bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Chronic Infection and Inflammation in the Gastrointestinal Tract in the Etiology and Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Parkinsonism
Authors: Weller Clive , Charlett André , Oxlade Norman L. , Dobbs Sylvia M. , Dobbs R. John , Peterson Dale W. , Bjarnason Ingvar T. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTBackground. EradicatingHelicobactermay convert rapidly progressive idiopathic parkinsonism to quieter disease, however only a minority of probands have evidence of current infection.Aim. To explore the cross‐sectional fit of parkinsonism as an extra‐alimentary consequence ofHelicobacter pylori, using the serum antibody profile.Methods. A discriminant index for parkinsonism was based on the Western Blot pattern of IgG antibodies against electrophoretically separatedH. pyloriantigens in 124 subjects with idiopathic parkinsonism, 196 without. In parkinsonism, association was assessed between index and 1, anthropometric measures; 2, current and 3, increase over 4 years in hypokinetic and psychomotor/psychometric disability; and 4, a global score of current severity.Results. Predicted probability of being labeled parkinsonian was greatest with cytotoxin‐associated‐gene‐product (CagA) positivity and vacuolating‐toxin negativity (p = .03 and .004, respectively, for antibody‐age interactions), and urease‐B negativity (p = .03, irrespective of age). In this circumstance, the odds for parkinsonism increased fivefold by age 80 years (p = .001).Helicobacterstatus, according to anti‐urease enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), did not complement the model. Gradients, of clinically relevant size, were found between index and disease burden, despite the potentially confounding effect of antiparkinsonian medication. The higher the index 1, the worse was posture, as gauged by forward displacement of occiput (p = .04), 2, the shorter mean stride‐length (p = .003), longer reaction time (= .002) and lesser cognitive efficiency (= .03), 3, the greater their deterioration (p = .006, .002, and .03 respectively), and 4, the greater the overall severity of parkinsonism (< .001).Conclusion. The apparent importance ofH. pyloriin the etiology/pathogenesis of idiopathic parkinsonism is not confined to those with evidence of current infection.
Role of Chronic Infection and Inflammation in the Gastrointestinal Tract in the Etiology and Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Parkinsonism
Authors: Dobbs R. John , Dobbs Sylvia M. , Weller Clive , Bjarnason Ingua T. , Oxlade Norman L. , Charlett André , Al‐Janabi Mazin A. , Kerwin Robert W. , Mahler Robert F. , Price Ashley B. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTBackground.  Neuronal damage in idiopathic parkinsonism may be in response to ubiquitous occult infection. Since peptic ulceration is prodromal, Helicobacter is a prime candidate.Aim.  To consider the candidature of Helicobacter in parkinsonism with cachexia.Methods.  We explore the relationship between being underweight and inflammatory products in 124 subjects with idiopathic parkinsonism and 195 controls, and present the first case‐series evidence of efficacy of Helicobacter eradication, in parkinsonism advanced to the stage of cachexia.Results.  Association of a low body mass index with circulating interleukin‐6 was specific to parkinsonism (p = .002), unlike that with antibodies against Helicobacter vacuolating‐toxin and cytotoxicity‐associated gene product (p < .04). Marked reversibility in both cachexia and disability of idiopathic parkinsonism followed Helicobacter heilmannii eradication in one case, Helicobacter pylori eradication in another, follow‐up being ≥ 3.5 years. The latter presented with postprandial bloating, and persistent nausea: following eradication, radioisotope gastric‐emptying returned towards normal, and upper abdominal symptoms regressed. Reversibility of their cachexia/disability contrasts with the outcome of anti‐Helicobacter therapy where eradication repeatedly failed (one case), and in non‐Helicobacter gastritis (three cases). Anti‐parkinsonian medication remained constant. Intestinal absorption and barrier function were normal in all.Conclusion.  Categorization, according to presence or absence of Helicobacter infection, was a useful therapeutic tool in late idiopathic parkinsonism.
Surface Atrial Frequency Analysis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Assessing the Effects of Linear Left Atrial Ablation
Authors: RAINE DAN , LANGLEY PHILIP , MURRAY ALAN , FURNISS STEPHEN S. , BOURKE JOHN P. 
