bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological correlates of decreasing and increasing emotional responses to unpleasant pictures
Authors: Moser Jason S. , Krompinger Jason W. , Dietz Jenna , Simons Robert F. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe examined event‐related brain potential (ERP) modulations during the anticipation and processing of unpleasant pictures under instructions to cognitively decrease and increase negative emotion. Instructions to decrease and increase negative emotion modulated the ERP response to unpleasant pictures in the direction of emotional intensity beginning around 400 ms and lasting several seconds. Decrease, but not increase, instructions also elicited enhanced frontal negativity associated with orienting and preparation prior to unpleasant picture onset. Last, ERP modulation by unpleasant pictures began around 300 ms, just prior to regulation effects, suggesting that appraisal of emotion occurs before emotion regulation. Together, the current findings underscore the utility of ERPs in illuminating the time course of emotion modulation and regulation that may help to refine extant theoretical models.
ERP correlates of transposed‐letter priming effects: The role of vowels versus consonants
Authors: Carreiras Manuel , Vergara Marta , Perea Manuel 
Published: December 2008

AbstractOne key issue for any computational model of visual‐word recognition is the choice of an input coding scheme for assigning letter position. Recent research has shown that pseudowords created by transposing two letters are very effective at activating the lexical representation of their base words (e.g., relovution activates REVOLUTION). We report a masked priming lexical decision experiment in which the pseudoword primes were created by transposing/replacing two consonants or two vowels while event‐related potentials were recorded. The results showed a modulation of the amplitude at an early window (150–250 ms) and at the N400 component for vowels but not for consonant transpositions. In addition, the peak latencies were faster for transposed than replaced consonants. These results suggest that consonants and vowels play a different role during the process of visual word recognition. We examine the implications for the choice of an input coding scheme in models of visual‐word recognition.
Tissue‐Engineered Skin Containing Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Burn Wounds
Authors: Liu Peng , Deng Zhihong , Han Shufang , Liu Tao , Wen Ning , Lu Wei , Geng Xianhui , Huang Sha , Jin Yan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThere is increasing evidence showing that adult stem cells are useful for tissue regeneration. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self‐renewing and are potent in differentiating into multiple cells and tissues. To investigate the practicability of repairing burn wounds with tissue‐engineered (TE) skin combined with bone MSCs, we established a burn wound model in the porcine skin. With a controlling temperature and time of the burning device to obtain different degrees of burn wounds, a deep dermal partial thickness burn was introduced to the porcine skin using a heated‐brass contact injury at 100°C for 20 s. Collagen‐GAG scaffolds were utilized as the matrix; MSCs separated from pigs were seeded on them to form the skin equivalent. When grafted to the burn wounds, the TE skin containing MSCs showed better healing and keratinization, less wound contraction, and more vascularization. Grafts proliferated well and contributed to the neo‐tissues. These data suggest that TE skin containing MSCs in a burn defect can accelerate wound healing and receive satisfactory effects.
Changes in Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Levels During Cardiac Bypass in the Fetal Goat
Authors: Zhou Chengbin , Zhuang Jian , Zhang Xiaohua , Zhang Jinfang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of fetal cardiac bypass on the production and secretion of fetal atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the goat. Eighteen pregnant goats, at days 120 to 140 of gestation, were randomly divided into control (n = 8) and bypass (n = 10) groups. The control group underwent a sham procedure involving fetal sternotomy and cannulation. The bypass group underwent fetal cardiac bypass using a centrifugal pump for 30 min. Fetuses in the bypass group exhibited hypoxia, hypercapnia, and acidosis during and after cardiac bypass. The pulse index (PI) of the umbilical artery in the bypass group increased significantly after cardiac bypass compared with the control group. Tei indices of the left and right ventricles in the bypass group increased remarkably after cardiac bypass. Plasma troponin I levels in the bypass group increased significantly compared with that of the control group. Plasma ANP levels increased markedly in the bypass group after cardiac bypass, and the difference between two groups was significant. Transcriptional levels of ANP mRNA in the fetal heart elevated remarkably in the bypass group compared with the control group at 2 h after the bypass. A significant positive correlation between plasma ANP levels and Tei indices of the ventricles, plasma troponin I was observed (left ventricular Tei index, r =  0.606, P < 0.01; right ventricular Tei index, r = 0.581, P <  0.01; plasma troponin I, r = 0.275, P < 0.05). In conclusion, fetal cardiac bypass promoted the production and secretion of ANP and was associated with fetal cardiac dysfunction.
The prevalence of abnormal results of conventional coagulation tests on admission to a trauma center
Authors: Hess John R. , Lindell Allison L. , Stansbury Lynn G. , Dutton Richard P. , Scalea Thomas M. 
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Several groups have reported that a fraction of severely injured patients have abnormal coagulation tests at presentation to trauma centers, even in the absence of significant crystalloid resuscitation. These patients have high mortality, but their prevalence in trauma populations is not clear from the reports.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Records of all patients admitted to a large urban trauma center during 2000 through 2006 were searched for early measures of common coagulation tests and in‐hospital mortality.RESULTS: Abnormal coagulation tests were increasingly frequent with increasing injury severity, ranging from 5 to 43 percent for the prothrombin time as the injury severity scores (ISSs) increased from 5 to more than 45 and 4 to 18 percent for platelet counts of less than 150 × 109 per L. Abnormal coagulation tests were associated with excess mortality even below conventional transfusion triggers and this was especially true for the partial thromboplastin time.CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal coagulation tests are common in severely injured patients. Even in the moderately injured, they are associated with higher mortality.
Permanent Pacemaker Implantation Following Cardiac Surgery: Indications and Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: MERIN OFER , ILAN MICHAEL , OREN AVRAHAM , FINK DANIEL , DEEB MAHER , BITRAN DANI , SILBERMAN SHULI 
Published: December 2008

