bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
JWH018, a common constituent of ‘Spice’ herbal blends, is a potent and efficacious cannabinoid CB1receptor agonist
Authors: Atwood Brady K , Huffman John , Straiker Alex , Mackie Ken 
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose: ‘Spice’ is an herbal blend primarily marketed in Europe as a mild hallucinogen with prominent cannabis‐like effects and as a legal alternative to cannabis. However, a recent report identified a number of synthetic additives in samples of ‘Spice’. One of these, the indole derivative JWH018, is a ligand for the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) cannabinoid receptor and inhibits cAMP production in CB1receptor‐expressing CHO cells. Other effects of JWH018 on CB1receptor‐mediated signalling are not known, particularly in neurons. Here we have evaluated the signalling pathways activated by JWH018 at CB1receptors.Experimental approach: We investigated the effects of JWH018 on neurotransmission in cultured autaptic hippocampal neurons. We further analysed its activation of ERK1/2 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and internalization of CB1receptors in HEK293 cells stably expressing this receptor.Key results: In cultured autaptic hippocampal neurons, JWH018 potently inhibited excitatory postsynaptic currents (IC50= 14.9 nM) in a concentration‐ and CB1receptor‐dependent manner. Furthermore, it increased ERK1/2 MAPK phosphorylation (EC50= 4.4 nM). We also found that JWH018 potently induced rapid and robust CB1receptor internalization (EC50= 2.8 nM;t1/2= 17.3 min).Conclusions and implications: JWH018, a prominent component of several herbal preparations marketed for their psychoactivity, is a potent and effective CB1receptor agonist that activates multiple CB1receptor signalling pathways. Thus, it is likely that the subjective effects of ‘Spice’ are due to activation of cannabinoid CB1receptors by JWH018, added to this herbal preparation.
Reducing the Incidence of Denture Stomatitis: Are Denture Cleansers Sufficient?
Authors: Jose Anto , Coco Brent J. , Milligan Steven , Young Beth , Lappin David F. , Bagg Jeremy , Murray Colin , Ramage Gordon 
Published: January 2010

Abstract Purpose: Candida albicans is the predominant oral yeast associated with denture stomatitis. With an increasing population of denture wearers, the incidence of denture stomatitis is increasing. Effective management of these patients will alleviate the morbidity associated with this disease. The aim of this study was to examine the capacity of four denture cleansers to efficiently decontaminate and sterilize surfaces covered by C. albicans biofilms. Materials and Methods: Sixteen C. albicans strains isolated from denture stomatitis patients and strain ATCC 90028 were grown as mature confluent biofilms on a 96‐well format and immersed in Dentural, Medical™ Interporous®, Steradent Active Plus, and Boots Smile denture cleansers according to the manufacturers’ instructions or overnight. The metabolic activity and biomass of the biofilms were then quantified, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) used to examine treated biofilms. Results: Dentural was the most effective denture cleanser, reducing the biomass by greater than 90% after 20 minutes. Steradent Active plus was significantly more effective following 10‐minute immersion than overnight (p < 0.001). All cleansers reduced the metabolic activity by greater than 80% following overnight immersion; however, Boots Smile exhibited significantly reduced metabolic activity following only a 15‐minute immersion (p < 0.001). SEM revealed residual C. albicans material following Dentural treatment. Conclusions: This study showed that denture cleansers exhibit effective anti‐C. albicans biofilm activity, both in terms of removal and disinfection; however, residual biofilm retention that could lead to regrowth and denture colonization was observed. Therefore, alternative mechanical disruptive methods are required to enhance biofilm removal.
