bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intravascular ultrasound‐guided cutting balloon angioplasty for renal artery stent restenosis
Authors: Otah Kenneth E. , Alhaddad Imad A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRenal artery stenting is the procedure of choice for treating atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis; it improves the acute results of percutaneous balloon angioplasty and has a better long‐term outcome, particularly a reduced risk of restenosis. However, the treatment of renal artery stent restenosis is not well established and it is challenging because of limited therapeutic options. A novel technique of treating renal artery stent restenosis using cutting balloon angioplasty guided by intravascular ultrasound is presented.
Limiting brain and lung damage after coronary artery bypass grafting: An alternative to conventional coronary artery bypass graft
Authors: Runge Thomas M. , Runge Marschall S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe development of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) for the treatment of coronary heart disease has resulted in reduced morbidity and mortality compared with medical therapy. Even with the rapid development of improved percutaneous interventions, CABG remains an important approach for treating patients with advanced coronary heart disease. However, recent studies and commentary reporting an alarmingly high incidence of subtle, cognitive decline following CABG have generated questions about whether these adverse outcomes could be lessened. Even after considerable study, there is no consensus as to the cause of brain and lung injury after CABG and cardiopulmonary bypass, nor an agreed upon, mechanistic approach to study its prevention. The potential causes of these adverse outcomes and a simple approach are described, involving the use of the cannulae, biventricular pulsatile flow pump, and a blood substitute to optimize the perfusion of brain and alveolar cells, minimize systemic microembolization, and limit post‐CABG cognitive decline.
Utilization of low‐profile intra‐aortic balloon catheters inserted by the sheathless technique in acute cardiac patients: Clinical efficacy with a very low complication rate
Authors: Meisel Simcha , Shochat Michael , Sheikha Samir Abu , Osipov Aya , Kogan Alexander , Anabussi Nizar , Suari Bracha , Frimerman Aharon , Shotan A. , Sahar Gideon , Peled Benny 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Initial intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) catheters were of large caliber and their utilization resulted in a high incidence of complications, including limb ischemia, bleeding and thrombosis, peripheral neurologic sequelae, and infection. Despite eventual decrease in the size of IABP catheters, the complication rate has remained high.Hypothesis: The study was undertaken to determine whether use of recently available low‐profile IABP catheters would result in a lower incidence of vascular and bleeding complications.Methods: We prospectively evaluated the incidence of complications when consecutively using the low‐profile (8F) IABP catheter inserted mostly sheathlessly in 161 acute cardiac patients between January 1, 2000 and April, 2003.Results: Complications encountered included mild transient limb ischemia in two patients (1.2%), minor bleeding episodes in four patients (2.4%), one major puncture site bleeding (0.6%), and a pseudoaneurysm treated percutaneously in two patients (1.2%). Two patients (1.2%) suffered limb ischemia due to embolization or local thrombosis requiring vascular intervention. These complications were milder and their incidence remarkably lower than those reported previously when IABP catheters larger than 8F were used.Conclusion: Utilization of low‐profile IABP 8F catheters in a sheathless technique entails an exceedingly low complication rate despite an acute presentation, intense anticoagulant and antiaggregant therapy, frequent comorbidity, advanced age, severe coronary disease, and reduced cardiac function in a large proportion of treated patients.
