bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induced Atrial Tachycardia After Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Electrophysiological Characteristics and Impact of Catheter Ablation on the Follow‐Up Results
Authors: CHANG SHIH‐LIN , LIN YENN‐JIANG , TAI CHING‐TAI , LO LI‐WEI , TUAN TA‐CHUAN , UDYAVAR AMEYA R. , HU YU‐FENG , CHIANG SHUO‐JU , WONGCHAROEN WANWARANG , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , UENG KWO‐CHANG , HIGA SATOSHI , LEE PI‐CHANG , CHEN SHIH‐ANN 
Published: November 2008

Introduction:
Atrial tachycardia (AT), including focal and reentrant AT, can occur after circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI). The aim of this study was to investigate the electrophysiological characteristics of induced AT and its clinical outcome.
Methods and Results:
In our series of 160 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), 45 ATs were induced by high‐current burst pacing after CPVI in 26 patients. All induced ATs were mapped using a three‐dimensional (3D) mapping system. Noninducibility was the endpoint of the ablation of the AT. Gap‐related AT was considered if the AT was related to the CPVI lesions. A 16‐slice multidetector computed tomography scan was performed in all patients to correlate the anatomical structure with electroanatomical mapping. Thirty‐five (78%) reentrant ATs and 10 (22%) focal ATs were identified. Of those, 34 were gap‐related ATs (24 reentrant and 10 focal ATs). Reentrant AT had more gaps in the left atrial appendage ridge than did focal AT (39.6% vs 0%, P = 0.02). Focal AT had a higher incidence of gap in the PV carina compared with reentrant AT (80% vs 10%, P < 0.001). Reentrant ATs were mostly terminated during the ablation creating the mitral and roof lines with crossing of the gaps. During a mean follow‐up of 21 ± 8 months, only one patient (0.6%) with induced mitral reentry had a recurrent AT.
Conclusion:
The location of the AT gap may be related with the complex anatomy of the LA. The induced ATs after CPVI can be eliminated by catheter ablation.
Agricultural Sustainability, Water Pollution, and Governmental Regulations: Lessons from the Sugar Creek Farmers in Ohio
Authors: Moore Richard H. , Parker Jason Shaw , Weaver Mark 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAgricultural sustainability requires that farmers must face an entanglement of regulations regarding not only conservation measures but also water quality. These entail learning the intricacies of conservation measures and water qualities as legally defined by the USDA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as dealing with the bureaucracy of multiple agencies and paperwork. The lessons from the Sugar Creek Watershed in Ohio, classified as Ohio's second most polluted watershed, include proactive behavior based on a partnership between farmers and university researchers. The farmers had to confront the regulations of the EPA and in so doing insisted on high‐density sampling to find out whether their own farms had polluted the watershed. The researchers who teamed with them were unexpectedly led into new headwaters and participatory research areas. The farmers were able to improve their profitability while decreasing pollution levels through innovative and culturally based solutions. This case, presently endorsed as a model by both the EPA and the USDA, is being replicated in Ohio and has the potential for replication in other states and countries.
The Southern Model of Broiler Production and Its Global Implications
Authors: Constance Douglas H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper introduces the concept of the Southern Model of broiler production as the preferred organizational form in the global agrifood system. A synthesis of existing works on the broiler industry combined with new information documenting its global diffusion is used to develop the concept of the Southern Model. The analysis of events supports a flexible accumulation over flexible specialization interpretation of the globalization of the Southern Model. The investigation of the historical development and diffusion of the Southern Model warrants special attention from researchers concerned with the socioeconomic implications of the global restructuring of the agrifood system.
How many well vs. unwell days can you expect over 10 years, once you become depressed?
Authors: Furukawa T. A. , Yoshimura R. , Harai H. , Imaizumi T. , Takeuchi H. , Kitamura T. , Takahashi K. 
Published: November 2008

Objective:  Prognostic studies of major depression have mainly focused on episode remission and relapse, and only a limited number of studies have examined long‐term course of depressive symptomatology at threshold and subthreshold levels.Method:  The Group for Longitudinal Affective Disorders Study has conducted prospective serial assessments of a cohort of heretofore untreated major depressive episodes for 10 years under naturalistic conditions.Results:  Of the 94 patients in the cohort, the follow‐up rate was 70% of the 11 280 person‐months. Around 77% of the follow‐up months were spent in euthymia, 16% in subthreshold depression and 7% in major depression. Duration of the index episode before reaching recovery was the only significant predictor of the ensuing well time.Conclusion:  On average, patients with major depression starting treatment today may expect to spend three quarters of the next decade in euthymia but the remaining one quarter in subthrehold or threshold depression.
