bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coordinated Dynamic Gene Expression Changes in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala During Alcohol Withdrawal
Authors: Freeman Kate , Staehle Mary M. , Vadigepalli Rajanikanth , Gonye Gregory E. , Ogunnaike Babatunde A. , Hoek Jan B. , Schwaber James S. 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundChronic alcohol use causes widespread changes in the cellular biology of the amygdala's central nucleus (CeA), a GABAergic center that integrates autonomic physiology with the emotional aspects of motivation and learning. While alcohol‐induced neurochemical changes play a role in dependence and drinking behavior, little is known about the CeA's dynamic changes during withdrawal, a period of emotional and physiologic disturbance.MethodsWe used a qRT‐PCR platform to measure 139 transcripts in 92 rat CeA samples from control (N = 33), chronically alcohol exposed (N = 26), and withdrawn rats (t = 4, 8, 18, 32, and 48 hours; N = 5, 10, 7, 6, 5). This focused transcript set allowed us to identify significant dynamic expression patterns during the first 48 hours of withdrawal and propose potential regulatory mechanisms.ResultsChronic alcohol exposure causes a limited number of small magnitude expression changes. In contrast, withdrawal results in a greater number of large changes within 4 hours of removal of the alcohol diet. Sixty‐five of the 139 measured transcripts (47%) showed differential regulation during withdrawal. Over the 48‐hour period, dynamic changes in the expression of γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA), ionotropic glutamate and neuropeptide system–related G‐protein‐coupled receptor subunits, and the Ras/Raf signaling pathway were seen as well as downstream transcription factors (TFs) and epigenetic regulators. Four temporally correlated gene clusters were identified with shared functional roles including NMDA receptors, MAPKKK and chemokine signaling cascades, and mediators of long‐term potentiation, among others. Cluster promoter regions shared overrepresented binding sites for multiple TFs including Cebp, Usf‐1, Smad3, Ap‐2, and c‐Ets, suggesting a potential regulatory role.ConclusionsDuring alcohol withdrawal, the CeA experiences rapid changes in mRNA expression of these functionally related transcripts that were not predicted by measurement during chronic exposure. This study provides new insight into dynamic expression changes during alcohol withdrawal and suggests novel regulatory relationships that potentially impact the aspects of emotional modulation.
Laboratory evaluation of rapid test kits to detect hepatitis C antibody for use in predonation screening in emergency settings
Authors: O'Connell Robert J. , Gates Robert G. , Bautista Christian T. , Imbach Michelle , Eggleston John C. , Beardsley Stephen G. , Manak Mark M. , Gonzales Richard , Rentas Francisco J. , Macdonald Victor W. , Cardo Lisa J. , Reiber David T. , Stramer Susan L. , Michael Nelson L. , Peel Sheila A. 
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Emergency whole blood transfusion is a lifesaving procedure employed on modern battlefields. Rapid device tests (RDTs) are frequently used to mitigate transfusion‐transmitted infection risks.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A limited evaluation of the RDT formerly used on battlefields was performed using 50 donor plasma samples and commercially available panels. Five hepatitis C virus (HCV) RDTs with sufficient stated sensitivity and thermostability were assessed using 335 HCV‐positive and 339 HCV‐negative donor plasma samples, 54 seroconversion panel plasma samples, and 84 HCV‐positive and 84 HCV‐negative spiked whole blood under normal, hot, and cold storage conditions and normal and hot test conditions, plus an ease‐of‐use survey.RESULTS: BioRapid HCV test sensitivity on donor plasma was 84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70.9%‐92.8%). Using all positive plasma samples, OraQuick HCV sensitivity exceeded all comparators (99.4%, 95% CI,  98.0%‐99.9%, p < 0.05). Specificity was consistently high, led by OraQuick HCV at 99.7% (95% CI,  98.6%‐100%), statistically superior only to Axiom HCV (p < 0.05). Using seroconversion panels, only OraQuick HCV showed equivalent or earlier HCV detection compared to the gold standard. Using spiked whole blood, specificity was consistently high, and sensitivity ranged significantly from 34.5% (95% CI,  25.0%‐45.1%) for CORE HCV to 98.8% (95% CI,  94.3%‐99.9%) for OraQuick HCV. All comparator RDTs were significantly less sensitive than OraQuick HCV at one or more stress condition.CONCLUSION: This HCV RDT comparison identified significant sensitivity differences, particularly using whole blood under extreme storage and testing conditions. These data support OraQuick HCV superiority and illustrate the value of RDT evaluation under simulated field conditions.
