bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Les approches épididymaires de la contraception masculine
Authors: Drevet J. -R. 
Published: July 2012

RésuméL’offre en matière de moyens contraceptifs masculins est limitée et, en particulier, à ce jour il n’existe pas de contraception hormonale masculine sur le marché. L’épididyme, dans lequel les spermatozoïdes acquièrent leurs capacités fécondantes et où ils sont stockés, s’avère être un site intéressant à cibler. Cette revue vise à présenter de façon synthétique les quelques pistes prometteuses qui ont émergé ces dernières années.
Carbondioxide Gating in Silk Cocoon
Authors: Roy Manas , Meena Sunil Kumar , Kusurkar Tejas Sanjeev , Singh Sushil Kumar , Sethy Niroj Kumar , Bhargava Kalpana , Sarkar Sabyasachi , Das Mainak 
Published: July 2012

Silk is the generic name given to the fibrous proteins spun by a number of arthropods. During metamorphosis, the larva of the silk producing arthropods excrete silk-fiber from its mouth and spun it around the body to form a protective structure called cocoon. An adult moth emerges out from the cocoon after the dormant phase (pupal phase) varying from 2 weeks to 9 months. It is intriguing how CO2/O2 and ambient temperature are regulated inside the cocoon during the development of the pupa. Here we show that the cocoon membrane is asymmetric, it allows preferential gating of CO2 from inside to outside and it regulates a physiological temperature inside the cocoon irrespective of the surrounding environment temperature. We demonstrate that under simulating CO2 rich external environment, the CO2 does not diffuse inside the cocoon. Whereas, when CO2 was injected inside the cocoon, it diffuses out in 20 s, indicating gating of CO2 from inside to outside the membrane. Removal of the calcium oxalate hydrate crystals which are naturally present on the outer surface of the cocoon affected the complete blockade of CO2 flow from outside to inside suggesting its role to trap most of the CO2 as hydrogen bonded bicarbonate on the surface. The weaved silk of the cocoon worked as the second barrier to prevent residual CO2 passage. Furthermore, we show that under two extreme natural temperature regime of 5 and 50 °C, a temperature of 25 and 34 °C respectively were maintained inside the cocoons. Our results demonstrate, how CO2 gating and thermoregulation helps in maintaining an ambient atmosphere inside the cocoon for the growth of pupa. Such natural architectural control of gas and temperature regulation could be helpful in developing energy saving structures and gas filters.
The clinical and electroanatomical characteristics of paroxysmal lone atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tuan Ta‐Chuan , Chang Shih‐Lin , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Hu Yu‐Feng , Lo Li‐Wei , Chao Tze‐Fan , Chung Fa‐Po , Tai Ching‐Tai , Chen Shih‐Ann 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntroductionLone atrial fibrillation (AF) is defined as AF occurring in the absence of any other cardiovascular disease. The prognosis of patients with lone AF varies in previous studies, and the clinical and electroanatomical characteristics of lone AF are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of lone AF.MethodsThis study included 203 patients (52±13 years old, 144 males) that underwent circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) for paroxysmal AF. The mean voltage and total activation time of the individual atria were obtained by using a NavX mapping system and were compared for patients with lone and non‐lone AF. Several parameters, including the age, gender, AF duration, and left atrial (LA) diameter were analyzed.ResultsCompared with non‐lone AF patients, lone AF patients were significantly younger (49±13 years old vs. 58±11 years old, p<0.001) and had lower body‐mass index (BMI, 24.60±2.96 vs. 26.07±3.29, p=0.02), lesser cholesterol level (169.06±31.41 vs. 183.63±31.12, p=0.014), smaller LA diameter (35.89±4.90 vs. 40.86±4.62, p<0.001), and higher LA bipolar voltage (2.10±0.50 vs. 1.83±0.73 mV, p<0.05). Furthermore, a dramatic voltage reduction was observed for 60‐year‐old patients.ConclusionPatients with lone AF have unique clinical and electroanatomical characteristics.
