bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laser Assistance for Extraction of Chronically Implanted Endocardial Leads: Infectious versus Noninfectious Indications
Authors: GAYNOR SYDNEY L. , ZIERER ANDREAS , LAWTON JENNIFER S. , GLEVA MARYE J. , DAMIANO RALPH J. , MOON MARC R. 
Published: December 2006

Background: Powered sheaths, including Excimer laser sheaths, were introduced for the removal of transvenous pacing and defibrillator leads. The purpose of this study was to develop an algorithm to better predict which patients are likely to benefit from these devices.
Methods: We reviewed 283 consecutive patients in whom a total of 500 leads (302 pacing and 198 defibrillator leads) were extracted over a 5‐year period at our operative facilities. Laser assist was utilized whenever moderate traction failed.
Results: In 128 patients, 203 leads were removed for noninfectious indication. In 155 patients, 297 leads for infectious indications, including sepsis 22% (111), pocket infection 23% (115), and erosion 14% (71). Laser assistance was required for 6%± 5% (± 95% confidence interval) of septic leads, 51%± 7% of leads associated with erosion or pocket infection and 60%± 7% of noninfected leads (P = 0.001). Laser assistance was necessary more often for leads implanted >12 months (53%± 5%) than 12 months or less (6%± 5%) (P = 0.001) and for ventricular (52%± 6%) compared to atrial (35%± 7%) leads (P = 0.001).
Conclusions: Chronically implanted leads (>12 months), especially noninfected leads and leads associated with erosion or pocket infection, should be referred for extraction with powered sheaths to ensure successful removal. However, leads that are associated with systemic sepsis can generally be removed without powered sheaths.
Magnetocardiography Study on Ventricular Depolarization‐Current Pattern in Patients with Brugada Syndrome and Complete Right‐Bundle Branch Blocks
Authors: KANDORI AKIHIKO , MIYASHITA TSUYOSHI , OGATA KUNIOMI , SHIMIZU WATARU , YOKOKAWA MIKI , KAMAKURA SHIRO , MIYATAKE KUNIO , TSUKADA KEIJI , YAMADA SATSUKI , WATANABE SHIGEYUKI , YAMAGUCHI IWAO 
Published: December 2006

Background:The objective of this study is to use magnetocardiography to determine the existence of a small abnormal current during ventricular depolarization in patients with Brugada syndrome. To understand this small difference in abnormal current during ventricular depolarization, we compared abnormal currents of patients with cases of complete right‐bundle‐branch block (CRBBB).Methods and Results:We developed a whole‐heart electrical bull's eye map (WHEBEM) that uses magnetocardiograms (MCGs) to visualize the current distribution in a circular map. MCGs of Brugada syndrome patients (n = 16), CRBBB patients (n = 10), and controls (n = 12) at rest were recorded. In the WHEBEMs of Brugada syndrome patients, the magnitude of the S‐wave current in the upper‐right direction of the anterior side is larger than that of the controls. In addition, the R‐wave current direction is similar to that of the controls, and the R‐wave vector is distributed over a larger area than that of the controls. On the other hand, the CRBBB patients have a distribution of R‐wave currents over a larger area in the left anteromedian region and the left posteromedian region. Moreover, in all CRBBB patients, S‐wave currents with a large magnitude have the same direction distributed over a small area.Conclusions:The WHEBEM findings suggest that there is an abnormal current in the direction to the upper right (in the S‐wave) in the anterosuperior region of Brugada syndrome patients. We thus conclude that a WHEBEM has the potential to detect characteristics of heart disease.
Convective Cooling Effect on Cooled‐Tip Catheter Compared to Large‐Tip Catheter Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: PILCHER THOMAS A. , SANFORD ANNA L. , SAUL J. PHILIP , HAEMMERICH DIETER 
Published: December 2006

