bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Electrocardiographic Risk Assessment of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: GANG YI , HNATKOVA KATERINA , MANDAL KAUSHIK , GHURAN AZAD , MALIK MAREK 
Published: December 2004

Introduction: This study evaluated the role of surface ECG in assessment of risk of new‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). Methods and Results: One hundred fifty‐one patients (126 men and 25 women; age 65 ± 10 years) without a history of AF undergoing primary elective and isolated CABG were studied. Standard 12‐lead ECGs and P wave signal‐averaged ECG (PSAE) were recorded 24 hours before CABG using a MAC VU ECG recorder. In addition to routine ECG measurements, two P wave (P wave complexity ratio [pCR]; P wave morphology dispersion [PMD]) and six T wave morphology descriptors (total cosine R to T [TCRT]; T wave morphology dispersion of ascending and descending part of the T wave [aTMD and dTMD], and others), and three PSAE indices (filtered P wave duration [PD]; root mean square voltage of terminal 20 msec of averaged P wave [RMS20]; and integral of P wave [Pi]) were investigated. During a mean hospital stay of 7.3 ± 6.2 days after CABG, 40 (26%) patients developed AF (AF group) and 111 remained AF‐free (no AF group). AF patients were older (69 ± 9 years vs 64 ± 10 years, P = 0.005). PD (135 ± 9 msec vs 133 ± 12 msec, P = NS) and RMS20 (4.5 ± 1.7 μV vs 4.0 ± 1.6 μV, P = NS) in AF were similar to that in no AF, whereas Pi was significantly increased in AF (757 ± 230 μVmsec vs 659 ± 206 μVmsec, P = 0.007). Both pCR (32 ± 11 vs 27 ± 10) and PMD (31.5 ± 14.0 vs 26.4 ± 12.3) were significantly greater in AF (P = 0.012 and 0.048, respectively). TCRT (0.028 ± 0.596 vs 0.310 ± 0.542, P = 0.009) and dTMD (0.63 ± 0.03 vs 0.64 ± 0.02, P = 0.004) were significantly reduced in AF compared with no AF. Measurements of aTMD and three other T wave descriptors were similar in AF and no AF. Significant variables by univariate analysis, including advanced age (P = 0.014), impaired left ventricular function (P = 0.02), greater Pi (P = 0.012), and lower TCRT (P = 0.007) or dTMD, were entered into multiple logistic regression models. Increased Pi (P = 0.038), reduced TCRT (P = 0.040), and lower dTMD (P = 0.014) predicted AF after CABG independently. In patients <70 years, a linear combination of increased pCR and lower TCRT separated AF and no AF with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 62% (P = 0.005). Conclusion: ECG assessment identifies patients vulnerable to AF after CABG. Combination of ECG parameters assessed preoperatively may play an important role in predicting new‐onset AF after CABG.
Biventricular Pacing and Left Ventricular Pacing in Heart Failure:
Authors: BORDACHAR PIERRE , LAFITTE STEPHANE , REUTER SYLVAIN , GARRIGUE STEPHANE , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN , ROUDAUT RAYMOND , JAÏS PIERRE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , CLEMENTY JACQUES 
Published: December 2004

Introduction: We conducted an acute echocardiographic study comparing hemodynamic and ventricular dyssynchrony parameters during left ventricular pacing (LVP) and biventricular pacing (BVP). We sought to clarify the mechanisms responsible for similar hemodynamic improvement despite differences in electrical activation. Methods and Results: Thirty‐three patients underwent echocardiography prior to implantation with a multisite pacing device (spontaneous rhythm [SR]) and 2 days after implantation (BVP and LVP). Interventricular dyssynchrony (pulsed‐wave Doppler), extent of myocardium displaying delayed longitudinal contraction (%DLC; tissue tracking), and index of LV dyssynchrony (pulsed‐wave tissue Doppler imaging) were assessed. Compared to SR, BVP and LVP caused similar significant improvement of cardiac output (LVP: 3.2 ± 0.5, BVP: 3.1 ± 0.7, SR: 2.3 ± 0.6 L/min; P < 0.01) and mitral regurgitation (LVP: 25.1 ± 10, BVP: 24.7 ± 11, baseline: 37.9 ± 14% jet area/left atria area; P < 0.01). LVP resulted in a smaller index of LV dyssynchrony than BVP (29 ± 10 vs 34 ± 14; P < 0.05). However, LVP exhibited a longer aortic preejection delay (220 ± 34 vs 186 ± 28 msec; P < 0.01), longer LV electromechanical delays (244.5 ± 39 vs 209.5 ± 47 msec; P < 0.05), greater interventricular dyssynchrony (56.6 ± 18 vs 31.4 ± 18; P < 0.01), and higher%DLC (40.1 ± 08 vs 30.3 ± 09; P < 0.05), leading to shorter LV filling time (387 ± 54 vs 348 ± 44 msec; P < 0.05) compared to BVP. Conclusion: Although LVP and BVP provide similar hemodynamic improvement, LVP results in more homogeneous but substantially delayed LV contraction, leading to shortened filling time and less reduction in postsystolic contraction. These data may influence the choice of individual optimal pacing configuration.
