bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TGF‐β and TNF‐α producing effects of losartan and amlodipine on human mononuclear cell culture
Authors: KAYNAR KUBRA , ULUSOY SUKRU , OVALI ERCUMENT , VANIZOR BIRGUL , DIKMEN TAMER , GUL SEMIH 
Published: October 2005

SUMMARY:Aim:  The modulation of cytokine release, which affects adhesion of leucocytes to endothelial cells, and proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with antihypertensive drugs was explored.Method:  In the present study, mononuclear cells were incubated with losartan and amlodipine at concentrations of 10−6, 10−5 and 10−4 mol/L for 6 h. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels were measured. Proliferation of mononuclear cells were assessed at the same concentrations of amlodipine and losartan with the methylthiazoletetrazolium (MTT) test.Results:  Amlodipine was found to induce TGF‐β synthesis from mononuclear cells with increasing concentrations, while it was found to inhibit TNF‐α secretion with increasing concentrations. In contrast, losartan was found to induce TGF‐β and TNF‐α secretion with increasing concentrations.Conclusion:  Anti‐atherosclerotic effects of amlodipine and losartan might be through increased secretion of TGF‐β from mononuclear cells. Different results at different concentrations might be due to the pharmocokinetic differences of these drugs.
Haemodialysis‐unresponsive blood pressure: Cardiovascular mortality predictor?
Authors: MOURAD ADNAN , KHOSHDEL ALIREZA , CARNEY SHANE , GILLIES ALASTAIR , JONES BERNARD , NANRA RANJIT , TREVILLIAN PAUL 
Published: October 2005

SUMMARY:Aim:  The importance of ‘conventional’ cardiovascular risk factors in haemodialysis (HD) patients has been questioned following evidence that pre‐HD blood pressure (BP) might be inversely related to mortality in contrast to post‐HD BP. To evaluate this reverse BP epidemiology in HD patients, HD‐induced BP changes were compared with aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality.Method:  Aortic PWV was evaluated in a limited care HD cohort, all of whom were asymptomatic of cardiovascular disease.Results:  Of 47 limited care patients, 45% were classified as HD responsive, with a 17% fall in mean arterial pressure compared with a 6% increase in the HD‐unresponsive group. While there were no significant differences between the two groups in traditional vascular disease risk factors or interdialytic weight loss, PWV was significantly elevated in the HD‐unresponsive group (12.9 ± 2.7 compared with 10.8 ± 2.9; P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the change in BP during HD and PWV in all subjects (r = 0.500; P < 0.001 for systolic blood pressure (SBP), a correlation that also existed for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  This study suggests that patients with HD‐unresponsive BP are more likely to have vascular disease and this association between PWV and HD‐induced BP changes might partly explain the apparent paradox of pre‐ and post‐HD BP with mortality. It is proposed that a population with elevated post‐HD BP is more likely to be composed of subjects with vascular disease (overt or occult), in contrast to a group with high pre‐HD BP, which will be more heterogeneous.
Vitamin A and zinc status in patients on maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: CABRAL POLIANA COELHO , DINIZ ALCIDES DA SILVA , DE ARRUDA ILMA KRUZE GRANDE 
Published: October 2005

SUMMARY:Background:  The objective of this study was to assess the vitamin A and zinc serum levels in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) in the city of Recife, in the north‐eastern region of Brazil.Methods:  The study comprised 55 patients and 28 healthy controls. The retinol and zinc serum concentrations were analysed by using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively.Results:  The mean retinol serum concentration in patients (2.50 ± 0.86 µmol/L) was significantly greater (P < 0.001) than that found in controls (1.26 ± 0.86 µmol/L). The retinol serum levels in the patients were as follows: 47.3% of the patients had elevated levels (≥ 2.24 and < 3.50 µmol/L); 16.4% of the patients had serum levels ≥ 3.50 µmol/L, which indicated hypervitaminosis; and 9.1% of the patients had serum levels below the normal range (<1.05 µmol/L), a rate that among the controls was 42.9% (P < 0.01). In regard to zinc, the serum levels found in the patients (10.59 ± 3.12 µmol/L) were similar to those found in the controls (11.43 ± 2.82 µmol/L) (P > 0.05). Although 49.1% of the patients and 35.7% of the controls were classified as deficient in zinc, this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).Results:  The results identified a high prevalence of zinc deficiency in the groups studied, and point to a trend towards more elevated retinol serum levels in patients undergoing dialysis as compared with those in healthy controls.
