bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of initial graft tension on the biomechanical properties of a healing ACL replacement graft: A study in goats
Authors: Abramowitch Steven D. , Papageorgiou Christos D. , Withrow John D. , Gilbert Thomas W. , Woo Savio L‐Y. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWhile a number of in vitro studies have shown that the tension on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) replacement graft at the time of fixation has an affect on joint stability, most in vivo studies have reported little or no long‐term difference in outcome. The objectives of this study were to (1) establish a large animal model in which differences in knee stability are present at time‐zero after ACL reconstruction with grafts fixed at a low (5 N) and high (35 N) initial tension and to (2) quantitatively determine if these initial effects remain after six weeks of healing and if the tensile properties of an ACL replacement graft are influenced by initial graft tension. Seventeen skeletally mature female Saanan breed goats were used. Using the robotic/UFS testing system, the knee kinematics and in situ forces in the replacement graft in response to an externally applied 67 N anterior‐posterior (A‐P) tibial load were evaluated at time‐zero and after six weeks of healing. Afterward, the femur‐ACL graft‐tibia complexes (FGTCs) from the six‐week group were tested under uniaxial tension so that the stress relaxation and structural properties of the FGTC were obtained.At time‐zero, knees fixed with a high initial graft tension could better reproduce the A‐P translation of the intact knee in response to the 67 N A‐P tibial load. Further, in situ forces in these grafts were also closer to those in the intact ACL under the same external loading condition. After six weeks of healing, the A‐P translation of the knee and in situ forces in the replacement grafts became similar for the low and high tension groups, while both were significantly different from controls. Further, the percentage of stress relaxation as well as the stiffness, ultimate load at failure, ultimate elongation at failure, and energy absorbed of the FGTCs for both reconstruction groups were not significantly different from each other, but were significantly different from controls. These results demonstrate that while the high initial graft tension could better replicate the normal knee kinematics at time‐zero, these effects may diminish during the early graft healing process. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A resorbable porous ceramic composite bone graft substitute in a rabbit metaphyseal defect model
Authors: Walsh W. R. , Chapman‐Sheath P. J. , Cain S. , Debes J. , Bruce W. J. M. , Svehla M. J. , Gillies R. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe success of converted corals as a bone graft substitute relies on a complex sequence of events of vascular ingrowth, differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells, bone remodeling and graft resorption occurring together with host bone ingrowth into and onto the porous coralline microstructure or voids left behind during resorption. This study examined the resorption rates and bone infiltration into a family of resorbable porous ceramic placed bilaterally in critical sized defects in the tibial metaphyseal–diaphyseal of rabbits. The ceramics are made resorbable by partially converting the calcium carbonate of corals to form a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on all surfaces. Attempts have been made to control the resorption rate of the implant by varying the HA thickness. New bone was observed at the periosteal and endosteal cortices, which flowed into the centre of the defect supporting the osteoconductive nature of partially converted corals. The combination of an HA layer and calcium carbonate core provides a composite bone graft substitute for new tissue integration. The HA‐calcium carbonate composite demonstrated an initial resorption of the inner calcium carbonate phase but the overall implant resorption and bone ingrowth behaviour did not differ with HA thickness. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cell‐adhesion and morphological changes are not sufficient to support anchorage‐dependent cell growth via non‐integrin‐mediated attachment
Authors: Chang Hsin‐Hou , Kau Jyh‐Hwa , Lo Szecheng J , Sun Der‐Shan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCell‐adhesion and spread are important for cell survival. Although extensive studies have suggested several potential mechanisms of action, it is not yet clear how important cell‐morphological change per se contributes to the cell‐surviving signal. We employed a non‐integrin‐mediated cell‐adhesion system to explore this question. BHK—Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) cells (BHK21 cells that are persistently infected with JEV) express a large amount of JEV‐envelope protein (JEV E) on their surfaces, and can attach and form pseudopodia on the anti‐JEV E antibody‐coated substrates. However, cells that adhered on the antibody substrate underwent a caspase‐3‐mediated apoptosis together with a down‐regulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase activity within 20 h after adhesion, which indicates that viral‐protein‐mediated cell‐adhesion and cell‐spread are not sufficient for supporting cell survival. This provides a different perspective for the study of the relationships between the cell‐morphological change and the cell‐survival signal.