Background. Both actively cooled‐tip and large‐tip catheters are currently available clinically to create large endomyocardial lesions during application of radiofrequency (RF) energy. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of convective cooling at physiologic flow rates on RF lesion size using both actively cooled and large‐tip catheters.
Methods. Porcine hearts were sectioned into 72 pieces and placed in a temperature‐controlled saline bath (37°C) with varying directed flow rates (0, 1, 2, and 3 L/min). Cooled‐tip RF ablation (4 mm tip) was performed for 1 minute on 36 tissue sections with power manually titrated to keep tip temperature below 40°C. Large‐tip catheter ablation (10 mm tip) was performed at 65°C target temperature for 1 minute on 36 tissue sections. For each catheter, flow rates were randomized between applications. The tissue pieces were sectioned and measured to determine lesion depth, width, and volume.
Results. Lesion dimensions were independent of the flow rate for the cooled‐tip catheter (mean volumes: 382.0 ± 121.6, 419.9 ± 133.4, 375.9 ± 169.1, and 346.7 ± 173.4 mm3 for 0, 1, 2, and 3 L/min flow rate, respectively, P = 0.78). For the large‐tip catheter, lesion size varied significantly with flow, such that higher flow rates produced larger lesions (mean volumes: 120.7 ± 50.7, 256.5 ± 97.9, 393.4 ± 149.9, and 548.9 ± 157.0 mm3 for 0, 1, 2, and 3 L/min flow rate respectively, P < 0.001)
Conclusion. During RF ablation, blood flow rate significantly affects lesion size for large‐tip but not cooled‐tip catheters. At low flow rates (0–1 L/min) cooled‐tip catheters create larger lesions, while at high flow rates (3 L/min) large‐tip catheters create larger lesions.
Randomized Study of Propofol Effect On Electrophysiological Properties of the Atrioventricular Node in Patients with Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia
Authors: WARPECHOWSKI PAULO , LIMA GUSTAVO G. , MEDEIROS CLÁUDIO M. , SANTOS ARI TADEU L. , KRUSE MARCELO , MIGLORANSA MARCELO H. , KALIL RENATO A.K. 
Published: December 2006

Background: Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is probably the most common form of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Percutaneous catheter ablation is a technique to interrupt cardiac conduction pathways selectively. The anesthetist is challenged to provide a safe anesthetic which takes into account the electrophysiologist's requirements for minimal cardiac conduction interference. Propofol is an ideal drug. However, previous studies have shown that the infusion of propofol has sometimes been associated with bradyarrhythmias or conversion of arrhythmias to sinusal rhythm. The purpose of this report is to verify the interferences of propofol in the electrophysiological properties of the atrioventricular (AV) node conduction system in patients with AVNRT.
Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or propofol at sedative doses. An electrophysiological study was performed consisting of measuring the anterograde (AERPFP) and retrograde effective refractory period of the fast (RERPFP) and the anterograde effective refractory period of the slow (AERPSP) AV nodal pathway. Reciprocating tachycardia was induced and the cycle length (CL) and atrial‐His (AH), His‐ventricular (HV), and ventriculoatrial (VA) intervals were measured.
Results: Propofol did not cause alteration (P > 0.05) in the AERPFP or RERPFP and the AERPSP AV nodal pathway. The AH, HV, and VA intervals were not affected. Sustained reciprocating tachycardia could be induced in the all patients. All slow pathways were successfully identified and ablated.
Conclusion: Propofol has no effect on the electrophysiological properties of the AV node conduction system. It is thus a suitable anesthetic agent for use in patients undergoing ablative procedures.
Low Energy Biphasic Waveform Cardioversion of Atrial Arrhythmias in Pediatric Patients and Young Adults
Authors: LIBERMAN LEONARDO , HORDOF ALLAN J. , ALTMANN KAREN , PASS ROBERT H. 
Published: December 2006

Background: Low‐dose biphasic waveform cardioversion has been used for the termination of atrial arrhythmias in adult patients. The energy required for termination of atrial arrhythmias in pediatric patients is not known. The objective of this study is to determine the minimum energy required for successful external cardioversion of atrial arrhythmias in pediatric patients using biphasic waveform current.
Methods: Prospective study of all patients less than 24 years of age with and without congenital heart disease undergoing synchronized cardioversion for atrial arrhythmias. Patients were assigned to receive an initial biphasic energy shock of 0.2–0.5 J/kg and if unsuccessful in terminating the arrhythmia, subsequent sequential shocks of 1 and 2 J/kg would be administered until cardioversion was achieved. The end point of the cardioversion protocol was successful cardioversion or delivery of three shocks.
Results: Between June 2005 and June 2006, 16 patients underwent biphasic cardioversion for atrial flutter or fibrillation. The mean age was 14.7 ± 6.4 years (range: 2 weeks to 24 years). The mean weight was 51 ± 21 kg (range: 3.8–82 kg). Seven patients had normal cardiac anatomy, three had a single ventricle (Fontan), two had a Senning operation; the remaining four patients had varied forms of congenital heart disease. The median length of time that the patients were in tachycardia was 12 hours (range: 5 minutes to 2 months). Using either transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), no thrombi were identified in any patient. All patients were successfully cardioverted with biphasic waveform energy. The successful energy shock was 0.35 ± 0.19 J/kg (range: 0.2–0.9 J/kg). All but one patient were successfully cardioverted with less than 0.5 J/kg. The transthoracic impedance range was between 41 and 144 Ω; one patient had an impedance of 506 Ω (2‐week‐old infant with a weight of 3.8 kg). The mean current delivered was 5.4 ± 2.2 A (range: 1–11 A).
Conclusion: Low‐dose energy using biphasic waveform shocks can be used for successful termination of atrial arrhythmias in pediatric patients with and without congenital heart disease.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation with Esophageal Cooling with a Cooled Water‐Irrigated Intraesophageal Balloon: A Pilot Study
Authors: TSUCHIYA TAKESHI , ASHIKAGA KEIICHI , NAKAGAWA SUSUMU , HAYASHIDA KIYOSHI , KUGIMIYA HIROSHI 
Published: December 2006

Introduction: A left atrioesophageal fistula is an uncommon but devastating complication that may occur during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, and may be due to thermal injury occurring during the radiofrequency (RF) ablation. We examined the feasibility of an esophageal cooling (ECO) method using a cooled water‐irrigated intraesophageal balloon (IB). Methods and Results: Eight patients with drug‐refractory AF underwent RF catheter ablation to encircle the ipsilateral pulmonary veins. During the RF ablation at the posterior left atrium, the esophageal lumen was cooled using a 9‐Fr. IB catheter with a balloon length of 40 mm and diameter of 10 mm, in which cooled water, with a water temperature of 4.5 ± 3.1 °C, was irrigated while the luminal esophageal temperature (LET) was measured with an intraesophageal probe placed at a site close to the tip of the ablation catheter. In the control, the LET increased from 36.4 ± 0.8 °C to 40.5 ± 1.7 °C within 26.1 ± 8.2 seconds during 3.9 ± 1.2 RF energy applications, whereas with the ECO the LET decreased to 30.2 ± 2.9 °C at baseline (P<0.01 vs control), and increased only to 33.5 ± 2.9 °C (P<0.01 vs control) at most, within 30 seconds during 3.9 ± 1.2 RF energy applications. All pulmonary veins were successfully isolated in all patients without any complications. During a follow‐up period of 3.1 ± 1.2 months, no esophageal injuries were observed and all but one patient have been free from any symptoms. Conclusions: Use of an IB successfully lowers LET. This might have the potential of preventing esophageal injury, although further study is required.
Is there a relationship between depression and crying? A review
Authors: Vingerhoets A. J. J. M. , Rottenberg J. , Cevaal A. , Nelson J. K. 
Published: December 2006

Objective: To conduct a systematic examination of the relationship between depression and crying by reviewing all relevant theory and empirical data including the performance of crying items in measures of depression.Method: Review of the extant literature on depression and crying using PubMed, PsychInfo and Google Scholar databases.Results: Scores on crying items of depression inventories correlate moderately with overall depression severity. Otherwise, there is surprisingly little evidence for the widespread claim that depression leads to more frequent and/or easier crying. There is also little empirical support for the competing claim that severely depressed individuals lose their capacity to cry.Conclusion: Current claims about the relationship between depression and crying lack a robust empirical foundation. Assessment instruments and diagnostic systems for mood disorders are inconsistent in how they handle crying as a symptom. Further work to investigate the causes and the context of crying in depressed patients is needed.
Compromised GCF total antioxidant capacity in periodontitis: cause or effect?
Authors: Chapple I. L. C. , Brock G. R. , Milward M. R. , Ling N. , Matthews J. B. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackground: Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) of gingival crevicular fluid volume (GCF) and plasma appears compromised in periodontitis, but it is unclear whether this predisposes to, or results from the inflammatory process.Aim: To investigate longitudinal changes in GCF and plasma TAOC following reductions in periodontal inflammation with successful non‐surgical therapy.Materials and Methods: Two longitudinal studies were run in series on non‐smokers with chronic periodontitis (CP). Study‐1 (n=17) assessed index sites with mild disease; Study‐2 (n=18) investigated deep sites. GCF sampling and clinical measures were performed at baseline and 3 months post‐therapy. Plasma and GCF TAOC was determined by enhanced chemiluminescence and 32 age/sex‐matched periodontally healthy controls were used.Results: Therapy improved clinical outcomes consistent with the literature. There were no differences in plasma TAOC between periodontitis patients (507±92 μMTeq) and controls (520±100 μMTeq; p=0.57) at baseline, but GCF TAOC was lower (p<0.0001) in CP patients (680±371 μMTeq) than controls (1129±722 μMTeq). Successful periodontal therapy did not alter plasma TAOC (p=0.56), but GCF TAOC increased (by 449±722 μMTeq, p<0.001) to control subject levels (p=0.47)Conclusions: Local total antioxidant capacity in CP appears to reflect increased oxygen radical activity during periodontal inflammation and can be restored to control subject levels by successful non‐surgical therapy.
Intervention implementation research: an exploratory study of reduction strategies for occupational contact dermatitis in the printing industry
Authors: Brown Terry P. , Rushton Lesley , Williams Hywel C. , English John S. C. 
Published: December 2006