Haemostatic partial nephrectomy using bipolar radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Pareek Gyan , Wilkinson Eric R. , Schutt David , Will James A. , Warner Thomas F. , Haemmerich Dieter , Mahvi David , Nakada Stephen Y. 
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVETo determine whether an electrode array with a bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) energy source can be used to perform a haemostatic partial nephrectomy by simultaneously ablating and coagulating renal tissue.MATERIALS AND METHODSLower‐pole partial nephrectomy was performed in 12 porcine kidneys using a bipolar RFA system. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used to identify and avoid the collecting system. Tissues were positioned between opposing electrodes and tissue impedance monitored using a proprietary feedback and control algorithm. Ablation time and power, lesion width and length, and tissue thickness were recorded. The kidneys were assessed in vivo to show haemostasis of the remaining renal unit. Collecting system integrity was assessed with methylene blue injection, and the resected tissue analysed histologically.RESULTSPartial nephrectomies were successful in all 12 porcine kidneys; the mean nephrectomy specimen was 3.2 × 2.6 cm. The total ablation time (sem) per lesion was 211 (15) s and the mean power was 23 W. Methylene blue injection showed an intact collecting system in 11 of the 12 kidneys, and haematoxylin and eosin staining showed a mean zone of necrosis of 9 mm at the resection margin. Ultrasonography revealed flow to the remaining kidneys after RFA and the in vivo assessment of haemostasis revealed no abnormal bleeding or haemorrhage from the kidneys.CONCLUSIONSApplying bipolar RF energy to an electrode array can enable transmural excision of renal parenchyma in vivo in a bloodless fashion without collecting system injury.
Salvage radiotherapy for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Terai Akito , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Yoshimura Koji , Arai Yoichi , Dodo Yoshihiro 
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical outcome of salvage radiotherapy (RT) for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) at our institution.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween March 1999 and January 2004, 37 patients had salvage RT for prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) failure after RP, including eight who had had neoadjuvant hormone therapy. After surgery, PSA was measured with ultrasensitive immunoassays. In all patients RT was delivered to the prostatic bed at a total dose of 60 Gy with a four‐field box technique.RESULTSThe median (range) PSA level before salvage RT was 0.146 (0.06–3.216) ng/mL and RT was started at a PSA level of <0.5 ng/mL in 34 of the 37 patients (92%). With a median follow‐up of 31.9 (0–69.8), months, 11 patients (30%) had disease progression after RT and the 3‐ and 5‐year progression‐free probability was 74% and 54%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that clinical and pathological tumour stages and PSA level before RT (>0.15 vs ≤ 0.15 ng/mL) were significant predictors of disease progression. There were no late adverse events related to RT.CONCLUSIONSalvage RT for biochemical failure after RP at a low PSA level, using ultrasensitive immunoassays for monitoring, is a reasonably effective treatment. A relatively low radiation dose (60 Gy) seems to be effective.
Vascular damage as a risk factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction
Authors: Berger Andreas P. , Deibl Martina , Leonhartsberger Nicolai , Bektic Jasmin , Horninger Wolfgang , Fritsche Gernot , Steiner Hannes , Pelzer Alexandre E. , Bartsch Georg , Frauscher Ferdinand 
Published: October 2005

Associate EditorMichael G. WyllieEditorial BoardIan Eardley, UKJean Fourcroy, USASidney Glina, BrazilJulia Heiman, USAChris McMahon, AustraliaBob Millar, UKAlvaro Morales, CanadaMichael Perelman, USAMarcel Waldinger, NetherlandsOBJECTIVETo assess benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED), both considered to be associated with urogenital ageing, in ageing men in a cross‐sectional population study, comparing them with healthy controls by using symptom scores and contrast‐enhanced colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS).PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSTransrectal CDUS and quantitative measurement of colour pixel intensity (CPI) are excellent minimally invasive techniques for assessing normal and pathological blood flow. CDUS was performed using the microbubble‐based ultrasound enhancer for evaluating prostate, bladder neck and corpus cavernosum vascularity in young healthy men, men with BPH, and men with severe vascular damage (diabetes mellitus type 2). Resistive index measurements and computer‐assisted quantification of CPI were used to objectively evaluate perfusion. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were applied to quantify the symptoms.RESULTSIn patients with BPH, perfusion of the transition zone (TZ) of the prostate was significantly lower and the resistive index of the TZ significantly higher (both P < 0.001) than in healthy controls. The perfusion patterns of men with BPH and those who also had severe vascular damage (diabetes mellitus type 2) showed that vascularity in the latter group was lower in the prostatic TZ and the corpora cavernosa. In patients with BPH the IPSS, quality‐of‐life and IIEF scores were significantly worse than in the control group. Men with concomitant atherosclerosis had even worse symptom scores.CONCLUSIONThese results strongly support the hypothesis that age‐related impairment of blood supply to the lower urinary tract is important in the development of BPH and ED. Vascular damage may cause chronic ischaemia and thus be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of BPH and ED.
Bladder‐health diaries: an assessment of 3‐day vs 7‐day entries
Authors: Dmochowski Roger R. , Sanders Steven W. , Appell Rodney A. , Nitti Victor W. , Davila G. Willy 
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVESTo assess the reliability of symptom reports in 3‐day vs 7‐day bladder diaries used in clinical trials of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and to compare those results and related issues with previous reports.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe analysed two large‐scale, randomized, phase 3 clinical trials of the use of transdermal oxybutynin for treating patients with OAB. The first trial (Trial A, 520 patients) compared three doses of transdermal oxybutynin (1.3, 2.6 and 3.9 mg/day) with placebo. Patients documented their OAB symptoms in a 7‐day diary. The second clinical study (Trial B, 361 patients) compared the efficacy of 3.9 mg/day transdermal oxybutynin with 4 mg/day extended‐release tolterodine and with placebo; this trial required symptom recording for only 3 days. The internal consistency of the data from the 7‐day trial was determined and then compared with the 3‐day trial results.RESULTSPatients on transdermal oxybutynin or long‐acting tolterodine for their OAB symptoms showed a clinically and statistically significant improvement, results that were documented in both 3‐day and 7‐day bladder diaries. However, compared with 7‐day symptom records, 3‐day diaries were associated with significantly better compliance with record‐keeping (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSSeven‐day diaries used in clinical trials supply accurate and reproducible data on clinical manifestations of OAB, but 3‐day diaries are equally effective and have the potential for better accuracy through increased patient convenience. Three‐day diaries may also reduce the tendency for patients to complete gaps in record‐keeping from memory.
Prospective study comparing three‐dimensional computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating the renal vascular anatomy in potential living renal donors
Authors: Bhatti Aftab A. , Chugtai Aamir , Haslam Philip , Talbot David , Rix David A. , Soomro Naeem A. 
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVETo prospectively compare the accuracy of multislice spiral computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in evaluating the renal vascular anatomy in potential living renal donors.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThirty‐one donors underwent multislice spiral CTA and gadolinium‐enhanced MRA. In addition to axial images, multiplanar reconstruction and maximum intensity projections were used to display the renal vascular anatomy. Twenty‐four donors had a left laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN), whereas seven had right open donor nephrectomy (ODN); LDN was only considered if the renal vascular anatomy was favourable on the left. CTA and MRA images were analysed by two radiologists independently. The radiological and surgical findings were correlated after the surgery.RESULTSCTA showed 33 arteries and 32 veins (100% sensitivity) whereas MRA showed 32 arteries and 31 veins (97% sensitivity). CTA detected all five accessory renal arteries whereas MRA only detected one. CTA also identified all three accessory renal veins whereas MRA identified two. CTA had a sensitivity of 97% and 47% for left lumbar and left gonadal veins, whereas MRA had a sensitivity of 74% and 46%, respectively.CONCLUSIONMultislice spiral CTA with three‐dimensional reconstruction was more accurate than MRA for both renal arterial and venous anatomy.
A dose‐dependent dual effect of oestrogen on voiding in the male mouse?
Authors: Streng Tomi K. , Talo Antti , Andersson Karl‐Erik , Santti Risto 
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVESTo explore the effect of different degrees of oestrogenization on male voiding, by treating adult castrated and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT)‐maintained male mice with different doses of oestrogens, as exposure of male mice to excessive amounts of oestrogens can cause bladder outlet obstruction (BOO); in addition, male mice lacking oestrogen receptor (ER)α (ERKO) or ERβ (BERKO) were studied to assess the importance of ER subtypes.MATERIALS AND METHODSCastrated, DHT‐maintained adult mice were treated with 17β‐oestradiol (E2; 50 and 250 µg/kg) or oestrone (E1; 5, 50 and 500 µg/kg) daily for 10 days. Control mice were treated only with the vehicle. BERKO and ERKO mice, and their wild‐type littermates used as their controls, remained untreated. Under anaesthesia, the bladder and distal urethra were exposed to record simultaneously the bladder pressure and urinary flow rate from the distal urethra.RESULTSE2‐treated mice showed obstructive voiding, seen as increased bladder pressure, decreased average flow rate and prolonged micturition time. This was also evident when a high dose (500 µg/kg) of E1 was used. After treatment with a dose of 50 µg/kg, the urodynamic variables were similar to those in the control mice. Surprisingly, after treatment with a low dose (5 µg/kg) all urodynamic variables improved. There was a minor increase in the bladder pressure in BERKO mice; ERKO mice had a significantly lower urinary flow rate.CONCLUSIONSHigh doses of oestrogens caused BOO in castrated, DHT‐maintained male mice. A small dose of E1 had a positive effect on voiding, suggesting that oestrogens are needed for normal male voiding. Reduced urinary flow rates in ERKO mice suggest that oestrogen effects on voiding are mediated at least partly via ERα.
Clinical Results of an Advanced SVT Detection Enhancement Algorithm
Authors: LEE MICHAEL A. , CORBISIERO RAFFAELE , NABERT DAVID R. , COMAN JAMES A. , GIUDICI MICHAEL C. , TOMASSONI GERY F. , TURK KYONG T. , BREITER DAVID J. , ZHANG YUNLONG 
Published: October 2005

Introduction: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) has many characteristics that are similar to ventricular tachycardia (VT). This presents a significant challenge for the SVT‐detection algorithms of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). A newly developed ICD, which utilizes a Vector Timing and Correlation algorithm as well as interval‐based conventional SVT discrimination algorithms (Rhythm ID™), was evaluated in this study.
Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective, multicenter trial that evaluated 96 patients implanted with an ICD at 21 U.S. centers. All patients were followed at 2 weeks, 1 month, and every 3 months post implant. A manual Rhythm ID reference vector was acquired prior to any arrhythmia induction. During testing, atrial tachyarrhythmias were induced first, followed by ventricular arrhythmia induction. Induced and spontaneous SVT and VT/ventricular fibrillation (VF) episodes recorded during the trial were annotated by physician investigators.
Results: The mean age of the patients implanted with an ICD was 67.3 ± 10.8 years. Eighty‐one percent of patients were male. The primary cardiovascular disease was coronary artery disease, and the primary tachyarrhythmia was monomorphic VT. Implementation of the Rhythm ID algorithm did not affect the VT/VF detection time. There were a total of 370 ventricular tachyarrhythmias (277 induced and 93 spontaneous) and 441 SVT episodes (168 induced and 273 spontaneous). Sensitivity for ventricular tachyarrhythmias was 100%, and specificity for SVT was 92% (94% and 91% for induced and spontaneous SVT, respectively). All patients had a successful manual Rhythm ID acquisition prior to atrial tachyarrhythmia induction. At the 1‐month follow‐up, the Rhythm ID references were updated automatically an average of 167.8 ± 122.7 times. Stored Rhythm ID references correlated to patients' normally conducted rhythm 100% at 2 weeks, and 98% at 1 month.
Conclusions: The Rhythm ID algorithm achieved 100% sensitivity for VT/VF, and 92% specificity for SVT. The manual and automatic Rhythm ID update algorithms successfully acquired references, and the updated references were highly accurate.
Junctional Rhythm—A Suitable Surrogate Endpoint in Catheter Ablation of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia?
Authors: MCGAVIGAN ANDREW D. , RAE ALAN P. , COBBE STUART M. , RANKIN ANDREW C. 
