bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A presumably benign human ether-a-go-go-related gene mutation (R176W) with a malignant primary manifestation of long QT syndrome
Authors: Donner Birgit C. , Marshall Christoph , Schmidt Klaus G. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA 12-year-old girl presented with a first prolonged syncope. She was successfully resuscitated by external defibrillation after recording torsade de pointes tachycardia. Repeated electrocardiograms and a 12-channel Holter monitoring showed an intermittent prolongation of the QT interval. Genetic analysis identified a heterozygous point mutation in the KCNH2 gene, which is thought to be associated with a rather mild clinical phenotype of the long QT syndrome.
Multi-detector computed tomography demonstration of double-lumen aortic arch – persistent fifth arch – as an isolated anomaly in an adult
Authors: Tehrai Mahmood , Saidi Bahare , Goudarzi Mahmoud 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPersistent fifth – double-lumen – aortic arch is a rarely seen entity, which is usually associated with other cardiac anomalies; it has been previously reported only in children. We report a new case of double-lumen aortic arch with a systemic-to-systemic connection diagnosed incidentally during cardiac multi-detector computer tomography evaluation of coronary artery bypass grafts in an adult.
Compton Scattering Artifacts in Electron Excited X-Ray Spectra Measured with a Silicon Drift Detector
Authors: Ritchie Nicholas W.M. , Newbury Dale E. , Lindstrom Abigail P. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractArtifacts are the nemesis of trace element analysis in electron-excited energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Peaks that result from nonideal behavior in the detector or sample can fool even an experienced microanalyst into believing that they have trace amounts of an element that is not present. Many artifacts, such as the Si escape peak, absorption edges, and coincidence peaks, can be traced to the detector. Others, such as secondary fluorescence peaks and scatter peaks, can be traced to the sample. We have identified a new sample-dependent artifact that we attribute to Compton scattering of energetic X-rays generated in a small feature and subsequently scattered from a low atomic number matrix. It seems likely that this artifact has not previously been reported because it only occurs under specific conditions and represents a relatively small signal. However, with the advent of silicon drift detectors and their utility for trace element analysis, we anticipate that more people will observe it and possibly misidentify it. Though small, the artifact is not inconsequential. Under some conditions, it is possible to mistakenly identify the Compton scatter artifact as approximately 1% of an element that is not present.
Comparison of geometric uncertainties between alpha cradle and thermoplastic ray cast immobilisation in abdominopelvic radiotherapy: a prospective study
Authors: Das Saikat , John Subhashini , Ravindran Paul , Isiah Rajesh , B Rajesh , Backianathan Selvamani , Singh Rabi Raja 
Published: November 2011

AbstractContext: Setup error significantly affects the accuracy of treatment and outcome in high precision radiotherapy.Aims: To determine total, systematic, random error and clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margin with alpha cradle (VL) and ray cast (RC) immobilisation in abdominopelvic region.Methods and material: Setup error was compared by using digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) as reference image with electronic portal image (EPI) taken during the treatment. Statistical analysis used: The total errors in mediolateral (ML), craniocaudal (CC) and anteroposterior (AP) directions were compared by t-test. For systematic and random errors variance ratio test (F-statistics) was used. Margins were calculated using International Commission of Radiation Units (ICRU), Stroom’s and van Herk’s formula.Results: A total number of 306 portal images were analysed with 144 images in RC group and 162 images in VL group. For VL, in ML, CC, AP directions systematic errors were, in cm, (0.45, 0.29, 0.41), random errors (0.48, 0.32, 0.58), CTV to PTV margins (1.24, 0.80, 1.25), respectively. For RC, systematic errors were (0.25, 0.37, 0.80), random error (0.46, 0.80, 0.33), CTV to PTV margins (0.82, 1.30, 1.08), respectively. The difference of random error in CC and AP directions were statistically significant.Conclusions: Geometric errors and CTV to PTV margins are different in different directions. For abdomen and pelvis in VL immobilisation, the margin ranged from 8 mm to 12.4 mm and for RC it was 8.2 mm to 13 mm. Therefore, a margin of 10 mm with online correction would be adequate.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis Hypersensitivity and Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression and Function in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Milutinović D.Vojnović , Macut D. , Božić I. , Nestorov J. , Damjanović S. , Matić G. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractMolecular mechanisms underlying pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially those related to cortisol signaling, are poorly understood. We hypothesized that modulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and function, may underlie possible PCOS-related impairment of feedback inhibition of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity and thus contribute to increased adrenal androgen production in women with PCOS.24 normal-weight and 31 obese women with PCOS were compared to 25 normal-weight controls. Fasting blood samples were collected for measurements of serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, insulin, basal cortisol and cortisol after oral administration of 0.5 mg dexamethasone. Concentrations of GR mRNA, GR protein, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) protein and heat shock proteins (Hsps), as well as the number of GR per cell (Bmax) and its equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) were measured in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.An increase in HPA axis sensitivity to dexamethasone, an elevation of the GR protein concentration, and unaltered receptor functional status were found in both normal-weight and obese women with PCOS vs. healthy controls. Lymphocyte MR, Hsp90 and Hsp70 concentrations, and MR/GR ratio were similar in all groups. Correlation between Bmax and KD was weaker in the group of obese women with PCOS than in the other 2 groups.The results did not confirm the initial hypothesis, but imply that PCOS is associated with increased GR protein concentration and HPA axis sensitivity to dexamethasone.
Family‐centred care: a qualitative study of Chinese and South Asian immigrant parents' experiences of care in paediatric oncology
Authors: Watt L. , Dix D. , Gulati S. , Sung L. , Klaassen R. J. , Shaw N. T. , Klassen A. F. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Over the past two decades, there is increasing emphasis being placed upon providing family‐centred care (FCC) in paediatric oncology settings. However, there is a lack of knowledge of FCC in paediatric oncology from the perspectives of immigrant parents. The purpose of this paper is to describe Chinese and South Asian immigrant parents' experiences of FCC in paediatric oncology settings in Canada.Methods  This study adopted a constructivist grounded theory approach. Fifty first generation Chinese and South Asian parents of children with cancer who were at least 6 months post‐diagnosis were recruited from six Canadian paediatric oncology centres. Interviews were conducted in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Urdu, Punjabi or Hindi, and transcribed into English. Analysis involved line‐by‐line, focused and theoretical coding, and the use of the constant comparison method.Results  Findings indicated that overall parents were highly satisfied with the care and services they received, and their experiences were reflective of the key elements of FCC. However, there were some areas of concern identified by participants: parents not perceiving themselves as a member of the medical team; inconsistency in the quality and co‐ordination of services among healthcare providers; disrespectful and mechanical manner of a few healthcare providers; and parents' discomfort with healthcare providers communicating sensitive health‐related information directly with their child.Conclusions  In order to successfully provide family‐centred services to immigrant parents of children with cancer, better communication of the elements of FCC between healthcare staff and families is needed to negotiate a clear role for the parents as partners of the healthcare team. Moreover, a better understanding of how family relationships are structured in immigrant families will assist healthcare providers to balance the best interests of the child with that of the family as a unit.
Microencapsulation of β‐carotene using native pinhão starch, modified pinhão starch and gelatin by freeze‐drying
Authors: Spada Jordana Corralo , Marczak Ligia Damasceno Ferreira , Tessaro Isabel Cristina , Noreña Caciano Pelayo Zapata 
Published: November 2011

SummaryBeta‐carotene was microencapsulated by freeze‐drying using native pinhão starch, hydrolysed pinhão starch 6 dextrose equivalent (DE), hydrolysed pinhão starch 12 DE and the mixture of these materials with gelatin as coating material. The purpose of this research was to produce and characterize these microcapsules. The capsules’ efficiency, surface content, moisture, morphology, solubility, particle size and glass transition temperature were analysed. The hydrolysed pinhão starch 12 DE showed the highest total β‐carotene content and the lowest surface β‐carotene content, unlike the native starch. Using scanning electron microscopy, it was observed that all microcapsules presented undefined shapes. The samples with gelatin had wider particle size distribution, higher diameters, lower solubility and higher glass transition temperature when compared with other the samples. Results obtained suggest that the modified pinhão starch can be considered as potential wall material for encapsulation of β‐carotene.
