bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is plasma N‐BNP a good indicator of the functional reserve of failing hearts? The FRESH‐BNP study
Authors: Williams Simon G. , Ng Leong L. , O'Brien Russell J. , Taylor Steve , Wright D. Jay , Tan Lip‐Bun 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAims:Whether plasma N‐terminal brain natriuretic peptide (N‐BNP) is useful in the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) depends traditionally on whether it is as good as the putative ‘gold‐standard’, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), in indicating cardiac dysfunction. However, since HF is primarily an impairment of function of the cardiac pump, we explored the relationship between N‐BNP and direct and indirect indicators of cardiac pump dysfunction.Methods and Results:Eighty‐six HF patients (mean age 56 years) with a range of LVEF's (mean 36.9±15.2%, range 15–66%) and 10 age‐matched healthy controls were recruited into the study and had resting N‐BNP measured. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed to assess peak oxygen consumption (Vo2). A subgroup of 23 subjects underwent further exercise haemodynamic assessment to evaluate peak cardiac power output (CPO). The CHF group had significantly higher N‐BNP (median [interquartile range]) levels (299 [705] fmol/ml) than the control group (7 [51] fmol/ml, P<0.005). Significant correlations between N‐BNP and peak Vo2, and N‐BNP and peak CPO were observed (R≥0.5, P<0.005). Although significant correlation was observed between N‐BNP and LVEF (R=0.34, P=0.01), the correlations between LVEF and peak Vo2 or peak CPO (all R<0.3, P>0.3) were not significant. Multivariate analysis identified plasma N‐BNP and NYHA class, but not LVEF, as independent predictors of peak Vo2.Conclusions:We have found that N‐BNP was surprisingly good as a simple indicator of cardiac pump dysfunction. Since heart failure is an inadequacy of function, these results strongly support the notion that N‐BNP is a useful blood test in estimating the extent of cardiac pump dysfunction and helpful in establishing positive diagnosis of heart failure.
Non‐compliance in patients with heart failure; how can we manage it?
Authors: van der Wal Martje H.L. , Jaarsma Tiny , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBackground:Because of the improvement of the pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatment in heart failure (HF) patients, the HF related therapeutic regimen is becoming more complicated. Non‐compliance with this regimen can result in worsening HF symptoms, sometimes leading to hospitalisation.Aims:The aims of this systematic literature review are (1) to describe the consequences of non‐compliance in HF patients; (2) to summarise the degree of compliance in the various aspects of the therapeutic regimen; and (3) to review interventions that are recommended to improve compliance in HF patients.Methods:A literature search of the MEDLINE and CINAHL database from 1988 to June 2003 was performed. Studies on compliance with life style recommendations according to the HF Guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology and the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology were included.Conclusion:Non‐compliance with medication and other lifestyle recommendations is a major problem in patients with HF. Evidence based interventions to improve compliance in patients with HF are scarce. Interventions that can increase compliance and prevent HF related readmissions in order to improve the quality of life of patients with HF need to be developed and tested.
Serum levels of different tumour markers in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Faggiano Pompilio , D'Aloia Antonio , Brentana Loretta , Bignotti Tommaso , Fiorina Claudia , Vizzardi Enrico , Cas Livio Dei 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBackground:serum levels of carbohydratic antigen 125 (CA 125), a tumour marker related to ovarian cancer, are increased in patients with heart failure (CHF). To our knowledge there are no data concerning the levels of other tumour markers in CHF.Methods:we measured serum levels of Alpha‐Fetoprotein (AFP), Carcinoembrionic antigen (CEA), CA 19.9, CA 15.3 and CA 125, in 191 pts (86 males, mean age 67±10 years) with mild to severe CHF due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction.Results:Only CA‐125 was increased in CHF patients: mean values were significantly higher (P<0.05) in NYHA classes III (60±22 UI/ml) and IV (192±115 UI/ml) compared to NYHA class I‐II patients (16±11). Mean values of the other tumor markers were within the normal range. AFP was above the upper normal limit in 2/191 patients (1%), CEA in 5/191 (2.6%), CA 19.9 in 0, CA 15.3 in 2/191 (1%) and CA 125 in 126/191 patients (66%). In 30 NYHA IV patients, tumour markers were repeated after 5–20 days of aggressive medical treatment, when a clinical improvement (reduction of at least 1 NYHA class) was reached: mean serum levels of CA 125 decreased from 107±85 to 19±8 U/ml (P<0.05); no changes in other tumour markers were observed.Conclusions:Of the tumour markers evaluated, only CA 125 seems to be related to the presence and severity of CHF and shows significant changes in response to medical therapy. The biologic and clinical relevance of this observation needs to be defined.
Heart failure after myocardial infarction: clinical presentation and survival
Authors: Hellermann Jens P. , Jacobsen Steven J. , Redfield Margaret M. , Reeder Guy S. , Weston Susan A. , Roger Véronique L. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjectives:To characterize the presentation and outcome of patients with heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction (MI) according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and test the hypothesis that the outcome of HF did not change over time.Background:Little is known about the presentation and outcome of HF post‐MI and how these may have changed over time.Methods:Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, all residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota who experienced an incident MI between 1979 and 1998 were identified; MI and HF were validated using standardized criteria. Subjects were followed through their community medical record.Results:Between 1979 and 1998, 1915 patients with incident MI and no prior history of HF were identified. Of these, 791(41%) experienced new onset HF as defined by Framingham criteria during 6.6±5.0 years of follow‐up. Forty‐seven percent were men, mean age was 73±12 years. Forty‐four percent had impaired LVEF, 18% preserved LVEF and 38% had no LVEF measurement within 60 days after the HF event. Median survival after HF onset was 4 years and at 5 years after HF onset, only 45% were alive. Older age, male sex, comorbidity, hypertension and no LVEF assessment were associated with increased risk of death, however, patients with impaired LVEF had the worst outcome. Over time, survival did not improve (HR for year: 1.00; 95% CI 0.99, 1.02; P=0.919) even after adjustment for baseline characteristics.Conclusion:In this geographically defined cohort of patients with MI, new onset HF after the MI was frequent. When measured, LVEF was most frequently reduced, consistent with systolic heart failure. Mortality was high and did not decline over time and death was independently associated with male sex, older age, hypertension and comorbidity. It also differed according to LVEF, which was inconsistently ascertained in this setting, potentially representing practice opportunities.
Spectral properties and dynamics of quantized Henon maps
Authors: Weickert Brendan 
Published: August 2004

