bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of the Posterior Papillary Muscle and Purkinje Potentials in the Mechanism of Ventricular Fibrillation in Open Chest Dogs and Swine: Effects of Catheter Ablation
Authors: PAK HUI‐NAM , KIM YOUNG‐HOON , LIM HONG EUY , CHOU CHUNG‐CHUAN , MIYAUCHI YASUSHI , FANG YONG HU , SUN KYUNG , HWANG CHUN , CHEN PENG‐SHENG 
Published: May 2006

Background: Papillary muscle (PM) ablation may terminate ventricular fibrillation (VF) in rabbit hearts. Whether or not PM ablation prevents ventricular fibrillation (VF) induction in large animals is unknown. Methods: We performed noncontact endocardial mapping and/or high‐density epicardial mapping during VF in 12 dogs and 16 swine and tested the effects of posterior PM (PPM) ablation on VF inducibility. Results: During VF in progressive global ischemia (3 swine and 2 dogs), the highest dominant frequency (DF) was near PPM. The majority of the reentrant wavefronts during a propranolol infusion (swine) were anchored to the PPM. Purkinje potentials onset were recorded on the PPM both during sinus rhythm and during VF. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the endocardium on the PPM with a linear extension of the ablation line from the PPM to the mitral valve annulus and then the left ventricular apex in 7 dogs reduced the VF inducibility from 100% at baseline to 22% after ablation (P < 0.0001). RF applications to the anterolateral wall of dogs (n = 3) did not prevent VF induction. The application of RF energy near the PPM frequently initiated VF in swine (n = 7), preventing subsequent testing of VF inducibility. Conclusion: In dogs and swine, the highest DF and majority of reentrant wavefronts during VF with acute global ischemia or during a propranolol infusion were located on the PPM. RF ablation targeted at the PPM reduced the inducibility of VF in normal dogs. However, the same ablation provoked incessant VF in swine, preventing subsequent testing of VF inducibility.
Heart Rate Turbulence as a Noninvasive Risk Predictor of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
Authors: CASELLA MICHELA , RUSSO ANTONIO DELLO , PACE MANUELA , PELARGONIO GEMMA , IERARDI CAROLINA , SANNA TOMMASO , MESSANO LOREDANA , BENCARDINO GIANLUIGI , VALSECCHI SERGIO , MANGIOLA FORTUNATO , LANZA GAETANO A. , ZECCHI PAOLO , CREA FILIPPO , BELLOCCI FULVIO 
Published: May 2006

Introduction: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (MD1) is the most common muscular dystrophy of adult life. Cardiac involvement is characterized by disorders of atrioventricular conduction, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden death. Heart rate turbulence (HRT) is a noninvasive risk predictor in patients affected by ischemic heart disease. The aim of our study is to assess the prognostic value of HRT in MD1 patients. Methods and Results: We performed HRT analysis by 24‐hour Holter recording to calculate turbulence onset (TO) and turbulence slope (TS) in 29 MD1 patients (mean age 52 ± 10 years), and in 30 patients (mean age 52 ± 13 years) with frequent ventricular arrhythmias and structurally normal heart (VANH). An electrophysiological study (EPS) tested ventricular arrhythmias inducibility in 22 MD1 patients.TO was significantly different between MD1 and VANH patients (−1.66 ± 2.04 and −2.98 ± 1.79%, respectively, P 0.01), while no difference was observed in TS between MD1 and VANH patients (11.12 ± 6.46 and 9.12 ± 6 msec/beat, respectively). On EPS, sustained ventricular arrhythmias (SVA) were induced in six MD1 patients. TO was significantly different in inducible MD1 patients (0.88 ± 1.95%), as compared with both noninducible (−2.49 ± 1.43%, P < 0.001) or no eligible to EPS (−1.93 ± 1.63%, P < 0.005) MD1 patients and to VANH patients (−2.98 ± 1.79%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: An impairment of TO, a measure of HRT, suggesting impaired cardiac parasympathetic activity, may be a useful, noninvasive predictor of arrhythmic risk in MD1 patients.
Evaluation of Exercise‐Induced T Wave Changes in Patients with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Before and After Beta‐Blocker Therapy
Authors: HARA HIDEYUKI , NIWANO SHINICHI , HIRASAWA SHOJI , SASAKI TAKESHI , IKEDA NORIAKI , IZUMI TOHRU 
Published: May 2006

