bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal Analysis of the Depolarization Wave of Healed Myocardial Infarction in Body Surface Potential Mapping
Authors: Vesterinen Paula , Hänninen Helena , Karvonen Milla , Lauerma Kirsi , Holmström Miia , Mäkijärvi Markku , Väänänen Heikki , Nenonen Jukka , Katila Toivo , Toivonen Lauri 
Published: July 2004

Background: We studied the ability of different time segments of the depolarization wave recorded with body surface potential mapping (BSPM) to detect and localize myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: BSPM was recorded in 24 patients with remote MI and in 24 healthy controls. Cine and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used as a reference method. Patients were grouped according to anatomical location of their MI. The QRS complex was divided into six temporally equal segments, for which time integrals were calculated. Results: The time segments of the QRS complex showed different MI detection capability depending on MI location. For anterior infarction the second segment of the QRS complex was the best in MI detection and the optimal area was on the right inferior quadrant of the thorax (time integral average −1.5 ± 1.8 mVms patients, 1.0 ± 1.6 mVms controls, P = 0.002). For lateral infarction the first segment of the QRS complex performed best and the optimal area for MI detection was the left fourth intercostal area (time integral average 1.8 ± 1.0 mVms patients, 0.7 ± 0.5 mVms controls, P = 0.024). For inferior and posterior MI the mid‐phases of the QRS complex were the best and the optimal area was the mid‐inferior area of the thorax (time integral average −6.2 ± 8.3 mVms patients, 3.3 ± 4.3 mVms controls, P = 0.002; −9.1 ± 6.1 mVms patients, 0.6 ± 7.1 mVms controls, P = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Time segment analysis of the depolarization wave offers potential for improving the detection and localization of healed MI.
Social and health adjustment of bulimic women 7–9 years following therapy
Authors: Jäger B. , Liedtke R. , Lamprecht F. , Freyberger H. 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  To examine the long‐term social adaptation and long‐term follow‐up of bulimic women after therapy.Method:  Eighty women with bulimia nervosa were investigated 7–9 years after the beginning of either conflict‐oriented in‐patient therapy or systemic out‐patient therapy. Data was gathered through interviews and patient questionnaires.Results:  At the time of follow‐up, 28.9% still had DSM‐III‐R bulimia, 10.1% suffered from subthreshold bulimia or anorexia (EDNOS), 61.2% did not suffer from any DSM‐III‐R eating disorder. Compared with statistics on the normal population, the social adaptation of the women was quite good with regard to work, household and living conditions. Some dimensions representing probable aetiological factors (i.e. restrictions of intake, feelings of ineffectiveness) showed a delayed reaction to therapy.Conclusion:  Long‐term outcome of bulimia nervosa may be expected to be moderately good. During therapy, greater attention should be paid to characteristics of the disorder less responsive to treatment.
Study on the necessity for cross‐section imaging of the posterior mandible for treatment planning of standard cases in implant dentistry
Authors: Frei Christian , Buser Daniel , Dula Karl 
Published: July 2004

AbstractObjective: To investigate whether cross‐section imaging influences the planning and therapy of standard implant cases in the posterior mandible.Material and methods: In a prospective study conducted over 16 months, the planned treatment (standard implant therapy without bone augmentation procedures in the premolar and molar regions of the mandible) was compared with the postoperative result in 50 randomly selected patients. Clinical examinations and panoramic radiographs were performed pre‐ and postoperatively, whereas cross‐sectional tomography was performed only preoperatively.Results: The vertical magnification factor in the panoramic radiographs was very constant pre‐ and postoperatively with 1 : 1.27 and in the spiral tomograms with 1 : 1.52. In 11 of 77 implant sites, the mandibular canal could not be evaluated in the spiral tomograms. The additional information from cross‐sectional spiral tomography did not influence the original planning in 74 of 77 (96.1%) implant sites. Based on the postoperative panoramic radiograph, the average distance from the tip of the implants to the mandibular canal was 3.04±2.06 mm. In two cases (2.6%), transient postoperative altered tactile sensation of the mental nerve was found.Conclusion: The information from preoperative cross‐sectional spiral tomography has minor impact on treatment planning in standard implant cases in mandibular premolar and molar regions. The clinical examination provides sufficient information for selecting implant diameter and the panoramic radiograph provides sufficient information for implant length selection.
Biocompatibility of various collagen membranes in cultures of human PDL fibroblasts and human osteoblast‐like cells
Authors: Rothamel Daniel , Schwarz Frank , Sculean Anton , Herten Monika , Scherbaum Werner , Becker Jürgen 
Published: July 2004

