bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Corticosteroid Therapy on the Long‐Term Outcome of Radiofrequency Lesions in the Swine Caval Veins
Authors: FENELON GUILHERME , NASCIMENTO THAIS , DE ARAÚJO SÉRGIO , OKADA MIEKO , FRANCO MARCELLO , DE PAOLA ANGELO A. V. 
Published: July 2008

Background: We explored the angiographic and pathological effects of corticosteroids on the long‐term outcome of radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesions in the swine caval veins.
Methods: Under fluoroscopy guidance, a single linear RF lesion (4‐mm tip, 60°C, 180 seconds) was created in each vena cava (from ±2 cm into the vein to the venoatrial junction) of 20 anesthetized minipigs (35± 2 kg). Three groups were studied: acute (n = 4), killed 1 hour after RF; control (n = 8), sacrificed 83± 1 days after RF; and pigs (n = 8) receiving hydrocortisone (400 mg i.v. after RF) and prednisone (25 mg po for 30 days), killed 83± 1 days post‐RF. Angiography was performed before, immediately after ablation, and at follow‐up. Then, animals were sacrificed for histological analysis.
Results: Mild (<40%) or moderate (41–70%) acute luminal narrowing occurred in 19/20 (95%) inferior veins and in 13/20 (65%) superior veins. Severe (>70%) stenosis and occlusions were not noted. At follow‐up, in both chronic groups, mean vessel diameters returned to baseline and progression of luminal narrowing did not occur in any vein. Of note, superior and inferior vena cava angiographic diameter for control and treated pigs did not differ. The same was observed for the cross‐sectional luminal area. Acute lesions displayed transmural coagulative necrosis whereas chronic lesions revealed marked fibrosis. Histological findings were similar in controls and treated pigs.
Conclusion: In this model, mild and moderate stenosis, occurring immediately after ablation, seems to resolve over time. Corticosteroids do not affect the long‐term outcome of such RF lesions in the caval veins.
A Pilot Study of a Low‐Tilt Biphasic Waveform for Transvenous Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation: Improved Efficacy Compared with Conventional Capacitor‐Based Waveforms in Patients
Authors: GLOVER BENEDICT M. , McCANN CONOR J. , MANOHARAN GANESH , WALSH SIMON J. , MOORE MICHAEL J. , ALLEN JAMES D. , ESCALONA OMAR , ANDERSON JOHN MCC. , TROUTON TOM G. , STEVENSON MIKE , ROBERTS MICHAEL J. , ADGEY JENNIFER AA. 
Published: July 2008

Background:

The optimal waveform tilt for defibrillation is not known. Most modern defibrillators used for the cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) employ high‐tilt, capacitor‐based biphasic waveforms.
Methods:

We have developed a low‐tilt biphasic waveform for defibrillation. This low‐tilt waveform was compared with a conventional waveform of equivalent duration and voltage in patients with AF. Patients with persistent AF or AF induced during a routine electrophysiology study (EPS) were randomized to receive either the low‐tilt waveform or a conventional waveform. Defibrillation electrodes were positioned in the right atrial appendage and distal coronary sinus. Phase 1 peak voltage was increased in a stepwise progression from 50 V to 300V. Shock success was defined as return of sinus rhythm for ≥30 seconds.
Results:

The low‐tilt waveform produced successful termination of persistent AF at a mean voltage of 223 V (8.2 J) versus 270 V (6.7 J) with the conventional waveform (P = 0.002 for voltage, P = ns for energy). In patients with induced AF the mean voltage for the low‐tilt waveform was 91V (1.6 J) and for the conventional waveform was 158 V (2.0 J) (P = 0.005 for voltage, P = ns for energy). The waveform was much more successful at very low voltages (less than or equal to 100 V) compared with the conventional waveform (Novel: 82% vs Conventional 22%, P = 0.008).
Conclusion:

The low‐tilt biphasic waveform was more successful for the internal cardioversion of both persistent and induced AF in patients (in terms of leading edge voltage).
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Concentration and Early Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Electrical Cardioversion
Authors: XIA WEI , QU XIUFEN , YU YANG , ZHANG XUELI , FENG WEI , SONG YING 
Published: July 2008

Background:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether high asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels could predict early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after successful electrical cardioversion (CV).
Methods

: Seventy patients with persistent AF, but without known heart disease, who underwent elective electrical CV were enrolled. Blood samples for ADMA determination were drawn from all patients just before the CV.
Results