Permanent Pacemaker‐Related Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Series of 20 Cases
Authors: MANDAL SAROJ , PANDE ARINDAM , MANDAL DEBOSMITA , KUMAR ASUTOSH , SARKAR ACHYUT , KAHALI DHIMAN , MAZUMDAR BISWAKESH , PANJA MANOTOSH 
Published: July 2012

Background:
Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has become a common occurrence nowadays due to emergence of multiple newer risk factors, such as implantation of permanent pacemaker (PPM) and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators. We are reporting 20 cases of upper extremity DVT related to PPM implantation.
Methods and Result:
All the patients presented within 6 months, with unilateral upper extremity swelling (90%), pain (45%), erythema (15%), and other less frequent features. Venography established the diagnosis in all the cases. Considering the distribution of possible risk factors of venous thrombosis among our patients, diabetes was the most frequent (present in 45%) followed by smoking (35%), hypertension (30%), obesity with body mass index ≥30 (30%), history of acute myocardial infarction (25%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20%), and history of congestive cardiac failure (15%). Antiplatelets were not found protective against the development of this situation. There was no statistically significant difference in respect to venous access, number of leads, use of previous temporary pacing lead, or poor left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction ≤40%) among the six patients who presented with complete occlusion of subclavian vein compared to the rest of the 14 patients who had partial occlusion. There were complete resolutions of symptom in 85% of patients after 6 months of anticoagulation therapy in the form of initial intravenous unfractinated heparin followed by oral warfarin.
Conclusion:
Anticoagulation with warfarin for 6 months with initial intravenous unfractionated heparin was a safe and effective mode of therapy in most of the patients with PPM related upper extremity DVT. (PACE 2012; 35:1194–1198)
Basal Exit Site of Clinical Ventricular Tachycardia is an Independent Predictor of Antitachycardia Pacing Failure in Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators Recipients
Authors: BOULÉ STÉPHANE , BRIGADEAU FRANÇOIS , MARQUIÉ CHRISTELLE , SALLERON JULIA , KLUG DIDIER , KOUAKAM CLAUDE , GUÉDON‐MOREAU LAURENCE , DUHAMEL ALAIN , ACHERÉ CHARLES , WISSOCQUE LUDIVINE , LACROIX DOMINIQUE , KACET SALEM 
Published: July 2012

Background:
Little is known about predictors of antitachycardia pacing (ATP) failure in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients. Distance between the stimulation site and the ventricular tachycardia (VT) site of origin may critically affect ATP effectiveness. We hypothesized that ATP may be less effective in ICD patients who had basal VT than in those who had apical VT.
Methods:
We reviewed data from 52 patients with sustained monomorphic VT and left ventricular disease referred for ICD implantation. ATP was delivered exclusively at the right ventricular apex. The clinical VTs site of origin (basal, midventricular, or apical) was determined in each patient, using 12‐lead electrocardiogram. VTs episodes treated with ATP during the 1‐year follow‐up were studied. ATP success rate (%), defined as the ratio between the number of successful ATP sequences and the number of delivered ATP sequences, was determined in each patient.
Results:
VT exit site was apical in 19 patients (36%), basal in 18 patients (35%), and midventricular in 15 patients (29%). In those 52 patients, 1,393 ATP sequences, delivered to treat 761 VT episodes, were analyzed. ATP success rate was found to be associated with the VT site of origin (median [interquartile range]): basal (33%[11–67]), midventricular (50%[37–100]), apical (100%[41–100]) (P = 0.027). Multivariate analysis identified basal VT site of origin as an independent predictor of ATP failure (P = 0.023).
Conclusion:
ATP is less effective in ICD patients who had basal VT than in those who had apical VT before ICD implantation. (PACE 2012; 35:1209–1216)
Safety of the Open‐Irrigated Ablation Catheter for Radiofrequency Ablation: Safety Analysis from Six Clinical Studies
Authors: WALDO ALBERT L. , WILBER DAVID J. , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. , STEVENSON WILLIAM G. , AKER BRENDA , BOO LEE MING , JACKMAN WARREN M. 
