bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complication Rates Associated With Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Generator Replacements and Upgrade Procedures
Authors: Poole Jeanne E. , Gleva Marye J. , Mela Theofanie , Chung Mina K. , Uslan Daniel Z. , Borge Richard , Gottipaty Venkateshwar , Shinn Timothy , Dan Dan , Feldman Leon A. , Seide Hanscy , Winston Stuart A. , Gallagher John J. , Langberg Jonathan J. , Mitchell Kevin , Holcomb Richard ,   for the REPLACE Registry Investigators
Published: October 2010

Background—
Prospective studies defining the risk associated with pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator replacement surgeries do not exist. These procedures are generally considered low risk despite results from recent retrospective series reporting higher rates.

Methods and Results—
We prospectively assessed predefined procedure-related complication rates associated with elective pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator generator replacements over 6 months of follow-up. Two groups were studied: those without (cohort 1) and those with (cohort 2) a planned transvenous lead addition for replacement or upgrade to a device capable of additional therapies. Complications were adjudicated by an independent events committee. Seventy-two US academic and private practice centers participated. Major complications occurred in 4.0% (95% confidence interval, 2.9 to 5.4) of 1031 cohort 1 patients and 15.3% (95% confidence interval, 12.7 to 18.1) of 713 cohort 2 patients. In both cohorts, major complications were higher with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator compared with pacemaker generator replacements. Complications were highest in patients who had an upgrade to or a revised cardiac resynchronization therapy device (18.7%; 95% confidence interval, 15.1 to 22.6). No periprocedural deaths occurred in either cohort, although 8 later procedure-related deaths occurred in cohort 2. The 6-month infection rates were 1.4% (95% confidence interval, 0.7 to 2.3) and 1.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 2.2) for cohorts 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusions—
Pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator generator replacements are associated with a notable complication risk, particularly those with lead additions. These data support careful decision making before device replacement, when managing device advisories, and when considering upgrades to more complex systems.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00395447.
Characteristics of Precipitating Convective Systems in the Premonsoon Season of South Asia
Authors: Romatschke Ulrike , Houze Robert A. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractTropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) data obtained over South Asia during eight premonsoon seasons (March–May) show that the precipitation is more convective in nature and more sensitive to synoptic forcing than during the monsoon. Over land areas, most rain falls from medium-sized systems (8500–35 000 km2 in horizontal area). In continental regions near the Himalayas, these medium-sized systems are favored by 500-mb trough conditions and are of two main types: 1) systems triggered by daytime heating over high terrain and growing to reach maximum size a few hours later and 2) systems triggered at night, as moist upstream flow is lifted over cold downslope flow from the mountains, and reaching maximum development upstream of the central and eastern Himalayas in the early morning hours. Systems triggered by similar mechanisms also account for the precipitation maxima in mountainous coastal regions, where the diurnal cycles are dominated by systems triggered in daytime over the higher coastal terrain. Medium-sized nocturnal systems are also found upstream of coastal mountain ranges. West-coastal precipitation systems over India and Myanmar are favored when low pressure systems occur over the upstream oceans, whereas Indian east-coastal systems occur when high pressure dominates over Bangladesh. Over the Bay of Bengal, the dominant systems are larger (&gt;35 000 km2), and have large stratiform components. They occur in connection with depressions over the Bay and exhibit a weaker diurnal cycle.
An Investigation of the Prevalence of Replication Research in Human Factors
Authors: Jones Keith S. , Derby Paul L. , Schmidlin Elizabeth A. 
Published: October 2010

Objective: The present studies investigated the nature of replication research within the human factors literature. Background: Many claim that researchers in certain fields do not replicate prior research. This is troubling because replications allow science to self-correct. A successful replication corroborates the original finding, whereas an unsuccessful replication falsifies it. To date, no one has assessed whether this issue affects the field of human factors. Method: In the first study, eight articles (parent articles) were selected from the 1991 issues of the journal Human Factors. Each article that had referenced one of the eight parent articles between 1991 and September 2006 (child articles) were also retrieved. Two investigators coded and compared each child article against its 1991 parent article to determine whether the child article replicated its parent article. The second study replicated these procedures. Results: Half or more of the parent articles in Study 1 and Study 2 (75% and 50%, respectively) were replicated at least once. Furthermore, human factors researchers conducted replications of their own work as well as the work of others. However, many researchers did not state that they replicated previous research. Conclusion: Replications seem to be common in the human factors literature. However, readers may not realize that a study replicated prior research. Thus, they may incorrectly assess the evidence concerning a given finding. Application: Human factors professionals should be taught how to identify replications and to be cautious of research that has not been replicated.
The effect of oxygenator mechanical characteristics on energy transfer during clinical cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Ganushchak YM , Reesink KD , Weerwind PW , Maessen JG 
Published: October 2010

