bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Undetermined Geometrical Factors Contributing to the Transverse Conduction Block of the Crista Terminalis
Authors: MORITA NORISHIGE , KOBAYASHI YOSHINORI , HORIE TSUTOMU , IWASAKI YU‐KI , HAYASHI MEISO , MIYAUCHI YASUSHI , ATARASHI HIROTSUGU , KATOH TAKAO , MIZUNO KYOICHI 
Published: July 2009

Background: The crista terminalis (CT) is known to be a functional barrier during typical atrial flutter (AFL). The relationship between the CT structural characteristics and its transverse conduction block, however, has not been understood well.
Methods: This study consisted of AFL (group 1, N = 15) and non‐AFL patients (group 2, N = 13). The CT structural characteristics were determined with intracardiac echocardiography. A 20‐pole electrode catheter was located along the CT and pacing at progressively faster rates from either low anterolateral right atrium (LRA) or coronary sinus (CS) was applied.
Results: The CT height, width, and area were significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2 (P < 0.001). In both groups, at the longest pacing cycle length during CS pacing resulting in CT transverse conduction block at some levels, the width and area were significantly greater at the levels with block than at those without block. During LRA pacing, the area was also significantly larger at the levels with block than at those without in group 1, but not in group 2. The slope angle of CT ridge was significantly steeper at the levels with block than at those without in both groups (P < 0.01), but that was not the case with CS pacing. CT arborization in its inferior portion was more frequently documented in group 1 than group 2 (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: The CT structural characteristics that may influence its transverse conduction differ between LRA and CS pacing. Steep slope and arborization of the CT are implicated as a geometric factor in its transverse conduction block.
Left Ventricular Mechanical Assist Devices and Cardiac Device Interactions: An Observational Case Series
Authors: FOO DAVID , WALKER BRUCE D. , KUCHAR DENNIS L. , THORBURN CHARLES W. , TAY ANDRE , HAYWARD CHRISTOPHER S. , MACDONALD PETER , KEOGH ANNE , KOTLYAR EUGENE , SPRATT PHILIP , JANSZ PAUL 
Published: July 2009

Background: Nonpulsatile left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used for treatment of refractory heart failure. A majority of such patients have implanted cardiac devices, namely implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) or cardiac resynchronization therapy‐pacemaker (CRT‐P) or cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator (CRT‐D) devices. However, potential interactions between LVADs and cardiac devices in this category of patients remain unknown.
Methods: We reviewed case records and device logs of 15 patients with ICDs or CRT‐P or CRT‐D devices who subsequently had implantation of a VentrAssist LVAD (Ventracor Ltd., Chatswood, Australia) as destination therapy or bridge to heart transplantation. Pacemaker and ICD lead parameters before and after LVAD implant were compared. In addition, ventricular tachyarrhythmia event logs and potential electromagnetic interference reports were evaluated.
Results: Right ventricular (RV) sensing decreased in the first 6 months post‐LVAD. Mean R‐wave amplitude preimplant was 10.9 ± 5.25 mV compared with 7.2 ± 3.4 mV during follow‐up (P = 0.02). RV impedance also decreased from 642 ± 240 ohms at baseline to 580 ± 212 ohms at follow‐up (P = 0.007). There was a significant increase in RV stimulation threshold following implantation of the LVAD from 0.8 ± 0.6 V at baseline to 1.4 ± 1.0 V in the first 6 months postimplant (P = 0.01). A marked increase in ventricular tachyarrhythmia burden was observed in three patients. One patient displayed electromagnetic interference between the LVAD and defibrillator, resulting in inappropriate defibrillation therapy.
Conclusions: LVADs have a definite impact on cardiac devices in respect with alteration of lead parameters, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, and electromagnetic interference.
Safety of Transesophageal Pacing for 24 Hours in a Canine Model
Authors: GREEN HENRY W. , SANDERS ROBERT A. , RAMOS‐VARA JOSE , HOGAN DANIEL F. , BATRA ANJAN S. 
Published: July 2009

