bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidental Dual Atrioventricular Nodal Physiology in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Follow‐Up and Implications
Authors: McCANTA ANTHONY C. , COLLINS KATHRYN K. , SCHAFFER MICHAEL S. 
Published: October 2010

Background:
Dual atrioventricular (AV) nodal physiology is a substrate for the development of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). However, the risk of developing AVNRT in patients with dual AV nodal physiology is not known. The purpose of this study is to identify the risk of developing AVNRT in children and adolescents with incidental findings of dual AV nodal physiology after accessory pathway ablation.
Methods:
This is a single center retrospective study of patients who underwent intracardiac electrophysiology study at The Children's Hospital, Denver, from March 1993 to August 2008, with findings of dual AV nodal physiology after successful ablation of an accessory pathway. Follow‐up was obtained by chart review with the primary outcome of recurrent supraventricular tachycardia. Extended clinical follow‐up was also achieved through phone contact with patients or parents of patients.
Results:
Mean age at initial electrophysiology study was 12.8 years (±3.7 years). Follow‐up was obtained on all 66 patients for a mean duration of 3.1 years (±2.8 years). Mean age at follow‐up was 15.8 years (±4.6 years). Recurrent supraventricular tachycardia occurred in nine of the 66 patients (13.6%). AVNRT was induced in two of the 66 patients (3.0%).
Conclusion:
This study supports the hypothesis that incidental dual AV nodal physiology does not predict AVNRT in children and adolescents with after successful accessory pathway ablation. (PACE 2010; 33:1528–1532)
The impact of extended‐hours home hemodialysis and buttonhole cannulation technique on hospitalization rates for septic events related to dialysis access
Authors: Van EPS Carolyn L. , JONES Mark , NG Tsun , JOHNSON David W. , CAMPBELL Scott B. , ISBEL Nicole M. , MUDGE David W. , BELLER Elaine , HAWLEY Carmel M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractFew studies adequately document adverse events in patients receiving long, slow, and overnight hemodialysis (NHD). Concerns about high rates of dialysis access complications have been raised. This is an observational cohort study comparing hospital admission rates for vascular access complications between alternate nightly NHD (n=63) and conventional hemodialysis (n=172) patients established on chronic hemodialysis for at least 3 months. Overall, hospital admission rates and hospital admission rates for cardiac and all infective events are also reported. The NHD cohort was younger and less likely to be female, diabetic, or have ischemic heart disease than the conventional hemodialysis cohort. When NHD and buttonhole cannulation technique were used simultaneously, there was a demonstrated increased risk of septic dialysis access events: incidence rate ratio 3.0 (95% confidence interval 1.04–8.66) (P=0.04). The majority of blood culture isolates in NHD patients were gram‐positive organisms, particularly Staphylococcus aureus. Alternate nightly NHD did not significantly change total hospital admissions or hospital admissions for indications other than dialysis access complications, compared with conventional hemodialysis. Our data suggest that buttonhole cannulation technique should be used with caution in patients performing extended‐hours hemodialysis as this combination appears to increase the risk of septic access complications. Randomized‐controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Status epilepticus induced by putrid salted gray Mullet fish intoxication in patients with chronic Kidney disease
Authors: SOLIMAN Amin R. , HELMY Sadek 
Published: October 2010

AbstractNeurological and psychiatric symptoms are common presentations, but are often ignored in fresh salted gray Mullet fish intoxication. We report 2 patients with chronic renal failure at a predialyzed stage who developed refractory status epilepticus after ingestion of putrid salted gray Mullet. We warn consultant neurologists that fresh salted gray Mullet fish intoxication must be considered when patients with chronic kidney disease present with seizures or other unexplained neurological or psychiatric symptoms.
Reproducibility of regional pulse‐wave velocity in uremic subjects
Authors: DI IORIO Biagio R. , CUCCINIELLO Emanuele , ALINEI Pietro , TORRACA Serena 
Published: October 2010

