bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Ceramic Surface Treatments on the Micro‐shear Bond Strength of Composite Resin to IPS Empress 2
Authors: Panah Faride Gerami , Rezai Sosan Mir Mohammad , Ahmadian Leila 
Published: July 2008

Abstract Purpose: An increasing demand for esthetic restorations has resulted in the development of new ceramic systems, but fracture of veneering ceramics still remains the primary cause of failure. Porcelain repair frequently involves replacement with composite resin, but the bond strength between composite resin and all‐ceramic coping materials has not been studied extensively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different ceramic surface treatments on the micro‐shear bond strength of composite resin to IPS Empress 2 coping material. Materials and Methods: Sixteen 7 × 7 × 1 mm3 lithia disilicate‐based core ceramic plates were fabricated using the lost wax technique. The plates were divided into eight groups, and eight different surface treatments were performed: (1) no treatment (NT); (2) airborne‐particle abrasion with 50‐μm alumina particles (Al); (3) acid etching with 9.6% hydrofluoric acid for 1 min (HF); (4) silane coating (S); (5) AlHF; (6) AlS; (7) HFS; and (8) AlHFS. Then, ten composite resin cylinders (0.8‐mm diameter × 0.5‐mm height) were light‐polymerized onto the ceramic plates in each group. Each specimen was subjected to a shear load at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture occurred. The fracture sites were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the location of failure during debonding and to examine the surface treatment effects. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparison (Dunnet T3) tests were used for statistical analysis of data. Results: The mean micro‐shear bond strength values (SD) in MPa were—NT: 4.10 (3.06), Al: 7.56 (4.11), HF: 14.04 (2.60), S: 14.58 (2.14), AlHF: 15.56 (3.36), AlS: 23.02 (4.17), HFS: 24.7 (4.43), AlHFS: 26.0 (3.71). ANOVA indicated the influence of surface treatment was significant (p < 0.0001). SEM analysis did not reveal entirely cohesive failure in any composite or ceramic. Conclusion: The micro‐shear bond strength of a composite resin to IPS Empress 2 was significantly different depending on the surface treatment method. Among the investigated methods, silane coating after airborne‐particle abrasion and etching was the most effective surface treatment in terms of bond strength increase.
Heart Rate Variability in Middle‐Aged Men with New‐Onset Hypertension
Authors: Pavithran Purushothaman , Madanmohan, M.D.  , Mithun Raj , Jomal Mathew , Nandeesha Hanumanthappa 
Published: July 2008

Background: It has been well established that hypertension is associated with autonomic dysregulation. Studies investigating HRV have established that hypertension is characterized by sympathetic overactivity and or attenuation of parasympathetic modulation of the heart. Methods: We examined short‐term heart rate variability (HRV) as well as conventional indices of cardiovascular autonomic function including heart rate variation during deep breathing (HRVdb), 30: 15 ratio, pressor response to quiet standing and isometric handgrip in 35 male subjects (39 ± 7 year, mean ± SD) with new‐onset hypertension (resting BP 155 ± 17/101 ± 8 mm Hg) and 17 age‐matched normotensive men (resting BP: 111 ± 7/71 ± 5 mmHg). Results: HRVdb was significantly lower in hypertensives (21 ± 8) compared to normotensives (mean age 36 ± 7, P = 0.03). Differences in mean RR were insignificant, logarithm of high‐frequency (HF) spectral power of RR intervals was significantly lower in hypertensives compared to normotensives in the supine position (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Our data suggest that new‐onset hypertension is characterized by diminished short‐term HRV, possibly due to an increase in cardiovascular sympathovagal balance.
Abnormal Heart Rate Variability and Subtle Atrial Arrhythmia in Patients with Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy
Authors: Wiklund Urban , Hörnsten Rolf , Karlsson Marcus , Suhr Ole B. , Jensen Steen M. 
Published: July 2008

Background: Cardiac autonomic dysfunction is a common complication of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), but cardiac arrhythmia and conduction disturbances are also common. We analyzed heart rate variability (HRV) in FAP patients using power spectrum analysis and Poincaré plot analysis. Methods: HRV was analyzed in 24‐hour ECG recordings (Holter) in 41 FAP patients. Results: Power spectrum analysis showed reduced HRV in 21 FAP patients. A novel finding was that nine other patients with abnormal Poincaré plots had either very high power in the high‐frequency region (0.15–0.50 Hz) or broadband HRV power spectra without any distinctive spectral peaks. Reanalysis of their ECGs showed a previously undetected intermittent atrial arrhythmia. Conclusions: Subtle arrhythmias may be difficult to detect during analyses of Holter recordings. Patients with intermittent atrial arrhythmia were identified by broadband HRV spectra and abnormal Poincaré plots. High high‐frequency power in HRV and irregular heart rate patterns may indicate the presence of subtle atrial arrhythmia. Consequently, such patients should be excluded from studies of cardiac autonomic modulation.
Prevalence of Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias in a Cohort of 115 Patients with Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Schimpf Rainer , Giustetto Carla , Eckardt Lars , Veltmann Christian , Wolpert Christian , Gaita Fiorenzo , Breithardt Günter , Borggrefe Martin 
Published: July 2008

Background: The Brugada syndrome is characterized by ST segment elevation in leads V1 to V3 and a right bundle branch block like pattern. It is associated with an increased risk of syncope and sudden cardiac death. Initial reports in small numbers of patients suggest an association between supraventricular tachycardias and Brugada syndrome with a prevalence varying between 13% and 40%. Objective: Aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia, AV reentry tachycardia, and/or atrial fibrillation in a large cohort of patients diagnosed as Brugada syndrome. Methods and Results: From three different European centers 115 consecutive patients with a Brugada syndrome were evaluated noninvasively and invasively (mean age 45 ± 12 years, n = 82 men, n = 33 women). Nineteen of 115 patients (17%) had a history of previous cardiac arrest. Syncope was reported by 58 patients (50%), 33 patients had a positive family history of sudden cardiac death (29%). Supraventricular tachycardias were documented in 26 of the patients (23%): Eight patients (7%) had AV‐nodal reentrant tachycardias and two patients had AV‐reentry tachycardias; atrial tachycardias were documented in three patients, and another 13 patients (11%) suffered from atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter. Additionally, atrial fibrillation was inducible by programmed atrial stimulation in nine patients (8%). Conclusions: Supraventricular tachycardias occur in 23% of patients with Brugada syndrome. Documentation of atrial fibrillation especially in the young or supraventricular tachycardias associated with syncope should give reason to screen for Brugada syndrome.
Ionic Mechanisms and Vectorial Model of Early Repolarization Pattern in the Surface Electrocardiogram of the Athlete
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo C. , Bomfim Alfredo de S. , Benchimol‐Barbosa Paulo R. , Ginefra Paulo 
Published: July 2008

Background: The electrocardiogram (ECG) of the athlete displays particular characteristics as a consequence of both electrophysiological and autonomic remodeling of the heart that follows continued physical training. However, doubts persist on how these changes directly interact during ventricular activation and repolarization ultimately affecting surface ECG waveforms in athletes. Objective: This article considers an in deep rationale for the electrocardiographic pattern known as early repolarization based on both electrophysiological mechanisms at cellular level and the vectorial theory of the cardiac activation. Methods: The mechanism by which the autonomic remodeling influences the cardiac electrical activation is reviewed and an insight model of the ventricular repolarization based on ionic models and the vectorial theory of the cardiac activation is proposed. Results: Considering the underlying processes related to ventricular electrical remodeling, we propose that, in athletes' heart: 1) vagal modulation increases regional electrophysiological differences in action potential phases 1 and 2 amplitudes, thus enhancing a voltage gradient between epicardial and endocardial fibers; 2) this gradient affects depolarization and repolarization timing sequences; 3) repolarization wave front starts earlier on ventricular wall and partially overcomes the end of depolarization causing an upward displacement of the J‐point, ST segment elevation, and inscription of magnified T‐waves amplitudes leading to characteristic surface ECG waveform patterns. Conclusions: In athletes, the association between epicardial to endocardial electrophysiological differences and early repolarization ECG pattern can be demonstrated by the vectorial theory of the ventricular activation and repolarization.
Bedside Detection of Urine β‐Hydroxybutyrate in Diagnosing Metabolic Acidosis
Authors: Smith Silas W. , Manini Alex F. , Szekely Tibor , Hoffman Robert S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectives:  While critically important, the rapid identification of the etiology of metabolic acidosis (MA) may be labor‐intensive and time‐consuming. Alcoholic, starvation, and severe diabetic ketoacidosis (AKA, SKA, and DKA, respectively) may produce β‐hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) in marked excess of acetone (ACET) and acetoacetate (AcAc). Unfortunately, current urine dipstick technology poorly detects ACET and cannot measure BOHB. The inability to detect BOHB might delay therapy for ketoacidoses or provoke unnecessary evaluation or empiric treatment of other causes of MA, such as toxic alcohol poisoning. The authors tested the previous assertion that commonly available hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) would improve BOHB detection. The effectiveness of alkalinization and use of a silver nitrate (AgNO3) catalyst was also assessed.Methods:  Control and urine test specimens containing from 0.5 to 800 mmol/L ACET, AcAc, and BOHB were prepared. Urine specimens were oxidized with H2O2 (3%) 1:9 (H2O2:urine), alkalinized with potassium hydroxide (KOH; 10%), exposed to AgNO3 sticks, or altered with a combination of these methods in a random fashion. Three emergency physicians (EPs) blinded to the preparation technique evaluated urine dipsticks (Multistix, Bayer Corp.) placed in the specimens for “ketones.”Results:  Multistix detected AcAc appropriately; ACET was detected only at high concentrations of ≥600 mmol/L. Multistix failed to measure BOHB at all concentrations tested. H2O2 improved urinary BOHB detection, although not to clinically relevant levels (40 mmol/L). Alkalinization and AgNO3 sticks did not improve BOHB detection beyond this threshold.Conclusions:  Addition of H2O2 (3%), alkalinization, or AgNO3 sticks did not improve clinically meaningful urine BOHB detection. Clinicians should use direct methods to detect BOHB when suspected.
Triage Presenting Complaint Descriptions Bias Emergency Department Waiting Times
Authors: Dutch Martin J. , Taylor David McD. , Dent Andrew W. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectives:  The authors aimed to determine whether certain emergency department (ED) triage “presenting complaint” descriptions are associated with shorter or longer waiting times, when compared with matched controls.Methods:  This was a retrospective, analytical study in three tertiary referral EDs. Data relating to adult patients with Australasian National Triage Scale (NTS) Category 3–5 complaints, who presented over 1 year, were accessed. A pilot study of 25 emergency physicians (EPs) identified five most liked and five most disliked presenting complaints. For each liked or disliked complaint, “cases” were identified using key words and phrases in the triage presentation description. For each case, the previous presentation at that institution with the same NTS category was used as a “control.” Cases and controls were compared for waiting time and proportions seen within the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM)‐recommended waiting times.Results:  Data on 28,566 case–control pairs were examined. Compared to their controls, three of the five most liked complaints (dislocations, fractures, and palpitations) had significantly shorter waiting times, and significantly more were seen within the recommended waiting times (p < 0.05). In contrast, three of the five most disliked complaints (dizziness, constipation, and back pain) had significantly longer waiting times, and significantly fewer were seen within the recommended waiting times (p < 0.05). Other presenting complaints showed similar, although nonsignificant, trends.Conclusions:  Waiting times for patients with certain presenting complaints are significantly associated with triage presenting complaint descriptions. It is likely that these descriptions allow EPs to selectively seek or avoid patients with liked or disliked complaints, respectively. The impact of this for patients and ED flow needs investigation.
A Double‐blind Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Analgesic Efficacy of Ketorolac versus Butorphanol for Patients with Suspected Biliary Colic in the Emergency Department
Authors: Olsen Jon C. , McGrath Norine A. , Schwarz Dana G. , Cutcliffe Brian J. , Stern Jessica L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected biliary colic often require intravenous (IV) analgesia. The choice of IV analgesia typically includes opioids and ketorolac. Although ultrasound (US) is the initial diagnostic study in these patients, nondiagnostic scans and a high clinical suspicion may require the patient to undergo hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HIDA). Opioids such as morphine interfere with the HIDA scan and thus may limit its value as an analgesic in the ED for these patients. Analgesics that do not interfere with HIDA scanning include ketorolac and butorphanol, an opioid agonist–antagonist. This study evaluates the efficacy of IV ketorolac compared to butorphanol for the treatment of biliary colic pain in the ED.Methods:  Between June 2005 and February 2007, a convenience sample of patients presenting to the ED with abdominal pain suspected to be biliary colic were randomized to receive either 30 mg of IV ketorolac or 1 mg of IV butorphanol. Pain level was assessed using a 1 to 10 “faces” visual analog pain scale initially, as well as 15 and 30 minutes after medication infusion. Side effect profiles and the need for rescue analgesia were also assessed. Patients and clinicians were blinded to the study drug given.Results:  Forty‐six patients were enrolled in the study. Both groups had similar demographics and baseline pain scores. The mean (±standard deviation [SD]) pain score in the butorphanol group decreased from 7.1 (±1.7) to 2.1 (±2.2) after 30 minutes. The mean (±SD) pain score in the ketorolac group decreased from 7.4 (±2.0) to 3.1 (±3.3) after 30 minutes. Both groups had similar needs for rescue analgesia. Side effects included dizziness and sedation with butorphanol and nausea with ketorolac.Conclusions:  Although limited by small sample size and convenience sample, this study demonstrates that both ketorolac and butorphanol provide pain relief in biliary colic. Both agents should be considered reasonable options in the ED treatment of biliary colic, especially in patients that may undergo HIDA.
Psychosocial QOL is an independent predictor of overall survival in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Strasser‐Weippl Kathrin , Ludwig Heinz 
Published: July 2008

AbstractOnly few studies have analyzed quality of life (QOL) and its association with prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma. We studied QOL at start of conventional treatment to evaluate the impact of symptomatic myeloma on QOL and to determine the prognostic significance of various dimensions of QOL. Our study provided further evidence of the significant impairment of QOL in patients with multiple myeloma at onset of therapy. Furthermore, our data showed a closer correlation between the more physical QOL scales such as pain, fatigue, physical functioning and global QOL with the activity of the disease than between psychosocial dimensions such as role, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning and the status of the disease. Multivariate analyses including each a QOL scale and known prognostic parameters (response to therapy, creatinine level, calcium, LDH, Hb, β2‐microglobulin, and albumin) revealed a marked difference in the prognostic significance between psychosocial and other QOL scales. All psychosocial dimensions of QOL were found to be independent prognostic factors, while physical QOL and global QOL were eliminated by disease‐associated prognosticators. Taken together, QOL was found to be significantly impaired in myeloma patients at start of therapy. Psychosocial, but not physical dimensions of QOL were found to be independent prognostic factors.
Multiple myeloma – an update on diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Caers Jo , Vande broek Isabelle , De Raeve Hendrik , Michaux Lucienne , Trullemans Fabienne , Schots Rik , Van Camp Ben , Vanderkerken Karin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMultiple myeloma is a plasma cell (PC) malignancy characterized by the accumulation of monoclonal PCs in the bone marrow and the production of large amounts of a monoclonal immunoglobulin or paraprotein. In the past years, new approaches in the diagnosis and treatment were introduced aiming to identify high‐risk patients who need proper anti‐myeloma treatment. Intensive therapy including autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the new agents bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide have improved patients’ responses. Further optimalization of the different treatment schedules in well‐defined patient groups may prolong their survival. Patient stratification is currently based on patient characteristics, extent of myeloma disease, and associated cytogenetic and laboratory anomalies. More and more gene expression studies are introduced to stratify patients and to individualize therapy.
Automated diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome using 3D facial image analysis
Authors: Fang S , McLaughlin J , Fang J , Huang J , Autti‐Rämö I , Fagerlund Å , Jacobson SW , Robinson LK , Hoyme HE , Mattson SN , Riley E , Zhou F , Ward R , Moore ES , Foroud T ,   Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Published: July 2008

Structured AbstractAuthors –  Fang S, McLaughlin J, Fang J, Huang J, Autti‐Rämö I, Fagerlund Å, Jacobson SW, Robinson LK, Hoyme HE, Mattson SN, Riley E, Zhou F, Ward R, Moore ES, Foroud T, and the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.Objectives –  Use three‐dimensional (3D) facial laser scanned images from children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and controls to develop an automated diagnosis technique that can reliably and accurately identify individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol.Methods –  A detailed dysmorphology evaluation, history of prenatal alcohol exposure, and 3D facial laser scans were obtained from 149 individuals (86 FAS; 63 Control) recruited from two study sites (Cape Town, South Africa and Helsinki, Finland). Computer graphics, machine learning, and pattern recognition techniques were used to automatically identify a set of facial features that best discriminated individuals with FAS from controls in each sample.Results –  An automated feature detection and analysis technique was developed and applied to the two study populations. A unique set of facial regions and features were identified for each population that accurately discriminated FAS and control faces without any human intervention.Conclusion –  Our results demonstrate that computer algorithms can be used to automatically detect facial features that can discriminate FAS and control faces.
Hepatocyte growth factor gene transfer with naked plasmid DNA ameliorates dimethylnitrosamine‐induced liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Kanemura Hironari , Iimuro Yuji , Takeuchi Masaharu , Ueki Takahiro , Hirano Tadamichi , Horiguchi Kiyoshi , Asano Yasukane , Fujimoto Jiro 
Published: July 2008

Aim:  Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has various biological properties, including antifibrogenic activity. In the present study, we tested the efficacy of HGF gene therapy using naked plasmid DNA in dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)‐induced liver fibrosis in a rat model.Methods:  Naked plasmid DNA encoding human HGF was injected once, together with a hypertonic solution, into the hepatic artery after DMN treatment on three consecutive days per week for 3 weeks. Naked plasmid DNA encoding β‐galactosidase was injected similarly in the DMN‐treated control rats. DMN treatment was continued once weekly after gene transfer for additional 3 weeks.Results:  The human HGF protein expression was detected in livers transfected with human HGF naked plasmid DNA, gradually decreasing by day 21. The expression of the endogenous rat HGF protein was also upregulated after human HGF gene transfer. Phosphorylation of c‐Met, a HGF receptor, was detected only in livers transfected with human HGF plasmid DNA. Fibrosis was attenuated significantly in livers transfected with the human HGF plasmid. Attenuation wasaccompanied by decreased expression of α‐smooth muscle actin. Increased portal vein pressure after treatment with DMN was suppressed significantly by HGF gene transfer. The upregulated hepatic protein expression of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in response to DMN was markedly attenuated by HGF gene transfer accompanied by the increased protein expression for matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐3 and ‐13.Conclusion:  The hepatic arterial injection of human naked plasmid HGF DNA was effective in suppressing liver fibrosis induced in rats by DMN. The mechanisms by which HGF expression attenuated liver fibrosis may include the suppression of hepatic TGF‐β expression and the induction of MMP expression.
Cell survival, activation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells: modulation by extracellular matrix proteins
Authors: Priya Sulochana , Sudhakaran Perumana R. 
Published: July 2008

Aim:  Cytokines and growth factors released by various hepatic cells exert both paracrine and autocrine effects on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation during liver injury. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) influences the activation, transdifferentiation and survival of HSCs.Methods:  An in vitro model system of isolated HSCs maintained in culture on different matrix protein substrata was employed.Results:  The rate of loss of HSC‐specific retinol uptake activity and gain of myofibroblast‐like activity such as 35[S] proteoglycan synthesis varied in cells maintained on different matrix proteins and was in the order collagen I > collagen IV ≥ laminin. 3[H]‐thymidine incorporation by HSCs maintained on different matrix proteins varied and was in the order collagen I > collagen IV > laminin. MTT assay revealed that the growth inhibition in response to curcumin was significantly low in cells maintained on collagen I. Apoptotic marker activities such as DNA fragmentation, 4′,6′‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) staining, annexin staining and caspase‐3 activities showed that cells maintained on collagen I showed minimal apoptosis than those maintained on collagen IV, laminin and polylysine, showing the influence of ECM on HSC apoptosis. Experiments using blocking antibodies showed that the collagen I effect was mediated through α2β1 integrin.Conclusions:  These results indicate that ECM influences activation, transdifferentiation and survival of HSCs, and suggest that apart from diffusible factors, the surrounding ECM also influences HSC behavior critical in both the progression of the fibrosis and the restitution of the liver during recovery after hepatic injury.