bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethanol Promotes Thiamine Deficiency‐Induced Neuronal Death: Involvement of Double‐Stranded RNA‐activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Ke Zun‐Ji , Wang Xin , Fan Zhiqin , Luo Jia 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Heavy alcohol consumption causes cerebellar degeneration, and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Chronic alcoholism is usually associated with thiamine deficiency (TD) which is known to induce selective neurodegeneration in the brain. However, the role of TD in alcohol‐induced cerebellar degeneration remains to be elucidated. The double‐stranded RNA‐activated protein kinase (PKR) is a potent antiviral protein. Viral infection or binding to dsRNA causes PKR autophosphorylation and subsequent phosphorylation of the α‐subunit of eukaryotic translation factor‐2α, leading to inhibition of translation or apoptosis. PKR can also be activated by cellular stresses.Methods:  In this study, we used an in vitro model, cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs), to investigate the interaction between TD and ethanol and evaluate the contribution of their interaction to neuronal loss. TD was induced by treatment with amprolium in association with ethanol. Cell viability was determined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. PKR expression/phosphorylation and subcellular distribution was analyzed with immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry.Results:  Thiamine deficiency caused death of CGNs but ethanol did not. However, TD plus ethanol induced a much greater cell loss than TD alone. TD‐induced PKR phosphorylation and ethanol exposure significantly promoted TD‐induced PKR phosphorylation as well as its nuclear translocation. A selective PKR inhibitor not only protected CGNs against TD toxicity, but also abolished ethanol potentiation of TD‐induced loss of CGNs.Conclusions:  Ethanol promoted TD‐induced PKR activation and neuronal death. PKR may be a convergent protein that mediates the interaction between TD and ethanol.
Predictive Factors for Pure Steatosis in Alcoholic Patients
Authors: Naveau Sylvie , Thaury Juliette , Barri‐Ova Nadège , Balian Axel , Dauvois Barbara , Njiké‐Nakseu Micheline , Prévot Sophie , Agostini Hélène , Perlemuter Gabriel 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Bearing in mind the mechanisms involved in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, this study aims to verify whether metabolic syndrome or its various individual components are independent predictive factors for steatosis ≥10% in alcoholic patients.Methods:  This study included 281 consecutive alcoholic patients with abnormal liver tests and either normal liver histology or steatosis <10% (n = 119) or steatosis ≥10% (n = 162). Logistic regression analysis was used to study the relationship between metabolic syndrome components and various risk factors and the presence of steatosis ≥10%. We assessed apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA‐1) levels, a major protein component of plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), rather than HDL‐cholesterol levels.Results:  Plasma ApoA‐1 levels (p < 0.01), body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.01), and waist circumference (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in patients with steatosis ≥10% than in patients with normal liver histology or steatosis <10%. A higher percentage of patients with steatosis ≥10% had high blood pressure (p = 0.003) than patients with normal liver histology or steatosis <10%. In the logistic regression, ApoA‐1 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.57 (1.10–2.22)], BMI [OR = 1.10 (1.01–1.23)], and high blood pressure [OR = 1.84 (1.10–3.06)] were positively and independently correlated with the presence of steatosis ≥10%. In the multivariate regression high blood pressure was independently and positively correlated with steatosis score (r = 0.55 ± 0.26; p < 0.05). On the other hand, when the presence of high blood pressure was the dependent variable, the presence of steatosis ≥10% positively and independently correlated with it [OR = 1.82 (1.05–3.15)].Conclusion:  In alcoholic patients without fibrosis, ApoA‐1, BMI, and high blood pressure on the next morning after the admission were predictive of steatosis ≥10%. High blood pressure was the only metabolic syndrome component associated with the presence of alcoholic steatosis ≥10% and was not correlated with other metabolic syndrome components. These findings suggest that steatosis mechanisms are different in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver.
Alcohol‐Related Disorders in Beijing, China: Prevalence, Socio‐Demographic Correlates, and Unmet Need for Treatment
Authors: Xiang Yu‐Tao , Ma Xin , Lu Jin‐Yan , Cai Zhuo‐Ji , Li Shu‐Ran , Xiang Ying‐Qiang , Guo Hong‐Li , Hou Ye‐Zhi , Li Zhen‐Bo , Li Zhan‐Jiang , Tao Yu‐Fen , Dang Wei‐Min , Wu Xiao‐Mei , Deng Jing , Lai Kelly Y. C. , Ungvari Gabor S. 
Published: March 2009

