bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cavotricuspid Isthmus Conduction is Dependent on Underlying Anatomic Bundle Architecture: Observations Using a Maximum Voltage‐Guided Ablation Technique
Authors: REDFEARN DAMIAN P. , SKANES ALLAN C. , GULA LORNE J. , KRAHN ANDREW D. , YEE RAYMOND , KLEIN GEORGE J. 
Published: May 2006

Objectives: We hypothesized an ablation strategy directly targeting muscle bundles might demonstrate functionally distinct “routes” of conduction, potentially shortening ablation times. Background: Pathological study demonstrated that the cavotricuspid isthmus is composed of distinct anatomically defined bundles, many with intervening gaps of connective tissue. Methods: A line was mapped in the “6 o'clock” region and bipolar electrogram amplitude measured during pullback. Zones of peak voltage were ablated first regardless of position. RF was delivered using either a 5‐mm externally irrigated catheter, or an 8‐mm nonirrigated catheter. The zone of largest remaining voltage was then sequentially targeted until conduction. Results: Eighteen patients were recruited and followed for 7.9 ± 1.9 months block occurred (mean age 64 ± 11.6 years, male:female ratio 14:4). Bi‐directional block was achieved in all patients with recurrence of atrial flutter in 1 patient. Mean total RF times was 4.7 ± 2.8 minutes with a mean of 6.1 ± 3.3 applications, procedure time was 127.3 ± 37.7 minutes, and fluoroscopy time was 25.5 ± 12.0 minutes. Two patterns of block were observed in the study group. Pattern A described no change in conduction times until block, observed in 6 (33%); pattern B described a stepwise block with discrete “jumps,” observed in 12 (67%). Conclusions: An ablation strategy targeting high‐voltage isthmus electrograms obviates the need for a complete anatomic line. This finding together with discrete “jumps” during ablation is consistent with the concept of conduction over discrete bundles rather than a diffuse sheet of muscle.
Analysis of Location and Pattern of Target Vessel Failure in Chronic Total Occlusions after Stent Implantation and Its Potential for the Efficient Use of Drug‐Eluting Stents
Authors: BETGE STEFAN , KRACK ANDREAS , FIGULLA HANS R. , WERNER GERALD S. 
Published: May 2006

Objectives: The recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) is a complex procedure with high rates of target vessel failure (TVF), i.e., restenosis or reocclusion. Little is known about the localization of lesion recurrence, and whether extensive stenting should be performed. In this prospective analysis, the area at high risk for restenoses after recanalization of CTO was localized.
Methods: Angiograms of 97 consecutive patients and control angiograms after a mean period of 5 ± 1.3 months were analyzed for location and length of the CTO and the sites of recurrences.
Results: In total, 158 stents were implanted (1.6 ± 0.9 per lesion). Restenoses occurred in 39% and reocclusions in 17% of the patients. Patients with a TVF had a longer CTO than patients without TVF (17.9 ± 10.2 vs 13.9 ± 8.6 mm; P = 0.023). The TVF rate increased with the number of implanted stents. The stent diameter was smaller in lesions with subsequent reocclusions than in restenotic and nonrestenotic lesions (2.8 ± 0.5 vs 3.0 ± 0.4 and 3.2 ± 0.4 mm resp.; P = 0.007). Analyzing the localization of the 38 restenoses, we only found 45% restricted to the area of the former CTO, while 82% were located in the area of the former CTO plus 10 mm in proximal and distal direction.
Conclusions: Stents should not only cover the site of the CTO, but should enclose the high‐risk area of recurrence within 10 mm proximal and distal of the former CTO. This may guide the rational use of drug‐eluting stents.
Factors That Influence Radiation Dose in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: TSAPAKI VIRGINIA , MAGGINAS ATHANASSIOS , VANO ELISEO , KOTTOU SOPHIA , PAPADAKIS EMMANOUIL , DAFNOMILI PARASKEVI , KYROZI ELENA , KOLLAROS NIKOLAOS , NEOFOTISTOU VASSILIKI , COKKINOS DENNIS 
Published: May 2006

