bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Prognostic Value of Early Repolarization Pattern in the 12-Lead Electrocardiogram
Authors: Haruta Daisuke , Matsuo Kiyotaka , Tsuneto Akira , Ichimaru Shinichiro , Hida Ayumi , Sera Nobuko , Imaizumi Misa , Nakashima Eiji , Maemura Koji , Akahoshi Masazumi 
Published: June 2011

Background—
Early repolarization pattern is a common ECG finding characterized by J-point elevation and QRS notching or slurring in the inferior and/or lateral leads, yet little is known about its incidence and long-term prognosis in Asian populations.

Methods and Results—

We reviewed all the ECG records of the 5976 atomic-bomb survivors who were examined at least once during our biennial health examination in Nagasaki, Japan, between July 1958 and December 2004. We defined early repolarization pattern as ≥0.1-mV elevation of the J point or ST segment, with notching or slurring in at least 2 inferior and/or lateral leads. We assessed unexpected, cardiac, and all-cause death risk by Cox analysis. We identified 1429 early repolarization pattern cases (779 incident cases) during follow-up, yielding a positive rate of 23.9% and an incidence rate of 715 per 100 000 person-years. Early repolarization pattern had an elevated risk of unexpected death (hazard ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 2.97;
P
=0.02) and a decreased risk of cardiac (hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.60 to 0.93;
P
<0.01) and all-cause (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.78 to 0.93;
P
<0.01) death. In addition, both slurring and notching were related to higher risk of unexpected death (hazard ratio, 2.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 4.12;
P
=0.03), as was early repolarization pattern manifestation in both inferior and lateral leads (hazard ratio, 2.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.29 to 4.83;
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—
Early repolarization pattern is associated with an elevated risk of unexpected death and a decreased risk of cardiac and all-cause death. Specific early repolarization pattern morphologies and location are associated with an adverse prognosis.
Repolarization Alternans Reveals Vulnerability to Human Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Narayan Sanjiv M. , Franz Michael R. , Clopton Paul , Pruvot Etienne J. , Krummen David E. 
Published: June 2011

Background—
The substrates for human atrial fibrillation (AF) are poorly understood, but involve abnormal repolarization (action potential duration [APD]). We hypothesized that beat-to-beat oscillations in APD may explain AF substrates, and why vulnerability to AF forms a spectrum from control subjects without AF to patients with paroxysmal then persistent AF.

Methods and Results—

In 33 subjects (12 with persistent AF, 13 with paroxysmal AF, and 8 controls without AF), we recorded left (n=33) and right (n=6) atrial APD on pacing from cycle lengths 600 to 500 ms (100 to 120 bpm) up to the point where AF initiated. Action potential duration alternans required progressively faster rates for patients with persistent AF, patients with paroxysmal AF, and controls (cycle length 411±94 versus 372±72 versus 218±33 ms;
P
<0.01). In AF patients, APD alternans occurred at rates as slow as 100 to 120 bpm, unrelated to APD restitution (
P
>0.10). In this milieu, spontaneous ectopy initiated AF. At fast rates, APD alternans disorganized to complex oscillations en route to AF. Complex oscillations also arose at progressively faster rates for persistent AF, paroxysmal AF, and controls (cycle length: 316±99 versus 266±19 versus 177±16 ms;
P
=0.02). In paroxysmal AF, APD oscillations amplified before AF (
P
<0.001). In controls, APD alternans arose only at very fast rates (cycle length <250 ms;
P
<0.001 versus AF groups) just preceding AF. In 4 AF patients in whom rapid pacing did not initiate AF, APD alternans arose transiently then extinguished.