Published: August 2005

Introduction: Our group has shown previously that measurements of atrial frequency can be obtained from surface 12‐lead ECG recordings of patients during atrial fibrillation (AF), using a combination of principal component and Fourier transform algorithms. Such measurements are reproducible over time and change with drug manipulation of the arrhythmia. Aims: To determine whether linear left atrial ablation, using a combination of “roof” and “mitral isthmus” lines results in changes in surface atrial frequency during AF and to assess the contribution of each individual line when sited sequentially. Methods and Results: Computerized recordings from 26 patients, who had undergone linear ablation procedures for AF, were reviewed. The atrial signal was extracted from the 12‐lead ECG data by principal component analysis and the main frequency component identified using Fourier analysis. Atrial frequency before and after these two standard ablation lines was compared. Atrial frequency decreased significantly after the combination of roof and mitral isthmus lines (5.66 vs 5.15 Hz) and when either roof (5.61 vs 5.13 Hz) or mitral isthmus (5.89 vs 5.75 Hz) lines were sited first. However, only the roof line led to a significant reduction in atrial frequency when sited second (5.64 vs 5.49 Hz). Conclusions: Measurements of atrial frequency can be obtained from surface 12‐lead ECG recordings during AF and change as predicted in response to linear left atrial ablation. This technique may be useful in assessing antiarrhythmic treatments for AF.
Prolongation of Atrial Effective Refractory Period with Biatrial Nonexcitatory Stimulation
Authors: CHAN JOSEPH Y.S. , FUNG JEFFERY W.H. , CHAN HAMISH C.K. , CHAN WINNIE W.L. , YU CHEUK MAN , SANDERSON JOHN E. 
Published: August 2005

Background: A nonexcitatory, nonpropagating atrial extrastimulus delivered in the refractory period of the preceding cycle can prolong the atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and prevent the induction of atrial fibrillation by another AE introduced in the vulnerable period. Whether the effect of this nonexcitatory stimulation (NE) is confined only to its application site is unknown. Methods and Results: Sixteen consecutive patients were recruited into the study and 2 patients were excluded because of development of more sustained atrial fibrillation. NE was commenced by introduction of a 2.0 msec, 20‐mA impulse at 50 msec after the preceding captured pacing impulse. AERP of right atrial septum, a distant site to NE application, was determined at baseline and after 5 minutes of steady pacing at six different protocols: protocol 1, 2, and 3 were conventional pacing at high right atrium, distal coronary sinus, and biatrial sites, respectively, and protocol 4, 5, and 6 were conventional pacing together with NE applied to the same sites as protocol 1, 2, and 3. Biatrial NE (protocol 6 with median AERP = 212.5 msec) significantly prolonged AERP compared with baseline (median AERP = 202.5 msec and P < 0.05), conventional pacing (protocol 1, 2, and 3 with median AERP = 205.0 msec, 205.0 msec, and 205.0 msec, respectively, and all P < 0.05), and single‐site NE (protocol 4 and 5 with median AERP = 207.5 msec and 207.5 msec, respectively, and both P < 0.05). Conclusion: Biatrial NE resulted in AERP prolongation even at sites distant to NE application. The study result suggests that by adding NE to multi‐sites pacing for atrial fibrillation prevention may have additional benefit.
Mechanisms for the Maintenance of Ventricular Fibrillation: The Nonuniform Dispersion of Refractoriness, Restitution Properties, or Anatomic Heterogeneities?
Authors: QIN HAO , HUANG JIAN , ROGERS JACK M. , WALCOTT GREGORY P. , ROLLINS DENNIS L. , SMITH WILLIAM M. , IDEKER RAYMOND E. 