Aim: To explore the factors that may influence the radiation dose imparted to the patient in PCI, and investigate whether the use of the latest digital X‐ray system based on FP detector technology can have an impact on dose.
Materials and Method: Demographic and clinical data such as number of lesions treated, number of stents placed, grade of tortuosity, and stage of occlusion, as well as use of double wire and double balloon technique, ostial stenting or bifurcation stenting, and presence of major complications were recorded, together with radiation parameters.
Results: The factors that increased patient radiation dose were (1) patient gender, as men exhibited higher doses than women; (2) complex lesion; (3) increasing number of stents; (4) position of stent; (5) grade of tortuosity; and (6) stage of occlusion. The FP digital system appeared to be settled in a lower‐dose rate for fluoroscopy (a factor of 6) and higher for dose per frame in cine (a factor of 3) in comparison with the image intensifier (II) system. There was a marked reduction of DAP when the FP technology was introduced.
Conclusion: More extensive studies should be performed in the future so as to further investigate the influence of the FP detector in IC.
Prospective studies of suicidal behavior in major depressive and bipolar disorders: what is the evidence for predictive risk factors?
Authors: Oquendo M. A. , Currier D. , Mann J. J. 
Published: May 2006

Objective:  Prospective studies over the past 30 years have identified an array of predictive indicators for suicidal acts in mood disorders. However, prediction of suicidal behavior remains an elusive goal. This paper reviewed evidence from prospective studies for clinical factors that elevate risk of suicidal acts in that group.Method:  English language prospective studies of suicidal behavior in major depressive and bipolar disorders were examined.Results:  The predictors with the best support were a past history of suicidal behavior and the presence of refractory or recurrent depressions. For other risk factors, there was either not enough data to consider them robust or findings were contradictory.Conclusion:  Future studies must not only be comprehensive in their inclusion of potentially contributing factors, but must also address their relative importance towards the goal of developing predictive models and enhance suicide prevention efforts.
The insertion of a full‐length Bos taurus LINE element is responsible for a transcriptional deregulation of the Normande Agouti gene
Authors: Girardot Michael , Guibert Sylvain , Laforet Marie‐Pierre , Gallard Yves , Larroque Hélène , Oulmouden Ahmad 
Published: May 2006

SummaryMammalian pigmentation is controlled by the concerted action of Tyr, Tyrp1 and Dct producing eumelanin and/or pheomelanin in melanocytes. The ratio of these two pigments is determined by the agonist α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone and the antagonist Agouti protein acting on the Mc1r. Here we show that the Agouti gene is over‐expressed in Normande breed compared with Prim'Holstein breed. The Normande cattle have a characteristic coat color phenotype with a variable presence of black (eumelanin) hair over a red/brown background. We have found a previously undescribed full‐length L1‐BT element inserted in the 5′‐genomic sequence of the Agouti gene in Normande cattle which promotes the over‐expression of alternative transcripts. The variable expression of the alternative transcript directed by the long interspersed nuclear element promoter may be the origin of the brindle coat color pattern of the Normande breed. This new bovine Agouti allele isolated in Normande breed has been named Abr. Finally, as ectopic over‐expression of Agouti in Ay mice is responsible for the obesity syndrome, we discuss the possible consequences of Abr for meat and milk production in cattle.
Influence of administration methods on the accumulation of ALA‐induced Pp‐IX in mouse tongue tumors
Authors: Ogasawara T , Miyoshi N , Sano K , Kitagawa Y , Yamada T , Ogawa T , Miyauchi K , Kinoshita H 
Published: May 2006

