bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Early Repolarization and Sudden Cardiac Death During an Acute Coronary Event
Authors: Tikkanen Jani T. , Wichmann Viktor , Junttila M. Juhani , Rainio Meri , Hookana Eeva , Lappi Olli-Pekka , Kortelainen Marja-Leena , Anttonen Olli , Huikuri Heikki V. 
Published: June 2012

Background—
Electrocardiographic early repolarization (ER) pattern has been previously associated with arrhythmic mortality and with an increased risk of ventricular fibrillation. We hypothesized that there is an association between ER and sudden cardiac death (SCD) during an acute coronary event.

Methods and Results—

The present study included 432 consecutive victims of SCD because of acute coronary event and 532 survivors of such an event, in whom 12-lead ECGs recorded before and unrelated to the event could be evaluated. SCDs were verified by medicolegal autopsy to be because of acute coronary event. ER was defined as an elevation of the QRS-ST junction in at least 2 inferior or lateral leads, manifested as QRS notching or slurring. The prevalence of ER pattern ≥0.1 mV was more common in cases (62/432; 14.4%) than controls (42/532; 7.9%) (
P
=0.001). The victims of SCD were younger, were more commonly men and smokers, had lower body mass index, had elevated heart rate, had prolonged QRS complex, and had lower prevalence of history of prior cardiovascular disease than controls. After adjustments for baseline differences, the odds ratio for J waves without ST-segment elevation in the SCD group was 2.15 (95% CI, 1.20–3.85;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—
Higher prevalence of ER in a standard 12-lead ECG in victims of SCD than in survivors of an acute coronary event suggests that the presence of ER increases the vulnerability to fatal arrhythmia during acute myocardial ischemia and provides a plausible mechanistic link between this ECG pattern and higher arrhythmic mortality of middle-aged/elderly subjects.
Compartment Pressure Curves Predict Surgical Outcome in Chronic Deep Posterior Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Winkes Michiel B. , Hoogeveen Adwin R. , Houterman Saskia , Giesberts Anouk , Wijn Pieter F. , Scheltinga Marc R. 
Published: June 2012

Background: Results of surgery for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of the lower leg deep posterior compartment are inferior compared with other types of CECS. Factors predicting success after surgery are unknown. Purpose: To study the prognostic value of preoperative compartmental pressure curves in patients receiving surgery for deep posterior compartment CECS. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Intracompartmental pressures (ICPs) of patients with deep posterior lower leg CECS were obtained at 4 time points (ie, before, immediately after, and 1 and 5 minutes after a standard exercise challenge test). Area under the 4-point pressure curve was calculated. Patients received a questionnaire investigating residual symptoms after surgery. Results: A complete data set was available for 52 patients (men, n = 23; age, 33 ± 14 years). They rated their 3-month postoperative clinical outcome as excellent (14%), good (38%), fair (35%), or poor (13%). Outcome at 3 months was related to the area under the preoperative 4-point pressure curve (excellent, 127 ± 28; good, 113 ± 25; fair, 100 ± 22; and poor, 88 ± 15; P = .005; odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.08). At the long-term follow-up (39 ± 24 months), all 5 cardinal symptoms (pain, tight feeling, cramps, weakness, and diminished sensibility) were greatly attenuated ( P < .001) in the successfully operated group. Long-term success was 48%. Delay in diagnosis was related to poor outcome ( P = .04). Correlations between pressures/area under the 4-point pressure curve and long-term outcome were not significant, however. Conclusion: Preoperative measured intracompartmental pressures obtained in rest and after a standard exercise test may predict success of surgery for deep posterior compartment CECS of the lower limb. Further standardizing of preoperative pressure protocols may confirm that compartmental pressure analysis has diagnostic as well as predictive properties.
The Acute Effect of Running on Knee Articular Cartilage and Meniscus Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Times in Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Subburaj Karupppasamy , Kumar Deepak , Souza Richard B. , Alizai Hamza , Li Xiaojuan , Link Thomas M. , Majumdar Sharmila 
Published: June 2012