Effects of the Na+ Channel Blocker Pilsicainide on the Electrophysiologic Properties of Pulmonary Veins in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: KUMAGAI KOICHIRO , TOJO HIDEAKI , NOGUCHI HIROO , YASUDA TOMOO , OGAWA MASAHIRO , NAKASHIMA HIDEKO , ZHANG BO , SAKU KEIJIRO 
Published: December 2004

Introduction: Na+ channel blockers are used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the effects of Na+ channel blockers on the electrophysiologic properties of pulmonary veins (PVs) are not well characterized. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the pure Na+ channel blocker pilsicainide on the PVs. Methods and Results: PV mapping using a basket catheter was performed in 28 patients with paroxysmal AF. Twenty‐eight PVs, including 20 left superior and 8 right superior PVs, were studied. Programmed stimulation was performed in the distal PV and PV‐left atrial (LA) junction before and after infusion of pilsicainide (1 mg/kg). Pilsicainide significantly prolonged the effective refractory period (ERP) of the distal PV from 163 ± 44 msec to 192 ± 53 msec (P < 0.001), PV‐LA junction from 227 ± 48 msec to 235 ± 52 msec (P < 0.05), and LA appendage from 225 ± 55 msec to 245 ± 48 msec (P < 0.05). Pilsicainide significantly prolonged the conduction time from the distal PV to PV‐LA junction from 45 ± 14 msec to 70 ± 26 msec (P < 0.0001). In 3 of 5 patients who experienced AF termination with pilsicainide, PV‐LA conduction block was observed just before AF termination. Conclusions: Pilsicainide can modify ERP heterogeneity and conduction properties in the PV and at the PV‐LA junction. Because the PV and PV‐LA junction have important roles as substrates for AF maintenance, pilsicainide may terminate AF by pharmacologic PV isolation.
A study on urogenital complaints of postmenopausal women aged 50 and over
Authors: Oskay Umran Yesiltepe , Beji Nezihe Kizilkaya , Yalcin Onay 
Published: December 2004

Objective.  The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of urogenital complaints in postmenopausal women aged 50 and over.Methods.  The study was carried out in the city of Istanbul on women within the age range of 50 and over. The statistical figures for these women were obtained from the latest national census. The number of sampling was determined to be 500, each representing a population of 10 000 women. Thus, the sampling consisted of 500 postmenopausal women who had applied to various health centers either to seek remedy for their health problems other than urinary incontinence (UI) or to accompany inpatients. Women in the surgical stage of menopause were excluded from the study group. A specifically designed questionnaire was used to gather data on urogenital complaints. The data obtained by this means was analyzed according to Thomas criteria, which classifies incontinence as rare, regularly and serious. UI was defined according to the International Continence Society (ICS) classification.Results.  Of the interviewees 68.8% reported UI, 28.8% of whom had serious UI requires continuously the use of ped. It was determined that 37.2% of the women with UI had stress incontinence symptoms, 32.3% urge incontinence symptoms, and 30.5% mixed incontinence. Of the women 46.5% had UI problems for 5 years or longer, and 75% reported that their complaints had started after menopause; 18.2% of the women suffered from vaginal discharge and pruritus, while 23% experienced vaginal dryness; 51.2% of the women were sexually active. However, 83.6% of this group of women reported a decrease in sexual desire and frequency of intercourse. Likewise, 78.1% experienced a decline in sexual satisfaction, 77.7% difficulty in having orgasm, and 45.3% dyspareunia. Logistic regression analysis showed that existence of a chronic illness, frequent urethral infections, a high value of body mass index and chronic constipation increased the prevalence of UI.Conclusions.  Urinary incontinence and sexual problems, particularly decline in sexual desire, are widespread among postmenopausal women. Frequent urinary tract infections, obesity, chronic constipation and other chronic illnesses seem to be the predictors of UI.