Published: August 2005

Introduction: The relative importance of nonuniform dispersion of refractoriness, steep restitution slopes, and anatomic heterogeneities in causing conduction block during ventricular fibrillation (VF) remains unknown. Methods and Results: In six open‐chest pigs, ventricular refractoriness and restitution curves were estimated from activation recovery intervals (ARIs) calculated from 504 (21 × 24) unipolar electrode recordings 2 mm apart in a plaque sutured to the left ventricular (LV) free wall. A steady‐state restitution protocol was performed twice at each of two pacing sites: the LV base and near the left anterior descending artery. VF was electrically induced four times and the incidence of conduction block at each electrode during the first 20 seconds was determined by an automated algorithm. The gradient of the ARI was calculated at each electrode to estimate the spatial dispersion of refractoriness. An exponential curve was fit to the restitution plots of ARIs versus the corresponding diastolic intervals (DIs) for all pacing cycle lengths at each electrode. The locations of epicardial blood vessels were noted after the study. Spatial patterns of conduction block were significantly correlated between the four VF episodes in the same animal (r = 0.66 ± 0.07, P < 0.05). At the shortest pacing cycle length, the spatial distribution of ARIs, ARI gradients, and restitution slopes was not random but formed clusters of similar values. However, none of these variables was significantly correlated with the incidence of conduction block, even though ARI gradients >2 msec/mm were present between many clusters and ∼90% of restitution slopes were >1. Instead, conduction block frequently appeared to cluster along epicardial vessels. Conclusion: Neither the dispersion of refractoriness nor action potential duration restitution determined during rapid pacing by itself is the major determinant of the location of conduction block during early VF in normal pigs. It may be that these factors interact synergistically with each other as well as with other factors, including anatomic heterogeneities such as those caused by blood vessels, which may be particularly important for the formation of conduction block and maintenance of VF.
Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized Safety and Efficacy Study of a New Atrial‐Based Managed Ventricular Pacing Mode (MVP) in Dual Chamber ICDs
Authors: SWEENEY MICHAEL O. , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A. , CASAVANT DAVID , BETZOLD ROBERT , SHELDON TODD , TANG FENG , MUELLER MEGAN , LINGLE JOHN ,   The Marquis MVP Download Investigators
Published: August 2005

Background: Ventricular desynchronization caused by right ventricular pacing may impair ventricular function and increase risk of heart failure (CHF), atrial fibrillation (AF), and death. Conventional DDD/R mode often results in high cumulative percentage ventricular pacing (Cum%VP). We hypothesized that a new managed ventricular pacing mode (MVP) would safely provide AAI/R pacing with ventricular monitoring and DDD/R during AV block (AVB) and reduce Cum%VP compared to DDD/R. Methods: MVP RAMware was downloaded in 181 patients with Marquis DR ICDs. Patients were initially randomized to either MVP or DDD/R for 1 month, then crossed over to the opposite mode for 1 month. ICD diagnostics were analyzed for cumulative percentage atrial pacing (Cum%AP), Cum%VP, and duration of DDD/R pacing for spontaneous AVB. Results: Baseline characteristics included age 66 ± 12 years, EF 36 ± 14%, and NYHA Class II–III 36%. Baseline PR interval was 190 ± 53 msec and programmed AV intervals (DDD/R) were 216 ± 50 (paced)/189 ± 53 (sensed) msec. Mean Cum%VP was significantly lower in MVP versus DDD/R (4.1 ± 16.3 vs 73.8 ± 32.5, P < 0.0001). The median absolute and relative reductions in Cum%VP during MVP were 85.0 and 99.9, respectively. Mean Cum%AP was not different between MVP versus DDD/R (48.7 ± 38.5 vs 47.3 ± 38.4, P = 0.83). During MVP overall time spent in AAI/R was 89.6% (intrinsic conduction), DDD/R 6.7% (intermittent AVB), and DDI/R 3.7% (AF). No adverse events were attributed to MVP. Conclusions: MVP safely achieves functional atrial pacing by limiting ventricular pacing to periods of intermittent AVB and AF in ICD patients, significantly reducing Cum%VP compared to DDD/R. MVP is a universal pacing mode that adapts to AVB and AF, providing both atrial pacing and ventricular pacing support when needed.
Delineation of Regions in the Extracellular Domain of Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone Receptor Involved in Hormone Binding and Signal Transduction
Authors: Kene Pallavi S. , Dighe Rajan R. , Mahale Smita D. 
