bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of an Artificial Left Ventricular Muscle: An Innovative Way to Actuate Blood Pumps?
Authors: Van Der Smissen Benjamin , Claessens Tom , Verdonck Pascal , Van Ransbeeck Peter , Segers Patrick 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBlood pumps assist or take over the pump function of a failing heart. They are essentially activated by a pusher plate, a pneumatic compression of collapsible sacs, or they are driven by centrifugal pumps. Blood pumps relying upon one of these actuator mechanisms do not account for realistic wall deformation. In this study, we propose an innovative design of a blood pump actuator device which should be able to mimic fairly well global left ventricular (LV) wall deformation patterns in terms of circumferential and longitudinal contraction, as well as torsion. In order to reproduce these basic wall deformation patterns in our actuator device, we designed a novel kind of artificial LV “muscle” composed of multiple actively contracting cells. Its contraction is based on a mechanism by which pressurized air, inside such a cell, causes contraction in one direction and expansion perpendicular to this direction. The organization and geometry of the contractile cells within one artificial LV muscle, the applied pressure in the cells, and the governing LV loading conditions (preload and afterload) together determine the global deformation of the LV wall. Starting from a simple plastic bag, an experimental model based on the abovementioned principle was built and connected to a lumped hydraulic model of the vascular system (including compliance and resistance). The wall deformation pattern of this device was validated visually and its pump performance was studied in terms of LV volume and pressure and heart rate. Our experimental results revealed (i) a global LV motion resembling a real LV, and (ii) a close correlation between our model and a real LV in terms of end‐systolic volume and pressure, end‐diastolic volume and pressure, stroke volume, ejection fraction and pressure‐volume relationship. Our proposed model appears promising and it can be considered as a step forward when compared to currently applied actuator mechanisms, as it will likely result in more physiological intracavity blood flow patterns.
The Role of the Bcl‐3 Proto‐Oncogene in Thyroid Hormone‐Induced Liver Cell Proliferation
Authors: Malik Raza , Bungay Anton , Sadiq Amama , Brown David , Riemann Marc , Choudhury Sarah , Schmid Roland , Selden Clare , Hodgson Humphrey 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe aim of the study was to determine if thyroid hormone‐induced liver cell proliferation occurs through the Bcl‐3 proto‐oncogene. Rodents (including Bcl‐3 knockout mice and the wild‐type strain) were injected with a single dose of tri‐iodothyronine (T3) and sacrificed at various time points. Hepatic mRNA (real‐time polymerase chain reaction ) and protein expression (Western analysis) of Bcl‐3 was quantified in rats stimulated with T3. Cell proliferation was induced in a variety of cell types after T3 injection at 24 h including hepatocytes (7 ± 1.1% vs. 0.45 ± 0.025%; P < 0.01), hepatic nonparenchymal cells (3.8 ± 1.2% vs. 0.3 ± 0.01%; P < 0.01), renal tubular cells (8.1 ± 1.6% vs. 0.2 ± 0.035%; P < 0.01), and splenic lymphocytes (4.8 ± 1.2% vs. 0.35 ± 0.02%; P < 0.01). We showed a twofold increase in hepatic Bcl‐3 mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein expression (P < 0.01) at 24 h in rats stimulated with T3. However, there were no differences in the rate of liver cell proliferation between Bcl‐3 knockout mice and the wild‐type strain (0.4 ±  0.15% vs. 0.3 ± 0.1%), indicating that Bcl‐3 was not functionally involved in thyroid hormone‐induced liver cell proliferation. A single gene is unlikely to initiate the process of thyroid hormone‐induced cell proliferation. A complex interaction between the genomic and nongenomic effects of thyroid hormone is likely to regulate the mitogenic effects.
A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study of MAP0004 in Adult Patients With Migraine
Authors: Aurora Sheena K. , Rozen Todd D. , Kori Shashidhar H. , Shrewsbury Stephen B. 