Expansionary Fiscal Contractions? Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Hogan Vincent 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe examine the ability of the expansionary fiscal contraction (EFC) hypothesis to explain the performance of OECD economies during fiscal crises. We find some limited evidence in its favour: if public consumption is reduced in response to a fiscal crisis (as defined by a high level of debt), private consumption does seem to increase. However, the size of the effect is smaller than that typically found in other studies. Furthermore, the increase in private consumption is usually not sufficient to offset the direct effect of a reduction in public consumption on output—fiscal contractions are not literally expansionary.
Teams, Teamwork and Absence*
Authors: Heywood John S. , Jirjahn Uwe 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe argue that firms with interdependent worker productivity, team production, have a higher cost of absence and, as a consequence, spend additional resources on monitoring absence. As a result, firms with team production should have lower absence rates. We estimate the determinants of absence for blue‐collar workers using a sample of German manufacturing establishments. Workplace teams are used as a proxy for team production. The estimates reveal that firms with teams have lower absence rates, as do smaller establishments. The size effect, however, is unique to establishments with teams, which fits prior theoretical work that has not been previously tested.
The desaturation response time of finger pulse oximeters during mild hypothermia*
Authors: MacLeod D. B. , Cortinez L. I. , Keifer J. C. , Cameron D. , Wright D. R. , White W. D. , Moretti E. W. , Radulescu L. R. , Somma J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryPulse oximeters may delay displaying the correct oxygen saturation during the onset of hypoxia. We investigated the desaturation response times of pulse oximeter sensors (forehead, ear and finger) during vasoconstriction due to mild hypothermia and vasodilation caused by glyceryl trinitrate. Ten healthy male volunteers were given three hypoxic challenges of 3 min duration under differing experimental conditions. Mild hypothermia increased the mean response time of finger oximeters from 130 to 215 s. Glyceryl trinitrate partly offset this effect by reducing the response time from 215 to 187 s. In contrast, the response times of the forehead and ear oximeters were unaffected by mild hypothermia, but the difference between head and finger oximeters was highly significant (p < 0.0001). The results suggest that the head oximeters provide a better monitoring site for pulse oximeters during mild hypothermia.
The effect of trimethoprim on CYP2C8 mediated rosiglitazone metabolism in human liver microsomes and healthy subjects
Authors: Hruska M. W. , Amico J. A. , Langaee T. Y. , Ferrell R. E. , Fitzgerald S. M. , Frye R. F. 
Published: December 2004

AimsRosiglitazone, a thiazolidinedione antidiabetic medication used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, is predominantly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme CYP2C8. The anti‐infective drug trimethoprim has been shown in vitro to be a selective inhibitor of CYP2C8. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of trimethoprim on the CYP2C8 mediated metabolism of rosiglitazone in vivo and in vitro.MethodsThe effect of trimethoprim on the metabolism of rosiglitazone in vitro was assessed in pooled human liver microsomes. The effect in vivo was determined by evaluating rosiglitazone pharmacokinetics in the presence and absence of trimethoprim. Eight healthy subjects (four men and four women) completed a randomized, cross‐over study. Subjects received single dose rosiglitazone (8 mg) in the presence and absence of trimethoprim 200 mg given twice daily for 5 days.ResultsTrimethoprim inhibited rosiglitazone metabolism both in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of rosiglitazone para‐hydroxylation by trimethoprim in vitro was found to be competitive with apparent Ki and IC50 values of 29 µm and 54.5 µm, respectively. In the presence of trimethoprim, rosiglitazone plasma AUC was increased by 31% (P = 0.01) from 2774 ± 645 µg l−1 h to 3643 ± 1051 µg l−1 h (95% confidence interval (CI) for difference 189, 1549), and half‐life was increased by 27% (P = 0.006) from 3.3 ± 0.5 to 4.2 ± 0.8 h (95% CI for difference 0.36, 1.5). Trimethoprim reduced the para‐O‐sulphate rosiglitazone/rosiglitazone and the N‐desmethylrosiglitazone/rosiglitazone AUC(0–24) ratios by 22% and 38%, respectively.ConclusionsThese results indicate that trimethoprim is a competitive inhibitor of CYP2C8‐mediated rosiglitazone metabolism in vitro and that trimethoprim administration increases plasma rosiglitazone concentrations in healthy subjects.