Published: August 2005

Problem:  To use antipeptide antibodies to potential surface‐oriented regions of the extracellular domain (ECD) of the human follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (hFSHR) to delineate regions involved in FSH binding and FSH‐induced signal transduction.Method of study:  We developed and characterized antipeptide antibodies to different, potentially surface‐oriented regions of the ECD of hFSHR. The ability of these antibodies to recognize the receptor was studied by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by Western blotting. The ability to modulate FSH binding and cAMP generation was studied by the radioreceptor assay and in vitro FSH bioassay respectively.Results:  Antipeptide antibodies to regions 15–31, 216–235, 285–300 and 327–341 hFSHR inhibited both FSH binding and cAMP production. Regions 15–31 and 216–235 were accessible to their cognate antipeptide antibodies both before and after FSH binding, while regions 285–300 and 327–341 hFSHR were accessible only prior to FSH binding.Conclusions:  Based on the observations made with respect to accessibility to antipeptide antibodies, ability of antibodies to inhibit FSH binding and the subsequent cAMP generation and kinetics of antibody binding, regions 285–300 and 327–341 hFSHR appear to be the chief FSH‐binding sites, while regions 15–31 and 216–235 hFSHR serve as ancillary FSH‐binding sites.
Anti‐Phospholipid Antibodies against Phosphatidylinositol, and Phosphatidylserine are More Significant in Reproductive Failure than Antibodies against Cardiolipin only
Authors: Ulcova‐Gallova Zdenka , Krauz Vladimir , Novakova Pavla , Milichovska Lucie , Micanova Zdenka , Bibkova Katerina , Sucha Renata , Turek Jiri , Balvin Miroslav , Rokyta Zdenek 
Published: August 2005

ProblemThe humoral immune response to phospholipids was investigated in women with reproductive failure [1073 women after one in vitro fertilization (IVF), 853 women after two and more IVF, 627 women after three and more repeated spontaneous miscarriages or missed abortions, 412 women after diagnostic laparoscopy] and compared with that of 391 healthy fertile women.Method of studySera from all women in the study were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of IgG, IgA, and IgM isotypes of antibodies against seven phospholipids (aPLs), i.e. cardiolipin, L‐phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylacid as well as against β2‐glycoprotein I.ResultsPatients after two and more IVF (48 and 50%, respectively), patients with three and more repeated spontaneous miscarriages (50 and 46.5%, respectively) are associated with significantly higher serum levels of aPLs against inositol, and l‐serine (P < 0.01). A quarter of them were positive for three and more aPLs.ConclusionIt seems that determination of aPLs only against cardiolipin in reproductive failure is not sufficient for obstetric‐gynecology diagnosis as the primary anti‐phospholipid syndrome. Our long‐ranging study (from 1998 to 2003) shows the necessity to test for a complete aPLs profile. Sera from patients after two and more IVF procedures, and sera from women after three and more repeated abortions are immunologically more active than sera from women after one unsuccessful IVF and sera from women after diagnostic laparoscopy. This important result is very significant for future treatment.
ASRI2005‐91  Reduced semen quality in chronic prostatitis patients that have cellular autoimmune response to prostate antigens
Authors: Motrich RM , Maccioni M , Molina R , Tissera A , Olmedo JJ , Riera CM , Rivero VE 
Published: August 2005

Problem:  Acute and chronic infectious prostatitis (CIP) are the best understood of the prostate syndromes but the least frequent. In contrast, although chronic non‐infectious prostatitis (CNIP) is the most frequent syndrome, its cause has proved elusive for decades.Method of study:  In the present study we analyzed the presence of a possible autoimmune response to prostate antigens (PA) in patients with CIP and CNIP. We also analyzed their semen quality (spermiograms) and levels of seminal inflammatory cytokines.Results:  We demonstrated the presence of lymphocytes able to proliferate in response to human PA (PSA and PAP) only in a group of patients with CNIP. When INFγ and IL‐10 levels were measured in culture supernatants, significantly elevated levels of INFγ were detected only in patients with positive proliferative response to PA. Interestingly, only these patients showed significantly elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1 and TNF‐α) in seminal plasma and striking alterations in their semen quality.Conclusions:  We found that INFγ‐secreting lymphocytes specific to PA are detected in 34% of the patients with CNIP and that this fact is associated with a marked alteration of semen quality. These results argue in favor of the importance of prostate functionality for the quality of the semen.