Effect of melanins from black yeast fungi on proliferation and differentiation of cultivated human keratinocytes and fibroblasts
Authors: Blinova M.I , Yudintseva N.M , Kalmykova N.V , Kuzminykh E.V , Yurlova N.A , Ovchinnikova O.A , Potokin I.L 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe effects of melanin preparations from black yeast fungi (BYF) on the proliferation and differentiation of normal cultivated human skin keratinocytes and embryonic pulmonary fibroblasts have been investigated. Melanin preparations in the range of 5–0.1 μg/ml were optimally active, with a more pronounced effect on keratinocyte than on fibroblast proliferation. Of 17 dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) natural melanin preparations and two commercial dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) melanin preparations, only one preparation—DOPA melanin (of animal origin) significantly stimulated proliferation of keratinocytes at 5 μg/ml; four preparations (DHN melanin from BYF) significantly inhibited proliferation of these cells at 5 or 1 μg/ml. The remaining preparations had no significant effect. Similarly, of the 17 preparations of DHN melanin from BYF, one preparation significantly stimulated fibroblast proliferation, and four significantly inhibited proliferation at 5 μg/ml, one at all the concentrations, and three from 1 down to 0.1 μg/ml. These melanin preparations were also shown to affect the in vitro differentiation of keratinocytes.
Factors influencing the length of hospital stay of patients with heart failure
Authors: Wright S.P. , Verouhis D. , Gamble G. , Swedberg K. , Sharpe N. , Doughty R.N. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIntroduction:Heart failure (HF) is characterised by frequent hospital admissions and prolonged length of hospital stay. Admissions for HF have increased over the last decade while length of stay has decreased; the reasons for this change in length of stay are uncertain. This study investigates the effect of patient‐related variables, in‐hospital progress and complications on length of stay.Methods:Patients admitted to Auckland Hospital general medical service and randomised into the Auckland Heart Failure Management Programme were included in this study.Results:One hundred and ninety‐seven patients were included in this study. Mean age 73 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 32%; 52% had one or more previous HF admissions and 75% were New York Heart Association class IV at admission. Median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR 4, 9) which is comparable to the national average from New Zealand admission databases. Longer than average length of stay, defined as >6 days, was associated with the presence of peripheral congestion, duration of treatment with intravenous diuretic, the development of renal impairment, other acute medical problems at admission, iatrogenic complications during hospital stay, and social problems requiring intervention. Factors independently associated with length of stay in the top quartile (>10 days) on logistic regression included the presence of oedema at admission (OR 10.5), change in weight during stay (OR 1.3), duration of treatment with iv diuretic (OR 7.5), the development of renal impairment (OR 9.8), concurrent respiratory problems requiring specific treatment (OR 3.8), and social problems requiring intervention (OR 6.8).Conclusions:Peripheral congestion, concomitant acute medical problems requiring specific treatment, the development of renal impairment and the presence of social problems were related to a longer than average length of hospital stay. Multivariate models only partly explained variance in hospital stay, suggesting the importance of pre‐admission and post‐discharge factors, including the healthcare environment, the availability of primary and secondary care resources, and the threshold for hospital admission.
The relevance of heart failure severity for treatment with evidence‐based pharmacotherapy in general practice
Authors: Pont Lisa G. , van Gilst Wiek H. , Lok Dirk J.A. , Kragten Hans J.A. , Haaijer‐Ruskamp Flora M. ,   on behalf of the Dutch Working Group on Heart Failure
Published: March 2003

AbstractAims:Internationally, research indicates that pharmacotherapy for chronic heart failure (CHF) is sub‐optimal. Traditionally, assessment of drug use in heart failure has focused on the use of individual agents irrespective of CHF severity. This study investigates drug use for CHF patients in general practice with respect to the available evidence, incorporating both disease severity and the use of combination drug regimes.Methods and results:A cross‐sectional survey of 769 Dutch CHF patients was performed as part of IMPROVEMENT of HF study. For each New York Heart Association severity classification the minimum treatment appropriate for the heart failure severity according to the scientific evidence available at the time of the study (1999) was defined. The proportion of patients treated with each drug increased with increasing severity, with the exception of the β‐blockers. Patients with less severe heart failure were approximately four to eight times more likely to receive evidence‐based treatment than those with more severe heart failure.Discussion:To assess pharmacological treatment of heart failure, in relation to the available evidence, it is important to take severity into account. While the number of drugs prescribed increased with increasing severity, the use of evidence‐based regimes was lower in patients with more severe heart failure.
