bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A SCAR MOLECULAR MARKER SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO THE FEMALE GAMETOPHYTES OF SACCHARINA (LAMINARIA) JAPONICA (PHAEOPHYTA)1
Authors: Liu Y.‐S. , Li L.‐H. , Wu W.‐K. , Zhou Z.‐G. 
Published: August 2009

PCR amplification was employed to identify female or male gametophyte associated markers in Saccharina japonica (Aresch.) C. E. Lane, C. Mayes et G. W. Saunders (=Laminaria japonica Aresch.). One pair of the primers, P5, was screened from five pairs designed based on a specific sequence (GenBank accession no. AB069714) of Marchantia polymorpha Y chromosome, resulting in a differential band ∼500 bp in size between female and male gametophytes of Rongfu strain of S. japonica. According to the SCAR (sequence‐characterized amplified regions) strategies, one pair of primers, P51, was designed on the basis of the sequence of this band that was only present in female gametophytes. A SCAR marker, designated FRML‐494 (494‐bp Female‐Related Marker of S. japonica, GenBank accession no. EU931619), was developed successfully by PCR amplification using the designed P51 primer pair. The SCAR marker was verified to be present only in female gametophytes of another variety 901 of this kelp that was a hybrid between S. japonica as paternal and S. longissima (Miyabe) C. E. Lane, C. Mayes, Druehl et G. W. Saunders (=Laminaria longissima Miyabe) as maternal, suggesting that the FRML‐494 marker was specifically related to female gametophytes of the genus. This marker is the first molecular tool reported for sex identification in kelps. This study was beneficial for identifying gametophyte gender during vegetative growth and for judging whether the monogenetic sporophytes came from exclusive male or female gametophytes, as well as for further research on sex determination at the molecular level in kelps.
The efficacy of individual‐donation and minipool testing to detect low‐level hepatitis B virus DNA in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Meng‐Hua , Li Lei , Hung Ying‐Shen , Hung Cheng‐Shen , Allain Jean‐Pierre , Lin Kuo‐Sin , Tsai Su‐Jen Lin 
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Financial constraints are the main concern in implementing nucleic acid testing (NAT) as routine blood screening in Taiwan. The PROCLEIX ULTRIO assay (Ultrio) on the TIGRIS System (Novartis Diagnostics) was evaluated for its operational performance both for individual‐donation testing (IDT) and in minipools of 4 (MP4) to develop a feasible solution.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Analytical sensitivity was determined by testing WHO international standards. We tested 10,290 blood donors, 4210 in IDT and 6080 in MP4. Potential hepatitis B virus (HBV) yield donors (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] negative/NAT reactive) were evaluated for up to 9 months' follow‐up. Discordant results between the Ultrio assay and the HBsAg tests were further analyzed by HBV antibody serology, alternative NATs, HBV DNA quantification, and sequencing.RESULTS: The 95% limits of detection in IU/mL (95% confidence interval) were as follows: human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 (HIV‐1), 18 (12‐34); hepatitis C virus (HCV), 4.4 (2.8‐8.9); and HBV, 6.3 (4.4‐11). The retest rates were 0.55% for IDT and 0.33% for MP4. No HIV or HCV yield cases were found, while there were 12 potential HBV yield cases, nine from IDT and three from MP4 testing. Eleven of them were successfully genotyped as B2. Ten of them returned for follow‐up and mostly were determined as occult HBV infection (OBI). The IDT yield rate of 9 in 4210 (0.21%) was fourfold greater than the MP4 yield rate of 3 in 6080 (0.05%; p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The higher yield rate for IDT versus MP4 demonstrates the benefit to implement a more sensitive NAT strategy in regions having significant OBI carriers such as Taiwan.
Number of Accidents or Number of Claims? An Approach with Zero‐Inflated Poisson Models for Panel Data
Authors: Boucher Jean‐Philippe , Denuit Michel , Guillen Montserrat 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe hunger for bonus is a well‐known phenomenon in insurance, meaning that the insured does not report all of his accidents to save bonus on his next year's premium. In this article, we assume that the number of accidents is based on a Poisson distribution but that the number of claims is generated by censorship of this Poisson distribution. Then, we present new models for panel count data based on the zero‐inflated Poisson distribution. From the claims distributions, we propose an approximation of the accident distribution, which can provide insight into the behavior of insureds. A numerical illustration based on the reported claims of a Spanish insurance company is included to support this discussion.
Long‐Term Performance of the Attain Model 4193 Left Ventricular Lead
Authors: JOHNSON W. BEN , ABRAHAM WILLIAM T. , YOUNG JAMES B. , WHEELAN KEVIN , SMITH ANDREW L. , CHANG YANPING , BRINKMAN PAULA ,   For the InSync Registry Investigators
Published: August 2009

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has proven to be a valuable therapy addition for patients with drug‐refractory heart failure and a ventricular conduction delay. Delivery of CRT is dependent upon the successful implantation and chronic performance of a left ventricular (LV) pacing lead. This study assessed the long‐term electrical performance and safety of a steroid‐eluting, transvenous, over‐the‐wire, cardiac vein pacing lead.
Methods: The Attain Model 4193 LV lead (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis MN, USA) was successfully implanted in 1,070 patients with 286 patients completing 3 years of follow‐up. Clinical data were collected at pre‐implant, implant, and at 6‐month intervals for 3 years.
Results: Over 3 years, the mean chronic pacing threshold ranged from 1.9 V to 2.1 V, the mean R‐wave sensing amplitudes ranged between 13.6 mV and 15.0 mV, and the mean pacing impedance ranged between 562 ohms and 590 ohms. Additionally, the observed freedom from first post‐implant LV‐lead‐related complications was 90.4%. Of 1,070 total patients, 82 experienced 89 LV‐lead‐related adverse events requiring invasive interventions or resulting in the termination of the CRT therapy. The LV lead was repositioned in 31 patients, replaced in 21 patients, and explanted/capped in four patients. There were no deaths related to the LV lead during implantation or during the follow‐up period.
Conclusions: The data suggest that the 4193 LV lead is safe and effective over time. The LV lead electrical measurements remained stable through follow‐up, demonstrating reliable long‐term performance within the recommended value range at 36 months and had an acceptable complication rate.
Long‐term Stability of Endocardial Left Ventricular Pacing Leads Placed via the Coronary Sinus
Authors: LIN GRACE , ANAVEKAR NANDAN S. , WEBSTER TRACY L. , REA ROBERT F. , HAYES DAVID L. , BRADY PETER A. 
Published: August 2009

Background: Left ventricular endocardial pacing leads placed via the coronary sinus (CS) are increasingly implanted to achieve cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT); however, the long‐term stability of these leads is unknown. We sought to determine the implant success and long‐term stability of CS leads in our single center experience.
Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent CRT via implantation of the CS lead between January 1999 and December 2005 were included. Pacing thresholds at implant and during long‐term follow‐up were reviewed and the rate of acute (within 24 hours of implant) and chronic (>24 hours) lead failure was determined.
Results: A total of 512 patients (mean age 68 ± 12 years; 409 [80%] male) underwent CRT device implantation and were included. The CS lead implantation was successful on the initial implantation in 487 patients (95%) and subsequently successful in six patients (24%) in whom initial attempts were unsuccessful. Acute lead failure occurred in 25 patients (5.1%) and was most commonly due to persistent extra‐cardiac stimulation. The rate of chronic lead failure was 4% in the first year and remained stable during long‐term follow‐up. The CS lead pacing thresholds remained stable with only minimal increase (1.42 ± 0.85 V/0.42 ± 0.25 ms vs 1.51 ± 1.05 V/0.47 ± 0.29 ms; P = 0.04).
Conclusions: Placement of a left ventricular pacing lead via the CS is feasible and safe in the vast majority of patients. Once placed, the CS leads remain stable with excellent pacing thresholds over the longer term.
Use of Radiofrequency Perforation for Lead Placement in Biventricular or Conventional Endocardial Pacing after Mustard or Senning Operations for D‐Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: CHAKRABARTI SANTABHANU , SZANTHO GERGELY , TURNER MARK S , STUART GRAHAM , MARTIN ROBIN P 
Published: August 2009

Background: Endocardial pacemaker lead placement can be challenging after Mustard and Senning operations for transposition of the great arteries (D‐TGA), if there is atresia of the systemic venous pathways and because the coronary sinus cannot be used for cardiac resynchronization therapy. Radiofrequency (RF)‐assisted perforation techniques have been used in congenital heart disease but have not been reported for use in pacemaker implantation.
Methods and Results: We describe RF perforation of an atretic superior systemic venous pathway and systemic venous baffles in three patients after Senning and Mustard operations to implant endocardial pacing systems to achieve conventional or biventricular pacing.
Conclusions: RF‐energy‐assisted perforation is feasible and effective tool to facilitate endocardial lead placement during dual‐chamber and biventricular pacemaker implantation in patients with Mustard or Senning operations for D‐TGA.
Management Strategies When Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator Leads Fail: Survey Findings
Authors: XU WENJIE , MOORE HANS J. , KARASIK PAMELA E. , FRANZ MICHAEL R. , SINGH STEVE N. , FLETCHER ROSS D. 
Published: August 2009

Background:

Defibrillator implanters have adopted different approaches to managing failures of multicomponent implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads. Although recent publications identified single‐component failures as common mechanisms of failure, there are no published data regarding how best to manage these failures.
Methods:

An internet‐based survey was conducted to identify current management strategies. Questions were asked regarding isolated failure of a high‐voltage coil or of a pace/sense electrode, in order to identify the frequency of various techniques to correct these failures.
Results:

A worldwide query collected strategies from 376 physicians identifying themselves as ICD‐implanting physicians. Replies came from 28 countries, with the USA accounting for 83.2%. The survey was completed by 85.6% of respondents. Implant experience was >10 years for 61.1%, 3–10 years for 29.1%, and <3 years for 10.4%. When the right ventricular coil failed, 52% abandoned and 48% explanted the failed lead. In superior vena cava coil failure, 61.2% chose to simply exclude this coil, using the other intact lead components. For pace/sense defects, 53.1% chose to implant a new pace/sense lead or switch sensing electrodes, using the intact lead components. Medical literature (76.1%), personal experience (67.6%), and professional guidelines (63.7%) were strong decision‐making influences.
Conclusions:

(1) Management decisions for single‐component failures of ICD leads are complex; (2) Significant differences in management strategy exist among physicians; (3) Medical literature and professional guidelines are strong influences for these decisions; (4) A lead failure registry could help identify reasons for such differences and help guide management.
Strength Duration Curve for Left Ventricular Epicardial Stimulation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: DHAR SUNIL K. , HESTON KAREN J. , MADRAK LINDA J. , SHAH BINDI K. , DEGER FLORIN T. , GREENBERG RICHARD M. 
Published: August 2009

Introduction:

The strength duration curve has been studied for right ventricular endocardial stimulation. There are differences between left ventricular epicardial and right ventricular endocardial stimulation due to different electrophysiologic properties and different electrode‐tissue interface. The strength duration curve for epicardial left ventricular stimulation has not been studied so far.
Methods:

One hundred and three patients were studied. The strength duration curves were determined for left ventricular epicardial and right ventricular endocardial stimulation. The studied points were chronaxie, rheobase, and voltage threshold at 0.5 ms. Left ventricular leads Guidant 4512, 4513, 4537, 4538 (unipolar, area 3.5 mm2; Guidant Corp., St. Paul, MN, USA), Medtronic 4193 (unipolar, area 5.8 mm2; Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA), Guidant 4518, 4542, 4543 (bipolar, area 4 mm2), St. Jude Medical (bipolar, area 4.8 mm2; St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA), and Medtronic 4194 (bipolar, area 5.8 mm2) were studied.
Results:

The Guidant unipolar leads with a distal electrode area of 3.5 mm2 had a lower chronaxie than the other studied leads. The left ventricular epicardial and right ventricular endocardial chronaxie for 15 patients with Medtronic left ventricular leads 4194 or 4193 (5.8 mm2) and right ventricular leads 6947 (5.7 mm2) were 0.52 ± 0.36 ms and 0.62 ± 0.46 ms (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:

The left ventricular epicardial chronaxie depends on the lead. The left ventricular epicardial chronaxie is similar to the right ventricular endocardial chronaxie for leads with similar electrode stimulation area.
The Association between T‐Wave Morphology and Life‐Threatening Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: LIN YEN‐HUNG , LIN LIAN‐YU , CHEN YING‐SHREN , HUANG HUI‐CHUN , LEE JEN‐KUANG , HO YI‐LWUN , LIAO LIN‐CHU , CHEN WEN‐JONE 
Published: August 2009

Background:

Whether T‐wave morphology descriptors on the 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) can predict the occurrence of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia in patients with advanced congestive heart failure is unclear.
Methods:

Standard 12‐lead ECGs were photoscanned and digitized for analysis in 27 heart failure patients with ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF; study group), as well as in 54 age‐ and sex‐matched heart failure patients without life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia as a control group. Novel T‐wave morphology descriptors were compared.
Results:

The results showed that the temporal descriptor, the lead dispersion (LD; 426.5 ± 279.8 vs 189.0 ± 125.7, P < 0.001), was significantly higher in the study than in the control group. The other T‐wave morphology parameters, such as the T‐wave morphology dispersion (45.7 ± 20.1 vs 44.9 ± 18.6), the total cosine between QRS and T wave (TCRT; −0.4 ± 0.4 vs −0.5 ± 0.3), and the normalized T‐loop area (NTLA; 0.5 ± 0.1 vs 0.4 ± 0.1), were not significantly different between the two groups (all P value > 0.05). After an adjustment for other clinical variables, increased LD (odds ratio: 9.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.9–33.4, P < 0.001) or decreased NTLA (odds ratio: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1–1.0, P =0.05) was associated with VT/VF.
Conclusion:

The novel T‐wave morphology analysis may help in identifying heart failure patients at high risk for VT/VF.
The Effect of Acute Psychological Stress on QT Dispersion in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: HASSAN MUSTAFA , MELA APRIL , LI QIN , BRUMBACK BABETTE , FILLINGIM ROGER B. , CONTI JAMIE B. , SHEPS DAVID S. 
Published: August 2009

Background: An acute psychological stress can precipitate ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the physiologic mechanisms by which these effects occur are not entirely clear. Mental stress‐induced myocardial ischemia occurs in a significant percentage of the CAD population. It is unknown if the proarrhythmic effects of psychological stress are mediated through the development of myocardial ischemia.
Objectives: To examine the effects of psychological stress on QT dispersion (QTd) among CAD patients and whether these effects are mediated via the development of myocardial ischemia.
Methods: Psychological stress was induced using a public speaking task. Twelve‐lead electrocardiograms (ECG) were recorded at rest, during mental stress, and during recovery. QTd was calculated as the difference between the longest and the shortest QT interval in the 12‐lead ECG. Rest‐stress myocardial perfusion imaging was also performed to detect mental stress‐induced myocardial ischemia.
Results: Mental stress induced a significant increase in QTd compared to the resting condition (P < 0.001). This effect persisted beyond the first 10 minutes of recovery (P < 0.001). QTd was significantly associated with the development of mental stress ischemia with ischemic patients having significantly higher QTd during mental stress than nonischemic patients (P = 0.006). This finding remained significant after controlling for possible confounding factors (P = 0.01).
Conclusion: An acute psychological stress induces a significant increase in QTd, which persists for more than 10 minutes after the cessation of the stressor. This effect seems to be, at least partially, mediated by the development of mental stress‐induced myocardial ischemia.
Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity is Common in Patients Presenting with Hip Fracture and Unexplained Falls
Authors: SACHPEKIDIS VASILEIOS , VOGIATZIS IOANNIS , DADOUS GEORGE , KANONIDIS IOANNIS , PAPADOPOULOS CONSTANTINOS , SAKADAMIS GEORGE 
Published: August 2009

Background:

We tried to determine the prevalence of carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) in patients with hip fractures with and without a clear history of an accidental fall.
Methods:

We studied 51 patients hospitalized for a hip fracture and 51 matched controls from our outpatients department. All patients were subjected to a carotid sinus massage in the supine and upright position
. Patients were categorized in accidental (Group A) and unexplained (Group B) fallers.
Results:

Six of 33 (18.2%) patients in Group A and 12 of 18 (66.7%) patients in Group B (P < 0.001) had a positive response to the carotid sinus massage. Nine controls (17.6%) also demonstrated CSH. Patients in Group B were older (A: 75.5 ± 8.5 years vs B: 80.1 ± 5.9 years, P =0.029) and were more likely to have a history of unexplained falls or syncope in the past (A: 0% vs B: 66.7%, P < 0.0001) than individuals in group A. Vasodepressor/mixed forms accounted for the majority of CSH responses in Group B (75%). When compared with the control group, CSH was still more common in Group B (B: 66.7% vs control: 17.6%, P < 0.0001) but not in Group A (A: 18.2% vs control: 17.6%, P =1.000).
Conclusions:

The prevalence of CSH is increased in elderly patients with hip fractures, only in those who present with an unexplained fall and report a history of syncope or unexplained falls in the past. The vasodepressor/mixed forms account for the majority of CSH responses in the group of unexplained fallers.
Comparison of interproximal soft tissue height for single implants and contra‐lateral natural teeth
Authors: Lee Dong‐Won , Huh Jong‐Ki , Park Kwang‐Ho , Chai Jung‐Kiu , Kim Chong‐Kwan , Moon Ik‐Sang 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective: To compare the interproximal soft tissue dimensions adjacent to single implant restorations in the premolar–molar position with those adjacent to the contra‐lateral natural teeth.Material and methods: Twenty‐five patients with a single‐tooth implant in premolar–molar position and healthy contra‐lateral teeth were enrolled in this retrospective cross‐sectional study. The reason for the extraction was periodontitis. Radiographs were used to measure the shortest distance from the tip of the papilla to the crestal bone in single implants and contra‐lateral teeth. A Wilcoxon's signed‐ranks test was used to examine the differences between the interproximal soft tissue dimensions adjacent to the single‐tooth implant restorations (IS‐STI) from those of the contra‐lateral natural teeth (IS‐NT).Results: We found no significant difference between the mesial IS‐STI and the mesial IS‐NT (3.28±0.83/3.31±0.62; P=0.861), or between the distal IS‐STI and the distal IS‐NT (3.09±0.72/3.3±0.63; P=0.263).Conclusions: The interproximal soft tissue height adjacent to single‐implant‐supported restorations in the premolar–molar position is similar to that adjacent to the contra‐lateral natural teeth.
Implant‐supported fixed cantilever prosthesis in partially edentulous jaws: a cohort prospective study
Authors: Romeo Eugenio , Tomasi Cristiano , Finini Igor , Casentini Paolo , Lops Diego 
Published: August 2009

Abstract:Background: Reconstructive procedures present a higher rate of biological costs due to the necessity of bone harvest and grafts, use of semipermeable barriers etc. On the hand, implant supported cantilever prostheses could allow a simpler rehabilitation procedure.Aims: The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical outcome of patients treated with implant‐supported fixed partial dentures (FPD) with cantilever after a mean follow‐up time of 8 years.Material and methods: The study included 45 consecutive partially edentulous patients treated between January 1994 and August 2006 with 59 partial cantilever fixed prostheses supported by 116 ITI® implants. The primary outcome variable considered was the presence of complications at the subject and bridge level; the secondary outcome variable was marginal bone loss (MBL). The frequency of complications was analyzed according to cantilever location and opposite dentition and tested by Fisher's exact test. A multilevel regression model was constructed to analyze the factors influencing MBL with three levels: subject as the highest, and then implant and site. During the follow‐up period, 11 implants showed a bone loss exceeding the limit for success, out of which two implants showed an infection of the peri‐implant tissue.Results: After an average observation of 8.2 years of cantilever prostheses loading, the implant success and survival rates were 90.5% and 100%, respectively. Besides, the prosthetic success and survival rate were 57.7% and 100%, respectively.Discussion: None of the predictors included in the multilevel model presented a significant impact on the bone loss between baseline and the follow‐up examination.Conclusions: The authors concluded that the prognosis of implant‐supported FPDs and marginal bone loss at implants were not influenced by the position or the length of the cantilever, the location of the bridge and type of opposite dentition. Implant‐supported fixed cantilever prosthesis can be considered a suitable treatment choice.
Influence of melatonin therapy and orchiectomy on T cell subsets in male Wistar rats infected with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Santello Fabricia H. , Del Vecchio Filipin Marina , Caetano Leony C. , Brazão Vânia , Caetano Luana N. , Dos Santos Carla D. , Alonso Toldo Míriam P. , Do Prado Jr José C. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  Gonadal steroids exert an important influence on the host immune response during infection. Changes resulting from the absence or replacement of gonadal hormones may represent a distinct evolution of a particular parasite. Taking into account the greater susceptibility of males to parasites, the magnitude of the immune response seems to depend on the interaction of many hormones that will act synergistically with other immune cells. The aims of this research were to evaluate the effects of the luck of male sex hormones due to orchiectomy, and the influence of oral administration of melatonin on the immune response of male Wistar rats infected with the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. The percentage of CD3+ CD4+ and CD3+ CD8+ lymphocyte T cell subsets were evaluated using flow cytometry and the measurement of IL‐2 and IL‐12. For all parameters examined, a synergistic action of melatonin and orchiectomy on the host’s immune response was observed, promoting an effective response against the parasite during the acute phase of infection. These results offer insight into other possibilities for possibly controlling T. cruzi proliferation through melatonin therapy and also the stimulatory effects on host’s immune response triggered by the absence of male gonadal steroids during the acute phase of infection.