Published: July 2012

Background: The open‐irrigated catheter is used most frequently for atrial and ventricular radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and is often considered as the standard by which new ablation systems are compared. But few data have been published concerning its safety. This report provides a comprehensive safety analysis of the use of an open‐irrigated catheter for RFA of atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation in 1,275 patients in six rigorously monitored, prospective, multicenter studies.
Methods: This analysis is of data from six studies conducted as part of both Food and Drug Administration‐mandated investigational device exemption studies and postapproval studies. The six studies span a period of more than 10 years. All serious RFA complications and vascular access complications that occurred within seven days postprocedure were included.
Results: The number of patients who experienced any acute serious RFA complication in these studies combined was 4.9% (63/1,275). The two earliest studies were conducted when the open‐irrigated catheter was first introduced, and accounted for 55.6% of the complications. In the first atrial flutter ablation study, RFA complications decreased by 60% (15.4%–6.2%) after a proctoring program was initiated during the study. For all studies, vascular access complications ranged between from 0.5%–4.7%, and no stroke or transient ischemic attack was reported within 7 days postprocedure. No significant pulmonary vein stenosis was reported from the atrial fibrillation studies.
Conclusion: A proctoring program, careful fluid management, and absence of char and coagulum contributed to the safe use of the open‐irrigated RFA catheter. (PACE 2012; 35:1081–1089)
Educational Attainment Is Associated with Atrial Fibrillation Symptom Severity
Authors: GOLI NEETA M. , THOMPSON TIFFANY , SEARS SAMUEL F. , MOUNSEY J. PAUL , CHUNG EUGENE , SCHWARTZ JENNIFER , WOOD KATHRYN , WALKER JENNIFER , GUISE KIMBERLY , GEHI ANIL K. 
Published: July 2012

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice, is often managed with a rhythm control strategy. Despite the emphasis on symptom relief as the motivation for a rhythm controlling strategy in AF, it remains unclear what factors affect the patient's experienced severity of AF symptoms. We hypothesize that demographic variables may affect AF symptom severity as many AF symptoms (palpitations, dyspnea, fatigue) are nonspecific and may require particular patient insight.
Methods: We assessed demographic variables, cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities, AF burden, and AF‐specific self‐reported symptom severity in a cohort of 300 outpatients with AF presenting to outpatient electrophysiology clinics.
Results: In unadjusted analyses, decreased educational attainment, unemployed working status, and non‐Caucasian race were associated with worsened AF symptom severity. After adjusting for potential confounders, the association of decreased educational attainment with worsened AF symptom severity persisted.
Conclusions: Possible links between these demographic features and AF symptom severity are socioeconomic status and health literacy. Further study into the relationship between educational attainment and AF symptom severity is warranted. (PACE 2012; 35:1090–1096)
Usefulness of a Collateral Channel Dilator for Antegrade Treatment of Chronic Total Occlusion of a Coronary Artery
Authors: OBATA JYUN‐EI , NAKAMURA TAKAMITSU , KITTA YOSHINOBU , SAITO YUKIO , SANO KEITA , FUJIOKA DAISUKE , KAWABATA KEN‐ICHI , KUGIYAMA KIYOTAKA 
Published: July 2012

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of a collateral channel dilator microcatheter in antegrade percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) of a coronary artery.
Background:
The Corsair microcatheter, which was originally developed as a collateral channel dilator, has been reported to be useful for retrograde CTO‐PCI.
Methods:
We compared the success rate of the Corsair microcatheter collateral channel dilator for antegrade CTO‐PCI with a previously available microcatheter. We analyzed the data from 27 patients (32 CTOs) using the FinecrossMG (Finecross group) and the data from 31 patients (34 CTOs) using the Corsair (Corsair group).