Background:  The study aimed to determine the prevalence of alcohol use, episodic heavy drinking, and alcohol dependence and their socio‐demographic correlates in Beijing, China.Methods:  A total of 5,926 subjects were randomly selected in Beijing and interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 1.0). Data on basic socio‐demographic and current major medical conditions were also collected.Results:  The 12‐month prevalence of alcohol use and episodic heavy drinking were 32.5 and 13.8%, respectively. The 12‐month and lifetime prevalence of alcohol dependence were 1.7 and 4.3%, respectively. Age above 24 years, male sex, being married and employed, low education level (junior high school, primary school or illiterate), rural residence, and having comorbid psychiatric disorders were all significantly associated with a higher likelihood of alcohol‐related disorders. Only 2.4% of the subjects with alcohol dependence were receiving treatment, and a mere 1.4% had sought treatment from mental health professionals.Conclusions:  Nationwide surveys are urgently needed to further explore the prevalence of alcohol‐related disorders in China.
Analysis of transfusion reactions associated with prestorage‐pooled platelet components
Authors: Tormey Christopher A. , Sweeney Joseph D. , Champion Melanie H. , Pisciotto Patricia T. , Snyder Edward L. , Wu YanYun 
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to assess transfusion reactions arising from prestorage‐pooled platelet (PSPP) infusions compared with apheresis single‐donor platelets (SDPs) and poststorage‐pooled, whole blood–derived random‐donor platelets (RDPs).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Over a span of 18 months, transfusion reaction records of patients receiving platelet (PLT) infusions were retrospectively reviewed at two academic, tertiary care hospitals. Chi‐square analysis was used for statistical comparisons; significance was a p value of less than 0.05.RESULTS: For the two sites, 10,251 prestorage‐leukoreduced PLT products were infused including 4731 PSPPs, 3999 SDPs, and 1521 RDPs. Of the total infusions, 0.91% (93/10,251) were associated with a transfusion reaction. The aggregate transfusion reaction rate was 0.89% (42/4731) for PSPPs, 0.75% (30/3999) for SDPs, and 1.38% (21/1521) for RDPs. There were no significant differences in total reaction rate between PSPPs and the other PLT products (p > 0.05). Allergic transfusion reactions were the most common adverse event for PLT products evaluated (63/10,251; 0.61%) and febrile reactions were second most common (27/10,251; 0.26%). There were 2 suspected cases of sepsis (1 associated with PSPP and 1 associated with RDP; both culture negative) and 1 case of volume overload associated with RDP infusion. There were no significant differences in aggregate allergic or febrile reaction rates among the 93 PLT products evaluated (p > 0.05). No reports of transfusion‐related acute lung injury or hemolysis were noted.CONCLUSIONS: No difference in reactions rates was observed among PSPPs and the other PLT products. The transfusion reactions occurring in this population were not dependent on the type of PLT product infused.
Changes in Band 3 oligomeric state precede cell membrane phospholipid loss during blood bank storage of red blood cells
Authors: Karon Brad S. , Hoyer James D. , Stubbs James R. , Thomas David D. 
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Lipid loss in the form of vesicles contributes to the red blood cell (RBC) storage lesion, and this loss of lipid is correlated with changes in membrane protein function. Sensitive spectroscopic techniques were used to measure changes in Band 3 oligomeric state during storage of RBCs, compared to metabolic changes and phospholipid loss. The aim of the study was to determine whether changes in the macromolecular organization of membrane proteins occur before, coincident with, or after lipid loss during RBC storage.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Five RBC units were collected from normal volunteers and stored under standard blood bank conditions, and both metabolic changes and lipid loss were measured by multiple assays. Band 3 oligomeric state was assessed by time‐resolved phosphorescence anisotropy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer of eosin‐5‐maleimide–labeled RBC ghosts.RESULTS: Extracellular pH decreased and extracellular potassium increased rapidly during cold storage of blood. Band 3 on the RBC membrane exhibited a shift from small to large oligomers early in the storage period and before detectable loss of phospholipid from the RBC membrane. The immobilized fraction of Band 3, that which is tethered to the cytoskeletal network via spectrin and ankyrin, did not change during cold storage.CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that changes in the macromolecular organization of membrane proteins on the RBC occur early in storage, and these changes may induce phospholipid loss, irreversible morphologic changes, and loss of function during RBC storage.
Aorta and coronary angiographic follow‐up of children with severe hypercholesterolemia treated with low‐density lipoprotein apheresis
Authors: Stefanutti Claudia , Vivenzio Antonio , Giacomo Serafina Di , Mazzarella Bruno , Bosco Giovanna , Berni Andrea 
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: In this single‐center, nonrandomized, prospective study, 11 children with severe genetic hypercholesterolemia, without previous cardiovascular disease events, were treated with low‐density lipoprotein apheresis (LDLa).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: LDLa was given every 1 or 2 weeks for 2 to 17 years. Clinical cardiovascular events and coronary revascularization, as well as aortic and coronary angiographic findings and ejection fractions, were serially evaluated for 2 to 17 years.RESULTS: Total cholesterol (TC) and LDL cholesterol levels at baseline were 826.1 ± 183.3 and 767.8 ± 181.9 mg/dL, respectively. After LDLa, these levels decreased to 122.6 ± 24.4 and 79.1 ± 20.7 mg/dL, respectively (both differences, p ≤ 0.001). There were no cardiac deaths, and 6 children were free from any coronary lesions. Nonfatal myocardial infarction was not observed, and coronary revascularization was not required in any patient. Regression of coronary stenosis in children with existing angiographically established lesions after treatment with LDLa was prospectively demonstrated. The statistical analysis applicable to a scoring model (overall atherogenic index [OAI]) highlighted a significant relation between values of 0 to 4 years relevant to the score (p ≤ 0.018) and a weaker significant statistic for the value of OAI between 0 and 2 years (p ≤ 0.03). The OAI score at baseline was significantly related to the basal values of TC (p = 0.015), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.015), and triglycerides (p = 0.01), but not of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.075) as demonstrated by the logistic regression analysis (Cox and Snell pseudo‐R2 of 0.67).CONCLUSION: LDLa interrupted the development of new aortic and coronary lesions in the native arteries and prevented cardiac events and the need for coronary revascularization in children without previous cardiovascular disease events.
Evaluation of immunohematologic routine methods using the new erythrocyte‐magnetized technology on the QWALYS 2 system
Authors: Schoenfeld Helge , Bulling Katia , Heymann Christian von , Neuner Bruno , Kalus Ulrich , Kiesewetter Holger , Pruss Axel 
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: QWALYS 2 is a fully automated system for ABO/D grouping, Rh phenotyping, K typing, and antibody screening (ABS). Its new erythrocyte‐magnetized technology (EMT) is based on the use of magnetic nanoparticles and avoids centrifugation and washing steps.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Overall 499 blood samples were tested with our routine blood bank methods for ABO/D grouping, 313 samples for Rh phenotyping and K typing (microtiter plates; Olympus PK 7200), and 478 samples for ABS (gel centrifugation technique, DiaMed). All samples were tested in parallel with the EMT.RESULTS: In 496 of 499 samples (99.4%), a complete concordance between the observed (QWALYS 2) and the expected results for ABO/D grouping was found. One sample with a weak A in an AB blood group and 2 samples with a weak D were not detected by the QWALYS system. Rh phenotyping and K tests revealed a 100% concordance. In the two ABS techniques, 427 samples were negative in both and 15 samples showed the same antibody specificity in both. Three immunoglobulin M antibodies were as expected negative in EMT and positive by DiaMed. In 32 cases (6.7%), false‐positive reactions were observed by EMT due to 22 unspecific reactions (4.6%) and 10 lipemic or fibrinic plasmas (2.1%). One autoantibody was found by EMT only.CONCLUSION: The EMT is reliably suited to ABO/D grouping, Rh phenotyping, and K testing and is suitable to detect immunoglobulin G red blood cell alloantibodies as well. The rate of false‐positive reactions in ABS due to lipemic and fibrinic samples needs to be reduced.
Search for the Optimal Right Ventricular Pacing Site: Design and Implementation of Three Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trials
Authors: KAYE GERRY , STAMBLER BRUCE S. , YEE RAYMOND 
Published: March 2009

Background: The optimal site to permanently pace the right ventricle (RV) has yet to be determined. To address this issue, three randomized prospective multicenter clinical trials are in progress comparing the long‐term effects of RV apical versus septal pacing on left ventricular (LV) function. The three trials are Optimize RV Selective Site Pacing Clinical Trial (Optimize RV), Right Ventricular Apical and High Septal Pacing to Preserve Left Ventricular Function (Protect Pace), and Right Ventricular Apical versus Septal Pacing (RASP).
Methods: Patients that require frequent or continuous ventricular pacing are randomized to RV apical or septal pacing. Optimize RV excludes patients with LV ejection fraction <40% prior to implantation, whereas the other trials include patients regardless of baseline LV systolic function. The RV septal lead is positioned in the mid‐septum in Optimize RV, the high septum in Protect Pace, and the mid‐septal inflow tract in RASP. Lead position is confirmed by fluoroscopy in two planes and adjudicated by a blinded panel. The combined trials will follow approximately 800 patients for up to 3 years.
Results: The primary outcome in each trial is LV ejection fraction evaluated by radionuclide ventriculography or echocardiography. Secondary outcomes include echo‐based measurements of ventricular/atrial remodeling, 6‐minute hall walk distance, brain natriuretic peptide levels, and clinical events (atrial tachyarrhythmias, heart failure, stroke, or death).
Conclusion: These selective site ventricular pacing trials should provide evidence of the importance of RV pacing site in the long‐term preservation of LV function in patients that require ventricular pacing and help to clarify the optimal RV pacing site.
Use of Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator in Inherited Arrhythmogenic Diseases: Data from Italian ICD Registry for the Years 2001–6
Authors: PROCLEMER ALESSANDRO , GHIDINA MARCO , FACCHIN DOMENICO , REBELLATO LUCA , CORRADO DOMENICO , GASPARINI MAURIZIO , GREGORI DARIO 
Published: March 2009