Gender Differences in the Amount of Gingival Display During Smiling Using Two Intraoral Dental Biometric Measurements
Authors: Al‐Jabrah Osama , Al‐Shammout Raghda , El‐Naji Waddah , Al‐Ajarmeh Mahasen , Al‐Quran Abdel‐Hakeem 
Published: January 2010

Abstract Purpose: The aims of this study were to compare gender differences in the width and length of the maxillary right central incisor and the horizontal and vertical overlap of the anterior teeth and to determine the relationships of these two intraoral dental biometric measurements with the amount of gingival display during smiling. Materials and Methods: A total of 61 men and 66 women were included in this study. For each participant, the gingival tissue display during smiling was judged to be either visible or not, and the maximum mesiodistal and incisogingival dimensions of the maxillary right central incisor were measured, along with the amount of horizontal and vertical overlap of anterior teeth using a digital caliper. Gender differences in these parameters and the relationship between subjects showing gingival display when smiling and the two intraoral dental biometric measurements were determined. Statistical analyses of data were performed using SPSS (V11) software. The mean scores for gender were calculated, and a Student's t‐test was used to identify significant differences between both groups. Significance level was set to 0.05. Results: The age of the participants ranged between 23 and 52, with a mean of 33.47 ± 9.07 years. A relatively small percentage of the subjects (22.05%) displayed gingiva when smiling. More women displayed gingiva when smiling than men, with a 2:1 female:male ratio. Men exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) wider (8.76 ± 0.66 mm) and longer (10.28 ± 0.88 mm) central incisors compared to women (7.92 ± 0.72 mm; 9.27 ± 0.93 mm width and length, respectively). No gender differences were found in the width‐to‐length ratio. Subjects with gingival display had significantly more horizontal (4.28 ± 1.21 mm; p < 0.001), and vertical (3.52 ± 0.66 mm; p < 0.05) overlap of anterior teeth compared to those who did not display gingiva when smiling (2.40 ± 1.03 and 2.30 ± 0.93 mm, respectively). Conclusions: Significantly more women displayed gingiva in smiling. Men had significantly wider and longer central incisors. No differences were recorded between men and women relative to both the horizontal and vertical anterior tooth overlap. Subjects who displayed gingiva when smiling had more horizontal and vertical overlap of anterior teeth.
Sectional Impressions and Simplified Folding Complete Denture for Severe Microstomia
Authors: Givan Daniel A. , AuClair Wendy A. , Seidenfaden, CDT Julius C. , Paiva Jose 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA patient presenting with severe microstomia (PDI Class IV) was unable to insert a maxillary complete denture. Sectional final impressions were made using two impression materials and an interlocking custom tray. A folding record base was used for maxillomandibular relationship records. A novel folding maxillary denture with a custom hinge and plunger attachment to lock the denture in the open position was fabricated. The patient was able to insert the collapsed denture, open it intraorally, and enjoy successful masticatory function.
Should plasma from female donors be avoided? A population‐based cohort study of plasma recipients in Sweden from 1990 through 2002
Authors: Tynell Elsa , Andersson Therese M.L. , Norda Rut , Edgren Gustaf , Nyren Olof , Shanwell Agneta , Reilly Marie 
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Plasma from female donors has been implicated in the sometimes fatal complication known as transfusion‐related acute lung injury. In studies of patients in intensive care units, worsened gas exchange of the lungs has also been attributed to female plasma. Despite a lack of population‐based evidence, policies have already been introduced to exclude female donor plasma.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Short‐term mortality after plasma transfusion was investigated using data from the Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions (SCANDAT) database. A cohort of 92,565 patients in 30 Swedish hospitals were followed for 14 days after their first plasma transfusion. The relative risk (RR) of death in recipients of female plasma compared to recipients of only male plasma was estimated from Poisson regression.RESULTS: Recipients had median age 70 years, received a mean of 4.4 plasma units, and had an overall 14‐day mortality of 8.43%. Sixty‐eight percent were exposed to female plasma, with a 14‐day mortality of 8.85% compared to 7.53% in the nonexposed group. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the RRs were 1.16 (confidence interval [CI], 1.06‐1.27) and 1.32 (CI, 1.17‐1.49) for those receiving 3 to 4 and 5 or more units of female plasma, respectively. Risk estimates were increased in an analysis of deaths with a concomitant discharge diagnosis involving the respiratory or circulatory system or an adverse reaction.CONCLUSIONS: This large population‐based cohort study of unselected patients suggests that transfusion of plasma from female donors confers a short‐term survival disadvantage on recipients.