AbstractDespite the clinical importance of pulse‐wave velocity (PWV), there are no standards for accurate carotid‐radial pulse‐wave measurement in uremic patients with respect to carotid‐femoral measurement. We assessed the reproducibility of PWV values using the carotid‐radial PWV measurement. We have measured the carotid‐femoral PWV and carotid‐radial PWV with an automated system (Pulse Pen, DiaTecne) using 2 different blind operators in 105 hemodialysis (HD) patients. The carotid‐femoral waveforms were acquired by the first blind operator simultaneously with 2 pressure‐sensitive transducers and the transit time of the pulse was calculated using the system software. Similarly, the second blind operator acquired the carotid‐radial waveforms. The two operators performed 2 consecutive measurements from the same subject, in a random order. In fact, after the first operator had completed 2 consecutive measurements from 1 subject, all of the sensors were detached, and the second operator attached sensors again to the same subject. The measurements were performed during interval of a midweek dialysis‐free day. To evaluate the reproducibility of the system, both within‐observer and between‐observer analyses were performed. We studied 105 dialysis patients (HD) and 20 controls. All HD patients had three dialysis sessions lasting at least 4 h/wk. A total of 28 patients (26.7%) had diabetic nephropathy. The mean age of HD was 64.6 ± 16.1 years, the body weight was 71.1 ± 15.1 kg, and the height was 164.6 ± 6.1 cm. All population studied is referral at a tertiary care from at least 6 months (mean 11.1 ± 2.1 months). A total of 45% of patients are smokers or ex‐smokers. The PWV of carotid‐femoral is 8.58 ± 3.99 and the PWV of carotid‐radial is 8.70 ± 4.01 m/sec, respectively, by the first and the second operator; the difference of PWV (femoral‐radial measure) is −0.037 ± 0.99 m/sec. The linear correlation of carotid‐femoral vs. carotid‐radial PWV measurements is the highest (R2=0.90). The results regarding reproducibility, including mean differences and standard deviations, standard errors, and correlation coefficients were analyzed for each regional PWV value for the between‐observer and within‐observer studies. All of the measurements showed significant correlation coefficients, ranging from 0.94 to 0.98. The reproducibility of regional PWV values for 2 consecutive measurements from the same subject was also analyzed using Bland‐Altman plots, with the reproducibility expressed as the mean difference and 2 standard deviations between the measurements obtained by the 2 operators during carotid‐femoral and carotid‐radial measurements. Carotid‐radial PWV measurement provides an accurate analysis with a high reproducibility with respect to carotid‐femoral PWV measurement, and it can be used for arterial stiffness analysis in hemodialysis patients.
Plasma fibroblast growth factor‐23 levels are independently associated with carotid artery atherosclerosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: BALCI Mustafa , KIRKPANTUR Alper , GULBAY Mutlu , GURBUZ Oguz Alp 
Published: October 2010

AbstractFibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF‐23) has been suggested to play a role in vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease. Common carotid artery intima‐media thickness (CIMT) assessment and common carotid artery (CCA) plaque identification using ultrasound are well‐recognized tools for identification and monitoring of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to test that elevated FGF‐23 levels might be associated with carotid artery atherosclerosis in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. In this cross‐sectional study, plasma FGF‐23 concentrations were measured using a C‐terminal human enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. Carotid artery intima‐media thickness was measured and CCA plaques were identified by B‐Mode Doppler ultrasound. One hundred twenty‐eight maintenance HD patients (65 women and 63 men, mean age: 55.5 ± 13 years, mean HD vintage: 52 ± 10 months, all patients are on HD thrice a week) were involved. The mean CIMT were higher with increasing tertiles of plasma FGF‐23 levels (0.66 ± 0.14 vs. 0.75 ± 0.05 vs. 0.86 ± 0.20 mm, P<0.0001). Log plasma FGF‐23 were higher in patients with plaques in CCA than patients free of plaques (3.0 ± 0.17 vs. 2.7 ± 0.23, P<0.0001). Significant correlation was recorded between log plasma FGF‐23 and CIMT (r=0,497, P=0.0001). In multiple regression analysis, a high log FGF‐23 concentration was a significant independent risk factor of an increased CIMT. Further studies are needed to clarify whether an increased plasma FGF‐23 level is a marker or a potential mechanism for atherosclerosis in patients with end‐stage renal disease.
Role of plasmapheresis in the management of myeloma kidney: A systematic review
Authors: GUPTA Diptesh , BACHEGOWDA Lohith , PHADKE Gautam , BOREN Sue , JOHNSON Diane , MISRA Madhukar 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMultiple myeloma complicated by acute renal failure is a diagnosis often encountered by the practicing nephrologist. The role of plasmapheresis in such patients has been of interest for decades. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and multiple observational trials have evaluated the potential role of plasmapheresis in the management of this condition. This systematic review presents the results of these trials regarding survival benefits, recovery from dialysis, and improvement in renal function. A comprehensive search revealed 56 articles. Of these, only 8 articles met our inclusion criteria (3 RCTs, 1 correction of results, and 4 observational trials). Two of the 3 RCTs showed no difference in survival benefit. Two of the 3 RCTs showed a greater percentage of patients stopping dialysis in the intervention group; however, these results were not reproduced in the largest trial. All the studies showed an improvement in renal function for patients receiving plasmapheresis; however, only 2 RCTs and 1 retrospective study showed a statistically significant improvement in renal function among patients who received plasmapheresis in comparison with a control group. Our systematic review does not suggest a benefit of plasmapheresis independent of chemotherapy for multiple myeloma patients with acute renal failure in terms of overall survival, recovery from dialysis, or improvement in renal function.
Stress Induced by Constrained Sintering of 3YSZ Films Measured by Substrate Creep
Authors: Atkinson Alan , Kim Jung‐Sik , Rudkin Robert , Taub Samuel , Wang Xin 
Published: October 2010