Background: Understanding the acute response of healthy knee cartilage to running may provide valuable insight into functional properties. In recent years, quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques (T1ρ and T2 relaxation measurement) have shown tremendous potential and unique ability to noninvasively and quantitatively determine cartilage response to physiologic levels of loading occurring with physiologic levels of exercise. Purpose: To measure the short-term changes in MR T1ρ and T2 relaxation times of knee articular cartilage and meniscus in healthy individuals immediately after 30 minutes of running. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Twenty young healthy volunteers, aged 22 to 35 years, underwent 3T MR imaging of the knee before and immediately after 30 minutes of running. Quantitative assessment of the cartilage and menisci was performed using MR images with a T1ρ and T2 mapping technique. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of running on MR relaxation times. Results: The post-run T1ρ and T2 measurement showed significant reduction in all regions of cartilage except the lateral tibia when compared with the pre-run condition. The medial tibiofemoral (T1ρ: 9.4%, P < .0001; T2: 5.4%, P = .0049) and patellofemoral (T1ρ: 12.5%, P < .0001; T2: 5.7%, P = .0007) compartments experienced the greatest reduction after running. The superficial layer of the articular cartilage showed significantly higher change in relaxation times than the deep layer (∆T1ρ: 9.6% vs 8.2%, P = .050; ∆T2: 6.0% vs 3.5%, P = .069). The anterior and posterior horns of the medial meniscus (9.7%, P = .016 and 11.4%, P = .001) were the only meniscal subregions with significant changes in T1ρ after running. Conclusion: Shorter T1ρ and T2 values after running suggest alteration in the water content and collagen fiber orientation of the articular cartilage. Greater changes in relaxation times of the medial compartment and patellofemoral joint cartilage indicate greater load sharing by these areas during running.
Meniscal and Chondral Injuries Associated With Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears
Authors: Dumont Guillaume D. , Hogue Grant D. , Padalecki Jeffrey R. , Okoro Ngozi , Wilson Philip L. 
Published: June 2012

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are commonly associated with meniscal and chondral injuries. Although lateral meniscal tears are commonly associated with acute ACL injuries, the chronically ACL-deficient knee is associated with an increased rate of medial meniscal injury. These associations have been described in the adult knee literature. Purpose: To evaluate the relationship of elapsed time from injury with the incidence of meniscal and chondral injuries noted at the time of surgical treatment for ACL tears in pediatric patients. The effect of age, gender, weight, and mechanism of injury was also evaluated. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients undergoing primary arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between January 2005 and January 2011 was performed. The presence of meniscal tear, chondral injury, number of days from injury to treatment, age, weight, gender, and mechanism of injury were recorded. The data were analyzed for associations between elapsed time before surgery as well as patient-specific factors with rates of meniscal and chondral injuries. Results: Three hundred seventy pediatric patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction were included. Two hundred forty-one were treated ≤150 days (early) from injury, and 129 were treated >150 days (delayed) from injury. Ninety-one (37.8%) patients in the early treatment group and 69 (53.5%) patients in the delayed treatment group had medial meniscal tears (MMTs) ( P = .014; odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-2.83). Lateral meniscal tear (LMT) rates were similar (56.0% and 57.4%) in each group. Age >15 years also influenced the presence of MMTs ( P = .033; OR, 1.6; CI, 1.04-2.54). Increased patient weight was associated with an increased rate of MMTs and LMTs. Fifty-four of 170 (31.8%) patients weighing ≤65 kg and 106 of 200 (53%) weighing >65 kg had MMTs ( P < .001; OR, 2.2; CI, 1.36-3.42). Eighty-two of 170 (48.2%) patients weighing ≤65 kg and 127 of 200 (63.5%) weighing >65 kg had LMTs ( P < .018; OR, 1.7; CI, 1.10-2.68). The presence of chondral injury was significantly associated with the presence of meniscal tear in the same compartment of the knee. Conclusion: Pediatric patients treated >150 days after injury for ACL tears have a higher rate of MMT than those treated ≤150 days after injury. Increased age and weight are independently associated with a higher rate of MMT. Patients with ACL tears and an MMT or LMT are more likely to have a chondral injury in that particular compartment than those without meniscal tears.
The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament
Authors: Stephen Joanna M. , Lumpaopong Punyawang , Deehan David J. , Kader Deiary , Amis Andrew A. 
Published: June 2012

Background: Incompetence of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is an integral factor in patellofemoral instability. Reconstruction of this structure is gaining increasing popularity. However, the natural behavior of the ligament is still not fully understood, and crucially, the correct landmark for femoral attachment of the MPFL at surgery is poorly defined. Purpose: To determine the length change pattern of the native MPFL, investigate the effect of nonanatomic femoral and differing patellar attachment sites on length changes, and recommend a reproducible femoral attachment site for undertaking anatomic MPFL reconstruction. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Eight cadaveric knees were dissected of skin and subcutaneous fat and mounted in a kinematics rig with the quadriceps tensioned. The MPFL length change patterns were measured for combinations of patellar and femoral attachments using a suture and displacement transducer. Three attachments were along the superomedial border of the patella, and 5 femoral attachments were at the MPFL center and 5 mm proximal, distal, anterior, and posterior to this point. Reproducibility of attachment sites was validated radiographically. Results: The femoral attachment point, taking the anterior-posterior medial femoral condyle diameter to be 100%, was identified 40% from the posterior, 50% from the distal, and 60% from the anterior border of the medial femoral condyle. This point was most isometric, with a mean maximal length change to the central patellar attachment of 2.1 mm from 0° to 110° of knee flexion. The proximal femoral attachment resulted in up to 6.4 mm mean lengthening and the distal attachment up to 9.1 mm mean shortening through 0° to 110° of knee flexion, resulting in a significantly nonisometric graft ( P < .05). Conclusion: We report the anatomic femoral and patellar MPFL graft attachments, with confirmation of the reproducibility of their location and resulting kinematic behavior. Nonanatomic attachments caused significant loss of isometry. Clinical Relevance: The importance of an anatomically positioned MPFL reconstruction is highlighted, and an identifiable radiographic point for femoral tunnel position is suggested for use intraoperatively.
Augmentation of Tendon Healing With Butyric Acid–Impregnated Sutures
Authors: Leek Bryan T. , Tasto James P. , Tibor Lisa M. , Healey Robert M. , Freemont Anthony , Linn Michael S. , Chase Derek E. , Amiel David 
Published: June 2012

Background: Butyric acid (BA) has been shown to be angiogenic and to enhance transcriptional activity in tissue. These properties of BA have the potential to augment biological healing of a repaired tendon. Purpose: To evaluate this possibility both biomechanically and histologically in an animal tendon repair model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A rabbit Achilles tendon healing model was used to evaluate the biomechanical strength and histological properties at 6 and 12 weeks after repair. Unilateral tendon defects were created in the middle bundle of the Achilles tendon of each rabbit, which were repaired equivalently with either Ultrabraid BA-impregnated sutures or control Ultrabraid sutures. Results: After 6 weeks, BA-impregnated suture repairs had a significantly increased ( P < .0001) Young’s modulus and ultimate tensile strength relative to the control suture repairs. At 12 weeks, no statistical difference was observed between these measures. The histological data at 6 weeks demonstrated significantly increased ( P < .005) vessel density within 0.25 mm of the repair suture in the BA-impregnated group. There was also an associated 42% increase in the local number of myofibroblasts in the BA samples relative to the controls at this time. By 12 weeks, these differences were not observed. Conclusion: Tendons repaired with BA-impregnated sutures demonstrated improved biomechanical properties at 6 weeks relative to control sutures, suggesting a neoangiogenic mechanism of enhanced healing through an increased myofibroblast presence. Clinical Relevance: These findings demonstrate that a relatively simple alteration of suture material may augment early tendon healing to create a stronger repair construct during this time.
The Effect of Agency Scandal on Public Views Toward the Correctional System
Authors: Mancini Christina , Mears Daniel P. 
Published: June 2012

Evidence of a corrections agency scandal involving corruption can be expected to diminish public perceptions of agency effectiveness, especially in an era in which government accountability has featured prominently in national and state criminal justice policy discourse. However, relatively little scholarly attention has studied this idea. Using 2006 public opinion survey data collected prior to and after the highly publicized resignation of a corrections department director who was investigated for and subsequently convicted of graft and mismanagement, this study examines whether a prominent corrections agency scandal exerted an appreciable effect on how the public viewed the agency’s performance. Study findings suggest that the scandal had no effect on the public’s perception of the department’s performance. Implications of the study for research and policy are discussed.
Effects of epirubicin on barley seedlings
Authors: Hamat-Mecbur Halide , Yilmaz Sibel , Temel Aslihan , Sahin Kaniye , Gozukirmizi Nermin 
Published: June 2012

Epirubicin (EPI) is one of the anthracycline antibiotics, which is used in cancer chemotherapy. It inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis and causes cell death by DNA cleavage and production of free radicals. In this study, phytotoxicity of EPI was investigated on root and shoot growth, antioxidant enzymes and retrotransposons’ movements in 10- and 20-day-old barley seedlings. Mature embryos of barley were germinated on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 250 and 500 μg/ml EPI. Our results showed that EPI treatment significantly inhibited shoot and root growth when compared with control group. Treatment with 250 and 500 μg/ml of EPI reduced shoot length in the 10-day-old plants by approximately 1.5- and 2-fold, respectively; the same treatments reduced total root length by 2- and 4-folds, respectively. However, the shoot and root lengths of 20-day-old plants were observed to be more affected by EPI-treatment. A 500-μg/ml concentration decreased total protein levels and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) activity and increased superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) activities. To investigate the effect of EPI on the movements of BARE-1, SUKKULA and BAGY2 retrotransposons, inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism technique was performed. While some polymorphic polymerase chain reaction bands were observed for BARE-1, no polymorphism was identified in SUKKULA and BAGY2 movements. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing phytotoxic effects of EPI on plant germination and retrotransposons’ movements.
Alleviation of high salt toxicity-induced oxidative damage by salicylic acid pretreatment in two wheat cultivars
Authors: Mutlu Salih , Atici Ökkeş 
Published: June 2012