Regional gray matter reduction and theory of mind deficit in the early phase of schizophrenia: a voxel‐based morphometric study
Authors: Herold R. , Feldmann Á. , Simon M. , Tényi T. , Kövér F. , Nagy F. , Varga E. , Fekete S. 
Published: November 2008

Objective:  We tested the association between theory of mind (ToM) performance and structural changes in the brains of patients in the early course of schizophrenia.Method:  Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) data of 18 patients with schizophrenia were compared with those of 21 controls. ToM skills were assessed by computerized faux pas (FP) tasks.Results:  Patients with schizophrenia performed significantly worse in FP tasks than healthy subjects. VBM revealed significantly reduced gray matter density in certain frontal, temporal and subcortical regions in patients with schizophrenia. Poor FP performance of schizophrenics correlated with gray matter reduction in the left orbitofrontal cortex and right temporal pole.Conclusion:  Our data indicate an association between poor ToM performance and regional gray matter reduction in the left orbitofrontal cortex and right temporal pole shortly after the onset of schizophrenia.
Differential effects of bone graft substitutes on regeneration of bone marrow
Authors: Schwartz Z. , Doukarsky‐Marx T. , Nasatzky E. , Goultschin J. , Ranly D. M. , Greenspan D. C. , Sela J. , Boyan B. D. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground: This study used a rat tibial marrow ablation model to test the hypothesis that bone remodeling within the medullary canal varies with bone graft materials of different chemical compositions and structural properties, impacting marrow cavity restoration. Bone graft materials were selected based on their relative resorption or degradation in vivo and their osteogenic properties.Methods: Following ablation of the right tibial marrow in male Sabra‐strain rats, materials were implanted in the proximal marrow cavity: poly‐d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide 75 : 25 (PLGA); coralline‐hydroxyapatite (HA), calcium‐sulfate (CaSO4), collagen–HA–tricalcium phosphate granules, anorganic bovine bone mineral, demineralized bone matrix (DBM), 45S5 Bioglass (BG), PLGA with BG 50 : 50, PLGA : BG 80 : 20, and PLGA and PLGA:BG 50 : 50 plus bone marrow (BM). Control tibias were ablated but received no implants. At 2 (endosteal bone healing), 4 (marrow cavity remodeling) and 8 weeks (marrow restoration), six to eight animals per group were euthanized and tibias processed for histomorphometry of proximal and distal medullary canals.Results: Control tibias showed primary bone in proximal and distal medullary canals at 2 weeks, with trabeculae surrounded by cellular marrow. At 4 and 8 weeks, control trabeculae were thinned and marrow had more fat cells. In the treated tibias, trabecular bone volume (TBV) varied with time and was material specific. Most implants supported comparable TBV at 2 weeks. Sites with CaSO4 or DBM exhibited decreased TBV with time whereas trabecular bone was retained in proximal tibias containing other materials, closely juxtaposed to the implants. TBV did not always correlate directly with implant volume, but changes in BM volume were correlated inversely with TBV. Addition of BM increased marrow restoration in sites containing PLGA; however, BM reduced restoration of marrow when added to PLGA : BG. Although the presence of implants in the proximal tibia resulted in retention of trabecular bone, there was a time‐dependent reduction in TBV in distal canals; the rate and extent of the distal TBV reduction were implant dependent.Conclusions: Thus, although many materials can support bone formation in the marrow cavity, bone quality, quantity, and physical relationship to the implant, and its rate of resorption differ in a material‐dependent manner, resulting in differences in the restoration of marrow.Clinical relevance: Bone graft materials should be selected not only for their ability to support new bone formation but also for their impact on the remodeling phase of bone healing.
