bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast repetitive response as a useful predictor of long-term success of radiofrequency ablation of right ventricular outflow tract ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Vokac Damijan , Nedog Viljemka , Kanic Vojko , Naji Franjo 
Published: February 2023

Purpuse: Idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract ventricular tachycardia (RVOT-VT) is the most frequent type of ventricular arrhythmia in patients without structural heart disease and is frequently treated using radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Fast non-sustained ventricular arrhythmia showing the same morphology as initial arrhythmia, the so-called fast repetitive response (FRR), is sometimes observed during ablation of the desired region. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic impact of FRR in patients after successful RFA of RVOT- VT.
Methods: A prospective observational case-control design was selected for the study. We included patients with successful RFA of previously registered RVOT- VT. Patients with provoked FRR during RFA were assigned to the FRR group and 33 patients displaying no FRR to the control group. Overall, 33 patients in both groups were monitored for the subsequent 24 months. Parameters of the procedure, such as duration, energy application as well as long-term success, were compared between the two groups.
Results: We observed significantly shorter duration of procedure performance (120±29 min vs. 70±16 min; P<0.001) with a markedly smaller number of applied lesions [Please note that I am unsure what the author means by 'applied lesions' here.] (21.6±15.6 vs. 13.4±12.5; P=0.02) in the FRR group. After 24 months, the adjusted odds ratio of relapse for patients from the FRR group vs. control group was 0.19 (95% CI 0.05–0.83; P=0.03).
Conclusion: In patients with induced FRR during RFA of RVOT-VT, the procedure tended to be drastically shorter and more successful in the long-term.
Mutations of the CYP21A2 gene: Association of p.V281L mutation with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Stangler Herodež Špela , Fijavž Lusien , Zagradišnik Boris , Došen Marko , Takač Iztok , Kokalj-Vokač Nadja 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The CYP21A2 gene encodes the enzyme 21–hydroxilase, which is responsible for the production of steroids. These hormones are key mediators of sexual development and conception. Patients with 21–hydroxilase deficiency tend to be affected in different stages of life. The purpose of this study was to compare the genetic profiles of women with unexplained infertility problems with the genetic profiles of healthy controls. Furthermore, were analyzed associations between mutations of the CYP21A2 gene and various clinical and laboratory parameters.
Methods: We enrolled 300 women, diagnosed with unexplained infertility problems, into this retrospective study. For each subject, we recorded important clinical and laboratory parameters during different phases of the menstrual cycle. In the control group, we enrolled 100 samples. Each subject provided a blood sample, which was used to isolate DNA for subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: In total, 11.6% of the test subjects exhibited significant hormonal deviations (HD) (estrogens and/ or progestins and/or total testosterone) and 5.3% were diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). We identified a significant association between the p.V281L mutation and the frequency of test subjects with significant HD (x2=6.99, p=0.01). A similar association was also observed between p.V281L mutation and the frequency of test subjects with PCOS (x2=16.78, p=0.00). However, we did not establish any associations between the frequency of mutations in test subjects when compared with controls. In addition, we did not find any significance in the frequency of CYP21A2 gene mutations and any of the laboratory parameters tested.
Conclusion: Our results identify a significant association of the p.V281L mutation in the CYP21A2 gene with the frequencies of both PCOS and significant HD.
Preoperative renal dysfunction is a predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation in coronary artery bypass patients
Authors: Antonič Miha 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia following cardiac surgery. An association between preoperative kidney dysfunction and postoperative atrial fibrillation has been previously reported; however, no study has so far investigated the impact of kidney function during cardiopulmonary bypass on the incidence of atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of preoperative renal function and urine output during cardiopulmonary bypass as predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass.
Methods: This observational retrospective study included 409 patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass surgery. According to whether or not atrial fibrillation developed postoperatively, the patients were divided into a sinus rhythm group (n = 340) and a new-onset atrial fibrillation group (n = 69). The impact of preoperative (serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate) and intraoperative (urine output during cardiopulmonary bypass) kidney function on the incidence of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation was assessed using univariable and multivariable analyses.
Results:Patients with atrial fibrillation were older, and had higher EuroSCORE II and higher preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide levels than patients with sinus rhythm. Preoperative renal function was worse (higher serum creatinine level and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate) in the atrial fibrillation group than in the sinus rhythm group. However, there were no differences between the groups in urine output during cardiopulmonary bypass. Multivariable analysis identified older age, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30%, and lower preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate as independent risk factors for new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation.
Conclusion: Preoperative renal function—but not urine output during cardiopulmonary bypass—is a predictor of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery.
