bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells within a poly(lactide‐co‐ɛ‐caprolactone) scaffold improves cardiac function in a rat myocardial infarction model
Authors: Jin Jiyong , Jeong Sung In , Shin Young Min , Lim Kwang Suk , Shin Heung soo , Lee Young Moo , Koh Hyun Chul , Kim Kyung‐Soo 
Published: January 2009

AimsCardiac tissue engineering has been proposed as an appropriate method to repair myocardial infarction (MI). Evidence suggests that a cell with scaffold combination was more effective than a cell‐only implant. Nevertheless, to date, there has been no research into elastic biodegradable poly(lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (PLCL) scaffolds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with elastic biodegradable PLCL scaffold transplants in a rat MI model.Methods and resultsTen days after inducing MI through the cryoinjury method, a saline control, MSC, PLCL scaffold, or MSC‐seeded PLCL scaffold was transplanted onto the hearts. Four weeks after transplantation, cardiac function and histology were evaluated. Transplanted MSCs survived and differentiated into cardiomyocytes in the injured region. Left ventricular ejection fraction in the MSC + PLCL group increased by 23% compared with that in the saline group; it was also higher in the MSC group. The infarct area in the MSC + PLCL group was decreased by 29% compared with that in the saline group; it was also reduced in the MSC group.ConclusionMesenchymal stem cells plus PLCL should be an excellent combination for cardiac tissue engineering.
Rationale and design of the Karolinska‐Rennes (KaRen) prospective study of dyssynchrony in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Donal Erwan , Lund Lars H. , Linde Cecilia , Edner Magnus , Lafitte Stéphane , Persson Hans , Bauer Fabrice , Öhrvik John , Ennezat Pierre‐Vladimir , Hage Camilla , Löfman Ida , Juilliere Yves , Logeart Damien , Derumeaux Geneviève , Gueret Pascal , Daubert Jean‐Claude 
Published: January 2009

AimsHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is common but not well understood. Electrical dyssynchrony in systolic heart failure is harmful. Little is known about the prevalence and the prognostic impact of dyssynchrony in HFPEF.Methods and resultsWe have designed a prospective, multicenter, international, observational study to characterize HFPEF and to determine whether electrical or mechanical dyssynchrony affects prognosis. Patients presenting with acute heart failure (HF) will be screened so as to identify 400 patients with HFPEF. Inclusion criteria will be: acute presentation with Framingham criteria for HF, left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 45%, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) > 100 pg/mL or NT‐proBNP > 300 pg/mL. Once stabilized, 4–8 weeks after the index presentation, patients will return and undergo questionnaires, serology, ECG, and Doppler echocardiography. Thereafter, patients will be followed for mortality and HF hospitalization every 6 months for at least 18 months. Sub‐studies will focus on echocardiographic changes from the acute presentation to the stable condition and on exercise echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and serological markers.ConclusionKaRen aims to characterize electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony and to assess its prognostic impact in HFPEF. The results might improve our understanding of HFPEF and generate answers to the question whether dyssynchrony could be a target for therapy in HFPEF.
Isoproterenol‐induced heart failure in the rat is associated with nitric oxide‐dependent functional alterations of cardiac function
Authors: Krenek Peter , Kmecova Jana , Kucerova Dana , Bajuszova Zuzana , Musil Peter , Gazova Andrea , Ochodnicky Peter , Klimas Jan , Kyselovic Jan 
Published: January 2009