Conclusions—
Atrial APD alternans reveals dynamic substrates for AF, arising most readily (at lower rates and higher magnitudes) in persistent AF then paroxysmal AF, and least readily in controls. APD alternans preceded all AF episodes and was absent when AF did not initiate. The cellular mechanisms for APD alternans near resting heart rates require definition.
Monsoonal Influence on Typhoon Morakot (2009). Part I: Observational Analysis
Authors: Wu Liguang , Liang Jia , Wu Chun-Chieh 
Published: June 2011

AbstractTyphoon Morakot made landfall on Taiwan with a record rainfall of 3031.5 mm during 6–13 August 2009. While previous studies have emphasized the influence of southwesterly winds associated with intraseasonal oscillations and monsoon surges on moisture supply, the interaction between Morakot and low-frequency monsoon flows and the resulting influence on the slow movement and asymmetric precipitation structure of the typhoon were examined observationally.Embedded in multi-time-scale monsoonal flows, Morakot generally moved westward prior to its landfall on Taiwan and underwent a coalescence process first with a cyclonic gyre on the quasi-biweekly oscillation time scale and then with a cyclonic gyre on the Madden–Julian oscillation time scale. The coalescence enhanced the synoptic-scale southwesterly winds of Morakot and thus decreased its westward movement and turned the track northward, leading to an unusually long residence time in the vicinity of Taiwan. The resulting slow movement and collocation with the low-frequency gyres also maintained the major rainfall in southern Taiwan because the low-frequency flows played an important role in enhancing the winds on the southern side, especially during 6–9 August 2009. In addition to the lifting effect of the Taiwan terrain and the moisture supply associated with monsoon flows, the study suggests that the monsoonal influence maintained the major rainfall area in southern Taiwan through reducing the translation speed, shifting Morakot northward, and enhancing the low-frequency flows on the southern side of the typhoon. Since the enhanced low-frequency flows did not shift northward with the movement of Morakot, its primary rainfall expanded outward with time as the typhoon center moved northwestward after its landfall on Taiwan.
Monsoonal Influence on Typhoon Morakot (2009). Part II: Numerical Study
Authors: Liang Jia , Wu Liguang , Ge Xuyang , Wu Chun-Chieh 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn the second part of this study, numerical experiments are conducted to investigate the influences of multi-time-scale monsoonal flows on the track change of Typhoon Morakot (2009). While the control simulation captures the slowing and northward deflections in the vicinity of Taiwan Island, the highly asymmetric rainfall structure, and the associated rainfall pattern, sensitivity experiments suggest that the westward movement prior to the landfall on Taiwan and the subsequent northward shifts in the vicinity of Taiwan were closely associated with the interaction between Morakot and multi-time-scale monsoonal flows.Prior to the landfall on Taiwan, Morakot moved westward directly toward Taiwan because of a synoptic wave train–like pattern, which consisted of Goni over mainland China, Morakot, and a cyclone over the western North Pacific with an anticyclone to the west of Morakot. Numerical simulation suggests that strong northerly winds between Morakot and the anticyclone reduced the northward steering component associated with the low-frequency flow prior to the landfall. Numerical experiments confirm that the northward track shifts that occurred in the vicinity of Taiwan Island were a result of the coalescences of Morakot with a quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBW)-scale gyre prior to the landfall on Taiwan and a Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO)-scale gyre in the Taiwan Strait. The simulation of Morakot and the associated sensitivity experiments agree with the previous barotropic study that the interaction between tropical cyclones and low-frequency monsoon gyres can cause sudden changes in tropical cyclone tracks.
Influences of the Sierra Nevada on Intermountain Cold-Front Evolution
Authors: West Gregory L. , Steenburgh W. James 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Recent studies indicate that strong cold fronts develop frequently downstream of the Sierra Nevada over the Intermountain West. To help ascertain why, this paper examines the influence of the Sierra Nevada on the rapidly developing Intermountain cold front of 25 March 2006. Comparison of a Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model control simulation with a simulation in which the height of the Sierra Nevada is restricted to 1500 m (roughly the elevation of the valleys and basins of the Intermountain West) shows that the interaction of southwesterly prefrontal flow with the formidable southern High Sierra produces a leeward orographic warm anomaly that enhances the cross-front temperature contrast. Several processes generate this orographic warm anomaly, including flow modification by the Sierra Nevada (i.e., windward blocking of low-level Pacific air, leeward subsidence, and increased southerly flow from the Mojave Desert and lower Colorado River basin into the Intermountain West), diabatic heating and water vapor loss associated with orographic precipitation, and increased sensible heating and reduced subcloud diabatic cooling in the downstream cloud and precipitation shadow. In contrast, the postfrontal air mass experiences comparatively little orographic modification as it moves across the relatively low northern Sierra Nevada. These results show that the Sierra Nevada can enhance frontal development, which may contribute to the high frequency of strong cold-frontal passages over the Intermountain West.
Do mitochondria play a role in remodelling lace plant leaves during programmed cell death?
Authors: Lord Christina EN , Wertman Jaime N , Lane Stephanie , Gunawardena Arunika HLAN 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Programmed cell death (PCD) is the regulated death of cells within an organism. The lace plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis) produces perforations in its leaves through PCD. The leaves of the plant consist of a latticework of longitudinal and transverse veins enclosing areoles. PCD occurs in the cells at the center of these areoles and progresses outwards, stopping approximately five cells from the vasculature. The role of mitochondria during PCD has been recognized in animals; however, it has been less studied during PCD in plants.