Anti‐arrhythmic device therapy has limits in improving the prognosis of patients with cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Kojima Toshiya , Imai Yasushi , Fujiu Katsuhito , Suzuki Takeki , Sugiyama Hiroaki , Asada Kazuo , Ajiki Kohsuke , Hayami Noriyuki , Murakawa Yuji , Nagai Ryozo 
Published: July 2012

AbstractImmunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis has poor long‐term prognosis. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a common cause of death in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis. Prophylactic anti‐arrhythmic device therapy has been suggested as an option to reduce this risk. We address this issue by reviewing 4 cases of cardiac AL amyloidosis with anti‐arrhythmic device therapy. One patient who had an atrioventricular block underwent pacemaker implantation, and the other 3 patients received implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation for ventricular arrhythmia. All of the 3 ICD implantation cases received appropriate shock therapy for ventricular arrhythmia in the early stage. However, they soon died due to pulseless electrical activity (PEA) or severe heart failure. The median survival period for our 4 cases was as short as 12.3 months. In particular, the 3 patients who required ICD had worse prognoses. Thus, ICD implantation therapy for chemotherapy‐resistant cardiac AL amyloidosis may prevent SCD but may not prolong the patient's survival. There are no arguments against pacemaker implantation for cardiac amyloidosis with conduction disturbance; however, the clinical benefit of ICD indication for ventricular tachyarrhythmia is limited. Further extensive clinical research should be performed to definitively determine the effects of ICD implantation on cardiac AL amyloidosis.
Catheter ablation of three macroreentrant atrial tachycardias after surgical repair of Double‐Outlet Right Ventricle
Authors: Wada Tadashi , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Koide Yuji , Kagawa Kenzo , Naito Yoichiro , Tsushima Sho , Toda Hironobu , Kawada Satoshi , Terasaka Ritsuko , Nakahama Makoto , Nagase Satoshi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA 54‐year‐old man with a surgically repaired double‐outlet right ventricle (DORV) presented with palpitations and worsening right heart failure. His 12‐lead ECG showed atrial tachycardia (AT) with an atrial cycle length (CL) of 300 ms and an inverted saw‐tooth F‐wave pattern in the inferior leads II, III, and aVF typical of atrial flutter. Electrophysiological study and radiofrequency catheter ablation were performed. A total of 3 sustained ATs (AT1–AT3) were induced. Using the electroanatomical mapping system, CARTO3, and conventional mapping techniques, the ATs were identified as macroreentrant tachycardias circling around an incisional line on the free wall of the right atrium (AT1), the tricuspid annulus (AT2), and low voltage area in the lateral wall including the right septum (AT3). Accuracy of CARTO3 in three‐dimensional reconstruction was sufficient to elucidate anatomical features (including catheter sites, incision, and low voltage areas) and macroreentrant circuits. However, conventional mapping techniques were also necessary to identify the mechanism of the tachycardias, and therefore to eliminate all of them successfully. This case demonstrates that the use of combined conventional and electroanatomical mapping techniques, such as CARTO3, can be helpful in identifying the critical isthmus for catheter ablation of macroreentrant AT in patients with surgically corrected congenital heart disease (CHD).
A case of an infant with bundle branch reentrant ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Fujii Satoki , Tasaka Hiroshi , Okamoto Yoji , Takahashi Katsuyuki , Kadota Kazushige , Mitsudo Kazuaki , Waki Kenji , Aragaki Yoshio 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCatheter ablation of the right bundle branch was performed on an 11‐month‐old infant for the treatment of drug‐resistant bundle branch reentrant ventricular tachycardia. The occurrence of right bundle branch block could not be used as an endpoint of treatment because the patient had presented with incomplete right bundle branch block pattern during sinus rhythm. We performed ablation of the right bundle branch and utilized changes of duration and morphology of the QRS complex as indicators. Eight years have passed with no development of any atrioventricular block or tachycardia episode.
