bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left Atrial Contractility is Preserved After Successful Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: PEREA ROSARIO J. , TAMBORERO DAVID , MONT LLUIS , De CARALT TERESA M. , ORTIZ JOSE T. , BERRUEZO ANTONIO , MATIELLO MARIA , SITGES MARTA , VIDAL BARBARA , SANCHEZ MARCELO , BRUGADA JOSEP 
Published: February 2008

Introduction: Circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) consists of creating extensive lesions in the left atrium (LA). The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in LA contractility after ablation and their relationship with procedure outcome. Methods and Results: A series of 90 consecutive patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and 4–6 months after CPVA. Only patients in sinus rhythm during both imaging acquisitions were included in the study to measure LA end‐diastolic (LAmax) and LA end‐systolic (LAmin) volumes. Fifty‐five patients were finally analyzed (41 men, 52 ± 11 years, 74% paroxysmal AF). During a mean follow‐up of 12 ± 7 months and after 1.2 ± 0.3 ablation procedures, 38 patients (69%) were arrhythmia‐free (group I), and the remaining 17 patients had recurrences (group II). There was a significant decrease in mean LAmax volume in both groups, whereas mean LAmin volume only decreased in group I. Mean LA ejection fraction (EF) was preserved after CPVA in group I (40 ± 11% vs 38 ± 10%; P = 0.27) but decreased in patients with arrhythmia recurrences (37 ± 10% vs 27 ± 10%; P < 0.001). In fact, LA EF remained stable or increased in 68% of patients without arrhythmia recurrences. Conclusions: LAmax volume reduction following CPVA occurs regardless of the clinical efficacy of the procedure, whereas mean LAmin volume only decreased in patients without recurrences. LA EF was preserved or even increased in most patients with successful CPVA.
An Acute Model for Atrial Fibrillation Arising from a Peripheral Atrial Site: Evidence for Primary and Secondary Triggers
Authors: SCHERLAG BENJAMIN J. , HOU YING‐LONG , LIN JIAXIONG , LU ZHIBING , ZACHARIAS SONI , DASARI TARUN , NIU GUODONG , GHIAS MUHAMMAD , PATTERSON EUGENE , JACKMAN WARREN M. , LAZZARA RALPH , PO SUNNY S. 
Published: February 2008

Background: We previously demonstrated that acetylcholine (Ach) injected into cardiac ganglionated plexi (GP) causes pulmonary vein (PV) ectopy initiating atrial fibrillation (AF). Objective: To determine the effects of Ach applied at non‐PV sites. Methods: Overall, 54 dogs were anesthetized with Na‐pentobarbital. A right and left thoracotomy allowed the placement of multielectrode catheters to record from the superior PVs, mid portion of the atrium and the atrial appendages (AA). A monophasic action potential (MAP) was recorded from the AA. Ach (1, 10, 100 mM) was applied sequentially to the AA. Results: In 19 of 26 animals, Ach 100 mM on the right (n = 15) or left (n = 4) AA induced focal, sustained AF (≥10 minutes) with rapid regular firing (cycle length = 37 ± 7 ms) at the AA. A clamp with teeth placed across the AA caused arrest in the AA. However, AF was sustained only when PV sites adjacent to the GP manifested complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE). Clamping the AA prior to Ach (100 mM) application resulted in focal AF arising at the PVs but not at the AA. When a clamp without teeth was applied prior to Ach application, no AF at either AA or PV site could be induced. Conclusion: Isolation of the focal AF at the AA (primary trigger) by clamping caused cessation of activity in the AA, but AF continued due to secondary triggers arising from PVs. The possible mechanism(s) responsible for these findings are discussed, and various ancillary experiments (n = 28) were added to help elucidate mechanisms.
