bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of enhanced external counterpulsation on C‐reactive protein and flow‐mediated dilation in porcine model of hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Liu Yanqiu , Xiong Yan , Liu Donghong , Luo Chufan , Zhang Yan , Wu Guifu , Xie Qiang , Dong Yugang , Zheng Zhensheng 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackground:  Lipid disorder causes vascular endothelial cell damage and contributes to the early development of dyslipidaemia‐induced atherosclerosis. In vivo and in vitro, it has been found that increasing shear stress can improve endothelial function. Clinically, enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) plays important roles in the treatment of coronary artery disease by promoting arterial shear stress. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of EECP on vascular endothelial function in porcine hypercholesterolaemic model.Methods:  Twenty‐six hypercholesterolaemic pigs were equally divided into EECP group (HC‐EECP group) and control group (HC group). Shear stress of a right forearm superficial artery was measured during EECP in comparison with the basal physiological status in the HC‐EECP group. Endothelial‐dependent flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD) was applied to assess endothelial function. Serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels were measured at indicated time points.Results:  Endothelial shear stress was increased significantly during EECP treatment (P<0·001). Compared to HC group, hs‐CRP decreased significantly by EECP at 18‐ and 36‐h, respectively (P<0·05). FMD was improved significantly by EECP compared to that of HC group at 18 h (11·09 ± 5·63%) and at 36 h (11·42 ± 2·75%) post‐EECP, P<0·05. Meanwhile, in animals of HC group, FMD was decreased from baseline 7·76 ± 3·70% to 6·75 ± 3·57% at 18 h and 5·07 ± 1·97% at 36 h, P<0·05.Conclusion:  Long‐term EECP can improve endothelial function partially by an increased endothelial shear stress in hypercholesterolaemic porcine model. This implies that long‐term EECP can be used as a complementary therapeutic strategy to prevent atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolaemic patients.
Radiation Therapy for Dialysis Access Stenosis: Unfulfilled Promise or False Expectations
Authors: Ahmed Syed , Roy‐Chaudhury Prabir 
Published: January 2012