: The study population comprised 64 patients (men 73%, age 62.56 ± 7.72 years, duration of AF 6.00 ± 1.90 months) in whom sinus rhythm was restored. After 1‐month follow‐up, 30 (47%) patients had recurrence of AF. The median ADMA concentration was significantly higher in patients with AF recurrence (1.93 μmol/L vs 1.43 μmol/L; P = 0.001). AF recurrence was associated with higher pre‐CV ADMA levels (odds ratio [OR]= 4.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–12.22; P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, ADMA was the only independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence (OR = 4.19; 95%CI, 1.12–15.77; P = 0.034).
Conclusion

: Our data suggest that high levels of ADMA are associated with an increased risk of AF recurrence within 1 month after electrical CV, supporting the hypothesis that ADMA might participate in the process of atrial remodeling.
Resynchronization: What if the Left Ventricular Lead Cannot Reach the Lateral or Posterolateral Wall?
Authors: D'IVERNOIS CHRISTOPHE , LESAGE JÉRÔME , BLANC PATRICK 
Published: July 2008

Background:

The recommended left ventricular (LV) lead position for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is at the lateral or posterolateral wall. However, LV leads cannot always be implanted at this site. The objective of our study was to compare the clinical response to CRT when the LV lead could be implanted or not at the lateral or posterolateral wall.
Methods:

In consecutive patients implanted with a CRT device, we documented the final position achieved by the tip of the LV lead in the left anterior oblique projection. Patients were prospectively followed for 6 months after implantation. They were defined as responders if they were alive, had gained 1 New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, and had not been hospitalized for heart failure.
Results:

The study population consisted of 77 patients (56 men, 71 ± 10 years, 62 NYHA class III, 15 NYHA class IV). The LV lead was implanted at the lateral or posterolateral wall in 54 patients (group A) and at the anterior or anterolateral wall in 23 patients (group B). At 6 months, seven patients (9%) died (all in group A). There were 37 responders (69%) in group A as compared to 22 (96%) in group B.
Conclusions:

The responder rate was not inferior when the LV lead was implanted at the anterior or anterolateral wall. Thus, in case of failed implantation at the lateral or posterolateral wall, positioning the LV lead in a more anterior location appears to be a reasonable alternative. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Ranolazine Shortens Repolarization in Patients with Sustained Inward Sodium Current Due to Type‐3 Long‐QT Syndrome
Authors: MOSS ARTHUR J. , ZAREBA WOJCIECH , SCHWARZ KARL Q. , ROSERO SPENCER , MCNITT SCOTT , ROBINSON JENNIFER L. 
Published: July 2008

Introduction: One form of the hereditary long‐QT syndrome, LQT3‐ΔKPQ, is associated with sustained inward sodium current during membrane depolarization. Ranolazine reduces late sodium channel current, and we hypothesized that ranolazine would have beneficial effects on electrical and mechanical cardiac function in LQT3 patients with the SCN5A‐ΔKPQ mutation. Methods: We assessed the effects of 8‐hour intravenous ranolazine infusions (45 mg/h for 3 hours followed by 90 mg/h for 5 hours) on ventricular repolarization and myocardial relaxation in 5 LQT3 patients with the SCN5A‐ΔKPQ mutation. Changes in electrocardiographic repolarization parameters from before to during ranolazine infusion were evaluated by time‐matched, paired t‐test analyses. Cardiac ultrasound recordings were obtained before ranolazine infusion and just before completion of the 8‐hour ranolazine infusion. Results: Ranolazine shortened QTc by 26 ± 3 ms (P < 0.0001) in a concentration‐dependent manner. At peak ranolazine infusion, there was a significant 13% shortening in left ventricular isovolumic relaxation time, a significant 25% increase in mitral E‐wave velocity, and a meaningful 22% decrease in mitral E‐wave deceleration time compared with the baseline. No adverse effects of ranolazine were observed in the study patients. Conclusion: Ranolazine at therapeutic concentrations shortened a prolonged QTc interval and improved diastolic relaxation in patients with the LQT3‐ΔKPQ mutation, a genetic disorder that is known to cause an increase in late sodium current.
High‐Density Mapping of Atrial Fibrillation in Humans: Relationship Between High‐Frequency Activation and Electrogram Fractionation
Authors: STILES MARTIN K. , BROOKS ANTHONY G. , KUKLIK PAWEL , JOHN BOBBY , DIMITRI HANY , LAU DENNIS H. , WILSON LAUREN , DHAR SHASHI , ROBERTS‐THOMSON ROSS L. , MACKENZIE LORRAINE , YOUNG GLENN D. , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN 
Published: July 2008