Objective:  5‐Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) has been used as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for oral cancer. This study investigates the optimal method of administrating ALA by analyzing PpIX fluorescence in tongue tumor tissue.Methods:  Protoporphyrin IX intensities in the mouse (C3H)‐transplanted tongue cancer (NR‐S1) were compared with those in normal tongue after intraperitoneal (i.p.), oral (p.o.) or topical administration of ALA. Tongues were sampled at various times after ALA administration. PpIX intensities were obtained from frozen sections of each sample by using a spectrophotometer.Results:  Protoporphyrin IX intensity in the tumor group peaked at 3 h after the i.p. and 5 h after the p.o. administration of ALA, and these levels were about twice as high as those in the normal group. Maximum PpIX accumulation in the tongue tumor tissue was seen at 5 h after p.o. administration of ALA. In contrast, the topical administration of 20% ALA cream was associated with the lowest PpIX accumulation in the tumor throughout the experiments.Conclusion:  These results suggested that p.o. administration of ALA was the most effective method in ALA‐PDT for oral cancer.
Food group categories used in dietary analysis can misrepresent the amount and type of fat present in foods
Authors: MANN Neil , ASHTON Yvonne , O’CONNELL Stella , SINCLAIR Andrew , KELLY Fiona 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective:  To determine whether analysis of food intake data using different food group classification systems changes the apparent contribution of defined food groups to total daily fat intake.Design:  Three food classification systems were used to assess dietary intake of male omnivore subjects from a food frequency questionnaire.Setting:  RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.Subjects:  A total of 78 healthy men aged 20–55 years, divided by meat consumption into moderate meat‐eaters (n = 60) and high meat‐eaters (n = 18).Methods:  Dietary intake data were collected as semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaires and analysed using the NUTTAB 95 database. The contribution of food groups to nutrient intakes was determined using three food classification systems.Results:  When red meat was grouped with meat, poultry and game products and dishes, ‘meat’ contributed 19.8% of total fat to a diet typical of an adult Australian man. When lean meat cuts were distinguished from meat products or dishes and fast foods, ‘red meat cuts’ provided only 4.3% of the total fat in this diet, whereas ‘fast foods’ provided 18.7%.Conclusions:  Food classification systems have a profound impact on the apparent nutrient content of defined food groups, particularly the fat content attributed to meats. Less precise systems may result in provision of misleading dietary advice. Meats such as lean beef and lamb can be a valuable part of a healthy diet by providing important nutrients, especially iron, zinc and vitamin B12, but relatively little fat.
Alcohol and lactation: A systematic review
Authors: GIGLIA Roslyn , BINNS Colin 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe aim of the present paper is to critically review the current literature on the effect of alcohol intake during lactation on the hormonal control of lactogenesis; breast milk and infant blood alcohol concentration; and on the breastfeeding infant. The databases PubMed, CINAHL, Proquest Health and Medical Complete, ScienceDirect and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched for articles published between 1990 and 2005. We found limited research investigating the effect of alcohol intake on the infants of lactating women, with most being conducted using animal models. Results consistently show a decrease in lactational performance in both animal and human studies of alcohol intake and breastfeeding. Alcohol intake by lactating mothers in amounts recommended as ‘safe’ for non‐lactating women may have a negative effect on infant development and behaviour. Clear guidelines for alcohol consumption are required for lactating women and health professionals to guide breastfeeding mothers to make educated choices regarding alcohol intake during this critical period of infant development.
Delirium and older people: repositioning nursing care
Authors: Neville Stephen 
Published: May 2006

Aims. To critically examine the nursing care offered to older people who have been delirious.Background. Delirium occurs as a result of physiological imbalances resulting in an alteration in consciousness and cognitive impairment. Delirium is a prevalent and serious cognitive disorder experienced by older people. While there is a vast number of studies published utilizing quantitative methods, there remains a dearth of research relating to delirium in older people from a qualitative perspective.Design. A qualitative research design that utilized a critical gerontological framework underpinned this study. This framework drew on aspects of postmodernism and Foucault's understanding of discourse.Methods. Data sources included published documents on delirium, semi‐structured taped interviews with people over the age of 65 years who had been delirious (as well as their clinical notes), family members, Registered Nurses and a hospital doctor. A postmodern discourse analytic approach was used to interrogate the 20 sets of data collected.Findings. Textual analysis revealed the presence of two major discourses impacting on being an older person with delirium. These were identified as a nursing discourse of delirium and a personal discourse of delirium. A nursing discourse of delirium was largely focussed on the biomedical processes that resulted in a delirious episode. Conversely, a personal discourse of delirium highlights that there are other ways of ‘knowing’ about delirium through considering the narratives of older adults, and their families, when offering a nursing service to this group of people.Relevance to clinical practice. Nursing needs to critically examine all aspects of nursing care as it applies to older people who have delirium to ensure the rhetorical claims of the profession become the reality for consumers of health services. The use of critical gerontology provides nurses with the tools to challenge the status quo and uncover the multiple, varied, contradictory and complex representations of delirium in older people. Inherent within a personal discourse of delirium is the importance of incorporating into nursing care communicative and other relational activities, such as forming and maintaining a therapeutic relationship.
Bacterial cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis with or without concurrent cholecystitis in four dogs
Authors: O’Neill E. J. , Day M. J. , Hall E. J. , Holden D. J. , Murphy K. F. , Barr F. J. , Pearson G. R. 
Published: May 2006