AbstractHemodialysis vascular access dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and hospitalization in the hemodialysis population at a cost of well over $1 billion per annum. Venous stenosis (due to venous neointimal hyperplasia [VNH]) is the most common cause of polytetrafluroethylene PTFE) dialysis access graft and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. Despite the magnitude of the clinical problem, however, there are currently no effective therapies for this condition. We and others have previously demonstrated that VNH in PTFE dialysis grafts and AVF is composed of smooth muscle cells/myofibroblasts, endothelial cells within neointimal microvessels, and peri‐graft macrophages. Radiation therapy blocks the proliferation and activation of all these cell types. The current review will dissect out the available in vitro, experimental, and clinical data on the use of radiation therapy for vascular stenosis in general, and for dialysis access dysfunction in particular. It is important to try and identify whether there is still a role for radiation therapy in this specific clinical setting. We believe that this is a critically important question to answer in view of the huge unmet clinical need that is currently associated with hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange for Renal‐Related Conditions in the Elderly: Ten Years Experience in One Center
Authors: Hayes John S. , Balogun Rasheed A. , Chang Jamison , Abdel Rahman Emaad M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe elderly people, 65 years old and above, are growing in number. The structural and functional changes associated with aging place the elderly at risk when challenged by extracorporeal therapies, such as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). We retrospectively analyzed data on all patients who underwent TPE for renal indications at our institution between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2010 and compared renal indications and mortality associated with the use of TPE in older versus younger patients. During this period, 621 patients underwent 4722 sessions of TPE. Of them, 191 patients were elderly (30.7%) and they underwent 1289 sessions (27.3%) of TPE. A total of 104 patients (16.7%) underwent 593 sessions of TPE because of renal‐related indications: 26 patients in the elderly group and 78 in the younger. Side effects of dyspnea and hypotension were documented in only two patients, both in the elderly cohort. The main indication for TPE in the elderly was glomerulonephritis (GN) as compared with renal allograft rejection in the younger cohort, with a trend toward more death in the elderly (p = 0.07). The multivariable regression model which included age as a category, serum albumin, and initial serum creatinine were unable to predict mortality in this group of patients. In our experience, the main renal indications for TPE in elderly are different from those for younger patients, with GN being the most common renal indication in the elderly. The TPE used for renal indications in the elderly is relatively safe. Trends toward death in the elderly may be multifactorial and not necessarily related to TPE.
Listening to and Learning from Older Adult Hurricane Katrina Survivors
Authors: Langan Joanne C. , Palmer Janice L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this pilot study was to explore how Hurricane Katrina affected older adult disaster survivors.Design and SampleParticipants for this descriptive exploratory pilot study were recruited from churches and senior centers on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Of the 224 participants, one hundred provided additional comments at the end of a forced‐response questionnaire.MeasuresManifest content analysis was used to examine the participants’ comments by identifying, coding, and categorizing their responses to the open‐ended question. The codes were based on conditions and behaviors that might be exhibited by disaster victims.ResultsThemed categories were losses and needs, giving advice, justification for continuing to live in this disaster‐prone region, deterrents and facilitators of home evacuation, spirituality and faith, manageability, bereavement, grief, anger, and natural debriefing.ConclusionThe strongest message of these survivors was the need to be heard by public health nurses, other public health officials preparing for disasters, and those in positions to render aid.
Qualitative Exploration of the Acceptability of a Mobile Phone and Pedometer‐Based Physical Activity Program in a Diverse Sample of Sedentary Women
Authors: Fukuoka Yoshimi , Lindgren Teri , Jong Soson 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives of this paper were to explore the acceptability of components of a mobile phone/pedometer‐based physical activity program and to understand motivators and barriers to increase physical activity in a diverse sample of sedentary women.Design and SampleFace‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were conducted following a 3‐week pilot mobile phone/pedometer‐based physical activity intervention. Forty‐one sedentary women participated in the study.MeasuresSubjects were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview guide. A qualitative description method was used to thematically analyze the interviews. Two investigators reviewed the transcripts independently and identified codes based on the main concerns in the interview questions.ResultsThree themes emerged from qualitative data shedding light on the perceived acceptability and usefulness of a mobile phone/pedometer‐based intervention: (1) Monitor me: mobile phone/pedometer as self‐monitoring tools, (2) Motivate me: cycle of feedback in goal setting and usefulness/uselessness of daily random messages, (3) Mobilize me: engaging and adapting physical activity to fit one's own lifestyle.ConclusionMobile phone and pedometer‐based physical activity programs might be helpful in keeping sedentary women engaged and motivated to increase their physical activity. A randomized controlled trial of this intervention is warranted.
Reevaluating the Implications of Recurrent Falls in Older Adults: Location Changes the Inference
Authors: Kelsey Jennifer L. , Procter‐Gray Elizabeth , Berry Sarah D. , Hannan Marian T. , Kiel Douglas P. , Lipsitz Lewis A. , Li Wenjun 
Published: January 2012

