bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-Energy Multistage Atrial Defibrillation Therapy Terminates Atrial Fibrillation With Less Energy Than a Single Shock
Authors: Li Wenwen , Janardhan Ajit H. , Fedorov Vadim V. , Sha Qun , Schuessler Richard B. , Efimov Igor R. 
Published: October 2011

Background—
Implantable device therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF) is limited by pain from high-energy shocks. We developed a low-energy multistage defibrillation therapy and tested it in a canine model of AF.

Methods and Results—

AF was induced by burst pacing during vagus nerve stimulation. Our novel defibrillation therapy consisted of 3 stages: stage (ST) 1 (1–4 low-energy biphasic [BP] shocks), ST2 (6–10 ultralow-energy monophasic [MP] shocks), and ST3 (antitachycardia pacing). First, ST1 testing compared single or multiple MP and BP shocks. Second, several multistage therapies were tested: ST1 versus ST1+ST3 versus ST1+ST2+ST3. Third, 3 shock vectors were compared: superior vena cava to distal coronary sinus, proximal coronary sinus to left atrial appendage, and right atrial appendage to left atrial appendage. The atrial defibrillation threshold (DFT) of 1 BP shock was <1 MP shock (0.55±0.1 versus 1.38±0.31 J,
P
=0.003). Two to 3 BP shocks terminated AF with lower peak voltage than 1 BP or 1 MP shock and with lower atrial DFT than 4 BP shocks. Compared with ST1 therapy alone, ST1+ST3 lowered the atrial DFT moderately (0.51±0.46 versus 0.95±0.32 J,
P
=0.036), whereas 3-stage therapy (ST1+ST2+ST3) dramatically lowered the atrial DFT (0.19±0.12 versus 0.95±0.32 J for ST1 alone,
P
=0.0012). Finally, the 3-stage therapy was equally effective for all studied vectors.

Conclusions—
Three-stage electrotherapy significantly reduces the AF DFT and opens the door to low-energy atrial defibrillation at or below the pain threshold.
Septal Deformation Patterns Delineate Mechanical Dyssynchrony and Regional Differences in Contractility
Authors: Leenders Geert E. , Lumens Joost , Cramer Maarten J. , De Boeck Bart W.L. , Doevendans Pieter A. , Delhaas Tammo , Prinzen Frits W. 
Published: October 2011

Background—
Response to cardiac resynchronization therapy depends both on dyssynchrony and (regional) contractility. We hypothesized that septal deformation can be used to infer integrated information on dyssynchrony and regional contractility, and thereby predict cardiac resynchronization therapy response.

Methods and Results—

In 132 cardiac resynchronization therapy candidates with left bundle branch block (LBBB)-like electrocardiogram morphology (left ventricular ejection fraction 19±6%; QRS width 170±23 ms), longitudinal septal strain was assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography. To investigate the effects of dyssynchronous activation and differences in septal and left ventricular free wall contractility on septal deformation pattern, we used the CircAdapt computer model of the human heart and circulation. In the patients, 3 characteristic septal deformation patterns were identified: LBBB-1=double-peaked systolic shortening (n=28); LBBB-2=early systolic shortening followed by prominent systolic stretching (n=34); and LBBB-3=pseudonormal shortening with less pronounced late systolic stretch (n=70). LBBB-3 revealed more scar (2 [2–5] segments) compared with LBBB-1 and LBBB-2 (both 0 [0–1],
P
<0.05). In the model, imposing a time difference of activation between septum and left ventricular free wall resulted in pattern LBBB-1. This transformed into pattern LBBB-2 by additionally simulating septal hypocontractility, and into pattern LBBB-3 by imposing additional left ventricular free wall or global left ventricular hypocontractility. Improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction and reduction of left ventricular volumes after cardiac resynchronization therapy were most pronounced in LBBB-1 and worst in LBBB-3 patients.