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated the lifesaving role of an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) in high‐risk patients with genetic arrhythmogenic diseases.
Aim: To evaluate the clinical data of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C), idiopathic ventricular arrhythmia (IDIO‐VA) including Brugada syndrome, short QT syndrome, and long QT syndrome (LQT) enrolled in the Italian ICD Registry in the years 2001–6.
Methods: The survey collected prospectively clinical data and technical characteristics of ICD implants on the basis of EURID form.
Results: The number of patients was 1,274 in the HCM group, 520 in the ARVD/C group, 460 in the IDIO‐VA group, and 245 in the LQT group. Primary prevention involved 29.5% of patients in the HCM group, 15.9% in the ARVD/C group, 16.9% in the IDIO‐VA group, and 16.6% in the LQT group, respectively. Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation were reported in 49.0% and 24.8% in the HCM group, 72.9% and 20.0% in the ARVD/C group, 48.2% and 42.9% in the IDIO‐VA group, and 21.2% and 61.6% in the LQT group, respectively. Single‐, dual‐, and triple‐chamber ICDs were implanted in 41.5%, 47.6%, and 10.9% in the HCM group; 57.9%, 36.7%, and 5.4% in the ARVD/C group; 55.0%, 45.0%, and 0% in the IDIO‐VA group; and 57.4%, 42.6%, and 0% in LQT group, respectively.
Conclusion: ICD therapies in the years 2001–6 for patients with inherited arrhythmia syndromes were utilized in Italy in a still‐limited number of patients. Secondary prevention represented the major indication for ICD implant and the majority of patients were treated by single‐chamber ICDs.
Usefulness of a Pacing Guidewire to Facilitate Left Ventricular Lead Implantation in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: DE COCK CAREL C. , RES JAN C. J. , HENDRIKS MATTHIJS L. , ALLAART CORNELIS P. 
Published: March 2009