Distinct left bundle branch block pattern in ischemic and non‐ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Lopez Laura , Viñolas Xavier , Elosua Roberto , Brossa Vicenç , Campreciós Marta , Mateo Miriam , Cinca Juan , de Luna Antonio Bayes 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:A high percentage of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy have the electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern of advanced left bundle branch block (LBBB). In the present study we sought to investigate whether patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of ischemic or non‐ischemic etiology can be differentiated on the basis of LBBB pattern.Methods and Results:The study population included 41 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of non‐ischemic (NIC) (n=26) or ischemic origin (IC) (n=15) and LBBB on surface ECG. ECG duration and voltage were digitally measured. The presence of notching of S wave in right precordial leads (V1–V3) was not statistically different between the groups. The voltages of precordial leads V2, V3 and the Σ(V1+V2+V3 voltages) were significantly more prominent in patients with NIC (P=0.002, P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). The discriminative power of receiver operating characteristic analysis was best at voltages of V3 of 2100 μV (area under the curve, 0.805; standard error, 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of V3 voltage >2100 μV on surface ECG in the presence of LBBB to identify a cardiomyopathy of non‐ischemic origin were 85 and 73%, respectively.Conclusions:A single ECG criteria, voltage of lead V3, appears to be a useful parameter to identify patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of ischemic or non‐ischemic origin in the presence of advanced LBBB.
Bedside B‐type natriuretic peptide and functional capacity in chronic heart failure
Authors: Jourdain P. , Funck F. , Bellorini M. , Guillard N. , Loiret J. , Thebault B. , Desnos M. , Duboc D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectives:To determine if B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement could be useful in determination of functional capacity in patients suffering from chronic heart failure.Background:Evaluating functional capacity is a crucial factor in the follow‐up of patients with chronic heart failure. There are numerous methods for measuring functional capacity and their relative merits remain under discussion. Clinical classifications are very subjective and other methods are difficult to use in clinical practice.Methods:We evaluated functional capacity in 151 consecutive patients using the 6‐min walk test. All patients were clinically classified using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. We measured BNP plasma levels using a bedside BNP test.Results:Six minute walk test performance decreased through NYHA classes 1 to 4 (469±87, 411±82, 325±83 and 196±63 m, respectively, P<0.01) and BNP levels increased through NYHA classes 1 to 4 (26.3±7.2, 73±13, 401±74 and 924±84 pg/ml, respectively, P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between 6‐min walk test performance and BNP plasma levels (R=0.69 P<0.001) and a weaker correlation between BNP and left ventricular ejection fraction (R=0.45 P<0.04). In some patients there was a mismatch between NYHA classification and 6‐min walk test performance. In all cases BNP could correct the clinical estimation of functional capacity. When we divided the patients into three sub‐groups within each NYHA class, we showed that using BNP could better define functional capacity in patients suffering from chronic heart failure in NYHA classes I to III.Conclusion:The measurement of BNP levels thus usefully supplements the clinical examination. The existence of bedside BNP testing methods facilitates its use in routine clinical practice. It also permits easier follow‐up of patients with chronic heart failure.
