bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Apparent Way of Achieving Proof of Pulmonary Vein Disconnection during Cryoballoon Ablation
Authors: SCHWAGTEN BRUNO , DE GREEF YVES , ACOU WILLEM‐JAN , STOCKMAN DIRK 
Published: August 2011

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has established itself as a standard therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Still, the most widely performed procedure of point‐by‐point distal‐tip ablation using a 3‐dimensional mapping system and a circular catheter to validate PVI remains a complex, elaborative, and time‐consuming procedure. This explains the many efforts being made over the recent years to simplify and shorten PVI procedures without compromising the efficacy or the safety. The cryoballoon (Ablation Frontiers, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) is a recently introduced “single shot ablation tool” to facilitate PVI. Initial studies on efficacy and safety of this device are encouraging in patients with paroxysmal AF. However, several controversies remain, such as the need for an additional circular mapping catheter to validate PVI and the lack of on‐line PV recording during freezes. One of the most recent developments in this field is the Achieve circular mapping catheter (Ablation Frontiers, Medtronic, Inc.). We describe an apparent case in which this tool is used in conjunction with the cryoballoon.(PACE 2012; 35:e337–e340)
Predictors of Axillary Vein Location for Vascular Access during Pacemaker and Defibrillator Lead Implantation
Authors: HSU JONATHAN C. , FRIDAY JOCELYN , LEE BYRON K. , AZADANI PEYMAN N. , LEE RANDALL J. , BADHWAR NITISH , TSENG ZIAN H. , OLGIN JEFFREY E. , MARCUS GREGORY M. 
Published: August 2011

Background:
The axillary vein is a commonly used extrathoracic access site for cardiac rhythm device lead implantation. We sought to describe variation in axillary vein location and identify predictors of a more cranial or caudal radiographic location to facilitate blind venous cannulation.
Methods:
This was a single‐center, retrospective study of patients undergoing lead implantation between 2006 and 2010. The cranial‐caudal location of the axillary vein lateral and medial to the rib cage border was determined by reviewing peripheral contrast venograms. Multivariate linear regression was performed.
Results:
Of 155 patients, the majority were men (62%) and White (53%). The most frequent position of the lateral and medial axillary vein was over the third rib (40%) and top of the third rib (15%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, whites had a more caudal location of both the lateral (0.56 rib spaces lower, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22–0.91, P = 0.002) and medial axillary vein (0.50 rib spaces lower, 95% CI 0.85–0.91, P = 0.019). Other independent predictors included an approximate 3–4% higher rib space location for every digit increase in body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.049 for the lateral location and P = 0.016 for the medial location) and an approximate half rib space higher location for males (P = 0.015 for the lateral location and P = 0.013 for the medial location).
Conclusions:
The most common radiographic position of the axillary vein was over the third rib. Whites have a more caudal axillary vein location while men and patients with higher BMI have a more cranial position of the axillary vein. (PACE 2011; 34:1585–1592)
The Influence of Atrial and Ventricular Pacing on the Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: ELKAYAM LIOR U. , KOEHLER JODI L. , SHELDON TODD J. , GLOTZER TAYA V. , ROSENTHAL LAWRENCE S. , LAMAS GERVASIO A. 
Published: August 2011

Background:
The effect of atrial pacing on the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. Furthermore, the threshold of ventricular pacing that is associated with a higher incidence of AF has yet to be determined. Thus, we set out to determine the optimal pacing modality in patients with sinus node dysfunction (SND) for the prevention of AF.
Methods:
Individual patient data from four contemporary pacemaker studies were gathered and analyzed. Since AF would inherently lead to a reduction in atrial pacing, percent atrial and ventricular pacing (%AP and %VP) were determined at the first follow‐up visit and then used as a surrogate for all endpoints. Patients with >5 minutes of AF at the first visit were excluded. The primary endpoint was defined as 7 consecutive days of AF.
Results:
A total of 1,507 patients were included. During a mean follow‐up of 14.3 ± 8.7 months, 77 patients developed AF (annual rate of 4.3%). The incidence of AF in the first (0–32%), second (32–66%), third (66–89%), and fourth (89–100%) quartiles of %AP was 1.3%, 5.3%, 5.8%, and 8.0%, respectively (P < 0.001). A multivariable analysis found that pacing above the first quartile was associated with a relative risk of 2.93 (95% confidence interval 1.16–7.39, P = 0.023). The grouping of %VP into first (0–2%), second (2–7%), third (7–84%), and fourth (84–100%) quartiles yielded an AF incidence of 2.4%, 3.4%, 6.6%, and 8.0%, respectively (P = 0.001).