The effects of gabapentin and ethanol on the regulated cell death of astrocytes in primary culture
Authors: Hutyrová Paulína , Stangelj Jan , Lipnik-Stangelj Metoda 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: In this study, the effect of gabapentin on the regulated cell death of astrocytes in primary culture was examined. Because astrocytes are relatively resistant to decay by apoptotic pathways, the effect of different concentrations of gabapentin on apoptosis in necroptosis was tested as another form of regulatedcell death. In addition, the impact of gabapentin on the death of astrocytes that were exposed to ethanol was also examined.
Methods: Primary cultures of astrocytes that were obtained from the brain cortex of newborn rats were used as the experimental model. Cells were exposed to different concentrations of gabapentin only, ethanol only or to a combination of ethanol and gabapentin. Using flow cytometry, the proportions of viable, early apoptotic, necroptotic, and secondary dead cells were determined.
Results: The effect of gabapentin on early astrocytic apoptosis and necroptosis was dependent on concentration. In concentrations of up to 10 μg/mL, gabapentin did not affect astrocyte deaths; whereas at higher concentrations, the proportion of necroptotic cells increased. The concomitant exposure of the cells to gabapentin (10 μg/mL) and ethanol (100 mM) for 24 hours did not significantly affect cell death caused by ethanol. For cells that are exposed to 50 mM ethanol for 7 days, gabapentin slightly reduced the proportion of necrotic cells.
Conclusion: Gabapentin did not affect the viability of astrocytes in concentrations up to 10 μg/mL. The concomitant exposure of astrocytes to ethanol and gabapentin for 24 hours did not reduce the toxicity of ethanol. In astrocytes that are chronically exposed to ethanol, gabapentin slightly reduced the effect of ethanol on necroptosis.
Experience involving the implementation and compliance with the ERAS® at a small gynecologic oncology centre
Authors: Pakiž Maja , Lonzarič Nives , Krebs Bojan , Dobnik Sarah , Sobočan Monika , Zadravec Kristina 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: We report on the first patient with refractory hypoxemia treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) at the Medical Intensive Care Unit of the University Medical Centre Maribor.
Case report: A 52-year-old male was admitted after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (first rhythm was ventricular fibrillation, with 40 min to return of spontaneous circulation). The patient underwent primary percutaneous revascularization of the left anterior descendingcoronary artery with insertion of one coronary stent. Hypoxemia was present during patient transportation and the procedure and continued to worsen after admission. Due to refractory hypoxemia caused by aspiration pneumonia, treatment with the VV ECMO was initiated. The ECMO procedure wasperformed without complications and led to improvement in gas exchange and lung mechanics. The patient was then successfully weaned from ECMO, decannulated, and extubated. After extubation, the patient’s course of treatment was complicated by hospital pneumonia and catheter-related blood stream infection.As his state deteriorated, reintubation was necessary. Despite intensive treatment, the patient died on day 30.
Conclusions: Response to the VV ECMO treatment of refractory hypoxemia due to aspiration pneumonia was positive and without complications. In spite of initial improvement, the patient died after several weeks due to recurring infection and septic shock.
In-stent restenosis and stent thrombosis rates after left main coronary artery stenting
Authors: Balevski Igor , Arva Vigor 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-stent restenosis (ISR) and stent thrombosis rates along with one-month and one-year survival rates in patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) with different methods of stenting, lesion characteristics, and clinical disease presentation. Methods: A total of 297 consecutive patients with unprotected LMCAD were treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at University Clinical Center Maribor between January 2008 and October 2016. One hundred and thirty-two (50.8%) eligible patients underwent angiographic follow-up. The majority of patients (86.5%) were treated with a single drug-eluting stent (DES). Results: The overall prevalence of angiographic ISR in unprotected LMCA lesions was 33.3% (44 out of 132 patients with angiographic follow-up). The in-stent restenosis rate was 31.7% (39) in the group initially treated with DES (123). Most patients (63.6%) with ISR underwent repeated PCI, 22.7% had coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and 13.6% were treated conservatively. Only hypertension was shown to be statistically significant as a predictor of ISR in the present study. Stent thrombosis rate was 2.0% (six out of 297 patients). The mortality rate was 12.5% one month after the procedure on the left main coronary artery lesion, and 17.2 % after one year. Conclusion: Patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome had worse outcomes. While the numbers in the present study are higher compared to some other studies, they represent a real-world example of patients with different clinical presentations.
2D speckle-tracking in assessment of myocardial strain in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chernykh Nadezhda , Tarasova Alla , Groznova Olga 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To assess the myocardial strain in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Methods: A total of 61 patients aged between 7 and 17 years with an asymmetric form of HCM underwent an ultrasound examination of the heart using standard techniques. An assessment of the left ventricular systolic function was performed using the two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking mode with analysis parameters that included global and segmental longitudinal, circumferential, and radial myocardial strains. Strain data for the subendocardial and subepicardial layers for each segment of the left ventricle, as well as their total values, were determined.