A case of thoracoscopy‐guided lead extraction with an excimer laser sheath
Authors: Ohmori Hiroya , Nitta Takashi , Sakamoto Shun‐ichiro , Haraguchi Shuji , Shimizu Kazuo , Ochi Masami 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe patient was a 29‐year‐old male who had been diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries with an intact ventricular septum. At the age of 6 months, he underwent a Senning operation. At the age of 10 years, a dual‐chamber (DDD) pacemaker was implanted via the right subclavian vein for the treatment of sick sinus syndrome. At the age of 25, the generator was removed due to a lead fracture, and a new pacemaker was implanted via the left subclavian vein, leaving the previous lead in the right subclavian vein. Later, the patient developed pain in the right precordium, cramping of the major pectoral muscle, and non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia, suggesting physical stimulation of the left ventricle (functional right ventricle) by the residual leads. Therefore, lead extraction using an excimer laser sheath was planned. However, the leads adhered strongly to the vessels, and extraction was considered to involve a high risk of injury to the blood vessels, particularly the superior vena cava (SVC). We inserted a thoracoscope via the right precordial third intercostal space and observed the SVC via the thoracic cavity in order to immediately detect any complications. Using this approach, it was possible to extract the lead safely with an excimer laser sheath.
Postural change‐dependent T‐wave oversensing resulting in the administration of inappropriate shocks
Authors: Hirai Yukoh , Nakano Yukiko , Ogi Hiroshi , Kihara Yasuki 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA 68‐year‐old man with dilated cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction, 15%) and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Even though his cardiac status had greatly improved 2 years later after β‐blocker therapy, he experienced 2 episodes of sudden shock when he was squatting in a bathroom without any preceding symptoms. His serum electrolyte and plasma glucose levels were normal. Interrogation of the device revealed that the shock was caused by sinus tachycardia and T‐wave oversensing. A number of episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia due to T‐wave oversensing was also recorded. Follow‐up interrogation of the device with the patient in the supine position could not reproduce the T‐wave oversensing. We were able to elicit T‐wave oversensing only after reproduction of the patient's clinical situation using isoproterenol and postural changes (i.e., sinus tachycardia and squatting). This case suggests that sudden increases in nonsustained ventricular tachycardia events may be caused by T‐wave oversensing, and postural changes should be taken into consideration in such situations.
Current overview of the genetic background of atrial fibrillation: Possible therapeutic gene targets for the treatment of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Furukawa Tetsushi , Ebana Yusuke 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. Although AF is known to develop during the course of various cardiac pathological conditions, including valvular heart diseases, congestive heart failure, and hypertension, recent clinical data implicate the additional contribution of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of AF. A familial form of AF has been noted, and 8 loci and 6 responsible genes have been identified. In non‐familial AF, genetic risks were originally investigated by the candidate gene approach, and recently by genome‐wide association studies (GWASs). GWASs executed in other countries have identified 3 loci: 4q25 near Pitx2, 1q21 in KCNN3, and 16q22 in ZFHX3. Several AF‐associated SNPs in 4q25 are also associated with the recurrence rate of AF after catheter pulmonary vein isolation. This review will discuss the genetic underpinnings of AF, in both familial AF and non‐familial AF.
Smoking history and underlying lung disease are associated with poor outcome in patients developing interstitial pneumonia during low‐dose amiodarone therapy
Authors: Nozoe Masatsugu , Honda Toshihiro , Honda Mitsuko , Ichikado Kazuya , Suga Moritaka , Nakao Koichi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundAmiodarone is a useful antiarrhythmic drug, especially in patients with serious heart diseases, but amiodarone‐induced interstitial pneumonia (AMD‐IP) is sometimes lethal.Methods and resultsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of 280 patients who were treated with daily oral amiodarone. Among the patients, 29 (10.2%) developed AMD‐IP during the follow‐up period of 66.0±38.2 months. The average dose of amiodarone in the AMD‐IP group (173±10 mg) was significantly higher than that in the non‐AMD‐IP group (150±3 mg). The prevalence of smoking history (AMD‐IP group: 70.0%; non‐AMD‐IP group: 42.2%; P<0.01) and underlying lung disease (AMD‐IP group: 17.2%; non‐AMD‐IP group: 5.6%; P<0.05) was significantly higher in the AMD‐IP group than in the non‐AMD‐IP group. Furthermore, multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that smoking history was an independent predictor of AMD‐IP (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.08–10.23; P<0.001). Among patients who developed AMD‐IP, those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had a higher relapse rate and a worse prognosis.ConclusionsDuring the mean follow‐up period of >5 years, 10.2% of patients receiving low‐dose amiodarone therapy developed AMD‐IP. Higher maintenance doses, smoking history, and preexisting lung disease were related to the development of AMD‐IP. The AMD‐IP patients with COPD had a poor prognosis.
