bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Successful Ablation Sites of Idiopathic Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia
Authors: YAMASHINA YOSHIHIRO , YAGI TETSUO , NAMEKAWA AKIO , ISHIDA AKIHIKO , SATO HIROKAZU , NAKAGAWA TAKASHI , SAKURAMOTO MANJIROU , SATO EIJI , YAMBE TOMOYUKI 
Published: May 2009

Background: There are few studies evaluating the distribution of successful ablation sites of idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) arrhythmias using a three‐dimensional electroanatomical mapping system. This study aims to clarify the favorite site of idiopathic RVOT arrhythmias through electroanatomical voltage mapping using the CARTO system (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA).
Methods: A consecutive series of 72 patients (mean age 43.6 ± 16.2 years, 32 males) who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for a total of 82 morphologies of idiopathic RVOT arrhythmias were studied. Detailed three‐dimensional electroanatomical voltage maps of the RVOT were obtained using the CARTO system prior to the RFCA during sinus rhythm. The voltage on bipolar electrogram was defined as follows: amplitude < 0.5 mV as “low‐voltage zone,” amplitude between 0.5 and 1.5 mV as “transitional‐voltage zone,” and amplitude >1.5 mV as “high‐voltage zone.” Successful ablation sites were electroanatomically classified into each voltage zone.
Results: Successful ablation was acquired in 63 patients and 71 RVOT arrhythmias (63/72 patients: 87.5%, 71/82 RVOT arrhythmias: 86.5%). In the successful group, three arrhythmias (4.2%) were classified in the low‐voltage zone, 63 arrhythmias (88.7%) in the transitional‐voltage zone, and five arrhythmias (7.0%) in the high‐voltage zone.
Conclusions: This study indicates that the vast majority of successful ablation sites for idiopathic RVOT arrhythmias are located in the transitional‐voltage zone. Mapping of the transitional‐voltage zone may be an important landmark of RFCA for RVOT arrhythmia.
Assessment of Clockwise Cavotricuspid Isthmus Block Based on Conduction Times during Transient Entrainment: A Prospective Study
Authors: CASTELLANOS EDUARDO , ALMENDRAL JESÚS , PUCHOL ALBERTO , ARIAS MIGUEL A. , CUENA RAFAEL , VALVERDE IRENE , PACHÓN MARTA , PADIAL LUIS RODRÍGUEZ 
Published: May 2009

Background:

In typical counterclockwise atrial flutter (AFL), the route of impulse propagation to anteroinferior right atrium (AIRA) during transient entrainment (TE) from the coronary sinus (CS) is expected to be similar to that during pacing from the same CS site during sinus rhythm (SR) when cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) block has occurred. This could be used to identify CTI block during ablation procedures.
Methods:

Thirty‐six patients with AFL (cycle length [CL], 240 ± 25 ms) underwent CTI ablation during AFL. CS pacing was performed at a CL of 20 ms less than AFL CL before ablation (n = 36), and at several CL during SR with conduction through the CTI (n = 21) and after CTI block (n = 36).
Results:

TE with orthodromic activation of AIRA occurred in all 36 patients. Conduction time from CS to AIRA during TE (T‐entr, 199 ± 29 ms) was significantly longer than during pacing in SR (T‐CTI) at the same rate not only with CTI conduction (T‐CTI‐C, 135 ± 24 ms, P < 0.001), but also with CTI block (T‐CTI‐B, 186 ± 24 ms, P < 0.01). T‐entr did not correlate with T‐CTI‐C, but there was an excellent correlation between T‐entr and T‐CTI‐B (r = 0.874, P < 0.001). A “TE index” that corrected T‐CTI for individual T‐entr identified CTI block with 97% sensitivity and 91% specificity. T‐CTI at low rates differed from T‐CTI at high rates but correlated significantly with them.
Conclusion:

Comparison of conduction times during TE from the CS and during pacing from the same site and rate in SR can help to establish whether clockwise CTI block has been achieved in patients with typical AFL.
The Influence of Left Ventricle Diastolic Function on Natriuretic Peptides Levels in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: BAKOWSKI DAWID , WOZAKOWSKA‐KAPLON BEATA , OPOLSKI GRZEGORZ 
Published: May 2009