Patterns of pharmacotherapy in patients hospitalised for congestive heart failure
Authors: Bouvy Marcel L. , Heerdink Eibert R. , Leufkens Hubert G.M. , Hoes Arno W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:In the 1990s, a number of cardiovascular drugs were evaluated in randomised clinical trials. Treatment guidelines for heart failure were modified to include these evidence‐based treatments.Aim:To evaluate the impact of new medical treatments for heart failure between 1990 and 1998.Methods and results:A retrospective cohort study of 2764 patients with a first hospital admission for heart failure between 1990 and 1998. The percentage of patients treated with different cardiovascular drugs after hospitalisation was calculated and compared over time. Use of loop diuretics remained steady approximately 80%, digoxin decreased from 57.6 to 42.7%, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors showed a slight increase from 49.8 to 54.8%, beta‐blockers almost tripled from 11.3 to 28.7%, low dose prophylactic acetylsalicylic acid quadrupled from 9.9 to 39.9%. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates showed highest continuation rates of drug treatment for antithrombotics and diuretics, intermediate for digoxin and ACE inhibitors and low for beta‐blockers. More than a quarter of the users discontinued beta‐blockers in the first year after hospitalisation.Conclusions:We observed an increase in the prescribing of several important drug classes, reflecting changes in treatment guidelines during the study period. However, our findings show that not all patients were receiving optimal treatment. More research into the reasons for this is warranted.
Effect of biventricular pacing on heart rate variability in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Livanis Efthimios G. , Flevari Panagiota , Theodorakis George N. , Kolokathis Fotis , Leftheriotis Dionyssios , Kremastinos Dimitrios Th. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:Biventricular pacing is emerging as a long‐term therapy for symptomatic heart failure. Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) has become an important predictive tool in this syndrome.Aim of the study:To assess whether chronic resynchronization therapy can affect HRV in patients with heart failure.Methods and results:Thirteen patients with heart failure were studied (mean age±1 S.E. 65±2.2 years, QRS 195±5.3 ms, NYHA class 3.2±0.1, LVEF 21±1.7%). The protocol included a preliminary no pacing period for 1 month following device implantation. Twenty‐four hour Holter ECG recordings were performed at the end of this period (baseline) and after 3 months of biventricular stimulation (VDD mode). Prior to and following pacing patients underwent NYHA class evaluation, 6‐min walk test, Quality of Life Assessment and a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Biventricular pacing improved functional class (P<0.0001) and Quality of life (P<0.0001), increased 6‐min walk distance, (P=0.008) and exercise duration (P<0.0001) but had no significant effect on peak exercise VO2. Resynchronization therapy increased mean 24‐h RR (922±58 vs. 809±41 ms at baseline, P=0.006), SDNN (111±11 vs. 83±8 ms, P=0.003), SDNN‐I (56±10 vs. 40±5 ms, P=0.02), rMSSD (66±14 vs. 41±8 ms, P=0.003), Total Power (5724±1875 vs. 2074±553 ms2, P=0.03), Ultra Low Frequency Power (1969±789 vs. 653±405 ms2, P=0.03) and Very Low Frequency Power (2407±561 vs. 902±155 ms2, P=0.004).Conclusion:Biventricular pacing in heart failure improves autonomic function by increasing HRV. This may have important prognostic implications.
Myeloid and monocytic dyspoiesis as determined by flow cytometric scoring in myelodysplastic syndrome correlates with the IPSS and with outcome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wells Denise A. , Benesch Martin , Loken Michael R. , Vallejo Carlos , Myerson David , Leisenring Wendy M. , Deeg H. Joachim 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMarrow cells of myeloid lineage from 115 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were characterized by multidimensional flow cytometry and compared with findings in 104 patients with various disorders and 25 healthy donors. Based on phenotypic and scatter characteristics, a flow cytometric scoring system (FCSS) was developed that allowed for a simple numerical display of results. The flow cytometric scores were categorized as normal/mild (0-1), moderate (2-3), or severe (≥ 4). Most flow cytometric abnormalities were significantly (P &lt; .05) more frequent in patients with MDS than in the control cohort. Flow cytometric scores in MDS patients were then retrospectively compared with marrow blast counts assessed by morphology, cytogenetics, hematologic parameters, and International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) risk categorization. The flow cytometric scores correlated inversely with leukocyte and absolute