Results
The following paper elucidates the role of mitochondrial dynamics during developmentally regulated PCD in vivo in A. madagascariensis. A single areole within a window stage leaf (PCD is occurring) was divided into three areas based on the progression of PCD; cells that will not undergo PCD (NPCD), cells in early stages of PCD (EPCD), and cells in late stages of PCD (LPCD). Window stage leaves were stained with the mitochondrial dye MitoTracker Red CMXRos and examined. Mitochondrial dynamics were delineated into four categories (M1-M4) based on characteristics including distribution, motility, and membrane potential (ΔΨm). A TUNEL assay showed fragmented nDNA in a gradient over these mitochondrial stages. Chloroplasts and transvacuolar strands were also examined using live cell imaging. The possible importance of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) formation during PCD was indirectly examined via in vivo cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment. This treatment resulted in lace plant leaves with a significantly lower number of perforations compared to controls, and that displayed mitochondrial dynamics similar to that of non-PCD cells.

Conclusions
Results depicted mitochondrial dynamics in vivo as PCD progresses within the lace plant, and highlight the correlation of this organelle with other organelles during developmental PCD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of mitochondria and chloroplasts moving on transvacuolar strands to form a ring structure surrounding the nucleus during developmental PCD. Also, for the first time, we have shown the feasibility for the use of CsA in a whole plant system. Overall, our findings implicate the mitochondria as playing a critical and early role in developmentally regulated PCD in the lace plant.
Using quantile regression to investigate racial disparities in medication non-adherence
Authors: Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Lynch Cheryl P , Mueller Martina , Gilbert Gregory E , Echols Carrae , Zhao Yumin , Egede Leonard E 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundMany studies have investigated racial/ethnic disparities in medication non-adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes using common measures such as medication possession ratio (MPR) or gaps between refills. All these measures including MPR are quasi-continuous and bounded and their distribution is usually skewed. Analysis of such measures using traditional regression methods that model mean changes in the dependent variable may fail to provide a full picture about differential patterns in non-adherence between groups.MethodsA retrospective cohort of 11,272 veterans with type 2 diabetes was assembled from Veterans Administration datasets from April 1996 to May 2006. The main outcome measure was MPR with quantile cutoffs Q1-Q4 taking values of 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 0.9. Quantile-regression (QReg) was used to model the association between MPR and race/ethnicity after adjusting for covariates. Comparison was made with commonly used ordinary-least-squares (OLS) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM).ResultsQuantile-regression showed that Non-Hispanic-Black (NHB) had statistically significantly lower MPR compared to Non-Hispanic-White (NHW) holding all other variables constant across all quantiles with estimates and p-values given as -3.4% (p = 0.11), -5.4% (p = 0.01), -3.1% (p = 0.001), and -2.00% (p = 0.001) for Q1 to Q4, respectively. Other racial/ethnic groups had lower adherence than NHW only in the lowest quantile (Q1) of about -6.3% (p = 0.003). In contrast, OLS and GLMM only showed differences in mean MPR between NHB and NHW while the mean MPR difference between other racial groups and NHW was not significant.ConclusionQuantile regression is recommended for analysis of data that are heterogeneous such that the tails and the central location of the conditional distributions vary differently with the covariates. QReg provides a comprehensive view of the relationships between independent and dependent variables (i.e. not just centrally but also in the tails of the conditional distribution of the dependent variable). Indeed, without performing QReg at different quantiles, an investigator would have no way of assessing whether a difference in these relationships might exist.
Cognitive performance in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal study in daily practice using a brief computerized cognitive battery
Authors: Edgar Chris , Jongen Peter J , Sanders Evert , Sindic Christian , Goffette Sophie , Dupuis Michel , Jacquerye Philippe , Guillaume Daniel , Reznik Regine , Wesnes Keith 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
There is need for a cognitive test battery that can be easily used in clinical practice to detect or monitor cognitive performance in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In order to conduct, in this patient group, a preliminary investigation of the validity and utility of a brief computerized battery, the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) battery, we longitudinally assessed cognition in patients with relapsing remitting (RR) MS.

