bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Right ventricular myocardial isovolumic relaxation time and pulmonary pressure
Authors: Lindqvist Per , Waldenström Anders , Wikström Gerhard , Kazzam Elsadig 
Published: December 2005

SummaryAims:  Non‐invasive assessment of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) has several limitations. As previously described by Burstin, the right ventricular (RV) isovolumic relaxation time (IVRt) is sensitive to changes in PASP. We therefore compared RV myocardial IVRt, derived by Doppler tissue imaging (DTI), with simultaneously measured invasive PASP.Methods and results:  Twenty‐six consecutive patients (18 males, mean age 52 ± 12 years, range 23–75) underwent a simultaneous Doppler echocardiography, including DTI, and cardiac catheterization examination for measurement of PASP and right atrial mean pressures. IVRt was measured using the myocardial velocities by pulsed DTI at both basal and mid cavity segments of the RV free wall. As diastolic time intervals are influenced by heart rate IVRt was corrected for heart rate (IVRt/RR%). A significant correlation was found between PASP and regional IVRt/RR% at both the basal (r = 0·42, P<0·05) and mid cavity segment (r = 0·71, P<0·001). Furthermore, when only patients with normal right atrial pressures (<7 mmHg) were taken into account, the correlation coefficient improved at both basal and mid cavity segments (r = 0·74, P<0·05 and r = 0·83, P<0·01).Conclusion:  Pulsed Doppler‐derived IVRt correlates well with PASP. The use of pulsed DTI for measurement of IVRt is simple, reproducible and easy to obtain. We propose this method as an additional non‐invasive tool in the assessment of PASP.
Blood pressure and cerebral oxygenation responses to skeletal muscle tension: a comparison of two physical maneuvers to prevent vasovagal reactions
Authors: France C. R. , France J. L. , Patterson S. M. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryAim:  The present study compared blood pressure, heart rate, and cerebral oxygenation responses to two manipulations used to prevent vasovagal reaction – skeletal muscle tensing alone and skeletal muscle tensing with leg crossing.Methods and Results:  Using a repeated measures within‐subjects design, healthy young adults engaged in a brief laboratory protocol that included an initial 3 min resting baseline, 3 min of muscle tensing (or no‐tensing control), and a 1 min orthostatic challenge. This sequence was repeated three times for each participant to allow for a direct comparison of physiological responses to two different muscle‐tensing manipulations as compared to the no‐tensing control condition. Results indicated that, relative to the no‐tensing, both muscle tensing manipulations elicited significant increases in systolic blood pressure (8·7 ± 1·1 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (4·9 ± 0·6 mmHg), and heart rate (10·9 ± 0·9 bpm), while a significant increase in cerebral oxygenation was only observed in response to muscle tensing with legs crossed (0·8 ± 0·2%). Blood pressure and heart rate responses to orthostatic challenge did not differ between the two tensing manipulations, although muscle tensing with legs crossed was followed by a more rapid recovery of cerebral oxygenation levels.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that muscle tensing elicits physiological adaptations that may help reduce the risk of vasovagal reactions; however, the combination of lower body tension with the legs crossed is likely to be most effective as it was uniquely associated with significant increases in the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain.
Effects of local arteriosclerosis on carotid baroreflex sensitivity and on heart rate and arterial pressure variability in humans
Authors: Eiken Ola , Nowak Jacek , Jogestrand Tomas , Mekjavic Igor B. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe study examined whether the alterations in heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) observed in patients with coronary artery disease can also be discerned in otherwise healthy subjects with mild‐to‐moderate arteriosclerosis in the carotid artery bifurcation. Based on the results of carotid duplex ultrasonography, subjects were designated as either having no arteriosclerotic lesions (n = 18), unilateral (n = 19) or bilateral lesions (n = 18) in the bifurcation. Electrocardiograms were recorded and simultaneous and continuous records of arterial pressure were obtained. Resting HRV was determined by calculating the spectral power density in three frequency bands: 0–0·05 Hz [very low frequency (VLF) band], 0·05–0·15 [low frequency (LF) band] and 0·15–2 Hz (high frequency band), whereas the arterial pressure variability (APV) was determined from spectral power density of the VLF and LF bands. Carotid BRS was evaluated by measuring R‐R intervals during application of pulse‐synchronous graded pressures (40 to −65 mmHg) in a neck‐chamber device. Analysis of variance revealed no effect of mild‐to‐moderate carotid arteriosclerosis on the spectral components of HRV and APV or on BRS. It thus appears that mild‐to‐moderate asymptomatic carotid arteriosclerosis does not affect carotid BRS, APV or HRV at rest.