Background: Intraoperative measurements of left ventricular (LV) pacing and sensing values were assessed using a novel 0.014‐inch guidewire (Visionwire®, Biotronik GmbH, Berlin, Germany) enabling pacing and sensing at the distal tip before final LV lead implantation.
Methods: Twenty‐two consecutive patients selected for cardiac resynchronization therapy were studied.
Results: Significant correlation was found between the LV pacing threshold as assessed by the Visionwire® and values after final LV lead implantation (r = 0.92, P < 0.001). Correlation for LV sensing was also significant (r = 0.72, P < 0.001). No significant correlation was present with respect to phrenic nerve stimulation. However, no phrenic nerve stimulation at 10 V/0.5 ms using the Visionwire® identified 88% of patients without phrenic nerve stimulation at 10 V/0.5 ms with subsequent LV lead measurements.
Conclusion: This technique may facilitate transvenous LV lead implantation by preventing implantation in a unsuitable target vessel with respect to pacing and sensing values or phrenic nerve stimulation, thereby reducing procedure and fluoroscopy time.
Safety and Imaging Quality of MRI in Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patients with Pacemakers
Authors: PULVER AARON F. , PUCHALSKI MICHAEL D. , BRADLEY DAVID J. , MINICH L. LUANN , SU JASON T. , SAAREL ELIZABETH V. , WHITAKER PATRICIA , ETHERIDGE SUSAN P. 
Published: March 2009

Background:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a standard of care in evaluating many disease processes. Given concerns about device damage or movement, programming changes, lead heating, inappropriate pacing, and image artifact, MRI is contraindicated in pacemaker patients. Despite this, studies have demonstrated safety and efficacy of MRI in adults with acquired heart disease and endocardial pacing leads. We sought to evaluate MRI use in congenital heart disease (CHD) patients with predominantly epicardial pacing leads.
Methods:

From July 2007 to October 2008, MRI (1.5 Tesla) was performed in 11 patients without alternative imaging modality who were not pacemaker dependent or possessing abandoned leads. Pacing was disabled during MRI. An electrophysiologist monitored electrocardiogram and hemodynamic parameters throughout each study. Device and lead function were evaluated before and after MRI, and at subsequent clinic visits.
Results:

Eleven MRIs (four cardiac, seven noncardiac) were performed in eight patients. Mean patient age was 16.5 ± 9.2 years (range 1.7–24.5) with five patients under the age of 16 years. Diagnoses included structural CHD in six patients and long QT syndrome and congenital heart block in one each. There were three dual‐ and five single‐ (three atrial, two ventricular) chamber devices, two endocardial, and nine epicardial leads. No inappropriate pacing or significant change in generator or lead parameters was noted. All MRI studies were of diagnostic quality.
Conclusion:

Diagnostic quality MRI can be performed safely in nonpacemaker‐dependent CHD patients with predominantly epicardial leads. Further studies will define safe practice measures in this population, as well as in CHD patients with pacemaker dependency.
Analysis of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia with Variable Ventriculoatrial Block: Characteristics of the Upper Common Pathway
Authors: MORIHISA KENJI , YAMABE HIROSHIGE , UEMURA TAKASHI , TANAKA YASUAKI , ENOMOTO KOJI , KAWANO HIROAKI , NAGAYOSHI YASUHIRO , KAIKITA KOICHI , SUMIDA HITOSHI , SUGIYAMA SEIGO , OGAWA HISAO 
Published: March 2009

Background: The precise nature of the upper turnaround part of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is not entirely understood.
Methods: In nine patients with AVNRT accompanied by variable ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction block, we examined the electrophysiologic characteristics of its upper common pathway.
Results: Tachycardia was induced by atrial burst and/or extrastimulus followed by atrial‐His jump, and the earliest atrial electrogram was observed at the His bundle site in all patients. Twelve incidents of VA block: Wenckebach VA block (n = 7), 2:1 VA block (n = 4), and intermittent (n = 1) were observed. In two of seven Wenckebach VA block, the retrograde earliest atrial activation site shifted from the His bundle site to coronary sinus ostium just before VA block. Prolongation of His‐His interval occurred during VA block in 11 of 12 incidents. After isoproterenol administration, 1:1 VA conduction resumed in all patients. Catheter ablation at the right inferoparaseptum eliminated antegrade slow pathway conduction and rendered AVNRT noninducible in all patients.
Conclusion: Selective elimination of the slow pathway conduction at the inferoparaseptal right atrium may suggest that the subatrial tissue linking the retrograde fast and antegrade slow pathways forms the upper common pathway in AVNRT with VA block.