Abstract:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of differently cross‐linked collagen membranes in cultures of human PDL fibroblasts and human osteoblast‐like cells. Four collagen membranes [BioGide® (BG), BioMend® (BM), Ossix® (OS) and TutoDent® (TD)] were tested. Cells plated on culture dishes (CD) served as positive controls. Six specimens of each membrane were incubated with (1) human PDL fibroblasts [2 × 104 cells] (n=24), and (2) human osteoblast‐like cells (SaOs‐2) [2 × 104 cells] (n=24) under standardized conditions. After 7 days, adherent cells were stained with hematoxylin and counted using a reflected light microscope and the cell density per square millimeter was calculated. Additionally, cell morphology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell counts were presented as means and standard deviations (cells/mm2) and analyzed for statistical difference using the Wilcoxon test: (1) CD (434±76)>BG (64±19)=OS (61±8)>TD (44±4)>BM (12±5); (2) CD (453±92)>BG (94±46)=TD (84±49)>OS (41±23)>BM (0). SEM examination revealed that PDL fibroblasts adherent on BG, TD and OS appeared spindle‐shaped and flat, like cells on CD. SaOs‐2 osteoblasts adherent on CD were star shaped and flat, but mostly round in shape on BG, OS and TD. BM appeared to be incompatible with the attachment and proliferation of SaOs‐2 cells; however, a few PDL fibroblasts were found in a round shape. Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that (i) BG, TD and OS promoted, and (ii) BM inhibited the attachment and proliferation of human PDL fibroblasts and human SaOs‐2 osteoblasts.
Influence of implant taper on the primary and secondary stability of osseointegrated titanium implants
Authors: O'Sullivan Dominic , Sennerby Lars , Meredith Neil 
Published: July 2004

AbstractObjectives: The study presented was designed to analyse the mechanical performance and the primary and secondary stability characteristics of endosseous titanium implants with 1° (EXP1) and 2° (EXP2) of taper when compared with the standard Brånemark design (Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden).Materials and methods: One pair of 10 mm EXP1 and control implants were placed in the femoral condyles of six rabbits. Paired 6 mm EXP1 and control implants and 6 mm EXP2 and control implants were placed in the tibial metaphysis. The control implants used were 4 mm diameter standard Brånemark implants, the same length as the test implants. At placement, insertion torque (IT) and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) measurements were performed. Six weeks postoperatively when the animals were killed, RFA and removal torque (RT) measurements were made.Results: At placement, significantly higher IT was needed to insert the EXP implants compared with the controls. RFA values were significantly higher for EXP1 implants placed in the tibia but not in the femur. In pooling data from the femur and tibia there was a significant difference. The EXP2 implants failed to insert fully and demonstrated a lower RFA value than may have been expected due to the exposed threads, although this difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions: The results from the present study showed that 1° of taper results in a better primary stability compared with the standard Brånemark design. There was no evidence that the tapered design caused negative bone tissue reactions. All the implants gained in stability during the healing period.
FACE AND FACIAL FEATURE TRACKING USING DEFORMABLE MODELS
Authors: DORNAIKA F. , AHLBERG J. 
Published: July 2004

In this paper, we address the 3D tracking of pose and animation of the human face in monocular image sequences using deformable 3D models. The main contributions of this paper are as follows. First, we show how the robustness and stability of the Active Appearance Algorithm can be improved through the inclusion of a simple motion compensation based on feature correspondence. Second, we develop a new method able to adapt a deformable 3D model to a face in the input image. Central to this method is the decoupling of global head movements and local non-rigid deformations/animations. This decoupling is achieved by, first, estimating the global (rigid) motion using robust statistics and a statistical model for face texture, and then, adapting the 3D model to possible local animations using the concept of the Active Appearance Algorithm. This proposed method constitutes a significant step towards reliable model-based face trackers since the strengths of complementary tracking methodologies are combined. Experiments evaluating the effectiveness of the methods are reported. Adaptation and tracking examples demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of the developed methods.
Induction of Proliferation by 15-Deoxy-Δ<sup>12,14</sup>-Prostaglandin J<sub>2</sub> and the Precursors in Monocytic Leukemia U937
Authors: Azuma Yasutaka , Watanabe Kyoko , Date Masataka , Daito Michiharu , Ohura Kiyoshi 
Published: July 2004