Real‐time perfusion adenosine stress echocardiography versus myocardial perfusion adenosine scintigraphy for the detection of myocardial ischaemia in patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Gudmundsson Petri , Winter R. , Dencker M. , Kitlinski M. , Thorsson O. , Ljunggren L. , Willenheimer R. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryBackground:  Real‐time perfusion (RTP) contrast echocardiography using low mechanical index power modulation technique allows for simultaneous myocardial perfusion and wall motion analysis. RTP‐adenosine stress echocardiography (ASE) could be an alternative to dobutamine‐atropine stress echocardiography; more tolerable for the patients and possibly similarly accurate. We aimed to evaluate RTP‐ASE for the detection of myocardial ischaemia, compared to 99mTc‐sestamibi single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).Methods:  Patients with suspected coronary artery disease, admitted to SPECT evaluation, were prospectively invited to participate. Patients underwent RTP imaging (SONOS 5500) using infusion of Sonovue® (Bracco, Milano, Italy) before and during ASE. Two separate readers performed off‐line analysis of myocardial perfusion and wall motion by RTP‐ASE. A perfusion defect was the principal marker of ischaemia. Wall motion assessment was used to evaluate ischaemia in segments with perfusion artefacts. Each segment was attributed to one of the three main coronary vessel areas of interest: the left anterior descending (LAD); the left circumflex (LCx) and the right posterior descending (RPD). Normal SPECT at stress was judged normal at rest.Results:  In 33 patients, 99 coronary territories were analysed by SPECT and RTP‐ASE. SPECT showed evidence of ischaemia in 9 of 33 patients. For the detection of ischaemia, the overall level of agreement between RTP‐ASE and SPECT was 92% in all segments. The level of agreement was 88% in LAD, 97% in LCx and 91% in RPD segments.Conclusion:  Real‐time perfusion‐adenosine stress echocardiography using power modulation could be an accurate and feasible tool for evaluation of ischaemia in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. The results from this study need confirmation by a study of a larger patient sample.
Acoustic effects of positive end‐expiratory pressure on normal lung sounds in mechanically ventilated pigs
Authors: Vena Antonio , Perchiazzi Gaetano , Giuliani Rocco , Fiore Tommaso , Hedenstierna Göran 
Published: December 2005

SummaryComputerized lung sounds analysis offers a new technique to monitor regional ventilation during spontaneous breathing. The purpose of the present study was to assess the acoustic behaviour of the respiratory system in healthy pigs during mechanical ventilation when a positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) is applied. Lung sounds were recorded during mechanical ventilation and different PEEP levels of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 cmH2O were applied. The increase in end‐expiratory lung volume (EELV) related to the PEEP application was also measured and the correlation between changes in EELV (ΔEELV) and sound amplitude (ΔA) was examined. The amplitude of normal lung sounds was reduced by application of PEEP ≥10 cmH2O (P<0·05). The increase in PEEP from 0 to 20 cmH2O reduced the acoustic energy of lung sounds recorded at ZEEP by 0·3 dB (PEEP 5), 2 dB (PEEP 10), 5 dB (PEEP 15) and 7 dB (PEEP 20), which corresponds to 1%, 6%, 14% and 21% in acoustic attenuation, respectively. The variations in ΔA correlated with changes in lung volume (P<0·05) and with changes in compliance of the respiratory system (P<0·05), but were not correlated with changes of the resistance of respiratory system. The frequency analysis showed a downward shifting of the spectra at frequencies between 150 and 600 Hz for PEEP levels ≥10 cmH2O and frequencies between 75 and 600 Hz for PEEP levels ≥15 cmH2O. The application of increasing levels of PEEP reduced the amplitude and changed the spectral characteristics of normal lung sounds.
