bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemodynamics and Prognosis after Primary Cardiac Resynchronization System Implantation Compared to “Upgrade” Procedures
Authors: NÄGELE HERBERT , DODECK JULIA , BEHRENS STEFAN , AZIZI MOJGAN , HASHAGEN SANDRA , EISERMANN CHRISTINE , CASTEL MARIA A. 
Published: September 2008

Introduction:

Left bundle brunch block (LBBB) and right ventricular stimulation (RVS) may be associated with asynchrony and heart failure. Differences between these two entities and their response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are not well defined.
Methods:

Patients receiving CRT from 1999 to 2006 were analyzed for cardiac events and prognosis separated between primary implants for LBBB (n = 221) and upgrades from RVS (n = 107). A subgroup of 105 patients (LBBB = 69; RVS = 36) was studied in more detail (New York Heart Association [NYHA], quality of life, brain natriuretic peptide, peakVO2, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], wedge pressure, Cardiac Index, QRS, left‐right preejection period using pulsed wave doppler, septum‐lateral wall motion delay using tissue doppler imaging) at baseline and after 1 year.
Results:

Age (68.4 ± 11 years vs 68.7 ± 15 years, n. s.), NYHA class (3.1 vs 3.1, n. s.), LVEF (26.4 vs 28.1, n. s.), and clinical parameters were comparable between LBBB and RVS. The latter group consisted of more patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (14% vs 37%, P = 0.03). After 1 year, NYHA class (−0.8 ± 0.8 vs −0.6 ± 0.8, n. s.), LVEF (+13.7 ± 14% vs +8.7 ± 10%, n. s.), and clinical parameters improved similarly. After a median follow‐up of 2.33 ± 1.8 years in the LBBB versus 2.43 ± 1.9 years in the RVS group, there was no difference in long‐term prognosis or cardiac events in the total cohort (5‐year event rate, 53% vs 55%, P = n. s.).
Conclusion:

Upgrade patients showed similar baseline parameters and response to CRT as to primary implants. No difference in events or long‐term prognosis could be observed.
Long‐Term Prognostic Value of Baseline C‐Reactive Protein in Predicting Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Electrical Cardioversion
Authors: KORANTZOPOULOS PANAGIOTIS , KALANTZI KALLIRROI , SIOGAS KONSTANTINOS , GOUDEVENOS JOHN A. 
Published: September 2008

Background:

An increasing body of evidence links atrial fibrillation (AF) to the inflammatory state. It has been suggested that increased C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with greater risk of AF recurrence at short‐ and mid‐term.
Objective:

We sought to investigate the association between CRP and long‐term risk of AF recurrence.
Methods:

This was a prospective observational study. We investigated the association between baseline CRP levels and recurrence of AF over a 3‐year follow‐up period after successful electrical cardioversion (EC). A total of 60 patients were studied (mean age: 68.4 ± 7.2 years, 60% men). All patients were receiving amiodarone for sinus rhythm maintenance. We further divided the study population into three tertiles according to the values of baseline CRP (tertile 1: <0.43 mg/dL; tertile 2: 0.43–0.8 mg/dL; tertile 3: >0.8 mg/dL).
Results:

Overall, 75% of patients relapsed into AF during the 3‐year study period. AF recurrence was significantly lower in the 1st CRP tertile group (P = 0.039). The Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis showed that the rate of AF recurrence was significantly lower in the lowest CRP tertile (log rank; P < 0.001). In a multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for other potential covariates, only CRP (upper two tertiles) was an independent predictor of AF recurrence (heart rate: 6.3, 95% confidence interval: 3.1–12.7, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that baseline CRP levels before EC have an independent prognostic value in predicting the long‐term risk of AF recurrence.
Arrhythmic Risk Evaluation during Exercise at High Altitude in Healthy Subjects: Role of Microvolt T‐Wave Alternans
Authors: GIBELLI GIUSEPPE , FANTONI CECILIA , ANZÀ CLAUDIO , CATTANEO PAOLO , ROSSI ANDREA , MONTENERO ANNIBALE S. , BARAVELLI MASSIMO 
Published: September 2008

Background:

Altitude‐induced sympathetic hyperactivity can elicit rhythm disturbances in healthy subjects, in particular during exercise.
Aim:

To asses the real susceptibility of healthy myocardium to malignant ventricular arrhythmias during exercise at high altitude using microvolt T‐wave alternans (MTWA).
Methods:

We evaluated eight healthy trained participants (one female, 42 ± 9 years) during a mountain climbing expedition on Gashembrum II (Pakistan, 8,150 m). MTWA and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured in each subject at sea level and at high altitude, both under rest conditions and during exercise. MTWA was determined with the modified moving average method. HRV was expressed as root mean square of successive differences.
Results:

Rest HRV at high altitude was significantly lower compared to rest HRV at sea level (36 ± 5 vs 56 ± 9 ms, P = 0.003). HRV during exercise was significantly lower with respect to rest condition both in normoxia (46 ± 7 vs 56 ± 9 ms, P = 0.0001) and hypoxia (27 ± 4 vs 36 ± 5 ms, P = 0.005). Moreover, HRV was significantly lower during exercise at high altitude compared to exercise at sea level (27 ± 4 vs 46 ± 7 ms, P = 0.0002) and arrhythmias were more frequent during exercise in hypoxia. Nevertheless, MTWA was absent under rest conditions both at sea level and at high altitude and minimally evoked during exercise in both conditions (22 ± 3 μV and 23 ± 3 μV, respectively, P = 0.2).
Conclusions:

In spite of an enhanced sympathetic activity, MTWA testing during exercise at high altitude was negative in all participants. Healthy trained subjects during exercise under hypoxia seem to be at low risk for dangerous arrhythmias.
Increased Myocardial Collagen Turnover in Patients with Progressive Cardiac Conduction Disease
Authors: BOZKAYA YASEMIN T. , AYDIN HIKMET H. , CELIK HANDAN A. , KAYIKCIOGLU MERAL , PAYZIN SERDAR , KULTURSAY HAKAN , AYDIN MEHMET , YESIL MURAT , CAN LEVENT H. , HASDEMIR CAN 
Published: September 2008

Background:

Histopathologically, progressive cardiac conduction disease (PCCD) is characterized by progressive fibrosis and sclerodegenerative changes in the proximal and distal conduction system of the heart. Therefore, we sought to determine the serum levels of myocardial collagen turnover markers, extracellular matrix components, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), and bone morphogenic protein‐7 (BMP‐7) in this population.
Methods:

Study population included 20 patients (6 M/14 F, mean age 76 ± 8 years) with acquired, permanent 2:1, or complete atrioventricular block and compared with age‐ and sex‐matched, asymptomatic, healthy control subjects (n = 18, 6 M/12 F, mean age 75 ± 7 years). Serum myocardial collagen turnover markers:matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐1, 2, 9), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP‐1), amino‐terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PINP) and type III (PIIINP), carboxy‐terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CITP), and carboxy‐terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP), serum extracellular matrix components (laminin and fibronectin), TGFβ1, and BMP‐7 levels were measured in both groups.
Results:

Serum PICP (849 ± 396 vs 631 ± 294 ng/mL, P = 0.04), PIIINP (3.7 ± 1.3 vs 3 ± 1 μg/L, P = 0.03), CITP (0.68 ± 0.35 vs 0.48 ± 0.25 ng/mL, P = 0.037), and plasma MMP‐9 (58.8 ± 56 vs 25.9 ± 17.3 ng/mL, P = 0.006) levels were higher in patient population compared to control subjects. Serum MMP‐1 (24.1 ± 20.5 vs 13.6 ± 7.5 ng/mL, P = 0.045) and MMP‐2 (1310 ± 139 vs 1186 ± 163 ng/mL, P = 0.01) levels were higher in control subjects compared to patient population. There was no difference in serum TIMP‐1, PINP, laminin, fibronectin, TGFβ1, and BMP‐7 levels between two groups.
Conclusion:

Our findings demonstrate the presence of increased myocardial collagen turnover and active fibrotic process in patients with PCCD compared to control subjects.
Performance of an Autonomous Telemonitoring System in Children and Young Adults with Congenital Heart Diseases
Authors: ZARTNER PETER , HANDKE RONALD , PHOTIADIS JOACHIM , BRECHER ANNE M. , SCHNEIDER MARTIN B. 
Published: September 2008

Background:

Integrated telemonitoring systems controlling circulatory and electrical parameters in adults with an implanted pacemaker have shown to be advantageous during follow‐up of this patient group. In children and young adults with a congenital heart disease (CHD), these systems have to cope with a diversity of varying arrhythmias and a broad range of intrinsic cardiac parameters. Additional problems arise from the patients' growth and anatomic anomalies.
Methods:

Since 2005, eight young patients (age 4.1– 37 years, mean 15.5 years) with a CHD received a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator with an autonomous telemonitoring system at our clinic. The mean follow‐up time was 395 days (range 106–834 days, 8.7 patient years).
Results:

In seven of eight patients the system transmitted information, which led to beneficial modifications of the current antiarrhythmic therapy. In three patients the reported events were of a critical nature. One patient remained event‐free for 192 days after implantation. During follow‐up, 96% of the days were covered. The system also transferred additional information on the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic medication and the impact of physical activity.
Conclusions:

Young patients with an insufficient intrinsic heart rate or progressing arrhythmia, in addition to the conventional indications for pacemaker or defibrillator implantation, seem to profit to a high percentage from a telemetric surveillance system. The fully automated procedure of device interrogation and information transmission gives a daily overview on system function and specific arrhythmic events, especially in children who are unaware of any symptoms.
Remote Magnetic Versus Manual Catheter Navigation for Ablation of Supraventricular Tachycardias: A Randomized, Multicenter Trial
Authors: WOOD MARK A. , ORLOV MICHAEL , RAMASWAMY KARTHIK , HAFFAJEE CHARLES , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH ,   The Stereotaxis Heart Study Investigators
Published: September 2008

Introduction:

The potential benefits of remote robotic navigation for catheter ablation procedures have not been demonstrated in controlled clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to compare remote magnetic catheter navigation to manual navigation for the ablation of common supraventricular arrhythmias.
Methods and Results:

Patients with supraventricular arrhythmias due to atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentry, accessory pathways, or undergoing AV junctional ablation for complete heart block were randomized in a 3:1 ratio between magnetic (Niobe system and Helios II catheter, Stereotaxis, Inc., St. Louis, MO) and manual navigation for radiofrequency ablation at 13 centers. The primary endpoint of the study was total fluoroscopic time. Fifty‐six patients were randomized to magnetic navigation and 15 to manual navigation. AV nodal reentry was the most common arrhythmia in both groups. Total fluoroscopy time was reduced in the magnetic navigation group (median 17.8 minutes, interquartile (IQ) range 9.9,27.8 minutes) compared to manual navigation (27.1, IQ 19.0,48.0, P < 0.05). The acute success rates (91% for magnetic and 87% for manual navigation, P > 0.05) did not differ between groups. The number of lesions delivered was less for magnetic navigation (6, IQ 4,9 vs 10, IQ 7, 26, P < 0.05). Total procedure time (median 151, IQ 111, 221 minutes magnetic and 151, IQ 110, 221 minutes manual) and complication rates (5.4% patients magnetic and 6.7% patients manual) were similar between the groups (both P > 0.05).
Conclusions:

Remote magnetic catheter navigation reduces fluoroscopic time and radiofrequency lesion deliveries for the ablation of common supraventricular arrhythmias compared to manual catheter navigation.
Focal and Linear Endocardial and Epicardial Catheter‐Based Cryoablation of Normal and Infarcted Ventricular Tissue
Authors: D'AVILA ANDRÉ , ARYANA ARASH , THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA , HOLMVANG GODTFRED , SCHMIDT EHUD , GUTIERREZ PAULO , RUSKIN JEREMY N. , REDDY VIVEK Y. 
Published: September 2008

Background:

This study of a chronic porcine postinfarction model examined whether linear epicardial cryoablation was capable of creating large, homogenous lesions in regions of the myocardium including scarred ventricle. Endocardial and epicardial focal cryolesions were also compared to determine if there were significant differences in lesion characteristics.
Methods:

Eighty focal endocardial and 28 focal epicardial cryoapplications were delivered to eight normal caprine and four normal porcine ventricular myocardium, and 21 linear cryolesions were applied along the border of infarcted epicardial tissue in a chronic porcine infarct model in six swines.
Results:

Focal endocardial cryolesions in normal animals measured 9.7±0.4 mm (length) by 7.3±1.4 mm (width) by 4.8±0.2 mm (depth), while epicardial lesions measured 10.2±1.4 mm (length) by 7.7±2 mm (width) by 4.6±0.9 mm (depth); P > 0.05. Linear epicardial cryolesions in the chronic porcine infarct model measured 36.5±7.8 mm (length) by 8.2±1.3 mm (width) by 6.0±1.2 mm (depth). The mean depth of linear cryolesions applied to the border of the infarct scar was 7±0.7 mm, as measured by magnetic resonance imaging.
Conclusions:

Cryoablation can create deep lesions when delivered to the ventricular epicardium. Endocardial and epicardial cryolesions created by a focal cryoablation catheter are similar in size and depth. The ability to rapidly create deep linear cryolesions may prove to be beneficial in substrate‐based catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias.
Prospective Multicenter Bronchiolitis Study: Predicting Intensive Care Unit Admissions
Authors: Damore Dorothy , Mansbach Jonathan M. , Clark Sunday , Ramundo Maria , Camargo Jr Carlos A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives:  The authors sought to identify predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission among children hospitalized with bronchiolitis for ≥24 hours.Methods:  The authors conducted a prospective cohort study during two consecutive bronchiolitis seasons, 2004 through 2006, in 30 U.S. emergency departments (EDs). All included patients were aged <2 years and had a final diagnosis of bronchiolitis. Regular floor versus ICU admissions were compared.Results:  Of 1,456 enrolled patients, 533 (37%) were admitted to the regular floor and 50 (3%) to the ICU. Comparing floor and ICU admissions, multivariate ED predictors of ICU admission were age <2 months (26% vs. 53%; odds ratio [OR] = 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1 to 8.3), an ED visit the past week (25% vs. 40%; OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1 to 4.4), moderate/severe retractions (31% vs. 48%; OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.3 to 5.2), and inadequate oral intake (31% vs. 53%; OR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.6 to 7.1). Unlike previous studies, no association with male gender, socioeconomic factors, insurance status, breast‐feeding, or parental asthma was found with ICU admission.Conclusions:  In this prospective multicenter ED‐based study of children admitted for bronchiolitis, four independent predictors of ICU admission were identified. The authors did not confirm many putative risk factors, but cannot rule out modest associations.
Amyloid‐β oligomers set fire to inflammasomes and induce Alzheimer's pathology
Authors: Salminen Antero , Ojala Johanna , Suuronen Tiina , Kaarniranta Kai , Kauppinen Anu 
Published: September 2008