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is expressed in several human tumors including gastric, lung, colon, prostate and breast. However, the role of PPARγ signals in leukemia is still unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of 15-deoxy-Δ<sup>12,14</sup>-prostaglandin J<sub>2</sub> (15dPGJ<sub>2</sub>), that is a ligand for PPARγ, on proliferation of human leukemia cell line U937. 15dPGJ<sub>2</sub> at 5 µmol/l stimulated the proliferation. In contrast, 15dPGJ<sub>2</sub> at concentrations of >10 µmol/l inhibited the proliferation through the induction of apoptosis. PGD<sub>2</sub>, PGJ<sub>2</sub> and Δ<sup>12</sup>-PGJ<sub>2</sub> (ΔPGJ<sub>2</sub>), those are precursors of 15dPGJ<sub>2</sub>, had similarly proliferative effects, whereas they showed antiproliferative effects at high concentrations. FACScan analysis revealed that PGD<sub>2</sub> at 5 µmol/l, PGJ<sub>2</sub> at 1 µmol/l, ΔPGJ<sub>2</sub> at 1 µmol/l and 15dPGJ<sub>2</sub> at 5 µmol/l, all accelerated cell cycle progression. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that PGD<sub>2</sub> at 5 µmol/l and 15dPGJ<sub>2</sub> at 5 µmol/l inhibited the expression of phospho-p38, phospho-MKK3/MKK6 and phospho-ATF-2, and the expression of Cdk inhibitors including p18, p27. In contrast, PGJ<sub>2</sub> at 1 µmol/l and ΔPGJ<sub>2</sub> at 1 µmol/l did not affect the expression of them. These results suggest that 15dPGJ<sub>2</sub> and PGD<sub>2</sub> may, through inactivation of the p38 MAPK pathway, inhibit the expression of Cdk inhibitors, leading to acceleration of proliferation.
Different C-Reactive Protein Kinetics in Post-Operative Hip-Fractured Geriatric Patients with and without Complications
Authors: Beloosesky Yichayaou , Grinblat Joseph , Pirotsky Anatoly , Weiss Avraham , Hendel David 
Published: July 2004

