bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The alloimmune response to the human platelet antigen‐1a is not related to maternal‐fetal killer immunoglobulinlike receptor/HLA‐Cw combinations
Authors: Valentin Nathalie , Gagne Katia , Kerdudou Nolwenn , Hallé Liliane , Kaplan Cécile , Killie Mette Kjaer , Skogen Bjorn , Muller Jean‐Yves , Bignon Jean‐Denis 
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Human platelet antigen (HPA)‐1a fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, responsible in the most severe cases for fetal or neonatal intracranial hemorrhages leading to death or survival with neurologic sequelae, was shown to be restricted to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class II DRB3*0101‐encoded molecule. Whereas more than 90 percent of alloimmunized mothers display the DRB3*0101 allele, the positive predictive value of the presence of DRB3*0101 is only 35 percent. Additional genetic risk factors may exist of which elucidation could improve the undertaking of incompatible pregnancies in at‐risk families, encouraging an antenatal screening. Interactions of killer immunoglobulinlike receptors (KIRs) on maternal decidual NK cells with HLA‐Cw molecules on fetal trophoblasts were reported as one of the mechanisms involved in the fetomaternal tolerance during pregnancy.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Genotyping was performed of 16 KIR genes in HPA‐1a–negative/DRB3*0101‐positive alloimmunized mothers and in HPA‐1a–negative/DRB3*0101‐positive nonimmunized mothers as well as HLA‐Cw genotyping in thrombocytopenic children and their nonaffected siblings.RESULTS: No particular KIR genes or KIR genotypes were observed in the alloimmunized or nonimmunized mothers. Distribution of HLA‐Cw genes in affected infants and nonaffected siblings did not reveal any HLA‐Cw specificity associated with triggering or modulation of the HPA‐1a alloimmunization. No maternal KIR/fetal HLA‐Cw combinations were demonstrated in association with a detrimental or a protective effect on the HPA‐1a alloimmunization.CONCLUSION: Maternal KIR/fetal HLA‐Cw gene combinations that are involved in the fetomaternal tolerance do not appear to play a role in the HPA‐1a alloimmunization.
Leukoreduction filtration of whole‐blood units from sickle trait donors: effects of a metered citrate anticoagulant system
Authors: Bryant Barbara J. , Bianchi Maria , Wesley Robert A. , Stroncek David F. , Leitman Susan F. 
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Polymerization of hemoglobin (Hb) S is exacerbated by acidic and hyperosmotic citrate anticoagulant solutions and often results in occlusion of leukoreduction filters by red blood cells (RBCs) from sickle cell trait (Hb AS) donors. This study evaluates a blood collection instrument that adds citrate anticoagulant in a metered fashion, thus mitigating adverse citrate effects.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Collection of whole blood by a metered anticoagulant system was compared to traditional phlebotomy in 12 Hb AS and 12 non–sickle trait (Hb AA) donors. Each donated twice; on one occasion, units were filtered after 4‐hour storage at 20 to 24°C, and on the other, units were stored at 1 to 6°C for 24 hours before filtration.RESULTS: Filtration times, RBC recoveries, and residual white blood cell (WBC) counts met defined criteria more often in Hb AS units collected by a metered anticoagulant system (9 of 12, 8 of 12, and 4 of 12, respectively) compared to traditional phlebotomy (1 of 12, 2 of 12, and 0 of 12, respectively). Overall, Hb AS units filtered better after storage at 1 to 6°C for 24 hours, with units collected by a metered anticoagulant system undergoing filtration most effectively (5 of 6 had >85% RBC recovery, 3 of 6 had <5 × 106 residual WBC). Units exhibited similar changes in RBC storage parameters.CONCLUSION: Use of a metered anticoagulation instrument demonstrates potential for successful leukoreduction and acceptable storage of Hb AS units; however, the system needs further modifications and improvements before it can be utilized to collect and leukoreduce Hb AS blood.
Quality and stability of red cells derived from gravity‐separated placental blood with a hollow‐fiber system
Authors: Brune Thomas , Fill Sara , Heim Gerd , Rabsilber Angelika , Wohlfarth Kathrin , Garritsen Henk S.P. 
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Several studies show that donor red blood cells (RBCs) can be processed by gravity separation with a hollow‐fiber filtration system. This study investigated whether fetal blood could be filtered in the same way.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twelve newborns born after healthy pregnancies were included in the study. Placental blood was sampled with standard procedures. The sampled blood was separated with a specially designed hollow‐fiber filtration system (Sangofer neonatal, Heim Group). The RBC bag contained 10 mL of saline, adenine, glucose–mannitol (SAG‐M) for stabilization. After processing, the resulting RBC volume was estimated. Quality variables (blood counts, hemolysis rate) were measured before and after 35 days of storage at +4°C.RESULTS: The 12 processed RBC units had a mean volume of 62.3 ± 13.5 mL and a mean hematocrit level of 0.56 ± 0.06. No white blood cell contamination could be detected in any of the RBC units tested. After 35 days of storage, the hemolysis was 0.1 ± 0.07 and the amount of free hemoglobin was 0.28 ± 0.017 mmol per L.CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that it is possible to process placental blood to RBCs by gravity separation with a hollow‐fiber system. The quality of the RBCs thus processed was suitable for 35 days storage. The use of placental blood in the treatment of children with anemia (e.g., malaria) in the underresourced world is widely discussed. Because the separation device used here needs no additional equipment or electrical devices, it is considered to be an ideal method for use in these countries.
Sustained Polymorphic Arrhythmias Induced by Programmed Ventricular Stimulation have Prognostic Value in Patients Receiving Defibrillators
Authors: GREENBERG SCOTT L. , MAURICIO SÁNCHEZ J. , COOPER JONAS A. , CAIN MICHAEL E. , CHEN JANE , GLEVA MARYE J. , LINDSAY BRUCE D. , SMITH TIMOTHY W. , FADDIS MITCHELL N. 
Published: August 2007