Exhaled eicosanoids following oral aspirin challenge in asthmatic patients
Authors: Sanak M. , Kiełbasa B. , Bochenek G. , Szczeklik A. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground
Biochemical analysis of expiratory breath condensate is an emerging non‐invasive technique for assessment of airway inflammation.Objective
We wondered whether application of expiratory breath condensate could facilitate diagnosis of aspirin‐intolerant asthma and reproduce eicosanoids mediators' abnormalities described in this disease.Methods
We measured prostaglandins (PGs) E2, F2α, 9α11βF2 and iso‐F2 by gas‐chromatography/mass‐spectrometry and cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys‐LTs) by radioimmunoassay in breath condensates of asthmatic patients undergoing oral aspirin challenge. Fourteen patients with aspirin‐induced asthma and 20 aspirin‐tolerating asthmatics, most of them on chronic inhaled corticotherapy, were studied and compared with 10 healthy subjects. Additionally, plasma 9α11βPGF2, the metabolite of PGD2 and urinary leukotriene (LT) E4 were measured before and following the challenge.Results
At baseline, PG did not differ between the groups, except for lower 9α11βPGF2 in aspirin‐intolerant asthma. Their concentrations were not changed by the challenge. Breath condensate cys‐LTs were similar in the groups studied at base, and after aspirin challenge increased only in aspirin‐intolerant patients. Elevated baseline urinary LTE4 and its further increase following aspirin challenge was highly diagnostic for aspirin‐intolerant asthma. The discriminatory value of cys‐LTs increase in breath condensates was lower (72.8%) than either basal (99%) or post‐challenge increase (94%) of urinary LTE4.Conclusions
In asthmatic patients on chronic corticotherapy measurement of urinary LTE4 excretion rather than cys‐LTs in breath condensate is of greater value for diagnosis of aspirin hypersensitivity.
Perforation repair with mineral trioxide aggregate: a modified matrix concept
Authors: Bargholz C. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAim  To present a modified matrix concept for repair of root perforations using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).Summary  Root perforations may occur during preparation of endodontic access cavities or during post‐space preparation. The perforation creates the potential for an inflammatory reaction in the periodontal ligament. A concept for the repair of root perforations is presented using a matrix of resorbable collagen. This matrix reconstructs the outer shape of the root and facilitates the adaptation of MTA. The indications for the use of MTA are discussed. Two clinical cases of 5‐year successful root perforation repair using the technique are presented.Key learning points• Long‐term perforations with periodontal inflammation can be successfully treated with MTA.• Matrices for MTA placement can be developed with commercially available collagen.• Infection control within the root canal and at the perforation site is required for satisfactory perforation repair and healing.
Human tonsil implants xenotransplanted in SCID mice display broad lymphocytic diversity and cellular activation profile similar to those in the original lymphoid organ
Authors: Vallet Véronique , Mauray Sandrine , Kindler Vincent , Aubry Dominique , Ruegg Marlies , Cherpillod Jacques , Waridel François , Schapira Marc , Duchosal Michel A. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Background:  Models consisting of human immune cells in suspension transferred to severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice have been invaluable for studying immune response, autoimmunity, and lymphomagenesis. The dissemination of human cells within the mouse body hampers immune functionality with time and favorites the development of human graft vs. mouse host (GvH) disease. To circumvent these limitations we surgically implanted tonsil pieces subcutaneously in SCID animals (hu‐ton‐SCID mice). Recall humoral responses was elicited and animals did not suffer from signs of GvH disease. A detailed cell subset and cell activation analysis of implants has not yet been reported.Methods:  Implants from 86 hu‐ton‐SCID mice were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analyses to assess human lymphoid cell subpopulation surviving with time after implantation, and to evaluate status of human cell activation.Results:  B cells persist over 3 months in implants. The proportion of class and type‐specific Ig+ cells varied between implants, but as a whole IgG+ cells were more abundant than IgA+, and IgM+ cells, and kappa+ cells predominated over lambda+ cells. The mean proportions of these cells resemble those in the original tonsil. Fine analysis of CD19+ B cells demonstrated no expansion of activated (CD5+, CD23+, CD69+) B cells in implants compared with tonsils, and a decrease of CD19+CD77+ B cells corresponding to a centroblastic phenotype, which is consistent with the disappearance of follicular structure in implants. Double positive CD20+CD27+ memory B cells were detected in implants by immunohistochemistry. T cell CD4+CD8−/CD4−CD8+ ratios were about 4 in implants, that is similar to those in tonsils, and there was no expansion of CD3+CD4+CD8+ and of CD3+CD4−CD8− T‐cell subpopulations. T cells activation markers (CD25, CD69) were similarly expressed in implants and tonsils, and implants contained cells with a memory T cell phenotype (CD45RO). Finally cells within implants depicted a low rate of proliferation when assessed by Ki‐67 expression levels.Conclusions:  Compared with original tonsils, tonsil implants in hu‐ton‐SCID mice lose the germinal center architecture, which is correlated with the decrease of CD77+ B cells, but conserve T and B cell subpopulation diversity, notably memory cells. In addition, implant T and B cells are not differently activated when compared with those in original tonsils and do not proliferate extensively. These observations indicate indirectly absence of GvH reaction at the cellular level in this model. Collectively, the detailed implant cellular characterization in the hu‐ton‐SCID model provides a strong rationale for the use of this model in the study of human recall antibody response.