Results:
There were no significant differences in the clinical or lesion characteristics between the 2 groups. The success rate for crossing the CTO by the microcatheter was 62.5% in the Finecross group and 85.3% in the Corsair group (P < 0.05). After the Corsair crossed the CTO, a 2‐mm diameter balloon catheter crossed the lesion in all the cases, but it crossed the lesion in only 17 of 20 cases in the Finecross group (85.0%, P < 0.05). The number of balloon catheters used for predilation was significantly less in the Corsair group compared with the Finecross group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The success rate for crossing of the microcatheters and the balloon catheters through the occlusion in antegrade CTO‐PCI was better with the Corsair than with the FinecrossMG. In addition, the use of the Corsair reduced the number of balloon catheters used for predilation in antegrade CTO‐PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:533–539)
Bioinformatic analysis of responsive genes in two‐dimension and three‐dimension cultured human periodontal ligament cells subjected to compressive stress
Authors: Kang K‐L. , Lee S‐W. , Ahn Y‐S. , Kim S‐H. , Kang Y‐G. 
Published: July 2012

Background and Objective:  Analyzing responses of human periodontal ligament cells to mechanical stress and mechanotransduction is important for understanding periodontal tissue physiology and remodeling. It has been shown that the cellular response to mechanical stress can vary according to the type and duration of force and to extracellular attachment conditions. This study investigated the gene‐expression profile of human periodontal ligament cells cultured in two‐dimension (2D) and three‐dimension (3D) conditions after application of compressive stress for 2 and 48 h.Material and Methods:  Human primary periodontal ligament cells were obtained from premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes. Cells were cultured in a conventional 2D culture dish or in 3D collagen gel and compressive stress was applied for 2 and 48 h. Control cells were cultured under identical conditions but without the application of compressive stress. After the application of compressive stress, total RNA was extracted and a cDNA microarray was performed. Microarray data were analyzed using statistical methods, including david and gene set enrichment analysis to identify significant signaling pathways. Real‐time PCR was performed for five mRNAs in order to confirm the cDNA microarray results.Results:  The cDNA microarray analysis revealed that after application of compressive stress for 2 h, 191 and 553 genes showed changes in their expression levels in 2D and 3D cultured cells, respectively. After application of compressive stress for 48 h, 280 and 519 genes showed changes in their expression levels in 2D and 3D cultured cells, respectively. Euclidean clustering method was used to demonstrate the gene‐expression kinetics.Conclusion:  Analysis of the results showed that several signaling pathways, including the MAPK pathway and the focal adhesion kinase pathway are relevant to the compressive force‐induced cellular response. 2D and 3D cultured cells showed significantly different gene‐expression profiles, suggesting that cellular attachment to extracellular matrix influences cellular responses to mechanical stresses.
Analysis of prognostic factors in 333 Chinese patients with high‐grade osteosarcoma treated by multidisciplinary combined therapy
Authors: Min Daliu , Lin Feng , Shen Zan , Zheng Shuier , Tan Lina , Yu Wenxi , Yao Yang 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate prognostic factors for long‐term outcomes in Chinese patients with high‐grade osteosarcoma of the extremities or trunk treated by multidisciplinary combined therapy.MethodsIn total, 333 consecutive patients with non‐metastatic or primary metastatic high‐grade osteosarcoma of the extremities or trunk were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the correlation between survival and sex, age, site, histological type, clinical stage, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, preoperative chemotherapy or not, response to preoperative chemotherapy, postoperative chemotherapy cycles and manner of surgery. The combined therapy included preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy as well as limb salvage surgery or amputation.ResultsThe median survival time was 52 months for all 333 patients. Univariate analysis revealed that sex, ALP level, preoperative chemotherapy and cycle numbers of postoperative chemotherapy may influence the prognosis of high‐grade osteosarcoma of the extremities or trunk. Multivariate analysis revealed that the female, a normal ALP level, preoperative chemotherapy with good response and ≥4 cycles of postoperative chemotherapy correlated with a better outcome.ConclusionPreoperative chemotherapy is important in high‐grade osteosarcoma treatment and a good response to it is an important marker of prognosis. It should be given with ≥ cycles of postoperative chemotherapy after surgery.