Published: May 2009

Background.— Dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE) is an effective treatment for acute migraine, but its effective use is often limited by the inconvenience and inconsistency of intranasal, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes of administration. A new formulation of DHE delivered through the lungs by the novel Tempo® inhaler is being developed and is designed to offer fast onset, consistent dosing, and sustained response.Objective.— This proof of principle and dose setting study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of inhaled DHE delivered by a breath‐synchronized, plume‐controlled inhaler (Tempo) in adult migraineurs.Methods.— This was a randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled, 2‐period study conducted at 9 headache centers in the United States. Adult men and women with a documented history of acute migraine for at least 12 months, with an average of 2 to 8 attacks per month in the preceding 6 months were treated with MAP0004 0.5 or 1.0 mg systemic equivalent dose (1.0 or 2.0 mg nominal dose) or matching placebo during Treatment Period 1 (TP1). Patients who responded to treatment during TP1 were re‐randomized in Treatment Period 2 (TP2) to receive MAP0004 0.25 mg systemic equivalent dose or placebo.Results.— Of 86 patients randomized to treatment, 69 were included in the As‐Treated population in TP1. Pain relief at 2 hours was greater for MAP0004 0.5 mg (72%, P = .019) and 1.0 mg (65%, P = .071) than for placebo (33%). Pain relief at 10 (32%), 15 (46%), and 30 (55%) minutes was significantly (P < .05) greater with MAP0004 0.5 mg than with placebo (0%, 7% and 14%, respectively). Pain‐free at 2 hours was significantly greater with MAP0004 0.5 mg (44%, P = .015) and 1.0 mg (35%, P = .050) than with placebo (7%). Total migraine relief at 2 hours was significantly (P = .019) greater with MAP0004 0.5 mg (72%) than with placebo (33%). Sustained pain relief and pain‐free rates exhibited a therapeutic gain of 30% (P = .066) and 31% (P = .037) at 24 hours and 28% (P = .096) and 30% (P = .057) at 48 hours with MAP0004 0.5 mg vs placebo. MAP0004 was well tolerated with no serious or severe adverse events. Dysgeusia was reported as treatment‐related in 2 patients on placebo, 0 patients on MAP0004 0.5 mg, and 6 patients on MAP0004 1.0 mg. No clinically relevant changes were noted in spirometry, vital signs, electrocardiogram, or clinical laboratory values. No significant differences between treatments were observed in TP2.Conclusions.— In this study MAP0004 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg were well tolerated and effective at delivering clinically significant, rapid, and sustained pain relief in adult migraine patients. No additional benefit was observed with the higher dose, thus the MAP0004 0.5 mg systemic equivalent dose has been selected as the dose for further clinical study.
Fixed‐Dose Sumatriptan and Naproxen in Poor Responders to Triptans With a Short Half‐Life
Authors: Mathew Ninan T. , Landy Stephen , Stark Stuart , Tietjen Gretchen E. , Derosier Frederick J. , White Jonathan , Lener Shelly E. , Bukenya Deo 
Published: May 2009

Objective.— To evaluate efficacy and tolerability of a single, fixed‐dose tablet of sumatriptan 85 mg/naproxen sodium 500 mg (sumatriptan/naproxen sodium) vs placebo in migraineurs who had discontinued treatment with a short‐acting triptan because of poor response or intolerance.Background.— Triptan monotherapy is ineffective or poorly tolerated in 1 of 3 migraineurs and in 2 of 5 migraine attacks. In April, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration approved the combination therapy sumatriptan/naproxen sodium, developed specifically to target multiple migraine mechanisms. This combination product offers an alternative migraine therapy for patients who have reported poor response or intolerance to short‐acting triptans.Methods.— Two replicate, randomized, multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 2‐attack crossover trials evaluated migraineurs who had discontinued a short‐acting triptan in the past year because of poor response or intolerance. Patients were instructed to treat within 1 hour and while pain was mild.Results.— Patients (n = 144 study 1; n = 139 study 2) had discontinued an average of 3.3 triptans before study entry. Sumatriptan/naproxen sodium was superior (P < .001) to placebo for 2‐ through 24‐hour sustained pain‐free response (primary end point) (study 1, 26% vs 8%; study 2, 31% vs 8%) and pain‐free response 2 hours post dose (key secondary end point) (study 1, 40% vs 17%; study 2, 44% vs 14%). A similar pattern of results was observed for other end points that evaluated acute (2‐ or 4‐hour), intermediate (8‐hour), or 2‐ through 24‐hour sustained response for migraine (ie, pain and associated symptoms), photophobia, phonophobia, or nausea (with the exception of nausea 2 and 4 hours post dose). The percentage of patients with at least 1 adverse event (regardless of causality) was 11% with sumatriptan/naproxen sodium compared with 4% with placebo in study 1 and 9% with sumatriptan/naproxen sodium compared with 5% with placebo in study 2. Only 1 adverse event in 1 study was reported in ≥2% of patients after treatment with sumatriptan/naproxen sodium and reported more frequently with sumatriptan/naproxen than placebo: chest discomfort was reported in 2% of subjects in study 1, and no events met this threshold in study 2. No serious adverse events attributed to study medication were reported in either study.Conclusion.— In migraineurs who reported poor response to a short‐acting triptan, sumatriptan/naproxen sodium was generally well tolerated and significantly more effective than placebo in conferring initial, intermediate, and sustained efficacy for pain and migraine‐associated symptoms of photophobia and phonophobia.