Background:  Occupational dermatitis is a problem in the printing industry but can be avoided through adequate protective measures. Research into intervention implementation is fundamental to the success of a formal intervention effectiveness trial.Objectives:  The preliminary testing of four risk reduction strategies for occupationally caused dermatitis, which represent a range of approaches and cost implications.Patients/Methods:  The strategies, the provision of (i) skin checks plus treatment advice; provision of (ii) gloves of the correct type/size plus use of an after‐work cream; provision of (iii) information highlighting the problem of occupational dermatitis and (iv) development of a best practice skin care policy, were evaluated over 3 months in two non‐randomly selected companies. A post‐intervention evaluation into the effectiveness and efficacy of the intervention was also carried out.Results and Conclusions:  All interventions were found to be acceptable to some extent. No single intervention appeared to be completely effective. The most practical intervention appeared to be the regular use of gloves of the correct type and size. This preliminary intervention study has demonstrated an improvement in the skin condition of workers examined and points towards the need for further testing of risk reduction strategies for the prevention of dermatitis in the printing industry on a much larger scale.
Skin radiance: how to quantify? Validation of an optical method
Authors: Petitjean Adeline , Sainthillier Jean‐Marie , Mac‐Mary Sophie , Muret Patrice , Closs Brigitte , Gharbi Tijani , Humbert Philippe 
Published: December 2006

Background/purpose: The aim of this study was to validate an optic device used to measure the quantity of light reflected by the skin, which depends on the brightness of the skin.Methods: This apparatus gives three parameters, called Complexion/diffusion (Cd), Cr (Complexion/reflection) and Complexion/specular position (Csp). Measurements were carried out on the forehead (slightly rounded surface) and the cheekbone (angular surface). To estimate the repeatability and the reproducibility of each parameter, two female subjects (one with a dull complexion and the other with a glowing complexion) and three operators participated in the study. To investigate repeatability, each operator performed 10 consecutive measurements on both zones. To investigate inter‐investigator reproducibility, the operators performed the measurements alternately. To investigate day‐to‐day reproducibility, these measures were achieved during three visits at a 2‐day interval, at D1, D3 and D5. To estimate the sensitivity and the specificity, 30 females participated in the study (15 in the dull complexion group and 15 in the glowing complexion group).Results: Cd was repeatable (variation coefficient <20%), day‐to‐day reproducible on both sites (generally P>0.05) but not inter‐investigators reproducible (generally P<0.05). The sensitivity was 93% on the forehead and 80% on the cheekbone; the specificity was 87% on the forehead and 60% on the cheekbone. Cr was repeatable (variation coefficient <5%), day‐to‐day reproducible (P>0.05) and not inter‐investigators reproducible (generally P<0.05). The sensitivity was 93% on the forehead and 80% on the cheekbone; the specificity was 87% on the forehead and 80% on the cheekbone. Csp was not repeatable (variation coefficient >5%) on both the studied zones and for the three investigators.Conclusion: The repeatability and the day‐to‐day reproducibility were satisfying for the Cd and Cr parameters on both the studied sites. The sensitivity and the specificity were satisfying for both parameters on both sites, except for the specificity of the Cd parameter on the cheekbone. Therefore, this apparatus is suitable to follow‐up an evolution on both the studied sites, but we recommend: (a) that the same trained investigator always performs the measurements, (b) to privilege the forehead in particular for a classification (dull or glowing).
Porcine ear skin: an in vitro model for human skin
Authors: Jacobi Ute , Kaiser Marco , Toll Rani , Mangelsdorf Susanne , Audring Heike , Otberg Nina , Sterry Wolfram , Lademann Juergen 
Published: December 2006