We study a generalization of the Airy function, and use its properties to investigate the dynamics and spectral properties of the unitary operators on

L
2

(

R

)

L^2(\mathbf {R})

of the form

U
c

:=
F

e

i
(
q
(
x
)
+
c
x
)

U_c:=Fe^{i(q(x)+cx)}

, where

q
q

is a real polynomial of odd degree,

c
c

is a real number, and

F
F

is the Fourier transform. We show that

U
c

U_c

is a quantization of the classical Henon map

f
λ

:

R

2

a
m
p
;
→

R

2

,
(
x
,
y
)

a
m
p
;
↦
(
y
+

q
′

(
x
)
+
c
,
−
x
)
,

\begin{align*} f_\lambda :\mathbf {R}^2 &\to \mathbf {R}^2 , (x,y) &\mapsto (y+q’(x)+c,-x), \end{align*}

and show that for

c
>
0

c>0

sufficiently large,

U
c

U_c

has purely continuous spectrum. This fact has implications for the dynamics of

U
c

U_c

, which are shown to correspond when the condition is satisfied to the dynamics of its classical counterpart on

R

2

\mathbf {R}^2

.
Change of rings in deformation theory of modules
Authors: Ile Runar 
Published: August 2004

Given a

B
B

-module

M
M

and any presentation

B
=
A

/

J

B=A/J

, the obstruction theory of

M
M

as a

B
B

-module is determined by the usual obstruction class

o

A

\mathrm {o}_{\! \scriptscriptstyle {A}}^{\scriptscriptstyle {}}

for deforming

M
M

as an

A
A

-module and a new obstruction class

o

J

\mathrm {o}_{\! \scriptscriptstyle {J}}^{\scriptscriptstyle {}}

. These two classes give the tool for constructing two obstruction maps which depend on each other and which characterise the hull of the deformation functor. We obtain relations between the obstruction classes by studying a change of rings spectral sequence and by representing certain classes as elements in the Yoneda complex. Calculation of the deformation functor of