Introduction: Sites of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) and dominant frequency (DF) have been implicated in maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF); however, their relationship is poorly understood. Methods and Results: Twenty patients underwent biatrial high‐density contact mapping (507 ± 150 points/patient) during AF. CFAE were characterized using software to quantify electrogram complexity (CFE‐mean). Spectral analysis determined the frequency with greatest power and sites of high DF with a frequency gradient. CFE‐mean was higher (less fractionated) for right compared with left atria (P < 0.001) and in paroxysmal compared with persistent AF (P < 0.001). DF was lower for right compared with left atria (P = 0.02) and in paroxysmal compared with persistent AF (P < 0.001). There was significant regional variation in DF in paroxysmal (P < 0.001) but not persistent AF. Highest DF points clustered together with 5.2 ± 1.7 clusters/patient. Correlation between CFE‐mean and DF was poor on a point‐by‐point basis (r =−0.17, P < 0.001), but moderate on an individual basis (r =−0.50, P = 0.03). Exploration of their spatial relationship demonstrated CFAE areas in close proximity (median 5 mm, IQR 2–10) to high DF sites; within 10 mm in 80% and 10–20 mm in 10%. Simultaneous activation mapping at these sites further supports this observation. Conclusion: Greater fractionation and higher DF are seen in persistent AF and left atria during AF. Preferential areas of high DF are observed in paroxysmal but not persistent AF. CFAE and DF correlate within an individual but not point‐by‐point. Exploration of their spatial relationship demonstrates CFAE in areas adjacent to high DF, and this is supported by activation mapping at these sites.
Magnetic Navigation and Catheter Ablation of Right Atrial Ectopic Tachycardia in the Presence of a Hemi‐Azygos Continuation: A Magnetic Navigation Case Using 3D Electroanatomical Mapping
Authors: ERNST SABINE , CHUN JULIAN K.R. , KOEKTUERK BUELENT , KUCK KARL‐HEINZ 
Published: July 2008

Introduction: We report on a 63‐year‐old female patient in whom an electrophysiologic study discovered a hemi‐azygos continuation. Using the magnetic navigation system, remote‐controlled ablation was performed in conjunction with the 3D electroanatomical mapping system. Methods and Results: Failing the attempt to advance a diagnostic catheter from the femoral vein, a diagnostic catheter was advanced via the left subclavian vein into the coronary sinus. The soft magnetic catheter was positioned in the right atrium via the hemi‐azygos vein, and 3D mapping demonstrated an ectopic atrial tachycardia. Successful ablation was performed entirely remote controlled. Fluoroscopy time was only 7.1 minutes, of which 45 seconds were required during remote navigation. Conclusion: Remote‐controlled catheter ablation using magnetic navigation in conjunction with the electroanatomical mapping system proved to be a valuable tool to perform successful ablation in the presence of a hemi‐azygos continuation.
Effects of Gender and Aging on Differential Autonomic Responses to Orthostatic Maneuvers
Authors: BARANTKE MELANIE , KRAUSS TIMOTHY , ORTAK JASMIN , LIEB WOLFGANG , REPPEL MICHAEL , BURGDORF CHRISTOF , PRAMSTALLER PETER P. , SCHUNKERT HERIBERT , BONNEMEIER HENDRIK 
Published: July 2008