Background: Temporary epicardial pacing is often necessary following surgical correction of congenital heart disease. Epicardial pacing wires, while generally effective, can, however, become nonfunctional. Transesophageal atrial pacing (TEAP) can be a useful adjunct in this setting. The potential for esophageal damage with sustained TEAP is unknown. We assessed the safety of continuous (24 hours) TEAP by evaluating gross and histological changes to the esophagus in a canine model.
Methods: Thirteen juvenile beagle dogs were fitted with a 4‐Fr multipolar catheter placed transnasally into the esophagus to a level to sustain atrial capture. Pacing was established in nine dogs for 24 hours while four control dogs had catheters but no pacing stimulus applied. Paced dogs were divided into two groups: group A (n = 5) that were euthanized immediately and group B (n = 4) that were euthanized 7 days after the pacing period. Nonpaced dogs (group C, n = 4) were treated similar to group A. Gross and histological examination of the esophageal tissue was completed.
Results: Gross and histological evidence of mild esophagitis was noted in dogs from groups A and C but not in dogs from group B. There was no evidence of esophageal stricture or fibrosis in any dog from any group.
Conclusions: TEAP did not result in permanent esophageal changes after 24 hours of stimulation. Microscopic lesions of mild erosive esophagitis, seen after 24 hours of TEAP, were absent 7 days postpacing. Mechanical irritation from the catheter cannot be ruled out as a cause of these changes.
Pacing from the Right Ventricular Septum: Is There a Danger to the Coronary Arteries?
Authors: TEH ANDREW W. , MEDI CAROLINE , ROSSO RAPHAEL , LEE GEOFFREY , GURVITCH RONEN , MOND HARRY G. 
Published: July 2009

Background: Pacing from right ventricular (RV) septal sites has been suggested as an alternative to RV apical pacing in an attempt to avoid long‐term adverse consequences on left ventricular function. Concern has been raised as to the relationship of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) to pacing leads in these positions.
Methods and Results: We retrospectively analyzed three cases in which patients with RV active‐fixation leads in situ also had coronary angiography. Multiple fluoroscopic views were used to determine the relationship of the lead tip at various pacing sites to the coronary arteries. A lead placed on the anterior wall was in close proximity to the LAD, whereas septal and free wall positioning was not.
Conclusion: Placement of RV active‐fixation leads on the septum avoids potential coronary artery compromise.
In Vivo Model of Human Pathogen Infection and Demonstration of Efficacy by an Antimicrobial Pouch for Pacing Devices
Authors: HANSEN LINDA K. , BROWN MARY , JOHNSON DAVID , PALME II DONALD F. , LOVE CHARLES , DAROUICHE RABIH 
Published: July 2009

Background: Device‐related infections represent a significant clinical challenge. Once established, these infections prove difficult to treat with existing antibiotic regimens, compromising the health of device recipients, and usually requiring surgical intervention to resolve.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of the AIGISRX™ antibacterial envelope (TyRx Pharma, Inc., Monmouth Junction, NJ, USA) designed to reduce device‐related infections by incorporating minocycline and rifampin in a controlled release polymer.
Methods: An infection was established in a rabbit model by creating bilateral subcutaneous implant pockets, into which a pacing device with or without AIGISRX™ was placed. The incisions were closed, and a defined dose of bacteria was infused into each implant pocket. After 7 days, devices were explanted and sampled for viable bacteria by swabbing and sonication.
Results: Initial studies evaluated the ability of the AIGISRX pouch to reduce Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epi) infection in this model using clinical and quantitative microbial endpoints. Results demonstrate S. epi infection in all control samples, while no pathogens were recovered from samples with the AIGISRX™ pouch. Systemic antibiotic levels were undetectable. Additional studies tested the efficacy of the AIGISRX™ pouch with additional bacterial strains, Staphylococcus capitis, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter Baumannii. In each case, the device and implant pocket with the AIGISRX™ pouch was free of any signs of infection. An assessment of biofilm produced by Acinetobacter demonstrated the elimination of biofilm formation on the implanted device.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate that in this animal model, the AIGISRX™ device reduces the risk for infection of viable pathogens within implant pockets.
The Dual Role of Implantable Loop Recorder in Patients with Potentially Arrhythmic Symptoms: A Retrospective Single‐Center Study
Authors: KABRA RAJESH , GOPINATHANNAIR RAKESH , SANDESARA CHIRAG , MESSINGER CATHERINE , OLSHANSKY BRIAN 
Published: July 2009