Immediate functional loading of TiOblast dental implants in full‐arch edentulous maxillae: a 3‐year prospective study
Authors: Collaert Bruno , De Bruyn Hugo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIntroduction: Immediate functional loading of dental implants for full‐arch restoration is a patient‐friendly approach, shown to be feasible with a good long‐term prognosis in a completely edentulous mandible. For the complete restoration of the maxilla, acceptable long‐term clinical follow‐up is lacking or based on case reports rather than on prospective studies.Objectives: This prospective mono‐centre study reports the 3‐year outcome of immediately functionally loaded Astra Tech Dental implants in completely edentulous maxillae based on clinical survival and success based on radiographical assessment of bone level.Material and methods: One hundred and ninety‐five Astra Tech TiOblast surface fixtures were installed in 25 consecutively treated patients (age range: 42–76 years), of whom eight were smokers, 12 had a confirmed history of periodontitis and six had poor bone quality normally deemed for delayed loading. Fixtures and abutments were inserted in a one‐stage procedure and functionally loaded within 24 h with a 10‐unit provisional glass‐fibre or metal‐reinforced screw‐retained restoration. After 6 months, each implant was checked for stability using a manual torque of 20 N cm and the provisional restoration was replaced by a 10–12‐unit screw‐retained metal–ceramic or metal–resin cantilever bridge. Bone level was assessed radiographically from the day of surgery up to 3 years and used to calculate mean bone loss at the patient level and individual implant success.Results: No failures occurred in implants or prostheses, the total survival rate being 100%. Mean marginal bone loss was 0.58 mm (SD 0.58); 0.6 mm (SD 0.53); 0.63 (SD 0.61); and 0.72 (SD 0.63) after 6 and 12 months, and 2 and 3 years, respectively, yielding a 100% success at the patient level. Wilcoxon's signed ranks test showed only statistically significant bone loss between baseline and 6 months and a steady‐state condition during all other intervals. At the individual fixture level, 82% lost <1 mm marginal bone between baseline and 1 year. After 3 years, 86% have <1.5 mm total bone loss and can be considered a success. The fixtures expressing more bone loss were all inserted in smokers.Conclusion: Immediate loading of a full‐arch maxillary bridgework on 7–9 Astra Tech TiOblast implants is a predictable treatment option with 100% fixture survival and stable bone‐to‐implant contact up to 3 years. The steady state in bone remodelling is indicative of a good long‐term prognosis in non‐smokers but smokers seem to be more prone to bone loss.
Marginal accuracy of combined tooth–implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses after in vitro stress simulation
Authors: Boeckler Arne F. , Morton Dean , Kraemer Stephan , Geiss‐Gerstdorfer Juergen , Setz Juergen M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectives: Caries, periodontal disease, and peri‐implant inflammation caused by deficient marginal adaptation of fixed prostheses are reasons for clinical failure of combined tooth–implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (TISFDP). This in vitro study examined the marginal accuracy in TISFDP after simulated stress in an artificial oral environment.Materials and methods: Twelve three‐unit TISFDPs were fabricated using a high noble alloy on models containing a human premolar with an artificial periodontium and an implant. Four three‐unit tooth‐supported prostheses (TSFDP) represented the control group. The experimental TISFDPs (four per group) were luted with three different cements: group 1, zinc phosphate; group 2, glass ionomer; group 3, self‐adhesive resin. The specimens were mechanically loaded (1.2 million cycles/50 N) and thermally cycled (8000 cycles with 5/55°C). The vertical marginal gap was measured before and after cementation, after chewing simulation and after thermal cycling by light microscopy (× 560). The results were subjected to statistical analysis (t‐test/one‐way analysis of variance/Bonferroni).Results: Significant increase (P≤0.05) in the marginal gap was found after cementation within the experimental TISFDPs (implants, 11.7–18.7 μm; teeth, 13.4–24.2 μm) and the control TSFDPs (28.5 μm). Comparison of groups 1 and 2 revealed significant differences for the teeth while comparison of the implants showed significant differences among all groups. Chewing simulation and thermal cycling caused statistically insignificant changes in the marginal gaps of the experimental as well as the control TSFDPs.Conclusion: The cementation of the TISFDPs with different luting materials caused a specific enlargement of the marginal gap in teeth and implants. Subsequent to simulated oral stress in an artificial oral environment, no significant changes of the marginal accuracy could be found.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐8 concentration in shallow crevices associated with the extent of periodontal disease
Authors: Passoja Anna , Ylipalosaari Merja , Tervonen Tellervo , Raunio Taina , Knuuttila Matti 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to analyse the association between matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) concentration in shallow, mostly non‐bleeding gingival crevices, and the extent of periodontal disease.Material and Methods: Plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and attachment level (AL) were assessed clinically in 48 patients with chronic periodontitis. MMP‐8 concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from four shallow (PPD3 mm), and four diseased sites and in serum, were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results: The mean concentration of MMP‐8 in GCF from shallow crevices was 11.8 ± 12.8 ng/ml and from diseased sites was 150.1 ± 91.8 ng/ml. In subjects with moderate to high plaque scores, a statistically significant association was found between MMP‐8 concentration from shallow crevices and the extent of AL4 mm (p=0.028) and AL6 mm (p<0.001).Conclusion: The above association between MMP‐8 concentration in shallow crevices and attachment loss provides a new aspect to future studies of MMP‐8 as a prognostic marker for periodontal disease.