AimsThe role of nitric oxide (NO) in heart failure (HF) is complex and remains controversial. We tested the hypothesis that the role of NO in isolated atria and cardiomyocytes is altered in isoproterenol‐induced HF.Methods and resultsRats received isoproterenol (ISO, 5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) or vehicle for 1 week. Haemodynamic parameters were obtained by left ventricular catheterization. Effects of NOS inhibition on isolated atria and on electrically paced left ventricular myocytes were determined. Additionally, expressions of nitric oxide synthases and their allosteric modulators hsp90, caveolin‐1, and caveolin‐3 proteins in the left ventricles were measured. ISO increased left ventricular mass by 33% and decreased indices of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function dp/dtminand dp/dtmax(bothP< 0.05). Isolated atria from HF rats had a lower spontaneous beating rate (P< 0.05). NOS inhibition by L‐NAME increased basal frequency and attenuated the positive chronotropic effect of beta‐adrenergic stimulation in the HF group (P< 0.05). Ventricular myocytes from failing hearts had impaired cell shortening. L‐NAME decreased contractility of control, but not failing myocytes. Left ventricular expressions of eNOS, hsp90, iNOS, but not nNOS or caveolins, were increased.ConclusionDespite the increased capacity for NO synthesis in isoproterenol‐induced HF, NO does not sustain contractility of failing myocytes. NO may contribute to the decreased basal heart rate and it may accelerate beta‐adrenergic stimulation of chronotropy.
A randomized trial of the addition of home‐based exercise to specialist heart failure nurse care: the Birmingham Rehabilitation Uptake Maximisation study for patients with Congestive Heart Failure (BRUM‐CHF) study
Authors: Jolly Kate , Taylor Rod S. , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Davies Mick , Davis Russell , Mant Jonathan , Singh Sally , Greenfield Sheila , Ingram Jackie , Stubley Jane , Bryan Stirling , Stevens Andrew 
Published: January 2009

AimsSupervised exercise can benefit selected patients with heart failure, however the effectiveness of home‐based exercise remains uncertain. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a home‐based exercise programme in addition to specialist heart failure nurse care.Methods and resultsThis was a randomized controlled trial of a home‐based walking and resistance exercise programme plus specialist nurse care (n= 84) compared with specialist nurse care alone (n= 85) in a heart failure population in the West Midlands, UK. Primary outcome: Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLwHFQ) at 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes: composite of death, hospital admission with heart failure or myocardial infarction; psychological well‐being; generic quality of life (EQ‐5D); exercise capacity. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the MLwHFQ at 6 month (mean, 95% CI) (−2.53, −7.87 to 2.80) and 12 month (−0.55, −5.87 to 4.76) follow‐up or secondary outcomes with the exception of a higher EQ‐5D score (0.11, 0.04 to 0.18) at 6 months and lower Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (−1.07, −2.00 to −0.14) at 12 months, in favour of the exercise group. At 6 months, the control group showed deterioration in physical activity, exercise capacity, and generic quality of life.ConclusionHome‐based exercise training programmes may not be appropriate for community‐based heart failure patients.
Self‐assessment of health status is associated with inflammatory activation and predicts long‐term outcomes in chronic heart failure
Authors: Parissis John T. , Nikolaou Maria , Farmakis Dimitrios , Paraskevaidis Ioannis A. , Bistola Vassiliki , Venetsanou Koula , Katsaras Dimitrios , Filippatos Gerasimos , Kremastinos Dimitrios T. 
Published: January 2009

AimsClinicians lack a generally accepted means for health status assessment in chronic heart failure (CHF). We investigated the correlation between health status and inflammation burden as well as its long‐term prognostic value in CHF outpatients.Methods and ResultsKansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaires (KCCQ) were completed by 137 CHF outpatients (aged 64 ± 12 years, mean ejection fraction 27 ± 7%). Inflammatory markers [interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, soluble Fas, Fas ligand, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1], plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), 6 min walk test (6MWT), Zung self‐rating depression scale, and Beck Depression Inventory were also assessed. Patients were followed for major cardiovascular events (death or hospitalization for disease progression) for up to 250 days. Patients with worse KCCQ‐summary (KCCQ‐s < 50) score had lower 6MWT (P < 0.05), and higher BNP (P < 0.05) and pro‐inflammatory markers (P < 0.05) than those with KCCQ‐s ≥ 50. Worse health status was also associated with shorter event‐free survival (115 ± 12 days for KCCQ‐s < 50 vs. 214 ± 15 days for KCCQ‐s ≥ 50, P = 0.0179). Separating patients according KCCQ‐functional score (KCCQ‐f, cut‐off 50) showed similar results. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, only LVEF (HR = 0.637, 95% CI 0.450–0.900, P = 0.011) and KCCQ‐f (HR = 0.035, 95% CI 0.002–0.824, P = 0.037) were independent predictors of event‐free survival at 250 days.ConclusionKCCQ‐s reflects neurohormonal and inflammatory burden in CHF. Among studied questionnaires, only KCCQ‐f is an independent predictor of long‐term event‐free survival in CHF.
The cyclic guanosine monophosphate/B‐type natriuretic peptide ratio and mortality in advanced heart failure
Authors: Lourenço Patrícia , Araújo José Paulo , Azevedo Ana , Ferreira António , Bettencourt Paulo 
Published: January 2009