A Clinical Study to Evaluate Denture Adhesive Use in Well‐Fitting Dentures
Authors: Munoz Carlos A. , Gendreau Linda , Shanga Gilbert , Magnuszewski Tabetha , Fernandez Patricia , Durocher John 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPurpose: The objective of this study was the assessment of retention and stability and functional benefits of denture adhesive applied to well‐fitting and well‐made dentures.Materials and Methods: This was a randomized, crossover study to compare two marketed denture adhesives (test cream, Super Poligrip® Free, and test strip, Super Poligrip® Comfort Seal Strips) and an unmarketed cream adhesive (GlaxoSmith Kline Consumer Healthcare) with no adhesive as the negative control. Thirty‐six subjects completed the study. One hour after the application of denture adhesive, retention and stability were measured using the Kapur Index and maxillary incisal bite force. Two hours after application, functional tests were used to assess denture movement and peanut particle migration under the denture. Subjects also rated confidence, comfort, satisfaction with dentures, and denture wobble in conjunction with the functional tests.Results: Denture adhesives significantly (p < 0.05) improved retention and stability of well‐fitting dentures. Subjects experienced significantly (p < 0.05) fewer dislodgements while eating an apple after adhesive was applied to dentures. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in subjective ratings of confidence and comfort as well as decreases in denture wobble were associated with the use of adhesive. There was significant (p < 0.05) improvement in satisfaction ratings for cream adhesives. A single application of each denture adhesive was well tolerated.Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence that use of Super Poligrip® denture adhesives can enhance aspects of performance of complete well‐fitting dentures as well as provide increased comfort, confidence, and satisfaction with dentures.
Rates of Upgrade of ICD Recipients to CRT in Clinical Practice and the Potential Impact of the More Liberal Use of CRT at Initial Implant
Authors: SCOTT PAUL A. , WHITTAKER ANDREW , ZEB MEHMOOD , WATTS EDD , YUE ARTHUR M. , ROBERTS PAUL R. , MORGAN JOHN M. 
Published: November 2011

Background:
Many implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients may develop indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) during follow‐up. However, the actual upgrade rate during follow‐up in clinical practice is not known.
Methods:
We performed a single center retrospective observational study of all new ICD implants over 5 years (2003–2007). The rate of CRT upgrade of patients initially implanted with a single‐/dual‐chamber ICD during follow‐up was assessed. The impact of using alternative criteria on the need for CRT in ICD recipients at initial implant was also evaluated.
Results:
During the study period, there were 549 new ICD implants. The initial implant was a single/dual‐chamber ICD in 73% (n = 399) and a CRT‐D in 27% (n = 150). During follow‐up (48±20 months) of the 399 ICD recipients, 70 (17.5%) died and 15 (3.8%) were upgraded to CRT, including eight cases where left ventricular lead implant had been initially unsuccessful. Upgrade rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.03%, 2.4%, and 5.1%, respectively. Using alternative CRT criteria (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]≤30%, QRS ≥130 ms, New York Heart Association I‐IV) 42.6% (n = 234) of ICD recipients met criteria for CRT at initial implant.
Conclusion:
In this retrospective single center study, rates of CRT upgrade in ICD recipients over the medium term were low, which may reflect underuse in otherwise appropriate candidates. The more liberal use of CRT at initial implant in patients with a reduced LVEF, a broad QRS, but only mild heart failure symptoms would require approximately 50% increase in CRT use in ICD recipients at initial implant, and may help address some of the suggested underutilization. (PACE 2012; 35:73–80)
Application of the Seattle Heart Failure Model in Patients on Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: PERROTTA LAURA , RICCIARDI GIUSEPPE , PIERAGNOLI PAOLO , CHIOSTRI MARCO , PONTECORBOLI GIULIA , DE SANTO TIZIANA , BELLOCCI FULVIO , VITULANO NICOLA , EMDIN MICHELE , MASCIOLI GIOSUÈ , RICCERI ILARIA , PORCIANI MARIA CRISTINA , MICHELUCCI ANTONIO , PADELETTI LUIGI 
Published: November 2011

Background:
The Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) is a multimarker risk assessment tool able to predict outcome in heart failure (HF) patients.