3YSZ green layers approximately 10 μm thick were screen printed onto 3YSZ substrates up to 300 μm in thickness. The stress induced by constrained sintering of the film (between 1150° and 1350°C) was measured by monitoring the bending displacement of vertical strips of bilayers using a long‐distance microscope. In order to deduce the stress it was first necessary to measure the creep properties of the substrates by monitoring the bending of horizontal beams under gravity. The creep strain rate of the 3YSZ substrates was linearly dependent on applied stress at the low stresses and strains involved in the present work. The creep viscosity appeared to increase with strain (time), which might be due to changes in grain‐boundary composition, and had higher activation energy at temperatures above approximately 1250°C. The magnitudes of the creep viscosities are in reasonable agreement with other creep data in the literature for 3YSZ. The in‐plane stress induced during constrained sintering of the 3YSZ films had a maximum value of approximately 3 MPa at 1200°C. This behavior is consistent with literature results reported for constrained sintering of bulk alumina. The stress induced by the constraint is of a similar order to the estimated sintering potential.
Significant effects on neonatal morbidity and mortality after regional change in management of post‐term pregnancy
Authors: GRUNEWALD CHARLOTTA , HÅKANSSON STELLAN , SALTVEDT SISSEL , KÄLLÉN KARIN 
Published: October 2010

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the effects on neonatal morbidity of a regional change in induction policy for post‐term pregnancy from 43+0 to 42+0 gestational weeks (GWs). Design and setting. Nationwide retrospective register study between 2000 and 2007. Population. All singleton pregnancies with a gestational age of >41+2 GW (n= 119,198). Methods. All Swedish counties were divided into three groups where study group allocation was designated by the proportion of pregnancies >42+2 GW among all pregnancies of >41+2 GW. Stockholm county formed a separate group. Main outcome measures. Perinatal morbidity. Results. In counties with the most active management, 19% of pregnancies >41+2 GW were delivered at >42+2 GW during 2000–2004 compared to 7.1% in 2005–2007. In the least active counties, corresponding figures were 21.0% compared to 19.4%. During 2005–2007, the odds ratios for meconium aspiration and 5‐minute Apgar score of ≤6 in the least compared to most active counties, were 1.55 (95% CI: 1.03–2.33) and 1.26 (95% CI: 1.06–1.51). In Stockholm >42+2GW seen among pregnancies of >41+2 decreased from 21.0% in 2000–2004 to 5.9% in 2005–2007. Reduced perinatal death risks by 48%, meconium aspiration of 51% and low Apgar scores by 31% in 2005–2007 compared with 2000–2004 were observed. Rates of operative deliveries at >41+2 GW in Stockholm were unaltered. Conclusion. A significant reduction in perinatal morbidity was found, with no influence on operative delivery rates for post‐term pregnancy in Stockholm. We advocate a nationwide change toward more active management of post‐term pregnancies.
Effects of the September 11, 2001 disaster on pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: OHLSSON ARNE , SHAH PRAKESH S. ,   the Knowledge Synthesis Group of Determinants of Preterm/LBW births
Published: October 2010