Methods
Forty-three mildly disabled, clinically active RRMS patients were repeatedly assessed with the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and five composite scores derived from the CDR computerized cognitive test system (CDR System): Power of Attention, Continuity of Attention, Quality of Working Memory, Quality of Episodic Memory and Speed of Memory. The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) measured disability.

Results
The composite scores from the CDR battery generally showed excellent test-retest reliability over the repeated assessments, though was low on occasions for the Quality of Working Memory and Quality of Episodic Memory measures. The CDR measures tended to be highly correlated with other measures of cognition (DSST and PASAT) and were also strongly related to disability (EDSS and MSFC). Baseline scores indicated large impairments to visual information processing speed and attention (DSST, Cohen's d 1.1; Power of Attention d 1.4 [reaction time on tasks of focussed and sustained attention]), and a moderate impairment both to sustained attention (Continuity of Attention d 0.6) and complex information processing speed (Speed of memory d 0.7 [reaction time on tasks of working and episodic Memory]), when compared to normative data derived from healthy volunteers enrolled in a series of separate, prior clinical trials. Working memory (Quality of Working Memory) and episodic memory (Quality of Episodic Memory) were unimpaired.

Conclusions
Preliminary validation of the CDR System indicated that for most, but not all measures psychometric properties were adequate and the measures were related to disability (EDSS and MSFC) and other measures of cognition.
T lymphocytes derived from human cord blood provide effective antitumor immunotherapy against a human tumor
Authors: Lee Yong-Soo , Kim Tae-Sik , Kim Dong-Ku 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Although the graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect of donor-derived T cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been used as an effective adoptive immunotherapy, the antitumor effects of cord blood (CB) transplantation have not been well studied.

Methods
We established the animal model by transplantation of CB mononuclear cells and/or tumor cells into NOD/SCID mice. The presence of CB derived T cells in NOD/SCID mice or tumor tissues were determined by flow cytometric and immunohistochemical analysis. The anti-tumor effects of CB derived T cells against tumor was determined by tumor size and weight, and by the cytotoxicity assay and ELISPOT assay of T cells.

Results
We found dramatic tumor remission following transfer of CB mononuclear cells into NOD/SCID mice with human cervical tumors with a high infiltration of CD3+ T cells in tumors. NOD/SCID mice that receive neonatal CB transplants have reconstituted T cells with significant antitumor effects against human cervical and lung tumors, with a high infiltration of CD3+ T cells showing dramatic induction of apoptotic cell death. We also confirmed that T cells showed tumor specific antigen cytotoxicity in vitro. In adoptive transfer of CD3+ T cells into mice with pre-established tumors, we observed much higher antitumor effects of HPV-specific T cells by ELISPOT assays.

