bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echocardiography for Determining the Optimal Atrioventricular Interval in Patients with Dual Chamber Pacemakers
Authors: Sun Pin , Zhao Qing , Wang Zhi‐Bin , Li Jian‐Sheng , Wo Jin‐Shan , Cai Shang‐Lang 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated the clinical value of Doppler echocardiography for determining the optimal setting of atrioventricular interval in patients with dual chamber pacemakers (DDD). In 38 patients with complete atrioventricular block and DDD pacemakers, the atrioventricular interval was prolonged in a stepwise fashion by 20 ms, from 90 to 250 ms, and cardiac stroke volume and transmitral flow were measured by pulsed Doppler echocardiography.MethodsThe optimal atrioventricular interval at which the cardiac stroke volume was maximal was 168.9 ± 15.6 ms. The atrioventricular interval was 178.4 ± 23.4 ms when the end of the A wave coincided with complete closure of the mitral valve.ResultsThere was a significant linear relationship between the optimal atrioventricular interval and the predicted optimal atrioventricular interval (Y = 86.2 ± 0.5X, r = 0.70, standard error of the estimate [SEE] = 11.5, P < 0.01).ConclusionThe optimal atrioventricular interval setting for DDD pacing can be successfully determined using Doppler echocardiography, which is a noninvasive, repeatable, and simple approach. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
N‐Terminal Pro‐B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide and Inducible Ischemia in the Heart and Soul Study
Authors: Singh Harsimran S. , Bibbins‐Domingo Kirsten , Ali Sadia , Wu Alan H. B. , Schiller Nelson B. , Whooley Mary A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundB‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is predictive of inducible ischemia in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Whether N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) has a comparable strength of association with ischemia is uncertain.HypothesisResting NT‐proBNP levels are associated with inducible ischemia in patients with stable CHD.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study of 901 outpatients with stable CHD. NT‐proBNP was measured in all patients prior to exercise treadmill testing and stress echocardiography. In addition, plasma BNP was measured in a subset of 355 participants. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of NT‐proBNP and BNP quartiles with inducible ischemia.ResultsInducible ischemia was found in 216 (24%) patients. The proportion with inducible ischemia ranged from 42% (95/225) in the highest quartile of NT‐proBNP levels (>410 pg/ml) to 9% (21/226) in the lowest quartile (0–72 pg/ml). The highest quartile had a 7‐fold greater odds of inducible ischemia than the lowest quartile (odds ratio [OR]: 7.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2–12; P < 0.0001). This association remained robust after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, left ventricular ejection fraction, and diastolic dysfunction (OR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.4–9.1; P = 0.009). In the subgroup with measurements of both NT‐proBNP and BNP, both natriuretic peptides were predictive of ischemia. The multivariable‐adjusted c‐statistics for inducible ischemia were 0.71 for NT‐proBNP and 0.62 for BNP (entered as continuous variables).ConclusionsResting NT‐proBNP levels are independently associated with inducible ischemia in outpatients with stable CHD. Baseline elevations of natriuretic peptide may indicate subclinical inducible ischemia in high risk patients with CHD. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of Timing on Efficacy and Safetyof Intracoronary Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells Transplantation in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Pooled Subgroup Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Shuning , Sun Aijun , Xu Danling , Yao Kang , Huang Zheyong , Jin Huan , Wang Keqiang , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundUntil now there were no clinical studies or systematic reviews to investigate the impact of timing on efficacy and safety of intracoronary bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) transfer in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).HypothesisTiming of BMSC administration might play an important role in the therapeutic response in AMI patients.MethodsA systematic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Evidence‐Based Medicine (EBM) databases was made on randomized controlled trials with at least 3‐month follow‐up data for patients with AMI undergoing emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and receiving intracoronary BMSC transfer thereafter.ResultsA total of 7 trials with 660 patients were available for analysis. Compared to baseline level, BMSC transfer at 4 to 7 days post‐AMI significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; 4.63% increase, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00%‐8.26%, P = 0.01), reduced left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic dimensions (95% CI: − 0.53 − 0.02, P = 0.03), decreased the incidences of revascularization (odds ratio [OR]: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37–0.97, P = 0.04), decreased the cumulative clinical events of death or recurrent myocardial infarction (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11–0.95, P = 0.04), and decreased culprit artery restenosis or ventricular arrhythmia (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36–0.96, P = 0.03) however these improvements did not reach statistical significance in emergent transfer trials (within 24 hour post‐AMI). Compared with emergent transfer, intracoronary BMSC therapy at 4 to 7 days also significantly reduced the incidence of revascularization (P for interaction = 0.02).ConclusionsBMSC transfer at 4 to 7 days post‐AMI was superior to that within 24 hours in improving LVEF, decreasing LV end‐systolic dimensions, and reducing the incidence of revascularization. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prophylaxis to Prevent Infective Endocarditis: To Use or Not to Use?
