bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sympathoexcitation Increases the QT/RR Slope in Healthy Men: Differential Effects of Hypoxia, Dobutamine, and Phenylephrine
Authors: XHAËT OLIVIER , ARGACHA JEAN‐FRANCOIS , PATHAK ATUL , GUJIC MARKO , HOUSSIERE ANNE , NAJEM BOUTAÏNA , DEGAUTE JEAN‐PAUL , VAN DE BORNE PHILIPPE 
Published: January 2008

Introduction: Dynamic ventricular repolarization assessed by QT/RR slopes studies the effects of modifications in cardiac repolarization independently of variations in RR interval (RR). The effects of changes in sympathetic and vagal activity on the QT/RR slope are controversial. We tested the hypothesis that sympathoexcitation is an important determinant of the QT/RR slope. Methods and Results: We compared the effects of a reflex sympathetic activation in response to hypoxia, to the direct effects of the infusion of the beta‐adrenergic agent dobutamine, on the QTa (apex) and QTe (end)/RR slopes. Dobutamine was titrated to obtain similar increases in cardiac output than with hypoxia. Cardiac vagal activity was estimated by rMSSD and pNN50. In a second group of healthy subjects, we assessed the effect of a reflex cardiac vagal activation in response to phenylephrine infusion on the same variables. We observed a similar increase in QTa and QTe slopes during hypoxia and dobutamine (both P < 0.017 vs. normoxia), despite divergent changes in cardiac vagal activity, as rMSSD and pNN50 decreased with hypoxia compared to normoxia (P < 0.001) but increased during dobutamine infusion compared to hypoxia (P < 0.017). In contrast, these slopes did not change during the rises in rMSSD and pNN50 elicited by phenylephrine (P > 0.7). Conclusion: Beta‐adrenergic stimulation induces comparable increases in the QT/RR slopes than hypoxia, but in the presence of a larger cardiac vagal activity. Vagal cardiac activation by phenylephrine does not change the QT slopes. This reveals that the sympathetic system is an important determinant of QT/RR dynamicity in healthy men.
A Randomized Trial of 5 versus 7 French Guiding Catheters for Transfemoral Percutaneous Coronary Stent Implantation
Authors: BÜCHLER JORGE R. , RIBEIRO EXPEDITO E. , FALCÃO JOÃO L. , MARTINEZ EULÓGIO E. , BÜCHLER RICA D. , FERES FAUSTO , MAIELO JOSÉ R. , HADDAD NAGIB , RAMIRES JOSÉ F. , ELLIS STEPHEN G. 
Published: January 2008

Comparative studies between 5 French guiding catheter and others of larger size using the transfemoral approach to coronary stenting have not been described. Coronary stent implantation was performed in 90 patients in a randomized trial. The primary end‐point was to compare the incidence of successful uncomplicated stent implantation per lesion with the 5F and 7F guiding catheters. Patients were excluded for excessive vessel tortuosity or anticipated need for equipment not fitting through a 5 catheter. Baseline characteristics and the use of direct stenting did not differ between the two groups. The primary success rate was 97.8% per patient in both groups and 98% per lesion in the 5 French and 97.9% in the 7 French. Guiding catheter change was necessary in 1 patient in each group to successfully complete the procedure in both groups. The amount of contrast used was 63 ± 27.3 mL in the 5 French and 76 ± 25 mL in the 7 French groups (P < 0.05). Vascular complications and blood transfusions occurred somewhat more frequently in the 7 French group (P = 0.058). The manual compression time after sheath removal was 5.1 ± 2.0 min and 8.0 ± 4.3 min, respectively, in the 5 and 7 French groups (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the 5 French guiding catheters showed a similar success rate with coronary stenting when compared to the 7 French, but the amount of contrast used and manual compression time after sheath removal, as well as the rate of vascular and bleeding complications, were reduced in the 5 French group. (J Interven Cardiol 2007;**:1–6)
Migraine Headache Relief after Percutaneous Transcatheter Closure of Interatrial Communications
Authors: DUBIEL MARK , BRUCH LEONHARD , SCHMEHL INGO , LIEBNER MATTHIAS , WINKELMANN ANNE , STRETZ ANNA , GRAD MARC OLIVER , KLEBER FRANZ XAVER 
Published: January 2008

Background: Migraine headache (MHA) is present in 12% of adults, but has been reported to have a higher prevalence in patients with presumed paradoxical embolism and patent foramen ovale. PFO closure in these patients has been reported to improve migraine, but follow‐up periods in previous studies have been relatively short and concomitant medical therapy as well as placebo effects might have influenced the results. This study investigated the long term course of MHA in a large cohort of patients after closure of PFO well beyond the initial phase of concomitant antiplatelet medication.
Methods: 191 consecutive patients with presumed paradoxical embolism underwent percutaneous transcatheter closure of patent interatrial communications for prevention of recurrent thromboembolism. We report the course of MHA before and after closure.
Results: Before the procedure, MHA was present in 24% of patients. At a mean follow‐up of 38 months (range 6 to 82) after the procedure MHA had disappeared completely in 24% of patients, and in another 63% symptoms had improved. At a mean duration of follow‐up of 38 months a significant reduction (p < 0.000) of number, intensity, duration of episodes, and in the number of accompanying symptoms during an MHA episode was found.
Conclusions: Percutaneous transcatheter closure of patent interatrial communications results in significant amelioration of MHA in 87% of patients (complete resolution in 24% and significant improvement in symptoms in 63%). Ongoing randomized trials and larger epidemiologic surveys need to further elucidate the role of device therapy for MHA.
Management of Multivessel Coronary Disease after ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated by Primary Angioplasty
Authors: RIGATTIERI STEFANO , BIONDI‐ZOCCAI GIUSEPPE , SILVESTRI PASQUALE , RUSSO CRISTIAN DI , MUSTO CARMINE , FERRAIUOLO GIUSEPPE , LOSCHIAVO PAOLO 
Published: January 2008

Background: Optimal treatment strategy of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing primary angioplasty is still unclear. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of non‐culprit vessels simultaneously or soon after primary angioplasty is feasible and safe, but available data failed to consistently show a benefit in long‐term clinical outcomes.
Methods: We retrospectively compared in‐hospital and long‐term outcomes for patients with STEMI and multivessel CAD treated by primary angioplasty with (Group 1, n=64) or without (Group 2, n=46) early, staged PCI of other angiographically significant coronary lesions. In‐hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as a composite of death, periprocedural myocardial infarction after staged, elective PCI, stroke, stent thrombosis, major bleeding, and vascular complications. MACE at follow‐up were defined as a composite of death, stroke, stent thrombosis, any coronary revascularization, and re‐hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome.
Results: Group 1 patients underwent staged PCI 5.9 ± 3.5 days after primary angioplasty. The mean length of follow‐up was 13 months (392 ± 236 days). The incidence of in‐hospital MACE was 20.3% in Group 1 and 10.8% in Group 2 (P=0.186); the incidence of out of hospital MACE was 9.3% in Group 1 and 23.9% in Group 2 (P=0.037). In Group 1 in‐hospital MACE were driven by periprocedural myocardial infarction after the elective procedure, which occurred in 15.6% of patients.
Conclusions: Our data show that multivessel, staged PCI in STEMI patients is associated with a low incidence of adverse events at follow‐up but with a higher incidence of in‐hospital MACE, mainly driven by periprocedural myocardial infarction during the elective procedure.
Dilatation and Stenting of the Fontan Pathway: Impact of the Stenosis Treatment on Chronic Ascites
Authors: OVROUTSKI STANISLAV , EWERT PETER , ALEXI‐MESKISHVILI VLADIMIR , PETERS BJORN , HETZER ROLAND , BERGER FELIX 
Published: January 2008