Linear and non‐linear heart rate variability measures in chronic and acute phase of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Platisa Mirjana M. , Nestorovic Zorica , Damjanovic Svetozar , Gal Vera 
Published: December 2005

SummaryPrevious results on heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in anorexia nervosa (AN) include some apparently conflicting data. In order to find out the reason for different results and to improve understanding of autonomic control in AN we compare HRV in acute and chronic AN. Spectral powers, fractal scaling exponent and sample entropy were computed from 24 h RR series derived from Holter ECG recordings in 17 anorexic patients, nine chronic and eight healthy women. We found that all linear and non‐linear HRV measures change in different direction in acute and chronic AN. Acute AN is characterized by decreased HR and increased HRV. In chronic AN, HR is increased, HRV reduced and the difference between awake and sleeping values is high. HRV measures are associated with body mass index only in chronic AN. As HRV measures are significantly different between acute and chronic AN, we propose that HRV analysis might provide additional data in clinical practice.
Ophthalmological findings in children born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Wikstrand Margareta Hök , Strömland Kerstin , Flodin Sara , Bergh Christina , Wennerholm Ulla‐Britt , Hellström Ann 
Published: December 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate visual function and ocular morphology in children born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and compare them with visual function and ocular morphology in matched children born after spontaneous conception. Methods:  A total of 137 children born after ICSI and 159 control children were examined at the age of 5 years in a blinded study. The two groups were matched for age, gender and maternal age. The children underwent a detailed ophthalmological investigation by an ophthalmologist and an orthoptist. Results:  A total of 90.4% of the ICSI children had a visual acuity (VA) in the better eye of ≥ 0.8, compared with 93.7% of the controls (NS). No significant differences were found between ICSI children and controls with regard to hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, heterotropia, stereoscopic vision and convergence. One child with Goldenhar syndrome and one with Marcus Gunn syndrome were observed in the ICSI group. One child in the ICSI group was treated for retinopathy of prematurity. Conclusion:  In this limited study group, no significant differences in visual function and/or ocular morphology were found between children born after ICSI and matched control children at the age of 5 years.
Visual prognosis after panretinal photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Bek Toke , Erlandsen Mogens 
Published: December 2005

Abstract.Introduction: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is treated with panretinal photocoagulation, which improves the visual prognosis in this complication considerably. The visual acuity (VA) and grade of retinopathy before treatment are known indicators of the visual prognosis after treatment, but the prognostic value of other clinical background and treatment parameters is unknown.Methods: The study reports predictors for visual outcome identified among retrospective clinical background data and treatment parameters from 4422 panretinal photocoagulation sessions for proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 1013 eyes of 601 patients performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, Århus University Hospital between 1985 and 2002.Results: High pretreatment VA and low age were strong positive predictors of post‐treatment VA (p < 0.0001). However, diabetes type, diabetes duration and calendar year of treatment showed no influence on post‐treatment VA (p = 0.7829, 0.1782, and 0.3747, respectively). The visual prognosis was inversely related to the number of treatment sessions (p = 0.0259) and the number of vitrectomies (OR = 2.66 [1.24; 5.69], p = 0.0117, for more than two operations). However, the visual prognosis was unrelated to any of the other parameters studied.Conclusions: Pretreatment VA, age and the number of panretinal photocoagulation treatment sessions and vitrectomies necessary to halt the disease are indicators of the visual prognosis after panretinal laser photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (Goretex®) for muscle elongation in the surgical treatment of strabismus with restricted motility
Authors: Langmann Andrea , Lindner Susanne , Wackernagel Werner , Koch Martina , Hörantner Robert 
Published: December 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  Repeated strabismus surgery as well as eye muscle fibrosis in various forms of strabismus, can be followed by restriction of the motility of the eye. Tendon elongation may be necessary if further improvement of the deviation and duction of the eye muscle is to be achieved. We used polytetrafluoroethylene (Goretex®) and looked at its user comfort, compatibility and dose–rate relationship. Method:  Three patients with consecutive exotropia after repeated operations for congenital esotropia, two patients with VI nerve palsy and residual head turn after combined convergence operation and one child with congenital fibrosis syndrome underwent muscle tendon elongation with Goretex® (7–15 mm) of either the medial or the lateral rectus muscle, which had already been resected and/or recessed in former surgeries. Forced duction under general anaesthesia was restricted in all patients. Results:  The correction of the deviation in primary position (deviation at distance + 3 ° to − 4 ° and at near − 1 ° to − 8 °) and in side gaze was satisfactory and motility was clearly improved. There were no postoperative complications (infection, shrinkage, scarring) and the postoperative results in terms of the angle of deviation and the improvement in motility remained stable for 1–6 years. Conclusion:  Polytetrafluoroethylene (Goretex®) is a good material with which to resolve complicated cases of strabismus in which muscle tendon elongation for bulbus restriction is necessary.
