bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Muscle Noise Effects on Atrial Evoked Response Sensing: Implications on Atrial Auto‐Threshold and Auto‐Capture Determination
Authors: TSE HUNG‐FAT , SAHA SUNIPA , GARG ANKUR , BOHN DEREK , LEE YIM LING , LAU CHU‐PAK 
Published: January 2011

Background: Automatic pacing capture verification algorithms that are based on detection of local evoked response signals are susceptible to interference from myopotential noise. This is especially true in the atrium where the lower signal amplitude and signal‐to‐noise ratio make pacing capture verification more challenging. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of myopotential noise induced by various maneuvers on the atrial evoked response (AER) signal.
Methods: Data were collected from 18 patients (7 M/11 F, 77.6 ± 8.8 years), implanted with a dual chamber rate response (DDDR) pacemaker and acute and chronic right atrial leads and right ventricular leads, at three regular follow‐up visits scheduled at 1, 3, and 6 months after pacemaker implantation or replacement procedures. During each study visit, manual atrial pacing threshold tests during unipolar pacing in the DDD mode were conducted with two evoked response sensing configurations (RARing→ Ind and RARing→ VTip) while patients performed six different maneuvers. Noise estimates were calculated for each maneuver.
Results: The greatest noise estimates in both sensing configurations were measured during the hand‐pressing exercise (0.649 ± 0.342 mV in the RARing→ Ind vector, 0.309 ± 0.223 mV in the RARing→ VTip vector). No significant differences in overall noise estimates were observed between the follow‐up visits. Of the beats that exhibited noise estimates greater than a sensing floor of 0.3 mV, up to 22% of cardiac beats had a signal‐to‐noise ratio less than 2 in the RARing→ Ind configuration.
Conclusions: Results indicate that myopotential noise generated by performing maneuvers has a demonstrable impact on AER sensing. Therefore, noise mitigation processes are necessary in atrial automatic pacing capture verification algorithms based on evoked response signals to identify and appropriately manage noise. (PACE 2011; 34:460–466)
Neurocardiogenic Syncope Coexisting with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in Patients Suffering from Orthostatic Intolerance: A Combined form of Autonomic Dysfunction
Authors: KANJWAL KHALIL , SHEIKH MUJEEB , KARABIN BEVERLY , KANJWAL YOUSUF , GRUBB BLAIR P. 
Published: January 2011

Introduction: There is anecdotal evidence that one or more forms of orthostatic intolerance (OI) subgroups may coexist in the same patients. However, there is a paucity of published data on the clinical features and management of patients who suffer from coexisting features of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS). We herein present our experience of 18 patients who we found displayed evidence of coexisting NCS and POTS.
Methods: We reviewed charts of 300 POTS patients seen at the University of Toledo Syncope and Autonomic Disorders Center from 2003 to 2010 and found 18 patients eligible for inclusion in this study. Patients were included in this study if they reported clinical symptoms consistent with both POTS and NCS and then demonstrated a typical POTS pattern (a rise in heart rate without change in blood pressure [BP]) on head up tilt table (HUTT) within the first 10 minutes of upright posture followed by a neurocardiogenic pattern (a sudden fall in heart rate and/or fall in blood pressure) reproducing symptoms that were similar to the patients spontaneous episodes.
Results: We found 18 patients, mean age (30 ± 12), with 15 (84%) women and three (16%) men, who met the inclusion criterion for this study. Each of these 18 patients demonstrated a typical POTS pattern within the first 10 minutes on initial physical exam and on a HUTT. Continued tilting beyond 10 minutes resulted in a sudden decline in heart rate (which in some patients manifested as an asystole that lasted anywhere between 10 and 32 seconds [mean of 18 seconds]) and/or a fall in BP in each of these patients demonstrating a pattern consistent with neurocardiogenic subtype of OI. The mean time to the NCS pattern of a fall in BP and heart was 15 minutes with a range of 13–20 minutes. This group of patients was highly symptomatic and reported frequent clinical symptoms that were suggestive of OI. Recurrent presyncope, syncope, orthostatic palpitations, exercise intolerance, and fatigue were the principal symptoms reported.