Background: Unexplained and potentially arrhythmic symptoms often lead to electrophysiology referral for evaluation. Implantable loop recorder (ILR) correlation of the symptom to the rhythm can secure a definitive arrhythmic diagnosis after a standard, yet nondiagnostic workup.
Methods: This large single‐center retrospective study sought to assess the role of ILR in the evaluation of potentially arrhythmic symptoms, both in terms of diagnosis of an arrhythmia as well as to rule out an arrhythmic cause. Clinical data, indications for ILR, interrogation reports, and further management strategies were collected in all 86 patients who received ILR from June 1999 to April 2008 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The indications for ILR were unexplained syncope (76%), palpitations (14%), and presyncope or dizziness (10%).
Results: During a mean follow‐up period of 10 ± 7 months, 53 patients (62%) had recurrent symptoms after ILR placement with the mean time to recurrence of 12 ± 17 weeks. Of these, an arrhythmic diagnosis was established in 12 patients (14%). Forty‐one patients (48%) did not have any arrhythmia during their symptoms. These patients were discharged from the electrophysiology clinic. Thirty‐three patients (38%) did not have any symptoms following ILR placement. Out of these, device was explanted in 10 patients, while the rest are still being followed.
Conclusions: In patients with potentially arrhythmic symptoms, ILR plays an important role not only in diagnosing an arrhythmia, but also to rule out an arrhythmic cause.
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction as Criterion for Implantation of an Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator in Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Surgical Left Ventricular Reconstruction
Authors: MOLLEMA SJOERD A. , KLEIN PATRICK , HEERSCHE JOGIEN , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. , VAN DER WALL ERNST E. , VERSTEEGH MICHEL I.M. , KLAUTZ ROBERT J.M. , VAN ERVEN LIESELOT , BAX JEROEN J. 
Published: July 2009

Background: Besides implantation of an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD), a proportion of patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction due to ischemic cardiomyopathy are potential candidates for surgical LV reconstruction (Dor procedure), which changes LV ejection fraction (LVEF) considerably. In these patients, LVEF as selection criterium for ICD implantation may be difficult. This study aimed to determine the value of LVEF as criterium for ICD implantation in heart failure patients undergoing surgical LV reconstruction.
Methods: Consecutive patients with end‐stage heart failure who underwent ICD implantation and LV reconstruction were evaluated. During admission, two‐dimensional (2D) echocardiography (LV volumes and LVEF) was performed before surgery and was repeated at 3 months after surgery. Over a median follow‐up of 18 months, the incidence of ICD therapy was evaluated.
Results: The study population consisted of 37 patients (59 ± 11 years). At baseline, mean LVEF was 23 ± 5%. Mean left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) were 175 ± 73 mL and 225 ± 88 mL, respectively. At 3‐month follow‐up, mean LVEF was 41 ± 9% (P < 0.0001 vs. baseline), and mean LVESV and LVEDV were 108 ± 65 mL and 176 ± 73 mL, respectively (P < 0.0001 vs. baseline). During 18‐month follow‐up, 12 (32%) patients had ventricular arrhythmias, resulting in appropriate ICD therapy. No significant relations existed between baseline LVEF (P = 0.77), LVEF at 3‐month follow‐up (P = 0.34), change in LVEF from baseline to 3‐month follow‐up (P = 0.28), and the occurrence of ICD therapy during 18‐month follow‐up.
Conclusion: LVEF before and after surgical LV reconstruction is of limited use as criterium for ICD implantation in patients with end‐stage heart failure.
Increased expression of focal adhesion kinase correlates with cellular proliferation and apoptosis during 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide‐induced rat tongue carcinogenesis
Authors: Xia Juan , Lv Na , Hong Yun , Li Chunyang , Tao Xiaoan , Chen Xiaohua , Cheng Bin 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Oral carcinogenesis is a multistep process and requires accumulation and interplay of a series of molecular genetic events. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non‐receptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role in signalling pathways that are initiated at sites of integrin‐mediated cell adhesions and by growth factor receptors. Overexpression of FAK has been linked to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). So, it is hypothesized that FAK expression might contribute to oral carcinogenesis.Methods:  During 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide‐induced rat tongue carcinogenesis, FAK protein expression, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and apoptotic nuclei (TUNEL assay) were examined by means of immunohistochemistry.Results:  Along with the progress of multistage carcinogenesis, FAK expression increased significantly among different histopathological groups with normal mucosa, mild‐dysplastic epithelia, moderate‐dysplastic epithelia, severe‐dysplastic epithelia and in turn OSCC. Furthermore, FAK immunohistochemical index and PCNA‐labelling index displayed positive correlation (r = 0.946, P < 0.05), while negative associations were revealed between apoptotic index and final FAK index (r = −0.959, P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Our results implicated a role for FAK in oral carcinogenesis. Inhibition of FAK might be a potential novel treatment strategy in this disease.
Expression of cytokeratin 17 mRNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells obtained by brush biopsy: preliminary results
Authors: Toyoshima T. , Koch F. , Kaemmerer P. , Vairaktaris E. , Al‐Nawas B. , Wagner W. 
Published: July 2009

