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The utility of the MELD score in predicting mortality following liver resection for metastasis. Eur J Surg Oncol 2016; 42:1568-75. [PMID: 27365199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2016.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The MELD score has been demonstrated to be predictive of hepatectomy outcomes in mixed patient samples of primary and secondary liver cancers. Because MELD is a measure of hepatic dysfunction, prior conclusions may rely on the high prevalence of cirrhosis observed with primary lesions. This study aims to evaluate MELD score as a predictor of mortality and develop a risk prediction model for patients specifically undergoing hepatic metastasectomy. METHODS ACS-NSQIP 2005-2013 was analyzed to select patients who had undergone liver resections for metastases. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined the MELD score most associated with 30-day mortality. A literature review identified variables that impact hepatectomy outcomes. Significant factors were included in a multivariable analysis (MVA). A risk calculator was derived from the final multivariable model. RESULTS Among the 14,919 patients assessed, the mortality rate was 2.7%, and the median MELD was 7.3 (range = 34.4). A MELD of 7.24 was identified by ROC (sensitivity = 81%, specificity = 51%, c-statistic = 0.71). Of all patients above this threshold, 4.4% died at 30 days vs. 1.1% in the group ≤7.24. This faction represented 50.1% of the population but accounted for 80.3% of all deaths (p < 0.001). The MVA revealed mortality to be increased 2.6-times (OR = 2.55, 95%CI 1.69-3.84, p < 0.001). A risk calculator was successfully developed and validated. CONCLUSIONS MELD>7.24 is an important predictor of death following hepatectomy for metastasis and may prompt a detailed assessment with the provided risk calculator. Attention to MELD in the preoperative setting will improve treatment planning and patient education prior to oncologic liver resection.
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Diagnostic accuracy of diffusion tensor imaging for pediatric cervical spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2013; 51:532-7. [PMID: 23608812 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2013.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional non-experimental study. OBJECTIVES To examine diagnostic accuracy of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for pediatric spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING Pediatric Orthopedic Hospital. METHODS Thirty-five subjects, 10 SCI and 25 controls, mean age 13.38 years underwent two scans with 3.0 T MR scanner. Fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) values were calculated. Subjects with SCI underwent examination of muscle strength, sensation and sacral sparing. Mean and s.d. values for FA, AD and RD were compared by group (controls, SCI with sacral sparing, SCI without sacral sparing) using analysis of variance for repeated measures. Comparisons were also made of DTI values at the injury site to values from cervical regions outside of the injury site. Specificity, sensitivity, receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (ROC AUC) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Resampling methods were used to validate the estimates from the final models. RESULTS FA values differed among SCI subjects with intact sacral sparing, absent sacral sparing and controls, P<0.003 (adjusted). DTI values in combination showed the strongest diagnostic accuracy for predicting the presence of anal contraction (AD, RD; ROC AUC=0.90), deep anal pressure (FA; ROC AUC=0.88), S4-5 sensation (FA, RD; ROC AUC=0.93), motor level (FA, AD, RD; ROC AUC=0.92) and MRI level (FA, AD, RD; ROC AUC=0.92). Bootstrap and Jackknife median values indicated consistency of the parameter estimates. CONCLUSION The predictive accuracy of DTI for sacral sparing end points and motor and MRI level of injury was good to strong.
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Assisted closure of fasciotomy wounds: A descriptive series and caution in patients with vascular injury. Bone Joint Res 2012; 1:31-5. [PMID: 23610668 PMCID: PMC3626192 DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.13.2000022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and vessel loop assisted
closure are two common methods used to assist with the closure of
fasciotomy wounds. This retrospective review compares these two
methods using a primary outcome measurement of skin graft requirement. Methods A retrospective search was performed to identify patients who
underwent fasciotomy at our institution. Patient demographics, location
of the fasciotomy, type of assisted closure, injury characteristics,
need for skin graft, length of stay and evidence of infection within
90 days were recorded. Results A total of 56 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these,
49 underwent vessel loop closure and seven underwent NPWT assisted
closure. Patients who underwent NPWT assisted closure were at higher
risk for requiring skin grafting than patients who underwent vessel
loop closure, with an odds ratio of 5.9 (95% confidence interval
1.11 to 31.24). There was no difference in the rate of infection
or length of stay between the two groups. Demographic factors such
as age, gender, fracture mechanism, location of fasciotomy and presence
of open fracture were not predictive of the need for skin grafting. Conclusion This retrospective descriptive case series demonstrates an increased
risk of skin grafting in patients who underwent fasciotomy and were
treated with NPWT assisted wound closure. In our series, vessel
loop closure was protective against the need for skin grafting.
