bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust QT Interval Estimation—From Algorithm to Validation
Authors: Xue Joel Q. 
Published: January 2009

Background: This article presents an effort of measuring QT interval with automatic computerized algorithms. The aims of the algorithms are consistency as well as accuracy. Multilead and multibeat information from a given segment of ECG are used for more consistent QT interval measurement. Methods: A representative beat is generated from selected segment of each lead, and then a composite beat is formed by the representative beats of all independent leads. The end result of the QT measure is so‐called global QT measurement, which usually correlates with the longest QT interval in multiple leads. Individual lead QT interval was estimated by using the global measurement as a starting point, and then adapted to the signal of the particular lead and beat. In general, beat‐by‐beat QT measurement is more prone to noise, therefore less reliable than the global estimation. It is usually difficult to know if difference of beat‐by‐beat QT interval is due to true physiological change or noise fluctuation. Results: The algorithm was tested independently by a clinical database. It is also tested against action potential duration (APD) generated by a Cell‐to‐ECG forward‐modeling based simulation signals. The modeling approach provided an objective test for the QT estimation. The modeling approach allowed us to evaluate the QT measurement versus APD. The mean error between the algorithm and cardiologist QT intervals is 3.95 ± 5.5 ms, based on the large clinical trial database consisting of 15,910 ECGs. The mean error between QT intervals and maximum APD is 17 ± 2.4, and the correlation coefficient is 0.99. Conclusions: The global QT interval measurement method presented in this study shows very satisfactory results against the CSE database and a large clinical trial database. The modeling test approach used in this study provides an alternative “gold standard” for QT interval measurement.
Calcium and ER stress mediate hepatic apoptosis after burn injury
Authors: Jeschke Marc G. , Gauglitz Gerd G. , Song Juquan , Kulp Gabriela A. , Finnerty Celeste C. , Cox Robert A. , Barral José M. , Herndon David N. , Boehning Darren 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA hallmark of the disease state following severe burn injury is decreased liver function, which results in gross metabolic derangements that compromise patient survival. The underlying mechanisms leading to hepatocyte dysfunction after burn are essentially unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine the underlying mechanisms leading to hepatocyte dysfunction and apoptosis after burn. Rats were randomized to either control (no burn) or burn (60% total body surface area burn) and sacrificed at various time‐points. Liver was either perfused to isolate primary rat hepatocytes, which were used for in vitro calcium imaging, or liver was harvested and processed for immunohistology, transmission electron microscopy, mitochondrial isolation, mass spectroscopy or Western blotting to determine the hepatic response to burn injury in vivo. We found that thermal injury leads to severely depleted endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium stores and consequent elevated cytosolic calcium concentrations in primary hepatocytes in vitro. Burn‐induced ER calcium depletion caused depressed hepatocyte responsiveness to signalling molecules that regulate hepatic homeostasis, such as vasopressin and the purinergic agonist ATP. In vivo, thermal injury resulted in activation of the ER stress response and major alterations in mitochondrial structure and function – effects which may be mediated by increased calcium release by inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors. Our results reveal that thermal injury leads to dramatic hepatic disturbances in calcium homeostasis and resultant ER stress leading to mitochondrial abnormalities contributing to hepatic dysfunction and apoptosis after burn injury.