Objective: Low pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and unobstructed flow in the pulmonary arteries (PA) and the systemic veins are the most important factors for optimal long‐term Fontan hemodynamics. We retrospectively analyzed the impact of transcatheter interventions for treatment of stenoses in the Fontan pathway to optimize the circulation, with special attention to chronic ascites.
Patients and Design: Sixty‐three of a total of 112 patients underwent heart catheterization 4.6 (1.0–11.4) years after Fontan operation. The median age of the patients at the end of follow‐up was 11 (3.1–45) years. Patients were divided into two groups, one with chronic ascites and one without. The impact of elevated PAP and of morphologic stenoses in the Fontan pathway for the development of chronic ascites was analyzed.
Results: Ascites was observed in 11 patients; 5 of them had stenosis in the Fontan pathway (P = 0.010). High PAP of 15 mmHg or more (n = 13) was correlated positively with the development of ascites (5 of 13, P = 0.040). Twenty interventions for removal of stenosis in the Fontan pathway were performed in 14 patients. We observed temporary relief of ascites in all and complete resolution of ascites after alleviation of the stenosis in 2 patients with PAP <12 mmHg.
Conclusion: Transcatheter treatment of stenosis can effectively improve the hemodynamics in Fontan circulation, even in patients without measurable pressure gradient. In those with low PAP, it may lead to the disappearance of chronic ascites.
Monopsony as a metaphor for the emerging post‐union labour market
Authors: ERICKSON Christopher L. , MITCHELL Daniel J.B. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract:How can employers worldwide be experiencing increasingly severe labour shortages in the face of globalization? Why don't wages rise in expanding economies? This article argues that declining union power has allowed employers to take the upper hand, setting pay and other conditions of employment as they would in a monopsonistic labour market. Rejecting the perfect competition model matching supply to demand, the authors argue that, far from being a pedagogical curiosity, monopsony's imbalance in bargaining power is widespread. Employee voice needs to be restored to counter the undesirable consequences of strong macroeconomic performance, such as wage inequality and reduced worker rights.
A review of instruments developed to measure outcomes for carers of people with mental health problems
Authors: Harvey K. , Catty J. , Langman A. , Winfield H. , Clement S. , Burns E. , White S. , Burns T. 
Published: January 2008

Objective:  Community‐based care for mental disorders places considerable burden on families and carers. Measuring their experiences has become a priority, but there is no consensus on appropriate instruments. We aimed to review instruments carers consider relevant to their needs and assess evidence for their use.Method:  A literature search was conducted for outcome measures used with mental health carers. Identified instruments were assessed for their relevance to the outcomes identified by carers and their psychometric properties.Results:  Three hundred and ninety two published articles referring to 241 outcome measures were identified, 64 of which were eligible for review (used in three or more studies). Twenty‐six instruments had good psychometric properties; they measured (i) carers’ well‐being, (ii) the experience of caregiving and (iii) carers’ needs for professional support.Conclusion:  Measures exist which have been used to assess the most salient aspects of carer outcome in mental health. All require further work to establish their psychometric properties fully.
High numbers of human skin cancers express MMP2 and several integrin genes
Authors: Orimoto Adriana Mari , Neto Cyro Festa , Pimentel Eugênio R. A. , Sanches José A. , Sotto Mirian Nacagami , Akaishi Eduardo , Ruiz Itamar R. G. 
Published: January 2008

Background:  Basal cell carcinomas (BCC), squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) are solid skin cancers derived from different cell types, with different ability to metastasize. Several subtypes of integrins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been related to malignization and metastasis processes. This work aimed at a quantitative evaluation of skin cancers expressing eight integrins and MMP2 genes.Methods:  Expression of integrins and MMP2 genes was evaluated on fresh tumor biopsies from BCC, SCC and MM, and respective controls, by the reverse transcriptase polychain reaction (RT‐PCR) technique.Results:  More than 90% tumors expressed α6a, β1, β3 and β6 (non‐melanoma), and α5a, α6a and MMP2 (MM). Up to 100% controls also expressed β1 and β3. The results were significant for α6a in BCC (p = 0.026), α6b in SCC (p = 0.035), α2a in BCC (p = 0.003), β5 and β6 in BCC (p = 0.005). MMP2 was expressed in 100% MM (p = 0.0004).Conclusion:  Integrin subunits α2a and α6a would be interesting targets for BCC anti‐tumor therapy, as well as α6b in case of SCC. The elevated number of BCC expressing α2 and α6, and of MM expressing αv and MMP2, corroborate literature data.
Mycosis fungoides mimicking erysipelas
Authors: Weyers Wolfgang , Diaz‐Cascajo Carlos , Preinfalk Peter , Löffler Harald 
Published: January 2008

SummaryMycosis fungoides may rarely simulate facial erysipelas. In a patient with that clinical presentation, a biopsy specimen revealed a diffuse dermal infiltrate with numerous neutrophils that also mimicked erysipelas histopathologically. The diagnosis of mycosis fungoides was made on the basis of atypical lymphocytes with focal epidermo‐ and folliculotropism. It was confirmed by typical findings of mycosis fungoides in a second biopsy from a clinically inconspicuous patch. An identical T‐cell receptor γ‐gene rearrangement was detected in lymphocytes of both biopsy specimens.
Pre‐pouch ileitis after colectomy in paediatric ulcerative colitis
Authors: Slatter Carrie , Girgis Safwat , Huynh Hien , El‐Matary Wael 
Published: January 2008

AbstractColectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a potentially curative option for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). A rare, postoperative complication is terminal ileitis which has been poorly documented in paediatric patients. A search of our paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) database revealed two boys with UC who were resistant to medical therapy. They each underwent colectomy with IPAA. One year later, both children represented with bloody diarrhoea and weight loss. Several endoscopies and biopsies showed acute on chronic mucosal inflammation in the pouch and up to 50 cm into the terminal ileum (TI). Biopsies revealed mixed inflammatory infiltrate with no granulomas.Conclusion: Development of terminal ileitis after colectomy and IPAA can occur in children with UC. Although every effort should be made to exclude Crohn's disease as a cause of the terminal ileitis, this poorly defined condition should not be considered to be against the diagnosis of UC. More research is needed to develop a better understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of this uncommon condition.
The impact of early lifestyle factors on wheezing and asthma in Austrian preschool children
Authors: Morass Bernhard , Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer Ursula , Horak Elisabeth 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAim: This study investigated the influence of early lifestyle factors on the prevalence of asthma and wheezing in preschool children in Tyrol, Austria.Methods: A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was performed in 1761 preschool children to obtain information on wheezing and asthma in the light of early lifestyle factors.Results: Factors independently associated with an increased risk for wheezing in the past 12 months included high parental education (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.1) and parental hay fever (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.1–2.2). Risk factors for doctor‐diagnosed asthma (DDA) were early pet contact (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.8) and parental asthma (OR: 3.0, 95%CI: 1.0–9.1), whereas breastfeeding decreased the risk (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2–1.0). Boiling the pacifier/sucker daily increased the risk for wheezing in the past 12 months (OR: 1.4, 95%CI: 1.0–2.0) and revealed a tendency towards DDA (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 0.9–4.0).Conclusion: In preschool children, we established an independent association between wheezing in the past 12 months, DDA and boiling frequency of the pacifier/bottle sucker during infancy. The impact of pacifier boiling frequency on atopic diseases on the basis of the hygiene hypothesis needs further investigation.
Myeloperoxidase as a Measure of Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Response in Inflammatory Status Around Immediately and Delayed Loaded Dental Implants: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Güncü Güliz N. , Tözüm Tolga F. , Güncü M. Barış , Yamalik Nermin , Tümer Celal , Karabulut Erdem , Kilinç Kamer 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: As well as gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), peri‐implant sulcus fluid (PISF) may have a potential diagnostic value for the early identification of metabolic and destructive processes.Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the potential impact of inflammation and loading on PISF myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, in comparison with GCF.Materials and Methods: A total of 220 sites, dental implant (immediately [IL] or delayed loaded [DL]), and natural tooth, either healthy/noninflamed or gingivitis/inflamed, were classified. Clinical parameters were recorded, and GCF/PISF samples were obtained. GCF/PISF MPO levels were spectrophotometrically determined.Results: Clinical parameters demonstrated increases with the presence of gingival/peri‐implant inflammation. Total MPO levels were higher at inflamed tooth and implant sites compared to noninflamed/healthy sites (p < .05). Although they did not reach a significance level, inflamed IL sites had higher total MPO levels than inflamed DL sites (p = .401). Gingival index and total MPO levels exhibited significant correlations (p < .05).Conclusion: Using implants and natural teeth in the same study design, the findings of the present study support the close relationship between MPO production and inflammation, and may speculate a potential for loading of dental implants, contributing to the MPO content of PISF.
Short‐period Effects of Zirconia and Titanium on Osteoblast MicroRNAs