Background/purpose: Porcine ear skin is used in studies of percutaneous penetration as a substitute for human skin. The structure of this tissue, including hair follicles, was studied qualitatively and quantitatively in comparison with human skin.Methods: Sections of shock‐frozen biopsies, biopsies embedded in paraffin and cyanoacrylate skin surface biopsies were investigated using microscopy. The thickness of the different skin layers and the follicular characteristics were determined.Results: The thickness of the stratum corneum was 17–28 μm, whereas the viable epidermis was 60–85 μm thick. On 1 cm2, 11–25 hairs were detected, showing a diameter of 58–97 μm and a maximal extension depth of 0.96–1.38 mm into the skin. The orifices of the porcine infundibula showed a diameter of approximately 200 μm.Conclusions: The results obtained are similar to those of human skin, indicating the suitability of this porcine tissue as a model for human skin.
Oily skin: specific features in Chinese women
Authors: Nouveau‐Richard S. , Zhu W. , Li Y. H. , Zhang Y. Z. , Yang F. Z. , Yang Z. L. , Lian S. , Qian B. Y. , Ran Y. P. , Bouillon C. , Chen H. D. , De Lacharrière O. 
Published: December 2006

Background/Purpose: Inconsistent data are available on the various types of skin, their prevalence and characterization, particularly regarding Asian skins. This observation prompted to conduct a large study in China to assess the prevalence of oily skin and identify the specific factors related to that type of skin.Methods: The multicentre trial involved 1787 Chinese women in Shenyang, Harbin, Beijing, Chengdu and Suzhou, between 18 and 65 years of age. Data on history of acne, the presence of environmental factors and a detailed self‐evaluation of the skin were collected using a standardized questionnaire. A clinical evaluation of facial skin oiliness was carried‐out by a dermatologist at each centre. Sebum secretion was measured on the forehead using Sebumeter® SM810. Statistical analysis (multiple correspondence analysis) of typology was conducted based on self‐evaluation data.Results: According to self‐evaluation data, oily skin prevalence in the overall Chinese population of the study was 25.6%. Self‐evaluation results were quite consistent with sebum measurements and with clinical assessment by dermatologist. Parameters associated with oily skin were (i) shiny skin and a past history of acne, (ii) irregular menstruation, and (iii) highly reactive or sensitive skin. Moreover, a clear and significant link was noted between oily skin and the ingestion of spicy or sweet food. Lastly, sebum levels were found to be twice as high in Beijing as in the other cities and were correlated to higher oily skin prevalence.Conclusion: The study demonstrated the capacity of women for proper self‐evaluation of their skin type. It also suggests a potential link between nutritional factors such as spicy and/or sweet diets and oily skin as well as between sensitive and oily skin in this population.
Responses of shoot growth and survival to water stress gradient in diploid and tetraploid populations of Lolium multiflorum and L. perenne
Authors: Sugiyama Shu‐ichi 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDrought stress is one of the critical environmental factors in determining growth and survival of herbage grasses. In this study, by using a hydroponic culture system including different amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG), responses of plant shoots to water stress in four different intensities (0 Mpa, −0.6 Mpa, −1.2 Mpa and −1.8 Mpa) were examined in diploid and tetraploid cultivars of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and perennial ryegrass (L. perenne). Since freezing injury is caused by cell dehydration, freezing tolerance was also examined for six subzero temperatures (−11, −12, −14, −16, −18 and −20°C) in both species. L. multiflorum had a larger shoot biomass at all stress intensities and a lower survival rate under severe water stress and freezing stress conditions than L. perenne. Thus, there was a trade‐off (negative correlation) between potential growth under a stress‐free condition and survival under a severe stress condition in diploid and tetraploid cultivars of both species. This trade‐off was mediated by tissue water content. High water content led to a high growth rate through increasing specific leaf area, while low water content resulted in a high tissue osmotic potential that could confer high cell dehydration tolerance.