Published: September 2011

We report on the influence of a uniaxial applied stress on flash‐sintering and field assisted superplastic behavior of cylindrical powder preforms of 3 mol% tetragonal‐stabilized zirconia. The experiments use the sinterforging method, where, in addition to pressure, a dc electrical field is applied by metal electrodes sandwiched between the push‐rods and the specimen. The axial and radial strains in the experiment provide simultaneous measurement of the time‐dependent densification and shear strains. Large effects of the electric field on sintering and superplasticity are observed. We see flash‐sintering which is characterized by a threshold level of temperature and electric field. With higher applied fields, the sample sinters at a lower furnace temperature. Surprisingly, the applied stress further lowers this critical temperature: a sample, which sinters at 915°C under a stress of 1.5 MPa, densifies at only 850°C when the stress is raised to 12 MPa. This stress induced reduction in sintering temperature maybe related to the additional electrical fields generated within the specimen by the electro‐chemo‐mechanical mechanism described by Pannikkat and Raj [Acta Mater., 47 (1999) 3423]. Remarkably, we also show that the sample deforms in pure shear to 30% strain in just a few seconds at anomalously low temperatures. The specimen temperature was measured with a pyrometer, during the flash sintering, as a check on Joule heating. A reading of 1000°C–1100°C was obtained, up to 200° above the furnace temperature. This temperature is still too low to explain the sintering in just a few seconds. It is suggested that the electric field can nucleate a defect avalanche that enhances diffusion kinetics not by changing the activation energy but by increasing the pre‐exponential factor for the diffusion coefficient, noting that the pre‐exponential factor depends on concentration of defects, and not upon their mobility.
Silicon Carbide Nanopowders: The Parametric Study of Synthesis by Laser Pyrolysis
Authors: Réau Adrien , Guizard Benoît , Canel Jérôme , Galy Jean , Ténégal François 
Published: September 2011

Silicon carbide (SiC) nanopowders were synthesized by laser pyrolysis using a pilot scale facility to achieve production rates higher than 1.1 kg/h. For a better control of the process, the synthesis parameters have been systematically studied and their influences were determined. The reactants‘ speed has been studied between 128 and 766 cm/s and the power density between 150 and 2050 W/cm². Furthermore, the influence of the injector shape on the homogeneity of the produced nanopowders has been investigated. The powders were characterized by BET and TEM to determine the particle size distribution and their average diameter. This study allowed us to better understand the influence of these key synthesis parameters and produce large quantities of uniform batches of SiC nanopowders, with an average size adjusted between 18 and 100 nm with narrow size distribution.
Regional differences in surgical intervention following medical termination of pregnancy provided by telemedicine
Authors: GOMPERTS REBECCA , PETOW SABINE A. M. , JELINSKA KINGA , STEEN LOUIS , GEMZELL‐DANIELSSON KRISTINA , KLEIVERDA GUNILLA 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjective. Analysis of factors influencing surgical intervention rate after home medical termination of pregnancy (TOP) by women in countries without access to safe services using the telemedical service ‘Women on Web’. Design. Cohort study. Setting. Women with an unwanted pregnancy less than nine weeks pregnant who used the telemedicine service of Women on Web between February 2007 and September 2008 and provided follow‐up information. Sample. Women who used medical TOP with a known follow up. Methods. Information from the online consultation, follow‐up form and emails was used to analyze the outcome of the TOP. Main Outcome Measures. Ongoing pregnancy, reason for surgical intervention, perceived complications and satisfaction. Results. Of the 2 323 women who did the medical TOP and had no ongoing pregnancy, 289 (12.4%) received a surgical intervention. High rates were found in Eastern Europe (14.8%), Latin America (14.4%) and Asia/Oceania (11.0%) and low rates in Western Europe (5.8%), the Middle East (4.7%) and Africa (6.1%; p=0.000). More interventions occurred with longer gestational age (p=0.000). Women without a surgical intervention more frequently reported satisfaction with the treatment (p=0.000). Conclusions. The large regional differences in the rates of reported surgical interventions after medical TOP provided by telemedicine cannot be explained by demographic factors or differences in gestational length. It is likely that these differences reflect different clinical practice and local guidelines on (incomplete) abortion rather than complications that genuinely needed surgical intervention. Surgical interventions significantly influenced womens’ views on the acceptability of the TOP.
Retrospective analysis of survival rates and marginal bone loss on short implants in the mandible
Authors: Draenert Florian G. , Sagheb Keyvan , Baumgardt Katharina , Kämmerer Peer W. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectivesShort implants have become an interesting alternative to bone augmentation in dental implantology. Design of shorter implants and longer surveillance times are a current research issue. The goal of this study was to show the survival rates of short implants below 9 mm in the partly edentulous mandibular premolar and molar regions with fixed prosthetics. Marginal vertical and 2D bone loss was evaluated additionally. Different implant designs are orientationally evaluated.Material and MethodsA total of 247 dental implants with fixed prosthetics (crowns and bridges) in the premolar and molar region of the mandible were evaluated; 47 implants were 9 mm or shorter. Patient data were evaluated to acquire implant survival rates, implant diameter, gender and age. Panoramic X‐rays were analysed for marginal bone loss.ResultsAverage surveillance time was 1327 days. Cumulative survival rate (CSR) of short implants was 98% (1 implants lost) compared to 94% in the longer implants group without significance. Thirty‐five of the short implants were Astratech© (0 losses) and 12 were Camlog© Screw Line Promote Plus (1 loss). Early vertical and two‐dimensional marginal bone loss was not significantly different in short and regular length implant group with an average of 0.6 mm and 0.7 mm2 in short implants over the observation period.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, we conclude that short implants with a length of 9 mm or less have equal survival rates compared with longer implants over the observation period of 1–3 years.
Relationship between magnitude of immediate loading and peri‐implant osteogenesis in dogs
Authors: Esaki Daisuke , Matsushita Yasuyuki , Ayukawa Yasunori , Sakai Nobuo , Sawae Yoshinori , Koyano Kiyoshi 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the magnitude of immediate loading on peri‐implant bone in an animal model of dental implantation.Material and methodsEight weeks after the extraction of maxillary and mandibular premolars, three implants were inserted bilaterally in the mandibles of six Beagle dogs. One implant was unloaded (UL) as a control, and two implants were loaded immediately with 10 N (mild loading: ML) or 50 N (excessive loading: EL) laterally using a cyclic loading device twice a week for 3 weeks. Fluorescent bone markers were injected to examine bone formation around the implants. The animals were sacrificed 3 weeks after implantation. Peri‐implant osteogenesis was assessed by histomorphometric procedures, i.e., measuring bone‐implant contact (BIC) and bone density (BD).ResultsThe UL and ML groups had no peri‐implant infection, and newly formed bone was observed over a wide area from the implant neck toward the tip, and in direct contact with the implant surface. In contrast, in the EL group, newly formed bone was rarely observed around the implant neck and there were signs of infection. Both BIC and BD in the ML group were significantly greater than those in the other groups. BIC and BD in the EL group were significantly lower than those in the other groups.ConclusionA suitable magnitude of load applied immediately after dental implantation promotes peri‐implant osteogenesis.