Background:Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) who have monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) induced by programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Among a primary prevention population, the prognostic significance of induced polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias is unknown.Methods:A total of 105 consecutive patients who received an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention of SCD in the setting of ICM and non‐sustained VT were retrospectively evaluated. Seventy‐five patients (group I) had induction of monomorphic VT and 30 patients (group II) had a sustained ventricular arrhythmia other than monomorphic VT (ventricular flutter, ventricular fibrillation, and polymorphic VT) induced during PVS.Results:Baseline characteristics were similar between group I and group II except for ejection fraction (25% vs. 31%, P = 0.0001) and QRS duration (123 milliseconds vs. 109 milliseconds, P = 0.04). Sixteen of 75 (21.3%) patients in group I and 6 of 30 (20%) patients in group II received appropriate ICD therapy (P = 0.88). Survival free from ICD therapy was similar between groups (P = 0.54). There was a trend toward increased all‐cause mortality among patients in group I by Kaplan‐Meier analysis (P = 0.08). However, when adjusted for age, EF, and QRS duration mortality was similar (P = 0.45).Conclusions:There is no difference in rates of appropriate ICD discharge or mortality between patients dichotomized by type of rhythm induced during PVS. These results suggest that patients in this population who have inducible VF or sustained polymorphic VT have similar rates of subsequent clinical ventricular tachyarrhythmias as those with inducible monomorphic VT.
Variation in Pacing Impedance: Impact of Implant Site and Measurement Method
Authors: ANDERSON SARA E. , SKADSBERG NICHOLAS D. , LASKE TIMOTHY G. , BENDITT DAVID G. , IAIZZO PAUL A. 
Published: August 2007

Background:

Variations in pacing impedance may be observed during implantation of various active fixation pacing leads. However, these variations can be influenced by the nature of the fixation, the implant site, or the measurement method. Here we describe implant dynamics for a 4.1F, catheter‐delivered pacemaker lead.
Methods:

Endocardial active fixation leads were implanted under direct intracardiac visualization in two right atrial sites and three right ventricular sites in isolated swine (n = 6) and human (n = 4) hearts. Impedance measurements were recorded at each site employing three different measurement techniques—Pacing System Analyzer (PSA) 5311, PSA 2090, and the Impedance Tone Box (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA)—with four different degrees of lead fixation: helix touching, one turn fixed (1 TF), two turns fixed (2 TF), and overtorqued.
Results:

Pacing impedances increased from touching to 1 TF to 2 TF at all implant sites in both swine and human hearts. Overtorquing applied to leads was associated with visible distortion at the endocardial tissue‐lead interface in at least 60% of swine (18 of 30 implants) and human hearts (nine of 14 implants). Impedance values in the right atrial high septum were significantly larger than in any other implant site (P < 0.05). The three measurement methods did not yield significantly different impedance measurements.
Conclusions:

Variations in measured impedances were associated with the nature of implant fixation at all sites in both swine and human hearts.
Biventricular Upgrading in Patients with Conventional Pacing System and Congestive Heart Failure:Results and Response Predictors
Authors: LAURENZI FRANCESCO , ACHILLI AUGUSTO , AVELLA ANDREA , PERALDO CARLO , ORAZI SERAFINO , PEREGO GIOVANNI B. , CESARIO ANTONIO , VALSECCHI SERGIO , DE SANTO TIZIANA , PUGLISI ANDREA , TONDO CLAUDIO 
Published: August 2007

Background: There are few studies on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure (HF) patients with preexisting right ventricular (RV) pacing. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of CRT upgrading in RV‐paced patients and the predictivity of electromechanical dyssynchrony parameters (EDP) evaluated by standard echocardiography (ECHO) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).
Methods: Thirty‐eight consecutive patients with HF [New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV, LVEF < 35%], prior continuous RV pacing, and absence of atrial fibrillation were enrolled in the presence of a paced QRS ≥ 150 ms and evaluated by ECHO and TDI. A responder was defined as a patient with a favorable change in NYHA class and neither HF hospitalization nor death, plus an absolute increase of LVEF ≥ 10 units.
Results: At six‐months follow‐up, the whole study population had significant improvement in symptoms, systolic function, and QRS duration (P < 0.001); 32 (84%) patients had a favorable clinical outcome, 25 (66%) were considered responders according to the previous definition. Postimplant QRS was similarly reduced in both responders and nonresponders, whereas EDP had a significant improvement only in responders (P < 0.05). Using EDP, 23 (79%) patients were responders compared with 2 (22%) patients without mechanical dyssynchrony (P = 0.002).
Conclusions: In HF patients with previous RV pacing, CRT is effective to improve clinical, functional outcome, and LV performance and to reduce electromechanical dyssynchrony in a large proportion of patients. Dyssynchrony evaluated by standard and TDI ECHO can be useful for CRT selection of paced patients.
Patient Evaluation of ICD Recall Communication Strategies:A Vignette Study
Authors: STUTTS LAUREN A. , CONTI JAMIE B. , ARANDA JUAN M. , MILES WILLIAM M. , BURKART THOMAS A. , SEARS SAMUEL F. 
Published: August 2007

Introduction: Communication about the unprecedented number of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recalls has proved challenging. While initial studies have explored the psychological impact of recalls on patients, the optimal way to communicate recalls is not currently known. This study investigated the way communication of a recall can affect patients' responses.
Methods: Sixty‐six ICD patients read one of six vignettes that detailed a hypothetical device recall. Vignette variables included the source of recall dissemination (physician vs. media vs. device manufacturer) and the personal relevance (own brand is recalled vs. different brand is recalled). Subsequently, patients rated their agreement to 12 statements concerning their response to the recall on a scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).
Results: Patients were significantly more confident in the accuracy of recall information from both their physician and their manufacturer compared with the media, F (2, 63) = 36.10, P < 0.01, η2= 0.53. Interestingly, patients were concerned about the recall regardless of whether their brand of ICD was recalled. Survey results indicated that 78.6% of patients reported learning about recalls from the media. In stark contrast, 77.0% of patients asserted preferring to learn about recalls from their physician.
Conclusions: ICD patients report increased confidence in the accuracy of the recall information from physicians and manufacturers compared with the media in reporting recalls. Because it seems that most ICD patients learn about recalls from the media, these results demonstrate a disconnect between the initial source of recall information and the patients' desired sources.
Evaluating Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke with Special Reference to Newly Developed Atrial Fibrillation in Cerebral Embolism
Authors: TAGAWA MINORU , TAKEUCHI SHIGEKAZU , CHINUSHI MASAOMI , SAEKI MAKIHIKO , TANIGUCHI YOSHINORI , NAKAMURA YUICHI , OHNO HIDEKO , KITAZAWA KEIKO , AIZAWA YOSHIFUSA 
Published: August 2007

Background:

Cardioembolic strokes are extensive and have a poor prognosis. To identify the cardiovascular risk factors of cardioembolic stroke, we evaluated the cardiovascular status with special reference to persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) combined with the type of acute ischemic stroke.
Methods:

We divided 315 consecutive patients admitted to our Department of Neurosurgery with an acute ischemic stroke into four types of brain infarction using clinical history, onset pattern of stroke, and brain imaging: cardioembolic (group E, n = 105), lacunar (group L, n = 92), atherothrombotic (group T, n = 111), and unclassified (n = 7). All patients underwent standard electrocardiography (ECG), a 24‐hour ECG recording (Holter ECG) and transthoracic echocardiography (UCG).
Results:

Persistent AF or PAF was detected in 97 patients (31.5%) using Holter ECG: more frequently in group E (67.6%) than in groups L (15.2%) or T (9.2%). Persistent AF or PAF was first diagnosed on admission using a standard ECG in 16 patients (5.2%) with no previous history and 14 of these patients belonged to group E (13.3%). PAF was newly detected on Holter ECG in another 26 patients (8.4%) and 13 of these patients (12.4%) belonged to group E. Concerning UCG, left atrial enlargement and mitral regurgitation were more frequent in group E than in group L or T.
Conclusion:

Holter ECG in addition to ECG on admission is important for detecting persistent AF or PAF in patients with ischemic stroke, especially with cardioembolism as diagnosed by neuroimaging.
Cryoablation of Accessory Pathways in Children
Authors: TUZCU VOLKAN 
Published: August 2007

Background: Cryoablation is utilized for septal tachycardia substrates due its safety. Considering the recent studies which reveal coronary artery stenosis related to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in children, cryoablation may offer advantages for nonseptal accessory pathways (APs) as well. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of cryoablation of APs in children.
Methods: A total of 39 patients (median age = 9.3 years, range 4.8 to 17.2 years) underwent cryoablation of APs. A three‐dimensional, surface electrode‐based navigation system (EnSite NavX™, St.Jude Medical Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA) is used to decrease the fluoroscopy exposure.
Results: A total of 45 APs were identified. Of these APs, 23 were septal (anteroseptal, midseptal, posteroseptal) and 22 were nonseptal. Acute success rate with cryoablation was 73%. RFA was used when cryoablation failed and overall acute success rate was 84%. To assess for the effect of institutional experience, the initial 23 APs were compared to the recent 22 APs and acute success rate revealed significant improvement (57% vs. 91%). Recurrence rate was 24% during a median follow‐up of 282 days.
Conclusion: Cryoablation of APs is safe and yields to high acute success rates in children. It can potentially be used as the first ablation option for all APs in children. However, recurrence rate is higher compared to the RFA and there is a need for prospective comparative studies.
Predatory hoverflies select their oviposition site according to aphid host plant and aphid species
Authors: Almohamad Raki , Verheggen François J. , Francis Frédéric , Haubruge Eric 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus De Geer (Diptera: Syrphidae) is an abundant and efficient aphid‐specific predator. Several aphidophagous parasitoids and predators are known to respond positively to aphid‐infested plants. Semiochemicals from the latter association usually mediate predator/parasitoid foraging behavior toward sites appropriate for offspring fitness. In this study, we investigated the effect of aphid host plant and aphid species on foraging and oviposition behavior of E. balteatus. Behavioral observations were conducted using the Noldus Observer v. 5.0, which allows observed insect behavior to be subdivided into different stages. Additionally, the influence of aphid species and aphid host plant on offspring fitness was tested in a second set of experiments. Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris and Megoura viciae Buckton were equally attractive for E. balteatus whereas Aphis fabae Scopoli (all Homoptera: Aphididae) were less attractive. These results were correlated with (i) the number of eggs laid, which was significantly higher for the two first aphid species, and (ii) the fitness of hoverfly larvae, pupae, and adults. Two solanaceous plant species, Solanum nigrum L. and Solanum tuberosum L. (Solanaceae), which were infested with Myzus persicae Sulzer (Homoptera: Aphididae), were also compared using the same approach. Discrimination between these two M. persicae host plants was observed, with S. tuberosum being preferred as an oviposition site by the predatory hoverfly. Larval and adult fitness was correlated with the behavioral observations. Our results demonstrated the importance of the prey–host plant association on the choice of the oviposition site by an aphid predator, which is here shown to be related to offspring fitness.
Typing of the immunological system in human embryos by coelocentesis
Authors: Renda Maria Concetta , Makrydimas George , Nicolaides Kipros H. , Fecarotta Emanuela , Damiani Gianfranca , Picciotto Francesco , Jakil Maria Cristina , Maggio Aurelio 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCoelocentesis offers a new opportunity for gaining access to the human embryos from 28 d postfertilization. However, while some studies about its biochemical composition have been reported, our knowledge about immunological pattern of this compartment is still limited. For this reason, we studied the human coelomic fluids sampled from 6.6 to 10 wk of gestation. The majority of cellular population consisted in mesenchymal/epithelial cells. In fluids sampled before 10 wk we found only a preT Cell Receptor expression and an absence or a very low frequency of B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and NK (natural killer) antigens. These preliminary data suggest that the immunological system in human embryos could be in the ideal conditions to start a process of tolerance induction.
Maine de Biran et Jens Baggesen Une correspondance inédite
Authors: Aarnes Asbjørn 
Published: August 2007