Predictive value of exfoliative cytology in pigmented conjunctival lesions
Authors: Keijser Sander , Van Luijk Chantal M. , Missotten Guy S. , Veselic‐Charvat Maud , De Wolff‐Rouendaal Didi , De Keizer Rob J. W. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  Pigmented lesions of the conjunctiva are often difficult to classify clinically. Exfoliative cytology may be helpful, but reliable data regarding the sensitivity and specificity of this test are currently lacking. We determined the value of exfoliative cytology with regard to pigmented conjunctival lesions. Methods:  A total of 294 smears from 182 patients were screened for malignancy within 6 months of exfoliative cytology. Smears were classified according to the following categories: grade 0 = insufficient material for diagnosis; grade 1 = normal conjunctival cells; grade 2 = melanocytes with mild atypia; grade 3 = melanocytes with moderate atypia, and grade 4 = melanocytes with severe atypia. Results:  The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of exfoliative cytology were 85%, 78%, 59% and 93%, respectively. Conclusion:  Exfoliative cytology is a fast, easy and non‐invasive technique that may be used in the evaluation of patients with a pigmented conjunctival lesion.
Impact of wearing an intra‐oral lubricating device on oral health in dry mouth patients
Authors: Frost PM , Shirlaw PJ , Challacombe SJ , Fernandes‐Naglik L , Walter JD , Ide M 
Published: December 2005

Objective:  To establish whether an intra‐oral lubricating device for dry mouth alters the oral environment.Design:  A single‐blind randomized cross‐over study.Method:  Twenty‐nine dentate subjects from the Sjogren's syndrome clinic attended on five occasions at 4‐week intervals. They were randomized, having the device fitted on either the second or the fourth visit for the experimental period, whilst using their preferred method of lubrication throughout the rest of the study. The preferred methods of lubrication were either water (group 1, n = 10) or saliva substitute (group 2, n = 9) or sugar‐free chewing gum (group 3, n = 10). At each visit microbiological, unstimulated and stimulated saliva samples were collected. Dry mouth score, speech test and periodontal indices were recorded.Results:  The water lubrication group (1) had a resting salivary flow greater than lubrication groups (2 and 3) by post‐ANOVA contrasts (P < 0.001). The postdevice data also demonstrated a salivary flow greater than lubrication group (3) by post‐ANOVA contrasts (P < 0.05). The epithelial cell count using the Spearman correlation was high, possibly reflecting increased viscosity of the saliva (P = 0.044). The speech test indicated that the experimental subjects had difficulty in speaking (P = 0.001). This was slightly easier postdevice wear. Streptococcus mutans (P = 0.009) and Lactobacillus (P = 0.058) increased in the saliva after wearing the device. Salivary flow rate, Candida albicans, oral dryness, speaking and periodontal indices were unchanged.Conclusions:  The oral environment was altered by wearing a lubricating device with an increase in the numbers of Strep. mutans and Lactobacillus. Clinical dryness and speech test correlated with the mean whole salivary flow suggesting a screening method for xerostomia.
Manifestations of the tongue in Neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Bongiorno MR , Pistone G , Aricò M 
Published: December 2005

Objective:  The aim of this study is to analyse alterations of the tongue and the correlation between these lesions and different types of tumor.Subjects and methods:  A total of 258 cases (131 females, 127 males) of neurofibromatosis type 1 were screened between 1994 and 2004 in our Dermatology Department. All patients included in this study have NF1, as defined by the NIH Consensus Conference. Three cases of neurofibromas of the tongue in patients with neurofibromatosis type were reported.Results:  Our patients showed nodular lesions on the tongue, related to neurofibromas in two patients and plexiform neurofibroma in one patient, respectively. Clinical and hystopatological findings were useful in distinguishing between neurofibromas and other soft tissue tumors. An increased prevalence of malignancy has been documented in patients affected by neurofibromatosis type 1. Changes in the size of a pre‐existing mass, compression, or infiltration of the adjacent structures indicate malignant degeneration. Histological and clinical evaluation should be performed in order to choose the most appropriate treatment strategy for these patients.Conclusion:  The oral manifestations of NF are well‐documented but may not be at the forefront of the clinician's mind in the differential diagnosis of intra‐oral swellings.
A tyrosinase with an abnormally high tyrosine hydroxylase/dopa oxidase ratio
Authors: Hernández‐Romero Diana , Sanchez‐Amat Antonio , Solano Francisco 
Published: December 2005

The sequencing of the genome of Ralstonia solanacearum[Salanoubat M, Genin S, Artiguenave F, et al. (2002) Nature415, 497–502] revealed several genes that putatively code for polyphenol oxidases (PPOs). This soil‐borne pathogenic bacterium withers a wide range of plants. We detected the expression of two PPO genes (accession numbers NP_518458 and NP_519622) with high similarity to tyrosinases, both containing the six conserved histidines required to bind the pair of type‐3 copper ions at the active site. Generation of null mutants in those genes by homologous recombination mutagenesis and protein purification allowed us to correlate each gene with its enzymatic activity. In contrast with all tyrosinases so far studied, the enzyme NP_518458 shows higher monophenolase than o‐diphenolase activity and its initial activity does not depend on the presence of l‐dopa cofactor. On the other hand, protein NP_519622 is an enzyme with a clear preference to oxidize o‐diphenols and only residual monophenolase activity, behaving as a catechol oxidase. These catalytic characteristics are discussed in relation to two other characteristics apart from the six conserved histidines. One is the putative presence of a seventh histidine which interacts with the carboxy group on the substrate and controls the preference for carboxylated and decarboxylated substrates. The second is the size of the residue isosteric with the aromatic F261 reported in sweet potato catechol oxidase which acts as a gate to control accessibility to CuA at the active site.
Simulated beetle defoliation on willow genotypes in mixture and monotype plantations
Authors: Powers S.J. , Peacock L. , Yap M.‐L. , Brain P. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe effect of simulated beetle damage (0%, 25%, 50% and 75% mechanical defoliation) on 12 willow genotypes, grown in short‐rotation coppice, was studied in a modified criss‐cross experimental design. The design enabled the above‐ground effects of monoculture and mixed planting to be assessed. Repeated measurements were modelled to produce derived variables in terms of time or, more appropriately, in terms of accumulated day length (i.e. ‘developmental time’) units. These derived variables were then analysed using the REsidual Maximum Likelihood (REML) method implemented in GenStat™ (2001). No significant competition effect between the genotypes due to planting regime was detected. Genotypes Salix viminalis × Salix schwerinii‘Beagle’ and S. viminalis × S. schwerinii‘Torhild’ were found to have the greatest rate of increase in leaves regardless of defoliation and also the greatest height prior to defoliation. Genotype Salix dasyclados‘Loden’ showed the highest rate of growth under the stress of defoliation. When assessing height at the end of the growing season, S. viminalis × S. schwerinii‘Olof’ was the highest genotype for 25% and 75% levels of defoliation, but genotypes Salix aurita × Salix cinerea‘Delamere’, Loden and S. viminalis × Salix burjatica‘Ashton Parfitt’ appeared to be most tolerant by having consecutively lower base day lengths (i.e. increasing the accumulation of developmental units and the length of the growing season) for increasing defoliation. Shorter genotypes tended to be more tolerant, but of the higher genotypes reaching a control height of greater than 3 m by the end of the growing season, S. viminalis × S. schwerinii‘Tora’ and Beagle performed best to 50% defoliation.