Due to the small sample size in the NPWT group, caution should be
taken when generalising these results. Further research is needed
to determine if NPWT assisted closure of fasciotomy wounds truly
leads to an increased requirement for skin grafting, or if the vascular
injury is the main risk factor.
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Randomized controlled trial assessing participation and quality of life in a supported speed treadmill training exercise program vs. a strengthening program for children with cerebral palsy. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2012; 5:75-88. [PMID: 22699098 DOI: 10.3233/prm-2012-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A multi-site Randomized-Controlled Trial compared a home-based Supported Speed Treadmill Training Exercise Program (SSTTEP) with a strengthening exercise program in children with cerebral palsy (CP) on the following categories; Participation, quality of life (QOL), self-concept, goal attainment, and satisfaction. DESIGN Twenty-six children with spastic cerebral palsy were assigned by site-based block randomization to the SSTTEP (n=14) or strengthening exercise (n=12) group. Both groups participated in a two week clinic-based induction period and continued the intervention at home for ten weeks. Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention (12 weeks), and follow-up (16 weeks). Assessments included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment Scale, Pediatric Quality of Life Cerebral Palsy Module, and Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. Evaluators were blinded to group assignment at two sites. RESULTS Satisfaction and performance on individual goals, participation, and parent-reported QOL improved in both groups with improvement maintained for four weeks post intervention. CONCLUSION The hypothesis that the SSTTEP group would have better outcomes than the exercise group was not supported. However, both groups showed that children with CP can make gains in participation, individual goals, and satisfaction following a 12-week intensive exercise intervention, and these findings persisted for four weeks post intervention.
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The International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury: relationship between S4-5 dermatome testing and anorectal testing. Spinal Cord 2010; 49:352-6. [PMID: 21042330 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2010.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Prospective cross-sectional multicenter study. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the correlation, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of S4-5 dermatome and the anorectal examination for determination of sacral sparing in the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) examination. SETTING Two tertiary hospitals that specialize in pediatric spinal cord injuries. METHODS In all, 189 patients who were at minimum 3 month after spinal cord injury participated in complete ISNCSCI examinations. All examiners completed training for the proper completion of the ISNCSCI examination. Correlations and sensitivity/specificity analyses were conducted between S4-5 dermatome testing and the anorectal examination. Results were analyzed by age of patient, examiner, tetraplegia/paraplegia classification and injury level (T10-S3, L1-S3 and S3). RESULTS The correlation between S4-5 dermatome and anorectal sensation was moderate (0.62, P<0.001). Using the anorectal examination as the gold standard, the sensitivity of S4-5 testing was 0.60 (0.49, 70) and specificity was 0.96 (0.90, 0.99). No single age group, tester, level, or type of injury differed from the overall result. CONCLUSION In the pediatric population, the correlation between S4-5 and anorectal sensation was lower than anticipated. The sensitivity of 0.62 for S4-5 testing and diminished sensation between T10 and S3 suggests that anorectal testing may either be a more sensitive representation of S4-5 function or activate an alternative neuronal pathway that is perceived by the patient. Further investigation into the validity of the sacral sparing components of the ISNCSCI examination is warranted.