Analysis of sample‐to‐cutoff ratios on chemiluminescent immunoassays used for blood donor screening highlights the need for serologic confirmatory testing
Authors: Kiely Philip , Walker Kyall , Parker Susan , Cheng Anthea 
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: High sample‐to‐cutoff (s/co) ratios on hepatitis C virus antibody (anti‐HCV) screening immunoassays (IAs) are indicative of confirmed‐positive results and, according to some reports, can be used to determine anti‐HCV status without the need for confirmatory testing. The purpose of this study was to determine whether s/co ratios on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to human immunodeficiency virus Types 1 and 2 (anti‐HIV‐1/2), anti‐HCV, and antibody to human T‐lymphotropic virus Types I and II (anti‐HTLV‐I/II) chemiluminescent immunoassays (ChLIAs) can be used to discriminate between biologic false‐reactive (BFR) and confirmed‐positive results.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a blood donor population the s/co ratio distributions for BFR and confirmed‐positive results were compared for the Abbott PRISM HBsAg, HIV O Plus, HCV, and HTLV‐I/II ChLIAs to determine the extent of overlap between the two distributions for each assay.RESULTS: The s/co ratio distributions for BFR and confirmed results overlapped in the range of 10.00 to 60.00, 1.00 to 6.00, 3.00 to 15.00, and 1.00 to 100.00 for the PRISM HIV O Plus, HCV, HTLV‐I/II, and HBsAg assays, respectively.CONCLUSION: Although high s/co ratios were predictive of confirmed‐positive results in all four assays, a number of confirmed‐positive samples gave low values while some biologic false‐positive samples showed high values. As the s/co ratio distributions for BFR and confirmed‐positive results overlapped for all four PRISM assays, this study highlights the importance of serologic confirmatory testing and the need for caution when using screening IA results to assign a final donor status.
Blood transfusions increase cerebral, splanchnic, and renal oxygenation in anemic preterm infants
Authors: Dani Carlo , Pratesi Simone , Fontanelli Giulia , Barp Jacopo , Bertini Giovanna 
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Multiprobe near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to study regional cerebral (rSO2C), splanchnic (rSO2S), and renal (rSO2R) tissue oxygenation in newborns. We used this method to study the effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in anemic preterm infants to assess if thresholds for transfusions were appropriate for recognizing a clinical condition permitting tissue oxygenation improvement.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Multiprobe NIRS (INVOS 5100, Somanetics) was applied during transfusion to 15 preterm infants with symptomatic anemia of prematurity (hematocrit level of <25%). rSO2C, rSO2S, and rSO2R were recorded at selected times, and then fractional oxygen cerebral extraction ratio [FOEC: (SaO2‐rSO2C)/SaO2], fractional oxygen splanchnic extraction ratio [FOES: (SaO2‐rSO2S)/SaO2], fractional oxygen renal extraction ratio [FOER: (SaO2‐rSO2R)/SaO2], cerebrosplanchnic oxygenation ratio [CSOR: (rSO2S/rSO2C)], and cerebrorenal oxygenation ratio [CROR: (rSO2R/rSO2C)] were calculated. In addition, we used Doppler ultrasonography for evaluating cerebral blood flow (CBF), splanchnic blood flow (SBF), and renal blood flow (RBF) velocity.RESULTS: rSO2C, rSO2S, and rSO2R significantly increased during transfusions, while FOEC, FOES, and FOER decreased. CSOR and CROR increased during transfusions. CBF velocity decreased during the study period, while SBF and RBF velocities did not vary.CONCLUSION: RBC transfusions performed at used thresholds permitted an increase in cerebral, splanchnic, and renal oxygenation. The associated decreases in oxygen tissue extraction might suggest that transfusions were well timed for preventing tissue hypoxia or too early and theoretically prooxidant. Further studies could help to clarify this issue.
Gravity sedimentation of granulocytapheresis concentrates with hydroxyethyl starch efficiently removes red blood cells and retains neutrophils
Authors: Bryant Barbara J. , Yau Yu Ying , Byrne Phyllis J. , Stroncek David F. , Leitman Susan F. 