The hollow-fibre oxygenator is a key component of any extracorporeal circuit used to provide cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during open-heart surgery. Since the oxygenator is placed downstream of the pump, the energy losses over it have a direct impact on the quality of pulsatile pressure and flow waveforms. The objective of this study was to describe the effects of hydrodynamic characteristics of the oxygenator on energy transfer during pulsatile, normothermic CPB. Twenty-three adult patients scheduled for coronary bypass surgery were divided randomly into two groups, using either an oxygenator (Group 1) with a relatively high-resistance and low-compliance (2079 ± 148 dyn.s.cm-5 and 0.00348 ± 0.00071 ml.mmHg-1, respectively) or an oxygenator (Group 2) with a relatively low-resistance and high-compliance (884 ± 464 dyn.s.cm-5 and 0.01325 ± 0.00161 ml .mmHg-1, respectively). During perfusion, pre- and post-oxygenator pressures, radial artery pressure, and blood flow were recorded simultaneously. A 32% decline of mean pressure was observed in Group 1 and a 16% decline in Group 2 (p<0.0001). Another decrease by approximately 73% in mean pressure in the rest of the perfusion system was noted in both groups. The mean radial artery pressure did not differ between the groups (74 ± 6 mmHg in Group 1 and 73 ± 6 mmHg in Group 2, p=0.608). Although lower total energy transfer indices were noticed through the low-resistance oxygenator (Group 2), both oxygenators showed a decrease of the generated pump oscillatory energy of approximately 50%. Despite the differences in resistance and compliance of the hollow-fibre oxygenators used, both oxygenators cause a comparable loss of generated oscillatory energy. Exclusion of the oxygenator downstream of the pulsatile pump would improve energy transfer during CPB.
Lower levels of glutathione in the brains of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis patients measured by 1H magnetic resonance chemical shift imaging at 3 T
Authors: Choi I-Y , Lee S-P , Denney DR , Lynch SG 
Published: October 2010

Background: Disability levels for patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) often worsen despite a stable MRI T2 lesion burden. The presence of oxidative stress in the absence of measurable inflammation could help explain this phenomenon. In this study, the assessment of an in vivo marker of oxidative stress, cerebral glutathione (GSH), using magnetic resonance chemical shift imaging (CSI) is described, and GSH levels were compared in patients with SPMS and healthy controls. Objective: To assess whether GSH, a key antioxidant in the brain, is lower in the SPMS patients compared to matched controls. Methods: Seventeen patients with SPMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale = 4.0–7.0; length of MS diagnosis = 19.4 ± 7 years) and 17 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were studied. GSH levels were measured in the fronto-parietal regions of the brain using a specially designed magnetic resonance spectroscopy technique, CSI of GSH, at 3T. Results: The levels of GSH were lower for SPMS patients than for controls, the largest reduction (18.5%) being in the frontal region ( p = 0.001). Conclusion: The lower GSH levels in these patients indicate the presence of oxidative stress in SPMS. This process could be at least partially responsible for ongoing functional decline in SPMS.
Never mind the qualitative feel the depth! The evolving role of qualitative research in Cochrane intervention reviews
Authors: Noyes Jane 
Published: October 2010

Whilst the Cochrane intervention review remains the gold standard, the previous focus on randomised controlled trials and exclusion of other types of evidence limited their utility for some users — especially policy makers and commissioners of services who had to draw on other types of evidence about patient views and context in order to make decisions. This paper reports a significant development in the evolution of the Cochrane intervention review and outlines an evolving role for qualitative evidence. Policy and methodological developments within the Cochrane Collaboration and beyond will be discussed alongside an ongoing debate about the politics of evidence and perceived power of the quantitative effectiveness review in an evidence-based practice context. The paper concludes with six key messages, including: (1) the Cochrane Collaboration has consistently acknowledged the potential value of qualitative evidence; (2) Cochrane was an early leader in quantitative evidence synthesis and developed a gold standard approach for effectiveness reviews; (3) early leaders in the field tend to dominate until other approaches are developed, tested and evaluated to challenge early leader dominance; (4) other review organisations and individuals have now developed expertise in qualitative and mixed method synthesis and there is an emerging and developing evidence base with a range of qualitative synthesis approaches for different contexts; (5) there is still a need for further methodological development, testing and evaluation, and (6) finally, more than one hierarchy of evidence is needed to address different types of questions, and the dominance and application of one hierarchy to all contexts is unhelpful and counterintuitive to achieving evidence-based healthcare.
Remuneration of hematopoietic stem cell donors: principles and perspective of the World Marrow Donor Association
Authors: Boo Michael , van Walraven Suzanna M. , Chapman Jeremy , Lindberg Brian , Schmidt Alexander H. , Shaw Bronwen E. , Switzer Galen E. , Yang Edward , Egeland Torstein ,   on behalf of the World Marrow Donor Association
Published: October 2010

AbstractHematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a curative procedure for life-threatening hematologic diseases. Donation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from an unrelated donor, frequently residing in another country, may be the only option for 70% of those in need of unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To maximize the opportunity to find the best available donor, individual donor registries collaborate internationally. To provide homogeneity of practice among registries, the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) sets standards against which registries are accredited and provides guidance and regulations about unrelated donor safety and care. A basic tenet of the donor registries is that unrelated HSC donation is an altruistic act; nonpayment of donors is entrenched in the WMDA standards and in international practice. In the United States, the prohibition against remuneration of donors has recently been challenged. Here, we describe the reasons that the WMDA continues to believe that HSC donors should not be paid because of ethical concerns raised by remuneration, potential to damage the public will to act altruistically, the potential for coercion and exploitation of donors, increased risk to patients, harm to local transplantation programs and international stem cell exchange, and the possibility of benefiting some patients while disadvantaging others.
Molecular analysis of phosphomannomutase (PMM) genes reveals a unique PMM duplication event in diverse Triticeae species and the main PMM isozymes in bread wheat tissues
Authors: Yu Chunmei , Li Yiwen , Li Bin , Liu Xin , Hao Lifang , Chen Jing , Qian Weiqiang , Li Shiming , Wang Guanfeng , Bai Shiwei , Ye Hua , Qin Huanju , Shen Qianhua , Chen Liangbiao , Zhang Aimin , Wang Daowen 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
Phosphomannomutase (PMM) is an essential enzyme in eukaryotes. However, little is known about PMM gene and function in crop plants. Here, we report molecular evolutionary and biochemical analysis of PMM genes in bread wheat and related Triticeae species.

Results
Two sets of homoeologous PMM genes (TaPMM-1 and 2) were found in bread wheat, and two corresponding PMM genes were identified in the diploid progenitors of bread wheat and many other diploid Triticeae species. The duplication event yielding PMM-1 and 2 occurred before the radiation of diploid Triticeae genomes. The PMM gene family in wheat and relatives may evolve largely under purifying selection. Among the six TaPMM genes, the transcript levels of PMM-1 members were comparatively high and their recombinant proteins were all enzymatically active. However, PMM-2 homoeologs exhibited lower transcript levels, two of which were also inactive. TaPMM-A1, B1 and D1 were probably the main active isozymes in bread wheat tissues. The three isozymes differed from their counterparts in barley and Brachypodium distachyon in being more tolerant to elevated test temperatures.

Conclusion
Our work identified the genes encoding PMM isozymes in bread wheat and relatives, uncovered a unique PMM duplication event in diverse Triticeae species, and revealed the main active PMM isozymes in bread wheat tissues. The knowledge obtained here improves the understanding of PMM evolution in eukaryotic organisms, and may facilitate further investigations of PMM function in the temperature adaptability of bread wheat.
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression is an independent prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wagener Nina , Macher-Goeppinger Stephan , Pritsch Maria , Hüsing Johannes , Hoppe-Seyler Karin , Schirmacher Peter , Pfitzenmaier Jesco , Haferkamp Axel , Hoppe-Seyler Felix , Hohenfellner Markus 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) gene exerts oncogene-like activities and its (over)expression has been linked to several human malignancies. Here, we studied a possible association between EZH2 expression and prognosis in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods
EZH2 protein expression in RCC specimens was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray (TMA) containing RCC tumor tissue and corresponding normal tissue samples of 520 patients. For immunohistochemical assessment of EZH2 expression, nuclear staining quantity was evaluated using a semiquantitative score. The effect of EZH2 expression on cancer specific survival (CSS) was assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results
During follow-up, 147 patients (28%) had died of their disease, median follow-up of patients still alive was 6.0 years (range 0-16.1 years). EZH2 nuclear staining was present in tumor cores of 411 (79%) patients. A multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that high nuclear EZH2 expression was an independent predictor of poor CSS (> 25-50% vs. 0%: HR 2.72, p = 0.025) in patients suffering from non-metastatic RCC. Apart from high nuclear EZH2 expression, tumor stage and Fuhrman's grading emerged as significant prognostic markers. In metastatic disease, nuclear EZH2 expression and histopathological subtype were independent predictive parameters of poor CSS (EZH2: 1-5%: HR 2.63, p = 0.043, >5-25%: HR 3.35, p = 0.013, >25%-50%: HR 4.92, p = 0.003, all compared to 0%: HR 0.36, p = 0.025, respectively).