Aim:
To assess whether the SHFM can be used to risk‐stratify HF patients who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy with (CRT‐D) or without (CRT) an implantable defibrillator.
Methods and Results:
The SHFM was applied to 342 New York Heart Association class III‐IV patients who received a CRT (23%) or CRT‐D (77%) device. Discrimination and calibration of SHFM were evaluated through c‐statistics and Hosmer‐Lemeshow (H‐L) goodness‐of‐fit test. Primary endpoint was a composite of death from any cause/cardiac transplantation. During a median follow‐up of 24 months (25th–75th percentile [pct]: 12–37 months), 78 of 342 (22.8%) patients died; seven patients underwent urgent transplantation. Median SHFM score for patients with endpoint was 5.8 years (25th–75th pct: 4.25–8.7 years) versus 8.9 years (25th–75th pct: 6.6–11.8 years) for those without (P < 0.001). Discrimination of SHFM was adequate for the endpoint (c‐statistic always ranged around 0.7). The SHFM was a good fit of death from any cause/cardiac transplantation, without significant differences between observed and SHFM‐predicted survival.
Conclusion:
The SHFM successfully stratifies HF patients on CRT/CRT‐D and can be reliably applied to help clinicians in predicting survival in this clinical setting. (PACE 2012; 35:88–94)
Real‐Time Dominant Frequency Analysis of the Pulmonary Vein in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: MATSUO SEIICHIRO , YAMANE TEIICHI , DATE TARO , TOKUTAKE KEN‐ICHI , HIOKI MIKA , ITO KEIICHI , NARUI RYOHSUKE , TANIGAWA SHIN‐ICHI , TOKUDA MICHIFUMI , YAMASHITA SEIGO , INADA KEIICHI , MINAI KOSUKE , KOMUKAI KIMIAKI , SUGIMOTO KEN‐ICHI , YOSHIMURA MICHIHIRO 
Published: November 2011

Background:
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) can be treated with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). A spectral analysis can identify sites of high‐frequency activity during atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the role of the PVs on AF perpetuation by dominant frequency (DF) analysis.
Methods:
Thirty‐one consecutive patients with PAF who underwent PVI were included in the prospective study. DF was calculated in each of the PVs, 16, five, and five sites in the left atrium, the coronary sinus, and the right atrium, respectively. In patients presenting sinus rhythm at the baseline, AF was induced by pacing. The PVs were then divided into two groups; PVs demonstrated the highest DF (HDF‐PV) and others.
Results:
One patient was excluded from the analysis because sustained AF could not be induced. AF was terminated in 43.3% (13/30) of patients during ablation. Of 92 PVs isolated during AF, 30 and 62 PVs were classified into the HDF‐PV and others, respectively. PAF was more frequently terminated by the HDF‐PV isolation compared to the others (33.3%[10/30] vs 4.8%[3/62], P = 0.0004). Interestingly, nine of the 30 HDF‐PVs showing the highest DF among all 30 regions, including extra PVs, led to AF termination in 88.9% (eight out of nine) of cases. Moreover, the HDF‐PVs isolation resulted in a greater AF cycle length prolongation than the other PVs isolation (12.1±5.0 vs 2.7±7.6 ms, P = 0.007).
Conclusion:
Termination of PAF was more frequently observed during ablation of the PVs with the highest DF. The PV showing high DF played an important role in the maintenance of PAF. (PACE 2012; 35:28–37)
Safety Aspects of Deep Sedation during Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: WUTZLER ALEXANDER , ROLF SASCHA , HUEMER MARTIN , PARWANI ABDUL SHOKOR , BOLDT LEIF‐HENDRIK , HERBERGER ERIK , HOHENBICHLER KATHARINA , DIETZ RAINER , HAVERKAMP WILHELM 
Published: November 2011

Background:
The combination of intravenous propofol and midazolam is frequently used to provide unconscious sedation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), but only a very few reports are available on the influence of prolonged propofol infusion on arterial blood gas, blood pressure, and anesthesia‐associated complications during ablation of AF. The purpose of this study was to assess tolerance and safety of unconscious sedation with intravenous propofol and midazolam during catheter ablation of AF.