Hemodynamic significance of heart rate in neurally mediated syncope
Authors: Chan Wan Leong , Lu Tse Min , Wang Jiann Jong , Jiau Shyi Shiaw , Kong Chi Woon 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Vasovagal and vasodepressor syncope are used interchangeably in the literature to describe the common faint syndrome, now collectively named neurally mediated syncope. The significance of heart rate (HR) in these reflex‐induced reactions remains unclear.Hypothesis: The study was undertaken to investigate the hemodynamic significance of HR in tilt‐induced neurally mediated syncope.Methods: In all, 113 patients with syncope of unknown etiology were studied by head‐up tilt test with invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Thirty‐five patients (15 women, 20 men, age range 21 to 72 years) developed syncope and were enrolled for analysis. The hemodynamic data were compared between patients who developed bradycardia (vasovagal group, n = 15) and those without bradycardia (vasodepressor group, n = 20).Results: The baseline hemodynamic data (mean ± standard deviation) and the hemodynamic responses after 10‐min head‐up tilt were similar between patients in the vasovagal and vasodepressor groups. During syncope, patients with vasovagal reaction developed hypotension and paradoxical bradycardia (HR = 52.4 ± 5.9 beats/min), while patients with vasodepressor reaction developed a precipitous drop in arterial blood pressure with inappropriate HR (105 ± 21 beats/min) compensation. Patients with vasovagal syncope manifested a significantly lower cardiac index and a significantly higher systemic vascular resistance index than patients with vasodepressor syncope (1.47 ±0.29 vs. 1.97 ±0.41 l/min/m2, p< 0.001 and 2098 ± 615 vs. 1573 ± 353 dynes·s·cm−5·m2, p<0.003, respectively). A positive correlation existed between HR and cardiac index (r = 0.44, p = 0.008) during syncope in the patients studied.Conclusions: These findings suggest that the hemodynamic characteristics of vasovagal and vasodepressor reactions are different, and that HR plays a significant role in neurally mediated syncope.
The incremental value of troponin‐I testing in patients with intermediate risk unstable angina
Authors: Appelbaum Evan , Zafar M. Urooj , Glick H. C. , Stec Sebastian , Southern William , Sarkozi Laszlo , Wallenstein Sylvan , Chesebro James H. , Farkouh Michael E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Classification of patients with unstable angina (UA) by Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) guidelines in the emergency department reliably stratifies risk of death or myocardial infarction (MI) for triage to outpatient evaluation (low‐risk), hospitalization (high‐risk), or additional testing (intermediate‐risk). Cardiac troponin‐I elevation may identify patients at higher risk, but the incremental value may vary with AHCPR clinical risk.Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to determine whether cardiac troponin‐I had any additional value beyond triage based upon history, physical examination, and electrocardiogram, in the evaluation of patients with UA.Methods: In all, 212 consecutive patients with UA and normal serum creatine kinase (CK)‐MB levels and elevated troponin‐I were risk stratified by AHCPR guidelines to evaluate the incremental value of adding routine troponin‐I measurements to our current model for risk stratification.Results: Primary events (death/nonfatal MI) occurred in 35% of high‐risk, 15% of intermediate‐risk, and 0% of low‐risk patients (p < 0.001 by chisquare for trend). High troponin‐I (≥ 2.0 ng/dl) occurred in 48% of high‐risk, 21% of intermediate‐risk, and 19% of low‐risk patients. The remaining patients in each risk group had indeterminate troponin‐I levels (≥0.4 < 2 ng/dl). Of those with high troponin‐I, a primary event occurred in 36, 42, and 0% in the respective high‐, intermediate‐, and low‐risk groups (p < 0.001). High troponin‐I levels corresponded with a statistically significant increased rate of primary events only in patients at AHCPR intermediate risk: 42.4 vs. 7.3%, p < 0.001.Conclusion: The AHCPR guidelines risk stratify patients with UA. High troponin‐I adds significant (p < 0.001) prognostic value in the patients at AHCPR intermediate risk and should be evaluated further in larger trials of such patients.
Aortic sclerosis—a marker of coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Prasad Yogendra , Bhalodkar Narendra C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAortic valve sclerosis is defined as calcification and thickening of a trileaflet aortic valve in the absence of obstruction of ventricular outflow. Its frequency increases with age, making it a major geriatric problem. Of adults aged> 65 years, 21–29% exhibit aortic valve sclerosis. Incidence of aortic sclerosis increases with age, male gender, smoking, hypertension, high lipoprotein (Lp) (a), high low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and diabetes mellitus. Aortic valves affected by aortic sclerosis contain a higher amount of oxidized LDL cholesterol and show increased expression of metalloproteinases. Clinically, it can be suspected in the presence of soft ejection systolic murmur at the aortic area, normal split of the second heart sound, and normal volume carotid pulse, but it can be best detected by echocardiography. Aortic sclerosis may be accompanied by mitral annulus calcification up to 50% of cases. It is associated with an increase of approximately 50% in the risk of death from cardiovascular causes and the risk of myocardial infarction. The mechanism by which aortic sclerosis contributes to or is associated with increased cardiovascular risk is not known. Aortic sclerosis is associated with systemic endothelial dysfunction, and a small percentage of cases may progress to aortic stenosis. Lowering of LDL cholesterol by 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors have been shown to decrease progression of aortic valve calcification. Aortic sclerosis is not a mere benign finding. Once diagnosis of aortic sclerosis has been made, it should be considered a potential marker of coexisting coronary disease. Aggressive management of modifiable risk factors, especially LDL cholesterol lowering, may slow progression of the disease.