A clinical study on the effects of cordless and conventional retraction techniques on the gingival and periodontal health
Authors: Al Hamad Khaled Q. , Azar Wesam Z. , Alwaeli Hayder A. , Said Khalid N. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim: To investigate the influence of two cordless techniques on the periodontium in comparison with conventional cords.Material and Methods: Dental students (n=60) with healthy gingival conditions were recruited – an expanding poly vinyl siloxane material (Magic Foam Cord®), a paste‐like material (Expasyl®), and a conventional retraction cord (Ultrapak®) were applied on the buccal aspects of three premolars of each subject. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival index (GI), plaque index, mobility, bleeding, and sensitivity were assessed at baseline, and at 1 and 7 days after application. Data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whittney tests (α=0.05).Results: The periodontal parameters were not statistically significant among the groups at all time intervals except for the GI, which was increased for all groups after 1 day. The highest was in Expasyl (p=0.011). After 7 days, the GI returned to a non‐significant level compared with baseline except for Expasyl, which was still significant (p=0.044). Expasyl induced sensitivity in four subjects. Bleeding was only induced by Ultrapak in 28.3% and 26.7% during and after retraction, respectively.Conclusions: All techniques caused a temporary gingival inflammation; the greatest was in Expasyl, which also showed slower recovery. Cordless techniques did not induce bleeding during or after retraction.
The perilesional skin in vitiligo: a colorimetric in vivo study of 25 patients
Authors: Brazzelli V. , Muzio F. , Antoninetti M. , Villani S. , Donadini F. , Altomare A. , Borroni G. 
Published: November 2008

Background: The aim of this work was to study in vivo the perilesional skin in vitiligo with a colorimetric method.Methods: Twenty‐five patients affected by vitiligo were included. For each patient, three different areas were considered: the lesional, the perilesional and the normal skin as far as 5 cm from the nearest vitiligo spot. Skin pigmentation measurements were performed with a chromameter.Results: The results showed that luminance L* decreased significantly in relation to increasing distance from the vitiligo spot. As expected, L* in the vitiligo spot was significantly higher than in the perilesional (P<0.0001) and normal skin (P<0.0001). There was a small difference in L* between normal skin as far as 5 cm from the nearest vitiligo spot and perilesional skin. In contrast, the pigmentation index (b*) gradually increased from lesional to perilesional to normal skin. Furthermore, the comparison of the b* value between the normal skin as far as 5 cm from the nearest vitiligo spot was higher than perilesional skin and it was statistically significant (P<0.0001).Conclusion: Our results in vivo underline that the perilesional skin near the vitiligo spot is lighter than normal skin as far as 5 cm from the vitiligo spot.
Impact of ultraviolet radiation on the expression of marker proteins of gap and adhesion junctions in human epidermis
Authors: Gambichler Thilo , Rotterdam Sebastian , Tigges Christian , Altmeyer Peter , Bechara Falk G. 