Conclusion:
We demonstrated that in patients with SND both atrial and ventricular pacing are associated with a higher incidence of AF. (PACE 2011; 34:1593–1599)
Desensitization of Thermal Hyperemia in the Skin is Reproducible
Authors: FRANTZ JOHANNA , ENGELBERGER ROLF PETER , LIAUDET LUCAS , MAZZOLAI LUCIA , WAEBER BERNARD , FEIHL FRANÇOIS 
Published: August 2011

Please cite this paper as: Frantz, Engelberger, Liaudet, Mazzolai, Waeber and Feihl (2012). Desensitization of Thermal Hyperemia in the Skin is Reproducible. Microcirculation 19(1), 78–85.AbstractObjective:  Local heating increases skin blood flow SkBF (thermal hyperemia). In a previous study, we reported that a first local thermal stimulus could attenuate the hyperemic response to a second one applied later on the same skin spot, a phenomenon that we termed desensitization. However, other studies found no evidence for desensitization in similar conditions. The aim of the present work was to test whether it was related to differences in instrumentation.Methods:  Twenty‐eight healthy young males were studied. Two pairs of heating chambers, one custom‐made (our study) and one commercial (other groups), were affixed to forearm skin. SkBF was measured with single‐point laser‐Doppler flowmetry (LDF) (780 nm) in one pair, and laser‐Doppler imaging (LDI) (633 nm) in the other. A temperature step from 34 to 41°C, was applied for 30 minutes and repeated after two hours.Results:  During the second thermal challenge, the plateau SkBF was lower than during the first thermal and was observed with each of the four combinations of SkBF measurement techniques and heating equipment (p < 0.05 for all conditions, range −9% to −16% of the initial value).Conclusion:  Desensitization of thermal hyperemia is not specific to peculiar operating conditions.
Mutant telomerase RNAs induce DNA damage and apoptosis via the TRF2‐ATM pathway in telomerase‐overexpressing primary fibroblasts
Authors: Mahalingam Dashayini , Tay Ling L. , Tan Wei H. , Chai Juin H. , Wang Xueying 
Published: August 2011

Mutant template human telomerase RNAs (MT‐hTers) have been shown to induce apoptosis in various cancer cells with high telomerase activity. However, the mechanism by which MT‐hTers inhibit the growth of cancer cells and their effects on normal cells remain unknown. To determine the effects of MT‐hTers on normal cells, MT‐hTer‐47A and ‐AU5 were introduced into IMR90 lung fibroblasts, which have low telomerase levels. Growth of IMR90 cells after MT‐hTers infection was not significantly impaired; however, similar treatments in telomerase‐overexpressing IMR90 [IMR90 wild‐type (WT)hTERT] cells inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Confocal microscopy showed that MT‐hTers induced DNA damage foci (i.e. 53BP1 and γ‐H2AX) in IMR90 WThTERT cells. Microarray analysis revealed that GADD45γ was significantly elevated in MT‐hTer‐treated IMR90 WThTERT cells. MT‐hTers also induced ATM phosphorylation at Ser1981 in IMR90 WThTERT cells, and western blot analysis revealed high levels of phosphorylated p53 after the down‐regulation of cellular TRF2 expression in MT‐hTer‐treated IMR90 WThTERT cells. Taken together, we have shown that MT‐hTers induce double‐stranded DNA break‐like damages in telomerase positive IMR90 WThTERT cells after phosphorylation of ATM and p53 via suppression of TRF2, which may eventually lead to apoptosis via elevation of GADD45γ.Structured digital abstract
TRF2 and 53BP1 colocalize by fluorescencemicroscopy (Viewinteraction)
H2AX and TRF2 colocalize by fluorescencemicroscopy (Viewinteraction)
Antioxidant and Antiinflammation Capacities of Some Pear Cultivars
Authors: Li Xia , Gao Wen‐Yuan , Huang Li‐Jing , Zhang Jun‐Ying , Guo Xin‐Hua 