Authors: Palmieri Annalisa , Pezzetti Furio , Brunelli Giorgio , Muzio Lorenzo Lo , Scarano Antonio , Scapoli Luca , Martinelli Macella , Arlotti Marzia , Guerzoni Laura , Rubini Corrado , Carinci Francesco 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, functional, noncoding RNAs of 19 to 23 nucleotides which induce degradation of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs), thus controlling the translational process (ie, synthesis of proteins from mRNAs). In addition, mRNAs regulate the promoter of specific miRNAs activating an autoregulatory feedback loop.Purpose: Titanium and zirconium dioxide ceramics (ZDCs) are used to make dental implants. Because the molecular mechanism by which ZDC and Ti act on osteoblasts is incompletely understood, we attempted to get more information by comparing the effect of ZDC and Ti on osteoblast miRNAs.Materials and Methods: By using miRNA microarray technique, we identified in osteoblast‐like cell line (MG63) grown on grade 3 Ti and ZDC disks several miRNAs whose expression was modified. We collected mRNAs after 24 hours of cell culturing to better understand molecular events related to early bone healing around inserted implants. An mRNA microarray technique was then performed as a control.Results: There were six up‐ and four down‐regulated miRNAs. Because every miRNA regulates hundreds of genes, we focused only on those related to bone formation. Among them, the most notable are BMP4 and 7, which are both up‐regulated in osteoblasts cultured on Ti disks.Conclusion: The detected miRNAs differentially expressed in osteoblast‐like cells grown on ZDC versus Ti act on a limited number of miRNAs and bone‐related genes. The most notable are BMP4 and 7, which are more expressed in osteoblasts exposed to Ti surface. Consequently, we suggest that Ti surfaces could provide some advantages to immediate load implantology.
Marginal Adaptation of All‐Ceramic Crowns on Implant Abutments
Authors: Att Wael , Hoischen Tomas , Gerds Thomas , Strub Jörg Rudolf 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: Studies focusing on the marginal accuracy of all‐ceramic crowns on implant abutments are in short supply.Purpose: This study evaluated the marginal accuracy of all‐ceramic crowns on different implant abutments.Materials and Methods: Ninety‐six standardized maxillary central incisor crowns (48 alumina and 48 zirconia) were fabricated for each of the six test groups (n = 16) (Ti1, titanium abutments–alumina crowns; Ti2, titanium abutments–zirconia crowns; Al1, alumina abutments–alumina crowns; Al2, alumina abutments–zirconia crowns; Zr1, zirconia abutments–alumina crowns; Zr2, zirconia abutments–zirconia crowns). The crowns were adhesively luted using a resin luting agent. The marginal gaps were examined on epoxy replicas before and after luting as well as after masticatory simulation at 200× magnification.Results: The geometrical mean (95% confidence limits) marginal gap values before cementation, after cementation, and after masticatory simulation were group Ti1: 39(37–42), 57(53–62), and 49(46–53); group Ti2: 43(40–47), 71(67–76), and 64(59–69); group Al1: 57(54–61), 87(85–90), and 67(65–69); group Al2: 66(63–69), 96(90–101), and 75(72–78); group Zr1: 54(51–57), 79(76–82), and 65(63–67); and group Zr2: 64(60–68), 85(80–91), and 75(70–81). The comparison between non‐cemented and cemented stages in each group demonstrated a significant increase in the marginal gap values after cementation in all groups (p < .001), while the comparison between cemented and aged stages in each group showed a significant decrease in the marginal gap values in groups Al1, Al2, and Zr1 (p < .0001). This reduction was not significant for groups Ti1, Ti2, and Zr2 (p > .05).Conclusion: The marginal accuracy of all tested restorations meets the requirements for clinical acceptance.
Narrative, Postmodernity and the Problem of ‘Religious Illiteracy’
Authors: Harrison V. S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIt is popular nowadays to claim not only that narrative is the most effective way to communicate religious knowledge but also that narrative provides the framework within which religious lifestyles and practices are meaningful. However, many today lack familiarity with the narratives of traditional religions. In other words, they suffer from ‘religious illiteracy’. This article considers the problem of how religion can become meaningful to such people. The view that religion can be divested of its outdated cultural accoutrements and presented in a form that resonates with postmodern secular culture is considered and found to be problematic. If acquiring a religion is like acquiring a culture, or a language, it seems unlikely that a deeper appreciation of a religious tradition will be facilitated by divesting it of its traditional cultural expressions. Moreover, the view that religious lifestyles should be emphasised rather than religious belief seems to be more a symptom of the problem of ‘religious illiteracy’ than a solution to it. The article concludes that both of these responses fail to provide a solution to the problem and that an alternative strategy is urgently required.
‘Perced to the Roote’: Challenges in Teaching Chaucer at UK Universities
Authors: Rayner Samantha 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis paper attempts to present the challenges facing medievalists in the UK when they are confronted with undergraduates with little or no experience of working with Chaucer and medieval studies. Through exploring the current A and AS level criteria for assessment, and understanding what approaches are being used at secondary level, it is hoped that medievalists will be able to adapt practice to encourage more students to make their field a study area of rewarding choice.