neutrophil counts (P &lt; .01) and correlated directly with IPSS scores (P &lt; .01) and with IPSS cytogenetic risk categories (P &lt; .01). In 111 MDS patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, flow scores correlated with posttransplantation outcome. The probabilities of posttransplantation relapse were 3%, 15%, and 33% for patients with mild, moderate, and severe FCSS scores, respectively (P &lt; .01), and overall survival was 74%, 40%, and 36%, respectively, for the 3 groups (P &lt; .01). In multivariate analyses, there was a significant contribution of the flow score independent of the IPSS in predicting survival and relapse (P &lt; .01, P = .02, and P = .03, respectively). These data suggest that FCSS is useful in assessing marrows for diagnosis of MDS and in determining the prognostic outcome in patients with this disorder. (Blood. 2003;102:394-403)
Graft-versus-host disease following allogeneic transplantation from HLA-identical sibling with antithymocyte globulin–based reduced-intensity preparative regimen
Authors: Mohty Mohamad , Bay Jacques-Olivier , Faucher Catherine , Choufi Bachra , Bilger Karin , Tournilhac Olivier , Vey Norbert , Stoppa Anne-Marie , Coso Diane , Chabannon Christian , Viens Patrice , Maraninchi Dominique , Blaise Didier 
Published: March 2003

AbstractReduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens are increasingly used for allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). RIC has been shown to allow engraftment with minimal early transplantation-related mortality (TRM). However, in the context of RIC, predictive factors for acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD and cGVHD, respectively) and their effect on outcome remain unknown. In this report, we analyzed the outcome of 101 high-risk patients (70 hematologic and 31 nonhematologic malignancies) who received an HLA-identical sibling allo-SCT after RIC, including fludarabine, busulfan, and antithymocyte globulin (ATG). The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV aGVHD was 36% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27%-45%), whereas the cumulative incidence of cGVHD at 2 years was 43% (95% CI, 33%-53%). In multivariate analysis, the incidence of aGVHD was significantly associated with the ATG dose infused during conditioning (P = .0005), whereas peripheral blood as stem cell source was the only predictive factor for the development of cGVHD (P = .0007). The 1-year cumulative incidences of disease progression or relapse in patients with (n = 69) and without (n = 31) GVHD (whatever its form or grade) were 30% (95% CI, 19%-41%) and 55% (95% CI, 37%-72%), respectively (P = .02), suggesting that a potent graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect can be achieved in high-risk patients following RIC. Moreover, the GVT effect was closely associated with GVHD without an increased risk of TRM (cumulative incidence of TRM, 18% [95% CI, 10%-25%]). Collectively, these results provide a framework for the refinement of RIC approaches designed to enhance the GVT effect with an acceptable risk of GVHD.
ATP gradients inhibit the migratory capacity of specific human dendritic cell types: implications for P2Y11 receptor signaling
Authors: Schnurr Max , Toy Tracey , Stoitzner Patrizia , Cameron Paul , Shin Amanda , Beecroft Tina , Davis Ian D. , Cebon Jonathan , Maraskovsky Eugene 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells residing in tissues, from which they take up antigen. Activated DCs migrate through chemokine gradients from sites of inflammation to lymph nodes to stimulate T cells. At sites of inflammation, nucleotides, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), are released by activated or dying cells and can function as signaling molecules through P2 receptors (P2Rs). We investigated P2R expression in different DC populations and the effect of nucleotides on chemokine-directed migration. Exposure of monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) and CD1a+ dermal DCs to gradients of ATP inhibited their migratory capacity in a dose-dependent manner. Studies using P2R agonists and antagonists implicated signaling through the P2Y11R. On maturation, MoDCs down-regulated P2Y11R expression and were less sensitive to ATP-mediated inhibition of migration. In contrast, ATP did not inhibit the migration of CD1c+ peripheral blood (PB) DCs or interleukin-3 receptor-positive (IL-3R+) plasmacytoid DCs. Although all 4 DC populations expressed mRNA for P2Y11R, calcium-flux studies showed that blood DC types were unresponsive to P2Y11R agonists. In conclusion, DCs use distinct subtypes of P2R. The formation of ATP gradients at sites of inflammation may transiently inhibit the migration of local DCs, thus prolonging the time of antigen encounter. P2R inhibition may represent a new strategy to improve the migration of antigen-loaded DCs from the vaccination site to lymph nodes.