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  Five commercial pear cultivars were investigated for total phenolics and flavonoids contents, the main phenolic compounds, and their antioxidant and antiinflammation capacities. Four in vitro oxidant and 2 in vivo antiinflammation models were used to evaluate the pharmacological activities of the different pears. The main phenolic compounds were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detector, which result indicated that gallic acid ranged from 5.23 to 10.72 μg/g, catechin from 0.41 to 28.83 μg/g, chlorogenic acid from 485.11 to 837.03 μg/g, caffeic acid from 0 to 1.16 μg/g, epicatechin from 6.73 to 131.49 μg/g, and rutin from 0.92 to 104.64 μg/g. The total antioxidant capacity was in descending order: Shuijing > Fengshui > Xuehua > Ya > Xiang pear, which was consistent with the total phenol and flavonoid contents. Thus, the antioxidant capacity of pears may be attributed to their high contents of phenolics and flavonoids. However, the antiinflammation activity was in decreasing order: Xuehua > Xiang > Ya > Fengshui > Shuijing pear, which indicates that compounds other than antioxidants may be responsible for the antiinflammation effect.Practical Application:  The importance on antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds in foods and vegetables as natural antioxidants has reached a new high in recent years. In this study, the total phenol and flavonoid contents, and the antioxidant and antiinflammation activities of 5 different types of commercial pears in China were investigated, which may be the experimental basis for the further development and utilization of the pears.
Supercritical CO2 Decaffeination of Unroasted Coffee Beans Produces Melanoidins with Distinct NF‐κB Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Chen Yumin , Brown Peter H. , Hu Kang , Black Richard M. , Prior Ronald L. , Ou Boxin , Chu Yi‐Fang 
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  The supercritical CO2‐decaffeination process causes unroasted coffee beans to turn brown. Therefore, we suspected that the decaffeinated beans contained melanoidins. Decaffeinated unroasted coffee extract absorbed light at 405 nm with a specific extinction coefficient, Kmix  405  nm, of 0.02. Membrane dialysis (molecular weight cut‐off, 12 to 14 kDa) increased the Kmix  405  nm value 15 fold. Gel filtration chromatography showed that the high‐MW fraction (MW > 12 kDa) had an elution profile closer to that of melanoidins of medium‐roast coffee than to the corresponding fraction of unroasted coffee, indicating the presence of melanoidins in decaffeinated unroasted beans. Using murine myoblast C2C12 cells with a stably transfected nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) luciferase reporter gene, we found that the high‐MW fraction of decaffeinated unroasted beans had an NF‐κB inhibitory activity of IC50=  499 μg/mL, more potent than that of regular‐roast coffee (IC50= 766 μg/mL). Our results indicate that melanoidins form during the supercritical CO2‐decaffeination process and possess biological properties distinct from those formed during the regular roasting process.Practical Application:  We discovered the roasting effect of decaffeination process, reporting the discovery of melanoidins in green (unroasted) decaf coffee beans. Our results indicated that melanoidins form during the supercritical CO2‐decaffeination process and possess biological properties distinct from those formed during the regular roasting process. Our results offer new insights into the formation of bioactive coffee components during coffee decaffeination process.
Learning and Action Alliances to build capacity for flood resilience
Authors: Ashley R.M. , Blanskby J. , Newman R. , Gersonius B. , Poole A. , Lindley G. , Smith S. , Ogden S. , Nowell R. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractFlood risks are increasing and available funding is reducing, posing professionals with the need to change practices. ‘Active learning’ can help to develop the capacity to accept different perspectives on risk and performance and to use alternative innovatory responses. Breaking the entrapment of traditional approaches requires cultural change in the organisations and the individuals involved. Learning Alliances can help to do this. In Yorkshire (England), a common forum for learning and action in relation to flood and water management has evolved into Learning and Action Alliances (LAAs). These alliances, which are essential components of three European Union INTERREG IVB projects, have national, regional and local dimensions. Internationally, these and partner LAAs, are being utilised to engender transnational learning. Experience from the establishment and operation of these LAAs is presented and it is concluded that there is no single blueprint for an ideal LAA. Nor is their establishment and operation straightforward.