Conclusions—
A double-peaked systolic septal deformation pattern is characteristic for LBBB and results from intraventricular dyssynchrony. Abnormal contractility modifies this pattern. A computer model can be helpful in understanding septal deformation and predicting cardiac resynchronization therapy response.
Neurosurgical Advances in the Treatment of Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Pandey Paritosh , Steinberg Gary K. 
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—
Moyamoya disease is characterized by chronic stenoocclusive vasculopathy involving the distal supraclinoid internal carotid arteries and presents with ischemic or hemorrhagic symptoms. We review advances in the understanding and management of moyamoya disease.

Summary of Review—
Cerebral revascularization, either direct or indirect, is the cornerstone of treatment for moyamoya disease. Recent advances have been made in understanding the molecular biology and pathophysiology of moyamoya disease, and new genetic mutations and deletions have been identified. Imaging for moyamoya disease is also rapidly improving with new sequences of MRI and better methods of assessing ischemia and cerebrovascular reserve. Positron emission tomography has emerged as an important tool to measure cerebrovascular reserve. Novel surgical techniques assess patency and ischemia during superficial temporal to middle cerebral artery bypass, including indocyanine green videoangiography to evaluate anastomosis patency, and various methods to monitor intraoperative blood flow. Newer methods of indirect revascularization have been described with placement of more tissues supplied by the external carotid artery on the brain surface. Postoperative hyperperfusion to the chronically ischemic brain tissue is a recently identified causative factor of complications. Interestingly, complications from hyperperfusion mimic those caused by ischemia, although they have different treatments, making the role of postoperative blood flow assessment important in distinguishing between the two. Awareness has also increased that even asymptomatic patients can experience significant cognitive decline attributable to chronic ischemia. Whether this reverts after successful revascularization requires investigation.

Conclusions—
Surgical revascularization with direct, indirect, and combined methods remains the preferred procedure for patients with moyamoya disease.
Long-Term Stimulation of Neural Progenitor Cell Migration After Cortical Ischemia in Mice
Authors: Osman Ahmed M. , Porritt Michelle J. , Nilsson Michael , Kuhn H. Georg 
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—
Cortical ischemia induces neural progenitor cell migration toward the injury site; however, whether these cells are capable of maintaining the migratory response for a longer period after injury remains uncertain.

Methods—

We analyzed progenitor migration up to 1 year after induction of photothrombotic stroke to the mouse neocortex. Migrating progenitors identified as doublecortin positive cells (DCX
+
) were assessed using the immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The thymidine analogues chlorodeoxyuridine and iododeoxyuridine were used to birth-date the progenitor cells.

Results—

In the striatum, we detected elevated numbers of DCX
+
cells up to 6 weeks postlesion. In the corpus callosum and the peri-infarct cortex (Ctx), DCX
+
cell numbers were increased up to 1 year. The orientation of the migrating progenitors was mostly aligned with the corpus callosum fiber tract at all time points; however, in the Ctx, they aligned parallel to the infarct border. The injured cortex continuously receives new progenitors up to 1 year after lesion. Cells born after lesion did not become mature neurons, although a portion of the migrating progenitors showed initial signs of differentiation into neurons.

Conclusions—
Neural progenitors might have a role in brain plasticity after cortical stroke, especially considering the prolonged window of migratory responses of up to 1 year after stroke lesion.
Angiogenic T-Cells and Putative Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Hypertension-Related Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Rouhl Rob P.W. , Mertens Annelien E.C.S. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Damoiseaux Jan G.M.C. , Debrus-Palmans Lucienne L. , Henskens Léon H.G. , Kroon Abraham A. , de Leeuw Peter W. , Lodder Jan , Cohen Tervaert Jan Willem 
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) may be caused by endothelial dysfunction, whereas endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) may attenuate endothelial dysfunction. Their vitality is lower in CSVD. A subset of lymphocytes, angiogenic T-cells, is capable to stimulate EPC function. The purpose of our study was to explore the relation between CSVD manifestations, angiogenic T-cells, and EPC in hypertensive patients with CSVD.

Methods—

We compared 32 essential hypertensive patients with CSVD (white matter lesions, asymptomatic lacunar infarcts, or microbleeds on 1.5-Tesla MRI) to 29 age-matched and sex-matched hypertensive controls. We counted angiogenic T-cells (CD3
+
/CD31
+
/CD184
+
) and putative EPC (CD31
+
/CD34
+
/CD45
-
/KDR
+
) by flow cytometry and determined EPC vitality by in vitro cluster formation.