Background: There are gender differences in heart rate and blood pressure response to postural change. Also, normal aging is often associated with diminished cardiac autonomic modulation during postural change from supine to upright position. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of these physiological alterations are not entirely understood. Methods: A total of 362 volunteers (206 females, age range: 10–88 years) underwent continuous, noninvasive, beat‐to‐beat blood pressure and ECG recordings in supine and upright position. To calculate spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), blood pressure and RR interval fluctuations were reconstructed using the time‐domain sequential technique. Furthermore, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean heart rate, and frequency‐domain parameters of heart rate variability (low‐frequency power [LF], low‐frequency power in normalized units [LFn] high‐frequency power [HF], high‐frequency power in normalized units [HFn], low‐/high‐frequency ratio [LF/HF], and total power [TP]) were analyzed in both supine and standing positions. To investigate age‐related differences, subjects were divided into four equally sized groups (quartile l: 10–33 years; ll: 34–42 years; III: 43–57 years; and lV: 58–88 years), as well as decades (l: 10–19 years; ll: 20–29 years; lll: 30–39 years; lV: 40–49 years; V: 50–59 years; Vl: 60–69 years; Vll: ≥ 70 years). Results: A continuous decline in BRS, LF, HF, and TP was observed with increasing age in both male and female subjects, regardless of posture. Gender comparison showed significantly higher values of LF (supine P < 0.001; upright P < 0.05), LFn (supine P < 0.001; upright P < 0.01), and TP (supine P < 0.05; upright P < 0.05) in men than women in supine and standing positions. HF revealed no gender difference and HFn (supine P < 0.001; upright P < 0.05) was larger in women. Log BRS correlated well with log LF and log HF in both supine and standing positions. Conclusions: There are significant differences in postural cardiac autonomic modulation between men and women, and the degree of autonomic response to orthostatic maneuvers varies with normal aging. These results may explain gender‐ and age‐related differences in orthostatic tolerance.
Intrusion of teeth with class III furcation: a clinical, histologic and histometric study in dogs
Authors: Da Silva Vanessa C. , Cirelli Carolina C. , Ribeiro Fernando S. , Leite Fábio R. M. , Benatti Neto Carlos , Marcantonio Rosemary A. C. , Cirelli Joni A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim: To assess orthodontic intrusion effects on periodontal tissues in dogs' pre‐molars with class III furcations treated with open flap debridement (OFD) or with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) associated to bone autograft (BA).Material and Methods: Class III furcations were created in the pre‐molars of seven mongrel dogs. After 75 days, teeth were randomly treated with OFD or GTR/BA. After 1 month, metallic crowns were assembled on pre‐molars and connected apically to mini‐implants by nickel–titanium springs. Teeth were randomly assigned to orthodontic intrusion (OFD+I and GTR/BA+I) groups or no movement (OFD and GTR/BA) groups. Dogs were sacrificed after 3 months of movement and 1 month retention.Results: All class III furcations were closed or reduced to class II or I in the intrusion groups, while 50% of the lesions in non‐moved teeth remained unchanged. Intruded teeth presented higher probing depth and lower gingival marginal level than non‐moved teeth (p<0.01). Clinical attachment gain was reduced in the intrusion groups by the end of retention (p<0.05). OFD+I presented smaller soft tissue area and larger bone tissue area than other groups (p<0.05).Conclusion: Orthodontic intrusion with anchorage via mini‐implants improved the healing of class III furcation defects after OFD in dogs. GTR/BA impaired those results.
Salivary malondialdehyde levels in clinically healthy and periodontal diseased individuals
Authors: Khalili J , Biloklytska HF 
Published: July 2008