A novel enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method for the detection of human neutrophil antigen‐2a antibodies
Authors: Bayat Behnaz , Werth Silke , Sachs Ulrich J. H. , Santoso Sentot 
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Antibodies to human neutrophil antigen (HNA)‐2a are responsible for a number of immune‐mediated neutropenia disorders. Although several methods exist for the identification of anti‐HNA‐2a, all these methods have several limitations. In this study, a solid‐phase enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant HNA‐2a antigen (rHNA‐2a) allowing rapid detection of HNA‐2a antibodies was developed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Soluble rHNA‐2 was generated by transfection of insect cells with CD177 vector. Purified rHNA‐2a was immobilized on microtiter wells coated with anti‐CD177 and was applied to analyze 10 sera containing HNA‐2a antibodies. For the evaluation of the ELISA method, results were compared with the standard assay, MAIGA (monoclonal antibody antigen capture assay) for detection of neutrophil antibodies.RESULTS: The specificity of HNA‐2a antibodies in all sera was confirmed by immunoblotting. Sera were then tested simultaneously in ELISA and MAIGA assays. Nine of 10 sera showed positive reactions in ELISA, whereas only 9 of 10 sera reacted in the standard MAIGA assay. All HNA‐2a antibodies were detectable in MAIGA when diluted sera were applied. No reaction was observed with different sera containing neutrophil‐reactive antibodies (6 anti‐HNA‐1a, 4 anti‐HNA‐1b, and 20 anti‐HLA Class I and II) in ELISA. All HNA‐2a antibodies were detectable in MAIGA when diluted sera were applied. Notably, sera containing anti‐proteinase 3 (PR3) from patients with Wegener's granulomatosis reacted in MAIGA. In contrast, this antibody showed no reaction in ELISA with purified rHNA‐2a.CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that ELISA with rHNA‐2a provides a good method for detecting HNA‐2a antibodies in human serum. This assay enables to exclude the presence of autoantibody against PR3 in patient's sera, which cannot be differentiated from anti HNA‐2a with current serologic methods.
Inactivation of pathogens in single units of therapeutic fresh plasma by irradiation with ultraviolet light
Authors: Mohr Harald , Gravemann Ute , Müller Thomas H. 
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) light, especially UVC, is germicidal but its ability to penetrate layers of protein containing solutions is poor. This hampers its use to inactivate pathogens in therapeutic fresh plasma (FP).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: FP units were spiked with lipid‐enveloped or nonenveloped viruses. Others were used without spiking. The units were transferred into UV‐transparent bags and irradiated with UVB or UVC light from both sides. The bags either were clamped between quartz plates or remained loose. In addition they were agitated at different speeds. Before and after irradiation virus titers or plasma variables were measured.RESULTS: Virus inactivation by UV irradiation was marginal when the FP units were not agitated or when the irradiation bags were fixed between quartz plates. It was strongly enhanced when they remained unfixed and were intensively agitated during treatment. At 100 rpm and UVC doses of approximately 1 J/cm2, with the exception of human immunodeficiency virus Type 1, all viruses used were effectively inactivated. UVB up to 2.5 J/cm2 was less effective. At 1 J/cm2 UVC or 2.5 J/cm2 UVB the activities of the clotting factors tested in general were reduced by approximately 10% to 20% compared to untreated plasma. More sensitive was clotting factor XI whose activity was lowered by approximately 23 and 29%, respectively. No further reductions were determined after storage of UVC‐treated FP for 3 months at 30°C or less.CONCLUSIONS: Pathogen inactivation of FP by UV light becomes effective when the unfixed irradiation bags are strongly agitated. The decrease in some clotting factor activities could be acceptable.