Longer and better lives for patients … and their centers: A strategy for building a home hemodialysis program
Authors: HODGE Melville H. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPhysicians should prescribe the dialysis mode most likely to result in the best outcome for the end‐stage renal disease patient, not leave it to the patient or dialysis center to choose. That prescription, in order of decreasing desirability, should be for frequent home nocturnal hemodialysis, frequent home short‐daily, or least efficacious, 3x in‐center or peritoneal dialysis. Patient limitations may require prescribing a less than optimal mode. Physician‐patient discussions should focus on expected clinical outcomes and health benefits, not patient convenience or “lifestyle.” In order to overcome natural fears, qualified patients should participate in a short in‐center frequent dialysis personal clinical trial to experience the benefits. The financial health of dialysis centers will be enhanced by shifting continually inflating labor costs from the center to patients and home caregivers. This shift from 3x in‐center to frequent (optimally 6x nocturnal) home dialysis may reasonably be expected to enhance the survival and well‐being of both the patient and the center.
Long‐term outcomes of transposed basilic vein arteriovenous fistulae
Authors: MOOSSAVI Shahriar , TUTTLE Audrey B. , VACHHARAJANI Tushar J. , PLONK George , BETTMANN Michael A. , MAJEKODUNMI Omotayo , RUSSELL Gregory B. , REGAN John D. , FREEDMAN Barry I. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe need for reliable, long‐term hemodialysis vascular access remains critical. To determine the long‐term outcomes of transposed basilic vein arteriovenous fistulae (BVT) and their comparability with other vascular accesses, we determined retrospectively the primary and secondary patency rates in 58 BVT and in a total of 58 arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) and arteriovenous grafts (AVG) at a single center. Fifty‐eight BVT were placed in 57 individuals, 69% after prior vascular access failure. Ten BVT failed before initial use and 2 patients expired with functioning accesses before dialysis initiation. In all 58 BVT, 46.8±10.8% functioned at 3 years, with median survival 30.8 months. Limiting analyses to the 46 BVT that were ultimately accessed, 3‐year primary and secondary patency rates were 38.3±7.7% and 56.5±12.6%, respectively. Lower ejection fraction (p=0.054) and greater numbers of prior permanent dialysis catheters (p=0.005) were present in those with failed BVT. Compared with AVF, BVT had similar 3‐year primary and secondary patency rates. The secondary patency rate was significantly better for BVT vs. AVG over the observation period; at 3 years, the rates were 56.5±12.6% vs. 9.1±6.0% (p=0.002), respectively. Basilic vein arteriovenous fistulae are valuable hemodialysis accesses. Although nearly 20% of newly placed BVT will not function before first use, those that are functional have median survivals exceeding 6 years, and 38% will not require intervention within 3 years of initial use.
Activation of cannabinoid receptors prevents antigen‐induced asthma‐like reaction in guinea pigs
Authors: Giannini L. , Nistri S. , Mastroianni R. , Cinci L. , Vannacci A. , Mariottini C. , Passani M. B. , Mannaioni P. F. , Bani D. , Masini E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn this study we evaluated the effects of the CB1/CB2cannabinoid receptor agonist CP55, 940 (CP) on antigen‐induced asthma‐like reaction in sensitized guinea pigs and we tested the ability of the specific CB2 receptor antagonist SR144528 (SR) and CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (AM) to interfere with the effects of CP. Ovalbumin‐sensitized guinea pigs placed in a respiratory chamber were challenged with the antigen given by aerosol. CP (0.4 mg/kg b.wt.) was given i.p. 3 hrs before ovalbumin challenge. Sixty minutes before CP administration, some animals were treated i.p. with either AM, or SR, or both (0.1 mg/kg b.wt.). Respiratory parameters were recorded and quantified. Lung tissue specimens were then taken for histopathological and morphometric analyses and for eosinophilic major basic protein immunohistochemistry. Moreover, myeloperoxidase activity, 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, and CB1and CB2receptor protein expression by Western blotting were evaluated in lung tissue extracts. In the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, the levels of prostaglandin D2and tumour necrosis factor‐α TNF‐α were measured. Ovalbumin challenge caused marked abnormalities in the respiratory, morphological and biochemical parameters assayed. Treatment with CP significantly reduced these abnormalities. Pre‐treatment with SR, AM or both reverted the protective effects of CP, indicating that both CB1and CB2receptors are involved in lung protection. The noted treatments did not change the expression of cannabinoid receptor proteins, as shown by Western blotting. These findings suggest that targeting cannabinoid receptors could be a novel preventative therapeutic strategy in asthmatic patients.
Interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein as biomarker in systemic autoimmunity with eye inflictions
Authors: Descamps F. J. , Kangave D. , Cauwe B. , Martens E. , Geboes K. , Abu El‐Asrar A. , Opdenakker G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAutoimmune diseases of the eye, exemplified by Beh cet disease and Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease, are a major cause of blindness. We studied interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein (IRBP), a dominant autoimmune antigen in the eye. Aqueous humour samples from 28 patients with active uveitis were analysed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) content as a marker for blood‐ocular barrier breakdown and by gelatinase B zymography for the detection of inflammation. The data were correlated with the presence of intact IRBP (≈140 kD) as determined by Western blot analysis and with the clinical disease activity. Aqueous humour samples from control eyes and eyes with low disease activity showed positive immunoreactivity for intact IRBP. The IRBP signal weakened or disappeared with higher disease activity. Significant positive correlations were observed between disease activity and levels of gelatinase B/matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) (rs= 0.713; P < 0.001) and IgG (rs= 0.580; P= 0.001). Significant negative correlations were found between levels of IRBP and disease activity (rs=−0.520; P= 0.005) and levels of MMP‐9 (rs=−0.727; P < 0.001) and of IgG (rs=−0.834; P < 0.001). Whereas neutrophil elastase converted intact IRBP into an immunoreactive 55 kD peptide in vitro, the conversion by neutrophil degranulates resembled more the in vivo context with a complete degradation of IRBP. Reversal of inflammation with immunosuppressive therapy was accompanied with reappearance of intact IRBP and disappearance of IgG and MMP‐9. The analysis of IRBP proteolysis is useful as a biomarker for uveitis and suggests that inhibition of proteinases might become a therapeutic strategy in an inflammatory context of a damaged blood‐ocular barrier.
Goose grazing selectivity along a depletion gradient
Authors: Therkildsen Ole R. , Madsen Jesper 
Published: February 2008

The micro‐habilat food selectivity along a gradient of increasing grazing intensity of wintering pink‐footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus and barnacle geese Branta leucopsis foraging on winter wheat Triticum aestivum and smooth meadow grass Poa pratensis was investigated. Protein content of ungrazed primary and secondary leaves of winter wheat did not differ, whereas the protein content of tertiary leaves was significantly lower. Secondary leaves were significantly longer than both primary and tertiary leaves, whereas tertiary leaves were significantly longer than primary leaves. Protein content of primary and secondary leaves of Poa pratensis did not differ, whereas the protein content of tertiary leaves was significantly lower. Primary leaves were significantly shorter than both secondary and tertiary leaves, which did not differ significantly.For all leaf categories, there was an increase in the removal with increasing goose grazing intensity. The geese showed a sequential selection of winter wheat leaves according to the protein content, initially preferring primary and secondary leaves, but increasingly selecting tertiary leaves of poorer quality as high‐quality leaves became depleted. Foraging on Poa pratensis. geese selected secondary leaves according to the protein content, whereas tertiary leaves were preferred to primary leaves, although these had a protein content equal to secondary leaves. This, however, may be explained by the primary leaves being too short to maintain intake rates.It is concluded that feeding preferences cannot be established on the basis of protein contents of food plants alone and that green biomass estimates not necessarily reflect resource availability.
Echinococcus granulosus Infection in Spain
Authors: Carmena D. , Sánchez‐Serrano L. P. , Barbero‐Martínez I. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryCystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus is an endemic disease in Spain. Although specific control programmes initiated in the 1980s have led to marked reductions in CE infection rates in Spain, the disease still remains an important human and animal health problem in many regions of the country. Human incidence and livestock (including sheep, cattle, pigs and horses) prevalence data were gathered from national epidemiological surveillance information systems and regional institutions for the period 2000–2005. Additionally, data on the prevalence of E. granulosus infection in dogs were obtained from published literature. The most affected regions were those of the North Eastern, Central and Western parts of the country, (Autonomous Regions of Aragon, Castile‐La Mancha, Castile‐Leon, Extremadura, Navarre and La Rioja), where human CE incidence rates in the range of 1.1–3.4 cases per 105 inhabitants coexist with ovine/bovine CE prevalence rates up to 23%. Control programmes of hydatidosis/echinococcosis should be reinforced in these regions to reduce the prevalence of the disease.
Explanations for gender differences in sickness absence: evidence from middle-aged municipal employees from Finland
Authors: Laaksonen M , Martikainen P , Rahkonen O , Lahelma E 
Published: February 2008

Objectives:To examine gender differences in sickness absence spells of various lengths and to explain these differences by health status, working conditions and family-related factors.Methods:The study included 5470 female and 1464 male employees of the City of Helsinki surveyed at baseline in 2000–2. These survey data were linked to the employer’s sickness absence records until the end of 2005, providing a mean follow-up time of 3.9 years. Explanations for gender differences in self-certified (1–3 days) and medically confirmed absence spells of various lengths (4 days or more, more than 2 weeks, and more than 60 days) were examined using Poisson regression.Results:Women had 46% higher risk for self-certified sickness absence than men. In medically confirmed spells there was 34% female excess which gradually weakened with lengthening absence, and no differences were observed in spells longer than 60 days. Adjusting for physical functioning and self-reported diagnosed diseases clearly attenuated gender differences in sickness absence spells shorter than two weeks and fully explained them in longer absence spells. Physical work demands explained female excess in medically confirmed absence spells of all lengths, as did work fatigue in spells longer than two weeks. Psychosocial working conditions and family-related factors did not affect the gender differences. Physical health problems, physical work demands and work fatigue were somewhat more prevalent in women than in men, but their impact on sickness absence was similar in both genders.Conclusions:The overall gender differences in sickness absence are due to relatively short absence spells being more common among women. In longer sickness absence spells the female excess is mainly explained by heavier burden of ill-health and to a lesser extent by higher physical work demands among women. The authors found no support for greater vulnerability to health- and work-related problems among women as reasons for sickness absence.
Selective release of molecules from Weibel-Palade bodies during a lingering kiss
Authors: Babich Victor , Meli Athinoula , Knipe Laura , Dempster John E. , Skehel Paul , Hannah Matthew J. , Carter Tom 
Published: February 2008

AbstractExocytosis of specialized endothelial cell secretory organelles, Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs), is thought to play an important role in regulating hemostasis and intravascular inflammation. The major WPB core proteins are Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and its propolypeptide (Proregion), constituting more than 95% of the content. Although the composition of the WPBs can be fine-tuned to include cytokines and chemokines (eg, interleukin-8 [IL-8] and eotaxin-3), it is generally assumed that WPB exocytosis is inextricably associated with secretion of VWF. Here we show that WPBs can undergo a form of exocytosis during which VWF and Proregion are retained while smaller molecules, such as IL-8, are released. Imaging individual WPBs containing fluorescent cargo molecules revealed that during weak stimulation approximately 25% of fusion events result in a failure to release VWF or Proregion. The WPB membrane protein P-selectin was also retained; however, the membrane tetraspannin CD63 was released. Accumulation or exclusion of extracellular fluorescent dextran molecules ranging from 3 kDa to 2 mDa show that these events arise due to the formation of a fusion pore approximately 12 nm in diameter. The pore behaves as a molecular filter, allowing selective release of WPB core and membrane proteins. WPB exocytosis is not inextricably associated with secretion of VWF.
Pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF)/visfatin: a novel mediator of innate immunity
Authors: Luk Tracy , Malam Zeenat , Marshall John C 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPre-B cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF), also known as visfatin, is a highly conserved, 52-kDa protein found in living species from bacteria to humans. Originally a curiosity identified serendipitously in microarray studies but having no obvious functional importance, PBEF has now been shown to exert three distinct activities of central importance to cellular energetics and innate immunity. Within the cell, PBEF functions as a nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase, the rate-limiting step in a salvage pathway of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis. By virtue of this role, it can regulate cellular levels of NAD and so impact not only cellular energetics but also NAD-dependent enzymes such as sirtuins. Although it lacks a signal peptide, PBEF is released by a variety of cells, and elevated levels can be found in the systemic circulation of patients with a variety of inflammatory diseases. As an extracellular cytokine, PBEF can induce the cellular expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Finally, PBEF has been shown to be an adipokine expressed by fat cells that exerts a number of insulin mimetic and antagonistic effects. PBEF expression is up-regulated in a variety of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases including sepsis, acute lung injury, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and myocardial infarction and plays a key role in the persistence of inflammation through its capacity to inhibit neutrophil apoptosis. This review summarizes the admittedly incomplete body of emerging knowledge about a remarkable new mediator of innate immunity.
A prospective evaluation of trochleoplasty for the treatment of patellofemoral dislocation and instability
Authors: Utting M. R. , Mulford J. S. , Eldridge J. D. J. 
Published: February 2008

Trochlear dysplasia is a developmental condition characterised by an abnormally flat or dome-shaped trochlea and is an important contributory factor to patellofemoral instability and recurrent dislocation. We studied prospectively a series of 54 consecutive patients (59 knees) with patellofemoral instability secondary to trochlear dysplasia, who were treated by a trochleoplasty by a single surgeon between June 2002 and June 2007. Pre- and post-operative scores were assessed by the patients and a satisfaction questionnaire was completed. Of the 54 patients (59 knees) in the series, 39 (44 knees) were female and 15 (15 knees) were male. Their mean age at surgery was 21 years and 6 months (14 years 4 months to 33 years 11 months). In 40 patients (42 knees) the mean follow-up was for 24 months (12 to 58). One patient was unable to attend for follow-up. An analysis of the results of those patients followed up for at least 12 months showed a statistically significant improvement in outcome (p < 0.001 for all scores). Overall, 50 patients (92.6%) were satisfied with the outcome of their procedure. The early results of trochleoplasty are encouraging in this challenging group of patients.
Mitochondrial Capacity in Skeletal Muscle Is Not Stimulated by Weight Loss Despite Increases in Insulin Action and Decreases in Intramyocellular Lipid Content
Authors: Toledo Frederico G.S. , Menshikova Elizabeth V. , Azuma Koichiro , Radiková Zofia , Kelley Carol A. , Ritov Vladimir B. , Kelley David E. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE— In obesity and type 2 diabetes, exercise combined with weight loss increases skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity. It remains unclear whether mitochondrial capacity increases because of weight loss, improvements in insulin resistance, or physical training. In this study, we examined the effects of an intervention of weight loss induced by diet and compared these with those of a similar intervention of weight loss by diet with exercise. Both are known to improve insulin resistance, and we tested the hypothesis that physical activity, rather than improved insulin resistance, is required to increase mitochondrial capacity of muscle.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Sixteen sedentary overweight/obese volunteers were randomized to a 16-week intervention of diet (n = 7) or diet plus exercise (n = 9). Insulin sensitivity was measured using euglycemic clamps. Mitochondria were examined in muscle biopsies before and after intervention. We measured mitochondrial content and size by electron microscopy, electron transport chain (ETC) activity, cardiolipin content, and mitochondrial DNA content. Intramyocellular content of lipid (IMCL) and fiber-type distribution were determined by histology.
RESULTS— The diet-only and diet plus exercise groups achieved similar weight loss (10.8 and 9.2%, respectively); only the diet plus exercise group improved aerobic capacity. Insulin sensitivity improved similarly in both groups. Mitochondrial content and ETC activity increased following the diet plus exercise intervention but remained unchanged following the diet-only intervention, and mitochondrial size decreased with weight loss despite improvement in insulin resistance. IMCL decreased in the diet-only but not in the diet plus exercise intervention.
CONCLUSIONS— Despite similar effects to improve insulin resistance, these interventions had differential effects on mitochondria. Clinically significant weight loss in the absence of increased physical activity ameliorates insulin resistance and IMCL but does not increase muscle mitochondrial capacity in obesity.