Conclusion: NCS may coexist with POTS in a subgroup of patients suffering from OI. (PACE 2011; 34:549–554)
The Impact of the Right Ventricular Lead Position on Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: KHAN FAKHAR Z. , SALAHSHOURI PEGAH , DUEHMKE RUDY , READ PHILIP A. , PUGH PETER J. , ELSIK MAROS , BEGLEY DAVID , FYNN SIMON P. , DUTKA DAVID P. , VIRDEE MUNMOHAN S. 
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Left ventricular (LV) lead placement to the latest contracting area (concordant LV lead) is associated with better response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) compared to a discordant LV lead. However, the effect of the right ventricular (RV) lead site on CRT response is unclear. We investigated the relationship of the RV and LV lead positions on CRT response.
Methods: In 131 CRT patients, the LV lead was positioned preferentially in a lateral or posterolateral vein and the RV lead to either the RV septum (RVS, n = 55) or RV apex (RVA, n = 76). The latest site of contraction was determined with two‐dimensional speckle tracking radial strain imaging and patients had a concordant LV lead position if pacing the latest segment, and discordant if not. Response was defined as ≥15% reduction in LV end systolic volume (LVESV) at 6‐month follow‐up.
Results: There were no significant differences in mean reduction of LVESV at follow‐up (RVS vs RVA: −23.3 ± 16% vs 22.1 ± 18%, P = 0.70) or rate of responders (58.2% vs 57.9%, P = 0.97) between the two groups. In patients with a concordant LV lead (n = 71), the response rate was significantly higher than those with a discordant lead (76.1% vs 36.7%, P < 0.001). There were no differences in outcomes in patients with a concordant or discordant LV lead according to the RV lead location.
Conclusion: The extent of LV reverse remodeling following CRT is not related to the RV lead position, but is significantly higher in patients with a concordant LV lead. (PACE 2011; 34:467–474)
Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients Receiving an Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator for Primary versus Secondary Prophylaxis Indications
Authors: MANUCHEHRY AMIN , AGUSALA KARTIK , MONTEVECCHI MAURO , KADISH ALAN , PASSMAN ROD 
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Data on the mechanisms of sudden cardiac death are limited and may be biased by delays in rhythm recording and selection bias in survivors. As a result, the relative contributions of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) (cycle length [CL] > 260 ms), monomorphic fast VT (FVT) (CL ≤ 260 ms), and polymorphic VT (PMVT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) have not been well characterized nor compared in patients with and without prior arrhythmic events.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) recipients with primary or secondary implant indications was used to evaluate intracardiac electrograms (EGMs) for the first spontaneous VT/VF resulting in appropriate ICD therapy. EGMs were categorized into VT, FVT, and PMVT/VF based on CL and morphologic criteria.
Results: Of 616 implants, 145 patients (58 [40%] primary indications) received appropriate ICD therapy for VT/VF over mean follow‐up of 3.8 ± 3.2 years. Primary implants had more diabetes (28% vs 12%; P = 0.02) and less antiarrhythmic use (15% vs 33%; P = 0.02). In those patients with spontaneous arrhythmia, PMVT/VF occurred in 20.7% of primary versus 21.8% of secondary implants, FVT in 19.0% versus 21.8%, and VT in 60.3% versus 56.4%, respectively (P = 0.88). Spontaneous VT CL was similar regardless of implant indication (284 ± 56 [primary] vs 286 ± 67 ms [secondary]; P = 0.92).
Conclusions: Monomorphic VT is the most common cause of appropriate ICD therapy regardless of implant indication. These results provide insight into the mechanisms of sudden cardiac death and have implications for the use of interventions designed to limit ICD shocks. (PACE 2011; 34:571–576)
Implantable Intravascular Defibrillator: Evaluation of Defibrillation Waveforms with Inferior Vena Cava Electrode System
Authors: SANDERS WILLIAM E. , MALKIN ROBERT A. , RICHEY MARK W. , MASSON STEPHEN C. , RANSBURY TERRANCE J. , URTZ MARK W. , IDEKER RAYMOND E. 