Conclusions
Our results show that CB derived T lymphocytes will be useful for novel immunotherapeutic candidate cells for therapy of several tumors in clinic.
Acupuncture for the treatment of severe acute pain in Herpes Zoster: results of a nested, open-label, randomized trial in the VZV Pain Study
Authors: Ursini Tamara , Tontodonati Monica , Manzoli Lamberto , Polilli Ennio , Rebuzzi Cristina , Congedo Gabriele , Di Profio Sonia , Toro Patrizia Marani , Consorte Augusta , Placido Giuseppina , Laganà Stefano , D'Amario Claudio , Granchelli Carla , Parruti Giustino , Pippa Lucio ,   the VZV Pain Study Group
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Data on the potential efficacy of acupuncture (AC) in controlling intense or very intense pain in patients with Herpes Zoster (HZ) has not been so far adequately assessed in comparison with standard pharmacological treatment (ST) by a controlled trial design.

Methods
Within the VZV Pescara study, pain was assessed in HZ patients on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and by the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) both at the beginning and at the end of treatment. Response rates, mean changes in pain intensity, differences in total pain burden with an area-under-the-curve (AUC) method over a 1-year follow-up and differences in the incidence of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) were evaluated.

Results
One hundred and two patients were randomized to receive either AC (n = 52) or ST (n = 50) for 4 weeks. Groups were comparable regarding age, sex, pain intensity at presentation and missed antiviral prescription. Both interventions were largely effective. No significant differences were observed in response rates (81.6% vs 89.2%, p = 0.8), mean reduction of VAS (4.1 +/- 2.3 vs 4.9 +/- 1.9, p = 0.12) and MPQ scores (1.3 +/- 0.9 vs 1.3 +/- 0.9, p = 0.9), incidence of PHN after 3 months (48.4% vs 46.8%, p = 0.5), and mean AUC during follow-up (199 +/- 136 vs 173 +/- 141, p = 0.4). No serious treatment-related adverse event was observed in both groups.

Conclusions
This controlled and randomized trial provides the first evidence of a potential role of AC for the treatment of acute herpetic pain.

Trial registration
ChiCTR-TRC-10001146.
Anti-inflammatory activity of Chios mastic gum is associated with inhibition of TNF-alpha induced oxidative stress
Authors: Triantafyllou Angelike , Bikineyeva Alfiya , Dikalova Anna , Nazarewicz Rafal , Lerakis Stamatios , Dikalov Sergey 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Gum of Chios mastic (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia) is a natural antimicrobial agent that has found extensive use in pharmaceutical products and as a nutritional supplement. The molecular mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory activity, however, are not clear. In this work, the potential role of antioxidant activity of Chios mastic gum has been evaluated.

Methods
Scavenging of superoxide radical was investigated by electron spin resonance and spin trapping technique using EMPO spin trap in xanthine oxidase system. Superoxide production in endothelial and smooth muscle cells stimulated with TNF-α or angiotensin II and treated with vehicle (DMSO) or mastic gum (0.1-10 μg/ml) was measured by DHE and HPLC. Cellular H2O2 was measured by Amplex Red. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) with mastic gum was determined by the decrease of purified PKC activity, by inhibition of PKC activity in cellular homogenate and by attenuation of superoxide production in cells treated with PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA).

Results
Spin trapping study did not show significant scavenging of superoxide by mastic gum itself. However, mastic gum inhibited cellular production of superoxide and H2O2 in dose dependent manner in TNF-α treated rat aortic smooth muscle cells but did not affect unstimulated cells. TNF-α significantly increased the cellular superoxide production by NADPH oxidase, while mastic gum completely abolished this stimulation. Mastic gum inhibited the activity of purified PKC, decreased PKC activity in cell homogenate, and attenuated superoxide production in cells stimulated with PKC activator PMA and PKC-dependent angiotensin II in endothelial cells.

Conclusion
We suggest that mastic gum inhibits PKC which attenuates production of superoxide and H2O2 by NADPH oxidases. This antioxidant property may have direct implication to the anti-inflammatory activity of the Chios mastic gum.