M
M

as a

B
B

-module, including the (generalised) Massey products, is thus possible within any

A
A

-free

2
2

-presentation of

M
M

.
Characterizations of regular almost periodicity in compact minimal abelian flows
Authors: Miller Alica , Rosenblatt Joseph 
Published: August 2004

Regular almost periodicity in compact minimal abelian flows was characterized for the case of discrete acting group by W. Gottschalk and G. Hedlund and for the case of

0
0

-dimensional phase space by W. Gottschalk a few decades ago. In 1995 J. Egawa gave characterizations for the case when the acting group is

R

\mathbb {R}

. We extend Egawa’s results to the case of an arbitrary abelian acting group and a not necessarily metrizable phase space. We then show how our statements imply previously known characterizations in each of the three special cases and give various other applications (characterization of regularly almost periodic functions on arbitrary abelian topological groups, classification of uniformly regularly almost periodic compact minimal

Z

\mathbb {Z}

- and

R

\mathbb {R}

-flows, conditions equivalent with uniform regular almost periodicity, etc.).
Complete second order linear differential operator equations in Hilbert space and applications in hydrodynamics
Authors: Kopachevsky N. , Mennicken R. , Pashkova Ju. , Tretter C. 
Published: August 2004

We study the Cauchy problem for a complete second order linear differential operator equation in a Hilbert space

H

{\mathcal H}

of the form
\[

d
2

u

d

t
2

+
(
F
+

i

K
)

d
u

d
t

+
B
u
=
f
,

u
(
0
)
=

u
0

,

u
′

(
0
)
=

u
1

.

\frac {d^2u}{dt^2}+(F+\textrm {i}K)\frac {du}{dt}+Bu=f,\quad u(0)=u^0, \quad u’(0)=u^1.

\]
Problems of this kind arise, e.g., in hydrodynamics where the coefficients

F
F

,

K
K

, and

B
B

are unbounded selfadjoint operators. It is assumed that

F
F

is the dominating operator in the Cauchy problem above, i.e.,
\[

D

(
F
)
⊂

D

(
B
)
,

D

(
F
)
⊂

D

(
K
)
.

{\mathcal D}(F)\subset {\mathcal D}(B),\quad {\mathcal D}(F)\subset {\mathcal D}(K).

\]
We also suppose that

F
F

and

B
B

are bounded from below, but the operator coefficients are not assumed to commute. The main results concern the existence of strong solutions to the stated Cauchy problem and applications of these results to the Cauchy problem associated with small motions of some hydrodynamical systems.
Acute Vigabatrin Retinotoxicity in Albino Rats Depends on Light But Not GABA
Authors: Izumi Yukitoshi , Ishikawa Makoto , Benz Ann M. , Izumi Masayo , Zorumski Charles F. , Thio Liu Lin 
Published: August 2004

Summary:  Purpose: Vigabatrin (VGB) is an irreversible inhibitor of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase. Its use as an antiepileptic drug (AED) has been limited because it causes retinal dysfunction, leading to visual field defects (VFDs). We performed this study to identify factors contributing to acute VGB retinotoxicity. Methods: In ex vivo experiments, Sprague–Dawley rat retinas were isolated and incubated with VGB or GABA in the presence or absence of light. In in vivo experiments, Sprague–Dawley rats were given intraperitoneal injections of VGB and then exposed to light or kept in the dark. The retinas were analyzed histologically by using both light and electron microscopy. Results: Incubating retinas with 50–500 μM VGB under 20,000 Lux white light for ≤20 h caused a characteristic time‐ and dose‐dependent degeneration limited to the outer retina. Incubating retinas with 500 μM VGB in darkness for 20 h caused no damage. Five hundred micromolar GABA and 50 μM tiagabine were not toxic in the presence or absence of light. Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to an intense white light for 20 h after a 1,000‐mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of VGB showed damage in the outer retina, whereas those kept in the dark did not. Conclusions: Direct exposure of the retina to VGB causes acute retinotoxicity that depends on light exposure rather than GABA accumulation.
A Novel Nonpharmacologic Treatment for Photosensitive Epilepsy: A Report of Three Patients Tested with Blue Cross‐polarized Glasses
Authors: Kepecs Migdana R. , Boro Alex , Haut Sheryl , Kepecs Gilbert , Moshé Solomon L. 
Published: August 2004