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of granulocytapheresis concentrates can be limited by the volume of incompatible donor red blood cells (RBCs) in the component. Efficient reduction of RBCs in granulocyte units would result in safe transfusion of RBC‐incompatible units.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Granulocyte concentrates were collected by continuous‐flow apheresis from granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and dexamethasone‐stimulated volunteer donors, with 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) added continuously during apheresis as a RBC sedimenting agent to enhance granulocyte collection efficiency. After collection, the component was placed in a plasma extractor for 4 hours. A sharp line of demarcation between the starch‐sedimented RBCs and the granulocyte‐rich supernatant developed, and the supernatant was transferred to a sterilely docked transfer pack. RBC reduction and white blood cell recovery were determined.RESULTS: Gravity sedimentation was performed on 165 granulocyte concentrates. Mean sedimentation time was 267 minutes (range, 150‐440 min). RBC depletion was 92% (range, 71%‐99%) with mean residual RBC content of 3.2 ± 1.4 mL. Twelve percent of components contained less than 2 mL of RBCs. Mean granulocyte and platelet (PLT) recoveries were 80 and 81%, respectively. There were no transfusion reactions or signs of hemolysis after transfusion of 66 RBC‐incompatible granulocyte concentrates (RBC volume, 1.6‐8.2 mL). The remaining concentrates were used for topical or intrapleural applications.CONCLUSIONS: RBCs were significantly reduced and granulocytes and PLTs effectively retained in G‐CSF/steroid–mobilized granulocyte components collected with HES and processed by gravity sedimentation. This procedure allows safe transfusion of RBC‐incompatible sedimented granulocyte units and may be used to expand the pool of available granulocyte donors for specific recipients.
Extracorporeal photochemotherapy in graft‐versus‐host disease: a longitudinal study on factors influencing the response and survival in pediatric patients
Authors: Perotti Cesare , Del Fante Claudia , Tinelli Carmine , Viarengo Gianluca , Scudeller Luigia , Zecca Marco , Locatelli Franco , Salvaneschi Laura 
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is a valid therapeutic option in the treatment of acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD and cGVHD, respectively). No standard clinical and laboratory criteria of response to ECP treatment are available at the moment.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Clinical and laboratory variables on 73 pediatric patients with aGVHD (n = 50) and cGVHD (n = 23) were correlated with response to ECP and survival.RESULTS: An overall response (OR) was obtained in 34 of 50 (68%) aGVHD and in 16 of 23 (69.5%) cGVHD patients. Steroid tapering within 30 days of 1.3 mg/kg in OR (p = 0.004) was the sole highly significant correlation with response found in aGVHD while no correlation emerged for cGVHD (p = 0.28). Among aGVHD patients, response to ECP was inversely associated with death: among OR, deaths were 13 of 34 (38.2%), while among nonresponders, deaths were 15 of 16 (93.8%; p < 0.001). On the other hand, decrease of steroid dose at 30 days was associated with survival: for each 1 mg/kg reduction, the hazard ratio was 2.2, and the 95% confidence interval was 1.5 to 3.2 (p < 0.001). No other clinical or laboratory variables statistically associated with survival were found.CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that steroid tapering within the first 30 days of ECP treatment in aGVHD and response to ECP in acute and chronic GVHD are the only variables influencing response and survival, respectively.
An active hemovigilance program characterizing the safety profile of 7483 transfusions with plasma components prepared with amotosalen and UVA photochemical treatment
Authors: Cazenave Jean‐Pierre , Waller Chantal , Kientz Daniel , Mendel Isabelle , Lin Lily , Jacquet Michele , Propst Meisa , Liu Weiqun , Corash Laurence , Sundin David , Defoin Laurence , Messe Nathalie , Osselaer Jean‐Claude 
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Photochemical pathogen inactivation treatment (PCT) of plasma components with amotosalen and UVA has been implemented in Europe. To establish a postapproval safety database, an active hemovigilance (HV) program utilizing an electronic data capture system (EDCS) was initiated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The response to transfusion was documented after each PCT‐plasma transfusion. The primary outcome was the incidence of acute transfusion reactions (ATRs) within 24 hours of transfusion. An ATR was defined as an adverse event (AE) possibly related, probably related, or related to the PCT‐plasma transfusion. For AEs, the following were collected: time of event after transfusion, clinical description, vital signs, clinical and laboratory test results, severity (Grade 0‐4), seriousness, and causal relationship to transfusion of PCT‐plasma.RESULTS: To date, 3232 patients (59.1% male) with a primary indication for plasma transfusion due to a hematology disorder (23.1%), surgery (32.4%), or a general medical condition (44.4%) received 7483 PCT‐plasma transfusions (composed of 19,069 apheresis plasma components). The mean age of the patient population was 57.3 years (2884 adults, 160 children, and 188 infants). ATRs were reported for 8/7483 transfusions (0.11%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03‐0.19) and 8/3232 patients (0.25%; 95% CI, 0.08‐0.42%). Five ATRs were of Grade 1 severity. The remaining three ATRs were classified as serious. No deaths or episodes of transfusion‐related acute lung injury attributed to a PCT‐plasma transfusion were reported.CONCLUSION: PCT‐plasma transfusions were well tolerated in routine clinical use. The EDCS HV program facilitated collection and reporting of safety information on a real‐time basis from multiple sites.