Machine learning approach identifies new pathways associated with demyelination in a viral model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ulrich Reiner , Kalkuhl Arno , Deschl Ulrich , Baumgärtner Wolfgang 
Published: January 2009

AbstractTheiler’s murine encephalomyelitis is an experimentally virus‐induced inflammatory demyelinating disease of the spinal cord, displaying clinical and pathological similarities to chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study was to identify pathways associated with chronic demyelination using an assumption‐free combined microarray and immunohistology approach. Movement control as determined by rotarod assay significantly worsened in Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis ‐virus‐infected SJL/J mice from 42 to 196 days after infection (dpi). In the spinal cords, inflammatory changes were detected 14 to 196 dpi, and demyelination progressively increased from 42 to 196 dpi. Microarray analysis revealed 1001 differentially expressed genes over the study period. The dominating changes as revealed by k‐means and functional annotation clustering included up‐regulations related to intrathecal antibody production and antigen processing and presentation via major histocompatibility class II molecules. A random forest machine learning algorithm revealed that down‐regulated lipid and cholesterol biosynthesis, differentially expressed neurite morphogenesis and up‐regulated toll‐like receptor‐4‐induced pathways were intimately associated with demyelination as measured by immunohistology. Conclusively, although transcriptional changes were dominated by the adaptive immune response, the main pathways associated with demyelination included up‐regulation of toll‐like receptor 4 and down‐regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis. Cholesterol biosynthesis is a rate limiting step of myelination and its down‐regulation is suggested to be involved in chronic demyelination by an inhibition of remyelination.
Hemato‐biochemical changes, disease incidence and live weight gain in individual versus group reared calves fed on different levels of milk and skim milk
Authors: BABU Lakshman K. , PANDEY Harnarain , PATRA Ramesh C. , SAHOO Artabandhu 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTA 2 × 3 factorial design was used to study the impact of rearing systems, individual (I) versus group (G) and different levels of milk/skim milk feeding (F1, F2 and F3) on hemato‐biochemical profile, disease incidence and average daily gain of crossbred (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) calves. Six calves were taken in each group on the basis of their birth weight and housed in individual (2.20 × 1.16 m2/calf) or in group pens (2.20 × 1.03 m2/calf). After 3 days of colostrum feeding, calves were allocated to one of three different milk feeding schedules: milk fed up to 8 weeks of age (F1), milk up to 4 weeks followed by 50% replacement by skim milk up to 6 weeks and 100% thereafter (F2) and 100% replacement of milk with skim milk after 4 weeks (F3). Calf starter and cereal green fodders were fed ad libitum from the second week of age and continued for 14 weeks. Parameters on health and disease profiles of calves (disease incidence, duration of illness, response to treatment and recovery) and weekly live weight change were recorded. Calf scour predominated (52.8%), followed by joint ill (25.0%) and respiratory infections (19.4%). The disease incidence was greater (P < 0.01) in individually housed calves (94.4 vs. 55.9%). The management of navel ill required longer recovery (7.01 days) followed by joint ill (4.87 days) and respiratory infection (4.86 days). The average daily gain during 0–14 weeks of age was higher (P < 0.01) in group‐housed calves (433 ± 22 vs. 355 ± 31 g), while the effect of feeding was not significant. Blood samples collected at 4, 8 and 14 weeks of age showed some periodic higher concentrations (but within normal range) of plasma urea and total protein in group housed calves on F2 and F3 feeding schedules in response to high protein intake. Other parameters remained non‐significantly different. Thus, group‐housed calves can be reared successfully with comparatively better performance and less illness than individually housed ones under the present health care and housing management system. However, the system should not be used as a substitute for good management, and frequent observations of calves should be an integral part of any successful rearing program.
A simple and efficient method for extraction of PCR‐amplifiable DNA from chicken eggshells
Authors: RIKIMARU Kazuhiro , TAKAHASHI Hideaki 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTRecently, we reported a method for discriminating a Japanese brand of chicken, the Hinai‐jidori. As an application of this method for discriminating Hinai‐jidori eggs, we here report an efficient method for extracting maternal DNA from eggshells. Eggshell powder was completely decalcified with EDTA solution, and then DNA was isolated by conventional phenol‐chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation. The efficiency of DNA recovery from eggshells was 50‐fold higher than that of a previously reported method. The recovered DNA could be used for PCR, and 10 markers for identifying the Hinai‐jidori chicken were detected. The genotypes of the Hinai‐jidori exactly matched those of the Hinai‐dori breed. Using this method, Hinai‐jidori and Hinai‐dori eggs could be distinguished from the eggs of Rhode Island Reds. This is the first report of a technique that can be used to discriminate the eggs of Hinai‐jidori from those of other chickens, and it can also be utilized to validate the labeling of Hinai‐jidori eggs in the market.
