bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Wall Stress on the Dynamics of Ventricular Fibrillation: A Simulation Study Using a Dynamic Mechanoelectric Model of Ventricular Tissue
Authors: HIRABAYASHI SATOKO , INAGAKI MASASHI , HISADA TOSHIAKI 
Published: February 2008

Introduction: To investigate the mechanisms underlying the increased prevalence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in the mechanically compromised heart, we developed a fully coupled electromechanical model of the human ventricular myocardium. Methods and Results: The model formulated the biophysics of specific ionic currents, excitation–contraction coupling, anisotropic nonlinear deformation of the myocardium, and mechanoelectric feedback (MEF) through stretch‐activated channels. Our model suggests that sustained stretches shorten the action potential duration (APD) and flatten the electrical restitution curve, whereas stretches applied at the wavefront prolong the APD. Using this model, we examined the effects of mechanical stresses on the dynamics of spiral reentry. The strain distribution during spiral reentry was complex, and a high strain‐gradient region was located in the core of the spiral wave. The wavefront around the core was highly stretched, even at lower pressures, resulting in prolongation of the APD and extension of the refractory area in the wavetail. As the left ventricular pressure increased, the stretched area became wider and the refractory area was further extended. The extended refractory area in the wavetail facilitated the wave breakup and meandering of tips through interactions between the wavefront and wavetail. Conclusions: This simulation study indicates that mechanical loading promotes meandering and wave breaks of spiral reentry through MEF. Mechanical loading under pathological conditions may contribute to the maintenance of VF through these mechanisms.
Long‐Term Outcome Following Successful Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Pattern and Prediction of Very Late Recurrence
Authors: SHAH ARTI N. , MITTAL SUNEET , SICHROVSKY TINA C. , COTIGA DELIA , ARSHAD AYSHA , MALEKI KATANEH , PIERCE WALTER J. , STEINBERG JONATHAN S. 
Published: February 2008

Background: Despite encouraging results of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), it is unclear whether there is genuine cure or there is an important attrition rate. We sought to determine the long‐term outcome of the initial responders who experienced a prolonged AF‐free complete response. Methods: From a series of 350 consecutive patients who underwent PVI for AF, 264 patients (75%) (males 71%, age 57 ± 12 years, paroxysmal AF 87%) who demonstrated ≥1 year AF‐free follow‐up on no antiarrhythmic drugs were followed for 1–5 years. Results: During 28 ± 12 months follow‐up, 23 of 264 (8.7%) patients had recurrence of AF. The actuarial recurrence at 2 years postablation was 5.8% and increased to 25.5% at 5 years. Compared with long‐term responders, more patients with late recurrence had hypertension (HR = 2.18, P = 0.009) and hyperlipidemia (HR = 4.01, P = 0.0005). Among 18 patients with recurrent AF necessitating repeat PVI, 15 (83%) required re‐isolation of > 1 PV and 28 of 45 (58%) PVs showed reconnection. All PVs were re‐isolated and five (28%) patients had additional linear ablation. All 15 patients became AF‐free again. Conclusions: Although most patients following PVI remain AF‐free, some patients develop “late” recurrence of AF. The “late” recurrence patients are more likely to have hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Most late recurrences are associated with PV reconnections. Our observations emphasize the importance of continued long‐term vigilance for AF recurrence, and also raise concerns regarding the need for long‐term anticoagulation therapy.