Background:

The diagnosis of the impaired left ventricle (LV) diastolic function during atrial fibrillation (AF) using traditional methods is very difficult. Natriuretic peptides seem to be useful for assessment of diastolic function in patients with AF.
Aim:

To evaluate the influence of LV diastolic dysfunction on natriuretic peptides concentrations and to assess the diagnostic value of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with AF and impaired LV diastolic function.
Methods:

The study included 42 patients (23 males, 19 females), aged 58.6 ± 8.2 years with nonvalvular persistent AF with preserved LV systolic function who were converted into sinus rhythm by DC cardioversion (CV) and maintained sinus rhythm for at least 30 days. Echocardiography (ECG), ANP, and BNP level measurements were taken at baseline 24 hours before CV and 24 hours and 30 days after CV. On the 30th day following CV in patients with sinus rhythm, Doppler ECG was performed to assess LV diastolic function.
Results:

Thirty days after CV, normal LV diastolic function in 15 patients and impaired diastolic function in 27 patients was diagnosed: 20 with impaired LV relaxation and seven with impaired LV compliance. During AF and 24 hours, and 30 days after sinus rhythm restoration, significantly higher ANP and BNP levels were observed in patients with LV diastolic dysfunction as compared to the subgroup with normal LV diastolic function. The average values of ANP during AF in patients with normal and impaired diastolic function were 167.3 ± 70.1 pg/mL and 298.7 ± 83.6 pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.001), and the average values of BNP in the above mentioned subgroups were 49.5 ± 14.7 pg/mL and 145.6 ± 49.6 pg/mL respectively (P < 0.001). While comparing the diagnostic value of both natriuretic peptides it was noted that BNP was a more specific and sensitive marker of impaired LV diastolic function. ANP value >220.7 pg/mL measured during AF identified patients with impaired LV diastolic function with 85% sensitivity and 90% specificity. BNP value >74.7 pg/mL proved 95% sensitive and 100% specific in the diagnosing of such a group.
Conclusions:

The increase of ANP/BNP concentration in patients with AF results not only from the presence of AF, but also reflects the impaired LV diastolic function. Natriuretic peptides, especially BNP, may be useful in diagnosing LV diastolic dysfunction in patients with AF.
Acute Evaluation of Transthoracic Impedance Vectors Using ICD Leads
Authors: GOTTFRIDSSON CHRISTER , DAUM DOUGLAS , KENNERGREN CHARLES , RAMUZAT AGNÈS , WILLEMS ROGER , EDVARDSSON NILS 
Published: May 2009

Background:

Minute ventilation (MV) has been proven to be very useful in rate responsive pacing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) leads as part of the MV detection system.
Methods:

At implant in 10 patients, the transthoracic impedance was measured from tripolar ICD, tetrapolar ICD, and atrial lead vectors during normal, deep, and shallow voluntary respiration. MV and respiration rate (RespR) were simultaneously measured through a facemask with a pneumotachometer (Korr), and the correlations with impedance‐based measurements were calculated. Air sensitivity was the change in impedance per change in respiratory tidal volume, ohms (Ω)/liter (L), and the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) was the ratio of the respiratory and cardiac contraction components.
Results:

The air sensitivity and SNR in tripolar ICD vector were 2.70 ± 2.73 Ω/L and 2.19 ± 1.31, respectively, and were not different from tetrapolar. The difference in RespR between tripolar ICD and Korr was 0.2 ± 1.91 breaths/minute. The regressed correlation coefficient between impedance MV and Korr MV was 0.86 ± 0.07 in tripolar ICD.
Conclusions:

The air sensitivity and SNR in tripolar and tetrapolar ICD lead vectors did not differ significantly and were in the range of the values in pacemaker leads currently used as MV sensors. The good correlations between impedance‐based and Korr‐based RespR and MV measurements imply that ICD leads may be used in MV sensor systems.
Ectopy in Patients with Permanent Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators Undergoing an MRI Scan
Authors: MOLLERUS MICHAEL , ALBIN GLENN , LIPINSKI MARGARET , LUCCA JILL 
Published: May 2009

Background:

Recent series suggest that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning can be performed safely in select patients with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs). Limited data have been reported on ectopy during MRI scans in patients with pacemakers or ICDs. This study evaluated increased ectopy observed in patients with permanent pacemakers or ICDs undergoing MRI scanning of any landmark without peak specific absorption rate (SAR) limit.
Methods:

Fifty‐two patients with a total of 119 leads underwent a total of 59 MRI scans of any landmark using usual protocols with standard peak SAR settings for the scan. No patient was pacemaker dependent. All devices were programmed to single‐chamber demand mode (VVI) or dual‐chamber demand mode (DDI) with a lower rate of 40 bpm.
Both telemetry and pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform were observed continuously throughout the scans for ectopy.
Results:

Increased ectopy was observed during seven scans. The ectopy in four scans was ventricular and had fixed coupling intervals of 1,500 and 3,000, and was likely due to device noise rejection behavior. The etiology of ectopy observed during the other three scans could not be determined. Ectopy could not be predicted by peak SAR, scan time duration, or landmark. No significant changes in pacing thresholds were seen postscan.
Conclusions:

The current series suggests that a minority of patients with implanted pacemakers may have MRI‐related ectopy. A significant proportion of this ectopy may arise from normal device behavior within the MRI environment.
Applied Spatial Data Analysis with R. by BIVAND, R. S., PEBESMA, E. J., and GOMEZ‐RUBIO, V.
Authors: Ver Hoef Jay M. 
Published: May 2009

