bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the transferability of the time temperature superposition principle to emulsions
Authors: Muehlbach M. , Brummer R. , Eggers R. 
Published: March 2006

SynopsisThe instability of emulsions is basically clarified by a phase separation. The separated phase can either cream or sediment. Destabilization is mostly compounded by coalescence and gives a first indication through extension of droplets. In the cosmetics industry as well as many other branches of industry such as the food industry and paint and coatings industry, product stability is one of the most important quality criteria. Many stability tests have already been performed with the widest variety of methods from different fields of technology. In research and development it is especially important to obtain quick results on the stability of a formulation. Such results represent a tool that can help developers find an optimal formulation in a short time. In addition, they can shorten development times, leading to quicker introduction of a product in the market. Moreover, they can help to reduce storage stability tests to minimum, making less climatized rooms, space and work required to predict shelf‐lives. The cycle test is an example of such a method developed in the field of rheology [1]. In this test the sample is subjected to continuously changing temperatures and its behavior observed. However, other methods can also conceivably used to predict stabilities. The aim of this work is to find a new model to predict the long‐term stability. This model should be based on empirical data and it should determine the applicability of the time temperature superposition (TTS) principle to emulsions.
Adherence to treatment in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Richards HL , Fortune DG , Griffiths CEM 
Published: March 2006

AbstractNon‐adherence to medication is a chronic problem that impacts on healthcare professionals and patients alike. In psoriasis, a condition that presents patients with frequent and disabling physical, psychological and social effects, studies consistently suggest that up to 40% of patients do not use their medication as directed. Thus it is probable that poor adherence contaminates the clinical picture of response effectiveness in everyday practice. This educational paper reviews research that investigates adherence to medication in patients with psoriasis. It provides an overview of contributing factors and mediating variables. It is proposed that three specific facets appear to optimize patient adherence: an effective doctor–patient relationship; optimism with the treatment prescribed; and a limited ‘nuisance’ value of treatment in terms of side‐effects and hassle of use. Various strategies to address adherence are suggested and it is argued that in order to enhance our understanding of adherence in patients with psoriasis, there needs to be an increasing focus on patients’ beliefs about their condition and its management.
The use of alternative medicine for the treatment of insomnia in the elderly
Authors: CHERNIACK E. Paul 
Published: March 2006

AbstractInsomnia is a frequent problem among the elderly, for which patients often self‐medicate. The use of alternative medicine by individuals worldwide, including the elderly, is increasing and insomnia is a common reason for its use. Conventional treatments do not benefit all, and there is uncertainty about the effects of their long‐term use. Many alternative therapies have been considered for the treatment of sleep disorders in published medical reports. These consist of pharmacological therapies, including melatonin, valerian, lavender, hops, kava, Chinese and Japanese herbal compounds, pyridoxine, St John's wort and German chamomile, and non‐pharmacological therapies, including massage, acupuncture, music therapy, tai chi, magnetism and white noise. Comparison of these treatments, either with each other or with conventional therapies, is difficult because many studies inadequately define insomnia, have few subjects or lack randomization or controls. Many have not been tested specifically on elderly subjects. As a result of the problems in the trials of these treatments, drawing a definitive conclusion about the effectiveness of these therapies is difficult. Melatonin appears to be the most promising. It has been shown to produce some limited benefit by studies to date, although it has not been investigated in enough appropriate subjects to definitively conclude that there is a benefit at a sufficiently low risk. A promising role for melatonin might be in the treatment of elderly people with sleep‐phase disorders. Other pharmacological treatments with potential await well‐designed studies on the elderly. There are many non‐pharmacological therapies that offer the potential advantages of a low side‐effect profile, but the investigations of these have been even less rigorous.
Olfactory dysfunction in dementia of Alzheimer's type and vascular dementia
Authors: MOTOMURA Naoyasu , TOMOTA Yoji 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground:  Olfactory function in vascular dementia has not been extensively investigated to date. We studied olfactory function in vascular dementia (VD) and dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT).Methods:  We studied olfactory functioning in 12 patients suffering from dementia of Alzheimer's type, 11 patients with vascular dementia and 30 normal subjects. For these subjects we examined a 12‐item version of the Pennsylvania smell identification test and mini‐mental state examinations. These three groups were matched for age, sex and educational level.Results:  Although the dementia scores were comparable in the DAT and VD groups, the smell identifications were low in DAT patients compared with VD patients and normal control subjects.Conclusions:  These results suggest that the smell identification test may be useful in differential diagnosis between DAT and VD patients
Two elderly patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosed by head MRI and tap test
Authors: KITO Hisashi , MIYASHITA Mitsuhiro , TAKAHASHI Tohru , INUZUKA Sin , HANIHARA Tokiji , UCHIDA Naoko , AMANO Naoji , NAKAMURA Kazuya , HONGO Kazuhiro 
Published: March 2006

AbstractDementia, gait disturbance and urinary incontinence were noted in two elderly patients, and diagnosed as idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Case 1 was a 79‐year‐old man in whom dementia symptoms appeared 2 years ago. Gait disturbance and urge incontinence of urine developed later, and the patient visited our hospital. Walking was wide‐based and frozen gait was noted at the time of visiting our hospital. The mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) score was 11. A head MRI detected expansion of the cerebral ventricles and sylvian fissures, and narrowing of the cerebral fissures and the subarachnoid space in the higher convexity region. The diagnosis of iNPH was made based on the clinical symptoms and imaging findings, and a shunt operation (cerebrospinal fluid shunt) was performed in the neurosurgery department. Gait disturbance and cognitive function slightly improved after the operation. Case 2 was an 81‐year‐old woman who had had brachybasia for 1 year, and swayed from side to side while walking. Since disorientation and urge incontinence transiently occurred, the patient visited our hospital. The MMSE score was 24. Head MRI findings were similar to those in case 1. The cerebrospinal tap test was performed, and walking improved in the 1‐week course observation. iNPH is not very well recognized, compared to secondary NPH, and is likely to be overlooked because differentiation from Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia based on symptoms and imaging is difficult in elderly patients. As iNPH is treatable by accurate diagnosis and therapy, the accumulation of cases indicated for shunt operation may be necessary.
Necker cube copying ability in normal elderly and Alzheimer's disease. A community‐based study: The Tajiri project
Authors: SHIMADA Yoichi , MEGURO Kenichi , KASAI Mari , SHIMADA Masumi , ISHII Hiroshi , YAMAGUCHI Satoshi , YAMADORI Atsushi 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of normal elderly participants and patients with Alzheimer's disease to copy the Necker cube.Method:  One hundred and seventy elderly participants were randomly selected from the town of Tajiri, northern Japan, and were classified into three groups based on the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR): CDR 0, healthy; CDR 0.5, questionable dementia; and CDR 1 and 2, mild and moderate dementia. Dementia patients (CDR 1 and 2) met the criteria of probable AD of the NINCDS‐ADRDA. Using eight original criteria, we examined their ability to copy the Necker cube.Results:  Most CDR 0 participants could at least succeed in copying a simple cube. About a half of the AD patients could not draw a three‐dimensional figure. Among the CDR 0.5 participants, we found a ‘two‐peak’ distribution.Conclusion:  Copying the Necker cube may be one useful task for the detection of very mild Alzheimer's disease.
Atrial Fibrillation Burden During the Post‐Implant Period After CRT Using Device‐Based Diagnostics
Authors: HÜGL BURKHARD , BRUNS HANS‐JÜRGEN , UNTERBERG‐BUCHWALD CHRISTINE , GROSSE ANETT , STEGEMANN BERTHOLD , LAUER BERNWARD , GELLER J. CHRISTOPH , GASPARINI MAURIZIO 
Published: March 2006

Aims: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is increasingly used in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients (with cardiac dyssynchrony). In addition to delivering therapy, CRT devices offer a variety of diagnostic tools for continuous long‐term monitoring of clinically relevant information (i.e., occurrence and duration of arrhythmia episodes). Methods and Results: Eighty‐four patients with drug‐refractory CHF in NYHA‐class II–IV received a CRT device. The response to CRT was assessed by determining NYHA class at baseline and at 3 months follow‐up. Atrial fibrillation (AF) burden (defined as time of AF per day) was continuously measured by the device. A significant gradual reduction of AF burden (from 9.88 ± 12.61 to 4.20 ± 9.24 [hours/day]) and number of patients experiencing AF episodes (from 26 to 13) were observed during CRT. Conclusions: (1) Diagnostic features for long‐term monitoring of physiological variables provide useful information on the state and course of AF and may improve disease management. (2) AF burden reduces over time during the first 3 months after CRT implantation.
Catheter Ablation of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia: Value of Defining Coronary Anatomy
Authors: VASEGHI MARMAR , CESARIO DAVID A. , MAHAJAN AMAN , WIENER ISAAC , BOYLE NOEL G. , FISHBEIN MICHAEL C. , HOROWITZ BARBARA NATTERSON , SHIVKUMAR KALYANAM 
Published: March 2006