Validation of a New Noninvasive Device for the Monitoring of Peak Endocardial Acceleration in Pigs: Implications for Optimization of Pacing Site and Configuration
Authors: BORDACHAR PIERRE , LABROUSSE LOUIS , PLOUX SYLVAIN , THAMBO JEAN‐BENOIT , LAFITTE STEPHANE , REANT PATRICIA , JAIS PIERRE , HAISSAGUERRE MICHEL , CLEMENTY JACQUES , SANTOS PIERRE DOS 
Published: February 2008

Introduction: The peak of endocardial acceleration (PEA) is an index of myocardial contractility. We aimed to (1) demonstrate that the PEA measured by the noninvasive cutaneous precordial application of an accelerometer sensor is related to left ventricular (LV) dP/dt max and (2) assess the usefulness of PEA monitoring during graded ischemia and during different configurations of sequential biventricular pacing. Methods and Results: Measurements of invasive LV dP/dt max were compared with measurements of transcutaneous PEA in seven pigs at baseline and during acute drug infusions; increased heart rate; right, left, biventricular and sequential biventricular pacing before and after graded ischemia induced by the constriction of the left anterior descending coronary artery. A consistent PEA signal was obtained in all animals. PEA changes were highly related to LV dP/dt max changes (r= 0.93; P < 0.001). The changes of LV contractility induced by the different pacing configurations were detected by PEA analysis in the absence of ischemia (r= 0.94; P < 0.001) and in the presence of ischemic LV dysfunction (r= 0.91; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Noninvasive PEA measurement allows monitoring of left ventricular contractility and may be a useful tool to detect global effect of ventricular ischemia and to optimize the choice of both pacing site and pacing configuration.
Current Issues with Emergency Cardiac Ultrasound Probe and Image Conventions
Authors: Moore Chris 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAs emergency physicians (EPs) and other noncardiologists incorporate bedside ultrasound (US) and bedside echocardiography (echo) into their practice, confusion has resulted from the differing imaging conventions used by cardiac and general imaging. The author discusses the origin of these differences, current cardiac imaging conventions, and controversies in emergency medicine (EM) regarding adoption of imaging conventions. Also discussed in detail are specific echo windows and experience with different approaches. While there is no perfect solution to merging the differing conventions, it is important that those performing and teaching bedside US and echo have a thorough understanding of the issues involved, and adopt a consistent approach.
Geographic variation in host‐selection behaviour in the Drosophila parasitoid Leptopilina clavipes
Authors: Pannebakker B. A. , Garrido N. R. T. , Zwaan B. J. , Van Alphen J. J. M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn parasitoid wasps, the process of locating and selecting suitable oviposition sites is under strong selection due to the direct linkage of successful host selection and female fitness. Leptopilina clavipes Hartig (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is a parasitoid wasp of larvae of several Drosophila species that occurs over Western Europe, where it shows genetic differentiation between populations from northern and southern Europe. It is expected to experience differential selection pressures on both physiological (survival) and behavioural (host selection) components of foraging, because it occurs over a broad geographic range. We investigated whether the genetic differentiation in L. clavipes is linked to differentiation in both the physiological and behavioural components of foraging. We compared survival and host‐selection behaviour of two L. clavipes strains, one originating from northwestern Europe and one from southern Europe. In a series of choice experiments, females were offered pairs of larvae from three host species that are present in both regions, but use different breeding substrates: Drosophila phalerata Meigen (fungi), Drosophila subobscura Collin (rotting plant material, fungi, and fermenting fruits), and Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (fermenting fruits) (all Diptera: Drosophilidae). Survival patterns across the three host species were similar for both L. clavipes strains. Host‐selection behaviour did differ, where parasitoids from southern Europe accepted all hosts offered, while parasitoids from northwestern Europe were more specialists and accepted hosts breeding in fungi, but were reluctant towards D. melanogaster. This differentiation in host‐selection behaviour reflects the genetic differentiation present in European L. clavipes and shows adaptation to local differences in host communities.
Host‐feeding of three parasitoid species on Bemisia tabaci biotype B and implications for whitefly biological control
Authors: Zang Lian‐Sheng , Liu Tong‐Xian 
Published: February 2008

AbstractParasitoids in the genera Encarsia and Eretmocerus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) are important biological control agents of whiteflies through their reproductive as well as host‐feeding activities. The feeding capacities of female parasitoids of three species with different reproductive strategies [Encarsia sophia (Girault & Dodd), Encarsia formosa Gahan, and Eretmocerus melanoscutus Zolnerowich & Rose] on their host, sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), were evaluated on cabbage in a single‐instar no‐choice experiment in the laboratory and a mixed‐instar choice experiment in the greenhouse. In both single‐ and mixed‐instar experiments, significant differences in host‐feeding capacities were found among the three parasitoid species. Encarsia sophia exhibited superior capacity of host‐feeding compared to E. formosa and E. melanoscutus. In the single‐instar experiment, parasitoids fed more on younger (smaller) hosts than older (larger) hosts. In the mixed‐instar experiments, all three parasitoid species exhibited a clear preference for feeding on older hosts compared to younger hosts. Total number of whitefly nymphs fed on by E. sophia was approximately three times that of the other two parasitoid species. Whitefly mortality accounted for by host‐feeding by E. sophia was up to 59.7%, and, thus, equivalent to parasitization. The significance of host‐feeding of E. sophia for biological control of B. tabaci is discussed.
Caspase‐related apoptosis in chronic ischaemic microangiopathy following experimental vein occlusion in mini‐pigs
Authors: Donati Guy , Kapetanios Anastasios , Dubois‐Dauphin Michel , Pournaras Constantin Jean 
Published: February 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  Acute brain ischaemia (stroke) causes a central area of coagulation necrosis. Peripheral to it and after a few hours, apoptosis causes neurons throughout the entire area to die progressively. However, this sequence of events is related to the reperfusion of regenerated capillaries or collateral circulation, and is considered to be potentially salvageable. Similar findings have been reported in the retina after ischaemia−reperfusion injury in rats. In the present study, we intended to investigate whether delayed cell death is involved in neuronal injuries to the inner retina during chronic retinal ischaemia.Methods:  Experimental branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) was induced in miniature pigs using indirect argon laser. The eyes were prelevated at 4, 24 and 48 hours and at 1 and 3 weeks following BRVO. The caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD was injected intravitreally 24 hours after BRVO. Affected retinas were examined 24 hours later for any protective effect from apoptotic cell death. Histological examination with cresyl violet staining and TUNEL (TdT‐mediated dUTP−biotin nick‐end labelling) was performed on the samples.Results:  A progressive oedema of the nerve fibre, ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers, related to a widely diffused cell necrosis, was observed in the affected territory within 4–24 hours after BRVO. This was followed by a wave of apoptosis localized at the periphery of the affected territory, which peaked approximately 48 hours after BRVO and was associated with a diffuse oedema of the inner nuclear layer. A progressive atrophy of the inner retina was observed 1–3 weeks after BRVO. Injection of the caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD (24 hours after BRVO) decreased the amount of apoptotic cell bodies 48 hours after BRVO.Conclusions:  This study shows that although necrosis is the predominant form of neuronal death in the early phase, massive delayed neuronal cell death caused by apoptosis occurs on a widespread basis as a result of chronic ischaemia after BRVO in the retina. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possibility of rescuing retinal neurons from death by neuroprotective treatments.
Influence of skin peeling procedure in allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Kim Jung Eun , Park Hyun Jeong , Cho Baik Kee , Lee Jun Young 
Published: February 2008

Background:  The prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in patients who have previously undergone skin peeling has been rarely studied.Objectives:  We compared the frequency of positive patch test (PT) reactions in a patient group with a history of peeling, to that of a control group with no history of peeling.Patients/Methods:  The Korean standard series and cosmetic series were performed on a total of 262 patients. 62 patients had previously undergone peeling and 200 patients did not.Results:  The frequency of positive PT reactions on Korean standard series was significantly higher in the peeling group compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05, chi‐square test). However, the most commonly identified allergens were mostly cosmetic‐unrelated allergens. The frequency of positive PT reactions on cosmetic series in the peeling group was higher than that of the control group, but lacked statistical significance. The frequency (%) of positive PT reactions on cosmetic series in the high‐frequency peel group was higher than that of the low‐frequency group, but lacked statistical significance.Conclusion:  It appears peeling may not generally affect the development of contact sensitization. Further work is required focusing on the large‐scale prospective studies by performing a PT before and after peeling.
Recommendation to include fragrance mix 2 and hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (Lyral®) in the European baseline patch test series
Authors: Bruze Magnus , Andersen Klaus Ejner , Goossens An ,   on behalf of the ESCD and EECDRG
Published: February 2008

Background:  The currently used fragrance mix in the European baseline patch test series (baseline series) fails to detect a substantial number of clinically relevant fragrance allergies.Objective:  To investigate whether it is justified to include hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (Lyral®) and fragrance mix 2 containing hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, citral, farnesol, coumarin, citronellol, and α‐hexyl cinnamal in the European baseline patch test series.Methods:  Survey of the literature on reported frequencies of contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis from fragrance mix 2 and hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (Lyral) as well as reported results of experimental provocation test.Results:  Fragrance mix 2 has been demonstrated to be a useful additional marker of fragrance allergy with contact allergy rates up to 5% when included in various national baseline patch test series. Of the fragrance substances present in fragrance mix 2, hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde is the most common sensitizer. Contact allergy rates between 1.5% and 3% have been reported for hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde in petrolatum (pet.) at 5% from various European centres when tested in consecutive dermatitis patients.Conclusions:  From 2008, pet. preparations of fragrance mix 2 at 14% w/w (5.6 mg/cm2) and hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde at 5% w/w (2.0 mg/cm2) are recommended for inclusion in the baseline series. With the Finn Chamber® technique, a dose of 20 mg pet. preparation is recommended. Whenever there is a positive reaction to fragrance mix 2, additional patch testing with the 6 ingredients, 5 if there are simultaneous positive reactions to hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde and fragrance mix 2, is recommended.
Cytogenetic studies at diagnosis in polycythemia vera: clinical and JAK2V617F allele burden correlates
Authors: Gangat Naseema , Strand Jacob , Lasho Terra L. , Finke Christy M. , Knudson Ryan A. , Pardanani Animesh , Li Chin‐Yang , Ketterling Rhett P. , Tefferi Ayalew 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe prognostic significance of cytogenetic findings at diagnosis in polycythemia vera (PV) was investigated in a retrospective series of 137 patients. Cytogenetics were normal in 117 patients (85%) and displayed a −Y abnormality in five patients (7% of male patients), and other chromosomal abnormalities in 15 patients (11%). The most frequent cytogenetic anomalies were trisomy 8 (n = 4), trisomy 9 (n = 2), deletion 20q (n = 2) and chromosomal 1 abnormalities (n = 2). Parameters that were significantly associated with abnormal cytogenetics included age ≥60 yr (P = 0.02), but not JAK2V617F allele burden, thrombosis, hemorrhage, leukemic/fibrotic transformation, or survival. We conclude that cytogenetic anomalies occur infrequently at PV diagnosis and do not confer an adverse outcome.
Impact of cytomegalovirus serostatus on outcome of unrelated cord blood transplantation for adults: a single‐institute experience in Japan
Authors: Tomonari Akira , Takahashi Satoshi , Ooi Jun , Tsukada Nobuhiro , Konuma Takaaki , Kato Seiko , Kasahara Senji , Iseki Tohru , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Tojo Arinobu , Asano Shigetaka 
Published: February 2008

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is one of the major infectious complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Several studies have shown that CMV‐seropositive patients have a substantial survival disadvantage after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or peripheral blood SCT (PBSCT). Between August 1998 and February 2006, 101 adult patients underwent myeloablative cord blood transplantation (CBT) from unrelated donors at our institution. Sixteen and 85 patients were CMV‐seronegative and CMV‐seropositive, respectively, prior to CBT. Outcomes of CBT were compared between CMV‐seronegative and CMV‐seropositive patients. The cumulative incidences of neutrophil engraftment at 60 d after CBT did not differ between CMV‐seronegative and CMV‐seropositive patients (100% and 94%, P = 0.09); however, the cumulative incidence of platelet engraftment at 100 d was higher in CMV‐seronegative patients than CMV‐seropositive patients (100% vs. 86%, P < 0.005). The cumulative incidence of CMV antigenemia at 100 d was lower in CMV‐seronegative patients than CMV‐seropositive patients (0% vs. 77%, P < 0.001); however, the cumulative incidences of CMV disease did not differ between CMV‐seronegative and CMV‐seropositive patients (0% vs. 1%, P = 0.84). The probabilities of disease‐free survival at 2 yr also did not differ between CMV‐seronegative and CMV‐seropositive patients (92% vs. 72%, P = 0.16). The outcomes of CBT for CMV‐seropositive patients as well as CMV‐seronegative patients in our series were favorable. This might be due to effective antiviral therapy for CMV infection. Large‐scale studies are needed to determine the impact of recipient CMV serostatus on the outcome of CBT for adults.
A clinicopathological study of 13 cases of intravascular lymphoma: experience in a single institution over a 9‐yr period
Authors: Matsue Kosei , Asada Noboru , Takeuchi Masami , Yamakura Masayuki , Kimura Shun‐ichi , Odawara Jun , Aoki Takatoshi 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIntravascular lymphoma (IVL) is a rare type of extranodal lymphoma in which the lymphoma cells proliferate exclusively in lumina of small vessels. Here, we report a clinicopathological study of 13 cases IVL diagnosed at our institution between March 1999 and July 2007, and evaluated the clinical characteristics, usefulness of random skin biopsy and response to chemotherapy containing rituximab. Three of 13 patients were diagnosed at autopsy. The most common clinical features were unexplained fever, neurological deterioration, respiratory failure, and poor performance status. Thrombocytopenia, high serum lactate dehydrogenase and soluble interleukin2 receptor levels were the most common laboratory abnormalities. Adrenal tumor was detected in four cases and pituitary involvement was seen in all three autopsied cases and in two surviving patient by brain magnetic resonance imaging. Bone marrow invasion was seen in all 13 cases by bone marrow smear, and it was subtle in trephine biopsy. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that CD5 was positive in one‐third of the cases. Most of the cases were positive for MUM1/IRF, Bcl‐2 and negative for CD10 and BCL‐6 indicating the postgerminal center cell origin of this peculiar type of lymphoma. On random skin biopsy, the most recent seven patients were diagnosed promptly and chemotherapy containing rituximab was successfully administered. Patients with IVL exhibit the characteristic clinical and immunophenotypic features cited above and the use of random skin biopsy facilitates prompt diagnosis. Early commencement of chemotherapy containing rituximab appears promising for this peculiar lymphoma. As the recent seven patients were diagnosed by random skin biopsy over the past 13 months, the incidence of IVL is thought to be much higher than generally accepted.
Wilms tumour gene 1 overexpression in bone marrow as a marker for minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Hämäläinen Mauri M. , Kairisto Veli , Juvonen Vesa , Johansson Janita , Aurén Jukka , Kohonen Kati , Remes Kari , Salmi Toivo T. , Helenius Hans , Pelliniemi Tarja‐Terttu 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Wilms tumour gene 1 (WT1) is overexpressed in leucocytes of most acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. However, the clinical relevance of WT1 gene expression as minimal residual disease (MRD) marker in AML has been questioned.Methods:  We determined the expression of WT1 gene in bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells of 100 AML patients at diagnosis and compared it with other MRD markers during follow up in 16 patients using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.Results:  The median WT1 gene expression was 9.7% of K562 cell line WT1 expression (lower quartile 1.5%, upper quartile 29.9%, n = 100) at diagnosis and, 0.053% (lower quartile 0.022%, upper quartile 0.125%, n = 87) in molecular or immunophenotypic remission. Median WT1 expression in control BM was 0.029% (lower quartile 0.013%, upper quartile 0.061%, n = 22). The upper 99% percentile of remission samples was 0.3%, which was regarded as the cut‐off of increased WT1 gene expression in AML and was exceeded in 87% of all AML patients at diagnosis. WT1 and the other MRD markers showed only minor differences in profiles during follow‐up. WT1 expression at diagnosis with median value 9.7% as the cut‐off level or as a continuous variable had no prognostic significance for 2‐yr survival.Conclusions:  The sensitivity of WT1 as a MRD marker was low due to the relatively high background WT1 gene expression in BM cells at remission and in subjects without haematological malignancies. Therefore, WT1 gene expression analysis would be beneficial only in those patients who do not have a more specific and sensitive MRD marker.