ObjectivesTo compare characteristics of indoor and outdoor recurrent fallers and explore some implications for clinical practice, in which a fall risk assessment for all recurrent fallers has been recommended.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingMaintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect, and Zest in the Elderly of Boston Study, a study of falls etiology in community‐dwelling older individuals from randomly sampled households in the Boston, Massachusetts, area.ParticipantsSeven hundred thirteen women and men, mostly aged 70 and older, with at least 1 year of follow‐up.MeasurementsData at baseline and from an 18‐month follow‐up examination were collected by questionnaire and comprehensive clinic examination. During follow‐up, participants recorded falls on daily calendars. A telephone interview queried location and circumstances of each fall.ResultsOne hundred forty‐five participants reported recurrent falls (≥2) during the first year. Those who had fallen only outdoors had good health characteristics, whereas those who had fallen only indoors were generally in poor health. For instance, 25.5% of indoor‐only recurrent fallers had gait speeds of slower than 0.6 m/s, compared with 2.9% of outdoor‐only recurrent fallers; the respective percentages were 44.7% and 8.8% for Berg balance score less than 48. Recurrent indoor fallers generally had poor health characteristics regardless of their activity at the time of their falls, whereas recurrent outdoor fallers who fell during vigorous activity or walking were especially healthy. A report of any recurrent falls in the first year did not predict number of positive findings on a comprehensive or abbreviated fall risk assessment at the 18‐month follow‐up examination.ConclusionCharacteristics of community‐dwelling older people with recurrent indoor and outdoor falls are different. If confirmed, these results suggest that different types of fall risk assessment are needed for specific categories of recurrent fallers.
The Arab Spring and the Chinese Autumn
Authors: YU HUA 
Published: January 2012

For 500 years the West was on the rise, culminating in Globalizaiton 1.0—the open system of trade, information flows and the spread of technology on the terms and in the image of the West. The benefits of that system over the last 30 years have led to the rise of the emerging economies. As a result we are entering the new era of Globalization 2.0 characterized by new forms of non‐Western modernity and the interdependence of plural identities. The advent of this new era has been hastened by the fiscal and financial crisis in Europe and the United States.Turkey, with its Islamic‐oriented democracy that has become a template for the liberated peoples of the Arab Spring, and China, with its effective neo‐Confucian form of governance, are the most sharply defined new players in this multi‐polar and multi‐dimensional world.In this section, one of Turkey's most insightful sociologists examines the post‐secular transformation of that nation. One of China's more provocative philosophers proposes a hybrid model that combines what has been learned from the experience of Western and Chinese governance in a way that “enhances democracy” in both systems.
Reappraisal of the Traditional Wenckebach Phenomenon with a Modified Ladder Diagram
Authors: Barold S. Serge , Stroobandt Roland X. , Sinnaeve Alfons F. , Andries E. , Herweg Bengt 
Published: January 2012

Understanding of the traditional Wenckebach phenomenon is enhanced by using a modified ladder diagram where AV conduction in any cycle is represented by a slanted line in the AV bar together with similar AV conduction lines of all the preceding cycles. The diagram facilitates calculation of the duration of RR intervals (equal to the basic PP or sinus interval minus the PR or AV increment applied to this particular cycle) and the duration of the pause (equal to 2 × PP or sinus interval minus the sum of all the increments applied to the AV delay). The modified Wenckebach diagram should help students understand the mysterious clustering of QRS complexes or “paradoxical” increase of the ventricular rate that occurs during a Wenckebach sequence.Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2012;17(1):3–7
Myocardial 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine Washout and Heart Rate Variability in Asymptomatic Subjects
Authors: Simula Sakari , Vanninen Esko , Hedman Antti , Lehto Seppo , Kuikka Jyrki , Hartikainen Juha 
Published: January 2012

Background: Myocardial 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) kinetics reflect the integrity and function of cardiac presynaptic sympathetic nerve terminals. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an indicator of cardiac sympatho‐vagal balance. However, the function of cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals as a modulator of HRV in asymptomatic subjects has remained elusive. In addition, the physiological background for different components of HRV is not fully established.Methods: We evaluated the relationship between myocardial MIBG washout and HRV in 30 asymptomatic subjects with familial risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Early and delayed myocardial MIBG uptakes as well as MIBG washout between these two scans were assessed. Myocardial perfusion at rest and during bicycle exercise was evaluated with 99mTc‐sestamibi (MIBI). HRV was measured from 24‐hour ambulatory ECG recordings.Results: Myocardial MIBG washout averaged 40 ± 8%. The mean heart rate at rest was 76 ± 14 beats/min. Standard deviation of all normal RR intervals (SDNN) was 94 ± 22 ms and very low frequency (VLF) was 1625 ± 958 ms2 on average. Myocardial MIBG washout correlated inversely with SDNN (r =−0.390; P < 0.05) and with VLF (r =−0.459; P < 0.01) component of HRV but not with heart rate at rest (r = 0.207, P = ns). All subjects had normal myocardial perfusion at rest and during exercise.Conclusions: Increased cardiac presynaptic sympathetic nervous activity was related to reduced HRV in subjects with the risk of CAD but without evidence of myocardial ischemia or previous myocardial infarction. In addition, we found that VLF component of HRV includes information about sympathetic neural modulation of the heart rate.Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2012;17(1):8–13
Effectiveness of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Diabetic Patients with Ischemic and Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: George Jenie , Barsheshet Alon , Moss Arthur J. , Martin David , Ouellet Gregory , McNitt Scott , Goldenberg Ilan 
Published: January 2012

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk for the development of both ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. We aimed to identify differences in response to cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT‐D) among DM patients with ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy.Methods: Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to assess clinical response to CRT‐D (defined as CRT‐D vs. defibrillator‐only reduction in the risk of heart failure [HF] or death) and echocardiographic response (defined as percent reduction in left ventricular end diastolic and systolic volume [LVEDV and LVESV, respectively] at 12 month of follow‐up compared with baseline values) among 552 diabetic patients with ischemic (n = 367) or nonischemic (n = 185) cardiomyopathy enrolled in MADIT‐CRT.Results: The clinical benefit of CRT‐D was more pronounced among nonischemic patients (HR = 0.30 [P < 0.001] than among ischemic patients (HR = 0.59 [P = 0.004]; P for interaction = 0.10). Nonischemic patients also experienced significantly greater reductions in LVESV and LVEDV at 12 months with CRT‐D compared with ischemic patients (P < 0.001 for both). Subgroup analysis showed that the most pronounced reduction in HF or death with CRT‐D therapy occurred in nonischemic patients who were women (83% risk‐reduction [P < 0.001]), had a lower BMI (<30/kg/m2: 79% risk‐reduction [P < 0.001]), or had left bundle branch block at enrollment (82% risk‐reduction [P < 0.001]).Conclusions: The present study shows that treatment with CRT‐D in at‐risk cardiac patients with DM is associated with substantial reductions in the risk of HF or death and improvement in cardiac remodeling in those with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy, with a more pronounced benefit in patients with nonischemic disease.Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2012;17(1):14–21
Atrial Burst Pacing with Biphasic and Monophasic Waveforms for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Barsheshet Alon , Wakslak Menachem , Mower Morton M. , Goldenberg Ilan , Hall Burr 
Published: January 2012

Background: Biphasic pacing is a novel mode of pacing that was suggested to increase cardiac conduction velocity as compared with cathodal monophasic pacing. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rapid atrial pacing to convert atrial fibrillation (AF) to normal sinus rhythm.Methods: Multiple biphasic (anodal/cathodal), reverse biphasic (cathodal/anodal), and monophasic (cathodal) atrial pacing therapies were performed among 12 patients undergoing left atrial catheter ablation for AF. The efficacy end point was successful conversion of AF to sinus rhythm, and safety end point no induction of ventricular arrhythmias. Patients were paced at three cycle lengths (100, 200, and 333 msec) for 60 seconds at three locations (right and left atrial appendages and coronary sinus).Results: Among the 66 biphasic (anodal/cathodal) pacing procedures one procedure in a patient with chronic AF, which involved pacing at the left atrial appendage with a cycle length of 200 msec, led to conversion of AF to sinus rhythm.None of the 66 monophasic pacing procedures or the 66 reverse biphasic (cathodal/anodal) pacing procedures was associated with AF termination. None of the biphasic pacing procedures was associated with induction of ventricular arrhythmias.Conclusions: Rapid atrial pacing using a variety of waveforms at the cycle length and output used in the current study was found to be safe. There was a single success in converting a chronic AF to sinus rhythm.Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2012;17(1):22–27
Surviving Ventricular Standstill for 111 Seconds during Holter Monitoring
Authors: Sidhu Maninder , Singh H.P. , Chopra Arun K. , Kapila Deepak , Sidhu Shailpreet 
Published: January 2012