Role of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) in the antioxidative response to salt toxicity of two wheat ( Triticum aestivum) cultivars (Gerek-79 and Bezostaya) was investigated. Hydroponic growth environment of 10-day wheat seedlings grown under normal conditions (22/20°C) was adjusted to 0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 M of salt (NaCl), and then freshly prepared SA solutions (0.0, 0.01 and 0.1 mM) were once sprayed on leaves of the same seedlings. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT) were determined in fresh leaves obtained from 15-day seedlings. Treatment with SA alone increased all the antioxidant activities in Gerek-79. However, the same treatments with SA decreased the activities of CAT and SOD in Bezostaya, while increased that of POX. Salt applications alone increased the activities of POX and SOD, while decreased that of CAT in Bezostaya. The same salt applications increased the POX activity, while decreased the activities of CAT and SOD in Gerek-79. In plants under saline conditions, except 0.75 M NaCl, treatments with SA increased the activities of CAT, POX and SOD in both the varieties compared with plants applied salt alone. In plants applied with 0.75 M NaCl, however, treatments with SA decreased CAT activity. Results showed that salt toxicity caused a derangement in the regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities by decreasing CAT activity especially in both the varieties, but treatments with SA could turn back the derangement in the antioxidative enzymes caused by salt toxicity. SA can involve in increasing salt tolerance by regulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes in wheat cultivars exposed to salt toxicity.
Effect of short-term treatment with levosimendan on oxidative stress in renal tissues of rats
Authors: Gecit İlhan , Kavak Servet , Yüksel Mehmet Bilgehan , Basel Halil , Bektaş Hava , Gümrükçüoğlu Hasan Ali , Meral İsmail , Demir Halit 
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influences of short-term treatment with levosimendan (chemical formula: C14H12N6O) on oxidative stress and some trace element levels in renal tissues of healthy rats. A total of 20 male Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into two groups, each consisting of 10 rats. Animals in the first group were not treated with levosimendan and served as control. Animals in the second group were injected intraperitoneally with 12 µg/kg levosimendan and served as levosimendan group. Animals in both the groups were killed 3 days after the treatment, and their kidneys were harvested for the determination of tissue oxidant/antioxidant statues and trace element levels in renal tissues. The tissue malondialdehyde level was significantly ( p < 0.001) lower in levosimendan group than in controls. The protective enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and antioxidant glutathione level were significantly ( p < 0.001) higher in levosimendan group than in controls. It was concluded that levosimendan reduced oxidative stress by avoiding lipid peroxidation and production of reactive oxygen species, and overactivating and/or increasing the protective antioxidant enzyme levels in renal tissues of rats. It is supposed that this experimental study provides beneficial data for clinicians in the management of renal tissue damage related to obstruction and/or ischemia.
Constipation Is More Frequent Than Diarrhea in Patients Fed Exclusively by Enteral Nutrition
Authors: Bittencourt Amanda F. , Martins Juliana R. , Logullo Luciana , Shiroma Glaucia , Horie Lilian , Ortolani Maria Claudia , Silva Maria de Lourdes T. , Waitzberg Dan L. 
Published: June 2012

Background:Digestive complications in enteral nutrition (EN) can negatively affect the nutrition clinical outcome of hospitalized patients. Diarrhea and constipation are intestinal motility disorders associated with pharmacotherapy, hydration, nutrition status, and age. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of these intestinal motility disorders in patients receiving EN and assess risk factors associated with diarrhea and constipation in hospitalized patients receiving exclusive EN therapy in a general hospital.Materials and Methods:The authors performed a sequential and observational study of 110 hospitalized adult patients fed exclusively by EN through a feeding tube. Patients were categorized according to the type of intestinal transit disorder as follows: group D (diarrhea, 3 or more watery evacuations in 24 hours), group C (constipation, less than 1 evacuation during 3 days), and group N (absence of diarrhea or constipation). All prescription drugs were recorded, and patients were analyzed according to the type and amount of medication received. The authors also investigated the presence of fiber in the enteral formula.Results:Patients classified in group C represented 70% of the study population; group D comprised 13%, and group N represented 17%. There was an association between group C and orotracheal intubation as the indication for EN (P < .001). Enteral formula without fiber was associated with constipation (logistic regression analysis: P < .001).Conclusion:Constipation is more frequent than diarrhea in patients fed exclusively by EN. Enteral diet with fiber may protect against medication‐associated intestinal motility disorders. The addition of prokinetic drugs seems to be useful in preventing constipation.
Lighting affects students’ concentration positively: Findings from three Dutch studies
Authors: Sleegers PJC , Moolenaar NM , Galetzka M , Pruyn A , Sarroukh BE , van der Zande B 
Published: June 2012

The importance of lighting for performance in human adults is well established. However, evidence on the extent to which lighting affects the school performance of young children is sparse. This paper evaluates the effect of lighting conditions (with vertical illuminances between 350 lux and 1000 lux and correlated colour temperatures between 3000 and 12 000 K) on the concentration of elementary school children in three experiments. In the first two experiments, a flexible and dynamic lighting system is used in quasi-experimental field studies using data from 89 pupils from two schools (Study 1) and 37 pupils from two classrooms (Study 2). The third experiment evaluated two lighting settings within a school-simulating, windowless laboratory setting (n = 55). The results indicate a positive influence of the lighting system on pupils’ concentration. The findings underline the importance of lighting for learning. Several suggestions are made for further research.