Applied Spatial Data Analysis with R(R. S. Bivand, E. J. Pebesma, and V. Gomez‐Rubio)Jay M. Ver HoefBayesian Disease Mapping: Hierarchical Modeling in Spatial Epidemiology(A. B. Lawson)J. LawDisease Surveillance: A Public Health Informatics Approach(J. S. Lombardo and D. L. Buckeridge, editors)Iris PigeotSurvival Analysis for Epidemiologic and Medical Research(S. Selvin)M. G. ValsecchiSurvival and Event History Analysis: A Process Point of View(O. O. Aalen, O. Borgan, and H. K. Gjessing)Patricia GrambschNonlinear Dimensionality Reduction(J. A. Lee and M. Verleysen)Haonan WangModel Selection and Model Averaging(G. Claeskens and N. L. Hjort)Thomas M. LoughinMeta‐Analysis of Binary Data Using Profile Likelihood(D. Böhning, R. Kuhnert, and S. Rattanasiri)Eloise KaizarWavelet Methods in Statistics with R(G. P. Nason)Jeffrey S. MorrisAdaptive Design Theory and Implementation Using SAS and R(M. Chang)Feifang HuEcological Models and Data in R(B. M. Bolker)Rachel M. FewsterApplied Multiway Data Analysis(P. M. Kroonenberg)Renato CoppiBrief Reports by the EditorSampling of Populations: Methods and Applications, 4th edition(P. S. Levy and S. Lemeshow)Applied Survival Analysis: Regression Modeling of Time‐to‐Event Data, 2nd edition(D. W. Hosmer, S. Lemeshow, and S. May)
SAS for Data Analysis: Intermediate Statistical Methods(M. G. Marasinghe and W. J. Kennedy)Advances in Mathematical and Statistical Modeling(B. C. Arnold, N. Balakrishnan, J. M. Sarabia, and R. Mínguez, editors)An Introduction to Generalized Linear Models, 3rd edition(A. J. Dobson and A. G. Barnett)Design and Analysis of Bioavailability and Bioequivalence Studies, 3rd edition(S.‐C. Chow and J.‐P. Liu)
Corneoscleral discs excised from enucleated and non‐enucleated eyes are equally suitable for transplantation
Authors: Garweg Justus , Hagenah Michael , Engelmann Katrin , Böhnke Matthias 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To assess whether the biological quality of corneoscleral tissue dissected in situ is, after organ culture, comparable to that harvested after enucleation.Methods: Corneoscleral discs were prepared from 23 donor eyes, either after enucleation, under laminar flow conditions (right eyes; group 1) or by direct excision in situ (left eyes; group 2). Endothelial cell counts were made and the degree of tissue contamination assessed both prior to and upon termination of organ culture.Results: Microbial growth was found in 12/22 conjunctival swabs collected from group 1 eyes and in 14/22 of those obtained from group 2 globes (p = 0.76). Bacterial growth was detected in four primary culture media, two from each group, at low colony densities. No significant difference in endothelial cell counts were encountered between the two groups, either immediately after dissection [group 1: 2940±308 (2100–3500) c/mm2; group 2: 2947±345 (2200–3700) c/mm2; p = 0.945] or upon termination of organ culture [group 1: 2646±321 (1895–3200); group 2: 2723 ± 312 (2100–3650); p = 0.413]. Conclusion: Dissection of corneoscleral discs in situ may serve as an alternative to the conventional technique if consent is obtained to remove only the cornea. The risk of contamination is no higher and endothelial cell viability no lower than in tissue derived from enucleated globes, provided that the excision is performed by a skilled surgeon and a rigorous disinfection protocol is instigated.
Comparative study on the effects of different growth factors on migration of bovine corneal endothelial cells during wound healing
Authors: Thalmann‐Goetsch A. , Engelmann K. , Bednarz J. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.Purpose: In a comparative study we investigated the effects of epidermal growth factor, acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor‐β1, and vascular endothelial growth factor on proliferation and migration of cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells during wound healing.Methods: Cell proliferation was determined by incorporation of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxy‐uridine and by cell counting. To investigate cell migration, we established a method to produce identically shaped cell‐free areas in monolayers of cultured cells and documented the wound‐healing process.Results: Concerning the five tested growth factors, only epidermal growth factor as well as basic and acidic fibroblast growth factor stimulated DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, and migration during wound healing. Vascular endothelial growth factor stimulated migration during wound healing without influencing DNA synthesis or cell proliferation.Conclusion: Whereas epidermal growth factor and the basic and acidic forms of fibroblast growth factor enhance proliferation as well as migration during wound healing, vascular endothelial growth factor seems to be a stimulatory agent specific for corneal endothelial cell migration.
Ocular hypotensive effect of pilocarpine before and after argon laser trabeculoplasty
Authors: Teus Miguel A. , Castejón Miguel A. , Calvo Miguel A. , Fagúndez Maria A. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the hypotensive response of human glaucomatous eyes to 1% pilocarpine solution before and after argon laser trabeculoplasty.Methods: We designed a prospective, ‘repeated measures’ study comparing the ocular hypotensive effect of acutely administered 1% pilocarpine solution in 30 medically uncontrolled glaucomatous eyes, before and after argon laser trabeculoplasty.Results: The pilocarpine‐induced IOP decrease was 3.6 ± 0.59 mmHg before argon laser trabeculoplasty, and 1.8 ± 0.53 mmHg after laser therapy. In both instances, the pilocarpine hypotensive effect was significantly correlated with pretreatment IOP (p = 0.02, r = 0.41 before argon laser trabeculoplasty, and p = 0.003, r = 0.52 after argon laser trabeculoplasty). We built a ‘repeated measurements ANCOVA’ model, and found no statistically significant difference between the pilocarpine IOP lowering effect before and after argon laser trabeculoplasty (p = 0.4).Conclusion: Argon laser trabeculoplasty does not modify the IOP lowering effect of 1% pilocarpine solution.
Comparison of optic disc measurements by Heidelberg Retina Tomograph and manual planimetric techniques