Spontaneous cervicothoracolumbar pneumorrhachis, pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum
Authors: Al‐Mufarrej Faisal , Gharagozloo Farid , Tempesta Barbara , Margolis Marc 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIntroduction:  Pneumorrhachis, or epidural pneumatosis, is a rare entity that is usually traumatic or iatrogenic. Usually, the epidural emphysema is limited to a few vertebral spaces. Less commonly, it is secondary to mediastinal air that tracks into the epidural space. Mediastinal air is usually associated with subcutaneous emphysema, but rarely is it associated with pneumopericardium or pneumoperitoneum. The cause of pneumomediastinum is usually identifiable on history or radiology.Methods:  Report of a case.Results:  We report the extremely rare simultaneous occurrence of self‐limiting cervicothoracolumbar pneumorrhachis, pneumomediastinum, cervical subcutaneous emphysema and pneumoperitoneum in a healthy 20‐year‐old gentleman in the absence of an identifiable cause.Conclusion:  Extensive pneumorrhachis and pneumoperitoneum may simultaneously accompany pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in the absence of an identifiable cause and still follow a benign clinical course.Please cite this paper as: Al‐Mufarrej F, Gharagozloo F, Tempesta B and Margolis M. Spontaneous cervicothoracolumbar pneumorrhachis, pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2009; 3: 239–243.
A Comparison of the Impact of Information from a Clinician and Research‐based Information on Patient Treatment Choice in Dentistry
Authors: Gilmore Diane , Sturmey Peter , Newton J. Timothy 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives:There is an imperative that clinicians should employ an evidence‐based approach to both clinical care and treatment, and involve patients in the decision‐making process. In Britain, public policy emphasizes the importance of patient involvement, participation and partnership in health care, however little is known of the effect of evidence‐based information on this. This study compares treatment decisions made by dental patients on the basis of two sources of evidence: clinician and research. Method:Vignette method with the two sources of evidence as experimental variables. The study population was a convenience sample of dental patients recruited from a clinic waiting area at a Dental Hospital (n=lOO). Each participant read a vignette describing a visit to the dentist for treatment of severe toothache in a back tooth. The nature and purpose of the visit was identical in each vignette. The participants indicated their decision about possible treatment, based on the information they had been given in the vignette and rated their confidence in the decision on a three point Likert scale. Additionally participants were asked to rate their own oral health. Results:Research evidence influences the confidence patients have in their in decision especially when it supports clinical judgement and where individuals value their oral health. Research evidence does not replace the confidence that patients have in the dentist's clinical judgement. Conclusion: Dental patients' willingness to engage in treatment is in fluenced by the dentist's clinical recommendation and the importance of oral health to the patient.
Deficits in Perceptions of Oral Health Relative to General Health in Populations
Authors: Sanders Anne E. , Slade Gary D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives:To compare perceptions of general health versus oral health within two populations. Methods:Secondary analysis of cross‐sectional survey data obtained from representative samples of dentate adults in Australia and the United States. Australian data were collected in the 2002 National Dental Telephone Interview Survey and United States data were from the NHANES, 1988–1994. A stratified analysis compared self‐ratings of general and oral health among groups classified by age, socioeconomic status and access to dental care. Results:In Australia, 43.6% rated their dental health ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ whereas 58.6% rated their general health ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ ‐ a deficit of 15.0%. In the US, there was a comparable deficit of 24.2%. The deficit could be explained as a ‘generation gap’ where oral health ratings of the youngest cohort resembled the general health ratings of middle‐aged adults in Australia and retirees in the US. An ‘affluence gap’ was evident where the oral health ratings of wealthier adults resembled the general health ratings of disadvantaged adults. Among Australians with private dental insurance who had visited a dentist in the past year the oral health deficit was negligible. Similar stratification in the US sample considerably attenuated the deficit. Conclusion:There is a deficit in perceived oral health compared with general health at all stages of adulthood and spanning the socioeconomic spectrum. The deficit was diminished among insured adults who had made a dental visit within the preceding year, suggesting that improved access to dental services may help redress the discrepancy.