AimsAttenuation of the effects of natriuretic peptides has been demonstrated in animal models but studies in humans are scarce, particularly concerning renal attenuation. We investigated the attenuation of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in chronic advanced heart failure (HF).Methods and resultsWe included 62 outpatients with HF and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Cases had at least one hospital admission or emergency department visit for acute HF in the previous year and were in NYHA class III/IV despite optimized therapy. The individual age‐ and sex‐matched controls were symptomatically controlled (NYHA I and II). We collected 24 h urine and a blood sample from all patients. Plasma BNP and plasma (pcGMP) and urine cyclic guanosine monophosphate (ucGMP) were measured. Patients were followed for 3 months for hospital admission or all‐cause death. ucGMP to plasma BNP (ucGMP/BNP) ratio was attenuated in cases vs. controls [median (IQR): 8354 (4293–16 456) vs. 12 693 (6896–22 851)]. There were no differences in pcGMP to BNP (pcGMP/BNP) ratio or urine cGMP excretion. Patients with worse outcome had lower pcGMP/BNP [260 (86–344) vs. 381 (244–728) in patients without adverse outcome events] and lower ucGMP/BNP [4146 (2207–9363) vs. 10 922 (7495–19 971)].ConclusionRenal NP's second messenger production is attenuated in advanced HF. Patients with worse outcome have lower ucGMP/BNP and pcGMP/BNP ratios.
Interexaminer Variance of Median Nerve Compound Muscle Action Potential Measurements in Hand Position With and Without Fixation in Plaster
Authors: Higuchi Keiichi , Narita Yugo , Kuzuhara Shigeki 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Objectives:
We examined how hand fixation affects interexaminer variance in measuring compound muscle action potential (CMAP) during nerve conduction studies of the median nerve.

Methods:
Subjects comprised 6 experienced examiners [1 woman and 5 men; mean (SD) age, 38.3 ± 8.5 years; range, 28-46 years]. The standardized median nerve motor conduction setting was used for electromyography. The mean of 5 serial stimulations was taken as 1 examination for each subject. Distal latency, conduction velocity, and peak-to-peak amplitude of CMAP were measured as parameters. Subjects were examined without hand fixation and with hands fixed in prepared plaster molds.

Results:
Fixation yielded significantly decreased coefficient of variance for CMAP amplitude (5.0% ± 3.4%) compared with measurement without fixation (8.4% ± 3.7%; P = 0.028). No differences in distal latencies or conduction velocities were evident between fixation and nonfixation.

Conclusions:
This study provides quantitative evidence for empirical observations that hand fixation might decrease CMAP variability in median nerve studies.
Safety of Liquid Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Neuroimmunologic Disorders in the Home Setting: A Retrospective Analysis of 1085 Infusions
Authors: Rigas Michael , Tandan Rup , Sterling Robert J 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Objective:
To examine the overall safety of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administered according to a clinically defined, home-based therapeutic regimen in patients with neuroimmunologic diseases.

Methods:
A total of 1085 infusions of a new liquid IVIG 10% preparation were administered to 70 patients diagnosed with neuroimmunologic diseases over a 9-month period. These infusions were retrospectively reviewed for safety and tolerability.

Results:
A very favorable adverse effect (AE) rate (4.7%) was calculated over a wide range of doses (0.9-2.14 g/kg). There were no serious AEs reported, even among patients naive to IVIG therapy. Of 51 nonserious AEs, 53% occurred in 5 patients.

Conclusions:
The results of this review of 1085 high-dose liquid IVIG infusions using a closely monitored, yet highly flexible, home-based therapeutic regimen indicate a very favorable tolerability profile in patients with neuroimmunologic disorders, even in those who were new to IVIG therapy.
Peripheral Nerve Vasculitis Presenting as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Ramchandren Sindhu , Chaudhry Vinay , Hoke Ahmet , Murinson Beth B , Cornblath David R , Treisman Glenn J , Griffin John W 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Objective:
To report the clinical, electrodiagnostic, and pathologic findings in 3 patients who presented with complex regional pain syndrome as their primary manifestation of peripheral nerve vasculitis.