<i>Background:</i> Hip fracture is a frequent injury in the elderly, and is associated with a high incidence of functional impairment, complications and mortality. <i>Objective:</i> To determine kinetics of C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in hip-fractured patients over a 1-month post-operative period; to examine the relationship of these parameters to cognition, operation type, post-operational complications, functional level 1 month post-operatively and 6-month mortality. <i>Methods and Subjects:</i> 32 aged patients operated on for hip fracture were prospectively followed-up for 6 months. Fracture, type of operation and anesthetic risk were recorded. Cognition was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination and pre-fracture functional level evaluated by the Katz Index of ADL. Follow-up included complications, mortality and functional outcome. CRP, fibrinogen and ESR were assessed during the first 10 h post-fracture; 48–60 h, and 7 and 30 days post-operatively, respectively. <i>Results:</i> Only CRP kinetics were found to differ in patients with complications vs. those without, as a group (p = 0.006), and in patients suffering infections, delirium and cardiovascular complication vs. patients with no complications (p = 0.06, 0.03, 0.02, respectively). Mean (±SEM) CRP 48–60 h post-operatively was 20.9 ± 2.1 and 13.1 ± 1.6 mg/dl in complicated and uncomplicated patients, respectively (p = 0.002). The mean CRP 48–60 h post-operatively was highly correlated with the CRP area under the curve, R = 0.88 (p < 0.001). A cut-off level of 15 mg/dl for CRP, 48– 60 h post-operatively, was calculated for patients with complications (sensitivity 93%, specificity 65%, p = 0.003). CRP, fibrinogen and ESR were not related to fracture or type of operation, cognition, anesthetic risk, 1-month post-operative functioning and 6-month mortality. <i>Conclusions:</i> CRP measurement in elderly patients operated for hip fracture may be valuable in assessing and monitoring complications.
The functional role of blood platelet components in angiogenesis
Authors: Silvia Uwe , Fischer Silvia , Morgenstern Eberhard , Hammes Hans-Peter , Rhee Joong-Sup , Black Martin , Preissner Klaus 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe process of neovascularization greatly depends on the induction of the angiogenic phenotype of endothelial cells that is strictly controlled by humoral factors as well as by cellular communications in the vascular system. Although blood platelets contain several secretable pro-and antiangiogenic components, their overall role in angiogenesis remains poorly understood. In a mouse model of hypoxia-induced retinal angiogenesis, the situation of thrombocytopenia as well as inhibition of platelet aggregation by a highly specific αIIbß3-integrin antagonist or acetyl salicylic acid (Aspirin™) administration, respectively, resulted in about 35-50% reduction of retinal neovascularization, compatible with a significant contribution of blood platelets in angiogenesis. Platelet remnants and microvesicles were found at sites of angiogenic sprouts. In vitro isolated platelets incorporated in a fibrin gel induced capillary sprouting of microvascular endothelial cells. Similarly, platelet releasate elevated the permeability of confluent endothelial cell monolayers to the same extent as hypoxia did. Platelet-derivedVEGF as well as butanol-extractable lipid mediators were identified as predominant activators of angiogenesis, particularly of microvascular endothelial cell proliferation and migration. In addition, a synergistic effect between platelet-derived VEGF and bFGF in capillary sprouting and endothelial cell proliferation was found. Based on this proangiogenic role of platelets in neovascularization, anti-platelet substances can be considered as potent inhibitors of angiogenesis.
Antithrombin reduces ischemia/reperfusion-induced liver injury in rats by activation of cyclooxygenase-1
Authors: Harada Naoaki , Uchiba Mitsuhiro , Kushimoto Shigeki , Isobe Hirotaka , Okajima Kenji 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThis study was conducted to determine which isoform of cyclooxygenase (COX) is more significantly involved in the antithrombin (AT)-induced increase in prostaglandin production in the liver of rats, subjected to hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Hepatic tissue levels of 6-keto-PGF1α, a stable metabolite of prostacyclin (PGI2), and PGE2 were transiently increased 1 hour after reperfusion. Thereafter, hepatic PGE2 levels were gradually increased until 6 hours after reperfusion, while hepatic 6-keto-PGF1α levels were decreased to the pre-ischemia levels at 6 hours after reperfusion. AT significantly enhanced increases in hepatic tissue levels of 6-keto-PGF1α and PGE2 seen 1 hour after reperfusion, while it inhibited increases in hepatic PGE2 levels seen 6 h after reperfusion. Neither dansyl-Glu-Gly-Arg-chloromethyl ketone-treated factor Xa (DEGR-Xa), a selective inhibitor of thrombin generation, nor Trp49-modified AT which lacks affinity for heparin, showed any effects on these changes. Pretreatment with indomethacin (IM), a non-selective inhibitor of COX, inhibited AT-induced increases in hepatic tissue levels of 6-keto-PGF1α and PGE2 seen 1 hour after reperfusion, whereas pretreatment with NS-398, a selective inhibitor of COX-2, did not. The increase in hepatic tissue blood flow and inhibition of hepatic inflammatory responses seen in animals given AT were reversed by pretreatment with IM, but were not affected by pretreatment with NS-398. Administration of iloprost, a stable analog of PGI2, and PGE2 produced effects similar to those induced by AT. Increases in hepatic tissue levels of PGE2 6 hours after reperfusion were inhibited by pretreatment with NS-398. Although AT did not affect COX-1 mRNA levels 1 hour after reperfusion, it inhibited the I/R-induced increases in hepatic tissue levels of both PGE2 and COX-2 mRNA 6 hours after reperfusion. These observations strongly suggested that AT might reduce the I/R-induced liver injury by increasing the production of PGI2 and PGE2 through activation of COX-1. Furthermore, since TNF-a is capable of inducing COX-2, inhibition of TNF-a production by AT might inhibit COX-2-mediated PGE2 production. These effects induced by AT might contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity.
Compensated activation of coagulation in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm: effects of heparin treatment prior to elective surgery
Authors: Szmidt Jacek , Bojakowski Krzystof , Grzela Tomasz , Palester-Chlebowczyk Magorzata , Jelenska Maria 
Published: July 2004