New therapeutic target for the non‐electrophysiological signaling in atrial fibrosis and fibrillation such as inflammation
Authors: Takahashi Naohiko , Kume Osamu , Wakisaka Osamu , Teshima Yasushi , Hara Masahide , Saikawa Tetsunori 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe have experimentally established appropriate models of atrial fibrillation (AF) with atrial interstitial fibrosis. Two approaches were adopted. Firstly, left atrial fibrosis was induced by continuous infusion of angiotensin II (AII). In an electrophysiological study using isolated perfused heart, AF was easily induced following AII treatment. Repeated whole‐body hyperthermia led to the induction of heat‐shock protein 72, which resulted in attenuation of AII‐induced left atrial fibrosis and suppression of AF inducibility. Secondly, atrial fibrosis was induced by pressure overload by abdominal aortic constriction (AAC). AAC enhanced left atrial expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and activity of matrix metalloproteinase‐9. Treatment with pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ agonist, resulted in attenuation of pressure overload‐induced left atrial fibrosis and suppression of AF inducibility. In the same AAC model, the effects of candesartan on gap junction remodeling were investigated. Connexin 43 (Cx43) of the left atria was firmly located in the intercalated disks in control rats. A progressive redistribution of Cx43 from the intercalated disk to the lateral surface (lateralization) was observed in AAC rats. Candesartan prevented left Cx43 lateralization. Thus, heat‐shock proteins, pioglitazone, and candesartan could be novel therapeutic approaches to prevent atrial fibrosis and AF.
Outcomes after stepwise ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure
Authors: Takahashi Yoshihide , Takahashi Atsushi , Kuwahara Taishi , Okubo Kenji , Takagi Katsumasa , Watari Yuji , Takigawa Masateru , Nakashima Emiko , Kawaguchi Naohiko , Yamao Kazuya , Hirao Kenzo , Isobe Mitsuaki 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited data regarding the outcomes after stepwise ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure (HF).Methods and resultsPatients without structural heart disease undergoing stepwise ablation for persistent AF (continuous AF≤1 year) were studied (n=108; age, 61±10 years) and 32 patients had a history of HF. The HF patients were further grouped on the basis of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)≤45% (n=15) and >45% (n=17). During a median follow‐up period of 2.2 years, repeated ablations were necessary in 65 patients. The proportion of patients that were arrhythmia free 1 year after the last ablation was 67% in patients with LVEF≤45%, 86% in LVEF>45%, and 91% in no HF (p=0.0009). In patients with LVEF≤45%, the AF burden was reduced to less than one paroxysmal episode per month, and patients with and without recurrences both showed significant increases in LVEF over the follow‐up period (38±7% to 60±10% and 37±6% to 53±10%, respectively).ConclusionsHF patients with LVEF≤45% had lower chances to remain free from arrhythmias after stepwise ablation for persistent AF than those with LVEF>45%. Nevertheless, LVEF also improved in patients with recurrences, reflecting the observed reduction in AF burden and emphasizing the benefits of ablation.
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation guided by complex fractionated atrial electrogram mapping with or without pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Oketani Naoya , Ichiki Hitoshi , Iriki Yasuhisa , Okui Hideki , Ryuichi Maenosono , Fuminori Namino , Ninomiya Yuichi , Ishida Sanemasa , Hamasaki Shuichi , Tei Chuwa 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was the main strategy for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) until a remarkable report was published by Nademanee et al. in 2004. The ablation targeting complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) achieved not only a high rate of AF termination but also excellent outcomes in both paroxysmal and persistent AF without isolating pulmonary veins. AF is thought to be caused by random or spiral reentry, as the fixed circuit to maintain AF may not exist, although the CFAE‐guided ablation strategy is based on the theory that AF is not entirely random. CFAEs play an important role in identifying AF substrates, and have temporal and spatial stability, thus representing desirable targets for AF ablation; however, CFAE‐guided ablation has not been fully replicated by others. In reports showing that CFAE ablation did not yield a good outcome either alone or combined with PVI, the AF termination rates were extremely low. Although AF termination is not mandatory in CFAE‐ablation, terminating AF in the majority of patients appears to be necessary to yield good outcomes; therefore, this review will discuss AF ablation guided by CFAE with or without PVI, with particular emphasis given to practical aspects of achieving AF termination.