Abstract Background. The terrorist explosions of the World Trade Center in New York City and the other events on the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania on 11 September 2001 were stressful events that affected people around the world. Pregnant women and their offspring are especially vulnerable during and after such a terrorist attack. The objective was to systematically review the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes after the terrorist attacks on Sept 11, 2001. Methods. The Meta‐analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) criteria were used for reporting of this review. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.0. Results. Ten reports of low‐to‐moderate risk of methodological bias were included. There was increased risks of infants with birthweight of 1,500 g–1,999 g (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.67 [95%CI 1.11–2.52]) and small‐for‐gestational age births (AOR 1.90; 95%CI 1.05–3.46) in New York. There was increased risks of low birthweight (relative risk 2.25; 95%CI 1.29–3.90) and preterm births (relative risk 1.50; 95%CI 1.06–2.14) among ethnically Arabic women living in California There was a reduction in birthweight by 276 g and in head circumference by 1 cm when DNA adducts, a marker for environmental toxin exposure, were doubled in maternal blood. In Holland, a 48‐g reduction in birthweight was reported. Conclusions. The World Trade Center disaster influenced pregnancy outcomes in New York, among ethnically Arab women living in California and among Dutch women. The adverse outcomes are likely due to environmental pollution and stress in New York, ethnic harassment in California and communal bereavement and stress in Holland.
Becoming baby‐friendly in Spain: a quality‐improvement process
Authors: García‐de‐León‐González Ricardo , Oliver‐Roig Antoni , Hernández‐Martínez Mónica , Mercader‐Rodríguez Beatriz , Muñoz‐Soler Verónica , Maestre‐Martínez Maria Isabel , Monreal‐Tomás Ana Belén 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAim:  To describe the implementation process and effect of a quality‐improvement intervention aimed at achieving compliance with the Baby‐friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).Methods:  We conducted a prospective study of the development and evaluation of a quality‐improvement intervention at the Yecla Hospital, Spain. A random sample of 1273 infants born in the hospital was followed up in primary care centres between 1997 and 2005. The study interventions were process‐oriented training, audit and feedback, quality‐improvement cycles and provision of breastfeeding support resources. The main outcome measures were changes in compliance with the Global Criteria for the BFHI and breastfeeding rates before, during and after the intervention.Results:  Compliance with the Global Criteria increased progressively, and in 2004 all criteria were met. The median duration of breastfeeding went up gradually from the start of the intervention. The likelihood of being breastfed at different ages among infants born in 2005 was between 45% [odds ratio (OR) 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38–0.79] and 86% (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.09–0.20) higher than among infants born in 1997.Conclusion:  Quality‐improvement interventions based on participation, training, audit and feedback of information, and provision of resources are useful for the implementation of the BFHI, which is associated with a significant increase in breastfeeding rates.
Risk Factors of Peyronie’s Disease. What Does Our Clinical Experience Show?
Authors: Casabé Adolfo , Bechara Amado , Cheliz Germán , De Bonis Walter , Rey Horacio 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a localized fibrosis that affects the tunica albuginea of the penis. Its origin can be associated with coital penile trauma in men with autoimmune hypersensitivity and a presumed genetic predisposition.

Aim
To identify clinical and traumatic risk factors in a patient population with PD, when compared to a control group.

Methods
From November 2007 to March 2010, 317 patients sought medical attention for PD. As control group, 147 consecutive patients, who came for a prostate exam, were studied. Clinical, traumatic, and sexual history of these patients was gathered. Risks factors were considered only if they had been present before the onset of PD symptoms.

Main Outcome Measure
The International Index of Erectile Function and the International Prostate Symptoms Score. A univariate logistic regression model (chi-square) (odds ratios [ORs] and 95% confidence intervals [CI] ) was used to estimate the association of risk factors with PD; and the Student’s t-test was implemented for age.

Results
The mean age of patients with PD and control group was 56.7 and 58.8, respectively (P &lt; 0.923). The mean evolution time of the disease was 17.7 months (2–48). Erectile dysfunction (ED) and coital trauma constituted the only two independent risk factors for PD compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.05 and 0.002, respectively) with an OR of 1.5 (95% CI 1.0–2.3) and 2.69 (95% CI 1.41–5.21), respectively. Patients with ED and diabetes mellitus and with a mild-to-moderate ED also presented a higher predisposition (P = 0.008 and 0.00001), with an OR of 3.64 (95% CI 1.33–10.79) and 5.58 (95% CI 3.03–10.42), respectively.

Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction and coital trauma have proven to be independent risk factors for the development of PD.
Farnesoid X Receptor Activation Improves Erectile Function in Animal Models of Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes
Authors: Vignozzi Linda , Morelli Annamaria , Filippi Sandra , Comeglio Paolo , Chavalmane Aravinda K. , Marchetta Matilde , Toce Mariateresa , Yehiely-Cohen Ravit , Vannelli Gabriella B. , Adorini Luciano , Maggi Mario 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is critically involved in the regulation of the hepato-biliary system. Recent data suggest a role for FXR in modulating other metabolic pathways and vascular function.

Aim
To investigate whether long-term administration of the selective FXR agonist INT-747 ameliorates erectile function, we tested it in two animal models of metabolic derangements: a rabbit model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) and a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes.

Methods
HFD rabbit or STZ rats with or without chronic INT-747 dosing (10 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks). INT-747 addition to rabbit penile smooth muscle cells (rpSMCs).

Main Outcome Measure
Effects of INT-747 on metabolic features and erectile function in animal models and clarification of mechanism of action in isolated cells.

Results
INT-747 dosing normalized visceral adiposity and glucose intolerance in HFD rabbits. INT-747 increased penile FXR expression and partially restored endothelial nitric oxide synthase and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 expression as well as impaired nitric oxide (NO)-dependent relaxation (improved responsiveness to acetylcholine and electrical field stimulation). INT-747 was also effective in regulating NO downstream events, as shown by increased sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation. Because phosphodiesterase type 5 and protein kinase G (PKG) were unaltered by INT-747, we analyzed the calcium-sensitizing RhoA/ROCK pathway. HFD increased, and INT-747 normalized, RhoA membrane translocation/activation. RhoA/ROCK signaling inhibition by INT-747 was confirmed in rpSMCs by confocal microscopy, MYPT1-phosphorylation, cytoskeleton remodeling, cell migration, and smooth muscle-related genes expression. In STZ rats, FXR penile expression was not altered but was significantly upregulated by INT-747 dosing. In this model, INT-747 improved penile erection induced by electrical stimulation of cavernous nerve and hypersensitivity to intracavernous injection of a ROCK-inhibitor, Y-27632, without improving hyperglycemia.

Conclusion
In HFD rabbits, INT-747 dosing improved glucose sensitivity and MetS-associated erectile dysfunction, via upregulation of NO transmission and inhibition of RhoA/ROCK pathway. In STZ rats, INT-747 restored in vivo penile erection and sensitivity to ROCK inhibition, independently of effects on glycemia.
The High Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea—An Independent Risk Factor of Erectile Dysfunction in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Szymanski Filip M. , Filipiak Krzysztof J. , Hrynkiewicz-Szymanska Anna , Grabowski Marcin , Dabrowska-Kugacka Alicja , Opolski Grzegorz 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sleep-related breathing disorders are highly prevalent in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with several cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the prevalence of ED in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients at high risk of OSA, and to evaluate the leading factors that increase the risk of ED.

Methods
We prospectively studied 90 consecutive male STEMI patients.

Main Outcome Measures
A risk of OSA was assessed using the Berlin questionnaire (BQ) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

Results
Thirty-two (35.6%) patients were at high risk of OSA. Patients were at high risk of OSA who on admission had significantly higher mean ESS score, and abnormal BQ, higher incidence of hypertension, and higher body mass index. They were also found to have significantly higher mean C-reactive protein level and higher incidence of ED. The mean IIEF score was significantly lower in patients at high risk of OSA (16.2 ± 5.4 vs. 20.5 ± 6.4; P =0.004). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, high risk of OSA was strong and an independent risk factor of ED in STEMI patients (odds ratio 55.71, 95% confidence interval 3.36–923.81; P =0.005).

Conclusion
ED was highly prevalent in STEMI patients at high risk of OSA. High risk of OSA was strong, independent risk factor for developing ED.