Results—

Putative EPC numbers were lower in hypertensive individuals with CSVD than in those without (10±7
.
10
3
/mL versus 13±6
.
10
3
/mL [median±interquartile range];
P
=0.011). Angiogenic T-cell numbers were also lower in hypertensive individuals with CSVD than in those without (0.56±0.25
.
10
9
/mL versus 0.78±0.50
.
10
9
/mL;
P
=0.008). Higher angiogenic T-cell numbers independently related to absence of CSVD (odds ratio, 0.088; 95% confidence interval, 0.012–0.627).

Conclusions—
Our data suggest that angiogenic T-cells and putative EPC independently relate to radiological CSVD manifestations in hypertensive patients.
The Hyperintense Acute Reperfusion Marker on Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Caused by Gadolinium in the Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Köhrmann Martin , Struffert Tobias , Frenzel Thomas , Schwab Stefan , Doerfler Arnd 
Published: October 2011

Background and Purposes—
The hyperintense acute reperfusion marker (HARM) on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI is believed to be caused by gadolinium-based contrast agents crossing a disrupted blood–brain barrier. However, this hypothesis has never been directly verified in humans.

Methods—
In this study, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid samples of patients with HARM on imaging regarding the presence and concentration of gadolinium-based contrast agents.

Results—
Gadobutrol was found in concentrations of approximately 50 μmol/L. Using phantom MRI experiments, we demonstrate that the detected concentrations are consistent with the observed HARM imaging pattern.

Conclusions—
Our study yields first direct evidence in humans that the imaging phenomenon HARM is indeed caused by leakage of gadolinium-based contrast agents into the cerebrospinal fluid.
Specific Neural Traces for Intonational Discourse Categories as Revealed by Human-evoked Potentials
Authors: Borràs-Comes Joan , Costa-Faidella Jordi , Prieto Pilar , Escera Carles 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The neural representation of segmental and tonal phonological distinctions has been shown by means of the MMN ERP, yet this is not the case for intonational discourse contrasts. In Catalan, a rising–falling intonational sequence can be perceived as a statement or as a counterexpectational question, depending exclusively on the size of the pitch range interval of the rising movement. We tested here, using the MMN, whether such categorical distinctions elicited distinct neurophysiological patterns of activity, supporting their specific neural representation. From a behavioral identification experiment, we set the boundary between the two categories and defined four stimuli across the continuum. Although the physical distance between each pair of stimuli was kept constant, the central pair represented an across-category contrast, whereas the other pairs represented within-category contrasts. These four auditory stimuli were contrasted by pairs in three different oddball blocks. The mean amplitude of the MMN was larger for the across-category contrast, suggesting that intonational contrasts in the target language can be encoded automatically in the auditory cortex. These results are in line with recent findings in other fields of linguistics, showing that, when a boundary between categories is crossed, the MMN response is not just larger but rather includes a separate subcomponent.
Rapid Interactions between Lexical Semantic and Word Form Analysis during Word Recognition in Context: Evidence from ERPs
Authors: Kim Albert , Lai Vicky 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
We used ERPs to investigate the time course of interactions between lexical semantic and sublexical visual word form processing during word recognition. Participants read sentence-embedded pseudowords that orthographically resembled a contextually supported real word (e.g., “She measured the flour so she could bake a ceke…”) or did not (e.g., “She measured the flour so she could bake a tont…”) along with nonword consonant strings (e.g., “She measured the flour so she could bake a srdt…”). Pseudowords that resembled a contextually supported real word (“ceke”) elicited an enhanced positivity at 130 msec (P130), relative to real words (e.g., “She measured the flour so she could bake a cake…”). Pseudowords that did not resemble a plausible real word (“tont”) enhanced the N170 component, as did nonword consonant strings (“srdt”). The effect pattern shows that the visual word recognition system is, perhaps, counterintuitively, more rapidly sensitive to minor than to flagrant deviations from contextually predicted inputs. The findings are consistent with rapid interactions between lexical and sublexical representations during word recognition, in which rapid lexical access of a contextually supported word (CAKE) provides top–down excitation of form features (“cake”), highlighting the anomaly of an unexpected word “ceke.”
Using the Stochastic Multicloud Model to Improve Tropical Convective Parameterization: A Paradigm Example
Authors: Frenkel Yevgeniy , Majda Andrew J. , Khouider Boualem 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Despite recent advances in supercomputing, current general circulation models (GCMs) poorly represent the variability associated with organized tropical convection. A stochastic multicloud convective parameterization based on three cloud types (congestus, deep, and stratiform), introduced recently by Khouider, Biello, and Majda in the context of a single column model, is used here to study flows above the equator without rotation effects. The stochastic model dramatically improves the variability of tropical convection compared to the conventional moderate- and coarse-resolution paradigm GCM parameterizations. This increase in variability comes from intermittent coherent structures such as synoptic and mesoscale convective systems, analogs of squall lines and convectively coupled waves seen in nature whose representation is improved by the stochastic parameterization. Furthermore, simulations with a sea surface temperature (SST) gradient yield realistic mean Walker cell circulation with plausible high variability. An additional feature of the present stochastic parameterization is a natural scaling of the model from moderate to coarse grids that preserves the variability and statistical structure of the coherent features. These results systematically illustrate, in a paradigm model, the benefits of using the stochastic multicloud framework to improve deterministic parameterizations with clear deficiencies.
Indigenous New Zealand honeys exhibit multiple anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Leong Aidan G , Herst Patries M , Harper Jacquie L 
Published: October 2011