Traumatic wound dehiscence after penetrating keratoplasty
Authors: Rohrbach Jens Martin , Weidle Egon Georg , Steuhl Klaus Peter , Meilinger Sabine , Pleyer Uwe 
Published: May 2009

Abstract. Background: Traumatic wound dehiscence after penetrating keratoplasty is probably underestimated.Patients: From the files of the University Eye Hospital Tübingen (1981–1993), 15 patients with a traumatic wound dehiscence after penetrating keratoplasty were investigated.Results: Latency between corneal grafting and wound rupture ranged from 1 month to 25 years (mean 6.2 years). Wound dehiscence was quite evenly distributed over the circle. Intraocular tissue was lost to a variable extent. Three eyes were primarily or secondarily enucleated. Seven eyes (47%) with an originally reduced but useful vision became blind or were removed. Most (67%) of the resutured grafts lost transparency.Conclusions: Traumatic wound dehiscence is a serious and not very rare complication after penetrating keratoplasty. Functional results are poor.
Ocular findings in the Laurence‐Moon‐Bardet‐Biedl syndrome
Authors: Riise Ruth , Andréasson Sten , Wright Alan F. , Tornqvist Kristina 
Published: May 2009

Abstract. Purpose: To improve the description of the ocular part of the Laurence‐Moon‐Bardet‐Biedl syndrome.Methods: We examined 44 Scandinavian individuals who all had retinal dystrophy plus at least 2 more of the traditional cardinal signs of the syndrome: obesity, hypogenitalism, polydactyly and mental retardation.Results: Full‐field electroretinograms were obtained in 36 of the individuals and were abnormal in all. The dark adaptation thresholds were elevated by on average 3.5 log units. Symptoms of night blindness were observed at a mean age of 4 years and visual problems at daytime at 6–7 years. No one exceeding the age of 16 had a best corrected visual acuity of more than 0.1. In the fundus attenuated vessels were noted at all ages while macular pigmentations and a wax‐pale optic disc appeared at age 6–7 years. Pigmentary changes in the midperiphery were noted at the earliest at 13 years of age and appeared mainly as bone spicules, however, in a minority of cases the pigmentations were atypical. Ten of the participants had been followed through a period of 9 years. Their visual acuity was reduced by on average 0.3 line (decimals) and the angle of visual fields by approximate 3 degrees (Goldmann standard object V: 4e) per year through the adolescence.Conclusion: The ocular disease in Laurence‐Moon‐Bardet‐Biedl syndrome presents early, the prognosis for visual function is poor and the fundus features are atypical and varying.
Ocular characteristics in Nephropathia epidemica or Puumala virus infection
Authors: Kontkanen Matti , Puustjärvi Tuomo , Kauppi Paula , Lähdevirta Juhani 
Published: May 2009

Abstract. Purpose: We document the largest series so far concerning the ocular characteristics of nephropathia epidemica.Methods: A total of 37 consecutive nephropathia epidemica patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination during hospitalization for systemic infection, and a control examination after recovery.Results: The most common ocular symptoms were: frontal headache or periocular pain (75.6%), blurred vision (54.1%) and photophobia (10.8%). The best corrected visual acuity of 7 patients (18.9%) was reduced during the acute phase as compared to the later control examination. Myopic shift was found in 15 patients (40.5%), three of whom (8.1%) developed real transient myopia. There were no attacks of angle closure glaucoma in this series. On the contrary, the intraocular pressure was decreased in 49 eyes (66.2%) during the acute stage of the disease. Lid edema was present in 28 eyes (37.8%), conjunctival injection in 20 eyes (27.0%), chemosis in 8 eyes (10.8%) and subconjunctival bleeding in 3 eyes (4.1%). Signs of acute anterior uveitis were found in 10 eyes (13.5%), however, this resolved without treatment. In one eye retinal edema with hemorrhages was detected. Ultrasonography revealed narrowing of the anterior chamber during the acute phase in 69 eyes (93.2%) and thickening of the crystalline lens in 64 eyes (86.5%).Conclusion: Ophthalmic findings in nephropathia epidemica are not uncommon. The symmetry of the clinical manifestations reflects the systemic nature of the underlying infection.