Objectives:To evaluate the clinical, clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging, microbiological and pathological features of cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis in the dog.Methods:The study design was a retrospective review of cases of bacterial cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis presented to the University of Bristol during the period 1995 to 2000. The diagnosis was made based on hepatic histopathological findings and positive bile culture results.Results:Four dogs met the inclusion criteria. Common presenting signs included anorexia (n=4), jaundice (n=4), vomiting (n=4) and pyrexia (n=2). All four dogs had a leucocytosis or neutrophilia reported at some time in their history along with serum bilirubin elevation. In addition, serum alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase activity was increased in all of the dogs in which it was measured both before and at the time of referral. In general, the diagnostic imaging findings were non‐specific. Organisms cultured from bile aspirates wereEscherichia coli(n=3),Clostridiumspecies (n=2) and a faecalStreptococcusspecies (n=1). Two cases resolved with medical treatment alone; two with concurrent cholecystitis required cholecystectomy. Following surgery, both of these cases showed a resolution of clinical signs.ClinicalSignificance:This report highlights the fact that bacterial cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis with or without concurrent cholecystitis should be considered as a potential differential in dogs presenting with signs referable to biliary tract disease.
Combined clotrimazole irrigation and depot therapy for canine nasal aspergillosis
Authors: Sissener T. R. , Bacon N. J. , Friend E. , Anderson D. M. , White R. A. S. 
Published: May 2006

Objectives:To evaluate the effect of short duration 1 per cent clotrimazole flush when combined with 1 per cent clotrimazole cream instilled into the frontal sinuses for the treatment of nasal aspergillosis in 14 dogs.Methods:Fourteen dogs with clinical, radiological, serological and rhinoscopic findings consistent with nasal aspergillosis were treated by frontal sinus trephination and a short, five‐minute flushing of 1 per cent topical clotrimazole solution followed by a 1 per cent clotrimazole cream instilled as a depot agent.Results:Twelve of the 14 dogs (86 per cent) responded well to treatment and either had no clinical signs after treatment or had signs consistent with mild rhinitis during a minimum follow‐up period of six months. Only one dog required multiple treatments. Treatment was well tolerated by all patients, with minimal complications.ClinicalSignificance:This treatment compares favourably to previously published data using one‐hour topical clotrimazole or enilconazole flushing treatment protocols. The treatment technique significantly reduced treatment time under anaesthesia.
Antimicrosporidial Activities of Fumagillin, TNP-470, Ovalicin, and Ovalicin Derivatives In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Didier Peter J. , Phillips Jennifer N. , Kuebler Dorothy J. , Nasr Mohamed , Brindley Paul J. , Stovall Mary E. , Bowers Lisa C. , Didier E. S. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTTherapies for microsporidiosis in humans are limited, and fumagillin, which appears to be the most broadly effective antimicrosporidial drug, is considered to be moderately toxic. The purpose of this study was to apply an in vitro drug screening assay forEncephalitozoon intestinalisandVittaforma corneaeand an in vivo athymic mouse model ofV. corneaeinfection to assess the efficacy of TNP-470 (a semisynthetic analogue of fumagillin), ovalicin, and eight ovalicin derivatives. TNP-470, ovalicin, and three of the ovalicin derivatives inhibited bothE. intestinalisandV. corneaereplication by more than 70% in vitro. Another three of the ovalicin derivatives inhibited one of the two microsporidian species by more than 70%. None of the treated athymic mice survived theV. corneaeinfection, but they did survive statistically significantly longer than the untreated controls after daily treatment with fumagillin administered at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg of body weight subcutaneously (s.c.), TNP-470 administered at 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.), or ovalicin administered at 5 mg/kg s.c. Of two ovalicin derivatives that were assessed in vivo, NSC 9665 given at 10 mg/kg i.p. daily also statistically significantly prolonged survival of the mice. No lesions associated with drug toxicity were observed in the kidneys or livers of uninfected mice treated with these drugs at the highest dose of 20 mg/kg daily. These results thus support continued studies to identify more effective fumagillin-related drugs for treating microsporidiosis.
Antimalarial Effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Protease Inhibitors Differ from Those of the Aspartic Protease Inhibitor Pepstatin
Authors: Parikh Sunil , Liu Jun , Sijwali Puran , Gut Jiri , Goldberg Daniel E. , Rosenthal Philip J. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease inhibitors (HIVPIs) and pepstatin are aspartic protease inhibitors with antimalarial activity. In contrast to pepstatin, HIVPIs were not synergistic with a cysteine protease inhibitor or more active against parasites with the cysteine protease falcipain-2 knocked out than against wild-type parasites. As with pepstatin, HIVPIs were equally active against wild-type parasites and against parasites with the food vacuole plasmepsin aspartic proteases knocked out. The antimalarial mechanism of HIVPIs differs from that of pepstatin.
Efficacy of Voriconazole in a Guinea Pig Model of Invasive Trichosporonosis
Authors: Serena Carolina , Gilgado Félix , Mariné Marçal , Pastor F. Javier , Guarro Josep 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

We have evaluated the efficacy of voriconazole (VRC) in a systemic infection by
Trichosporon asahii
in immunosuppressed guinea pigs. VRC was more effective than amphotericin B in prolonging survival and reducing tissue burden. The best results were obtained with VRC at 10 mg/kg of body weight/day.
Differential Effects of Levofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin on the Risk for Isolation of Quinolone-Resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kaye Keith S. , Kanafani Zeina A. , Dodds Ashley E. , Engemann John J. , Weber Stephen G. , Carmeli Yehuda 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

Due to the greater in vitro activity of ciprofloxacin than that of levofloxacin against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, the likelihood of isolating a clinical strain of quinolone-resistant (QR)
P. aeruginosa
might be greater after exposure to levofloxacin than ciprofloxacin. We examined the risk of isolating QR
P. aeruginosa
in association with prior levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin exposure. A case-case-control study was conducted. Two groups of cases, one with nosocomial QR
P. aeruginosa
infections and one with nosocomial quinolone-susceptible (QS)
P. aeruginosa
infections, were compared to a control group of hospitalized patients without
P. aeruginosa
infections. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were used to determine risk factors for isolation of QR
P. aeruginosa
and QS
P. aeruginosa
. One hundred seventeen QR
P. aeruginosa
and 255 QS
P. aeruginosa
cases were identified, and 739 controls were selected. Exposures to ciprofloxacin were similar among all three groups (8% for controls, 9.4% for QR
P. aeruginosa
cases, and 7.5% for QS
P. aeruginosa
cases;
P
≥ 0.6). Levofloxacin use was more frequent in the QR
P. aeruginosa
cases than in the controls (35.9% and 22.1%, respectively; odds ratio [OR] = 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3 to 3.0) and less frequent in QS
P. aeruginosa
cases (14.1% of QS
P. aeruginosa
cases; OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.4 to 0.9). In multivariable analysis, levofloxacin, but not ciprofloxacin, was a significant risk factor for isolation of QR
P. aeruginosa
(OR for levofloxacin = 1.7 [95% CI = 1.0 to 2.9]; OR for ciprofloxacin = 1.2 [95% CI = 0.6 to 2.5]). Levofloxacin was associated with a reduced risk of isolation of QS
P. aeruginosa
(OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.4 to 0.9), whereas ciprofloxacin had no significant effect (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.6 to 1.8). In conclusion, the use of levofloxacin, but not ciprofloxacin, was associated with isolation of QR
P. aeruginosa
.
Targeting of Hematin by the Antimalarial Pyronaridine
Authors: Auparakkitanon Saranya , Chapoomram Soebsakul , Kuaha Kannika , Chirachariyavej Thamrong , Wilairat Prapon 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

Pyronaridine, 2-methoxy-7-chloro-10[3′,5′-bis(pyrrolidinyl-1-methyl-)4′hydroxyphenyl]aminobenzyl-(b)-1,5-naphthyridine, a new Mannich base schizontocide originally developed in China and structurally related to the aminoacridine drug quinacrine, is currently undergoing clinical testing. We now show that pyronaridine targets hematin, as demonstrated by its ability to inhibit in vitro β-hematin formation (at a concentration equal to that of chloroquine), to form a complex with hematin with a stoichiometry of 1:2, to enhance hematin-induced red blood cell lysis (but at 1/100 of the chloroquine concentration), and to inhibit glutathione-dependent degradation of hematin. Our observations that pyronaridine exerted this mechanism of action in situ, based on growth studies of
Plasmodium falciparum
K1 in culture showing antagonism of pyronaridine in combination with antimalarials (chloroquine, mefloquine, and quinine) that inhibit β-hematin formation, were equivocal.