bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geriatrics Attitudes and Knowledge Among Surgical and Medical Subspecialty House Officers
Authors: Krain Lewis P. , Fitzgerald J. Thomas , Halter Jeffrey B. , Williams Brent C. 
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVES: To examine geriatrics knowledge and attitudes of non‐primary care house officers (HOs) before and after a multidisciplinary faculty development program.DESIGN: Serial cross‐sectional surveys.PARTICIPANTS: HOs.SETTING: A large midwestern academic medical center.INTERVENTION: Faculty from seven surgical and six medical subspecialties participated in weekly seminars for 9 months and implemented geriatrics curricula in their HO programs.MEASUREMENTS: HO geriatrics attitudes and knowledge were measured using the University of California at Los Angeles Geriatrics Attitudes Scale (GAS; 14 items), two scales of the Maxwell Sullivan test (Therapeutic Potential and Time/Energy; six items each; lower scores denote more‐favorable attitudes), and the Geriatrics Clinical Knowledge Assessment (20 multiple choice items; range 0–100%). Repeat surveys were administered in seven disciplines after geriatrics curriculum implementation.RESULTS: Baseline (n=175) geriatrics attitudes were favorable (e.g., 3.7 for GAS; 2.1 for Time/Energy), with more‐favorable attitudes among medical subspecialty than surgical HOs (e.g., mean GAS 3.8 and 3.6, respectively; P=.001), and with advanced training. Mean baseline knowledge scores were 65.1% among all HOs. No differences in attitudes or knowledge were observed between the first (n=100) and second (n=90) cohorts in the seven disciplines that administered subsequent tests.CONCLUSION: Geriatrics attitudes of non‐primary care HOs are positive, and knowledge is moderate, suggesting need for and potential effect of geriatrics curricula. Demonstrating effects on learner outcomes of faculty development programs may require more than one faculty member per discipline and measures that are curriculum‐specific and detailed rather than general and brief.
Twice‐daily plasma exchange for patients with refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: the experience of the Oklahoma Registry, 1989 through 2006
Authors: Nguyen Loan , Li Xiaoning , Duvall Deanna , Terrell Deirdra R. , Vesely Sara K. , George James N. 
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: Twice‐daily plasma exchange has been used for patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) who are unresponsive to treatment with daily plasma exchange for many years but with no clear evidence of effectiveness.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The 18 years' experience of The Oklahoma TTP‐HUS (hemolytic‐uremic syndrome) Registry, 1989 through 2006, with twice‐daily plasma exchange for 31 episodes of TTP in 28 patients is reported. A definite response to twice‐daily plasma exchange was defined a priori as a platelet (PLT) count increase after twice‐daily plasma exchange on two separate occasions during the treatment of a single episode of TTP, with no change of other treatments. A possible response was defined as a PLT count increase after initiation of twice‐daily plasma exchange only once with or without change of other treatments.RESULTS: A definite response to twice‐daily plasma exchange occurred in 3 episodes (three patients), 27 episodes had a possible response, and 1 episode had no response. The three patients with a definite response had ADAMTS13 activities of 5, 6, and 12 percent and all had an inhibitor; the patient with no response was subsequently determined to have Rocky Mountain spotted fever.CONCLUSION: Twice‐daily plasma exchange was typically considered in acutely ill patients who had initially responded but then severe thrombocytopenia recurred, often with new neurologic abnormalities, while continuing daily plasma exchange. In three patients, twice‐daily plasma exchange appeared to be beneficial. In most patients, a benefit of twice‐daily plasma exchange could not be clearly documented because other treatments were initiated or intensified.
Erythroid urea transporter deficiency due to novel JKnull alleles
Authors: Wester Elisabet S. , Johnson Susan T. , Copeland Tama , Malde Ranjan , Lee Edmond , Storry Jill R. , Olsson Martin L. 
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: The Kidd blood group antigens Jka and Jkb are encoded by the red blood cell (RBC) urea transporter gene. Homozygosity for silent JK alleles results in the rare Jk(a–b–) phenotype. To date, seven JKnull alleles have been identified, and of these, two are more frequent in the Polynesians and Finns. This study reports the identification of other JKnull alleles in Jk(a–b–) individuals of different ethnic or geographic origins.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nine Jk(a–b–) samples and a sample from a Jk(a–b+) mother of a Jk(a+b–) baby were investigated. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequence analysis of the JK gene was performed. Western blotting and urea lysis were used to confirm Jk(a–b–) RBCs.RESULTS: Four novel alleles were identified: two different nonsense mutations, 202C>T (Gln68Stop) and 723delA (Ile262Stop) were identified on otherwise consensus JK*1 and JK*2 alleles, respectively. A missense mutation, 956C>T (Thr319Met), was identified in a JK*1 allele from an African‐American and a JK*2 allele in two people of subcontinental Indian descent. Immunoblotting and urea lysis confirmed absence of JK glycoprotein in RBC membranes from a sample carrying the 956C>T mutation. Other previously described JKnull mutations were found in samples of origins other than in which they were first identified.CONCLUSION: The molecular bases of the Jk(a–b–) phenotype are diverse and this is the first report of JKnull alleles in individuals of African and subcontinental Indian descent. Although rare, these alleles should be taken into consideration when planning genotyping strategies for blood donors and patients.
Rationale and Design of ATHENA: A Placebo‐Controlled, Double‐Blind, Parallel Arm Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Dronedarone 400 mg Bid for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Hospitalization or Death from Any Cause in PatiENts with Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter
Authors: HOHNLOSER STEFAN H. , CONNOLLY STUART J. , CRIJNS HARRY J.G.M. , PAGE RICHARD L. , SEIZ WERNER , TORP‐PETERSEN CHRISTIAN 
Published: November 2007

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly encountered clinical arrhythmia, predominantly affecting elderly patients. There is a continued need for new antiarrhythmic drugs to treat the ever‐increasing number of patients with this arrhythmia. Dronedarone is a new antiarrhythmic compound currently being developed for treatment of AF. Methods: The ATHENA trial (A placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, parallel arm Trial to assess the efficacy of dronedarone 400 mg bid for the prevention of cardiovascular Hospitalization or death from any cause in patiENts with Atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter) is the largest single antiarrhythmic drug trial ever conducted. More than 4,600 patients with a history of AF or atrial flutter (AFL) have been randomized to receive dronedarone 400 mg bid or matching placebo. The primary study endpoint is time to first cardiovascular hospitalization or death from any cause. The study has completed patient enrollment in December 2006 and is expected to end follow‐up 1 year later. Conclusion: ATHENA will be the largest efficacy and safety trial of dronedarone, a multichannel blocker compound with properties from class I, II, III, and IV antiarrhythmic drugs developed to treat patients with AF.
Life‐Threatening Left Atrial Wall Hematoma Secondary to a Pulmonary Vein Laceration: An Unusual Complication of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: ECHAHIDI NAJMEDDINE , PHILIPPON FRANÇOIS , O'HARA GILLES , CHAMPAGNE JEAN 
Published: November 2007

Background: Several complications may occur during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). We report an unusual case of left atrial wall hematoma without pericardial effusion secondary to a right inferior pulmonary vein (PV) laceration. The use of real‐time transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during the procedure can be useful for early detection of this potentially lethal complication. Case report: A 49‐year‐old woman was referred for AF ablation. Her past medical history included severe systemic lupus with chronic renal failure treated with immunosuppressive and steroid drugs. A TEE‐guided hybrid approach for AF ablation was performed with circular PV lesions and antrum and ostial electrical isolation. While performing the mitral isthmus line, the TEE showed a growing hematoma at the posterior left atrial wall. Rapidly, left atrium (LA) collapse associated with hemodynamic compromise occurred without any pericardial effusion. The patient was brought to the operating room. No pericardial effusion was seen at the time of surgery. The cardiac exploration showed a right inferior PV laceration. The visual inspection of the LA revealed thin and friable tissue. The patient survived. After 25 months of follow‐up, she is still free from symptomatic AF. Conclusions: Left atrial wall hematoma without pericardial effusion is a rare and life‐threatening complication after catheter‐based AF ablation. TEE is a valuable monitoring tool to accurately diagnose several acute complications and prompt rapid intervention.
The Morphology Changes in Limb Leads after Ablation of Verapamil‐Sensitive Idiopathic Left Ventricular Tachycardia and Their Correlation with Recurrence
Authors: YAO SHU‐YUAN , CHU JIAN‐MIN , FANG PI‐HUA , ZHANG KUI‐JUN , MA JIAN , ZHANG SHU 
Published: November 2007

Objectives: This study was designed to explore the morphology changes in limb leads of ECGs after successful ablation of verapamil sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) and their correlation with tachycardia recurrence. Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2006, 116 patients who underwent successful ablation of ILVT were included in the study. Twelve‐lead surface ECG recordings during sinus rhythm were obtained in all patients before and after ablation to compare morphology changes in limb leads. Results: The ECG morphology changes after ablation were divided into two categories: one with new or deepening Q wave in inferior leads and/or disappearance of Q wave in leads I and aVL, and the other without change. The changes in any Lead II, III, or aVF after ablation occurred significantly more in patients without recurrence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) (P < 0.0001, 0.002, and 0.0001, respectively). The patients with recurrence of VT tended to have no ECG changes, compared with those without recurrence of VT (P = 0.009). The sensitivity of leads II, III, and aVF changes in predicting nonrecurrence VT were 66.7%, 78.7%, and 79.6%, specificity were 100%, 75%, and 87.5%, and nonrecurrence predictive value of 100%, 97.7%, and 98.9%, respectively. When inferior leads changes were combined, they could predict all nonrecurrence patients with 100% specificity. Conclusions: Successful radiofrequency ablation of ILVT could result in morphology changes in limb leads of ECG, especially in inferior leads. The combined changes in inferior leads can be used as an effective endpoint in ablation of this ILVT.
Variability in Post‐Pacing Intervals Predicts Global Atrial Activation Pattern During Tachycardia
Authors: COLOMBOWALA ILYAS K. , MASSUMI ALI , RASEKH ABDI , SAEED MOHAMMAD , CHENG JIE , FAKHRI BITA , SHURAIH MOSSAAB , RAZAVI MEHDI 
Published: November 2007

Introduction:
Knowledge of the global atrial activation pattern is critical to ablation of an atrial arrhythmia. We hypothesized that the variability in post‐pacing intervals (PPIs) with pacing at different cycle lengths (CLs) from the same pacing site, regardless of distance to the circuit, can be used to identify atrial activation patterns during tachycardia.
Methods and Results:
Consecutive patients referred for ablation of organized atrial arrhythmias were included (n = 28, 31 total tachycardias). The variability in PPIs (PPIV) was calculated by comparing the difference in PPIs after overdrive pacing with 5‐second trains 10, 20, and 30 ms shorter than the tachycardia cycle length (TCL). The global activation pattern was defined as circuitous (macroreentrant atrial circuit) or centrifugal (focal origin with centrifugal radiation) by electroanatomic mapping. Except for one case, all pacing was performed from the proximal coronary sinus bipole. Circuitous tachycardias (n = 17, all macro‐reentrant) exhibited minimal variability with pacing at 10 ms and 30 ms shorter than TCL (6.0 ± 2.5 ms), whereas centrifugal tachycardias (n = 14, 8 microreentrant) displayed a high degree of variability (56.5 ± 20.6 ms). Rank sum analysis of PPIV suggests that the two groups are indeed distinct (P < 0.001). Using PPIV cutoffs of ≤10 ms and ≥30 ms, circuitous and centrifugal activation patterns could be distinguished with a high degree of sensitivity (94% circuitous, 92.8% centrifugal) and 100% specificity.
Conclusions:
Our data support the use of PPIV to rapidly and accurately predict the global activation pattern during atrial arrhythmia.
Heritability of QT Interval: How Much Is Explained by Genes for Resting Heart Rate?
Authors: DALAGEORGOU CHRYSOULA , GE DONGLIANG , JAMSHIDI YALDA , NOLTE ILJA M. , RIESE HARRIËTTE , SAVELIEVA IRINA , CARTER NICHOLAS D. , SPECTOR TIM D. , SNIEDER HAROLD 
Published: November 2007

Introduction:
Objective of this study was to determine the optimal (most heritable) phenotype for gene finding studies of QT interval in the general population. We also studied the extent to which heritability of QT interval can be explained by genes that also influence resting heart rate.
Methods and Results:
Subjects in this classic twin study were 105 monozygotic and 256 dizygotic female twin pairs (mean age: 49.9 ± 11.5). ECG parameters were measured electronically using the Cardiofax ECG‐9020. Quantitative genetic modeling was performed with Mx software. Best‐fitting univariate models showed significant heritabilities for resting heart rate (0.55, 95% CI: 0.44–0.65), uncorrected QT interval (0.60, 95% CI: 0.49–0.69), and the Framingham QTc interval (0.50, 95% CI: 0.39–0.60). Familial resemblance of Bazett's QTc was best explained by shared environmental factors (0.34, 95% CI: 0.24–0.43) rather than genes. Simultaneously modeling heart rate and the uncorrected QT interval confirmed considerable heritabilities of 56% and 60%, respectively. Forty‐four percent of the variance in QT interval was due to genes in common with heart rate, whereas 16% was due to genes specific to QT interval. The heritability of QT interval after the removal of effects shared with heart rate within the bivariate model (cf. QTc) was 51%.
Conclusion:
About a quarter of the QT interval heritability is due to genes specific for QT interval, while the majority is shared with genes for heart rate. Differences in QTc heritability estimates indicate that use of correction formulae is best avoided in gene finding studies to avoid erroneous results.
Charring does not affect wood infestation by subterranean termites
Authors: Peterson C.J. , Gerard P.D. , Wagner T.L. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractFire is an important part of forest ecosystems, as is the insect fauna. Changes in wood brought about by fire may alter the ability of termites to use the wood, interrupting the decay cycle of woody debris. The ability of termites to find, infest, and feed upon wood after it had been charred was evaluated in the laboratory and field. Eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), fed on char from burned wood had significantly reduced numbers of protozoa compared to termites fed on pine shavings, but significantly more than starved termites. The ability of termites to find and infest wood was not affected by surface charring. In a laboratory choice test, there were no significant differences in the onset of feeding by termites between charred and non‐charred wood boards. Likewise in the field, no differences were observed in the time to initial attack by termites on charred and non‐charred wood boards or bolts. Because termites will likely survive fires of low to moderate intensity, in most cases, there should be no disruption of the termite contribution to forest nutrient and carbon cycles.
A Prospective Multicenter Study Using Two Different Surgical Approaches in the Mandible with Turned Brånemark Implants: Conventional Loading Using Fixed Prostheses
Authors: Becktor Jonas P. , Isaksson Sten , Billström Camilla 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTBackground:  The use of a submerged implant system in a nonsubmerged surgical procedure has been reported to have promising results. At the time this study was initiated, no prospective, comparative studies with randomization between submerged and nonsubmerged surgical techniques had been published.Purpose:  To evaluate the submerged and nonsubmerged surgical techniques when treating mandibular edentulism using a submerged implant system, with regard to implant survival and complications.Materials and Methods:  A total of 77 patients were included and treated at nine clinics in Sweden and Norway. In total, 404 Brånemark System implants (standard and MkII implants) were inserted in the edentulous mandible; 198 implants according to the nonsubmerged protocol and 206 implants according to the traditional submerged procedure. The follow‐up period was up to 36 months after prosthesis insertion.Results:  In the nonsubmerged group, 17 implants out of 198 implants (8.6%) were lost and in the submerged group, 5 out of 206 implants (2.4%) were lost. All implant failures occurred before the delivery of the final prosthesis. No major complications were reported during the implant surgery. However, at the clinical check‐up postoperatively and at the abutment connection surgery, 6 patients in the nonsubmerged group complained of pain at the implant sites, whereas there were no complaints of pain in the submerged group.Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that a turned Brånemark implant designed for a submerged implant placement procedure can be used in a nonsubmerged procedure and may be as predictable as the conventional submerged approach.
OXIDATION OF FATS AND OILS IN INSTANT NOODLES STORED UNDER VARIOUS CONDITIONS
Authors: GOTOH NAOHIRO , IWASAWA AI , WATANABE HIROYUKI , OSATO REIKO , WADA SHUN 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT Changes in the peroxide value (PV) in instant noodles stored under various conditions were carefully analyzed to examine the oxidation of fat and oils in instant noodles and to evaluate the importance of the maximal 30 mequiv/kg PV standard value in the Food Sanitation Law in Japan from a food safety point of view. The changes in PV in instant noodles stored at 40 to 60C gradually increased and then rapidly increased after exceeding approximately 30 mequiv/kg, regardless of the oxidation temperature. This finding indicates that the PV standard value is meaningful for suppressing the oxidation‐induced formation of toxic compounds. The relationships among PV, acid value (AV, amount of free fatty acid) and p‐anisidine value (AnV, amount of secondary oxidized products in the oil) in oxidized instant noodles were investigated. There was no significant relationship between PV and AV, and AV and AnV. In contrast, there was a significant relationship between PV and AnV. These results indicate that PV measurements are useful for predicting the formation of toxic compounds, particularly the secondary oxidized products of the oil, and measurements of both PV and AV are very important to accurately determine food deterioration level.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIn this study, changes in peroxide value (PV) in oxidized instant noodles under various conditions were investigated. The results showed that a sudden increase in PV occurred after PV exceeded 30 mequiv/kg in instant noodles. The oxidized fats and oils are toxic. Thus, suppressing the formation of oxidized compounds from fats and oils in food is an important matter in terms of toxicity. Acid value (AV) is used as a factor for monitoring the degree of oxidation in instant noodles in the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX); however, AV does not directly indicate the amount of oxidized compound. Therefore, PV, which is deeply related to the formation of oxidized product must also be used. The results obtained in this experiment propose that PV must be adopted as the standard factor in the evaluation of oxidation of instant noodles, in CODEX, and the upper limit will be determined as 30 mequiv/kg.
INFLUENCE OF STEARIDONIC ACID ON LIPOPROTEIN SECRETION AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION IN HEPG2 CELLS
Authors: PARK YEONHWA , ALBRIGHT KAREN J. , STORKSON JAYNE M. , LIU WEI , PARK YOOHEON , PARIZA MICHAEL W. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT The health benefits of ω‐3 fatty acids, particularly fish oils, are well known. It is generally recommended to obtain ω‐3 fatty acids from fatty fish; however, the possible contaminants in fish products may deter this. Thus, supplements of ω‐3 fatty acids from plant‐originated lipids may be of interest. Among these, α‐linolenic acid (ALA) and stearidonic acid (SDA) have drawn attention. Thus, the purpose of this research was to test the possible conversion of these fatty acids, particularly SDA, to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) using a human hepatoma cell line, HepG2 cells. In addition, even though ω‐3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce hyperlipidemia, the effects on lipoprotein metabolism are relatively inconsistent. Thus, we also tested ω‐3 fatty acids along with SDA on apolipoprotein A and B (apo A and B) secretion from this cell line. The results obtained suggest that both ALA and SDA were converted to EPA and they increased apo B secretion, while having no effect on apo A secretion, similar to the effects of EPA and docosahexaenoic acid. Thus, it may be concluded that SDA can be a possible candidate for use as a precursor for EPA and its effect on lipoproteins was similar to that of EPA. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis study suggests the possible use of stearidonic and α‐linolenic acids from plant‐originated fat as precursors for eicosapentaenoic acid, promoting health benefits as alternatives for fish consumption.