Introduction: Ventricular repolarization abnormalities are thought to contribute to lethal ventricular arrhythmias in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate exercise‐induced T wave changes in DCM patients before and after beta‐blocker therapy to investigate repolarization abnormalities. Methods and Results: Treadmill exercise testing was performed in 20 DCM patients and 50 normal subjects. T wave amplitude (TA: baseline to T wave apex; mV) and recovery time (RT: QRS onset to the maximum dV/dt point of the T wave; msec) were measured before and 1 minute after peak exercise. TA was averaged in the right and left precordial leads (TAV1–3, TAV4–6). RT was normalized to the maximum QT interval in the 12‐lead ECG and expressed as the %RT (%RT). %RT was also averaged in the precordial leads (%RTV1–3, %RTV4–6). After exercise, TA increased and %RT decreased in both groups. In DCM patients, TAV1–3 was greater and TAV4–6 was less than in normal subjects before and after exercise. There was no difference in %RTV1–3 between the groups, but %RTV4–6 was greater in DCM patients both before and after exercise. DCM patients repeated the same evaluation after 6 months of oral beta‐blocker therapy. Compared with measurements before beta‐blocker therapy, TAV1–3 and %RTV1–3 did not change. However, TAV4–6 increased and %RTV4–6 decreased significantly both before and after exercise. Conclusion: DCM patients showed small TA and large %RT in the left precordial leads at rest as well as after exercise. Chronic beta‐blocker therapy in DCM patients normalized these ventricular repolarization abnormalities.
European Carotid PROCAR Trial: Prospective Multicenter Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Performance of the ev3 Protégé™ Stent in the Treatment of Carotid Artery Stenosis—1‐ and 6‐Month Follow‐Up
Authors: SUGITA JENNIFER , CREMONESI ALBERTO , VAN ELST FRANCIS , STOCKX LUC , MATHIAS KLAUS , SCHOFER JOACHIM , SUTTORP MAARTEN‐JAN , REUL J. , LOWENS STEPHAN , SIEVERT HORST 
Published: May 2006

Background: The purpose of the European PROCAR Trial was to evaluate the safety and performance of the Protégé stent in the treatment of common and/or internal carotid artery stenoses with adjunctive use of a filter embolic protection device.
Method: The Protégé® GPS stent is a self‐expanding Nitinol stent system mounted on a 6 Fr 0.018″ (6–9 mm stent) or 7 Fr 0.035″ (10 mm stent) over‐the‐wire delivery system. Study patient assessments were conducted at baseline, periprocedure, discharge, and 1 and 6 months postprocedure. A total of 77 patients have been enrolled in the trial.
Results: In the 77 lesions treated (31 symptomatic, 46 asymptomatic), the procedure was technically successful in 76 (99%), with an average residual stenosis of less than 30%. One procedure failed because the embolic protection device could not be retrieved and the patient was sent to surgery. Within 30 days, there were four (5.2%) major adverse neurological events (MANEs). Three of the MANEs were major strokes (3.9%), one a minor stroke. The fifth MANE occurred prior to the 6‐month follow‐up visit; this patient had a major stroke 75 days after the procedure and died 36 days later. One additional death occurred because of urosepsis.
Conclusions: The PROCAR trial shows that the Protégé stent with adjuvant use of a filter embolic protection device satisfies safety and performance criteria for the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. The incidence of MANEs for the Protégé stent is comparable to the incidence of these events in other recent carotid stent studies and standard carotid endarterectomy (CEA).
Impact of Age on the Outcomes of Women Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Bare‐Metal Stent Era
Authors: RATHORE SUDHIR , RHYS JULIE , BUCHALTER MAURICE B. , GERNING NICK O. , GROVES PETE H. , PENNY WILLIAM 
Published: May 2006