Conclusions
This study defines EZH2 as a powerful independent unfavourable prognostic marker of CSS in patients with metastatic and non-metastatic RCC.
SHMT1 1420 and MTHFR 677 variants are associated with rectal but not colon cancer
Authors: Komlósi Viktor , Hitre Erika , Pap Éva , Adleff Vilmos , Réti Andrea , Székely Éva , Bíró Anna , Rudnai Péter , Schoket Bernadette , Müller Judit , Tóth Béla , Ottó Szabolcs , Kásler Miklós , Kralovánszky Judit , Budai Barna 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackgroundAssociation between rectal or colon cancer risk and serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 (SHMT1) C1420T or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms was assessed. The serum total homocysteine (HCY), marker of folate metabolism was also investigated.MethodsTheSHMT1andMTHFRgenotypes were determined by real-time PCR and PCR-RFLP, respectively in 476 patients with rectal, 479 patients with colon cancer and in 461 and 478, respective controls matched for age and sex. Homocysteine levels were determined by HPLC kit. The association between polymorphisms and cancer risk was evaluated by logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex and body mass index. The population stratification bias was also estimated.ResultsThere was no association of genotypes or diplotypes with colon cancer. The rectal cancer risk was significantly lower forSHMT1TT (OR = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.89) and higher forMTHFRCT genotypes (OR = 1.4, 95%CI 1.06-1.84). A gene-dosage effect was observed forSHMT1with progressively decreasing risk with increasing number of T allele (p = 0.014). The stratified analysis according to age and sex revealed that the association is mainly present in the younger (< 60 years) or male subgroup. As expected from genotype analysis, theSHMT1T allele/MTHFRCC diplotype was associated with reduced rectal cancer risk (OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.42-0.77 vs all other diplotypes together). The above results are unlikely to suffer from population stratification bias. In controls HCY was influenced bySHMT1polymorphism, while in patients it was affected only by Dukes' stage. In patients with Dukes' stage C or D HCY can be considered as a tumor marker only in case ofSHMT11420CC genotypes.ConclusionsA protective effect ofSHMT11420T allele orSHMT11420 T allele/MTHFR677 CC diplotype against rectal but not colon cancer risk was demonstrated. The presence ofSHMT11420 T allele significantly increases the HCY levels in controls but not in patients. Homocysteine could be considered as a tumor marker inSHMT11420 wild-type (CC) CRC patients in Dukes' stage C and D. Further studies need to clarify whySHMT1andMTHFRpolymorphisms are associated only with rectal and not colon cancer risk.
Intraperitoneal Injection of Thalidomide Attenuates Bone Cancer Pain and Decreases Spinal Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Expression in a Mouse Model
Authors: Gu Xiaoping , Zheng Yaguo , Ren Bingxu , Zhang Rui , Mei Fengmei , Zhang Juan , Ma Zhengliang 
Published: October 2010

Background: Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) may have a pivotal role in the genesis of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia during inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Thalidomide has been shown to selectively inhibit TNF-α production. Previous studies have suggested that thalidomide exerts anti-nociceptive effects in various pain models, but its effects on bone cancer pain have not previously been studied. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of thalidomide on bone cancer-induced hyperalgesia and up-regulated expression of spinal TNF-α in a mouse model. Results: Osteosarcoma NCTC 2472 cells were implanted into the intramedullary space of the right femurs of C3H/ HeJ mice to induce ongoing bone cancer related pain behaviors. At day 5, 7, 10 and 14 after operation, the expression of TNF-α in the spinal cord was higher in tumor-bearing mice compared to the sham mice. Intraperitoneal injection of thalidomide (50 mg/kg), started at day 1 after surgery and once daily thereafter until day 7, attenuated bone cancer-evoked mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia as well as the up-regulation of TNF-α in the spinal cord. Conclusions: These results suggest that thalidomide can efficiently alleviate bone cancer pain and it may be a useful alternative or adjunct therapy for bone cancer pain. Our data also suggest a role of spinal TNF-α in the development of bone cancer pain.
Factors affecting the STR amplification success in poorly preserved bone samples
Authors: Putkonen Mikko T , Palo Jukka U , Cano Jose M , Hedman Minttu , Sajantila Antti 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
Factors affecting the success of short tandem repeat (STR) amplification of poorly preserved samples are generally known, but as of yet, they have seldom been systematically assessed. Using two different maximum likelihood-based methods, the relative importance of DNA quantity, degradation and inhibition in STR genotyping was studied with DNA extracts from a set of old bone samples. First, the effects of different factors related to PCR amplification were estimated with a generalized linear mixed model. Second, error rates of allelic drop-out and drop-in were estimated on the basis of the frequency and nature of mismatches between replicates.

Results
In autosomal STR analyses, the most important factor was the DNA quantity, followed by the degradation, whereas in Y-chromosomal STR analysis, the most important factor was the degradation. Inhibition was a minor concern in STR analyses of poorly preserved bones.

Conclusions
The success of PCR amplification depends largely on the template DNA quality (amount and degradation), but these problems can be partly compensated for by different primer design and amplification chemistry. Consequently, the relative roles of the compromising factors differ according to the kit used.