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Right ventricular beneficial effects of intracoronary SERCA2a gene transfer in an experimental model of heart failure. Folia Biol (Praha) 2010; 56:1-8. [PMID: 20163775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
SERCA2a gene transfer ameliorates heart failure pathologic processes in left ventricular myocardium. We sought to assess the simultaneous molecular changes that occur in the right ventricle. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent aortic banding and were followed by echocardiography for development of heart failure. After a decrease in fractional shortening of 25 % from baseline, intracoronary injection of adenoviral-SERCA2a or adenoviral-beta-galactosidase was performed. Successful gene transfer was confirmed by immunoblotting. Rats were randomly euthanized on post-operative day 7 or 21. Protein analysis including right ventricular levels of SERCA2a, betaARK1, inflammatory mediators (IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha), apoptotic markers (Bax, Bak and Bcl-2) and MAPK (Jnk, p38 and Erk) was performed. Adenoviral-SERCA2a-treated animals showed increased right ventricular expression of SERCA2a compared with controls. Decreased levels of inflammatory markers were also demonstrated in this group. Expression of pro-apoptotic markers was similarly improved. Levels of MAPK were increased compared with the control group. These differences were most significant 7 days after gene transfer, but the majority of these changes persisted at 21 days. These results suggest that attenuation of pathologic mechanisms of calcium cycling, inflammation and apoptosis also occur in the right ventricular myocardium after SERCA2a gene transfer during heart failure. These findings support a therapeutic role for genetic manipulation of this pathway in patients with right ventricular or biventricular failure.
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Outcomes after emergency department thoracotomy for penetrating cardiac injuries: a new perspective. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2008; 7:845-8. [DOI: 10.1510/icvts.2008.183293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Abstract
Endothelial cell migration is critical for proper blood vessel development. Signals from growth factors and matrix proteins are integrated through focal adhesion proteins to alter cell migration. Hydrogen peroxide-inducible clone 5 (Hic-5), a paxillin family member, is enriched in the focal adhesions in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial (BPAE) cells, which migrate to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on denatured collagen. In this study, we investigate the role of Hic-5 in LPA-stimulated endothelial cell migration. LPA recruits Hic-5 to the focal adhesions and to the pseudopodia in BPAE cells plated on collagen, suggesting that recruitment of Hic-5 to focal adhesions is associated with endothelial cell migration. Knockdown of endogenous Hic-5 significantly decreases migration toward LPA, confirming involvement of Hic-5 in migration. To address the role of Hic-5 in endothelial cell migration, we exogenously expressed wild-type (WT) Hic-5 and green fluorescent protein Hic-5 C369A/C372A (LIM3 mutant) constructs in BPAE cells. WT Hic-5 expression increases chemotaxis of BPAE cells to LPA, whereas migration toward LPA of the green fluorescent protein Hic-5 C369A/C372A-expressing cells is similar to that shown in vector control cells. Additionally, ERK phosphorylation is enhanced in the presence of LPA in WT Hic-5 cells. A pharmacological inhibitor of MEK activity inhibits LPA-stimulated WT Hic-5 cell migration and ERK phosphorylation, suggesting Hic-5 enhances migration via MEK activation of ERK. Together, these studies indicate that Hic-5, a focal adhesion protein in endothelial cells, is recruited to the pseudopodia in the presence of LPA and enhances migration.