Recent evidence suggests a potential role for honeys in mediating clinical inflammation and tissue damage. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of a selection of previously untested indigenous New Zealand (NZ) honeys. We found that several, but not all, New Zealand rewarewa, manuka and kanuka honey samples exhibited potent, dose-dependent reduction of human neutrophil superoxide production in vitro. This inhibitory activity did not correlate with levels of known phenolic-based free radical scavengers. Furthermore, the active honeys did not scavenge superoxide generated in a cell-free xanthine/xanthine oxidase assay. In C57BL/6 J mice, topical application of manuka and rewarewa honey samples with the highest in vitro activity suppressed arachidonic acid-induced ear oedema, and rewarewa honey suppressed both oedema and leukocyte (monocyte and neutrophil) infiltration. Together, these findings demonstrate that some indigenous NZ honeys exhibit clinically relevant anti-inflammatory activity. Further investigation is warranted to identify the active component(s) and mechanisms responsible for these activities and to determine potential applications for anti-inflammatory honeys in the topical treatment of clinical inflammation.
DC-STAMP knock-down deregulates cytokine production and T-cell stimulatory capacity of LPS-matured dendritic cells
Authors: Sanecka Anna , Ansems Marleen , Prosser Amy C , Danielski Katharina , Warner Kathrin , den Brok Martijn H , Jansen Bastiaan JH , Eleveld-Trancikova Dagmar , Adema Gosse J 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackgroundDendritic cells (DCs) are the highly specialized antigen presenting cells of the immune system that play a key role in regulating immune responses. DCs can efficiently initiate immune responses or induce tolerance. Due to this dual function, DCs are studied in the context of immunotherapy for both cancer and autoimmune diseases. Characterization of DC-specific genes, leading to better understanding of DC immunobiology, will help to guide their use in clinical settings. We previously identified DC-STAMP, a multi-membrane spanning protein preferentially expressed by DCs. DC-STAMP resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of immature DCs and translocates towards the Golgi compartment upon maturation. In this study we knocked down DC-STAMP in mouse bone marrow-derived DCs (mBMDCs) to determine its function.ResultsWe demonstrate that DC-STAMP knock-down mBMDCs secrete less IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10 while IL-1 production is enhanced. Moreover, LPS-matured DC-STAMP knock-down mBMDCs show impaired T cell activation potential and induction of Th1 responses in an alloreaction.ConclusionsWe show that DC-STAMP plays an important role in cytokine production by mBMDCs following LPS exposure. Our results reveal a novel function of DC-STAMP in regulating DC-initiated immune responses.
Is the impact of hospital performance data greater in patients who have compared hospitals?
Authors: de Groot Ingrid B , Otten Wilma , Smeets Harm J , Marang-van de Mheen Perla J ,   the CHOICE-2 study group
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Public information on average has limited impact on patients' hospital choice. However, the impact may be greater in consumers who have compared hospitals prior to their hospital choice. We therefore assessed whether patients who have compared hospitals based their hospital choice mainly on public information, rather than e.g. advice of their general practitioner and consider other information important than patients who have not compared hospitals.