DNA barcoding of European Herbertus (Marchantiopsida, Herbertaceae) and the discovery and description of a new species
Authors: BELL DAVID , LONG DAVID G. , FORREST ALAN D. , HOLLINGSWORTH MICHELLE L. , BLOM HANS H. , HOLLINGSWORTH PETER M. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractDNA barcoding of a group of European liverwort species from the genus Herbertus was undertaken using three plastid (matK, rbcL and trnH‐psbA) and one nuclear (ITS) marker. The DNA barcode data were effective in discriminating among the sampled species of Herbertus and contributed towards the detection of a previously overlooked European Herbertus species, described here as H. norenus sp. nov. This species shows clear‐cut differences in DNA sequence for multiple barcode regions and is also morphologically distinct. The DNA barcode data were also useful in clarifying taxonomic relationships of the European species with some species from Asia and North America. In terms of the discriminatory power of the different barcode markers, ITS was the most informative region, followed closely by matK. All species were distinguishable by ITS alone, rbcL + matK and various other multimarker combinations.
Idiopathic bone cavity: case series involving children and adolescents
Authors: Discacciati Eveline Duarte , de Faria Vivian Mara Custódio , Garcia Natália Galvão , Sakai Vivien Thiemy , Pereira Alessandro Antônio Costa , Hanemann João Adolfo Costa 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAim:  This study aimed at reviewing a series of clinical cases of children and adolescents treated for idiopathic bone cavity (IBC).Methods: Ten lesions diagnosed as IBC in nine patients treated between February 2000 and December 2008 were reviewed, focusing on clinical and radiographic aspects, as well the therapeutic approach.Results: Most of the patients were Caucasian with no sex predilection (55.5% males and 45.5% females), and all were in the second decade of life at the time of IBC diagnosis. The lesions were asymptomatic and detected during routine radiographic examinations. All the lesions were located in the mandible, and the anterior region was the most affected. The most adopted therapeutic approach was simple curettage of the bone cavity, and all surgically‐treated patients presented complete bone healing after 6 months, postoperatively.Conclusions: Clinical and radiographic diagnoses associated with surgical exploration are the most important treatment options in order to avoid radical surgery or unnecessary endodontic treatment, mainly when idiopathic bone cavities are detected in children and adolescents. Further studies aimed at elucidating the etiopathogenesis of this condition and defining the most appropriate treatment should be conducted.
Prevalence of oral Candida carriage in Thai adolescents
Authors: Santiwongkarn Prapat , Kachonboon Supareok , Thanyasrisung Panida , Matangkasombut Oranart 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAim:  Oral candidiasis is among the most common AIDS‐associated opportunistic infections. Adolescents remain at the highest risk of HIV infection and could suffer from oral candidiasis. However, information on oral Candida carriage in this population is limited. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of oral Candida in Thai adolescents.Methods:  Oral rinse samples from 80 healthy Thais (age: 15–17 years) were collected and analyzed for the prevalence of Candida species using culture‐based and polymerase chain reaction assays.Results:  Twenty six adolescents (32.5%) carried Candida in the oral cavity. Candida albicans was detected in 28.75% (23/80). Non‐albicans Candida species were detected in 6.25% (5/80). The majority (92.3%, 24/26) of adolescents with Candida carried a single species. Two carried two species: one with Candida glabrata and Candida albicans, and the other with Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans. Three adolescents harbored only non‐albicans species, with one carrying Candida tropicalis and two carrying Candida parapsilosis. Candida dubliniensis was not detected in this population. Most adolescents carried Candida at a low level (<500 c.f.u./mL).Conclusions: Oral Candida was present in approximately one‐third of adolescents. Candida albicans was the most prevalent (88.5%), and non‐albicans species were present in 19.2% of those with oral Candida.