AbstractGenetic and molecular studies have confirmed the central role of amyloid‐β production and fibrillation in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the pathological pathways from amyloid‐β peptide oligomerization to the major pathological hallmarks of AD, such as neurofibrillary tangles, inflammation and loss of cholinergic neurons, are largely unknown. The innate immunity defence system utilizes pattern recognition receptors to respond to a variety of danger‐ and pathogen‐associated molecular structures. Amyloid‐β oligomers and fibrils and their cellular effects can activate the innate immunity defence and induce inflammatory and apoptotic responses in human brain. Amyloid‐β oligomers can interfere with many aspects of neuronal membrane functions and can evoke potassium (K+) efflux from neurons. A low K+ concentration is a potent activator for the NALP1 inflammasomes, which then stimulate caspase‐1 to cleave the proforms of IL‐1β and IL‐18 cytokines. Interestingly, recent observations have demonstrated that amyloid‐β fibrils can activate NALP3 inflammasomes Via the lysosomal damage in mouse microglia. We will review here the activation mechanisms of NALP inflammasomes in neurons and microglia and several downstream effects in brain demonstrating that toxic amyloid‐β oligomers and fibrils can light afire in inflammasomes and induce Alzheimer's pathology.
Clinical analysis of the soft tissue integration of non‐submerged (ITI) and submerged (3i) implants: a prospective‐controlled cohort study
Authors: Garcia Ricardo Vieira , Kraehenmann Michael Alexander , Bezerra Fábio José Barbosa , Mendes Carlos Maurício Cardeal , Rapp Gisela Estela 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAim: The aim of this study was to compare the soft tissue integration of submerged and non‐submerged implants by means of periodontal parameter assessments and analysis.Material and methods: Thirty‐one patients, who received 42 non‐submerged implants (ITI) and 48 submerged implants (3i), participated in the study. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between both groups considering gender; educational level; handedness; toothbrushing frequency; the number of auxiliary devices used; and smoking habits. The parameters assessed were gingival index (GI), plaque index (PII), retention index (RI), pocket probing depth (PPD) and keratinized mucosa index.Results: At evaluation, 66.67% of all sites showed a GI of 0; 72.22% a PI of 0, and 93.33% the absence of calculus. The average PPD was 2.56 mm in the non‐submerged and 2.70 mm in the submerged group. With regard to the width of keratinized mucosa, 100% of the ITI implants showed a band of keratinized gingiva around the implant, whereas 14.58% in the 3i group showed a complete absence of keratinized mucosa. The intra‐examiner reproducibility was 90.96% for all parameters and the Kendall tau‐b analysis showed a powerless correlation between the chosen parameters for both studied groups.Conclusions: The study material showed no major differences between submerged and non‐submerged dental implants regarding GI, PII, RI and PPD, except the width of keratinized mucosa. Regarding the presence of keratinized mucosa, there is a need for further longitudinal studies to elucidate a possible benefit of one implant system over the other.
Long‐term results of mandibular reconstruction with autogenous bone grafts and oral implants after tumor resection
Authors: Chiapasco Matteo , Colletti Giacomo , Romeo Eugenio , Zaniboni Marco , Brusati Roberto 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives: (a) To evaluate retrospectively the clinical outcome of non‐vascularized bone grafts used for the reconstruction of mandibular defects following tumor resection; (b) to evaluate the clinical outcome of implants and implant‐supported prostheses placed in the reconstructed areas; and (c) to evaluate patients' satisfaction regarding function and esthetics after oral rehabilitation.Material and methods: In a 9‐year period (1995–2003), 29 patients affected by mandibular tumors involving to tooth bearing areas were treated by means of tumor resection and immediate or delayed reconstruction with autogenous non‐revascularized calvarial or iliac bone grafts. Among these patients, 16 patients were selected for dental rehabilitation of the lost dentition with implant‐supported 3fixed prosthese333s. For to 7 months later, the patients received 60 oral implants for the prosthetic rehabilitation of the reconstructed edentulous areas.Results: No total failure of the graft was observed, while partial loss of the graft was observed in one patient. The mean follow‐up of patients after the start of prosthetic loading of implants treated was 94 months (range: 36–132 months). Two patients dropped out of the follow‐up after 3 and 4 years of observation, respectively. Two implants were removed due to loss of osseointegration, while two implants, although still integrated, presented peri‐implant bone resorption values higher than those proposed by Albrektsson et al. for successful implants. Cumulative survival and success rates of implants were 96.7% and 93.3%, respectively.Conclusion: Results from this study demonstrated that bone defects following resection of mandibular tumors can be predictably reconstructed with autogenous bone grafts taken from the calvarium or the anterior iliac crest. It has also been shown that the long‐term survival and success rates of implants placed in the reconstructed areas (96.7% and 93.3%, respectively) may guarantee an excellent prognosis of implant‐supported prostheses.
Orthodontic loading of titanium miniplates in dogs: microradiographic and histological evaluation
Authors: Cornelis M. A. , Vandergugten S. , Mahy P. , De Clerck H. J. , Lengelé B. , D'Hoore W. , Nyssen‐Behets C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives: The objectives of this animal study were to evaluate if orthodontic loading has an impact on osseointegration of screws supporting miniplates, and to describe the histological components of the bone–screw interface.Materials and methods: Eighty orthodontic miniplates were placed in the jaws of 10 dogs. After 2 weeks, a 125 g force was applied between the miniplates of one upper quadrant of each dog and between those of the controlateral lower quadrant. The others, nonloaded miniplates, were considered as controls. Five dogs were sacrificed 7 weeks after implantation and the remaining five dogs after 29 weeks [Short Term (ST) and Long Term (LT) groups, respectively]. Fluorochromes were injected at implantation and at sacrifice. Jaw quadrants were dissected, embedded, cut into undecalcified transverse sections through the screws and finally submitted to microradiographic analysis to allow assessment of bone–implant contact (BIC) and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV). The sections were observed under UV light and stained in order to examine them under ordinary light.Results: Osseointegration occurred around 90/160 screws and consisted mainly in limited repair and remodelling processes of lamellar bone, without inflammation. Wide variations were observed in BIC and BV/TV, but without any significant difference, neither between the loaded and the nonloaded screws, nor according to the direction of load, whereas they were significantly higher in the LT than in the ST group. Nonosseointegrated screws were surrounded by fibrous tissue. Osteoblastic activity, when present in front of these screws, was not sufficient to achieve stability.Conclusions: Osseointegration underlying orthodontic anchorage was not affected by loading. BIC increased with time and varied according to implantation site. Particularly the tight‐fitting screw insertion appeared crucial in determining the appropriate bone healing response.