Published: November 2008

Aims/background: We aimed to investigate the impact of ultraviolet B (UVB) as well as UVA1 on the epidermal expression of specific markers of gap and adhesion junctions.Methods: Twelve healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. The back of the subjects was irradiated with three MED‐UVB as well as three MED‐UVA1. Twenty‐four hours later, punch biopsies were taken from irradiated and non‐irradiated skin. Immunohistochemical procedures were used for the detection of connexin 43, E‐cadherin, involucrin, Ki‐67 using specific antibodies.Results: Staining intensity of connexin 43 in UVB‐exposed skin was significantly increased when compared with non‐exposed and UVA1‐exposed sites. By contrast, staining intensity of E‐cadherin in UVB‐exposed skin was significantly decreased when compared with non‐exposed and UVA1‐exposed sites. Involucrin and Ki‐67 staining of keratinocytes was significantly increased in UVB‐exposed sites as compared with non‐exposed and UVA1‐irradiated sites.Conclusions: UVB significantly alters the epidermal expression of gap and adhesion junction proteins possibly indicating a role of these proteins in the regulation of UV‐induced inflammation and development and progression of skin cancer.
Effect of one session of ER:YAG laser ablation plus topical 5Fluorouracil on the outcome of short‐term NB‐UVB phototherapy in the treatment of non‐segmental vitiligo: a left–right comparative study
Authors: Anbar Tag S. , Westerhof Wiete , Abdel‐Rahman Amal T. , Ewis Ashraf A. , El‐Khayyat Mohamed A. 
Published: November 2008

Background: NB‐UVB phototherapy is a very important modality in treating vitiligo but the treatment course usually exceeds 1 year. Skin ablation with mechanical dermabrasion with 5Fluorouracil (5FU) was introduced to treat vitiligo in 1983. This was modified replacing the mechanical dermabrasion by erbium‐YAG (ER:YAG) laser ablation and resulted in better prognosis in periungual vitiligo.Purpose: In the present study, we are exploring the effect of the use of ER:YAG laser skin ablation and application of 5FU on the outcome of short‐term NB‐UVB therapy for patients with non‐segmental vitiligo (NSV).Methods: This study included 50 adult patients with a total of 65‐paired symmetrical NSV lesions in different body parts. One side was treated with ER:YAG laser ablation, followed by 5FU application before simultaneous NB‐UVB therapy of both sides for a maximum period of 4 months. The outcome was then evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively.Results: The overall response to therapy was better using the combination therapy. Fifty patients (78.1%) experienced a moderate‐marked repigmentation response in the combination group compared with 23.4% in the mono‐therapy group. The response was significantly higher when using the combination therapy in different body parts (P value is <0.05), except for feet lesions, which were better but not statistically significant (P value=0.15). Tolerable pain during ablation or at sites of 5FU application was reported in all cases. Transient hyperpigmentation occurred in 30% of cases and 3.1% of lesions healed by a transient slate blue color. Half of the treated periungual lesions showed a temporary tiny brownish spot on nail plates and Köebnerization was not detected in any patient.Conclusion: We concluded that prior use of ER:YAG laser skin ablation, followed by 5FU application before NB‐UVB phototherapy for vitiligo is a safe and tolerable technique that improves the outcome of short‐term NB‐UVB therapy and is expected to increase patient compliance.
Effect of HAART on salivary gland function in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS)
Authors: Navazesh M , Mulligan R , Karim R , Mack WJ , Ram S , Seirawan H , Greenspan J , Greenspan D , Phelan J , Alves M ,   The Oral Substudy of the WIHS Collaborative Study Group
Published: November 2008

Objective:  To determine the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on salivary gland function in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women from the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).Design:  Longitudinal cohort study.Subjects and methods:  A total of 668 HIV positive women from the WIHS cohort with an initial and at least one follow‐up oral sub‐study visit contributed 5358 visits. Salivary gland function was assessed based on a dry mouth questionnaire, whole unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates, salivary gland enlargement or tenderness and lack of saliva on palpation of the major salivary glands.Main outcome measures:  Changes in unstimulated and stimulated flow rates at any given visit from that of the immediate prior visit (continuous variables). The development of self‐reported dry mouth (present/absent), enlargement or tenderness of salivary glands (present/absent), and absence of secretion on palpation of the salivary glands were binary outcomes (yes/no).Results:  Protease Inhibitor (PI) based HAART was a significant risk factor for developing decreased unstimulated (P = 0.01) and stimulated (P = 0.0004) salivary flow rates as well as salivary gland enlargement (P = 0.006) as compared with non‐PI based HAART.Conclusions:  PI‐based HAART therapy is a significant risk factor for developing reduced salivary flow rates and salivary gland enlargement in HIV positive patients.