Background:  The aim of this study was to determine the detection of cytokeratin (CK) mRNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells and to evaluate the CK relevance for OSCC diagnosis in a brush biopsy test.Methods:  Fifty‐two pairs of OSCC cells and normal oral mucosal cells were obtained by brush biopsy from OSCC patients. mRNA was extracted from cell pellets for real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The over‐expression levels of CK 17, CK 19 and CK 20 mRNA in OSCC cells were examined by SYBR green real‐time RT‐qPCR.Results:  Compared to normal mucosal cells, the over‐expression of CK 17 mRNA was detectable in 40 OSCC cells (76.9%), that of CK 19 mRNA in 19 (36.5%), while that of CK 20 mRNA was not detectable. Compared with CK 19, the mean value of CK 17 mRNA expression level was significantly higher in all 52 patients (P < 0.02). Moreover, the value of CK 17 was significantly higher in T1 and T2 OSCC patients (P < 0.03, respectively), in patients without metastases of neck lymph nodes (P < 0.04), in stage I and stage II patients (P < 0.03 and P < 0.05, respectively) and in well differentiated OSCC patients (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Brush biopsy properly serves for detection of CK mRNA using real‐time RT‐qPCR. This preliminary study demonstrates the CK 17 possibility for application; however, pivotal studies are encouraged to confirm CK 17 as a diagnostic marker of OSCC in a brush biopsy test.
Peroxiredoxin I is overexpressed in oncocytic lesions of salivary glands
Authors: Demasi Ana P. D. , Furuse Cristiane , Altemani Albina , Junqueira José L. C. , Oliveira Paulo R. G. , Araújo Vera C. 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Oncocytic lesions, particularly frequent in the salivary glands, are characterized by cells with an atypical accumulation of mitochondria. This accumulation has been recognized as a compensatory mechanism to intrinsic functional defects of these organelles, resulting in energy production impairment and increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Peroxiredoxin I (Prx I) is a H2O2 scavenging protein and the expression of its yeast homolog was reported to be influenced by mitochondrial function.Methods:  In this study, we evaluated Prx I expression in oncocytic lesions of salivary glands by immunohistochemistry.Results:  Our results showed that Prx I is overexpressed in oncocytes regardless of the salivary gland lesion where they appear.Conclusions:  These results suggest that Prx I expression in oncocytes is related to its ability to decompose mitochondrial‐derived H2O2 and that it could provide to the cells a protective role in an environment that, by continuously producing potential DNA‐damaging ROS, predisposes to genome instability and cellular transformation.
Nuclear BCL10 in primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Gatumu Margaret K. , Jonsson Malin V. , Øijordsbakken Gunnvor , Skarstein Kathrine 
Published: July 2009

Background:  The events following triggering of antigen receptors and subsequent activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) need to be carefully controlled to prevent abnormal immune responses. BCL10 links the antigen receptor to NFκB. The aim of this study was to determine the expression pattern of BCL10 and NFκB in minor salivary gland infiltrates of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).Methods:  Minor salivary glands from patients with primary SS (n = 17) and sicca controls (n = 4) were evaluated by single and double immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for confocal microscopy. BCL10 and NFκB‐p65 expression were evaluated in the infiltrating lymphocytes. Ectopic germinal centers (GCs) were investigated by CD21. Tonsil, lymph node and lymphoma tissue were used as positive controls.Results:  BCL10 nuclear positive cells were observed in focal lymphocytic infiltrates in the investigated minor salivary glands and were not restricted to patients with ectopic GCs. By double‐staining, some of the BCL10 nuclear positive cells were identified as B cells. There was, however, no constitutive activation of NFκB as depicted by the exclusive cytoplasmic expression of p65 in the infiltrating lymphocytes in the pSS.Conclusion:  Nuclear expression of BCL10 in infiltrating lymphocytes was a common occurrence in pSS minor salivary glands indicating it as a possible marker of autoimmune induced chronic inflammation. There was, however, no constitutive activation of NFκB.
Loss of maspin is a negative prognostic factor for invasion and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yoshizawa Kunio , Nozaki Shinichi , Okamune Ayako , Kitahara Hiroko , Ohara Teruhisa , Kato Koroku , Kawashiri Shuichi , Yamamoto Etsuhide 
Published: July 2009