Introduction: Thermal damage to coronary arteries during catheter ablation has been previously reported. Coronary artery damage during LV outflow tract ventricular tachycardia is well recognized. However, the relationship of the coronary arteries to the RV outflow tract during catheter ablation has not been delineated. The purpose of this study was to define the relationship between the RV outflow tract and the coronary arteries utilizing arteriography, echocardiography, CT angiography, and gross anatomic pathology. Methods: The relationship of the coronaries to the RV outflow tract was analyzed in three patients groups: Group 1: patients (n = 10) undergoing RV outflow tract ventricular tachycardia; Group 2: patients (n = 50) undergoing CT coronary angiography; Group 3: patients (n = 4) undergoing echocardiography during open heart surgery and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (n = 5). Results: Group 1: The left main coronary artery was found to be 3.8 ± 1.2 mm from the right ventricular outflow tract in patients undergoing ablation. Group 2: The minimum distance between the left main, left anterior descending, and right coronary artery to the RV outflow tract endocardial wall were 4.1 ± 1.9 mm, 2.0 ± 0.6 mm, and 4.3 ± 1.9 mm (average ± SD) respectively. Group 3: During open heart surgery using echocardiography, the minimum distance between the left main and the right coronary artery to the RV outflow tract were 3.4 ± 0.35 mm and 2.0 ± 0.1 mm, respectively. The distance between the let main coronary artery and the RVOT by ICE was 3.8 ± 0.45 mm. Conclusions: The major coronary arteries lie in close proximity of the RVOT, and their anatomic course should be taken into consideration during ablation of ventricular tachycardias arising from the RV outflow tract.
Extensive Ablation During Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation Has No Adverse Impact on Left Atrial Function: An Echocardiography and Cine Computed Tomography Analysis
Authors: VERMA ATUL , KILICASLAN FETHI , ADAMS JAMES R. , HAO STEVEN , BEHEIRY SALWA , MINOR STEPHEN , OZDURAN VOLKAN , CLAUDE ELAYI SAMY , MARTIN DAVID O. , SCHWEIKERT ROBERT A. , SALIBA WALID , THOMAS JAMES D. , GARCIA MARIO , KLEIN ALLAN , NATALE ANDREA 
Published: March 2006

Background: Although pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) may cure atrial fibrillation (AF) and improve left atrial (LA) function, the effect of extensive LA ablation on LA function is not well known. Objective: To assess the impact of PVAI on LA function remotely postablation. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing PVAI had either transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography (n = 41) or cine EBCT (n = 26) performed preablation and 6 months postablation. Only patients with paroxysmal and persistent, but not permanent, AF were included. Imaging was done in sinus rhythm for all patients. LA diameter (LAD), LA systolic and diastolic areas, and left atrial fractional area change (LFAC) were assessed by TTE. Transmitral (TMF), left atrial appendage (LAA), and pulmonary venous (PVF) Doppler flows were measured by TEE. Peak A on TMF, LAA peak emptying velocity (LAAF), and peak A reversal (AR) on PVF were used as surrogates of LA contractile function. Peak S on PV flow was used as a surrogate of reservoir function. LA areas, volumes, and LA ejection fraction (LAEF) were measured from cine EBCT. Results: Mean radiofrequency ablation time was 45 ± 21 minutes. All four PVs were isolated for all patients; there were no cases of PV stenosis. Echocardiography revealed a significant reduction in LAD and LA areas post‐PVAI. Both peak A and peak AR were also higher post, while other variables showed strong trends toward improvement. In the subset of patients with persistent AF, post‐PVAI improvements were seen in LA size, peak A, and even peak S (P = 0.04). Cine EBCT showed a significant decrease in both LA areas and volumes post‐PVAI. There was also a significant improvement in LAEF post‐PVAI from 17 ± 6% to 22 ± 5% (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Extensive ablation during PVAI does not cause deterioration in LA function, and may cause long‐term improvement, especially in patients with higher AF burden.
Age, Size, and Lead Factors Alone Do Not Predict Venous Obstruction in Children and Young Adults with Transvenous Lead Systems
Authors: BAR‐COHEN YANIV , BERUL CHARLES I. , ALEXANDER MARK E. , FORTESCUE ELIZABETH B. , WALSH EDWARD P. , TRIEDMAN JOHN K. , CECCHIN FRANK 
Published: March 2006