Linguistic Adaptation and Validation of the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) in an Elderly Japanese Population
Authors: Naito Mariko , Suzukamo Yoshimi , Nakayama Takeo , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Fukuhara Shunichi 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives:This study sought to develop a Japanese version of the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and validate its use in an elderly Japanese population. Methods:The GOHAI scale was translated in a standardized way consisting of forward translation, pilot study, and backward translation. Psychometric properties of the final version were assessed on 175 participants (mean age: 70.0 years, SD 6.4). Results:The response rate was more than 98% for each item. The reliability in terms of a Cronbach's alpha value was 0.89. The mean GOHAI scores were significantly lower for participants with poor perceived oral health (P<0.001) or poor perceived general health (P<0.01). Significant correlations were observed between the GOHAI scores and the general health or physical functioning scores of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (P<0.01). Conclusions:The present study showed that the Japanese version of the GOHAI was psychometrically valid in an elderly sample population.
Association of Smoking in Household and Dental Caries in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Keiko , Hanioka Takashi , Miyake Yoshihiro , Ojima Miki , Aoyama Hitoshi 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives:The study investigated the relationship between smoking in the household and dental caries in Japanese children using nationally representative cross‐sectional data. Methods:This study included 925 children aged 1–14 years. A child was considered to have decayed and/or filled teeth if a dentist diagnosed these conditions in deciduous or permanent teeth. Smoking in the household was defined as positive if someone in the household reported smoking cigarettes. Results:No statistically significant relationship was observed between household smoking and canes experience. However, smoking in the household was independently associated with an increased prevalence of decayed teeth. The adjusted mean of filled teeth among children exposed to household smoking was higher than that among non‐exposed children. Conclusions:The results of the study failed to substantiate a positive association between passive smoking and caries experience in Japanese children.
Multiparametric Monitoring of Tumor Response to Chemotherapy by Noninvasive Imaging
Authors: Medarova Zdravka , Rashkovetsky Leonid , Pantazopoulos Pamela , Moore Anna 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
With the emerging concept of individualized cancer therapy, it becomes crucial to develop methods for the noninvasive assessment of treatment outcome. With this in mind, we designed a novel approach for the comprehensive evaluation of response to chemotherapy with the established agent doxorubicin in a preclinical breast cancer model. This approach delivers information not only about change in tumor size but also about target antigen expression. Our strategy relies on a tumor-specific contrast agent (MN-EPPT) targeting the underglycosylated MUC-1 (uMUC-1) tumor antigen, found on more than 90% of breast cancers and predictive of chemotherapeutic response. MN-EPPT consists of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MN) for magnetic resonance imaging, modified with Cy5.5 dye (for near-IR fluorescence optical imaging), and conjugated to peptides (EPPT), specifically recognizing uMUC-1. In vivo, treatment of mice bearing orthotopic human breast carcinomas with doxorubicin led to a reduction in tumor mass and resulted in down-regulation of uMUC-1. The tumor-specific accumulation of MN-EPPT allowed the assessment of change in tumor volume by noninvasive imaging. Furthermore, in mice injected with MN-EPPT, tumor delta-T2 was significantly reduced after treatment with doxorubicin, indicating a lower accumulation of MN-EPPT and reflecting the reduced expression of uMUC-1. With these studies, we have shown the utility of magnetic resonance imaging for the multiparametric characterization of breast tumor response to chemotherapy. This approach has the potential of significantly advancing our ability to better direct the development of molecularly targeted individualized therapy protocols because it permits the monitoring of therapy on a molecular scale. [Cancer Res 2009;69(3):1182–9]
Peripheral arterial disease and cognitive function
Authors: Rafnsson Snorri B , Deary Ian J , Fowkes FGR 
Published: January 2009

Abstract As a marker of generalized atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has implications not only for the affected lower extremity but also to overall cardiovascular health. It confers an increased risk of non-fatal and fatal vascular events which increases with the severity of the disease. Patient-based studies have shown that individuals with advanced PAD tend to perform poorly on cognitive tests compared to controls. In population studies, PAD is associated with an increased cognitive decline independently of previous cerebrovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors. A low ankle–brachial index (ABI) may be an early predictor of cognitive decline and of potential value in identifying individuals at increased risk of cognitive impairment. In patients with PAD, secondary preventive measures directed at decreasing the long-term systemic vascular complications may also be important to the preservation of cognitive health. However, evidence suggests that PAD patients may be undertreated with regard to atherosclerotic risk factors, as demonstrated by an undue emphasis on symptom relief rather than essential risk factor reduction. More research needs to be carried out to determine the predictors of cognitive function in PAD patients, whether subtle cognitive disturbances are related to activities of daily living, including medical treatment compliance, and whether neuroprotective strategies and atherosclerotic risk factor control positively influence cognitive function in these high-risk patients.