Dans le Journal de Maine de Biran le nom du poète‐philosophe danois Jens Baggesen revient à plusieurs reprises à partir de 1821. Ils se rencontrent à Paris la même année chez le diplomate suisse M. Stapfer, et il en résulte de longues conversations et discussions qui sont cornmentées dans le Journal.La base de cette étude est une série de quatre lettres échangées entre Biran et Baggesen au cours de quelques mois après leur rencontre. Ces lettres se suivent chronologiquement, sans interruption apparente, et constituent ainsi un dialogue philosophique où une pensée imprégnée de romantisme nordique se heurte à une philosophie soucieuse de clarté et de distinction.Cette correspondance fournit des traits nouveaux au portrait d'un auteur classique dans les lettres scandinaves, et elle nous renseigne en effet sur certains aspects de la philosophie de Maine de Biran, notamrnent sur la genèse de sa pensée, comme sur l'orientation religieuse dans la dernière partie de sa vie, en apportant des précisions sur ce que Biran, dans les Nouveaux essais d'anthropologie, appelera “la troisième vie, c'est‐à‐dire, la simplicité reconquise sous l'influence de la grâce, après le dédoublement pénible de la réflexion.La première partie de I'étude donne une brève esquisse de la vie et de l'ouevre de Jens Baggesen, tout en soulignant les circonstances qui le mettaient en rapport avec Maine de Biran. La deuxième partie est consacrée à une analyse des lettres en vue de faire ressortir affinités et divergences entre les deux penseurs.Finalement, une question se pose: Est‐il légitime de voir dans la derniére philosophie de Biran une sorte de réponse à l'appel de son ami qui soutient avec enthousiasme la thèse de la continuitit de l'être créé?
Antibodies to periodontal pathogens and coronary artery calcification in type 1 diabetic and nondiabetic subjects
Authors: Colhoun H. M. , Slaney J. M. , Rubens M. B. , Fuller J. H. , Sheiham A. , Curtis M. A. 
Published: August 2007

Background and Objective:  The aim of this study was to examine whether serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels to Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans are higher in type 1 diabetic patients than in controls and are associated with coronary artery calcification, a measure of atherosclerosis.Material and Methods:  One‐hundred and ninety nine type 1 diabetic patients (mean age 38 ± 4 years) and 201 age‐ and gender‐matched nondiabetic subjects had coronary artery calcification, as measured by electron beam computed tomography. Serum IgG levels to P. gingivalis W50 and to A. actinomycetemcomitans HK1651 whole cells were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  A similar proportion of diabetic patients (29%) and controls (31%, p = 0.7) had elevated serum IgG to periodontal bacteria, defined as being above the median antibody level for both microorganisms. Elevated antibody levels were associated with higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.02) and an increased odds of coronary artery calcification in all subjects combined (odds ratio = 1.7, p = 0.047) and in diabetic subjects examined separately (odds ratio = 2.01, p = 0.027). Association of serum IgG levels with coronary artery calcification was independent of social class, lipids and antibody levels to other microorganisms, but not systolic blood pressure (odds ratio = 1.4, p = 0.1 on adjustment for blood pressure). There was no association between serum IgG level and vascular endothelial function.Conclusion:  Elevated levels of serum IgG to P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans are associated with coronary artery atherosclerosis. This may reflect a direct role for periodontal infection or a role for the host response to infection in coronary atherosclerosis, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes.