bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of collagenase and extract ofCentella asiaticain an experimental model of wound healing: An immunohistochemical and histopathological study
Authors: Ermertcan Aylin Türel , Inan Sevinc , Ozturkcan Serap , Bilac Cemal , Cilaker Serap 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTIn this study, we compared the effects of collagenase andCentella asiaticain the rat model. Twenty‐seven female rats were divided into three groups, and two full‐thickness wounds were made for each animal. Collagenase ointment was applied topically to Group I andC. asiaticaointment to Group II rats. In Group III, no treatment was applied. On the third day of treatment, wounds on the left side of three animals of each group were excised. On the fifth and eighth day of the treatments, the same procedure was performed for the remaining animals. Indirect immunohistochemical examination was performed to detect transforming growth factor beta (TGF)‐β, endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase (eNOS and iNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor, TGF‐α, laminin, fibronectin, collagen I, and interleukin‐1β. According to the measurements of the wound areas and wound healing periodo, collagenase was superior to the control group. Immunohistochemical examinations showed strong (+++) iNOS and TGF‐β immunoreactivities inC. asiaticagroup. eNOS immunoreactivity was moderate (++) in this group. For the collagenase group, iNOS, eNOS, and TGF‐β immunoreactivities were moderate (++). In the collagenase group, while TGF‐β and iNOS immunoreactivities were weaker, laminin and fibronectin reactivities were stronger than inC. asiaticaand control groups. Collagenase was superior toC. asiaticaaccording to the immunohistochemical findings. Collagenase ointment significantly improves the quality of wound healing and scar formation and is a more appropriate treatment choice than extract ofC. asiaticain the early stages of the wound healing process.
Exogenous metallothionein‐IIA promotes accelerated healing after a burn wound
Authors: Morellini Natalie M. , Giles Natalie L. , Rea Suzanne , Adcroft Katharine F. , Falder Sian , King Carolyn E. , Dunlop Sarah A. , Beazley Lyn D. , West Adrian K. , Wood Fiona M. , Fear Mark W. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTSevere injury to the epidermal barrier often results in scarring and life‐long functional deficits, the outcome worsening with a number of factors including time taken to heal. We have investigated the potential of exogenous metallothionein IIA (Zn7‐MT‐IIA), a naturally occurring small cysteine‐rich protein, to accelerate healing of burn wounds in a mouse model. Endogenous MT‐I/II expression increased in basal keratinocytes concurrent with reepithelialization after a burn injury, indicating a role for MT‐I/II in wound healing. In vitro assays of a human keratinocyte cell line indicated that, compared with saline controls, exogenous Zn7‐MT‐IIA significantly increased cell viability by up to 30% (p<0.05), decreased apoptosis by 13% (p<0.05) and promoted keratinocyte migration by up to 14% (p<0.05), all properties that may be desirable to promote rapid wound repair. Further in vitro assays using immortalized and primary fibroblasts indicated that Zn7‐MT‐IIA did not affect fibroblast motility or contraction (p>0.05). Topical administration of exogenous Zn7‐MT‐IIA (2 μg/mL) in vivo, immediately postburn accelerated healing, promoted faster reepithelialization (3 days: phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), 8.9±0.3 mm diameter vs. MT‐I/II, 7.1±0.7 mm; 7 days: PBS 5.8±0.98 mm vs. MT‐I/II, 3.6±1.0 mm, p<0.05) and reduced epidermal thickness (MT‐I/II: 45±4 μm vs. PBS: 101±19 μm, p<0.05) compared with controls. Our data suggest that exogenous Zn7‐MT‐IIA may prove a valuable therapeutic for patients with burns and other skin injuries.
Anti‐apoptotic role of EGF in HaCaT keratinocytes via a PPARβ‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Liang Pengfei , Jiang Bimei , Huang Xu , Xiao Weimin , Zhang Pihong , Yang Xinghua , Long Jianhong , Xiao Xianzhong , Huang Xiaoyuan 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTEpidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our recent studies found that EGF‐attenuated tumor necrosis factor‐α induced HaCaT keratinocyte apoptosis, and this effect was accompanied by up‐regulation of the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor β (PPARβ). However, little is known about whether PPARβ is functionally involved in the inhibition of keratinocyte apoptosis by EGF. Here, we showed that EGF up‐regulated the DNA‐binding and transcriptional regulation activities of PPARβ. Antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides against PPARβ markedly inhibited de novo synthesis of PPARβ and attenuated the protective effect of EGF on tumor necrosis factor‐α–induced apoptosis. L165041, a specific PPARβ ligand, significantly enhanced the transcriptional regulation activity of PPARβ and increased the protective effect of EGF. These results suggest a molecular mechanism by which EGF protects HaCaT keratinocytes against apoptosis in a PPARβ‐dependent manner.