Methods
337 new surgical patients completed an internet-based questionnaire. They were asked whether they had compared hospitals prior to their hospital choice and which factors influenced their choice. They were also asked to select between four and ten items of hospital information (total: 41 items) relevant for their future hospital choice. These were subsequently used in a hospital choice experiment in which participants were asked to compare hospitals in an Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint analysis to estimate which of the hospital characteristics had the highest Relative Importance (RI).

Results
Patients who have compared hospitals more often used public information for their hospital choice than patients who have not compared hospitals (12.7% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001). However, they still mostly relied on their own (47.9%) and other people's experiences (31%) rather than to base their decision on public information. Both groups valued physician's expertise (RI 20.2 [16.6-24.8] in patients comparing hospitals vs. 16.5 [14.2-18.8] in patients not comparing hospitals) and waiting time (RI 15.1 [10.7-19.6] vs. 15.6 [13.2-17.9] respectively) as most important public information. Patients who have compared hospitals assigned greater importance to information on wound infections (p = 0.010) and respect for patients (p = 0.022), but lower importance to hospital distance (p = 0.041).

Conclusion
Public information has limited impact on patient's hospital choice, even in patients who have actually compared hospitals prior to hospital choice.
Establishing a TaqMan-Based Real-Time PCR Assay for the rapid detection and quantification of the newly emerged duck tembusu virus
Authors: Yan Liping , Yan Pixi , Zhou Jiewen , Teng Qiaoyang , Li Zejun 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
To establish an accurate, rapid, and a quantifiable method for the detection of the newly emerged duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) that recently caused a widespread infectious disease in ducks in China, we developed a TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay by using E gene-specific primers and a TaqMan probe. This real-time PCR assay was 100 times more sensitive than the conventional PCR. The reproducibility and specificity of the real-time PCR assay were confirmed using plasmids containing E genes or RNAs and DNAs extracted from well-known viruses causing duck diseases. The reliability of this real-time PCR assay was confirmed in 19 of the 24 swab samples, 22 of the 24 tissue samples collected from experimentally infected ducks, as well as 15 of the 21 clinical samples collected from sick ducks since they were verified as DTMUV-positive. The results reveal that the newly established real-time PCR assay might be a useful diagnostic method for epidemiologically investigating and closely observing the newly emerged DTMUV.
Alzheimer-specific variants in the 3'UTR of Amyloid precursor protein affect microRNA function
Authors: Delay Charlotte , Calon Frédéric , Mathews Paul , Hébert Sébastien S 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
APP expression misregulation can cause genetic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent evidences support the hypothesis that polymorphisms located in microRNA (miRNA) target sites could influence the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and frontotemporal dementia. Recently, a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the 3'UTR of APP have been found in AD patients with family history of dementia. Because miRNAs have previously been implicated in APP expression regulation, we set out to determine whether these polymorphisms could affect miRNA function and therefore APP levels.

Results
Bioinformatics analysis identified twelve putative miRNA bindings sites located in or near the APP 3'UTR variants T117C, A454G and A833C. Among those candidates, seven miRNAs, including miR-20a, miR-17, miR-147, miR-655, miR-323-3p, miR-644, and miR-153 could regulate APP expression in vitro and under physiological conditions in cells. Using luciferase-based assays, we could show that the T117C variant inhibited miR-147 binding, whereas the A454G variant increased miR-20a binding, consequently having opposite effects on APP expression.

Conclusions
Taken together, our results provide proof-of-principle that APP 3'UTR polymorphisms could affect AD risk through modulation of APP expression regulation, and set the stage for further association studies in genetic and sporadic AD.