Design:
Case series.

Setting:
Outpatient clinic in a tertiary care academic medical center.

Patients:
Patient 1 was a 39-year-old woman with a 9-year history of non-length-dependent severe burning pain and swelling in her extremities. Patient 2 was a 67-year-old man with a 2-year history of severe burning pain and swelling in an extremity after a fall. Patient 3 was a 74-year-old man with a 6-month history of severe allodynic pain and atrophy of the right hand after a viral illness

Results:
In all 3 cases, clinical and electrodiagnostic testing were suggestive of multiple mononeuropathies. Nerve biopsy either confirmed vasculitis (patient 1) or was suggestive of angiopathy (patients 2 and 3). Immunomodulative therapy led to marked clinical improvement in all 3 cases.

Conclusions:
To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that the inflammatory nerve injury seen with peripheral nerve vasculitis can result in complex regional pain syndrome. Clinical and electrodiagnostic assessments can help in the identification and management of these patients.
Electrodiagnostic and Clinical Aspects of Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An Analysis of 142 Cases
Authors: Deepak Gupta , Muraleedharan Nair , Baheti Neeraj N , Sarma Sankara P , Abraham Kuruvilla 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background:
The incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and its subtypes varies throughout the world.

Objective and Methods:
We present a retrospective analysis of 142 GBS cases, treated at our center, aimed at classifying GBS electrophysiologically, to study the sequential electrophysiological changes in cases with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), and to look for any clinical and cerebrospinal fluid parameters that can also help in distinguishing the subtypes.

Results:
One hundred twenty-one (85.2%) cases had AIDP, 15 (10.6%) had acute motor axonal neuropathy, and 6 (4.2%) were unclassifiable.

Conclusions:
Motor conduction blocks and temporal dispersion could be observed from days 3 and 5 onward, respectively. Progression of motor conduction slowing in AIDP was most impressive in the median nerves. Varying affection of deep tendon reflexes, cranial nerves, and cerebrospinal fluid albuminocytological dissociation can also help make a distinction between AIDP and acute motor axonal neuropathy. Sural sparing, a marker of demyelinating neuropathy, is more commonly seen in later than in early stages of AIDP.
Steroid-Responsive Paraneoplastic Demyelinating Neuropathy and Myelopathy Associated With Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A , Qaddoura Bassel , Abbott Richard J 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Paraneoplastic myeloneuropathy has rarely been reported with breast cancer. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with a peripheral neuropathy and cranial involvement and later developed a myelopathy. The neuropathy was found to be electrophysiologically and histologically demyelinating in nature. Magnetic resonance imaging studies failed to identify any structural brain or spinal cord abnormalities. The patient was diagnosed with breast carcinoma 4 months after initial presentation and underwent resective surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonotherapy. Paraneoplastic antibodies (anti-Hu, anti-Yo, anti-Ri, anti-CV2, anti-Ma, and anti-amphiphysin) were all negative. Her condition did not progress further after cancer treatment. Partial neurologic improvement occurred with oral steroid therapy, with subsequent deterioration on treatment withdrawal.
Evolution of basin architecture in an incipient continental rift: the Cenozoic Most Basin, Eger Graben (Central Europe)
Authors: Rajchl Michal , Uličný David , Grygar Radomír , Mach Karel 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe Oligo‐Miocene Most Basin is the largest preserved sedimentary basin within the Eger Graben, the easternmost part of the European Cenozoic Rift System (ECRIS). The basin is interpreted as a part of an incipient rift system that underwent two distinct phases of extension. The first phase, characterised by NNE–SSW‐ to N–S‐oriented horizontal extension between the end of Eocene and early Miocene, was oblique to the rift axis and caused evolution of a fault system characterised by en‐échelon‐arranged E–W (ENE–WSW) faults. These faults defined a number of small, shallow initial depocentres of very small subsidence rates that gradually merged during the growth and linkage of the normal fault segments. The youngest part of the basin fill indicates accelerated subsidence caused probably by the concentration of displacement at several major bounding faults. Major post‐depositional faulting and forced folding were related to a change in the extension vector to an orthogonal position with respect to the rift axis and overprinting of the E–W faults by an NE–SW normal fault system. The origin of the palaeostress field of the earlier, oblique, extensional phase remains controversial and can be attributed either to the effects of the Alpine lithospheric root or (perhaps more likely because of the dominant volcanism at the onset of Eger Graben formation) to doming due to thermal perturbation of the lithosphere. The later, orthogonal, extensional phase is explained by stretching along the crest of a growing regional‐scale anticlinal feature, which supports the recent hypothesis of lithospheric folding in the Alpine–Carpathian foreland.
Siglec‐8 on human eosinophils and mast cells, and Siglec‐F on murine eosinophils, are functionally related inhibitory receptors
Authors: Bochner B. S. 
Published: January 2009

SummarySiglecs (sialic acid‐binding, Ig‐like lectins) are a family of single‐pass transmembrane cell surface proteins found predominantly on leucocytes. Their unique structural characteristics include an N‐terminal carbohydrate‐binding (‘lectin’) domain that binds sialic acid, followed by a variable number of Ig‐like domains, hence these structures are a subset of the Ig gene superfamily. Another unique feature of Siglecs is that most, but not all, possess so‐called immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibitory motifs in their cytoplasmic domains, suggesting that these molecules function in an inhibitory capacity. Siglec‐8, the eighth member identified at the time, was discovered as part of an effort initiated almost a decade ago to identify novel human eosinophil and mast cell proteins. Since that time, its selective expression on human eosinophils and mast cells has been confirmed. On eosinophils, Siglec‐8 engagement results in apoptosis, whereas on mast cells, inhibition of FcɛRI‐dependent mediator release, without apoptosis, is seen. It has subsequently been determined that the closest functional paralog in the mouse is Siglec‐F, selectively expressed by eosinophils but not expressed on mast cells. Despite only modest homology, both Siglec‐8 and Siglec‐F preferentially recognize a sulphated glycan ligand closely related to sialyl Lewis X, a common ligand for the selectin family of adhesion molecules. Murine experiments in normal, Siglec‐F‐deficient mice and hypereosinophilic mice have resulted in similar conclusions that Siglec‐F, like Siglec‐8, plays a distinctive and important role in regulating eosinophil accumulation and survival in vivo. Given the resurgent interest in eosinophil‐directed therapies for a variety of disorders, plus its unique additional ability to also target the mast cell, therapies focusing on Siglec‐8 could some day prove to be a useful adjunct to our current armamentarium for the treatment of asthma, allergies and related disorders where overproduction and overactivity of eosinophils and mast cells is occurring.
Characterization of the major allergens of Pachycondyla chinensis in ant sting anaphylaxis patients
Authors: Lee E. K. , Jeong K. Y. , Lyu D‐P. , Lee Y‐W. , Sohn J‐H. , Lim K‐J. , Hong C‐S. , Park J‐W. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryBackground
The ant species Pachycondyla chinensis, which has spread from Far Eastern Asia to New Zealand and North America, induces anaphylactic reactions in human with its sting. However, the major allergens of P. chinensis have not yet been characterized.Methods
We selected seven patients with histories of anaphylaxis induced by P. chinensis. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) was used to identify the major allergens. We subsequently performed Western blots for P. chinensis‐specific IgEs, N‐terminal amino acid sequencing, ESI‐MS/MS, and RT‐PCR using primers based on the N‐terminal sequence.Results
Six of the anaphylactic subjects had an IgE specific to a 23 kDa allergen of P. chinensis. Two candidates for major allergens, 23 kDa (pI 8.7) and 25 kDa (pI 6.2), were revealed by 2‐DE using P. chinensis‐specific IgE immunoblotting. In N‐terminal sequencing and ESI‐MS/MS analysis, 23 kDa (pI 8.7) and 25 kDa (pI 6.2) allergens, belonging to the protein families of antigen 5, were identified and share marked amino acid sequence similarity. The 23 kDa allergen is 206 amino acids in length and homology searches showed 54.0% and 50.0% homology with Sol i 3 and Ves v 5, respectively.Conclusion
The major allergens of P. chinensis are 23 kDa (pI 8.7) and 25 kDa (pI 6.2) proteins that belong to the antigen 5 family of proteins.