bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Using a Closed Irrigation Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter
Authors: GOLDEN KEITH , MOUNSEY JOHN PAUL , CHUNG EUGENE , ROOMIANI PAHRESAH , MORSE MICHAEL ANDEW , PATEL ANKIT , GEHI ANIL 
Published: February 2012

Background:

Catheter ablation is an effective therapy for symptomatic, medically refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Open‐irrigated radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheters produce transmural lesions at the cost of increased fluid delivery. In vivo models suggest closed‐irrigated RF catheters create equivalent lesions, but clinical outcomes are limited.
Methods:

A cohort of 195 sequential patients with symptomatic AF underwent stepwise AF ablation (AFA) using a closed‐irrigation ablation catheter. Recurrence of AF was monitored and outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models.
Results:

Mean age was 59.0 years, 74.9% were male, 56.4% of patients were paroxysmal and mean duration of AF was 5.4 years. Patients had multiple comorbidities including hypertension (76.4%), tobacco abuse (42.1%), diabetes (17.4%), and obesity (mean body mass index 30.8). The median follow‐up was 55.8 weeks. Overall event‐free survival was 73.6% with one ablation and 77.4% after reablation (reablation rate was 8.7%). Median time to recurrence was 26.9 weeks. AF was more likely to recur in patients being treated with antiarrhythmic therapy at the time of last follow‐up (recurrence rate 30.3% with antiarrhythmic drugs, 13.2% without antiarrhythmic drugs; hazard ratio [HR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–4.4, P = 0.024) and in those with a history of AF greater than 2 years duration (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.9, P = 0.038).
Conclusions:

Our study represents the largest cohort of patients receiving AFA with closed‐irrigation ablation catheters. We demonstrate comparable outcomes to those previously reported in studies of open‐irrigation ablation catheters. Given the theoretical benefits of a closed‐irrigation system, a large head‐to‐head comparison using this catheter is warranted. (PACE 2012; 35:506–513)
Regenerative therapy of infrabony defects with or without systemic doxycycline. A randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Röllke Lasse , Schacher Beate , Wohlfeil Martin , Kim Ti‐Sun , Kaltschmitt Jens , Krieger Jörg , Krigar Diana M. , Reitmeir Peter , Eickholz Peter 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAimComparison of regenerative therapy of infrabony defects with and without administration of postsurgical systemic doxycycline (DOXY).MethodsIn each of 61 patients one infrabony defect was treated with enamel matrix derivative (EMD), EMD plus filler or membrane at two centres. By random assignment patients received either 200 mg DOXY per day or placebo (PLAC) for 7 days after surgery. Prior to and 6 months after surgery probing pocket depths (PPD) and vertical attachment level (PAL‐V) were obtained.ResultsFifty‐four patients (DOXY: 27; PLAC: 27) were re‐examined after 6 months and had been treated exclusively with EMD. Seven to 8 days after surgery 81% of defects in both groups showed complete flap closure. In both groups significant (p < 0.001) PPD reduction (DOXY: 3.87 ± 1.44 mm; PLAC: 3.67 ± 1.30 mm) and PAL‐V gain (DOXY: 3.11 ± 1.50 mm; PLAC: 3.32 ± 1.83 mm) were observed. However, the differences failed to be statistically significant (PPD: 0.20; p = 0.588; PAL‐V: 0.21; p = 0.657).ConclusionsTwo hundred milligram systemic DOXY administered for 7 days after therapy of infrabony defects with EMD failed to result in better PPD reduction and PAL‐V gain compared with PLAC which may be due to low power (50%) and, thus, random chance.
The value of education in special care dentistry as a means of reducing inequalities in oral health
Authors: Faulks D. , Freedman L. , Thompson S. , Sagheri D. , Dougall A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPeople with disability are subject to inequality in oral health both in terms of prevalence of disease and unmet healthcare needs. Over 18% of the global population is living with moderate to severe functional problems related to disability, and a large proportion of these persons will require Special Care Dentistry at some point in their lifetime. It is estimated that 90% of people requiring Special Care Dentistry should be able to access treatment in a local, primary care setting. Provision of such primary care is only possible through the education and training of dentists. The literature suggests that it is vital for the dental team to develop the necessary skills and gain experience treating people with special needs in order to ensure access to the provision of oral health care. Education in Special Care Dentistry worldwide might be improved by the development of a recognised academic and clinical discipline and by providing international curricula guidelines based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, WHO). This article aims to discuss the role and value of promoting and harmonising education in Special Care Dentistry as a means of reducing inequalities in oral health.
Are T‐cell dysfunctions the other side of the moon in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes?
Authors: Fozza Claudio , Longinotti Maurizio 
Published: February 2012

AbstractEven though the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is dominated by an inefficient maturation of haematopoietic precursors, also immune mechanisms seem to play a crucial functional role. In this review, we will first describe the clinical and laboratory autoimmune manifestations often detectable in MDS patients. We will then focus on studies addressing the mechanisms of T‐cell activation and their implications in the disease history. The potential impact of specific cell subsets, such as regulatory T‐cells, Th17 cells and natural killer cells, will be also described. We will finally focus on potential therapeutic approaches based on immunomodulation, ranging from more classical immunosuppressive drugs to vaccination and transplantation strategies.
Effect of Streptococcus sanguinis/Porphyromonas gingivalis single and combined biofilms upon platelet aggregation
Authors: Tu Y , Huang W , Pan Z , Hu H , Chen H 
Published: February 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 586–594Objective:  To assess the effect of two oral bacteria Streptococcus sanguinis and Porphyromonas gingivalis upon platelet aggregation.Materials and Methods:  Streptococcus sanguinis, P. gingivalis, S. sanguniis + P. gingivalis were added to platelet‐rich plasma and platelet aggregation measured using a platelet aggregometer. Platelets were passed through a flow chamber with S. sanguinis, P. gingivalis or a biofilm of S. sanguinis and P. gingivalis coated with saliva. Platelet adhesion to the chamber was observed under a fluorescence microscope for 15 min. The positive control was platelets treated with adrenaline; the negative control was platelets treated with phosphate‐buffered saline.Results:  The mean (± s.e.) aggregation magnitude of S. sanguinis and P. gingivalis was 77.7 ± 7.4% and 79.3 ± 9.9%, respectively. The aggregation magnitude of S. sanguinis + P. gingivalis was 51.3 ± 12.9%, which was significantly lower than that for S. sanguinis/P. gingivalis (P < 0.05). In the flow chamber system, platelets adhered to S. sanguinis/P.gingivalis respectively within 3 min, and reached a plateau at 5–15 min. Under the condition of the S. sanguinis‐ and P. gingivalis‐saliva biofilm, platelet adhesion to the biofilm was significantly reduced at 5–15 min (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  In the static or dynamic flow system, platelets adhered to S. sanguinis or P. gingivalis. However, if S. sanguinis was mixed with P. gingivalis, the aggregation magnitude (%) was significantly reduced.
Simultaneous presence of human herpesvirus 6 and adenovirus infections in intestinal intussusception of young children
Authors: Lappalainen Suvi , Ylitalo Samuli , Arola Anita , Halkosalo Anne , Räsänen Sirpa , Vesikari Timo 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim:  This prospective study investigated the role of viral infections in the pathogenesis of intussusception, including human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6), a known lymphotropic virus.Methods:  Fifty‐three children with intussusception treated in hospital were enroled, and children of comparable age and gender served as controls. Blood, stool and throat swab specimens, as well as mesenteric lymph nodes and pieces of intestine from patients requiring surgery were tested for various viruses by PCR methods.Results:  Altogether, 85% of intussusception cases showed evidence of a recent or ongoing viral infection. Among the 53 intussusception cases, adenovirus was detected in 25 (47%), HHV‐6 in 24 (45%), rhinovirus in 12 (23%), cytomegalovirus in 7 (13%), enterovirus in 4 (8%) and rotavirus in 3 (6%) patients. Of the 50 whole blood samples, 44% were positive for HHV‐6 and of the 16 resected mesenteric lymph nodes, 50% were positive for HHV‐6. Simultaneous presence of HHV‐6 and adenovirus infection correlated significantly with intussusception (OR 12.1, 95% CI 2.2 to 66.5).Conclusions:  A statistically significant association was observed between adenovirus and childhood intussusception. HHV‐6 was a common finding and occurred concomitantly with other viruses. A simultaneous infection with HHV‐6 and adenovirus carried the highest risk for intussusception.
Potential natural vegetation: reburying or reboring?
Authors: Loidi Javier , Fernández‐González Federico 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis paper deals with the recent debate on the potential natural vegetation (PNV) concept. After reviewing its limitations with respect to understanding of the processes involved in secondary succession, spatial and temporal scaling and data processing, we still consider it a useful tool for summarizing knowledge about a territory in a way that can guide good practice in nature conservation, and for hypothesis generation. MappingPNVhas a descriptive aim and offers the possibility of depicting not only a ‘natural’ scenario according to the extant vegetation types and current environmental factors, but also an ecological description of the territory. It is not a commitment to build any ideal stage of nature but it can contribute to better management by providing targets for restoration and improving naturalness, ecosystem conservation and biodiversity preservation. Constant development of the concept, through discussion, improvement of methods and incorporation of new knowledge, is necessary, but we are reluctant to accept the idea of abandoning it because a part of what has been achieved to date in nature conservancy management usingPNVcould be lost, as arguments supporting naturalness would be weakened.
Organization of the spinnerets and spigots in the orb web spider, Argiope bruennichi (Araneae: Araneidae)
Authors: Moon Myung‐Jin 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAlthough the basic taxonomic characteristics usually remain unchanged, some spinning apparatuses undergo consistent adaptive variations. As the presence of additional protuberances known as nubbins and tartipores have caused disagreements regarding some Araneidae spiders, more detailed definitions on the cuticular structures have recently been proposed. Reflecting this definition, microstructural organization of silk spinning apparatuses in the orb web spider Argiope bruennichi were reconsidered using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Among the seven kinds of functional spigots in females, it was revealed that two types (major ampullates and pyrifoms) are located on anterior spinnerets and another five types are distributed on median (minor ampullates, tubuliforms and aciniforms) or posterior (tubuliforms, flagelliforms, aggregates and aciniforms) spinnerets, respectively. In addition to functional spigots, cuticular remnants of the nubbins and the tartipores were found on the spinning fields, but the number of tartipores on each spinneret varied among individuals based on maturity. Nevertheless, three kinds of cuticular protuberances of ampullate silk glands were clearly visible at both the anterior and median spinnerets.
Comparison Between Individual and Group Rearing Systems in Octopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797)
Authors: Estefanell J. , Roo J. , Fernández‐Palacios H. , Izquierdo M. , Socorro J. , Guirao R. 
Published: February 2012

Recently most research on cephalopod culture has focused on the development of new specific enrichments for paralarvae and compound feeds for juveniles and sub‐adults. However, little research has been conducted in order to test new rearing systems, specifically designed to meet the particularities of these species. This experiment was set to compare the biological performance of Octopus vulgaris reared under traditional group conditions in floating cages (5 m3) and individually in net cages (80 L), in two successive ongrowing trials. Octopuses (1565 ± 263 g) were fed a mixed diet containing crab and fish during 60 d.In general, higher mortality was observed in octopus reared under group conditions (28.1–36.7%) rather than individually (0–12.5%), related to breeding behavior and to weight dispersion along both trials. This led to highest biomass increment in octopus reared individually. However, the group rearing system had a positive effect on growth, reflecting in higher biomass increment and food conversion rates until 40–50 d of rearing. Accordingly, in order to maximize profitability of traditional group on growing, periodic grading and selection of males during the reproductive period are recommended. In addition, no difference in proximate composition and fatty acid profile was found in muscle regardless of rearing system.
Photocatalytic Disinfection of Bacterial Pollutants Using Suspended and Immobilized TiO2 Powders
Authors: Ede Sarah , Hafner Louise , Dunlop Patrick , Byrne John , Will Geoffrey 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe photocatalytic disinfection of Enterobacter cloacae and Enterobacter coli using microwave (MW), convection hydrothermal (HT) and Degussa P25 titania was investigated in suspension and immobilized reactors. In suspension reactors, MW‐treated TiO2 was the most efficient catalyst (per unit weight of catalyst) for the disinfection of E. cloacae. However, HT‐treated TiO2 was approximately 10 times more efficient than MW or P25 titania for the disinfection of E. coli suspensions in surface water using the immobilized reactor. In immobilized experiments, using surface water a significant amount of photolysis was observed using the MW‐ and HT‐treated films; however, disinfection on P25 films was primarily attributed to photocatalysis. Competitive action of inorganic ions and humic substances for hydroxyl radicals during photocatalytic experiments, as well as humic substances physically screening the cells from UV and hydroxyl radical attack resulted in low rates of disinfection. A decrease in colony size (from 1.5 to 0.3 mm) was noted during photocatalytic experiments. The smaller than average colonies were thought to occur during sublethal •OH and O2•− attack. Catalyst fouling was observed following experiments in surface water and the ability to regenerate the surface was demonstrated using photocatalytic degradation of oxalic acid as a model test system.
UV Released Factors Induce Antioxidant Defense in A375 Cells
Authors: Ghosh Rita , Guha Dipanjan , Bhowmik Sudipta 
Published: February 2012

AbstractUV light leads to release of different secretory factors from irradiated cells of which some of them have been characterized. We have reported earlier that cells exposed to the supernatant medium from irradiated cells were resistant to killing by some genotoxic agents. In this study, we present our finding that demonstrates DNA damage induced by UV or H2O2 is lowered on prior exposure to the UV released factors (UVRF). Production of ROS in cells and lipid peroxidation was also lowered. It was found that treatment of unexposed cells with UVRF present in the supernatant medium altered the antioxidant defense activity in cells. Significant was the increase in catalase (CAT) and Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, whereas glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels remained unaffected. Cells exposed to UVRF prior to UV or H2O2 treatment also experienced such upregulation; however, the remarkable increase in the GPx activity exhibited by these cells was not observed in cells exposed to H2O2 or UV alone. It appears that exposure to UVRF tinkered with antioxidant defense in cells to facilitate its proliferation upon assault by an agent that can produce oxidative damage.
Peace parks and transboundary initiatives: implications for marine conservation and spatial planning
Authors: Mackelworth Peter 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIncreasing use of the marine environment makes the development of spatial planning desirable. However, ambiguity and connectivity in the marine system has the potential to create conflict between neighboring States, particularly in contested border regions with overlapping ecosystems and migratory species. Interest in the concept of transboundary conservation is expanding in the marine system. Increasingly, there is a strategic move toward attempting to combine conservation issues with resolving conflicts between States by promoting these initiatives as peace parks. Although this strategy has the potential to provide solutions there are risks involved. A review of nine marine transboundary initiatives provides insights into hazards and best practices that may inform future conservation and spatial planning in this system. Results suggest that, like most conservation, long‐term sustainability of projects is based on transparency, the availability of appropriate funding, and governmental will. While the branding of marine transboundary conservation initiatives as peace parks may help to provide initial political impetus to projects, maintaining governmental interest is a significant long‐term issue. This review aims to stimulate the debate on strategies for developing marine transboundary conservation for the future, bearing in mind the potential for conflict in these regions.
Double‐Masked, Placebo‐Controlled Study of Intravenous Levetiracetam for the Treatment of Status Epilepticus and Acute Repetitive Seizures in Dogs
Authors: Hardy B.T. , Patterson E. E. , Cloyd J.M. , Hardy R.M. , Leppik I.E. 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundStatus epilepticus (SE) and acute repetitive seizures (ARS) are common canine neurologic emergencies. No evidence‐based studies are available to guide treatment in veterinary patients. Parenteral levetiracetam (LEV) has many favorable properties for the emergency treatment of seizures, but its safety and efficacy in dogs forSEandARSare unknown.HypothesisIntravenousLEVis superior to placebo in controlling seizures in dogs withSEorARSafter treatment withIVdiazepam.AnimalsNineteen client‐owned dogs admitted forSEorARS.MethodsRandomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐masked study. Dogs withSEorARSwere randomized to receiveIV LEV(30 or 60 mg/kg using an adaptive dose‐escalation approach) or placebo, in addition to standard of care treatment. They were monitored for at least 24 hours after admission for additional seizures.ResultsThe responder rate (defined as dogs with no additional seizures after administration of the study medication) afterLEVwas 56% compared with 10% for placebo (P = .06). Dogs in the placebo group required significantly more boluses of diazepam compared with theLEVgroup (P < .03). Seizure etiologies identified were idiopathic epilepsy (n = 10), inflammatory central nervous system disease (n = 4), intracranial neoplasia (n = 2), hepatic encephalopathy (n = 1), and 2 dogs had no cause determined. No serious adverse effects were attributable toLEVadministration.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceLEVwas safe and potentially effective for the treatment ofSEandARSin these client‐owned dogs. Larger, controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm this preliminary observation.
The 6-PACK programme to decrease falls and fall-related injuries in acute hospitals: protocol for an economic evaluation alongside a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Morello Renata , Barker Anna , Zavarsek Silva , Watts Jennifer J , Haines Terry , Hill Keith , Sherrington Cathie , Brand Caroline , Jolley Damien , Stoelwinder Just 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundFalls are a common hospital occurrence complicating the care of patients. From an economic perspective, the impact of in-hospital falls and related injuries is substantial. However, few studies have examined the economic implications of falls prevention interventions in an acute care setting. The 6-PACK programme is a targeted nurse delivered falls prevention programme designed specifically for acute hospital wards. It includes a risk assessment tool and six simple strategies that nurses apply to patients classified as high-risk by the tool.ObjectiveTo examine the incremental cost-effectiveness of the 6-PACK programme for the prevention of falls and fall-related injuries, compared with usual care practice, from an acute hospital perspective.Methods and designThe 6-PACK project is a multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) that includes 24 acute medical and surgical wards from six hospitals in Australia to investigate the efficacy of the 6-PACK programme. This economic evaluation will be conducted alongside the 6-PACK cluster RCT. Outcome and hospitalisation cost data will be prospectively collected on approximately 16 000 patients admitted to the participating wards during the 12-month trial period. The results of the economic evaluation will be expressed as ‘cost or saving per fall prevented’ and ‘cost or saving per fall-related injury prevented’ calculated from differences in mean costs and effects in the intervention and control groups, to generate an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).DiscussionThis economic evaluation will provide an opportunity to explore the cost-effectiveness of a targeted nurse delivered falls prevention programme for reducing in-hospital falls and fall-related injuries. This protocol provides a detailed statement of a planned economic evaluation conducted alongside a cluster RCT to investigate the efficacy of the 6-PACK programme to prevent falls and fall-related injuries.Trial registration numberThe protocol for the cluster RCT is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12611000332921).
The value of triple antibody (34βE12 + p63 + AMACR) cocktail stain in radical prostatectomy specimens with crushed surgical margins
Authors: Daoud Najla Al , Li Gangyong , Evans Andrew J , van der Kwast Theodorus H 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundTriple antibody cocktail immunohistochemical staining is routinely used as an ancillary method to establish a diagnosis of prostate cancer in biopsies with small foci of atypical glands. Crush artefact can distort surgical margins in radical prostatectomy specimens, occasionally making it difficult to diagnose a positive margin.AimTo investigate the ability of a cocktail stain to distinguish carcinoma from benign prostatic glands at the edge of crushed margins in prostatectomy specimens.Methods10 radical prostatectomy specimens with crushed benign glands at the surgical margins, and 20 with crushed margins positive for carcinoma were retrieved from the pathology archives. The latter included 16 (80%) with positive apical margins, 2 (10%) incised intraprostatic margins, and 1 (5%) soft tissue margin. Two-colour triple antibody stain using a cocktail of antibodies against α-methylacyl coenzyme A racemase (AMACR), high molecular weight keratin and p63 was performed on all the selected cases.ResultsIn 10/10 specimens with crushed benign glands, basal cell staining continued to be detectable, while AMACR staining was negative in all cases (0/10). In the positive margin cases, none of the crushed glands expressed basal cell marker staining (0/20), whereas 14/20 (70%) of the cases showed variable levels of AMACR positivity at the inked margin.ConclusionTwo-colour triple antibody cocktail stain is useful in the assessment of most, but not all, surgical margins with crushed artefact in prostatectomy specimens by helping to establish whether glands are malignant or benign.