Published: January 2011

Background: A percutaneously placed, totally intravascular defibrillator has been developed that shocks via a right ventricular (RV) single‐coil and titanium electrodes in the superior vena cava (SVC) and the inferior vena cava (IVC). This study evaluated the defibrillation threshold (DFT) with this electrode configuration to determine the effect of different biphasic waveform tilts and second‐phase durations as well as the contribution of the IVC electrode.
Methods: Eight Bluetick hounds (wt = 30–40 kg) were anesthetized and the RV coil (first‐phase anode) was placed in the RV apex. The intravascular defibrillator (PICD®, Model no. IIDM‐G, InnerPulse Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA) was positioned such that the titanium electrodes were in the SVC and IVC
. Ventricular fibrillation was electrically induced and a Bayesian up‐down technique was employed to determine DFT with two configurations: RV to SVC + IVC and RV to SVC. Three waveform tilts (65%, 50%, and 42%) and two second‐phase durations (equal to the first phase [balanced] and truncated at 3 ms [unbalanced]) were randomly tested. The source capacitance of the defibrillator was 120 μF for all waveforms.
Results: DFT with the IVC electrode was significantly lower than without the IVC electrode for all waveforms tested (527 ± 9.3 V [standard error], 14.5 J vs 591 ± 7.4 V, 18.5 J, P < 0.001). Neither waveform tilt nor second‐phase duration significantly changed the DFT.
Conclusion: In canines, a totally intravascular implantable defibrillator with electrodes in the RV apex, SVC, and IVC had a DFT similar to that of standard nonthoracotomy lead systems. No significant effect was noted with changes in tilt or with balanced or unbalanced waveforms. (PACE 2011; 34:577–583)
Seeking Confirmation Is Rational for Deterministic Hypotheses
Authors: Austerweil Joseph L. , Griffiths Thomas L. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe tendency to test outcomes that are predicted by our current theory (the confirmation bias) is one of the best‐known biases of human decision making. We prove that the confirmation bias is an optimal strategy for testing hypotheses when those hypotheses are deterministic, each making a single prediction about the next event in a sequence. Our proof applies for two normative standards commonly used for evaluating hypothesis testing: maximizing expected information gain and maximizing the probability of falsifying the current hypothesis. This analysis rests on two assumptions: (a) that people predict the next event in a sequence in a way that is consistent with Bayesian inference; and (b) when testing hypotheses, people test the hypothesis to which they assign highest posterior probability. We present four behavioral experiments that support these assumptions, showing that a simple Bayesian model can capture people's predictions about numerical sequences (Experiments 1 and 2), and that we can alter the hypotheses that people choose to test by manipulating the prior probability of those hypotheses (Experiments 3 and 4).
Dose-related effects of venlafaxine on pCREB and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of the rat by chronic unpredictable stress
Authors: Li Jing-Jing , Yuan Yong-Gui , Hou Gang , Zhang Xiang-Rong 
Published: January 2011

Background: The molecular pathogenesis of depression and psychopharmacology of antidepressants remain elusive. Recent hypotheses suggest that changes in neurogenesis and plasticity may underlie the aetiology of depression. The hippocampus is affected by depression and shows neuronal remodelling during adulthood.Objective: The present study on the adult rat hippocampus, was to evaluate the dose-related effects of chronic venlafaxine on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (pCREB).Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a variety of chronic unpredictable stressors (CUSs) to establish a depression model. Rats were treated for either 14 or 28 days with venlafaxine (5 and 10 mg/kg, respectively). The hippocampal expression of pCREB and BDNF mRNA and protein was assessed by using immunohistochemistry, western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results: Rats subjected to CUS procedure consumed less sucrose solution compared with non-stressed rats. The CUS influenced exploratory activity resulting in a reduction of the motility counts. Chronic low dose (5 mg/kg, 14 and 28 days), but not high dose (10 mg/kg, 14 and 28 days) of venlafaxine treatment increased the expression of pCREB and BDNF mRNA and protein in the CUS rat hippocampus.Conclusion: Neuronal plasticity-associated proteins such as pCREB and BDNF play an important role both in stress-related depression and in antidepressant effect.