Enhanced wound healing by an epigallocatechin gallate‐incorporated collagen sponge in diabetic mice
Authors: Kim HakHee , Kawazoe Takeshi , Han Dong‐Wook , Matsumara Kazuaki , Suzuki Shigehiko , Tsutsumi Sadami , Hyon Suong‐Hyu 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTEpigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenolic compound present in green tea, has potent anti‐oxidant and free radical‐scavenging activities. In this study, various concentrations (10, 100, and 1,000 ppm) of EGCG were incorporated into a collagen sponge (CS) in order to investigate its healing effects on full‐thickness wounds created in type 2 diabetic mice. After 14 days, the residual wound size of the mice treated with 10 ppm EGCG‐incorporated collagen sponge (E‐CS) decreased significantly faster than that of the other mice. Moreover, significant increases in the degree of reepithelialization, the thickness of the granulation tissue, and the density of the capillaries were also histologically observed in the wound sites exposed to 10 ppm E‐CS in comparison with the others. Furthermore, 10 ppm E‐CS resulted in significant increases in the immunoreactivity of Ki‐67 (reepithelialization at the wound site), CD31 (formation of blood vessels), and α‐smooth muscle actin (the induction of myofibroblasts across the dermis). These results suggest that a CS incorporated with EGCG at low concentrations can enhance wound healing in diabetic mice by accelerating reepithelialization and angiogenesis as well as improving the cellular reorganization of granulation tissue by triggering the activity of myofibroblasts.
Observation‐Based Nocturnal Sleep Inventory: Screening Tool for Sleep Apnea in Elderly People
Authors: Onen S.‐Hakki , Dubray Claude , Decullier Evelyne , Moreau Thierry , Chapuis François , Onen Fannie 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To measure the ability of the Observation‐based Nocturnal Sleep Inventory (ONSI) to detect the presence or absence of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in older adults.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional blinded study.SETTING: University hospital–based geriatric sleep center.PARTICIPANTS: All participants aged 70 and older were referred by physicians for suspicion of SAS.MEASUREMENTS: ONSI performed by nurses; overnight polysomnography. SAS was defined as an apnea‐hypopnea index of 15 events or more per hour of sleep.RESULTS: A total of 121 consecutive patients were evaluated for study participation. Six were excluded because of technical difficulties with polysomnography or too‐frequent awakenings related to medical conditions. One hundred eleven patients completed the validation process. Polysomnography identified 68 patients as having SAS and 43 patients as not having SAS. The nurse‐administered ONSI demonstrated good levels of sensitivity (90%), specificity (81%), positive predictive value (88%), and negative predictive value (83%) in screening older adults for SAS.CONCLUSION: The ONSI is the first valid SAS screening tool proposed for older persons in hospitals and nursing homes. This study demonstrates that the ONSI provides accurate information; is a simple, easy‐to‐use bed‐side tool; and is highly sensitive and specific in screening SAS when compared with overnight polysomnography results.
A Short Functional Survey Is Responsive to Changes in Functional Status in Vulnerable Older People
Authors: Min Lillian C. , Wenger Neil S. , Reuben David B. , Saliba Debra 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether an abbreviated five‐item functional status survey consisting of five activities of daily living (ADLs) reflects changes measured over time in a full 12‐item functional status survey.DESIGN: Longitudinal evaluation with mean follow‐up of 11 months.SETTING: Two managed‐care organizations in the United States.PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred twenty community‐dwelling older people at moderate to high risk of death and functional decline enrolled in the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) observational study.MEASURES: Number of ADL abilities according to the short (range 0–5) and full functional status surveys (range 0–12); change in function as defined according to a 1‐point change in short score and 1‐ to 2‐point change in full survey scores.RESULTS: Changes in short functional status survey scores were highly correlated to changes in long survey scores (correlation coefficient=0.88). On average, a 1‐point change in the short survey score was associated with a 1.4‐point change on the long survey score (P<.001). The short survey correctly classified 93% of those who declined according to the long survey, adjusting for chance agreement (κ=0.82) and was responsive to decline in function (sensitivity 82–94%, specificity 94–97%, and area under the receiver operating curve 0.91–0.93 for 1‐ to 2‐point decreases in full survey ADL counts).CONCLUSION: The short functional status survey is an efficient way to detect changes in functional status in vulnerable older populations for clinical and research purposes.