Changes in somatic disease incidents during opioid maintenance treatment: results from a Norwegian cohort study
Authors: Skeie Ivar , Brekke Mette , Gossop Michael , Lindbaek Morten , Reinertsen Even , Thoresen Magne , Waal Helge 
Published: August 2011

ObjectivesTo examine the effect of opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) on somatic morbidity in a cohort of OMT patients.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingOMT programme in two Norwegian counties.Participants200 OMT patients, participation rate 71.2%.Main outcome measuresIncidence rates (IR) before, during and after OMT for acute/subacute hospital-treated somatic disease incidents (drug-related, non-drug-related, injuries) and rates for inpatient days and outpatient treatment contacts.ResultsIR for drug-related hospital treatment episodes were 76% lower during compared to before OMT (before versus during incidence rate ratio (IRR) 4.2 (95% CI 2.9 to 6.2), p<0.001) and 11 times higher after compared to during OMT (after versus during IRR 11.1 (6.6 to 18.5), p<0.001). For non-drug-related treatment episodes, IR were 35% higher during than before OMT (before versus during IRR 0.7 (0.6 to 1.0), p=0.02) and 32% higher after compared to during OMT (IRR 1.4 (0.9 to 2.2), p=0.15), while injuries showed little change according to OMT status. Although patients with on-going drug-taking during OMT showed less reduction in drug-related hospital-treated incidents during treatment than patients not using illicit drugs, the quartile with most drug-taking showed a significant reduction (before versus during IRR 3.6 (2.4 to 5.3)). Patients who had experienced cessation of OMT showed a significant reduction in drug-related treatment episodes during OMT (before versus during IRR 1.7 (1.0 to 2.9)), although less than patients without OMT interruptions (before versus during IRR 6.1 (3.6 to 10.6)), and a significant increase after OMT cessation compared with during OMT (IRR 5.4 (3.0 to 9.7)).ConclusionAcute/subacute drug-related somatic morbidity is reduced during compared to before OMT. This was also found for patients with on-going drug-taking during OMT. However, acute drug-related health problems show an increase after OMT cessation, and this is a matter of concern. Further studies on somatic morbidity after OMT cessation should be carried out.
Epigenomic profiling in polycythaemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia shows low levels of aberrant DNA methylation
Authors: Barrio S , Gallardo M , Albizua E , Jimenez A , Rapado I , Ayala R , Gilsanz F , Martin-Subero J I , Martinez-Lopez J 
Published: August 2011

AimsThe purpose of this study was to compare the DNA-methylation signature in classic chronic Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), polycythaemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET), in order to obtain a global insight into DNA-methylation changes associated with these malignancies.MethodsThirty-five MPN samples from 11 ET JAK2 V617F, 12 ET JAK2 wild type (WT) and 12 PV JAK2 V617F patients as well as 12 from healthy donors were analysed. DNA samples extracted from whole peripheral blood were hybridised to the ‘HumanMethylation27 DNA Analysis BeadChip.’ResultsAll groups showed a very homogeneous methylation pattern. Only the ZNF577 gene showed a differential methylation profile between PV JAK2 V617F positive and controls. This aberrant methylation was correlated with a differential gene expression of ZNF577. No aberrant hypermethylation was found in the SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 genes.ConclusionsAccording to our results, an aberrant methylation pattern does not seem to play a crucial role in MPN pathogenesis; nor does it justify phenotypical differences between PV and ET.
Lymph node distribution and pattern of metastases in the mesorectum following total mesorectal excision using the modified fat clearing technique
Authors: Yao Yun-Feng , Wang Lin , Liu Yi-Qiang , Li Ji-You , Gu Jin 
Published: August 2011

AimTo define the distribution, size, location and metastasis of lymph nodes (LNs) within the mesorectum from rectal cancer specimens following total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery without neoadjuvant therapy.MethodsSpecimens from 60 patients who underwent TME were treated with modified fat clearing solution to retrieve LNs. The mesorectum was divided into right lateral, anterior, posterior and left lateral sides, which were further subdivided into three levels (upper, middle and lower).Results1436 LNs were harvested, including 985 small LNs (<5 mm in size). The number of LNs from the anterior, posterior and bilateral mesorectum was 125 (8.7%), 696 (48.5%) and 615 (42.8%), respectively. In the longitudinal axis, the difference in distribution at the three levels was not significant. 200 LN metastases (mLNs) were detected in 33 patients. 48% (96/200) of these were small LNs. More mLNs, especially small LNs, were shown in the more advanced T stage patients. The mLN metastasis rate was not influenced by tumour level.ConclusionSmall LN detection increased the accuracy of N staging by 20% in this study. The incidence of metastasis was the same among the anterior, bilateral and posterior areas of the mesorectum. An increased incidence of mLN metastasis in small LNs was associated with more advanced T staging. mLN metastasis rates in both middle and low rectal cancer were higher in the distal mesorectum than that in the proximal mesorectum. LN number and density were not consistent with spread of the primary tumour. Distal mLNs were found in 35% of cases of both middle and distal rectal cancer, implying a need for TME in both.