Background: Venous occlusion is a recognized complication of transvenous pacing, and lead cross‐sectional area indexed to body surface area (BSA) has been used to predict venous obstruction in children. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors and incidence of angiographic venous obstruction after transvenous lead implantation in both children and young adults. Methods: Contrast venography was obtained in 85 of 90 consecutive patients undergoing repeat pacemaker or ICD procedures from 2002 to 2004 at a single cardiac center. Venograms were graded as complete venous obstruction, significant partial obstruction (>70% with collaterals), or patent. Results: The cohort had a median age of 15.0 years at implant and was divided into two age groups: 3–12 years (n = 35) and 13 years and over (n = 50). After a median interval of 6.5 years, complete obstruction was seen in 11 of 85 patients (13%) and partial obstruction in another 10 patients (12%). No significant differences were seen in the incidence of obstruction between the two age groups although younger patients had a larger lead indexed to BSA ratio (6.82 vs 5.05, P = 0.005). There were no significant differences between obstructed and nonobstructed patients in relation to age, size, growth, or lead factors. Conclusion: Transvenous lead systems implanted in young children have a similar incidence of venous occlusion compared to older patients. Furthermore, patient age, body size, and lead characteristics at implant do not clearly predict venous occlusion.
Prediction of Left Main Coronary Artery Obstruction by 12‐Lead Electrocardiography: ST Segment Deviation in Lead V6 Greater than or Equal to ST Segment Deviation in Lead V1
Authors: Mahajan Nitin , Hollander Gerald , Thekkoott Deepak , Temple Brian , Malik Bilal , Abrol Sunil , Yens David , Shani Jacob , Lichstein Edgar 
Published: March 2006

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) resulting from culprit lesion in left main coronary artery (LMCA) can cause rapid hemodynamic deterioration. It is important to identify these patients early to facilitate timely revascularization. ST segment elevation in aVR greater than or equal to V1 (aVR‐V1≥ 0) has been suggested as a sensitive predictor of LMCA disease. As a result of balanced forces, we hypothesized that ST deviation in V6 greater than or equal to ST deviation in V1 (V6‐V1≥ 0) might be a good determinant of LMCA disease. Methods: We compared admission 12‐lead ECGs of ACS resulting from culprit LMCA lesion (n = 75, group I) with ACS resulting from culprit left anterior descending lesion (n = 81, group II). Group I was selected over a period of 10 years. We compared V6‐V1≥ 0 to aVR‐V1≥ 0 in both groups. We also looked at ratios of ST deviations in V6,V1 (V6/V1≥ 1) and aVR,V1 (aVR/V1≥ 1) in patients where ST segment in V1 was not isoelectric (group I = 54 and group II = 55). Results: ST deviation in V6 was significantly greater in group I as compared to group II (P < 0.001). The reliabilities of V6‐V1≥ 0, V6/V1≥ 1, aVR‐V1≥ 0, and aVR/V1≥ 1 in predicting LMCA disease were determined. Conclusion: This is the largest series of ECG analysis on ACS resulting from culprit LMCA lesion. V6‐V1≥ 0 and V6/V1≥ 1 were more sensitive in predicting LMCA as culprit vessel in comparison to previously reported greater ST segment elevation in aVR than V1.
Triggers of Sustained Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Differ Among Patients with Varying Etiologies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Rosman Jonathan , Hanon Sam , Shapiro Michael , Evans Steven J , Schweitzer Paul 
Published: March 2006

Background: The mechanisms underlying the initiation of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) have not been fully elucidated. The extent to which reentry, abnormal automaticity, and triggered activity play a role in VT differs depending on the etiology of left ventricular dysfunction. By analyzing electrograms from implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), we sought to determine whether there were differences in VT initiation patterns between patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Methods: We analyzed ICD electrograms in patients with ejection fractions < 40% who had sustained VT over a 27‐month period. The trigger for VT onset was classified as a ventricular premature beat (VPB), supraventricular tachycardia, or of “sudden onset.” The baseline cycle length, VT cycle length, coupling interval, and prematurity ratio were recorded for each event. The prematurity ratio was calculated as the coupling interval of the VT initiator divided by the baseline cycle length. Results: Sixty‐three VT events in 14 patients met the inclusion criteria. A VPB initiated the VT in 58 episodes (92%), 1 episode (2%) was initiated by a supraventricular tachycardia, and 4 episodes (6%) were sudden onset. The prematurity ratio was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (0.751 ± 0.068) as compared to patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (0.604 ± 0.139). Conclusion: VPBs initiated most sustained VT episodes. A significantly higher prematurity ratio was observed in the ischemic heart disease group. This may represent different mechanisms of VT initiation in patients with ischemic versus nonischemic heart disease.
Atrial Near‐Field and Ventricular Far‐Field Analysis by Automated Signal Processing at Rest and During Exercise
Authors: Eberhardt Frank , Bonnemeier Hendrik , Lipphardt Martin , Hofmann Ulrich G. , Schunkert Heribert , Wiegand Uwe K. H. 
Published: March 2006

Introduction: Sophisticated monitoring of atrial activity is a prerequisite for modern pacemaker therapy. Ideally, near‐fields and ventricular far‐fields ought to be distinguished by beat‐to‐beat template analysis of the atrial signal. A prerequisite is that atrial signals are stable under different conditions. Methods and Results: A Matlab routine was developed to analyze atrial electrograms of 23 patients at least 3 months after implantation of a dual chamber pacemaker under several conditions including at rest, bipolar at rest, in an upright position, during treadmill exercise, and postexercise. A near‐field and far‐field template was created and amplitudes, widths, and slew rates were measured. In bipolar configuration, near‐field amplitude at rest was 3.04 ± 0.94 mV (unipolar)/3.36 ± 1.0 mV (bipolar) versus 3.18 ± 1.0 mV (bipolar) at peak exercise. Far‐field amplitude at rest was 1.66 ± 1.18 (unipolar)/0.47 ± 0.27 mV (bipolar) and 0.41 ± 0.21 mV (bipolar) at peak exercise (n.s. for bipolar measurements). No overall significant changes were observed for near‐ and far‐field widths and slew rates during exercise. Shorter tip‐ring distances of the atrial bipole, lead position, and the presence of sinus node disease did not have any impact on overall near‐ and far‐field signal characteristics. Intraindividual differences between rest and peak exercise were moderate (range: near‐field +0.15 to −0.54 mV; range: far‐field +0.05 to −0.18 mV). Conclusions: Atrial near and far fields can be automatically classified and quantified by automated signal processing. Signals did not change during exercise or change of posture. This is a prerequisite for the implementation of beat‐to‐beat template analysis into pacemakers.
QT Dispersion Increases with Aging
Authors: Yavuz Bunyamin , Deveci Onur Sinan , Yavuz Burcu Balam , Halil Meltem , Aytemir Kudret , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Kabakci Giray , Kaya Baris , Ariogul Servet , Oto Ali 
Published: March 2006

Background:Age‐related changes in cardiovascular system are well‐known. Arrhythmias in elderly patients constitute most of the urgencies, consultations, or hospitalizations. QT dispersion (QTd) is a simple noninvasive arrhythmogenic marker to demonstrate the electrical instability of the heart. The aim of this study was to investigate how QTd changes with increasing age by calculating the QTd in the elderly and younger subjects.Methods:One hundred and forty‐six consecutive subjects (62 males and 84 females; age range: 18–82 years) were enrolled in the study. Sixty‐seven of the subjects were 65 years and over (mean age, 70 ± 4), 79 were younger than 65 (mean age, 37 ± 11). A 12‐lead ECG was recorded. The longest and the shortest QT intervals were measured manually on these ECG recordings. QTd was calculated from the formula, QTd = QTmax − QTmin.Results:Demographic features were similar between the two groups. QTd of the elderly group was found to be significantly higher than the younger group (35.6 ± 15.6 in elderly, 24.2 ± 12.4 in younger group, P < 0.001). A positive relationship was found between QTd and age (r = 0.415, P < 0.001). QTd was greater in female than in male (31.9 ± 16.7 ms vs 26.0 ± 11.3 ms, respectively, P = 0.018).Conclusions:Our study shows that QTd increases with advancing age. We think that long‐term follow‐up of these patients would be useful to show if there is any relationship between the clinical outcomes and the increase in QTd.