Objective:  Maspin, a 42‐kDa protein, belongs to the serpin family of protease inhibitors and is known to have tumor‐suppressor function. In this study, we investigated the interrelationship between clinicopathologic findings and maspin expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Methods:  Using immunohistochemical techniques to examine the expression levels of maspin in OSCC, maspin expression in OSCC was detected in 46 (64.8%) of 71 cases. We also compared the clonicopathologic features of OSCC cases with maspin expression levels. Moreover, we examined expression of maspin in eight cell lines derived from OSCC using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting.Results:  There was a significant correlation between decreased maspin expression and T‐category (P < 0.01), lymph metastasis (P < 0.0001), and mode of invasion (P < 0.0001). Patients with positive maspin expression had a significantly better prognosis (P < 0.001). Lower expression of maspin was also seen in cell lines derived from grade 4D, which shows stronger invasive potential than other grades of OSCC.Conclusion:  Maspin may be a useful marker to identify the potential for progression in OSCC.
Epidermal growth factor receptor immunoexpression evaluation in malignant salivary gland tumours
Authors: Monteiro L. S. , Bento M. J. , Palmeira C. , Lopes C. 
Published: July 2009

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in malignant salivary gland tumours and its possible relationships with clinical and morphological findings, disease course and prognosis.Patients and methods:  The study sample comprised 88 patients diagnosed and treated for primary malignant salivary gland tumours between January 1992 and December 2002. We analysed EGFR expression using immunohistochemistry on formalin‐fixed, paraffin embedded surgical specimens of all patients. Statistical analysis was used to investigate possible relationships between EGFR expression and clinical findings, histological findings, disease course and patients survival.Results:  Of all cases, 32 (36.4%) were EGFR positive. There was a statistically significant correlation between EGFR expression and histological grade. No other variable was correlated with EGFR expression including the overall and disease‐free survival. Stage classification was the only parameter in multivariate analysis that was an independent predictor of low overall and disease‐free survival.Conclusion:  EGFR is not a useful indicator of prognosis in malignant salivary gland tumours. However, the EGFR expression in salivary gland cancers like adenocarcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas, mucoepidermoid carcinomas or salivary duct carcinomas suggests that these tumours may be a candidate for therapy investigation directed at EGFR.
EMMPRIN expression in tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Zhiquan , Huang Hongzhang , Li Haigang , Chen Weiliang , Pan Chaobin 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is identified as a tumor‐cell membrane protein that stimulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) production. Several studies have shown that higher EMMPRIN expression is associated with shorter survival time and correlated significantly with more advanced clinico‐parameters of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinico‐pathologic characteristics and EMMPRIN, and prognostic significance of EMMPRIN expression in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:  Extracellular MMP inducer expression was examined immunohistochemically on paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens from 68 patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma and who underwent radical surgeries from 1996 to 2006. The 68 patients were followed up from 1 to 119 months, with an average of 27.5 months. Nonparametric tests were performed for the comparison of EMMPRIN expression between two independent groups. Survival analysis was performed to find the prognostic significance of EMMPRIN expression.Results:  We found that EMMPRIN expression in tongue squamous cell carcinoma is significantly higher than that in non‐cancerous epithelium adjacent to carcinoma of tongue. In addition, EMMPRIN expression is significantly associated with tumor diameter and clinical stage in the samples, but did not correlate with gender, age, tumor metastasis, and pathological grade. Finally, survival analysis indicates that EMMPRIN overexpression correlates significantly with poor overall survival in the patient cohort.Conclusion:  These results suggest that EMMPRIN might represent an attractive target for immunotherapeutic approaches in a subgroup of patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma.