bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Interatrial Block in Healthy School‐Aged Children: Definition by P‐Wave Duration or Morphological Analysis
Authors: Dilaveris Polychronis , Raftopoulos Leonidas , Giannopoulos Georgios , Katinakis Stylianos , Maragiannis Dimitrios , Roussos Dimitrios , Gatzoulis Konstantinos , Michaelides Andreas , Stefanadis Christodoulos 
Published: January 2010

Background: P waves ≥110 ms in adults and ≥90 ms in children are considered abnormal, signifying interatrial block, particularly in the first case. Methods: To evaluate the prevalence of interatrial block in healthy school‐aged children, we obtained 12‐lead digital ECGs (Cardioperfect 1.1, CardioControl NV, Delft, The Netherlands) of 664 healthy children (349 males/315 females, age range 6–14 years old). P‐wave analysis indices [mean, maximum and minimum (in the 12 leads) P‐wave duration, P‐wave dispersion, P‐wave morphology in the derived orthogonal (X, Y, Z) leads, as well the amplitude of the maximum spatial P‐wave vector] were calculated in all study participants. Results: P‐wave descriptor values were: mean P‐wave duration 84.9 ± 9.5 ms, maximum P‐wave duration 99.0 ± 9.8 ms, P dispersion 32.2 ± 12.5 ms, spatial P amplitude 182.7 ± 69.0 μV. P‐wave morphology distribution in the orthogonal leads were: Type I 478 (72.0%), Type II 178 (26.8%), Type III 1 (0.2%), indeterminate 7 (1%). Maximum P‐wave duration was positively correlated to age (P < 0.001) and did not differ between sexes (P = 0.339). Using the 90‐ms value as cutoff for P‐wave duration, 502 (75.6%) children would be classified as having maximum P‐wave duration above reference range. The 95th and the 99th percentiles were in the overall population 117 ms and 125 ms, respectively. P‐wave morphology type was not in any way correlated to P‐wave duration (P = 0.715). Conclusions: Abnormal P‐wave morphology signifying the presence of interatrial block is very rare in a healthy pediatric population, while widened P waves are quite common, although currently classified as abnormal. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):17–25
The Time Course of New T‐Wave ECG Descriptors Following Single‐ and Double‐Dose Administration of Sotalol in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Extramiana Fabrice , Dubois Rémi , Vaglio Martino , Roussel Pierre , Dreyfus Gerard , Badilini Fabio , Leenhardt Antoine , Maison‐Blanche Pierre 
Published: January 2010

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the time course effect of IKr blockade on ECG biomarkers of ventricular repolarization and to evaluate the accuracy of a fully automatic approach for QT duration evaluation. Methods: Twelve‐lead digital ECG Holter was recorded in 38 healthy subjects (27 males, mean age = 27.4 ± 8.0 years) on baseline conditions (day 0) and after administration of 160 mg (day 1) and 320 mg (day 2) of d‐l sotalol. For each 24‐hour period and each subject, ECGs were extracted every 10 minutes during the 4‐hour period following drug dosage. Ventricular repolarization was characterized using three biomarker categories: conventional ECG time intervals, principal component analysis (PCA) analysis on the T wave, and fully automatic biomarkers computed from a mathematical model of the T wave. Results: QT interval was significantly prolonged starting 1 hour 20 minutes after drug dosing with 160 mg and 1 hour 10 minutes after drug dosing with 320 mg. PCA ventricular repolarization parameters sotalol‐induced changes were delayed (>3 hours). After sotalol dosing, the early phase of the T wave changed earlier than the late phase prolongation. Globally, the modeled surrogate QT paralleled manual QT changes.The duration of manual QT and automatic surrogate QT were strongly correlated (R2= 0.92, P < 0.001). The Bland and Altman plot revealed a nonstationary systematic bias (bias = 26.5 ms ± 1.96*SD = 16 ms). Conclusions: Changes in different ECG biomarkers of ventricular repolarization display different kinetics after administration of a potent potassium channel blocker. These differences need to be taken into account when designing ventricular repolarization ECG studies. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):26–35
Optimization of Repolarization during Biventricular Pacing: A New Target in Patients with Biventricular Devices?
Authors: Türkoğlu Cengizhan , Aliyev Farid , Çeliker Cengiz , Çetin Gökhan , Alici Gökhan , Uzunhasan Işil , Firatli Inci 
Published: January 2010

Background: Evaluation of repolarization during sequentional biventricular pacing. Methods: Patients with biventricular devices, and left ventricular leads placed to the basal part of lateral left ventricular wall were enrolled. QRS, QTc, JTc, and corrected Tpeak‐Tend intervals were compared during sequentional biventricular, left ventricular, and right ventricular pacing. Results: Five patients with nonischemic and five with ischemic cardiomyopathy due to anterior myocardial infarction were enrolled. No correlation was observed between values of repolarization among patients. The optimal values of repolarization were significantly different from values of echocardiographically guided hemodynamic optimization. Two patients with biventricular pacing‐induced ventricular fibrillation were successfully treated by reprogramming of V‐V delay according to interventricular delay resulting in shorter Tpeak‐Tend interval, although delayed effect of amiodarone in one of these patients cannot be ruled out. Conclusions: Patients with biventricular devices may be prone to development of ventricular arrhythmias depending on programmed V‐V interval. We suggest that optimization of repolarization may be performed in patients with biventricular pacemakers in the absence of backup ICD and those with frequent episodes of ventricular tachyarrhythmias, although this finding deserves further study. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):36–42
Influence of the Maximum Heart Rate Attained during Exercise Testing on Subsequent Heart Rate Recovery
Authors: Zaim Sina , Schesser Joel , Hirsch Linda S. , Rockland Ronald 
Published: January 2010

Background: Abnormal heart rate recovery (HRR) following exercise testing has been shown to be a predictor for adverse cardiovascular events. The actual maximum heart rate (MHR) attained during the exercise test does not however have a distinct significance in traditional HRR assessment. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of MHR in HRR. Methods: This prospective study consisted of 164 patients (62% male, mean age 53.7 ± 11.7 years) who were referred for a symptom‐limited standard Bruce Protocol treadmill exercise test, based on clinical indications. The patients were seated immediately at test completion and the heart rate (HR) recorded at one and two minutes postexercise. A normal HRR was defined as a HR drop of 18 beats per minute or more at the end of the first minute of recovery. The HRR profile of patients who reached ≥85% of their maximum predicted heart rate (MPHR) during peak exercise were then compared to HRR profile of those who could not. Results: One hundred twelve patients (Group A) achieved a MHR ≥ 85% of MPHR during peak exercise whereas 52 patients (Group B) did not. Chi‐square analysis showed a higher incidence of normal HRR in Group A compared to Group B (p = 0.029). Analysis of variance with repeated measures showed that group A had a greater HRR at the first minute F1,162= 6.98, p = <0.01) but not the second minute (F1,162=1.83, p = .18) postexercise. Conclusion: There is a relation between the peak heart rate attained during exercise and the subsequent HRR. A low peak heart rate increases the likelihood of a less than normal HRR. Assessment of the entire heart‐rate response seems warranted for more thorough risk‐stratification. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):43–48
Autonomic Nervous System Modulation before the Onset of Sustained Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia
Authors: Nigro Gerardo , Russo Vincenzo , De Chiara Annabella , Rago Anna , Cioppa Nadia Della , Chianese Raffaele , Manfredi Donatella , Calabrò Raffaele 
Published: January 2010

Introduction: Our study was designed to analyze dynamic changes in autonomic tone before the onset of typical sustained atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) in a large group of patients without structural heart disease. Materials and Methods: Twenty‐four‐hour Holter tapes from 42 consecutive patients (27 men and 15 women; aged 30 ± 21 years) with several episodes of sustained typical AVNRT were analyzed. The diagnosis was validated by transesophageal electrophysiological study. The time‐domain calculated parameters were SDNN, SDANN, rMSSD, pNN50; the frequency‐domain parameters were low‐frequency power (LF, 0.04–0.15 Hz), high‐frequency power (HF, 0.15–0.40 Hz), very low‐frequency power (VLF, 0.008 to 0.04 Hz) and LF/HF. The mean values in the hour before the onset of sustained AVNRT were compared with the mean values of 2 hours before and 1 hour after the onset of sustained AVNRT. Results: The mean SDNN, rMSSD, pNN50, HF were significantly decreased during the hour preceding the onset of AVNRT, when compared to the mean values observed during the time periods selected. Instead, the LF values and LF/HF were increased before the onset of sustained AVNRT. No significant change in the VLF and atrial ectopic beats were observed. Conclusion: This study suggests that sustained typical AVNRT episodes are preceded by increase in adrenergic drive. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):49–55
Long QT Syndrome in African‐Americans
Authors: Fugate II Thomas , Moss Arthur J. , Jons Christian , McNitt Scott , Mullally Jamie , Ouellet Gregory , Goldenberg Ilan , Zareba Wojciech , Robinson Jennifer L. ,   for the U.S. portion of International Long QT Syndrome Registry Investigators
Published: January 2010