The negative U wave: A pathogenetic enigma but a useful, often overlooked bedside diagnostic and prognostic clue in ischemic heart disease
Authors: Correale Ernesto , Battista Rossano , Ricciardiello Vincenzo , Martone Angelina 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe pathogenesis of U‐wave inversion and its clinical value are still not clear, although the U wave was described by Einthoven together with the other electrocardiographic (ECG) waves. Not considered a useful diagnostic clue, it is not usually mentioned in ECG reports. In recent years, stimulated by the long QT syndromes and by the discovery of U‐wave changes in some pathologic, mostly cardiac states, this neglected wave has attracted new interest. This review focuses on the negativity of the U wave in ischemic heart disease. The discovery of M cells and their electrophysiology has established the cellular basis for repolarization and has contributed to our knowledge of U‐wave genesis. Hemodynamic changes during diastole in acute ischemia also furnish interesting elements for the interpretation of U‐wave changes, and some experimental and clinical studies, besides designating stretch as a cause of U‐wave changes, have also proved their value for moreaccurate bedside diagnosis andprognosis. They may indicate the extent of myocardial ischemia, the presence of collateral circulation, and the possible territory and vessel involved. When U‐wave changes are the first and only sign of ischemia, they may contribute to a decision regarding the hospital admission of a patient without typical ischemic symptoms. Furthermore, U‐wave changes during exercise tests increase their sensitivity.
Enhanced external counterpulsation does not alter arterial stiffness in patients with angina
Authors: Dockery Frances , Rajkumar Chakravarthi , Bulpitt Christopher J. , Hall Roger J. , Bagger Jens Peder 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground:Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a nsoninvasive treatment for angina that acutely augments diastolic pressure and reduces cardiac afterload. However, the mechanism of the sustained clinical benefit seen with this therapy is not known.Hypothesis:The study aimed to determine whether EECP leads to an improvement in arterial stiffness.Methods:In all, 22 men and 1 woman with angina (age 63.6 ± 6.7 years, mean ± SD) were studied prior to and after 35 h of EECP therapy over 7 weeks. We measured carotid‐radial (C‐R) pulse wave velocity (PWV), and aortic augmentation index (AI) was derived from radial and carotid artery waveforms using applanation tonometry. Seventeen patients underwent treadmill exercise testing before and after the 7 weeks of EECP.Results:After EECP therapy, despite a significant improvement in treadmill exercise time and a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, there was no significant change in any arterial stiffness parameters: Mean C‐R PWV was 8.4 ± 0.8 m/s at baseline and 8.0 ±1.2 m/s after 7 weeks of EECP, mean change: −0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.0, + 0.2, p=0.17. Mean radial‐derived AI was 25.7 ± 10.4% before and 24.6 ± 10.8% after, mean change: + 1.1%, 95% CI: −2.3, + 4.5, p = 0.53. Median AI‐carotid was 31.5% before and 28.7% after; median change: −0.5, interquartile range: −9.5, + 3.5, p = 0.32. Nineteen patients returned for 6‐month recordings; neither blood pressure nor arterial stiffness readings were significantly different from baseline.Conclusion:Enhanced external counterpulsation therapy does not significantly alter arterial stiffness. Other than an initial reduction in blood pressure, the sustained clinical benefit seen with this therapy is unlikely to be effected through alterations in arterial wall mechanical properties.