Blood components produced from whole blood using the Atreus processing system
Authors: Thomas Stephen , Beard Martin , Garwood Margaret , Callaert Martine , Waeg Geert van , Cardigan Rebecca 
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: The Atreus 2C+ system (Gambro BCT) automates whole blood (WB) processing into a single device. This study compared the quality of red blood cells (RBCs), fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP), and buffy coats (BCs) made from WB held with or without active cooling.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: WB was collected into Atreus disposables and stored with (n = 20) or without (n = 20) active cooling for 14 to 18 hours at 22 ± 2°C before processing with the Atreus. Two RBC leukodepletion filters were assessed, and markers of RBC quality were tested to Day 42. BCs were held for 3 hours before testing, plasma was tested, and samples were frozen for coagulation analysis.RESULTS: RBCs met UK specifications for volume, hemoglobin content (48 ± 5 g), and hematocrit (Hct). Hemolysis, adenosine triphosphate, 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate, potassium, glucose, and lactate throughout storage were all within expected ranges. No differences were seen in RBC produced from WB held with or without active cooling. FFP units met UK specification for volume, total protein, cellular contamination, and coagulation factors. No differences were seen in FFP produced from WB held with or without active cooling. The Hct of BCs produced from WB held without active cooling was lower than in BCs from WB held with active cooling; no differences in activation were seen.CONCLUSION: From these in vitro data, blood components produced using the Atreus appear suitable for clinical use, with no clinically significant difference in the quality of components from WB held at ambient temperature overnight with or without active cooling.
Coagulation factor levels in plasma frozen within 24 hours of phlebotomy over 5 days of storage at 1 to 6°C
Authors: Yazer Mark H. , Cortese‐Hassett Andrea , Triulzi Darrell J. 
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: The use of plasma frozen within 24 hours after phlebotomy (FP24) is likely to increase as male donors become the predominant source of plasma products. This study was performed to investigate the levels of clotting factors in thawed plasma (TP) prepared from FP24 during 5 days of storage at 1 to 6°C.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Five units of A, B, and O and 3 units of AB FP24 were obtained from the local blood provider. They were thawed and maintained at 1 to 6°C for a total of 5 days. Within 6 hours of thawing and every 24 hours thereafter for 5 days, each unit was assayed for the following clotting factors: Factor (F)II, FV, FVII, FVIII, F IX, FXI, FXII, antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC), and protein S (PS). ADAMTS‐13 was assayed on Days 2, 4, and 5. Time is expressed as mean hours or days (standard deviation).RESULTS: On average the units were frozen 21.3 (3.8) hours after phlebotomy and had been frozen for a mean of 30.1 (32.3) days before thawing. The activities of all procoagulant factors including FVIII, along with AT, PC, and ADAMTS‐13, were well maintained in their normal range during the 5‐day storage. The activity of PS was slightly below the normal range by Day 5.CONCLUSIONS: The activity of all factors assayed, except for PS, were within their normal range during the 5‐day storage period. These results show comparable factor assay levels in TP prepared from fresh‐frozen plasma and FP24.