Fluence and mutagenic side effects of excimer laser radiation applied in ophthalmology in human lymphocytes in vitro
Authors: Förster Werner , Scheid Wolfgang , Weber Jürgen , Schürenberg Martin , Traut Horst , Busse Holger 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the influence of different fluences in 193 and 248 nm excimer laser radiation on the yields of chromatid and chromosome aberrations induced in human lymphocytes in vitro.Method: Heparinized human blood was exposed to 193 or 248 nm excimer laser radiation. The fluence was gradually increased from 21 to 400 mJ/cm2 in 193 nm (constant total energy of 250 J) and from 150 to 377 mJ/cm2 in 248 nm radiation (constant total energy of 500 J). Chromatid and chromosome aberrations were then analysed microscopically.Results: The yields of chromatid breaks and achromatic lesions depend on the fluence per pulse. This dependence contains a linear component, indicating a threshold of about 70 mJ/cm2 fluence in 193 nm and of about 250 mJ/cm2 fluence in 248 nm laser radiation. An increase of the yield of dicentric chromosomes could only be observed at the highest fluence tested (377 mJ/cm2) in the 248 nm series. Over 126 mJ/cm2 in 193 nm radiation no lymphocytes could be cultured and therefore no aberrations could be found.Conclusions: Our findings show that the fluence of 193 nm and of 248 nm excimer laser radiation has an effect on the yields of chromatid breaks and achromatic lesions in human lymphocytes under in vitro conditions.
The corneal endothelium 12 months after photorefractive keratectomy in high myopia
Authors: Cennamo G. , Rosa N. , Del Prete A. , Breve M.A. , Sebastiani A. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine if photorefractive keratectomy with a 193 nm excimer laser could cause human corneal endothelial changes, mainly in high dioptric treatments.Methods: 18 patients underwent a treatment ranging from 7 to 13 diopters at the corneal apex (mean 10.3 ± 1.4 SD) with an estimated corneal thinning ranging from 62 to 116 microns (mean 90.7 ± 12 SD). In these patients a comparison between the number and shape of the corneal endothelial cells has been performed before and 12 months after PRK.Results: The mean cell density was 2818 ± 337 mm2, before surgery, and 2894 ± 301 mm2 after 12 months. The polymorphic index was 79.0 ± 2.3, before surgery, and 81.0 ± 5.0 after 12 months with no significant changes (p = 0.16 and P = 0.09, respectively).Conclusions: These results show that photorefractive keratectomy does not cause any significant observable damage to the central corneal endothelium up to 12 months after surgery, even in high myopic treatments.
Effects of viscoelastics on bovine corneal endothelial cells in vitro
Authors: Zhu Su‐Ning , Nölle Bernhard , Duncker Gernot 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the possible toxic effects of sodium hyaluronate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose on corneal endothelium.Methods: Cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCEC) were treated with either original Healon® (10 mg/ml) or Methocel® (20 mg/ml) for 1 h, or with various dilutions of these substances in culture medium for up to one week. The toxicity of the viscoelastics was assessed in terms of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release into the supernatant and of cell density.Results: Neither Healon nor Methocel in a dilution of 2 mg/ml enhanced LDH release after 72 h incubation, when compared with the control in a confluent model. In a proliferation model neither diluted Healon nor Methocel showed apparent inhibitory or stimulatory effects on the growth of BCEC up to the highest concentration we tested. When a BCEC monolayer was covered for 1 h with either undiluted Healon or undiluted Methocel, a significant, though transient, higher LDH release was induced.Conclusion: The results indicate that the diluted viscoelastics are safe for long time contact with BCEC, but undiluted they may temporarily interfere with the metabolism of the cytoplasm membranes of BCEC.
The effect of heparin‐surface‐modification on scar‐tissue formation around a subconjunctival polymethylmethacrylate implant in the rabbit
Authors: Kivalo Matti 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Purpose: Excessive scar tissue formation around ocular drainage implants is a common cause for implant failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of heparin‐surface‐modification of a subconjunctival polymethylmethacrylate implant on scar‐tissue formation in the rabbit eye.Methods: Plain and heparin‐surface‐modified polymethylmethacrylate implants were implanted subconjunctivally in the eyes of 13 rabbits in two groups consisting of 8 and 5 animals. In the latter group the implants were in contact with aqueous humour through a fistula into the anterior chamber.Results: Both unmodified and heparin‐surface‐modified polymethylmethacrylate implants were well tolerated. In histological sections studied by both light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, heparin‐surface‐modification of polymethylmethacrylate implants seemed to diminish the formation of scar tissue around the subconjunctival implants.Conclusion: Heparin‐surface‐modification of polymethylmethacrylate implants could provide one way to affect the formation of excessive fibrous tissue around ocular drainage implants.