Holter electrocardiogram recording revealed symptomatic prolonged ventricular standstill lasting for about two minutes which terminated without any external cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2012;17(1):61–62
ISHNE/EHRA Expert Consensus on Remote Monitoring of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs)
Authors: Dubner Sergio , Auricchio Angelo , Steinberg Jonathan S. , Vardas Panos , Stone Peter , Brugada Josep , Piotrowicz Ryszard , Hayes David L. , Kirchhof Paulus , Breithardt Günter , Zareba Wojciech , Schuger Claudio , Aktas Mehmet K. , Chudzik Michal , Mittal Suneet , Varma Niraj 
Published: January 2012

We are in the midst of a rapidly evolving era of technology‐assisted medicine. The field of telemedicine provides the opportunity for highly individualized medical management in a way that has never been possible before. Evolving medical technologies using cardiac implantable devices with capabilities for remote monitoring permit evaluation of multiple parameters of cardiovascular physiology and risk, including cardiac rhythm, device function, blood pressure values, the presence of myocardial ischaemia, and the degree of compensation of congestive heart failure. Cardiac risk, device status, and response to therapies can now be assessed with these electronic systems of detection and reporting. This document reflects the extensive experience from investigators and innovators around the world who are shaping the evolution of this rapidly expanding field, focusing in particular on implantable pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, devices for cardiac resynchronization therapy (both with and without defibrillation properties), loop recorders, and hemodynamic monitoring devices. This document covers the basic methodologies, guidelines for their use, experience with existing applications, and the legal and reimbursement aspects associated with their use. To adequately cover this important emerging topic, the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology and the European Heart Rhythm Association combined their expertise in this field. We hope that the development of this field can contribute to improve care of our cardiovascular patients.Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2012;17(1):36–56
RETRACTED: Ultrastructural study by backscattered electron imaging and elemental microanalysis of bone‐to‐biomaterial interface and mineral degradation of porcine xenografts used in maxillary sinus floor elevation
Authors: Ramírez‐Fernández Maria Piedad , Calvo‐Guirado Jose Luis , Maté‐Sánchez del Val Jose Eduardo , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Negri Bruno , Barona‐Dorado Cristina 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to carry out an ultrastructural study of the biomaterial‐to‐bone interface and biomaterial mineral degradation in retrieved bone biopsies following maxillary sinus augmentation using collagenized porcine xenografts (Osteobiol® Mp3) in 15 clinical cases.Materials and methodsNine months after sinus lifting, bone cores were harvested from the maxillary sinus. The specimens were processed for observation under a scanning electron microscope with backscattered electron imaging (SEM‐BSE). In addition, chemical analysis and elemental mapping of the mineral composition were generated using a microanalytical system based on energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDX).ResultsNo clinical complications were evident during surgery. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that newly formed bone had become closely attached to the xenograft. Statistical analysis showed a significantly high Ca/P ratio in the biomaterial (2.46 ± 0.16) and at the bone interface (2.00 ± 0.48) compared to bone (1.97 ± 0.36), which suggests that there may be a gradual diffusion of Ca ions from the biomaterial into the newly forming bone at the interface as part of the biomaterial's resorption process. EDX analysis of the residual porcine biomaterial at different points showed some particle categories with different mean ratios of Ca/P according to size, pointing to different stages of the resorption process.ConclusionsThe biomaterial proved to be biocompatible, bioreabsorbable and osteoconductive when used as a bone substitute for maxillary sinus elevation. SEM‐BSE revealed that newly formed bone had become closely attached to the xenografts. EDX analysis monitored the resorption process of the porcine bone xenograft. Elemental mapping showed that there was a gradual diffusion of Ca ions from the biomaterial to the newly forming bone at the interface.