Background:We evaluated the risk factors and clinical course of Long QT syndrome (LQTS) in African‐American patients.Methods:The study involved 41 African‐Americans and 3456 Caucasians with a QTc ≥ 450 ms from the U.S. portion of the International LQTS Registry. Data included information about the medical history and clinical course of the LQTS patients with end points relating to the occurrence of syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, or LQTS‐related sudden cardiac death from birth through age 40 years. The statistical analyses involved Kaplan‐Meier time to event graphs and Cox regression models for multivariable risk factor evaluation.Results:The QTc was 29 ms longer in African‐Americans than Caucasians. Multivarite Cox analyses with adjustment for decade of birth revealed that the cardiac event rate was similar in African‐Americans and Caucasians with LQTS and that beta‐blockers were equally effective in reducing cardiac events in the two racial groups.Conclusions:The clinical course of LQTS in African‐Americans is similar to that of Caucasians with comparable risk factors and benefit from beta‐blocker therapy in the two racial groups.Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):73–76
P‐Wave Indices, Distribution and Quality Control Assessment (from the Framingham Heart Study)
Authors: Magnani Jared W. , Mazzini Michael J. , Sullivan Lisa M. , Williamson MaryAnn , Ellinor Patrick T. , Benjamin Emelia J. 
Published: January 2010

Background: P‐wave indices of maximum P‐wave duration and P‐wave dispersion have been examined in a broad array of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular disease states. The P‐wave indices literature has been highly heterogeneous in measurement methodologies, described quality control metrics, and distribution of values. We therefore sought to determine the reproducibility of P‐wave indices in a community‐based cohort. Methods: P‐wave indices were measured in sequential subjects enrolled in the Framingham Heart Study. Electrocardiograms were obtained at the 11th biennial visit of the Original Cohort (n = 250) and the initial visit of the Offspring Cohort (n = 252). We determined the mean P‐wave durations, interlead correlations, and P‐wave indices. We then chose 20 ECGs, 10 from each cohort, and assessed intrarater and interrater variability. Results: The maximum P‐wave duration ranged from 71 to 162 ms with mean of 112 ± 12 ms. The minimum P‐wave duration ranged from 35 to 103 ms with mean of 65 ± 10 ms. P‐wave dispersion ranged from 12 to 82 ms. The mean P‐wave dispersion was 48 ± 12 ms (40–56). The intrarater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was r = 0.80 for maximum P‐wave duration and r = 0.82 for P‐wave dispersion. The interrater ICC was 0.56 for maximum P‐wave duration and 0.70 for P‐wave dispersion. Conclusions: We demonstrated excellent intrarater reproducibility and fair interrater reproducibility for calculating P‐wave indices. Reproducibility is frequently lacking in studies of P‐wave indices, but is an essential component for the field's growth and epidemiologic contribution. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):77–84
Alopecia in Rhesus macaques correlates with immunophenotypic alterations in dermal inflammatory infiltrates consistent with hypersensitivity etiology
Authors: Kramer Joshua , Fahey Michele , Santos Rosemary , Carville Angela , Wachtman Lynn , Mansfield Keith 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground  Although alopecia is a commonly recognized problem affecting many captive Rhesus macaque colonies, there is no consensus as to the underlying etiology or appropriate course of management.Methods  We performed skin biopsies to assess underlying pathology in alopecic Rhesus macaques and performed immunohistochemical and metachromatic staining of these biopsies to assess the cellular infiltrates.Results  Alopecia is associated with superficial dermal perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrates and skin pathology consistent with chronic hypersensitivity dermatitis. The inflammation is primarily composed of CD4+ cells admixed with histiocytes and mast cells. Inflammation is correlated with degree of alopecia. Further analysis in different groups of macaques revealed that animals born outdoors or infected with lung mites had reduced dermal inflammatory cell infiltrates and a lower incidence of alopecia.Conclusions  These findings support a hypothesis that an altered housing status resulting in decreased pathogen burden in Rhesus macaque colonies may contribute to dermal immunophenotypic alterations and subsequent development of dermatitis with resultant alopecia.
REVIEW ARTICLE: RCAS1, MT, and Vimentin as Potential Markers of Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling
Authors: Dutsch‐Wicherek Magdalena 
Published: January 2010

Citation Dutsch‐Wicherek M. RCAS1, MT, and vimentin as potential markers of tumor microenvironment remodeling. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 181–188A tumor stimulates the remodeling of its microenvironment for its own survival. To protect its own growth and induce angiogenesis, the tumor changes the structure of extracellular matrix and the function of existing cells; it thus chemo‐attracts immune system cells altering their function. In our study, we discuss the potential markers of tumor microenvironment remodeling. For instance, RCAS1 is a protein responsible for tumor escape from host immunologic surveillance that additionally seems to be involved in the remodeling of the microenvironment. Another protein, metallothionein, which is both anti‐apoptotic and pro‐proliferative, is also responsible for modulating the response of immune system cells. Most likely, the expression of this protein by the fibroblasts of tumor microenvironment is related to the remodeled phenotype of these cells because of the tumor influence on cancer‐associated fibroblasts. Lastly, vimentin is a protein that would appear to be the marker for the mesenchymal transition of cells from the epithelial phenotype. These cells seem to acquire the mesenchymal phenotype to migrate so that they can facilitate the development of metastases. Interestingly, the expression of vimentin has also been observed in the tumor microenvironment as well and may serve as a marker of a remodeled stroma in the process of facilitating tumor spread.
Comparison of ampicillin plus gentamicin vs. penicillin plus gentamicin in empiric treatment of neonates at risk of early onset sepsis
Authors: Metsvaht T , Ilmoja M‐L , Parm Ü , Maipuu L , Merila M , Lutsar I 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of ampicillin (AMP) vs. penicillin (PEN) both combined with gentamicin in the empirical treatment of neonates at risk of early onset neonatal sepsis (EOS).Methods:  We performed an open label cluster randomized equivalence study in both Estonian neonatal intensive care units, including neonates with suspected EOS, aged less than 72 h. Primary end‐point was clinical failure rate, expressed by need for change of antibiotic regimen within 72 h and/or 7‐day all cause mortality. Bowel colonization was followed with biweekly perineal swab cultures.Results:  Incidence of proven EOS was 4.9%. Among neonates receiving AMP (n = 142) or PEN (n = 141) change of antibiotic regimen within 72 h (10/142 vs. 10/141; OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.40–2.59), 7‐day mortality (11/142 vs. 14/141; OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.33–1.75) and over‐all treatment failure (20/142 vs. 20/141; OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.52–1.97) occurred at similar rates. The only differences in gut colonization were lower number of patients colonised with enterococci, S. aureus and AMP resistant Acinetobacter spp. in AMP and lower number of those with S. haemolyticus and S. hominis in PEN arm.Conclusions:  AMP and PEN combined with gentamicin have similar effectiveness in the empiric treatment of suspected neonatal EOS.
Thermosynechoccus elongatus DpsA binds Zn(II) at a unique three histidine‐containing ferroxidase center and utilizes O2 as iron oxidant with very high efficiency, unlike the typical Dps proteins
Authors: Alaleona Flaminia , Franceschini Stefano , Ceci Pierpaolo , Ilari Andrea , Chiancone Emilia 
Published: January 2010

The cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus is one the few bacteria to possess two Dps proteins, DpsA‐Te and Dps‐Te. The present characterization of DpsA‐Te reveals unusual structural and functional features that differentiate it from Dps‐Te and the other known Dps proteins. Notably, two Zn(II) are bound at the ferroxidase center, owing to the unique substitution of a metal ligand at the A‐site (His78 in place of the canonical aspartate) and to the presence of a histidine (His164) in place of a hydrophobic residue at a metal‐coordinating distance in the B‐site. Only the latter Zn(II) is displaced by incoming iron, such that Zn(II)–Fe(III) complexes are formed upon oxidation, as indicated by absorbance and atomic emission spectroscopy data. In contrast to the typical behavior of Dps proteins, where Fe(II) oxidation by H2O2 is about 100‐fold faster than by O2, in DpsA‐Te the ferroxidation efficiency of O2 is very high and resembles that of H2O2. Oxygraphic experiments show that two Fe(II) are required to reduce O2, and that H2O2 is not released into solution at the end of the reaction. On this basis, a reaction mechanism is proposed that also takes into account the formation of Zn(II)–Fe(III) complexes. The physiological significance of the DpsA‐Te behavior is discussed in the framework of a possible localization of the protein at the thylakoid membranes, where photosynthesis takes place, with the consequent increased formation of reactive oxygen species.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7312099: DpsA (uniprotkb:Q8DL82) and DpsA (uniprotkb:Q8DL82) bind (MI:0407) by x‐ray crystallography (MI:0114)
Targeting mechanism of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor by a prototypical viral oncoprotein
Authors: Chemes Lucía B. , Sánchez Ignacio E. , Smal Clara , de Prat‐Gay Gonzalo 
Published: January 2010

DNA tumor viruses ensure genome amplification by hijacking the cellular replication machinery and forcing infected cells to enter the S phase. The retinoblastoma (Rb) protein controls the G1/S checkpoint, and is targeted by several viral oncoproteins, among these the E7 protein from human papillomaviruses (HPVs). A quantitative investigation of the interaction mechanism between the HPV16 E7 protein and the RbAB domain in solution revealed that 90% of the binding energy is determined by the LxCxE motif, with an additional binding determinant (1.0 kcal·mol−1) located in the C‐terminal domain of E7, establishing a dual‐contact mode. The stoichiometry and subnanomolar affinity of E7 indicated that it can bind RbAB as a monomer. The low‐risk HPV11 E7 protein bound 2.0 kcal·mol−1 more weakly than the high‐risk HPV16 and HPV18 type counterparts, but the modularity and binding mode were conserved. Phosphorylation at a conserved casein kinase II site in the natively unfolded N‐terminal domain of E7 affected the local conformation by increasing the polyproline II content and stabilizing an extended conformation, which allowed for a tighter interaction with the Rb protein. Thus, the E7–RbAB interaction involves multiple motifs within the N‐terminal domain of E7 and at least two conserved interaction surfaces in RbAB. We discussed a mechanistic model of the interaction of the Rb protein with a viral target in solution, integrated with structural data and the analysis of other cellular and viral proteins, which provided information about the balance of interactions involving the Rb protein and how these determine the progression into either the normal cell cycle or transformation.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7383794, MINT‐7383812, MINT‐7383830, MINT‐7383868, MINT‐7383891, MINT‐7384056: E7 (uniprotkb:P03129) and Rb (uniprotkb:P06400) bind (MI:0407) by fluorescence technologies (MI:0051)
MINT‐7383923: E7 (uniprotkb:P04020) and Rb (uniprotkb:P06400) bind (MI:0407) by competition binding (MI:0405)
MINT‐7383777, MINT‐7384078, MINT‐7383848, MINT‐7384113, MINT‐7384096: Rb (uniprotkb:P06400) and E7 (uniprotkb:P03129) bind (MI:0407) by competition binding (MI:0405)
MINT‐7383963: Rb (uniprotkb:P06400) and E7 (uniprotkb:P06788) bind (MI:0407) by competition binding (MI:0405)
MINT‐7384022, MINT‐7384040: E7 (uniprotkb:P03129) and Rb (uniprotkb:P06400) bind (MI:0407) by comigration in non denaturing gel electrophoresis (MI:0404)
MINT‐7384004, MINT‐7383984: Rb (uniprotkb:P06400) binds (MI:0407) to E7 (uniprotkb:P03129) by pull down (MI:0096)
Plasma Exchange in Elderly Patients
Authors: Basic‐Jukic Nikolina , Brunetta Bruna , Kes Petar 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPlasma exchange (PE) is an extracorporeal blood purification technique designed for the removal of large molecular weight substances from plasma. Data regarding the use of PE in elderly patients is lacking, so this study analyzes the database of the Department of Dialysis at the University Hospital Center Zagreb (634 patients, 6237 procedures) for indications and complications in patients aged 65 years or older who were submitted to PE during the period from 1982 to 2007. A total of 50 patients in this age group were submitted to PE; their median age was 69 years (range 65–83). This population underwent 323 episodes of PE, mostly with albumin solution as the replacement fluid (94.0%), and blood access was usually via peripheral veins (72.0%). The most common indication for therapy (76.0%) was neurological (e.g. myasthenia gravis and Guillain–Barré syndrome), which was more common than in the entire population (i.e. of all age groups) (60%). The second most common indications were hematological diseases, followed by intoxications and Goodpasture's syndrome. Ninety‐four percent of patients showed improvement, two patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome died, and a patient with pemphigus vulgaris had no change in clinical status, compared with 75% of younger patients whose status improved after PE. Complications occurred during 11.5% of treatments, compared to 3.9% in the younger group. The most common complications were clotting (3.7%), blood access difficulties (1.5%), mild‐to‐moderate allergic reactions (1.5%), and precordial oppression (0.6%). Plasma exchange is rarely used in the elderly population; however, when carried out by experienced staff, it is a safe and efficient method that may significantly improve the outcome of elderly patients with appropriate indications.