EVALUATION FOR ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTS OF VOLATILE FLAVORS FROM CHRYSANTHEMUM INDICUM AGAINST FOOD‐BORNE PATHOGENS AND FOOD SPOILAGE BACTERIA
Authors: LEE J.H. , JANG M. , SEO J. , KIM G.H. 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTThe antimicrobial activities of C. indicum‐essential oil and its components (thujone, chrysanthemyl alcohol, camphor, and γ‐terpinene) were examined with ten food‐borne pathogens. C. indicum‐essential oil showed the potent inhibition of growth for Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella choleraesuis, Shigella sonnei and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. MIC values for C. indicum‐essential oil were found to be the range of 1.25–10 µg/mL, and C. indicum‐essential oil inhibited very effectively the growth of B. cereus, S. aureus, A. hydrophilia, S. choleraesuis, S. enterica, S. sonnei, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. MBC values of C. indicum‐essential oil was declined as the following order; A. hydrophilia < B. cereus, B. subtilis, V. parahaemolyticus < S. aureus, S. sonnei, V. vulnificus. A time‐killing curve exhibited a similar pattern against all tested foodborne pathogens. The exposure time of C. indicum‐essential oil for 50% bactericidal effect was in the range of 5.6–9.2 h. Antibacterial activities lasted throughout 24 h incubation. From the results for antibacterial activity of C. indicum‐essential oil against food spoilage bacteria and foodborne pathogens, it is anticipated that C. indicum‐essential oil has a great potential as food preservative.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSRecently, the concerns for chemical food preservatives have been raised to customers, food companies, and whole food industry in a world. For this reason, many investigators have been tried to explore and develop the safe and natural food preservative. Some plant materials, especially essential oils, are used as natural antimicrobials in food systems traditionally. Investigating and providing the scientific evidence for antibacterial activity of essential oil will help suggest the alternatives for natural food preservative.
DESTINY II: Decompressive Surgery for the Treatment of Malignant Infarction of the Middle Cerebral Artery II
Authors: Jüttler Eric , Bösel Julian , Amiri Hemasse , Schiller Petra , Limprecht Ronald , Hacke Werner , Unterberg Andreas ,   for the DESTINY II Study Group
Published: January 2011

Background Patients with severe space-occupying – so-called malignant – middle cerebral artery infarcts have a poor prognosis even under maximum intensive care treatment. Randomised trials demonstrated that early hemicraniectomy reduces mortality from about 70% to 20% without increasing the risk of being very severely disabled. Hemicraniectomy increases the chance to survive completely independent more than fivefold and doubles the chance to survive at least partly independent. Only patients up to 60-years have been included in these trials. However, patients older than 60-years represent about 50% of all patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarcts. Data from observational studies, suggesting that older patients may not profit from hemicraniectomy, are inconclusive, because these patients have generally been treated later and less aggressively. This leads to great uncertainty in everyday clinical practice. Aims To investigate the efficacy of early hemicraniectomy in patients older than 60-years with malignant MCA infarcts. Materials & Methods DEcompressive Surgery for the Treatment of malignant INfarction of the middle cerebral arterY II is a randomised controlled trial including patients 61-years and older with malignant middle cerebral artery infarcts. Patients are randomised to either maximum conservative treatment alone or in addition to early hemicraniectomy within 48 h after symptom onset. The trial uses a sequential design with a maximum number of 160 patients to be enrolled (ISRCTN 21702227). Discussion In the face of an ageing population, the potential benefit of hemicraniectomy in older patients is of major clinical relevance, but remains controversial. Conclusion The results of this trial are expected to directly influence decision making in these patients.
Dynamic Splint for the Treatment of Stiff Elbow
Authors: Gallucci Gerardo L. , Boretto Jorge G. , Dávalos María A. , Donndorff Agustín , Alfie Verónica A. , De Carli Pablo 
Published: January 2011

Background The purpose of this paper is to retrospectively evaluate the results of the treatment of elbow stiffness with the use of dynamic splints. Methods We included 17 patients with stable and congruent joints, with a range of motion of 100 degrees or less who had not responded to the rehabilitation program. Average previous mobility was 108–42 degrees, with a total arc of 66 degrees. The splints consist of an articulated brace with springs. On average their use began 94 days after surgery or trauma and continued for 86 days. Statistical analysis was performed. Average follow-up was 18 months. Results Postoperative mobility was 126–19 degrees, with a total arc of 107 degrees. Motion increased an average of 41 degrees. Six patients failed to recover a functional arc of motion. Conclusion Our results suggest that dynamic splints are useful in the treatment of elbow stiffness. We achieved an average improvement of 41° in the arc of motion, which in many cases has rendered arthrolysis unnecessary. Tailoring the splint to the individual patient is very important since its usage must be prolonged in order to achieve plastic deformity through the principle of progressive stretching.
Scapulothoracic Fusion for Fascio-Scapulo-Humeral Dystrophy
Authors: Alshameeri Zeiad A. , Garg Sunil , Wallace W. Angus 
Published: January 2011

Background Scapulothoracic (ST) fusion has been recommended for suitable patients suffering from FacioScapuloHumeral Dystrophy (FSHD). It helps in creating a fulcrum for the deltoid and prevents winging of the scapula during flexion and abduction of the arm, thus improving activities of daily living. We present here an overview of the techniques used and the results of 9 ST fusion carried out at our department. Method The scapula is fixed to the underlying rips using Luque wires around the 2nd to 6th ribs, then passed through the medial border of the scapula, then through an 8 hole semi tubular plate placed over the dorsal aspect of the whole medial border of the scapula. After which the Luque wires are tied firmly, locking the scapula onto the chest wall. Morsellised bone allograft is placed between the scapula and the ribs before tightening the wires. Results In total 9 ST fusions were carried out. No Intra-operative complications occurred but 2 patients developed haemothoraces post-operatively, one resolved with chest drain and one needed thoracotomy. Late complications included one scapula fracture (subsequently internally fixed), one frozen shoulder (resolved with physiotherapy) and one protruding plate (subsequently removed). An average of 40 degrees of additional abduction was achieved and overall good patients satisfaction.
Exposure of Uninfected Poultry Farms to HPAI (H7N7) Virus by Professionals During Outbreak Control Activities
Authors: te Beest D. E. , Stegeman J. A. , Mulder Y. M. , van Boven M. , Koopmans M. P. G. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWith an extensive data set on visits made to control the H7N7 avian influenza epidemic in the Netherlands in 2003 we investigate the potential role of the persons involved in the control activities as vectors for disease transmission. We hypothesized that people can spread the virus on the same day mechanically, or till 10 days if they have become infected themselves. Taken into account was the estimated time of introduction of the virus into a poultry flock back‐calculated from mortality data. We identified 19 visits from a person that went on the same day from an infected (source) farm to a (target) farm that was before infection and a further 197 visits were made to (target) farms that remained uninfected. Of the 19 visits, eight were made within 3 days before an infection started on the target farm. If we assume that these eight visits were the primary reason the visited farms became infected, then we can calculate an upper estimate for the probability of transmission by a person per visit of 0.037. In addition we identified visits were a person first visited an infected source farm and up to 10 days after visited a target farm that either remained uninfected or was before infection. Most visits to infected source farms were made just after infection. Animals on these farms were likely not yet symptomatic, thus escaping diagnosis. Such events may be difficult to prevent, although awareness of this possibility is already a major step towards prevention. Most of these visits involved tracing and screening and were made by a relatively small number of trained veterinarians. This makes it possible to focus training efforts specifically on these persons and make sure they stringently use the personal protective equipment and strictly follow the hygiene protocol, to protect them and prevent them from spreading the disease.
Avulsion and storage media
Authors: Hiremath Geeta , Kidiyoor Krishnamurthy H. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAvulsion of a tooth caused by trauma, and its successful treatment is a challenging situation that a dentist encounters in clinical practice. There is a definitive treatment for the avulsed tooth, which depends on many factors. The immediate replacement and replantation of the avulsed tooth is necessary, but it cannot always be accomplished for a number of reasons. Thus, the tooth should be transported in a suitable medium to maintain the cell viability. The storage medium is one of the important factors that will help the dentist in rendering successful treatment for the avulsed tooth. There is a continuing search for an ideal storage medium. This review paper focuses on the various storage media, with special reference to coconut water.