Summary: Purpose:Pharmacotherapy for photosensitive epilepsy is not always effective and is associated with well‐recognized toxicities. Nonpharmacologic approaches to the management of photosensitive epilepsy have included the use of sunglasses of various types. Blue lenses have been shown to suppress the photoparoxysmal response more effectively than lenses of other colors with similar overall transmittances. Recently, cross‐polarized glasses have shown promise. The axes of polarization of the two lenses of such glasses are perpendicular to one another. We tested the effect of combining the use of blue and cross‐polarized lenses in three patients with photosensitive epilepsy.Methods:We recorded the EEG response to photic stimulation, television screens, and computer monitors in three patients with photosensitive epilepsy. If photoparoxysmal responses were provoked in any of these scenarios, testing was repeated with the patient wearing nonpolarized, parallel‐polarized, and blue cross‐polarized sunglasses.Results:One of our patients had clinical seizures that were inadequately suppressed with moderate doses of valproate (VPA) but completely suppressed with blue cross‐polarized lenses. The second patient's photoparoxysmal response was suppressed by both parallel‐polarized and blue cross‐polarized glasses, whereas the third patient's photoparoxysmal response was not suppressed by either.Conclusions:These preliminary data suggest that blue cross‐polarized lenses may be useful in the treatment of photosensitive epilepsies and that their efficacy can be predicted in the EEG laboratory.
Progression of Brain Damage after Status Epilepticus and Its Association with Epileptogenesis: A Quantitative MRI Study in a Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Nairismägi Jaak , Gröhn Olli H. J. , Kettunen Mikko I. , Nissinen Jari , Kauppinen Risto A. , Pitkänen Asla 
Published: August 2004

Summary:  Purpose: This study examined the hypothesis that neurodegeneration continues after status epilepticus (SE) ends and that the severity of damage at the early phase of the epileptogenic process predicts the outcome of epilepsy in a long‐term follow‐up. Methods: SE was induced in rats by electrical stimulation of the amygdala, and the progression of structural alterations was monitored with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Absolute T2, T1ρ, and diffusion (Dav) images were acquired from amygdala, piriform cortex, thalamus, and hippocampus for ≤4.5 months after SE. Frequency and type of spontaneous seizures were monitored with video‐electroencephalography recordings. Histologic damage was assessed from Nissl, Timm, and Fluoro‐Jade B preparations at 8 months. Results: At the acute phase (2 days after SE induction), quantitative MRI revealed increased T2, T1ρ, and Dav values in the primary focal area (amygdala), reflecting disturbed water homeostasis and possible early structural damage. Pathologic T2 and T1ρ were observed in mono‐ or polysynaptically connected regions, including the piriform cortex, midline thalamus, and hippocampus. The majority of acute MRI abnormalities were reversed by 9 days after SE. In later time points (>20 days after induction), both the T1ρ and diffusion MRI revealed secondarily affected areas, most predominantly in the amygdala and hippocampus. At this time, animals began to have spontaneous seizures. The initial pathology revealed by MRI had a low predictive value for the subsequent severity of epilepsy and tissue damage. Conclusions: The results demonstrate progressive neurodegeneration after SE in the amygdala and the hippocampus and stress the need for continued administration of neuroprotectants in the treatment of SE even after electrographic seizure activity has ceased.
Outcome of Prolonged Video‐EEG Monitoring at a Typical Referral Epilepsy Center
Authors: Benbadis Selim R. , O'Neill Edward , Tatum William O. , Heriaud Leanne 
Published: August 2004