Transfusion efficacy of ABO major‐mismatched platelets (PLTs) in children is inferior to that of ABO‐identical PLTs
Authors: Julmy Friedgard , Ammann Roland A. , Taleghani Behrouz Mansouri , Fontana Stefano , Hirt Andreas , Leibundgut Kurt 
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: ABO major compatibility is essential in transfusions of red blood cells but is not requisite in PLT transfusions. In adults there is some evidence that transfusion efficacy of ABO blood group–identical platelets (PLTs) is superior to major‐mismatched PLTs. However, in children this question has not been investigated for more than 30 years.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a prospective study, the efficacy (based on the 1‐hour percentage of PLT recovery [PPR1hr]) of 400 eligible ABO blood group–identical or out‐of‐group apheresis PLT concentrates (APCs), transfused mainly prophylactically to 50 children with hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, or aplastic anemia was investigated. The primary objective was to compare PPR1hr between ABO‐identical and major‐mismatched transfusions.RESULTS: After ABO major‐mismatched transfusions, PPR1hr was significantly lower than after ABO blood group–identical transfusions (median 21% vs. 32%; p = 0.034). Multivariate analysis showed major‐mismatched transfusions to be significantly more often unsuccessful than identical transfusions (odds ratio [OR], 3.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52‐10.39; p = 0.005). Using flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy, it could be demonstrated that PLTs of subgroup A1, significantly expressing A antigen on their surface, were rapidly cleared from the circulation of group O or B recipients. In contrast, major‐mismatched transfusions of A2 PLTs, expressing no detectable A antigen, were as successful as identical transfusions (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.16‐7.88; p = 0.90).CONCLUSION: These data clearly indicate that in children ABO major‐mismatched PLT transfusions result in inferior transfusion efficacy, with the only exception of group A2 PLTs. ABO minor‐mismatched PLTs showed comparable efficacy to identical transfusions.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (and Multisite Pacing) in Pediatrics and Congenital Heart Disease: Five Years Experience in a Single Institution
Authors: CECCHIN FRANK , FRANGINI PATRICIA A. , BROWN DAVID W. , FYNN‐THOMPSON FRANCIS , ALEXANDER MARK E. , TRIEDMAN JOHN K. , GAUVREAU KIMBERLEE , WALSH EDWARD P. , BERUL CHARLES I. 
Published: September 2008

Introduction:
Clinical evidence supports the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in adults with heart failure, but experience in pediatrics and congenital heart disease (CHD) is limited in terms of patient numbers and follow‐up. We sought to determine the functional assessment and clinical outcomes in pediatric and CHD CRT patients followed uniformly at one institution.
Methods:
Retrospective review of 60 consecutive patients who underwent CRT between 2002 and 2007.
Results:
At implantation, median age was 15.0 years (5 months to 47 years). Overall, 46 patients had CHD (77%) and 14 had dilated cardiomyopathy. Prior to CRT, 92% were on heart failure treatment drugs and 55% had pacemakers. Median follow‐up time was 0.7 years (1 day–5.3 years). Median QRS width decreased from 149 to 120 ms (P < 0.001). Median ejection fraction (EF) increased from 36% to 42% (P < 0.001) and improvement was particularly evident in the group with CHD. Of note, 8 of 13 patients with single ventricle morphology had a “strong CRT response,” defined as either an improvement of 2–3 ordinal points in NYHA classification and/or increased ventricular function by ≥ 10 EF units. Overall, an improvement in functional status was observed in 39 of 45 patients (87%) with sufficient follow‐up data.
Conclusions:
Children and CHD patients treated with CRT have acute improvement in ventricular function, but implantation may require individualized planning and unconventional approaches. Future important goals include preimplant determination of CRT responders in pediatric and CHD patients, optimizing lead placement and programing, as well as long‐term CRT device management issues.
Real‐Time Rotational ICE Imaging of the Relationship of the Ablation Catheter Tip and the Esophagus During Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: HELMS ADAM , WEST J. JASON , PATEL AMIT , MOUNSEY J. PAUL , DIMARCO JOHN P. , MANGRUM J. MICHAEL , FERGUSON JOHN D. 
Published: September 2008

Introduction:
Atrioesophageal fistula is a rare complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation that should be avoided. We investigated whether rotational intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) can help to minimize ablation close to the esophagus.
Methods and Results:
We studied 41 patients referred for catheter ablation of refractory AF. A rotational ICE catheter was inserted into the (LA) to determine the location of the esophagus. The esophagus was identified to be either adjacent to the pulmonary vein (PV) ostium or to a cuff 2 cm outside the ostium. Circumferential ablation was performed at the PV ostium, with the exact ablation location determined by ICE. The relationship of the catheter tip to the esophagus was imaged during energy delivery, allowing interruption when respiration moved the tip closer to the esophagus. Out of 41 patients, the esophagus was seen near left‐sided PVs in 32 and near right‐sided PVs in three patients. The median distance from LA endocardium to esophagus was 2.2 mm (range, 1.4–6 mm). In 21 of 35 patients with a closely related esophagus, ablation over the esophagus was avoided by ablating either lateral or medial to the esophagus. In 14 patients, the esophagus could not be avoided, and risk was minimized by limiting lesion size. Significant movement (>10 mm) of the esophagus during the procedure occurred in 3/41 cases.
Conclusion:
Rotational ICE can accurately determine the distance of ablation sites from the esophagus. Real‐time imaging of the relationship of the ablation catheter tip to the esophagus may reduce the incidence of esophageal injury.
Long‐ and Short‐Term Temporal Stability of Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms in Human Left Atrium During Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SCHERR DANIEL , DALAL DARSHAN , CHEEMA AAMIR , NAZARIAN SAMAN , ALMASRY IBRAHIM , BILCHICK KENNETH , CHENG ALAN , HENRIKSON CHARLES A. , SPRAGG DAVID , MARINE JOSEPH E. , BERGER RONALD D. , CALKINS HUGH , DONG JUN 
Published: September 2008

Background:
Complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) have been reported as targets for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the temporal stability of CFAE sites remains poorly defined.
Methods and Results:
The study consisted of two phases. In the initial phase, two automated software algorithms, namely the interval confidence level (ICL) and the average interpotential interval (AIPI) were assessed for their diagnostic accuracy for automated CFAE detection. The AIPI was found to be superior to the ICL, and an AIPI of ≤100 ms was associated with a sensitivity and specificity of both 92% for detection of CFAEs. In the second phase of the study, 12 patients (2 females, mean age 54 ± 12 years) who underwent catheter ablation for persistent AF were studied to investigate the temporal stability of CFAEs. Two consecutive left atrial (LA) three‐dimensional CFAE maps coded with AIPI readings were reconstructed during ongoing AF in each study patient, with a mean time difference of 34.3 ± 8.7 minutes between the two maps. Among a total of 149 CFAE sites and 238 non‐CFAE sites on the first CFAE map that were precisely revisited during the repeat mapping process, 135 (90.6%) and 225 (94.5%) remained as CFAE sites and non‐CFAE sites, respectively. RF ablation at the selected stable CFAE sites significantly prolonged AF cycle length (181 ± 26 ms to 199 ± 29 ms, P < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
CFAEs recorded in the LA during AF display high temporal stability in patients with persistent AF. The clinical significance of our findings warrants further investigation.
Predictors of Complications of Endovascular Chronic Lead Extractions from Pacemakers and Defibrillators: A Single‐Operator Experience
Authors: AGARWAL SUNIL K. , KAMIREDDY SWAPNA , NEMEC JAN , VOIGT ANDREW , SABA SAMIR 
Published: September 2008

Background:
National trends in chronic lead extractions from cardiac rhythm management (CRM) devices are on the rise.
Objective:
The main objective of the study was to identify the predictors of complications of chronic lead extractions.
Methods:
All patients who underwent endovascular chronic CRM lead extraction at our institution between 2002 and 2008 were included in this analysis. Demographic data as well as details of the extraction procedure and its complications within the ensuing 30 days were collected on all patients.
Results:
Data of 212 consecutive patients (456 leads, age = 65 ± 17 years, men 75%, left ventricular ejection fraction = 36 ± 16%, coronary artery disease 80%, defibrillators 49%) were analyzed. There were a total of 26 (11.8%) complications in 25 patients including 9 (4.2%) major complications (death 1, hemothorax 4, pneumothorax 2, tamponade 1, stroke 1) and 17 (8.0%) minor complications. Independent predictors of any complications included a higher number of explanted right ventricular leads (HR = 3.51, P = 0.013). Explantation of ICD as opposed to a pacemaker device showed a strong trend toward significance (HR = 2.57, P = 0.053). An elevated white blood cell count also predicted major complications (HR = 1.52, P = 0.005).
Conclusion:
Predictors of complications after lead extraction procedures include a higher number of extracted leads and the presence of defibrillator as opposed to pacemaker leads. A new paradigm of the removal of all leads not connected to a device may, therefore, reduce the risk of complications from lead extraction procedures and deserves to be tested prospectively.