Background:  Lipid peroxidation (LPO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several pathologic disorders, including periodontal disease. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is one of many low molecular weight end products of LPO.Objective:  This study was conducted to evaluate salivary MDA levels in generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) subjects.Materials and methods:  The MDA levels were measured in the saliva of 104 subjects, aged 18–65 years. Three groups with different degrees of severity of GCP were established: 30 early (group 1), 30 moderate (group 2) and 14 severe (group 3). Thirty individuals (aged 25–29 years) with clinically healthy periodontium were served as control. Unstimulated whole saliva samples from study subjects were collected, centrifuged at 3000 g for 15 min and were then stored at −70°C until analysed. The MDA level was determined with 2‐thiobarbituric acid by a colorimetric method at 532 nm.Results:  A significant increase in the MDA level existed in the samples obtained from the three groups of patients compared to the control subjects.Conclusion:  Increased MDA levels are with closely associated with the severity and patients status of periodontal disease that has not been previously reported. The detection of salivary MDA level may provide additional advantages in elucidating the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.
Allelic frequency of PCR‐RFLP type of the BoLA‐DRB3 in Japanese Holstein herds and the relation to mastitis
Authors: YOSHIDA Tatsuyuki , MUKOYAMA Harutaka , FURUTA Hiroki , HOLMES Colin W. , KOSUGIYAMA Motoaki , TOMOGANE Hiroshi 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTHolstein Cows (n = 702) from 26 dairy herds in the Tama area of Tokyo, Japan were examined for polymorphisms of the BoLA‐DRB3 allele using a PCR‐RFLP method. Twenty alleles were observed and allelic frequencies ranged from < 1% to 20.3%. Nine alleles (DRB3.2*24,*16,*8,*23,*22,*3,*11, *10 and *7 in order) constituted 90.0% of all alleles. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were used to classify healthy (group 1), mastitis (group 2) and suspected (group 3) cows. Frequencies of DRB3.2*11 and DRB3.2*23 were slightly higher in group 1 than in group 2, whereas, frequencies of DRB3.2*8 and DRB3.2*16 were slightly higher in group 2 than in group 1. However, none of the differences in frequencies between the two groups were statistically significant. For combinations of alleles, frequencies of DRB3.2*8/*23 (P < 0.1) and DRB3.2*16/*24 (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1, and their odds ratios were 2.1, 2.5, respectively. However, there were no significant differences between genotypes in their effects for SCC. On the other hand, frequency of DRB3.2*23/*23 including combinations of DRB3.2*23 with minor alleles was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (P < 0.01), and the odds ratio was 0.3. Therefore, it was considered that mastitis resistance or susceptibility of cows may vary with the combination of BoLA‐DRB3 alleles.
Effect of weaning on behavior and serum parameters in dairy goat kids
Authors: ATASOGLU Cengiz , YURTMAN Ismail Yaman , SAVAS Türker , GÜLTEPE Mustafa , ÖZCAN Ömer 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTThis study aimed at investigating the effects of weaning kids abruptly at an average of 55 ± 13 days of age on intake, behavioral and serum parameters and, lasted for a total of six weeks; two weeks pre‐weaning and four weeks post‐weaning. Sixteen single kids with equal gender were used. Kids were only allowed to stay with their mothers for suckling (45 min/period) both in the morning and in the evening period during pre‐weaning. Grower concentrate and hay were offered ad libitum. The duration of the study was divided into three periods for the sampling of behavioral and serum parameters; (i) pre‐weaning period lasting for two weeks (P‐BW) (ii) early post‐weaning period lasting for one week (P‐AW1) and (iii) late post‐weaning period lasting for three weeks (P‐AW2). Daily weight gain of kids gradually decreased as the observation period progressed (P = 0.001). However concentrate feed intake increased from 0.154 kg/day in P‐BW to 0.479 kg/day in P‐AW1 and 0.499 kg/day in P‐AW2. Water intake, rumination and standing behaviors decreased in P‐AW2 (P < 0.001), whereas activity towards concentrate feed (CF) (P < 0.001) and roughage (P = 0.012) increased as compared to P‐BW and P‐AW1. Abnormal oral activity was not affected by the periods (P = 0.906). CF was significantly higher in females (P = 0.003), whereas males displayed higher lying behavior (P = 0.007). Glucose, total protein, urea, cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol concentrations (P = 0.001) and ALP activity (P = 0.003) were significantly affected by the periods. The results of the present study suggest that behavioral and serum parameters across the periods describe changes in the nutritional conditions as a result of the transition from milk to solid feed in association with weaning.
Effects of reducing dietary crude protein on growth performance, odor gas emission from manure and blood urea nitrogen and IGF‐1 concentrations of serum in nursery pigs
Authors: CHO Jin Ho , CHEN Ying Jie , MIN Byung Joon , YOO Jong Sang , WANG Yuan , KIM In Ho 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTTwo experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of reducing dietary crude protein on growth performance, odor gas emission from manure and blood urea nitrogen and IGF‐1 concentrations of serum in nursery pigs. In experiment 1, the dietary treatments were (i) CON (CP 19.5%) and (ii) T1 (CP 16.0%). In feces samples, NH3, H2S, acetic acid and butyric acid emissions during the T1 treatment were lower than during the CON treatment (P < 0.05). In feces‐urine samples, NH3 emission during the T1 treatment was lower than during the CON treatment (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, 28 crossbred (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) pigs (13.58 ± 0.10 kg) were used for a 42‐day growth trial. Throughout the entire experimental period, ADG and ADFI of the CON treatment were higher than the T1 treatment (P < 0.05). On day 14, N digestibility in pigs fed the CON diet was higher than that of pigs fed the T1 diet (P < 0.05). On days 28 and 42, DM digestibility of the CON diet was greater than the T1 treatment (P < 0.05). On dat 42, serum BUN concentration of pigs fed the CON diet was higher than that of pigs fed the T1 diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicate that reduction in dietary CP concentration decreased NH3, H2S and VFA emissions in feces and growth performance in nursery pigs.