Results: Global longitudinal strain and longitudinal strain rate were dec reased due to the impaired contractility of hypertrophied myocardial segments in 100% of cases of non-obstructive and obstructive HCM forms. A decrease in global, radial, and circumferential strain parameters and their rates has been observed in all children with an obstructive form of HCM and 39 (86.6%) patients with non-obstructive form. At the same time, there was a statistically significant difference between strains and strain rates in children with a non-obstructive form of HCM in comparison to those with an obstructive form of the disease.
Conclusion: Changes in myocardial strains observed using the 2D speckle-tracking mode in children with HCM indicate early systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle. Longitudinal strain was the most sensitive compared to radial and circumferential types. It was statistically significantly different in children with an obstructive form of HCM compared to those with non-obstructive form of the disease. These results are important for early therapy initiation and, therefore, may improve prognosis in children with HCM.
The clinical relevance of severe thermal artefacts in specimens after LLETZ
Authors: Cokan Andrej , Žebeljan Ivan , Serdinšek Tamara , Pakiž Maja 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) under local anaesthesia has almost replaced cold knife conisation in the treatment of cervical squamous intraepithelial dysplasia (SIL). Thermal artefacts in specimens after LLETZ may be so severe, that they prevent histopathological interpretation and evaluation of the radicality of the procedure. There are limited data regarding the prevalence of severe thermal artefacts after LLETZ and their clinical relevance regarding the need for reoperation.
Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 314 consecutive patients who were treated with LLETZ or cold knife conisation for cervical SIL in 2016 at our clinic. The primary outcome of the study was to determine the prevalence of severely damaged surgical margins after LLETZ and if these thermal artefacts can predict residual disease or the need for reoperation. The secondary outcome was the prevalence of postoperative and short–term complications.
Results: Three hundred and fourteen women underwent surgery for cervical SIL. In 95.2% of cases, we performed LLETZ, and 89.3% of women had this procedure under local anaesthesia. The reoperation rate was 3.8%. Positive or inconclusive margins were present in 20.4% of specimens. In 10.7% of allLLETZ cases, thermal artefacts were so severe that they interfered with histopathological interpretation. However, only one of these patients needed reoperation. Postoperative vaginal discharge and mild bleeding requiring therapeutic intervention occurred in 4.7% and 6.7% of cases, respectively.
Conclusion: Although approximately 10% of patients had severe thermally damaged margins after LLETZ, only 3% required reoperation. In our experience, severely damaged margins were not associated with higher reoperation rate. On the other hand, a carefully planned follow–up visit with cytology, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and colposcopy with biopsy after the procedure is of utmost importance in the evaluation of residual disease.
Evaluation of successful treatment of patients with unilateral functional crossbite
Authors: Fekonja Anita , Šijanec Kebrič Jasmina 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Unilateral functional crossbite (UFCB) is one of the most common malocclusions in the deciduous and early mixed dentition stage. It is accompanied by lateral mandibular shift and mandibular midline deviation due to the narrow maxillary dental arch. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of early correction of UFCB with the Fränkel (FR–3) functional regulator.
Methods: Ninety Caucasian subjects (32 boys and 58 girls) with UFCB in the early mixed dentition stage (mean age, 6 years and 8 months (SD±1.8)) were treated with the FR–3 functional regulator and monitored. The diagnosis was based on anamnestic data, clinical examinations, radiographs, and analyses of study cast models. Dental casts taken before and after treatment were used in the analysis of effects.
Results: Treatment of UFCB involved expansion of the maxillary arch, removal of occlusal interferences, and elimination of the functional shift. The width of the maxilla increased by 2.90 mm (SD±1.63) in the canine region and by 2.78 mm (SD±1.60) in the molar region. Another advantage of early treatment was improvement of maxillary arch length deficiency secondary to maxillary constriction because the permanent incisors were afforded more space before or during eruption than if the crossbite was treated at a later age. At least one abnormal orofacial function was identified in 69 (76,67%) patients with UFCB. Aftertreatment, all crossbites were corrected, functional deviations were eliminated, and no relapses were observed during follow–up at 2 years and 8 months.
Conclusion: The Fränkel functional regulator is a functional orthodontic–orthopedic device that is an effective alternative for the treatment of UFCB. Dental occlusion was significantly improved, and the prognosis for normal craniofacial growth and normal function of the stomatognathic system was enhanced.