Aim: Advanced age and female gender are both independent predictors of early and late mortality and adverse cardiac outcomes for patients undergoing balloon angioplasty. Elderly women are at particular risk. Stenting is now the standard of care in PCI. Whether elderly women remain at increased risk after PCI in the current stent era has not been examined widely.
Methods: Prospective data were collected in 400 consecutive female patients undergoing PCI at a tertiary cardiac center (1999–2003). Follow‐up was done at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months by clinic visits, telephonic interviews, and reviewing hospital records. Follow‐up was complete in 396 patients.
Results: Compared to young women (<65 years old), elderly women (>65 years old) were less likely to smoke (15.7% vs 47.2%, P = 0.001), less likely to have diabetes (4.1% vs 8.5%, P = 0.05), and had more multivessel coronary artery disease. Usage of stent was high, similar in both groups. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, previous MI, vessels treated, abciximab usage, and access site bleeding were similar in both groups. Procedural success (96% vs 98%) and in‐hospital and 1‐year MACE (23.1% vs 25%) are similar in both groups.
Conclusion: Elderly women undergoing PCI have a distinct profile presenting with more multivessel disease, less smoking, and are less likely to have diabetes than younger women. In the current stent era, procedural success, in‐hospital adverse cardiac events, and MACE at 1 year are similar in both groups. At 1 year, however, elderly women are less likely to have ischemia‐driven TVR and recurrence of angina.
Setting Up a Multidisciplinary Program for Management of Patent Foramen Ovale‐Mediated Syndromes
Authors: RIGATELLI GIANLUCA , BRAGGION GABRIELE , CHINAGLIA MAURIZIO , CARDAIOLI PAOLO , RONCON LORIS , GIORDAN MASSIMO , CUPPINI STEFANO , AGGIO SILVIO , BORTOLAZZI ALESSANDRA , ZONZIN PIETRO 
Published: May 2006