Authors: Vihanninjoki Kyösti , Tuulonen Anja , Burk Reinhard O. W. , Airaksinen P. Juhani 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.The inner edge of the scleral ring is used as a reference plane for manual, computer assisted optic disc measurements. As it is possible to identify this level with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph, our aim was to compare manual measurements to those taken with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph. The material of this pilot study consisted of 12 eyes of 12 patients with early glaucomatous optic disc, retinal nerve fiber layer and/or visual field abnormalities. Measurements of the optic disc and neuroretinal rim area were obtained using our manual planimetric techniques, and the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph. The mean optic disc areas measured smaller with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph than with the manual techniques (average difference 0.13 mm2; p<0.05). The neuroretinal rim area measurements and cup‐to‐disc area ratio using manual and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph techniques did not differ statistically significantly from each other. With the scleral ring as a reference plane, comparable optic disc measurements can be obtained with manual and laser techniques.
The HNK‐1 epitope in the pseudophakic and aphakic eye and secondary cataract
Authors: Uusitalo Marita , Kivelä Tero 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To search for changes in the presence and distribution of the cell‐adhesion‐related HNK‐1 carbohydrate epitope after cataract extraction. Methods: Twenty‐five pseudophakic and two aphakic human autopsy eyes and, for comparison, one anterior subcapsular cataract obtained at surgery were studied with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) HNK‐1 and NC‐1 to the HNK‐1 epitope using the avidin‐biotinylated peroxidase complex method. Results: MAbs to the HNK‐1 epitope constantly immunolabelled the inner connective tissue layer of the ciliary body in all pseudophakic and aphakic eyes studied. The distribution of the immunoreaction was similar to that reported for normal eyes. They also labelled the extracellular matrix in each of 18 plaques of secondary cataract on the posterior capsule, in each of 13 plaques at the rim of the capsular bag, and in the anterior subcapsular cataract. Bladder cells in each of 16 Soemmering's rings remained unlabelled.Conclusion: The distribution of the HNK‐1 epitope in the ciliary body does not appreciably change after cataract extraction, although the accommodative demand of the eye is altered. Its presence in an anterior subcapsular cataract suggests that the epitope may be locally produced by lens epithelial cells also in secondary cataract. The epitope is associated with cell adhesion and migration, both of which may play a role in the pathogenesis of secondary cataract.
Influence of laser coagulation therapy on untreated fellow‐eyes in severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy ‐ spectrometric results
Authors: Augsten R. , Königsdörffer E. , Gläser K. , Schweitzer D. , Strobel J. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.Purpose: The aim was to examine the influence of laser treatment on untreated fellow‐eyes.Methods: The effectiveness of the laser photocoagulation was investigated in 24 patients with type II diabetes mellitus and severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. Using a spectrometric technique, the measurements in the macula were performed one day before laser coagulation and on the day directly following laser treatment. Further investigations took place 14 days and 6 weeks later. Results: One day after coagulation, the reflection of the untreated fellow‐eyes was found to be significantly increased between 530 and 600 nm, compared to the same eyes before coagulation. However, 14 days and 6 weeks after laser treatment alterations in the untreated eyes were no longer detectable. Conclusion: The choroidal blood volume seems to be decreased not only in coagulated eyes, but also in untreated fellow‐eyes, and, presumedly, the choroidal blood flow is improved. Considering the short duration of these effects, a therapeutic consequence is not supposed.
Comparison of surgical results of responders and non‐responders to the prism adaptation test in intermittent exotropia
Authors: Ohtsuki Hiroshi , Hasebe Satoshi , Okano Masaki , Furuse Takashi 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.The data for 94 consecutive patients with intermittent exotropia of basic type, ranging from 20 to 40 prism diopters (Δ), who preoperatively wore neutralizing prisms for 3 to 5 days, were studied retrospectively. The surgery in 43 patients in whom the amount of increase of angle was 4 Δ or less was based on the original angle (Group A), while that in 51 patients in whom the magnitude of increase was 5Δ or more was based on the increased angle of deviation (Group B). Patients with initial deviation less than 30 Δ and patients younger than 7 years of age showed an increase of deviation with prism correction. There were no significant differences in surgical results between the two groups at 1 year, and at 3 years; although at 3 years satisfactory motor alignment and binocular function for single vision at distance was higher in Group B than that in Group A.
Myopia in children born premature or with low birth weight
Authors: Saw Seang‐Mei , Chew Sek‐Jin 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To evaluate the association of myopia or astigmatism in children without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) born premature or with low birth weight. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted in Singapore where 527 children from three kindergartens aged 2 to 7 years without a history of ROP were recruited. Information on birth weight and gestational age at birth was obtained from a personal booklet and the refractive error in spherical equivalents was measured using distance photoretinoscopy. The data was analysed with univariate analysis and logistic regression models.Results: There was no difference in the prevalence of myopia in children born premature or with low birth weight. There was also no difference in astigmatism in children born premature or with low birth weight.Conclusion: This study shows no relationship between astigmatism or myopia with prematurity or low birth weight in children born without retinopathy of prematurity.