SummaryElective surgery of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sometimes leads to excessive bleeding and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), even in patients with normal preoperative coagulation parameters. Coagulation screen, performed routinely before surgery is of limited value in the assessment of compensated activation of the haemostatic system. In this study, we used a number of additional tests (D-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1+2, antithrombin, and activation of fibrinolysis in the platelet poor plasma) for the diagnosis of compensated activation of the haemostatic system in AAA-patients. Ddimer and marker of thrombin generation (prothrombin fragment 1+2) positively correlated with each other (r = 0.768, P < 0.001). Out of 71 AAA patients, 15 patients had normal global coagulation times, but those with a Ddimer concentration above 3000 ng/ml were selected for preoperative low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment. Administration of LMWH diminished coagulation abnormalities (D-dimer and prothrombin fragment 1+2 decreased significantly) and resulted in the increase of platelet number and fibrinogen concentration, indicating their previous consumption. Despite differences in aneurysm diameters between the groups of 15 LMWH treated patients (mean 70.9 ± 16 mm) and the reference group of 20 untreated AAA patients (mean 52.3 ± 8.0 mm), intraoperative parameters (operation time, blood loss and transfusion demands) were similar.
Dissecting the roles of endothelin,TGF-β and GM-CSF on myofibroblast differentiation by keratinocytes
Authors: Shephard Pierre , Hinz Boris , Smola-Hess Sigrun , Meister Jean-Jacques , Krieg Thomas , Smola Hans 
Published: July 2004

SummaryMyofibroblasts are specialized fibroblasts that contribute to wound healing by producing extracellular matrix and by contracting the granulation tissue.They appear in a phase of wound healing when the dermis strongly interacts with activated epidermal keratinocytes. Direct co-culture with keratinocytes upregulates TGF-β???????????activity and also induces fibroblast to differentiate into α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive myofibroblasts. TGF-βactivity alone cannot completely account for αSMA induction in these co-cultures, and here we analyze mechanical force generation, another potent inducer of myofibroblast differentiation in this model. Using deformable silicone substrates, we show that contractile activity of fibroblasts is already induced after 1-2-days of co-culture, when fibroblasts are generally αSMA negative. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), the most potent inducer of smooth muscle cell contraction, was up-regulated in co-cultures, while blocking ET-1 with the ET receptor inhibitor PD156252 inhibited contraction in these early co-cultures. In 4-5 days of co-culture, however, fibroblast contractile activity correlated with an increased expression of αSMA expression. Stimulation of fibroblast mono-cultures with ET-1 in a low serum medium did not induce αSMA expression; however, ET-1 did synergize with TGF-β. Surprisingly, GM-CSF, another mediatorstimulating myofibroblast differentiation in granulation tissue, inhibited αSMA expression in fibroblasts, costimulated with TGF-β and ET-1. GM-CSF activated NFκB, thus interfering with TGF-β signaling. Blocking TGF-β and ET-1 largely impaired αSMA induction in co-cultures at day 7 and, in combination, almost completely prevented αSMA induction. Our results dissect the roles of TGF-β and ET-1 on mechanical force generation in keratinocyte-fibroblast co-cultures, and identify GM-CSF as an inducer of myofibroblasts acting indirectly.
Incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome and its association with various risk factors in a cohort of Spanish patients after one year of follow-up following acute deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Labiós Manuel , Portolés Olga , Guillén Marisa , Corella Dolores , Francés Francesc , Martínez Marcial , Gil Joaquin , Saiz Carmen , Gabriel Francisco 
Published: July 2004

SummaryPost-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, neither the incidence nor the moment of PTS appearance are known. The main reason are the criteria used to define PTS, the characteristics of the patients, the study design and the time of follow-up. Our aims were to estimate the early incidence of PTS and its associated factors in a cohort of carefully defined DVT patients. 135 patients with a previous episode of acute idiopathic, phlebographically confirmed DVT, in the lower limbs, were followed up over 12 months. Phlebography was then repeated to determine the appearance of PTS. In addition, we used a validated clinical scale in order to assess the correlation between the clinical and phlebographical diagnosis of the PTS. This scale was applied at 6 and 12 months. The incidence of phlebographically confirmed PTS within the first year was 56.3% for the isolated PTS and 5.9% for PTS plus recurrent DVT, regardless of age, sex, platelet count, INR, or anticoagulation. None of these patients could be diagnosed as having PTS using the clinical validated scale. However, those patients with phlebographically diagnosed PTS had a higher clinical score than those without (P = 0.012). The only factor related to a higher risk of developing a PTS was the localization of the DVT, subjects with both proximal and distal DVT having the highest incidence (P = 0.001). In conclusion, although patients had appropriate anticoagulation, early incidence of PTS was very high, thus making it necessary to develop better diagnostic methods in order to evaluate the PTS impact.