Correction of murine ADAMTS13 deficiency by hematopoietic progenitor cell–mediated gene therapy
Authors: Laje Pablo , Shang Dezhi , Cao Wenjing , Niiya Masami , Endo Masayuki , Radu Antoneta , DeRogatis Nicole , Scheiflinger Friedrich , Zoltick Philip W. , Flake Alan W. , Zheng X. Long 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
ADAMTS13, a metalloprotease primarily synthesized in liver and endothelial cells, cleaves von Willebrand factor (VWF) at the central A2 domain, thereby reducing the sizes of circulating VWF multimers. Genetic or acquired deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity leads to a potentially fatal syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). To date, plasma infusion or exchange is the only proven effective therapy for TTP. In search for a better therapy, an autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells transduced ex vivo with a self-inactivating lentiviral vector encoding a full-length murine Adamts13 and an enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene was performed in Adamts13−/− mice after irradiation. All recipient mice showed detectable ADAMTS13 antigen and proteolytic activity in plasma despite only low levels of bone marrow chimerism. The levels of plasma ADAMTS13 were sufficient to eliminate the ultralarge VWF multimers and offered systemic protection against ferric chloride–induced arterial thrombosis. The data suggest that hematopoietic progenitor cells can be genetically modified ex vivo and transplanted in an autologous model to provide adequate levels of functional ADAMTS13 metalloprotease. This success may provide the basis for development of a novel therapeutic strategy to cure hereditary TTP in humans.
Suppression of CXCL12 production by bone marrow osteoblasts is a common and critical pathway for cytokine-induced mobilization
Authors: Christopher Matthew J. , Liu Fulu , Hilton Matthew J. , Long Fanxin , Link Daniel C. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractCurrent evidence suggests that hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilization by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is mediated by induction of bone marrow proteases, attenuation of adhesion molecule function, and disruption of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling in the bone marrow. The relative importance and extent to which these pathways overlap or function independently are uncertain. Despite evidence of protease activation in the bone marrow, HSPC mobilization by G-CSF or the chemokine Groβ was abrogated in CXCR4−/− bone marrow chimeras. In contrast, HSPC mobilization by a VLA-4 antagonist was intact. To determine whether other mobilizing cytokines disrupt CXCR4 signaling, we characterized CXCR4 and CXCL12 expression after HSPC mobilization with Flt3 ligand (Flt3L) and stem cell factor (SCF). Indeed, treatment with Flt3L or SCF resulted in a marked decrease in CXCL12 expression in the bone marrow and a loss of surface expression of CXCR4 on HSPCs. RNA in situ and sorting experiments suggested that the decreased CXCL12 expression is secondary to a loss of osteoblast lineage cells. Collectively, these data suggest that disruption of CXCR4 signaling and attenuation of VLA-4 function are independent mechanisms of mobilization by G-CSF. Loss of CXCL12 expression by osteoblast appears to be a common and key step in cytokine-induced mobilization.