Published: October 2005

Introduction: Current AHA/ACC guidelines state that junctional rhythm (JR) is an acceptable endpoint in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for narrow complex tachycardia in the presence of dual AV nodal physiology, but in the absence of inducible AVNRT. Only limited data are available on the utility of JR as a marker of successful slow pathway ablation. We sought to further characterize the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of JR in AVNRT ablation.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 387 consecutive patients with documented narrow complex tachycardia referred for ablation, with dual AV nodal physiology and inducible AVNRT at electrophysiological study. RFA of slow pathway was performed, with the presence or absence of JR recorded for each application and inducibility tested using atrial stimulation protocol and isoproterenol.
Results: Successful ablation was achieved in 385 of 387 patients using a total of 1,861 applications of radiofrequency energy. JR occurred in 692 applications, giving a sensitivity and specificity of JR as an indicator of successful ablation of 99.5% and 79.1% and a positive predictive value of 55.5%.
Conclusions: This study confirms that successful ablation of slow pathway seldom occurs in the absence of JR. Although JR almost invariably occurs with successful ablation, its lack of specificity and low positive predictive value questions the use of it as an endpoint in AVNRT ablations, and the guidelines should reflect this.
Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, and Overlapping Syndromes
Authors: BRADY PETER A. , LOW PHILLIP A. , SHEN WIN K. 
Published: October 2005

Background:
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IAST) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) are syndrome complexes with some distinctive features, overlapping clinical manifestations, and potential common mechanisms. Pathogenesis of these overlapping syndromes is poorly understood. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have not been standardized.
Purpose:
This article provides an overview of the definition, clinical presentation, and proposed mechanisms of IAST and other overlapping syndromes. A stepwise diagnostic approach is suggested. A multidisciplinary management scheme is outlined.
Methods:
A MEDLINE search for English‐language articles on IAST, POTS, and chronic orthostatic intolerance published up to 2005 was performed. Published data incorporated with our clinical experience were synthesized and presented in this review.
Results:
The population of IAST is heterogeneous and underlying mechanisms are complex and likely multifactorial. Evidence suggests that both cardiac and extracardiac causes are plausible. Regional and limited autonomic neuropathies, at least in part, can provide a mechanism‐based explanation of the cardiovascular indices and clinical symptoms in a significant number of patients with IAST. The regional abnormalities can be detected by autonomic testing. Among patients with IAST and evidence of autonomic dysregulation, an integrated autonomic, cardiovascular, and psychiatric management approach appears to be logical and rational when appropriate. Sinus node ablation could be considered in patients with persistent IAST in the absence of autonomic neuropathy and multisystem symptoms. Data from long‐term outcomes are lacking.
Conclusion:
The current understanding of IAST mechanisms is incomplete and management approach is not adequate. Significant effort needed in clinical research to improve therapeutic outcome.
Effects of implant surface microtopography on osteoblast gene expression
Authors: Masaki Chihiro , Schneider Galen B. , Zaharias Rebecca , Seabold Denise , Stanford Clark 
Published: October 2005

AbstractAim: The promotion of osteoblast attachment and differentiation has been evaluated on various implant surfaces. However, the effects of different implant surface properties on gene expression of key osteogenic factors are not fully understood.Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate how topographical effects on titanium surface alter the expression of bone‐related genes and transcription factors.Methods: Osteoblasts were cultured on titanium disks prepared with a titanium dioxide grit blasting (TiOBlast™) or grit blasted and etched with hydrofluoric acid (Osseospeed™), grit blasted and etched (SLA‐1), or grit blasted, etched and rinsed with N2 protection and stored in isotonic NaCl (SLA‐2) commercially pure titanium implant discs. High‐density cultures of human mesenchymal pre‐osteoblastic cells (HEPM 1486, ATCC) were grown for 72 h and real‐time PCR used for quantitative analysis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), core‐binding factor α1 (Cbfa1), Osterix, Type I Collagen, Osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein II gene expression.Results: Real‐time PCR showed significant (P<0.001) increases in ALP gene expression in osteoblasts grown on SLA‐2, relative to all other surfaces. Cbfa1/RUNX‐2 gene expression was significantly (P<0.01) increased on Osseospeed and TiOBlast surface as compared with SLA‐1 and SLA‐2 surfaces. The expression of Osterix had a trend similar to that of Cbfa1.Conclusion: In conclusion, implant surface properties may contribute to the regulation of osteoblast differentiation by influencing the level of bone‐related genes and transcription factors in human mesenchymal pre‐osteoblastic cells.