Detection of aneuploidy using multiplex ligation–dependent probe amplification in fetal tissues from aborted pregnancies
Authors: Zagradišnik Boris , Stangler Herodež Špela , Erjavec-Škerget Alenka , Zagorac Andreja , Kokalj-Vokač Nadja 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: About 10-15% of all pregnancies terminate as spontaneous miscarriages. In the first trimester, ≈50% of spontaneous miscarriages are the result of chromosomal aberrations, mostly chromosomal aneuploidies. Cytogenetic analyses are used to confirm aneuploidy in failed pregnancies. Culture failure or poor-quality chromosomes are often problems in those cases. In such situations, methods that are independent of tissue culture are used, and we employed multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). We determined if MLPA is an appropriate and compatible method compared with classical cytogenetic analyses on fetal tissues.
Methods: All fetal samples received from spontaneous abortions were cultured, karyotyped (if possible) and genomic DNA extracted. MLPA analyses were undertaken using subtelomeric probe kits. Additionally, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to confirm aneuploidy detected by MLPA in cases of failed culture growth.
Results: MLPA analyses confirmed an unbalanced chromosome abnormality identified by cytogenetic analyses in all cases in which tissue culture was successful, and provided data in cases of failed culture growth. Several common numeric chromosome aberrations were detected, as well as rare trisomies and other unbalanced chromosome rearrangements.
Conclusions: MLPA analyses can provide information about the karyotype of a DNA sample if cytogenetic analyses are not possible because of a lack of viable cells or if only a small amount of genomic DNA is available. Th
Clostridium difficile toxin B induces morphological changes consistent with autophagy in the human adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29)
Authors: Zemljič Mateja , Lipovšek Saška 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Toxin B (TcdB) is a product of the bacteria Clostridium difficile, and can trigger apoptosis or necrosis. In the present manuscript, we proposed that TcdBVPI and TcdB8864 would cause morphological changes in cultured cells that are characteristic of autophagy, a constitutive cellular event closely linked with apoptosis or necrosis.
Methods: We examined an in vitro model of cultured HT-29 cells to determine the occurrence of autophagy. The cells were incubated separately with TcdBVPI and TcdB8864 for 2 to 24 hours, and then examined using transmission electron microscopy.
Results: In HT-29 cells, ultrastructural changes were observed following 8 hours of treatment with TcdBVPI and TcdB8864. Upon exposure to both toxins, complex changes occurred that affected the cellular framework, including the dilated regions of the granular endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, as well as electron-lucent and electron-dense autophagosome-like structures. Additionally, lipid droplets were present in the cytoplasm of HT-29 cells.
Conclusion: Our findings indicate that TcdBVPI and TcdB8864 indeed induce ultrastructural changes in HT-29 cells. The presence of these autophagic structures in the cytoplasm of the HT-29 cells suggests that autophagy may be induced during treatment by both toxins. Therefore, this effect could represent an important protective mechanism for cell survival.
Neonatal mortality in the Maribor region (1997–2008)
Authors: Burja Silva , Treiber Milena , Tekauc-Golob Andreja , Takač Iztok , Hajdinjak Dušanka , Gajšek-Marchetti Marijana , Mičetić-Turk Dušica 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To provide a summary of neonatal mortality data for a group of 24,044 live births in the Maribor Department of Perinatology between 1997 and 2008.
Methods: The National Perinatal Informational System (NPIS) cohort files for 1997–2008 were used for this study. Data are presented using cohorts based on dates of birth and death. The University Clinical Center serves the population of northeastern Slovenia, with 24,044 live births in this 12-year period. Yearly cohorts of neonatal deaths were analyzed by gestational age (GA) distribution, birth weight (BW) distribution, age at death, and cause of death.
Results: The average neonatal mortality rate in the 12-year investigated group was 2.2 per 1000 live births with a GA of 28-42 weeks and 4.7 per 1000 live births with a GA of 22-42 weeks. The smallest group, with an extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g), accounted for approximately 50% of all neonatal deaths, newborns weighing 1000-1500 g accounted for approximately 20% of all neonatal deaths, the group with a BW of 1500-2500 g accounted for 10% of neonatal deaths, and newborns weighing >2500 g accounted for approximately 20% of all neonatal deaths. The largest percentage of neonatal deaths was deaths due to immaturity, and represented 54% of all reported deaths during the investigated period.
Conclusion: Oscillations in neonatal mortality rates during the 12 years first occurred in 1997-2005 in direct connection with the number of extremely premature newborns. In the last 4 years of the 12 years we observed a new and better quality indicator, i.e., a lower neonatal mortality rate in spite of the increased preterm delivery rate. Analysis of quality indicators in perinatology should be part of routine clinical care.