Methods:
A total of 316 consecutive patients (age 59 ± 10 years, 68% men) presenting to our center for catheter ablation of symptomatic AF were enrolled prospectively. A total number of 424 procedures were performed under unconscious sedation with propofol and midazolam. SaO2, electrocardiogram, arterial blood pressure, and arterial blood gases were monitored throughout the procedure.
Results:
Mean procedure duration was 235 ± 48 minutes. Patients received 1.125 ± 684 mg propofol, 9.5 ± 3 midazolam, and 1.963 ± 813 mL NaCl infusion. Complications during the procedure were identified in eight patients (2.5%, one × coronary air embolization, one × myocardial infarction, four × pericardial effusion, two × pericardial tamponade). All eight patients were symptomatic (distress, report of pain); none of the complications was attributable to unconscious sedation itself.
Conclusion:
Unconscious sedation with propofol and midazolam in AF ablation procedures lasting 3–5 hours did not result in severe changes of vital parameters or serum electrolytes. Anesthesia‐associated problems were not observed. Propofol and midazolam can be safely used during catheter ablation of AF. (PACE 2012; 35:38–43)
Accurate Guidance of a Catheter by Ultrasound Imaging and Identification of a Catheter Tip by Pulsed‐Wave Doppler
Authors: McMAHON EILEEN M. , JIAMSRIPONG PANUPONG , KATAYAMA MINAKO , CHALIKI HARI P. , FATEMI MOSTAFA , BELOHLAVEK MAREK 
Published: November 2011

Background:
With the advent of numerous minimally invasive medical procedures, accurate catheter guidance has become imperative. We introduce and test an approach for catheter guidance by ultrasound imaging and pulsed‐wave (PW) Doppler.
Methods:
A steerable catheter is fitted with a small piezoelectric crystal at its tip that actively transmits signals driven by a function generator. We call this an active‐tip (AT) catheter. In a water tank, we immersed a “target” crystal and a rectangular matrix of four “reference” crystals. Two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound imaging was used for initial guidance and visualization of the catheter shaft, and then PW Doppler mode was used to identify the AT catheter tip and guide it to the simulated target that was also visible in the 2D ultrasound image. Ten guiding trials were performed from random initial positions of the AT catheter, each starting at approximately 8 cm from the target.
Results:
After the ten navigational trials, the average final distance of the catheter tip from the target was 2.4 ± 1.2 mm, and the range of distances from the trials was from a minimum of 1.0 mm to a maximum of 4.5 mm.
Conclusions:
Although early in the development process, these quantitative in vitro results show promise for catheter guidance with ultrasound imaging and tip identification by PW Doppler. (PACE 2012; 35:44–50)
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Polyphenolic Fractions from Selected Moroccan Red Wines
Authors: Tenore Gian Carlo , Basile Adriana , Novellino Ettore 
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  The present study is the first effort to a comprehensive evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of fractionated red wines from Morocco. The results obtained revealed that the wine samples were characterized by a higher phytochemical concentration than the same variety of wines with a different geographical origin and other more consumed red wines, confirming what was reported in a previous authors’ work. The most phenolic‐rich fractions were the ones containing phenolic acids and quercetin glucoronides from Syrah and Merlot wine samples while Cabernet Sauvignon exhibited the highest monomeric anthocyanin content. The antioxidant activity of wine extracts was tested by ferric reducing antioxidant power and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrilhydrazyl assays. Samples revealed a higher reducing capacity than radical scavenging property and a good correlation between antioxidant activity and polyphenolic content values. As regards the antimicrobial properties, each fraction exhibited activity against a broad spectrum of food‐borne microorganisms, revealing not only a moderate to high natural preserving capacity, but also potentially beneficial influence on human health.Practical Application:  In consideration of the scarcity of data regarding composition and biological properties of  Moroccan red wines, the present study may represent a valuable reference for wine consumers and producers.