When business associations and a federal ministry jointly consult civil society: a CSR policy case study on the development of the CSR Austria Guiding Vision
Authors: Konrad Astrid , Martinuzzi Andre , Steurer Reinhard 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn 2002, Austrian business organizations and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour decided to raise the awareness of CSR in Austria by formulating a CSR guiding vision for Austrian businesses after consulting a broad variety of stakeholders. This paper describes the development of the ‘CSR Austria Guiding Vision’ from 2003, and it gives a brief overview of other public CSR initiatives launched in Austria since then. Since the authors were involved drafting the CSR Austria Guiding Vision as consultants, the paper describes success factors, lessons learned and recommendations relevant for other large‐scale stakeholder dialogues on CSR from an insider perspective. Overall, we conclude that a clear idea about the structure, the type and the rules of the stakeholder involvement (conceptual issues), in combination with a timely, honest and empathic approach towards stakeholders (procedural issues), are important success factors for any stakeholder dialogue. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
A common human TLR1 polymorphism regulates the innate immune response to lipopeptides
Authors: Hawn Thomas R. , Misch E. Ann , Dunstan Sarah J. , Thwaites Guy E. , Lan Nguyen T. N. , Quy Hoang T. , Chau Tran T. H. , Rodrigues Stephanie , Nachman Alex , Janer Marta , Hien Tran T. , Farrar Jeremy J. , Aderem Alan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractToll‐like receptors (TLR) are critical mediators of the immune response to pathogens and human polymorphisms in this gene family regulate inflammatory pathways and are associated with susceptibility to infection. Lipopeptides are present in a wide variety of microbes and stimulate immune responses through TLR1/2 or TLR2/6 heterodimers. It is not currently known whether polymorphisms in TLR1 regulate the innate immune response. We stimulated human whole blood with triacylated lipopeptide, a ligand for TLR1/2 heterodimers, and found substantial inter‐individual variation in the immune response. We sequenced the coding region of TLR1 and found a non‐synonymous polymorphism, I602S (base pair T1805G), that regulated signalling. In comparison to TLR1_602S, the 602I variant mediated substantially greater basal and lipopeptide‐induced NF‐κB signalling in transfected HEK293 cells. These signalling differences among TLR1 variants were also found with stimulation by extracts of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Furthermore, individuals with the 602II genotype produced substantially more IL‐6 than those with the 602SS variant in a lipopeptide‐stimulated whole‐blood cytokine assay. Together, these observations demonstrate that variation in the inflammatory response to bacterial lipopeptides is regulated by a common TLR1 transmembrane domain polymorphism that could potentially impact the innate immune response and clinical susceptibility to a wide spectrum of pathogens.See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200737604
Regiospecific ortho‐Aromatic Hydroxylation via Cyclonickelation Using Hydrogen Peroxide and Other Oxygen Donors: Synthesis of Metalloazosalophens
Authors: Pattanayak Poulami , Lal Pratihar Jahar , Patra Debprasad , Burrows Andrew , Mohan Mary , Chattopadhyay Surajit 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe new ligands N‐[2‐(arylazo)phenyl]salicylideneamine, H2Lsal [where H represents the dissociable protons upon complexation and aryl groups of H2Lsal are phenyl for H2L1sal, p‐methylphenyl for H2L2sal, and p‐chlorophenyl for H2L3sal], were prepared by the reaction of 2‐(arylazo)aniline, H2L, with salicylaldehyde. H2Lsal ligands afforded stable orthometalated complexes, (Lsal)Ni, upon treatment with Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O. The dianionic (Lsal)2– ligands bind NiII in tetradentate (C,N,N,O) fashion in distorted square‐planar geometry. Reaction of (Lsal)Ni with meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid, tert‐butyl hydroperoxide, or hydrogen peroxide furnished the metalloazosalophens, (OLsal)Ni, as a result of oxygen insertion into the Ni–C bond. The X‐ray structures of (L1sal)Ni and (OL1sal)Ni were determined as representatives for unequivocal characterization. Treatment of (OL1sal)Ni with dilute HClO4 liberated 2‐(2‐aminophenylazo)phenol, H2L1OH, which is an ortho‐hydroxylated derivative of H2L1. The cyclic voltammograms of (OLsal)Ni complexes display a reversible reductive response near –1.06 V vs. SCE.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Chiral separation of sympathomimetics and β‐blockers by ligand‐exchange CE using Cu(II) complexes of L‐tartaric acid and L‐threonine as chiral selectors
Authors: Hödl Heike , Krainer Axel , Holzmüller Katja , Koidl Julia , Schmid Martin G. , Gübitz Gerald 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis paper deals with the use of Cu(II) complexes of L‐tartaric acid or L‐threonine as selectors for the chiral separation of drugs containing amino alcohol structure by ligand‐exchange CE. Using Cu(II) ions as a complexing agent, a series of sympathomimetics and β‐blockers were resolved. It was found that the resolution strongly depends on selector concentration and pH. The optimum pH for complexation was 12.
A Reassessment of the holocene stratigraphy of the Wadi Hasa Terrace and Hasa formation, Jordan
Authors: Schuldenrein Joseph 
Published: June 2007

AbstractVita‐Finzi's 1960s model for Mediterranean terrace evolution was once the basis for regional valley histories across much of the Levant. A revisit to the Hasa terrace, formerly considered Early to Middle Holocene in age, resulted in a revised chronostratigraphy. Sedimentological and geochemical analyses bolstered by radiocarbon dating indicate that valley floor construction began shortly after the end of the Middle Holocene, at least 2000 years later than initially proposed. An updated model for floodplain evolution proposes three discrete phases of accretion and alluvial plain formation. A weak cambic soil overprints the alluvium and suggests slightly moister climates than at present for much of the Late Holocene. This model is in accord with settlement data. Intensified uplands agropastoralism accelerated the erosion of slope soils that were recycled and deposited as alluvium across the valley floor. The valley floor sequences of the Hasa are analogous to alluvial chronologies for neighboring wadis of the eastern Jordan Rift and can be tied to key Middle and Late Holocene geomorphic events in the Dead Sea and the southwestern Levant. The data strongly indicate that alluvial fill histories after 1800 cal B.C. were anthropogenically driven, whereas Middle Holocene landscape changes were climatically and structurally triggered. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geomorphology, site distribution, and Paleolithic settlement dynamics of the Ma'aloula region, Damascus Province, Syria
Authors: Dodonov Andrey E. , Kandel Andrew W , Simakova Aleksandra N. , al‐Masri Mohammed , Conard Nicholas J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis survey of the geology, geomorphology, and Paleolithic archaeology of a 300 km2 area in Damascus Province, Syria, focused around the villages of Ma'aloula and Jaba'deen. The study resulted in the definition of seven geomorphological zones that trend northeast–southwest, parallel to the prevailing geological features of the region. The zones span a broad range of elevations, from a dry lake bed in the Jeiroud Basin (ca. 800 m) to the peaks of the Anti‐Lebanon Mountains (ca. 2350 m). The research focused on assessing the geological and paleoenvironmental history of the region as a backdrop for 500,000 years of Paleolithic settlement. Among the 618 archaeological sites documented thus far, all major archaeological periods from the Lower Paleolithic through the Epipaleolithic are represented. Most abundant are occurrences of the Levalloisian Middle Paleolithic, with 255 new sites documented. Nine Neolithic sites were also included in the survey. The distribution of sites varies during the Paleolithic and reflects the availability of resources, especially of flint and water, as well as the spatial patterns of erosion and deposition on the ancient land surfaces. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low frequency BOLD fluctuations during resting wakefulness and light sleep: A simultaneous EEG‐fMRI study
Authors: Horovitz Silvina G. , Fukunaga Masaki , de Zwart Jacco A. , van Gelderen Peter , Fulton Susan C. , Balkin Thomas J. , Duyn Jeff H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRecent blood oxygenation level dependent functional MRI (BOLD fMRI) studies of the human brain have shown that in the absence of external stimuli, activity persists in the form of distinct patterns of temporally correlated signal fluctuations. In this work, we investigated the spontaneous BOLD signal fluctuations during states of reduced consciousness such as drowsiness and sleep. For this purpose, we performed BOLD fMRI on normal subjects during varying levels of consciousness, from resting wakefulness to light (non‐slow wave) sleep. Depth of sleep was determined based on concurrently acquired EEG data. During light sleep, significant increases in the fluctuation level of the BOLD signal were observed in several cortical areas, among which visual cortex was the most significant. Correlations among brain regions involved with the default‐mode network persisted during light sleep. These results suggest that activity in areas such as the default‐mode network and primary sensory cortex, as measured from BOLD fMRI fluctuations, does not require a level of consciousness typical of wakefulness. Hum Brain Mapp, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.