Authors: Dhoble Abhijeet , Vedre Ameeth , Abdelmoneim Sahar S. , Sudini Srikar Reddy , Ghose Amit , Abela George S. , Karve Milind 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe American Heart Association (AHA) published their revised guidelines in 2007 in which they markedly limited the recommendations for the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis for the prevention of infective endocarditis (IE), except for patients who are at highest risk of adverse outcomes. A recent focused update on valvular heart diseases changed the recommendation for antibiotic use for patients with many underlying heart conditions including mitral valve prolapse (MVP) which were considered as “low risk” heart defects. In this article, we argue that antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered until concrete clinical evidence is provided to dispute against the use of this strategy, especially for patients with MVP. This approach is cost efficient, and provides a chance to prevent a dreadful disease. We have also enlisted 2 clinical cases to support our argument. These are not uncommon clinical scenarios, and emphasize that IE can be fatal in spite of optimum treatment. Patients have the right to make the final decision, and they should be allowed to participate in choosing for or against this approach until adequate clinical evidence is available. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chest Discomfort: A Confusing Symptom
Authors: Richard Conti C. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWhen patients present with chest discomfort, efforts are made to determine whether the symptom is due to myocardial ischemia or something else. Julian, in 1981, suggested that “angina pectoris is a sense of discomfort arising in the myocardium as a result of myocardial ischemia in the absence of infarction.”1 Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Virtual Screening Study of the 18 kDa Translocator Protein using Pharmacophore Models Combined with 3D‐QSAR Studies
Authors: Tuccinardi Tiziano , Taliani Sabrina , Bellandi Marusca , Da Settimo Federico , Da Pozzo Eleonora , Martini Claudia , Martinelli Adriano 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn the present study, we considered various pharmacophore hypotheses for TSPO ligands and an optimal one was selected on the basis of 3D‐QSAR studies. This hypothesis was used in a ligand‐based virtual screening study on the Maybridge database with the aim of identifying new TSPO ligands. Binding assays revealed that all selected compounds displayed TSPO affinity at 10 μM, and among them two compounds exhibited sub‐micromolarKivalues. These results validated our applied methodologies, and the two compounds with sub‐micromolar affinity could be used as interesting leads for the development of new active TSPO ligands.