A New Method to Evaluate Linear Block at the Left Atrial Roof: Is It Reliable Without Pacing?
Authors: SANG CAIHUA , JIANG CHENXI , DONG JIANZENG , LIU XINGPENG , YU RONGHUI , LONG DEYONG , TANG RIBO , GAO LINGYUN , NING MAN , CHEN GANG , LI WEIJU , MA CHANGSHENG 
Published: January 2010

A New Method to Evaluate Linear Block at the Left Atrial Roof. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate a new method for validation of complete linear block at the left atrial (LA) roof.
Background:
Linear lesions at the LA roof have been reported to improve the success rate of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).
Methods:
Complete linear block at the LA roof was evaluated in 31 patients after complete isolation of pulmonary vein antrum (PVA) using a simple method. We hypothesized that complete linear block of the LA roof could be confirmed during sinus rhythm if (1) a continuous line of double potentials could be recorded at the LA roof, and (2) the activation sequence along the posterior wall changed to caudocranial. The results of this method were compared with standard pacing techniques.
Results:
Thirty‐nine lines were assessed using this method: 8 before and 31 after achievement of complete conduction block. After validation of complete linear block at the LA roof, double potentials with a mean interpotential interval of 60 ± 13 ms were recorded in 25 patients and electroanatomical mapping of the left atrium showed the activation sequence of posterior wall changed to caudocranial in all 31 patients during sinus rhythm. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of this method for validating complete linear block were 100%, 88.9%, 96.8%, and 100%, respectively.
Conclusion:
A corridor of double potentials along the roof line and a caudocranial activation sequence along the posterior wall during sinus rhythm can indicate conduction block at the LA roof after PVA isolation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. pp. 741‐746, July 2010)
Device‐Related Infection Among Patients With Pacemakers and Implantable Defibrillators: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Consequences
Authors: NERY PABLO B. , FERNANDES RUSSELL , NAIR GIRISH M. , SUMNER GLEN L. , RIBAS CARLOS S. , MENON SYAMKUMAR M. DIVAKARA , WANG XIAOYIN , KRAHN ANDREW D. , MORILLO CARLOS A. , CONNOLLY STUART J. , HEALEY JEFF S. 
Published: January 2010

Risk Factors and Complications of Pacemaker and ICD Infection. Background: Device‐related infection is a major limitation of device therapy for cardiac arrhythmia.
Methods:
The authors analyzed the incidence and risk factors for cardiac device infection (CDI) among consecutive patients implanted with pacemaker (PM) or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) (including cardiac resynchronization therapy devices) at a tertiary health center in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Most patients with device‐related infections were identified by an internal infection control system that reports any positive wound and blood cultures following surgery, between 2005 and the present. A retrospective review of patient records was also performed for all patients who received an ICD or PM between July 1, 2003 and March 20, 2007.
Results:
A total of 24 infections were identified among 2,417 patients having device surgery (1%). Fifteen of these infections (60%) were diagnosed within 90 days of the last surgical procedure. Univariate analysis showed that patients presenting with CDI were more likely to have had a device replacement, rather than a new implant, had more complex devices (dual/triple chamber vs single), and were more likely to have had a prior lead dislodgement. Multivariate analysis found device replacement (P = 0.02) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)/dual‐chamber devices (P = 0.048) to be independent predictors of infection. One patient developed septic pulmonary emboli after having laser‐assisted lead extraction. No patient died and 22 patients received a new device.
Conclusion:
CDI occurs in about 1% of cases in high volume facilities. Pulse generator replacement surgery and dual‐ or triple‐chamber device implantation were associated with a significantly increased risk of infection. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. pp. 786‐790, July 2010)