Effect of age at diagnosis of breast cancer on the patterns and risk of mortality from all causes: A population‐based study in Australia
Authors: Beadle Geoffrey Francis , McCarthy Nicole Jean , Baade Peter David 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAimsThis retrospective, population‐based study investigated the patterns and risks of mortality from breast cancer, other cancers and non‐cancer causes according to the age at diagnosis of breast cancer.MethodsMortality was assessed in all Australian women (n = 179 653) aged 30–79 years who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1982 and 2004 and who survived a minimum of 1 year. The mean follow up was 6.3 years (range 0–23 years).ResultsBefore December 2005, 52 934 women had died (34 459 of breast cancer, 5019 of other cancers and 13 456 of non‐cancer causes). There was an inverse age‐related relative risk of mortality (calculated as the standardized mortality ratio [SMR]) from breast cancer (linear trend across age P < 0.01). For breast cancer survivors the age‐adjusted SMR was 0.99 for other cancers and 0.81(P < 0.01) for non‐cancer causes in comparison with the general population. The SMR for other cancers and non‐cancer causes was highest in the 30–39‐year‐old age group (2.13, P < 0.01 and 2.15, P < 0.01, respectively), and progressively decreased with increasing age, with the 70–79‐year‐old age group having significantly reduced SMR (0.95, P < 0.05, and 0.78, P < 0.01, respectively, compared with the age‐matched general population).ConclusionThere was an inverse age‐related relative risk of death from breast cancer, other cancers and non‐cancer causes. These findings suggest that younger Australian women require long‐term health surveillance and that older women with limited comorbidities require optimal treatment of their breast cancer.
Simulating small‐scale climate change effects–lessons from a short‐term field manipulation experiment on grassland arthropods
Authors: Buchholz Sascha , Rolfsmeyer Dorothee , Schirmel Jens 
Published: July 2012

AbstractClimate change is expected to cause major consequences on biodiversity. Understanding species‐specific reactions, such as species shifts, species declines, and changes in population dynamics is a key issue to quantify large‐scale impacts of climate change on biotic communities. As it is often impossible or at least impracticable to conduct large‐scale experiments on biotic responses to climate change, studies at a smaller scale may be a useful alternative. In our study, we therefore tested responses of grassland arthropods (carabid beetles, spiders, grasshoppers) to simulated climate change in terms of species activity densities and diversity. We conducted a controlled field experiment by changing water and microclimatic conditions at a small scale (16 m2). Roof constructions were used to increase drought‐like conditions, whereas water supply was enhanced by irrigation. In all, 2 038 carabid beetles (36 species), 4 893 spiders (65 species), and 303 Orthoptera (4 species) were caught using pitfall traps from May to August, 2010. During our experiment, we created an artificial small‐scale climate change; and statistics revealed that these changes had short‐term effects on the total number of individuals and Simpson diversity of the studied arthropod groups. Moreover, our results showed that certain species might react very quickly to climate change in terms of activity densities, which in turn might influence diversity due to shifts in abundance patterns. Finally, we devised methodological improvements that may further enhance the validity of future studies.
The caregiving process of the family unit caring for a frail older family member at home: a grounded theory study
Authors: Kita Motoko , Ito Keiichi 
Published: July 2012

kita m. & ito k. (2013) The caregiving process of the family unit caring for a frail older family member at home: a grounded theory study. International Journal of Older People Nursing 8, 149–158  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00337.xAims and objectives.  To explore the caregiving process of family units caring for a frail older family member at home.Background.  Previous research on family caregiving has demonstrated the interdependence between individual members’ health and family status and suggested the importance of support provided to the family as a unit. However, little research that could be used as the basis for nursing interventions has focused on the caregiving process of the family unit caring for a frail older family member in the community.Design.  The grounded theory approach was applied in this study.Methods.  Eighteen families were recruited using the method of theoretical sampling. Data were collected through face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews. Constant comparative analysis proceeded with data collection.Findings.  Two core categories were identified: ‘degree of routinisation of daily life’ and ‘degree of minimisation of competing needs within the family’. The caregiving process was classified according to the core categories into the following four phases: confusion, fluctuating disharmony, stable disharmony and stable harmony. The conditions for the routinisation and the competing needs and coping strategies of the family were also clarified.Conclusions.  To lead a stable family life, families caring for a frail older member try to control the competing needs among members and routinise by adopting various strategies. Nurses should support or enhance such family action and interactions.Implications for practice.  The degrees of daily life routinisation and of minimising competing needs within a family can be used to assess families caring for a frail older member. Nurses can determine the current state of the caregiving family from these two aspects and support family strategies that build daily routines and regulate their competing needs.