Role of fine‐needle aspiration cytology in tuberculosis of bone
Authors: Handa Uma , Garg Shailja , Mohan Harsh , Garg Sudhir Kumar 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis study was designed to evaluate the role of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in diagnosis of skeletal tuberculosis (TB). In this retrospective study, 20 cases were retrieved over a 10‐year period in which a cytologic diagnosis of osseous TB was rendered. The aspirations were performed with a 22‐gauge needle attached on a 20‐ml syringe after taking into consideration the radiological findings. The cytologic findings were subdivided into the following categories—epithelioid cell granulomas with necrosis, epithelioid cell granulomas without necrosis, and necrosis only. These cases were either with or without AFB positivity. The smears showed epithelioid cell granulomas in 23 cases (85.2%), multinucleate and Langhans' giant cells in 15 cases (55.6%), and inflammatory cells were noted in the background in 15 cases (55.6%). AFB was positive in six cases (22.7%). FNA provides a simple and safe outpatient procedure for the diagnosis of osseous TB and obviates the need of an open biopsy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of methods trial for high‐risk HPV
Authors: Kurtycz Daniel F. I. , Smith Michele , He Rong , Miyazaki Kayo , Shalkham John 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn efforts to improve service, we compared the performance of four methods of HPV detection: Invader® HPV (Hologic), Hybrid Capture 2® (Qiagen), Inform® HPV detection (Ventana), and standard PCR.Using blinded/de‐identified cervical samples in Preservcyt® (Hologic), we compared Ventana's Inform® HPV Test, against Hologic's HPV Invader® and PCR. In a separate evaluation, we compared Inform® versus Invader versus hc2®. Ventana employs in situ hybridization; Hologic's technology uses three specifically designed oligonucleotides and a fluorescent signal for detection. Qiagen's hc2® method incorporates enzyme‐linked antibody detection of RNA–DNA hybrids. PCR testing was provided by Access Genetics (Minneapolis, MN). The United States Food and Drug Administration recently approved the Third Wave/Hologic Invader HPV high‐risk test (rebranded as CervistaTM HPV HR Test).In this small study, involving a few hundred tests, Third Wave, Qiagen, and PCR tests were comparable. Kappa statistics comparing Third Wave to PCR and Third Wave to Qiagen were 0.88 and 0.74, respectively. Ventana's method did not correlate well with any of the other methods with Kappa's ranging from a low of 0.25 versus Qiagen to 0.31 versus PCR. Kappa statistics measure correlation and not accuracy of measurement.Although we felt that the specificity of our original HPV method, Ventana Inform® was satisfactory and lowered our subsequent colposcopy rate, worries about its lower sensitivity caused us to look at other techniques. Other methods, PCR, hc2, and Invader®, appeared comparable with one another in our series. We chose to implement the Third Wave test in our laboratory. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mediastinal epithelioid hemangioendothelioma metastatic to lymph nodes and pleural fluid: Report of a case
Authors: Antic Tatjana , Staerkel Gregg 
Published: August 2009

AbstractEpithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare mesenchymal tumor of vascular origin, classified as a sarcoma of intermediate malignant potential. Involvement of numerous sites of the body, including visceral organs, soft tissue, testis, skeleton, brain, meninges, and skin have been described. We report an unusual case of a mediastinal epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in a 65‐year‐old female initially presenting as a metastasis to lymph nodes of the hilar region and subsequently as a malignant pleural effusion. The patient had a complex history of papillary renal cell carcinoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, and Waldenstrom's hyperglobulinemia making the diagnosis of metastatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma difficult. Clinical, cytological and immunohistochemical features of this tumor are described with an emphasis on diagnostic pitfalls. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Value of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy in initial evaluation of floor of the mouth masses: Report of a case of low‐grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: David Doina , Clayman Lewis , Saleh Husain 
Published: August 2009

AbstractLow‐grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (LG MEC) is a rare tumor which can occur in the minor salivary glands as intraoral lesion, more frequently in the palate and very rarely in the floor of the mouth. Traditionally, the diagnosis has been made on surgical resection specimens only. There is new growing evidence that these lesions can be accurately diagnosed by a fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy procedure. In this article, we report a case of LG MEC of the floor of mouth diagnosed by FNA and confirmed by subsequent surgical resection. We also provide clues for high index of suspicion for these rare lesions, both clinically and morphologically. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fasting hyperinsulinemia associates with increased sub‐clinical inflammation in first‐degree relatives normal glucose tolerant women independently of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Setola Emanuela , Monti Lucilla D. , Lucotti Pietro , Galluccio Elena , Oldani Matteo , Bosi Emanuele , Piatti PierMarco 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the influence of gender on the relationship between inflammation and hyperinsulinemia in first‐degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients independently of metabolic syndrome.MethodsStudy group consisted in 217 first‐degree relatives with normal glucose tolerance after an oral glucose tolerance test. A logistic analysis, adjusted for age, sex and all the components of the metabolic syndrome, was used to determine the relationship between interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and leptin and tertiles of fasting insulin, and to take into account the influence of gender.ResultsIn the whole cohort, IL‐6 and leptin were significantly higher and adiponectin significantly lower in the III tertile when corrected for age, body mass index (BMI) and metabolic syndrome components. In women, but not in men, IL‐6 and leptin remained significantly higher when corrected for metabolic syndrome. In the whole cohort and in women, univariate correlations between IL‐6 concentrations and the parameters under evaluation showed that IL‐6 and leptin were positively correlated with age, BMI, waist, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting glucose, fasting insulin, ΔAUC insulin area, triglyceride (TG), free fatty acids (FFA) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and inversely correlated with HDL cholesterol (HDL‐C) and adiponectin. In women a forward stepwise linear regression analysis in a model including age, BMI, features of metabolic syndrome, fasting insulin, ΔAUC insulin and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) index revealed that only IL‐6 and leptin were independently associated with fasting insulin levels.ConclusionsIn first‐degree relatives normal glucose tolerant women, fasting hyperinsulinemia, independently of the presence of metabolic syndrome, is associated with elevated IL‐6 and leptin levels, suggesting an increased cardiovascular risk. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Baicalin reduces mitochondrial damage in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Wistar rats
Authors: Waisundara Viduranga Y. , Hsu Annie , Tan Benny Kwong‐Huat , Huang Dejian 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundHyperglycemia‐induced superoxide production in the mitochondria is known to be the primary cause of diabetic micro‐ and macro‐vascular complications and mitochondrial membranal damage. This study in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Wistar rats investigated the anti‐hyperglycemic and mitochondrial membrane protection effects of baicalin, a flavonoid known for its radical scavenging activity.MethodsThe following oral treatments were given to diabetic rats for 30 days: (1) metformin 500 mg/kg, (2) baicalin 120 mg/kg, and (3) metformin 500 mg/kg & baicalin 120 mg/kg, with vehicle‐treated diabetic and non‐diabetic groups serving as controls.ResultsTransmission electron microscopy imaging of pancreatic β‐cells revealed loss of integrity of the inner membrane of the mitochondria in the diabetic rats, which was not observed in the baicalin‐treated group. In addition, baicalin and the combined treatment of metformin and baicalin had significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the number of mitochondria with a damaged membrane compared to the diabetic control as well as the metformin‐treated group in the hepatic tissues. Baicalin had also increased the plasma leptin content (p < 0.05) versus the diabetic control, which in turn had effected the total expression of hepatic mitochondria per cell indicating its effects in SIRT1 activity. The increase in mitochondrial number was further complemented with similar trends in the hepatic citrate synthase activity.ConclusionsBaicalin had reduced the hyperglycemia‐induced mitochondrial membrane damage, as well as enhanced the effects of metformin, as was observed in the results from the metformin and baicalin treated groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective role of pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) in early phase of experimental diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Yoshida Yumiko , Yamagishi Sho‐Ichi , Matsui Takanori , Jinnouchi Yuko , Fukami Kei , Imaizumi Tsutomu , Yamakawa Ryoji 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundPigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) is the most potent inhibitor of angiogenesis in the mammalian eye, thus suggesting that PEDF may protect against proliferative diabetic retinopathy. However, a role for PEDF in early diabetic retinopathy remains to be elucidated. We investigated here whether and how PEDF could prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy.MethodsStreptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats were treated with or without intravenous injection of PEDF for 4 weeks. Early neuronal derangements were evaluated by electroretinogram (ERG) and immunofluorescent staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Expression of PEDF and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), a marker of oxidative stress, was localized by immunofluorescence. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and p22phox expression were evaluated with western blots. Breakdown of blood retinal barrier (BRB) was quantified with fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC)‐conjugated dextran. NADPH oxidase activity was measured with lucigenin luminescence.ResultsRetinal PEDF levels were reduced, and amplitudes of a‐ and b‐wave in the ERG were decreased in diabetic rats, which were in parallel with GFAP overexpression in the Müller cells. Further, retinal 8‐OHdG, p22phox and VEGF levels and NADPH oxidase activity were increased, and BRB was broken in diabetic rats. Administration of PEDF ameliorated all of the characteristic changes in early diabetic retinopathy.ConclusionsResults suggest that PEDF could prevent neuronal derangements and vascular hyperpermeability in early diabetic retinopathy via inhibition of NADPH oxidase‐driven oxidative stress generation. Substitution of PEDF may offer a promising strategy for halting the development of diabetic retinopathy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The protein tyrosine kinase Tec regulates mast cell function
Authors: Schmidt Uwe , Abramova Anastasia , Boucheron Nicole , Eckelhart Eva , Schebesta Alexandra , Bilic Ivan , Kneidinger Michael , Unger Bernd , Hammer Martina , Sibilia Maria , Valent Peter , Ellmeier Wilfried 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMast cells play crucial roles in a variety of normal and pathophysiological processes and their activation has to be tightly controlled. Here, we demonstrate that the protein tyrosine kinase Tec is a crucial regulator of murine mast cell function. Tec was activated upon FcεRI stimulation of BM‐derived mast cells (BMMC). The release of histamine in the absence of Tec was normal in vitro and in vivo; however, leukotriene C4 levels were reduced in Tec−/− BMMC. Furthermore, the production of IL‐4 was severely impaired, and GM‐CSF, TNF‐α and IL‐13 levels were also diminished. Finally, a comparison of WT, Tec−/−, Btk−/− and Tec−/−Btk−/− BMMC revealed a negative role for Btk in the regulation of IL‐4 production, while for the efficient production of TNF‐α, IL‐13 and GM‐CSF, both Tec and Btk were required. Our results demonstrate a crucial role for Tec in mast cells, which is partially different to the function of the well‐characterized family member Btk.
Gadd45b and Gadd45g are important for anti‐tumor immune responses
Authors: Ju Songguang , Zhu Yibei , Liu Lin , Dai Shao , Li Changyou , Chen Elizabeth , He Yukai , Zhang Xueguang , Lu Binfeng 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAn effective Th1 type cell‐mediated immune response against cancer cells is critical in limiting cancer progression. Gadd45b, a signaling molecule highly up‐regulated during Th1 type responses, is studied for its role in limiting tumor growth. Mouse B16 melanoma cells implanted into Gadd45b−/− mice grew faster than those in WT or Gadd45b+/− littermate controls. The defect of Gadd45b−/− mice in tumor immunosurveillance was attributed to the reduced expression of IFN‐γ, granzyme B, and CCR5 in Gadd45b−/− CD8+ T cells at the tumor site. Activation of p38 MAP kinase, but not ERK or JNK, by either TCR‐stimuli or IL‐12 and IL‐18 is diminished in Gadd45b−/− CD8+ T cells, resulting in reduced production of IFN‐γ. In addition, mRNA of T‐bet and Eomes were reduced in Gadd45b−/− CD8+ T cells, supporting a critical role of Gadd45b in shaping the Th1 fate. More importantly, the tumor vaccination, which is effective in WT mice, failed in Gadd45b/Gadd45g doubly deficient mice. Collectively, these data demonstrate that members of the Gadd45 gene family are important for anti‐tumor immune responses.
Low cross‐reactivity of T‐cell responses against lipids from Mycobacterium bovis and M. avium paratuberculosis during natural infection
Authors: Van Rhijn Ildiko , Nguyen Thi Kim Anh , Michel Anita , Cooper Dave , Govaerts Marc , Cheng Tan‐Yun , van Eden Willem , Moody D. Branch , Coetzer Jacobus A. W. , Rutten Victor , Koets Ad P. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAlthough CD1 proteins are known to present mycobacterial lipid antigens to T cells, there is little understanding of the in vivo behavior of T cells restricted by CD1a, CD1b and CD1c, and the relative immunogenicity and immunodominance of individual lipids within the total array of lipids that comprise a bacterium. Because bovines express multiple CD1 proteins and are natural hosts of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP), we used them as a new animal model of CD1 function. Here, we report the surprisingly divergent responses against lipids produced by these two pathogens during infection. Despite considerable overlap in lipid content, only three out of 69 animals cross‐react with M. bovis and MAP total lipid preparations. The unidentified immunodominant compound of M. bovis is a hydrophilic compound, whereas the immunodominant lipid of MAP is presented by CD1b and was identified as glucose monomycolate (GMM). The preferential recognition of GMM antigen by MAP‐infected cattle may be explained by the higher expression of GMM by MAP than by M. bovis. The bacterial species‐specific nature of the CD1‐restricted, adaptive T‐cell response affects the approach to development of lipid based immunodiagnostic tests.