ASRI2005‐93  A new aspect of reproduction in infertility associated with polcystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Mehrotra V , Saini P 
Published: August 2005

Introduction:  Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the commonest causes of anovulatory infertility presenting with menstrual abnormalities. The common treatment is to ovulate and conceive is Clomiphene citrate but 50% becomes pregnant with first trimester abortion rate high. The aim is for better judgment of efficacy of Clomiphene citrate and recombinant FSH for ovulation induction.Method:  Patients (120) were divided in two groups: treated with Clomiphene citrate and other on recombinant FSH. Ovarian response was monitored and HCG given to trigger ovulation after appropriate follicular development. The prime out come major cumulative pregnancies after undergoing up to 4 treatment cycles. Results: The study showed that aspects of reproduction with pregnancy rate were more in recombinant FSH as compare to clomiphene citrate. Abortion rate was less in recombinant FSH then clomiphene citrate group. The incidences of OHSS were least in both. The main aspects of reproduction after 4‐treatment cycle were 45.8% with recombinant FSH and only 11.2% with Clomiphene citrate.Conclusions:  Various RCTs have been done before showing benefits of Gonadotrophins over Clomiphene citrate. Study suggests that recombinant FSH effective alternative of Clomiphene citrate in first line treatment for the reproduction of anovulatory PCOS patients.
SALMONELLA DETECTION BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION AFTER PRE‐ENRICHMENT OF FEED SAMPLES
Authors: SALOMONSSON ANN‐CHRISTINE , ASPÁN ANNA , JOHANSSON SARA , HEINO ANJA , HÄGGBLOM PER 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACT A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure was developed for analysis of viable Salmonella spp. in feed samples and scrapings from feed mills. The objective was to develop a cost‐effective, user‐friendly method that could be performed within ordinary working hours. A single pre‐enrichment was enough for most feed raw materials. However, scrapings and pellets required additional pre‐enrichment. The results indicate that inhibition of the PCR reaction was correlated with a pH value below 7.0 in the first pre‐enrichment. Results of the PCR procedure were in agreement with the established culture‐based Nordic Committee on Food Analysis method in spiked samples. The developed PCR procedure can be used as a routine analysis method for feed samples and samples from a Salmonella feed control program based on hazard analysis critical control point principles.
Numerical
and Experimental Investigation of a Multiple Air Jet Cooling System for Application in a Solar
Thermal Receiver
Authors: Röger M. , Buck R. , Müller-Steinhagen H. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
The transparent quartz glass window of a high temperature solar receiver (1000°C air outlet temperature, 15bars) has to be protected from overheating. The window is an axially symmetric part that can be approximated by a hemisphere with a cylindrical extension (diameter 0.31m, height 0.42m). The cooling is accomplished by impinging several air jets onto the concave window surface. Due to concentrated solar radiation, the air supply nozzles can only be installed at the circumference of the cylindrical extension. Symmetric configurations with six or nine nozzles, equally distributed around the window circumference, are examined. A second configuration generates a swirl in the window cavity by inclining the nozzles. In a third, asymmetric configuration, only nozzles on one side are simultaneously charged with mass flow, while a spatial homogenization of heat transfer is reached by periodically modulating the air flows with time. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations and laboratory measurements of the heat transfer have been carried out. In the performed 3-D simulations, the realizable k-ε model, the k-ω model, and the SST-k-ω model are compared. For measuring the heat transfer coefficient, a periodic-transient measurement technique with high spatial resolution is used. For the application of cooling of the solar receiver window, the jet cooling system with periodically modulated air flows is identified as the best solution.
Effects of Wall Rotation on Heat Transfer to Annular Turbulent Flow: Outer Wall Rotating
Authors: Lee Joon Sang , Xu Xiaofeng , Pletcher Richard H. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSimulations were conducted for air flowing upward in a vertical annular pipe with a rotating outer wall. Simulations concentrated on the occurrence of laminarization and property variations for high heat flux heat transfer. The compressible filtered Navier-Stokes equations were solved using a second-order accurate finite volume method. Low Mach number preconditioning was used to enable the compressible code to work efficiently at low Mach numbers. A dynamic subgrid-scale stress model accounted for the subgrid-scale turbulence. When the outer wall rotated, a significant reduction of turbulent kinetic energy was realized near the rotating wall and the intensity of bursting appeared to decrease. This modification of the turbulent structures was related to the vortical structure changes near the rotating wall. It has been observed that the wall vortices were pushed in the direction of rotation and their intensity increased near the nonrotating wall. The consequent effect was to enhance the turbulent kinetic energy and increase the Nusselt number there.