Summary:  Purpose: When seizures do not respond to medications, video‐EEG monitoring is the best available diagnostic tool and is the principal activity of epilepsy centers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the eventual disposition of patients who undergo video‐EEG monitoring at a typical referral epilepsy center. Methods: We reviewed the diagnoses and dispositions of all patients (adults and children) who underwent inpatient video‐EEG monitoring (≥24 h) at our center (University of South Florida–Tampa General Hospital) over a 1‐year period (2002). Results: In total, 251 inpatient video‐EEG monitoring sessions were performed. Nonepileptic seizures were diagnosed in 75 (30%); 58 (23%) were found to be surgical candidates; seven were implanted with the vagus nerve stimulator. In 47 (19%) patients, seizures were recorded, and the diagnosis of epilepsy was confirmed and clarified (symptomatic/cryptogenic generalized epilepsy, seven; localization‐related epilepsy, 35; idiopathic generalized epilepsy, five). Conclusions: The eventual outcome of video‐EEG monitoring is diverse. The largest groups, as expected, are psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (30%), and surgery (23%).
Early Visual Seizures and Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy in Neuronopathic Gaucher Disease Due to a Rare Compound Heterozygosity (N188S/S107L)
Authors: Filocamo Mirella , Mazzotti Raffaella , Stroppiano Marina , Grossi Serena , Dravet Charlotte , Guerrini Renzo 
Published: August 2004

Summary:  Purpose: Gaucher disease, the inherited deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase, is characterized by genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. We recently characterized the glucocerebrosidase alleles of a patient with an unusual clinical presentation of type 3 Gaucher disease. Methods: Initial clinical manifestations appeared at age 11 years as visual seizures. Results: Subsequent progressive myoclonus and generalized seizures were consistent with an adolescent‐onset form of progressive myoclonus epilepsy. However, a specific diagnosis was established only at age 16, because of the absence of hematologic abnormalities and a fairly moderate hepatomegaly. Bone marrow aspirate was slightly positive for Gaucher cells. Demonstration of reduced glucocerebrosidase in the fibroblasts confirmed the diagnosis. The child died at age 19 years. Postmortem sequencing of the glucocerebrosidase gene from cultured fibroblasts demonstrated a rare compound heterozygote for N188S/S107L. Conclusions: This unusual presentation of Gaucher disease indicates that if clinical and neurophysiological findings in adolescents with initial visual seizures and myoclonus suggest a progressive disorder, enzymatic assay is mandatory, even in the absence of the classic neurologic and systemic signs of the disease. Early differential diagnosis from other forms of progressive myoclonus epilepsy with similar clinical presentation may help provide appropriate genetic counseling.
High‐frequency Oscillations after Status Epilepticus: Epileptogenesis and Seizure Genesis
Authors: Bragin Anatol , Wilson Charles L. , Almajano Joyel , Mody Istvan , Engel Jerome 
Published: August 2004

Summary:  Purpose: To investigate the temporal relation between high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) in the dentate gyrus and recurrent spontaneous seizures after intrahippocampal kainite‐induced status epilepticus. Methods: Recording microelectrodes were implanted bilaterally in different regions of hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. A guide cannula for microinjection of kainic acid (KA) was implanted above the right posterior CA3 area of hippocampus. After recording baseline electrical activity, KA (0.4 μg/0.2 μl) was injected. Beginning on the next day, electrographic activity was recorded with video monitoring for seizures every day for 8 h/day for ≥30 days. Results: Of the 26 rats studied, 19 revealed the appearance of sharp‐wave activity and HFOs in the frequency range of 80 to 500 Hz in the dentate gyrus ipsilateral to the KA injection. In the remaining seven rats, no appreciable activity was noted in this frequency range. In some rats with recurrent seizures, HFOs were in the ripple frequency range (100–200 Hz); in others, HFOs were in the fast ripple frequency range (200–500 Hz), or a mixture of both oscillation frequencies was found. The time of detection of the first HFOs after status epilepticus varied between 1 and 30 days, with a mean of 6.3 ± 2.0 (SEM). Of the 19 rats in which HFO activity appeared, all later developed recurrent spontaneous seizures, whereas none of the rats without HFOs developed seizures. The sooner HFO activity was detected after status epilepticus, the sooner the first spontaneous seizure occurred. A significant inverse relation was found between the time to the first HFO detection and the subsequent rate of spontaneous seizures. Conclusions: A strong correlation was found between a decreased time to detection of HFOs and an increased rate of spontaneous seizures, as well as with a decrease in the duration of the latent period between KA injection and the detection of spontaneous seizures. Two types of HFOs were found after KA injection, one in the frequency range of 100 to 200 Hz, and the other, in the frequency range of 200 to 500 Hz, and both should be considered pathological, suggesting that both are epileptogenic.