Comparison of face‐to‐face and videoconferenced multidisciplinary clinical meetings
Authors: Delaney G , Jacob S , Iedema R , Winters M , Barton M 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA trial of videoconferencing of multidisciplinary breast cancer clinical meetings between three public hospitals was conducted in an attempt to increase attendance by medical staff at the meetings, and thus facilitate multidisciplinary care for breast cancer patients. The videoconferences were compared with the previously existing face‐to‐face clinical meetings through questionnaires, attendance, number of cases discussed and anthropological analysis. Although more people attended the videoconferences than the face‐to‐face meetings, most of the participants in the trial preferred the face‐to‐face meetings to the videoconferences. The mean number of cases discussed at the videoconferences was significantly less than the mean number of cases presented at the face‐to‐face clinical meetings. The face‐to‐face meetings were informal, spontaneous and conducive to open discussion. In contrast, the videoconferences were formal and regimented. Multidisciplinary case discussion can be facilitated by videoconferencing. Some of the negative experiences we encountered could be overcome with changes in meeting format. Our experience may help others in setting up a successful multidisciplinary team via videoconference.
Clinicopathological study of bronchogenic carcinoma
Authors: PRASAD Rajendra , JAMES Prince , KESARWANI Vikas , GUPTA Richa , PANT Mohan C. , CHATURVEDI Arun , SHRIVASTAVA Anand N. 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  The present study was undertaken to explore the clinicopathological profile of bronchogenic carcinoma.Methodology:  Four hundred consecutive patients with histopathologically proven bronchogenic carcinoma, hospitalized between 1985 and 1999 at a large teaching and tertiary care referral hospital at King George's Medical University in Lucknow, India, were analysed.Results:  The average age of the bronchogenic carcinoma patients was 57 years; 9.8% of patients were less than 40 years of age; the ratio of male to female patients was 4.3:1.0; 71% were smokers; and 87% of the smoking patients were bidi smokers. The most common histological type was squamous‐cell carcinoma (46.5%), followed by adenocarcinoma (18.5%) and small‐cell carcinoma (18.2%). The majority of patients (74.2%) were diagnosed in the late stages of the disease (IIIb and IV).Conclusion:  Bidi smoking is an important contributory factor in the development of bronchogenic carcinoma in India, and approximately 25% of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma are non‐smokers.
Relative Pleasures: Drugs, Development and Modern Dependencies in Asia's Golden Triangle
Authors: Lyttleton Chris 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAs opium cultivation is increasingly controlled in the Golden Triangle, producers and traffickers have created new markets for methamphetamines (ATS) amongst highland and lowland populations. At the same time, evolving forms of drug abuse also reflect a larger order of social change that directly shapes the consumer market. This article explores how demand for methamphetamines in mainland Southeast Asia emerges in sync with changing value systems fostered by development trajectories within a globalized commodity culture. The primary focus is on Akha highlanders in northwestern Laos for whom dual processes of opium eradication and village relocation directly encourage the currently prominent uptake of ATS. As Akha move into the lowlands to engage in modern capitalist systems of production, increased methamphetamine use emerges as a means to facilitate a greater reliance on sedentization and petty commodity trade. Rather than the uptake of heroin that took place in neighbouring countries, the transition from opium to methamphetamines is a highly charged sign of new social and material relations adopted by the Lao Akha as they enter primitive forms of capital accumulation and wage‐labour.