Background: These days no codified multidisciplinary protocol has been reported to manage all the different patent foramen ovale (PFO)‐mediated syndromes. We sought to propose a multidisciplinary program of diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up of all PFO‐mediated syndromes based on an in‐hospital multidisciplinary task force and to review the activities during the first year.
Methods: From September 2004, we organized in our hospital, a 600‐bed tertiary hospital, a management program for PFO‐mediated syndromes based on a task force composed of cardiologists, neurologists, and internists. Different levels of protocols were created in order to cover diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up of PFO‐mediated syndromes. We reviewed the activity of our program in the first year up to September 2005.
Results: Thirty‐five patients (23 female, mean age 65 ± 24 years) were evaluated for suspected PFO‐mediated syndromes: 20 for cryptogenic stroke, 2 for peripheral and coronary embolisms, 3 for platypnea‐orthodeoxia, 9 for emicrania with aura, and 1 with hypoxiemia during neurosurgical intervention in the posterior cranial fossa. Diagnosis of PFO was confirmed in 25 patients. According to the multidisciplinary protocols, 15 patients failed to meet the requirements for transcatheter closure and were left in medical therapy whereas 11 patients (7 patients with PFO, 2 with multiperforated ASD, and 2 with a secundum ASD) underwent transcatheter closure. After a mean follow‐up of 10.8 ± 4.9 months, no recurrent PFO syndromes were noted in patients treated with devices.
Conclusion: The first year of our multidisciplinary program allowed a reasonable and potentially successful approach for correctly identifying patients with PFO‐mediated syndromes until randomized studies are completed.
Deep sclerectomy for the treatment of exfoliation and primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Rekonen Petri , Kannisto Tapio , Puustjärvi Tuomo , Teräsvirta Markku , Uusitalo Hannu 
Published: May 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To retrospectively compare the efficacy of deep sclerectomy in the treatment of primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliation glaucoma (ExG). Methods:  Deep sclerectomy with either collagen or hyaluronate implants was performed in 31 eyes (45%) with POAG and 38 eyes (55%) with ExG. Pre‐ and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was recorded, as was the number of glaucoma medications used pre‐ and postoperatively in each group. The follow‐up data referred to a mean period of 18 months (range: 2 weeks to 36 months). Results:  At 18 months, complete success had been achieved in 56.3% of POAG eyes and 44.9% of ExG eyes. Qualified success had been achieved in 83.1% and 71.6% of POAG and ExG eyes, respectively. The mean IOP was 18.6 mmHg in POAG eyes and 16.3 mmHg in ExG eyes. YAG‐descemetotomies were performed in nine eyes in each group. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in IOP (except at 1 week postoperatively in favour of POAG; p = 0.05), success rates, need for postoperative glaucoma medication or number of complications. Reoperations were required in three (10%) POAG eyes and seven (18%) ExG eyes. Conclusions:  Deep sclerectomy is equally effective in controlling IOP in both POAG and ExG and has low rates of serious complications, even when the surgeon is inexperienced in the technique. Both survival rates and IOP control were similar between the groups, and there were no serious intra‐ or postoperative complications.
GABA‐site antagonism and pentobarbital actions do not depend on the α‐subunit type in the recombinant rat GABAA receptor
Authors: Rahman M. , Zhu D. , Lindblad C. , Johansson I.‐M. , Holmberg E. , Isaksson M. , Taube M. , Bäckström T. , Wang M.‐D. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAim:  The roles of α‐subunits on the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐site antagonism and pentobarbital actions were examined in rat recombinant GABAA receptors in Xenopus oocytes.Methods:  Experiments were performed with binary and ternary GABAA receptors containing α1‐, α4‐ or α5‐subunit by the two‐electrode voltage‐clamp technique.Results:  The potency of GABA was significantly higher in the α1β2, α4β2 and α5β2 receptors compared with the α1β2γ2L, α4β2γ2L and α5β2γ2L receptors. However, the α5β2 receptor possessed significantly lower GABA efficacy compared with the α5β2γ2L receptor. While the γ2‐subunit was essential to the potency of GABA, its influence on the apparent GABA‐site antagonism was less profound. The antagonist affinity constants (KB) of bicuculline inhibition and slopes of Schild plots were similar between all types of ternary and binary receptors except α5β2 receptor which was not tested. The pKBs and IC50s of the GABA‐site antagonism were not significantly different between the α1β2γ2L, α4β2γ2L and α5β2γ2L receptors. Bicuculline blocked pentobarbital‐activated currents in a reversible and non‐competitive manner with the α1β2γ2L, α4β2γ2L, and α5β2γ2L receptors, indicating an allosteric inhibition of the GABA‐site. No significant difference of bicuculline potencies in inhibiting GABA‐ and pentobarbital‐activated currents was found between the α1β2γ2L, α4β2γ2L and α5β2γ2L receptors.Conclusion:  The GABA‐site antagonism does not depend on the subtype of α‐subunits. Similarly, pentobarbital activates ternary receptors composed of different α‐subunits in a bicuculline‐sensitive manner. The potencies of bicuculline to inhibit pentobarbital‐activated currents are identical with receptors containing α1, α4 or α5‐subunit. The α1β2 and α4β2 receptors possess higher GABA potencies compared with the α1β2γ2L and α4β2γ2L receptors.
Time course of changes in angiogenesis‐related factors in denervated muscle
Authors: Wagatsuma A. , Osawa T. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAim:  Denervation leads to capillary regression in skeletal muscle. To gain insight into the regulation of this process, we investigated the time course of changes in capillary supply and gene expression of angiogenesis‐related factors during muscle denervation.Method:  Female mice underwent surgery to transect the sciatic nerve, and then the gastrocnemius muscles were isolated at 12 h, 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, or 30 days after surgery. The capillary supply was assessed by immunohistochemistry using anti‐PECAM‐1/CD31 antibody. The mRNA levels for angiogenesis‐related factors were analysed using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results:  We found that the capillary‐to‐fibre ratio began to decrease 10 days after muscle denervation and decreased by 52% after 30 days. The levels of mRNA for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptors [fms‐like tyrosine kinase (Flt‐1) and a kinase insert domain‐containing receptor/fetal liver kinase‐1 (KDR/Flk‐1)], angiopoietin‐1 and angiopoietin‐2 of denervated muscle were immediately down‐regulated after 12 h and remained lower than control muscle until 30 days after muscle denervation. The levels of mRNA for the VEGF receptor, neuropilin‐1, angiopoietin receptor and Tie‐2 decreased within 12–24 h, but returned to near those of control muscle after 10–20 days, and again decreased after 30 days.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that denervation‐induced capillary regression may be associated with down‐regulation of VEGF and angiopoietin signalling.
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Endocrinology
Authors: Scarff David H 
Published: May 2006

BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Endocrinology
Eds Carmel Mooney and Mark Peterson Published by BSAVA, 2004. Paperback, 240 pages Price £75.00. ISBN 0‐905214‐72‐2
Diagnosis of canine nasal aspergillosis by cytological examination: a comparison of four different collection techniques
Authors: De Lorenzi D. , Bonfanti U. , Masserdotti C. , Caldin M. , Furlanello T. 
Published: May 2006