Waist circumference, body mass index, serum uric acid, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels are important risk factors for abnormal liver function tests in the Taiwanese population
Authors: Hsieh Meng‐Hsuan , Lin Wen‐Yi , Chien Hsu‐Han , Chien Li‐Ho , Huang Chao‐Kuan , Yang Jeng‐Fu , Chang Ning‐Chia , Huang Chung‐Feng , Wang Chao‐Ling , Chuang Wan‐Long , Yu Ming‐Lung , Dai Chia‐Yen , Ho Chi‐Kung 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSeveral studies have found that metabolic syndrome and uric acid level are related to abnormal liver function test results. The aim of this study was to explore the associations of risk factors [including blood pressure, blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglyceride, uric acid, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) measurements] with abnormal liver function in the Taiwanese population.In total, 11,411 Taiwanese adults were enrolled in this study. Blood pressure was assessed according to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure criteria, fasting blood sugar level according to the Bureau of Health Promotion, Department of Health, R.O.C., criteria, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels according to the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, BMI according to the Asia‐Pacific criteria, and waist circumference according to the Revised Diagnostic Criteria of Metabolic Syndrome in Taiwan. The prevalence of a past history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was 17.7% and 6.5%, respectively, and the rates of abnormal measurements of blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, total cholesterol, uric acid (male/female), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were 76.2%, 67.6%, 40.0%, 28.6%, 30.6%, 57.3%, 37.9%/21.9%, 14.6% and 21.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that waist circumference, BMI, serum uric acid, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels were related to abnormal AST and ALT (p < 0.05), but the odds ratio for waist circumference was larger than that for BMI. In conclusion, waist circumference, BMI, serum uric acid, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels are important risk factors for abnormal AST and ALT readings in Taiwanese adults. Waist circumference might be a better indicator of risk of abnormal liver function than BMI.
Prescriptions for angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and monitoring of serum creatinine and potassium in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Pei‐Tzu , Huang Yaw‐Bin , Lin Ming‐Yen , Chuang Pei‐Fen , Hwang Shang‐Jyh 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAngiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) are commonly used in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We studied the status of ACEI/ARB prescriptions and serum creatinine (Scr) and potassium monitoring in CKD patients. A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who had at least two sets of Scr data at outpatient visit. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on the second Scr value was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease four‐variable equation. CKD was defined and staged according to the National Kidney Foundation Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Guideline. Patients with diabetes and/or hypertension with an eGFR over 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and without proteinuria were defined as the CKD‐at‐risk group. The percentages and factors associated with ACEI/ARB prescription and Scr and potassium monitoring were calculated and analyzed by logistic regression. Among the 5714 subjects included, ACEIs/ARBs were prescribed to over 50% of patients in the CKD‐at‐risk group and in CKD stages 1–5. After adjusting for age, sex, potassium level, eGFR, and co‐morbidities, the odds ratios for prescriptions of ACEIs/ARBs were 1.66 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44–1.91, p < 0.001) and 2.80 (95% CI 2.12–3.70, p < 0.001) in CKD stage 3, and stages 4 and 5, respectively, compared with the reference group (eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2). During the year of ACEI/ARB treatment, Scr was monitored in 91.6% of ACEI/ARB‐treated patients, while potassium was monitored in only 38.1%. Renal function status was the independent factor for monitoring of Scr and potassium. In conclusion, prescription of ACEIs/ARBs was common in all stages of CKD. Most patients underwent Scr monitoring, but potassium monitoring was less frequent, and this should be improved in clinical practice.