Background: Conduction disturbances requiring permanent pacemaker implantation after heart surgery occur in about 1.5% of patients. Early pacemaker implantation may reduce morbidity and postoperative hospital stay. We reviewed our experience with patients undergoing surgery to try and identify predictors for pacemaker requirements and patients who will remain pacemaker dependent.
Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 4,999 patients undergoing surgery between the years 1993 and 2005. Patient age was 64 ± 12 years, and 71% were males. Coronary bypass was performed in 4,071 (81%), aortic valve replacement in 675 (14%), and mitral valve replacement in 968 (18%) patients.
Results: Seventy‐two patients (1.4%) required implantation of a permanent pacemaker after surgery. Indications for pacemaker implantation included complete atrioventricular block in 59, symptomatic bradycardia/slow atrial fibrillation in nine, second‐degree atrioventricular block in two, and other conduction disturbances in two patients. Predictors for pacemaker requirement by multivariate analysis were left bundle branch block and aortic valve replacement (P < 0.001). Late follow‐up was available in 58 patients, at 72 ± 32 months. Thirty‐seven (63%) were pacemaker dependent. Predictors for late pacemaker dependency were third‐degree atrioventricular block after surgery and preoperative left bundle branch block (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Patients at high risk for pacemaker implantation after heart surgery include those with preexisting conduction disturbances, and those undergoing aortic valve replacement. Of those receiving a pacemaker, about one‐third will recover at late follow‐up. For patients in the high‐risk group who are pacemaker dependent after surgery, we recommend implanting a permanent pacemaker at 5 days after surgery, thus enabling early mobilization and early discharge.
Clustering of Poor Device Acceptance and Type D Personality is Associated with Increased Distress in Danish Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Patients
Authors: PEDERSEN SUSANNE S. , SPINDLER HELLE , JOHANSEN JENS B. , MORTENSEN PETER T. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Psychosocial risk factors tend to cluster together within individuals, likely enhancing the risk of adverse health outcomes. We examined (1) the influence of clustering of poor device acceptance and Type D personality on anxiety and depressive symptoms, and (2) the demographic and clinical determinants of patients with clustering, in a large cohort of Danish implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients.
Methods: Patients (N = 557; 81.9% male; mean age = 61.9 ± 14.3 years) implanted with an ICD between 1989 and 2006 were asked to complete a set of standardized and validated questionnaires and were divided into four risk groups: (1) No risk factors (neither poor device acceptance nor Type D), (2) Poor device acceptance only, (3) Type D only, (4) Clustering (both poor device acceptance and Type D).
Results: The prevalence of anxiety was significantly higher in patients with clustering of risk factors (54.2%) compared to patients with poor device acceptance (30.0%), Type D personality (26.5%), or no risk factors (7.6%) (χ2= 88.472; df = 3; P < 0.001). Similarly, the prevalence of depression was higher in the clustering group (47.2%) compared to patients with poor device acceptance (19.1%), Type D personality (23.5%), or no risk factors (1.8%) (Fisher's exact = 112.874; df = 3; P < 0.001). Patients with the clustering of poor device acceptance and Type D had the highest mean scores of anxiety (P < 0.001) and depression (<0.001), also when adjusting for demographic and clinical baseline characteristics including shocks. Shocks (P = 0.006) were associated with increased anxiety but not with depression (P = 0.31).
Conclusion: Patients with poor device acceptance and Type D personality should be identified and monitored in clinical practice, as they may benefit from adjunctive intervention in order to experience the same quality of life benefits following implantation as other patients. Given the cross‐sectional nature of the study, these findings should be confirmed using a prospective study design.
Epsilon Wave in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy
Authors: WU SHULIN , WANG PEINING , HOU YUESHUANG , YANG PINGZHEN , XIAO YANPING , ZHAN XIANZHANG 
Published: December 2008

Background: Epsilon wave is a major criteria for arrhythmogenic right ventricular (RV) dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C). We sought to study systematically characteristics of Epsilon wave in ARVD/C patients from the southern Chinese population.
Methods: The population included 49 patients with ARVD/C meeting the diagnostic criteria. They were analyzed for the value of different electrocardiogram (ECG) criteria including Epsilon wave, the ones of 24‐hour Holter recording, signal‐averaged ECG, and echocardiography to learn the correlation between Epsilon wave and other variability with the use of nonparametric test. A probability value of ≤0.05 was considered significantly different.
Results: It shown that the detection rate of Epsilon wave was significantly higher in probands (65%) than involved family members (22%), P = 0.03. In the conventional as well as Fontaine leads, its detection rate were 18 (37%) and 28 (57%), respectively. The prevalence of diffuse right ventricle involvement, T‐wave inversion and signal‐averaged ECG are significantly different between the ARVD/C patients with Epsilon wave and without Epsilon wave.
Conclusion: It is significantly correlated between Epsilon wave and the progressive ARVD/C.
QT Interval Variability and Adaptation to Heart Rate Changes in Patients with Long QT Syndrome
Authors: NĚMEC JAN , BUNCOVÁ MARIE , SHUSTERMAN VLADIMIR , WINTER BRUCE , SHEN WIN‐KUANG , ACKERMAN MICHAEL J. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Increased QT variability (QTV) has been reported in conditions associated with ventricular arrhythmias. Data on QTV in patients with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) are limited.
Methods: Ambulatory electrocardiogram recordings were analyzed in 23 genotyped LQTS patients and in 16 healthy subjects (C). Short‐term QTV was compared between C and LQTS. The dependence of QT duration on heart rate was evaluated with three different linear models, based either on the RR interval preceding the QT interval (RR0), the RR interval preceding RR0 (RR‐1), or the average RR interval in the 60‐second period before QT interval (mRR).
Results: Short‐term QTV was significantly higher in LQTS than in C subjects (14.94 ± 9.33 vs 7.31 ± 1.29 ms; P < 0.001). It was also higher in the non‐LQT1 than in LQT1 patients (23.00 ± 9.05 vs 8.74 ± 1.56 ms; P < 0.001) and correlated positively with QTc in LQTS (r = 0.623, P < 0.002). In the C subjects, the linear model based on mRR predicted QT duration significantly better than models based on RR0 and RR‐1. It also provided better fit than any nonlinear model based on RR0. This was also true for LQT1 patients. For non‐LQT1 patients, all models provided poor prediction of QT interval.
Conclusions: QTV is elevated in LQTS patients and is correlated with QTc in LQTS. Significant differences with respect to QTV exist among different genotypes. QT interval duration is strongly affected by noninstantaneous heart rate in both C and LQT1 subjects. These findings could improve formulas for QT interval correction and provide insight on cellular mechanisms of QT adaptation.
Ventricular Proarrhythmic Effects of Atrial Fibrillation are Modulated by Depolarization and Repolarization Anomalies in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: LEMOLA KRISTINA , KHAN RAZI , NATTEL STANLEY , TALAJIC MARIO , ROY DENIS , GUERRA PETER G. , LEMOLA SAKARI , DUBUC MARC , THIBAULT BERNARD , MACLE LAURENT , KHAIRY PAUL 
Published: December 2008

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) may have a ventricular proarrhythmic effect, particularly in the setting of heart failure. We assessed whether AF predicts appropriate implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) shocks in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and explored modulators of risk.
Methods and Results: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 215 consecutive patients with ICDs for primary prevention having a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35%. Mean age at ICD implantation was 61.0 ± 9.7 years and 17% were women. Overall, 22 patients (10.2%) experienced appropriate ICD shocks over a follow‐up of 1.3 ± 0.7 years, corresponding to an actuarial event‐rate of 5.8% per year. In univariate analysis, AF was associated with a 3.6‐fold increased risk of appropriate shocks (P = 0.0037). Annual rates of appropriate ICD shocks in patients with and without AF were 12.9% and 3.5%, respectively (P = 0.0200). In multivariate stepwise Cox regression analyses controlling for baseline imbalances, demographic parameters, underlying heart disease, and therapy, history of AF independently predicted appropriate shocks (hazard ratio 2.7, P = 0.0278). Prolonged QRS duration (>130 ms) and QTc (>440 ms) modulated the effect of AF on appropriate shocks. Patients with both AF and QRS > 130 ms were more than five times more likely to receive an appropriate ICD shock (hazard ratio 5.4, P = 0.0396). Patients with AF and QTc > 440 ms experienced a greater than 12‐fold increased risk of appropriate shocks (hazard ratio 12.7, P = 0.0177).
Conclusion: In prophylactic ICD recipients with left ventricular dysfunction, AF is associated with increased risk for ventricular tachyarrhythmias, particularly when combined with conduction and/or repolarization abnormalities.
Importance of Baseline Potency Rate Assessment of Men Diagnosed with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer Prior to Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Salomon Georg , Isbarn Hendrik , Budaeus Lars , Schlomm Thorsten , Briganti Alberto , Steuber Thomas , Heinzer Hans , Haese Alexander , Graefen Markus , Karakiewicz Pierre I , Huland Hartwig , Chun Felix 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common, and multifactorial medical problem with significant impact on quality of life. Knowledge about baseline potency is highly important in men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer (PCa) as it might influence judgments about impact of treatment and thereby treatment decisions.

Aims
To analyze the baseline potency rate of men with clinically localized PCa prior to radical prostatectomy (RP). Furthermore, it was of interest to identify comorbid factors of preoperative ED.

Main Outcome Measure
Preavalence of preoperative ED and association between comorbidities and ED in men prior to RP in bi- and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of a large single center cohort of 1,330 evaluable PCa patients who were preoperatively assessed with the abridged 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) also described as Sexual Health Inventory for Men. Baseline potency and comorbidity rates, and their distribution were described. The risk of baseline ED associated with age, body mass index (BMI), the presence of hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP), non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), hypertension, and depression were analyzed in bi- and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results
Using the IIEF-5 cutoff value of 21, 48% demonstrated some degree of ED. Severe, moderate, mild to moderate, mild, and no ED was observed in 9.2, 4.0, 10.2, 24.7, and 52% respectively. In univariable analyses, ED significantly increased according to increasing age, BMI, presence of HLP, hypertension, NIDDM, and depression (P ≤ 0.045). In multivariable analysis, age, BMI, NIDDM, and depression represented independent risk factors of baseline ED (all P ≤ 0.005).

Conclusions
It is important to note that one in two men diagnosed with a clinically localized PCa experiences some degree of baseline ED of which 23.4% are moderate to severe prior to local therapy. Age, BMI, NIDDM, and presence of depression represent important independent risk factors of baseline ED.
The Genetics and Epidemiology of Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Review
Authors: Burri Andrea V. , Cherkas Lynn M. , Spector Tim D. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is an often underestimated and common problem with serious effects on women’s quality of life. Despite a high overall prevalence in the female population—exceeding that of male sexual dysfunction—until recently, little research has focused on this area. In contrast to the successful advances of genetic research in a wide variety of human diseases, genetic exploration in FSD lags far behind.

Aim
The aim of this review is to acquaint the reader with the current behavioral and molecular genetic research in the field of FSD.

Methods
Because of the heterogeneity of the included studies, we are providing a nonsystematic review.

Results
Recent epidemiological and candidate gene studies have suggested a strong genetic influence on female sexual functioning. While these findings provide a clear rationale for more genetic research in the field, they need to be replicated on a much larger scale to be definitive.

Conclusions
Successful identification of biomarkers and novel genes underlying FSD should improve the diagnosis, identification, and treatment of different subgroups. Future pharmacotherapeutic approaches to FSD will benefit from novel targets and the concept that individual variations have a genetic component may help destigmatize our views of sexual problems.
An Exploration of the Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Cortisol Rhythms in Colorado Ranchers
Authors: Schulze Emily , Laudenslager Mark , Coussons‐Read Mary 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT:
Context: Although the effects of stress on health have been studied in numerous urban‐dwelling populations, fewer studies have addressed these effects in rural populations, such as farmers and ranchers. Purpose: The present study focuses on seasonal levels of depressed affect and perceived stress in Western Colorado ranchers, and how those phenomena related to their levels of cortisol. Methods: Twenty‐one (21) ranchers, who were permittees on the Colorado Grand Mesa, completed the study. Participants identified 2‐week time periods during the year representing relative high, medium, and low stress. During each period, participants took saliva samples, rated stress levels, and completed a daily health diary. In addition, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II), the perceived stress scale (PSS), and a life events scale (LES) were administered. Results: Results showed a strong relationship between BDI‐II and PSS scores (r = 0.748, P < .01). The decreased daytime cortisol decline supports the notion that the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis negative feedback loop is disrupted in chronic stress and depression, thus resulting in chronically elevated cortisol levels. Conclusion: This study supports the relationship between stress, depression, and HPA dysregulation in ranchers.
Malpractice Burden, Rural Location, and Discontinuation of Obstetric Care: A Study of Obstetric Providers in Michigan
Authors: Xu Xiao , Siefert Kristine A. , Jacobson Peter D. , Lori Jody R. , Gueorguieva Iana , Ransom Scott B. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT:
Context: It has long been a concern that professional liability problems disproportionately affect the delivery of obstetrical services to women living in rural areas. Michigan, a state with a large number of rural communities, is considered to be at risk for a medical liability crisis. Purpose: This study examined whether higher malpractice burden on obstetric providers was associated with an increased likelihood of discontinuing obstetric care and whether there were rural‐urban differences in the relationship. Methods: Data on 500 obstetrician‐gynecologists and family physicians who had provided obstetric care at some point in their career (either currently or previously) were obtained from a statewide survey in Michigan. Statistical tests and multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the interrelationship among malpractice burden, rural location, and discontinuation of obstetric care. Findings: After adjusting for other factors that might influence a physician's decision about whether to stop obstetric care, our results showed no significant impact of malpractice burden on physicians’ likelihood to discontinue obstetric care. Rural‐urban location of the practice did not modify the nature of this relationship. However, family physicians in rural Michigan had a nearly 4‐fold higher likelihood of withdrawing obstetric care when compared with urban family physicians. Conclusions: The higher likelihood of rural family physicians to discontinue obstetric care should be carefully weighed in future interventions to preserve obstetric care supply. More research is needed to better understand the practice environment of rural family physicians and the reasons for their withdrawal from obstetric care.