Objectives: To compare the efficacy and diagnostic value of four different sample collection techniques for cytological identification of nasal aspergillosis‐penicilliosis in dogs. Methods: Fifteen dogs with a history of persistent nasal discharge and clinical and radiographic findings suggestive of aspergillosis were evaluated using four different cytological sampling techniques. These were a direct smear from the nasal discharge, blind swab collection under general anaesthesia, brushing from suspect lesions under direct endoscopic visualisation and a squash technique of mucosal biopsies from suspect lesions obtained under direct endoscopic visualisation. Results: Direct smear collection and blind swab collection detected fungal hyphae in 13·3 and 20 per cent of examinaed cases, respectively; brush samples detected fungal hyphae in 93·3 per cent and fungal spores in the 45 per cent of examined cases and squash samples detected fungal hyphae in 100 per cent and fungal spores in 36 per cent of examined cases. Clinical Significance: This study confirmed the high accuracy of cytology samples in the diagnosis of nasal aspergillosis‐penicilliosis when collected under direct endoscopic visualisation and showed the poor value of samples that were collected by blind swabs or prepared from samples of nasal discharge.
Surgical treatment of canine nasal aspergillosis by rhinotomy combined with enilconazole infusion and oral itraconazole
Authors: Claeys S. , Lefebvre J. ‐B. , Schuller S. , Hamaide A. , Clercx C. 
Published: May 2006

Objectives:To evaluate the effectiveness of rhinotomy and surgical debridement associated with topical administration of 2 per cent enilconazole and oral itraconazole in dogs with severe or recurrent sinonasal aspergillosis.Methods:A standard rhinotomy was performed on seven dogs. In the initial study, the bone flap was left attached cranially and replaced at the end of the procedure. In the main study group, the bone flap was discarded. Nasal passages were debrided and irrigated with enilconazole solution for one hour. Oral itraconazole was administered to four dogs for one month postoperatively. Follow‐up rhinoscopy was performed in all dogs.Results:All three dogs in the initial study had recurrence of the disease and two dogs had a second surgery to remove the flap. The main study group included four dogs in which the flap was initially removed, and the two dogs from the initial study that required a second surgery. At follow‐up rhinoscopy, five dogs were free of aspergillus but had bacterial or inflammatory rhinitis and one dog had a small aspergilloma but was subsequently asymptomatic. Telephone follow‐up revealed that four dogs were asymptomatic, one dog had intermittent sneezing and serous nasal discharge, and one dog had intermittent epistaxis.ClinicalSignificance:Rhinotomy with removal of the flap combined with one‐hour infusion of 2 per cent enilconazole and oral itraconazole resulted in satisfactory outcome in dogs with severe or recurrent aspergillosis.
Relation between serum creatinine and body mass index in elite athletes of different sport disciplines
Authors: Banfi G , Del Fabbro M 
Published: May 2006

Objectives:To document the relation between serum creatinine concentration and body mass index in elite athletes from five different sports, and to study potential differences among athletes performing different sports with different features and requirements.Methods:Before the start of the competitive season, serum creatinine was measured in 151 elite athletes from five different sports: rugby (n  =  44), soccer (n  =  27), alpine skiing (n  =  34), sailing (n  =  22), cycling (n  =  24). Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relation between serum creatinine and body mass index (BMI). Analysis of variance and unpaired Student’sttest were used to compare creatinine concentration and BMI in different sport disciplines.Results:In the whole group of athletes, a positive correlation between serum creatinine and BMI was found (r =  0.48, p<0.001). Significant differences in creatinine concentration and BMI were found between athletes competing in different sports: their mean (SD) values were respectively 1.31 (0.12) mg/dl and 28.83 (2.41) for rugby players, 1.27 mg/dl (0.10) and 23.10 (1.01) for soccer players, 1.15 (0.11) mg/dl and 25.8 (1.50) for skiers, 1.08 (0.11) mg/dl and 26.93 (2.36) for sailors, and 0.91 (0.07)mg/dl and 21.33 (1.21) for cyclists.Conclusions:There is a correlation between creatinine concentration and BMI in elite athletes competing in different sports characterised by different kinds of training, competitive season, and involvement of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. Interpretation of creatinine concentrations in male athletes should consider professional status as well as the specific sport performed. All athletes should be monitored with consecutive creatinine assessments, using as the baseline the concentration determined before the start of training and the competitive season, but taking into consideration the specific sport performed and the BMI until equations that include creatinine and factors that affect its concentration are used.