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review. OBJECTIVES To identify relationships between lower extremity innervation and level of injury, mechanism of injury, and age at injury in a pediatric population with spinal cord injury (SCI). Secondarily, relationships between innervation and completeness of injury, time since injury, race, and sex were evaluated. SETTING Pediatric orthopedic referral hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. METHODS Records of 190 subjects, ages 1-21 years, were reviewed. Data collected from the medical record included lower extremity muscle innervation, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) level and class, mechanism of injury, age at injury, time since injury, race, and sex. To determine innervation, lower extremity muscles had been tested using surface electrical stimulation and identified as being innervated or denervated. If a muscle responded weakly, strength duration testing was performed. For analysis via logistic regression, subjects were grouped based upon level and mechanism of injury. RESULTS A relationship (P<0.0001) was found between ASIA level and lower extremity innervation of all muscles and between length of time since injury and lower extremity innervation for some muscles. Following multiple logistic regression, only ASIA level remained as an independent predictor of lower extremity innervation status. CONCLUSION Our results show that lower extremity innervation does differ based on the level of the injury. Denervation began to be seen with injuries in the lower thoracic region and more predominantly with injuries in the lumbar region. This supports our hypothesis that the incidence of lower motor neuron injuries would increase as injuries became more caudal. Our hypotheses of a relationship between innervation status and mechanism of injury and age at injury were not supported. This information is important in determining treatment strategies, eligibility for electrical stimulation techniques, and potential regenerative strategies. SPONSORSHIP This study was funded by Shriners Hospitals for Children, Grant #8530.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are lipids that bind G-protein coupled receptors and differentially promote transmigration of endothelial cells. OBJECTIVE To determine if endothelial cell transmigration stimulated by LPA, not S1P, is dependent on the extracellular matrix. METHODS Bovine pulmonary artery (BPAE) endothelial cell transmigration and locomotion were measured using a modified-Boyden chamber and video microscopy, respectively. Results were related to strength of adhesion and characteristics of cell adhesive contacts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS BPAEs responded to LPA by transmigration through gelatin- or collagen-coated filters, but not through fibronectin-, vitronectin-, or fibrinogen-coated filters. Fewer cells adhered to collagen or gelatin than to fibronectin in a static cell adhesion assay or after application of a g-force to detach cells. Video microscopy revealed that S1P stimulates large lamellipodia on two-dimensional fibronectin substrate. LPA stimulated lamellipodia on fibronectin, but the trailing edge remained attached, resulting in sting ray-shaped cells in video microscopy. LPA-treated cells on gelatin released the trailing edge. To understand how the extracellular matrix may regulate endothelial cell shape during movement, we surveyed changes in focal adhesion proteins. More Hic-5, a paxillin homolog, was detected in the detergent insoluble fraction of BPAEs attached to gelatin than fibronectin. No such difference was found in paxillin. In BPAEs, Hic-5 was localized to smaller punctate structures on fibronectin and longer, thinner focal adhesions on gelatin. These results indicated that localization of Hic-5 and strength of adhesion correlate with endothelial cell transmigration stimulated by LPA, but not with transmigration stimulated by S1P.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether diltiazem therapy decreases proteinuria during pregnancy in women with chronic renal disease, resulting in decreased risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery and intrauterine fetal growth restriction. METHODS We undertook retrospective data collection by chart review of pregnant women with chronic renal disease. Women treated with and without diltiazem were compared by independent t test analysis. RESULTS Seven women were eligible for inclusion in the study. Individual patient trends revealed decreased or attenuated increase in proteinuria across gestation with diltiazem therapy. Mean arterial pressure was also decreased in the therapy group compared to increased pressure in the third trimester in the group with no therapy. The incidence of fetal growth restriction and need for labor induction were lower in the diltiazem-treated group. CONCLUSIONS Diltiazem, a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, decreases proteinuria and preserves renal structure and function and should be considered an alternative to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in pregnancy in women with chronic renal disease.
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Current practice patterns for adult perioperative transesophageal echocardiography in the United States. Anesthesiology 2001; 95:1507-12. [PMID: 11748412 DOI: 10.1097/00000542-200112000-00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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The effect of muscle hypoperfusion-hyperemia on repetitive vertical jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 2001; 15:446-9. [PMID: 11726255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in skeletal muscle blood flow can greatly influence exercise performance. Brief periods of arterial hypoperfusion and subsequent hyperemia (hypoperfusion-hyperemia) have been shown to decrease the rate of skeletal muscle fatigue in a model of repeated, isometric wrist flexion exercise. However, the mechanism by which hypoperfusion-hyperemia influences dynamic motor skills remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of brief hypoperfusion-hyperemia (by femoral cuff occlusion) on repetitive vertical jump performance. Recreationally trained men and women (n = 10, mean +/- SD age, 25 +/- 2 years), performed 2 randomly assigned jumping trials, each consisting of 40 maximal effort vertical jumps. Jump height was videotaped on a Sony digital video recorder and analyzed with the Scion Images program. Trial 1 consisted of 40 vertical jumps without femoral artery occlusion. Trial 2 consisted of 40 vertical jumps preceded by femoral artery cuff occlusion for 90 seconds at 200 mm Hg, followed by 10 seconds of hyperemia before jumping. For both trials, the rate of decline in power output in men and women was approximately 20%. Hypoperfusion-hyperemia had no significant effect on vertical jumping power output, perhaps because additional muscle groups used to jump vertically (e.g., gluteals and arms) were not occluded. These results warrant further research on the effect of hypoperfusion-hyperemia on strength and power measures.
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Differential effects of acetaminophen pretreatment on hepatic aflatoxin B(1)-DNA binding, cellular proliferation, and aflatoxin B1-induced hepatic foci in rats and hamsters. Cancer Lett 2001; 170:117-24. [PMID: 11463488 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3835(01)00594-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Effects of acetaminophen (AAP) pretreatment on hepatic aflatoxin B1 (AFB(1))-DNA binding, cellular proliferation, and AFB(1)-induced glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) positive hepatocytes and foci have been examined in young male rats and hamsters. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) dosing of 600mg AAP 3h before AFB(1) i.p. injection showed three-fold more AFB(1)-DNA binding in hamsters and 40% less binding in rats. Cell proliferation analyzed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation was not significant (0.4-0.6%) 24-96h after AAP (600mg) treatment of rats; however, proliferation was stimulated and was maximum (11%) in hamsters at 72h after AAP treatment. Dosing of rats with AFB(1) alone at 0.5 or 2.5mg level gave an appreciable number of GST-P positive minifoci (two to nine cells) with a few foci larger than 100 microm; pretreatment with AAP (300 or 600mg) 48h before 0.5 or 2.5mg AFB(1) had no effect on the number and focal area of foci. In hamsters, 1 or 2mg AFB(1) alone yielded GST-P positive hepatocytes without any minifoci. Pretreatment with AAP (600mg) 48 or 72h before 1 or 2mg AFB(1) produced increases in both GST-P positive hepatocytes and minifoci. Thus, marked changes are observed after AAP pretreatment in hamsters compared to rats.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognizing that mechanical circulatory support with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) induces changes in myocardial structure and contractile function, we examined whether there are changes in ventricular conduction and/or repolarization among failing human hearts after LVAD implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined 12-lead electrocardiograms before surgery, immediately after LVAD placement, and at a delayed (>1 week) postoperative time point in 23 patients who were receiving LVAD support for refractory heart failure. The immediate effects of hemodynamic unloading via LVAD placement included a decrease in QRS duration from 117+/-6 to 103+/-6 ms (P<0.01), an increase in absolute QT duration from 359+/-6 to 378+/-8 ms (P<0.05), and an increase in the heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) from 379+/-10 to 504+/-11 ms (P<0.01). None of these immediate changes were observed among 22 patients undergoing routine coronary artery bypass grafting. With sustained cardiac unloading via LVAD support, there was a marked decrease in the QTc from 504+/-11 to 445+/-9 ms (P<0.001). Studies in isolated cardiac myocytes, obtained at the time of transplantation, confirmed that delayed decreases in heart rate-adjusted QTc were the result of decreases in action potential duration after LVAD support. CONCLUSIONS Acute electrocardiogram responses to LVAD placement demonstrate the dependence of QRS and QT duration on load in the failing human heart. Delayed decreases in QTc and action potential duration reflect reversal of electrophysiologic remodeling in the failing heart. Shortening of the action potential duration likely contributes to the improved cellular contractile performance observed after sustained LVAD support.
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Patients with end-stage congestive heart failure treated with beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists have improved ventricular myocyte calcium regulatory protein abundance. Circulation 2001; 104:1012-8. [PMID: 11524394 DOI: 10.1161/hc3401.095073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in Ca(2+)-handling proteins are thought to underlie the deranged Ca(2+) transients that contribute to deterioration of cardiac function in congestive heart failure (CHF). Clinical trials in CHF patients have shown that treatment with beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (betaB) improves cardiac performance. The present study determined whether the abundance of Ca(2+)-handling proteins is different in failing hearts from patients treated or untreated with beta B. METHODS AND RESULTS Ca(2+) regulatory protein abundance was compared in LV myocardium of 10 nonfailing hearts (NF group) and 44 failing hearts (CHF group) removed at transplantation. Analysis was performed in betaB-treated (betaB-CHF) and non-betaB treated (non-betaB-CHF) patients and in 4 subgroups: ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM, n=10), nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n=10), ICM with betaB therapy (betaB-ICM, n=12), and DCM with betaB therapy (betaB-DCM, n=12). Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase, phospholamban, and Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger protein abundance were determined by use of Western blot analysis. Ca(2+) transients were measured with fluo-3. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase was significantly less abundant whereas phospholamban and Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger were not significantly altered in non-betaB-CHF versus NF. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase in the betaB-ICM and betaB-DCM was greater than in non-betaB-CHF and were not different than in NF. Ca(2+) transients in non-betaB-CHF myocytes had significantly smaller peaks and were prolonged versus NF myocytes. Ca(2+) transients from betaB-CHF myocytes had shorter durations than in betaB-CHF myocytes. CONCLUSIONS betaB treatment in CHF patients can normalize the abundance of myocyte Ca(2+) regulatory proteins and improve Ca(2+)-handling.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between coin size, coin location, patient age, and patient weight and likelihood of coin passage through the esophagus following pediatric coin ingestion. A secondary objective is to test the hypothesis that coin denomination can be determined based on radiographic appearance. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all children seen and evaluated for coin ingestion at a single institution over a 25-month period. Outcome measures included the number of coins that were retained in the esophagus, and the number that passed. Various factors were assessed for their predictive value in judging outcome in coin ingestion cases. RESULTS Nineteen percent of patients (15/79) in the study passed their ingested coins. Coin denomination could be accurately determined on every patient that had a standard AP or lateral X-ray film. These findings were marked when compared with the lack of reliability of history in determining coin denomination. Patients who passed coins were as a group older (4.6 vs. 3.2 year, P=0.04), but did not differ significantly by weight (19.5 vs. 15.4 kg, P=0.07) from those that retained the coins. Coins located at the gastroesophageal junction had a significantly higher passage rate than coins located elsewhere in the esophagus (89 vs. 8.2%, P<0.01). Coin size was not predictive of coin passage (P=0.7 by chi(2)). CONCLUSIONS Radiographic assessment of coin denomination is reliable, but in this study could not be used to predict coin passage. Patient age and coin location at the gastroesophageal junction, however, do correlate with this event.
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Economic consequences of alterations in platelet transfusion dose: analysis of a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. Transfusion 2000; 40:1457-62. [PMID: 11134564 DOI: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2000.40121457.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, decreasing financial resources led to the use of lower-dose platelet components. However, the economic consequences of the use of such components have not been carefully studied. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A formal economic analysis was conducted of a recently reported, prospective, randomized, double-blind study examining the platelet dose-response relationship in nonrefractory patients. The economic analysis used a decision analysis model, conducted from the hospital's perspective and based directly on the observed clinical data and on institutional cost structures. RESULTS The decision analysis model estimated that a 38-percent reduction in mean platelet dose, within the commonly prescribed dose range, would result in the average patient's requiring approximately 60 percent more transfusions in the posttransplant period (8 vs. 5; p = 0.05), which would result in an estimated 60-percent increase in the median cost to the hospital ($4486/patient vs. $2804/patient [in 1996 US dollars], p = 0.05). CONCLUSION Efforts to decrease costs by utilizing lower-dose single-donor platelet transfusions are predicted to result in a disproportionate increase in the number of transfusions per patient, with a corresponding increase in overall hospital transfusion costs.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the risk of urinary tract infections in women with bacterial vaginosis. METHODS One hundred twenty-nine women who presented for routine gynecologic examinations were evaluated for bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections between June 1998 and March 1999. RESULTS Sixty-seven women had bacterial vaginosis and 62 women did not. Fifteen women with bacterial vaginosis (22.4%) had urinary tract infections, compared with six (9.7%) of those without it. Bacterial vaginosis was associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infections (odds ratio 2.79; 95% confidence interval 1.05, 8.33). CONCLUSION Women with bacterial vaginosis are at increased risk for urinary tract infections.
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Abstract
Reduced peak systolic Ca2+ and slow decay of the Ca2+ transient are common features of the end-stage failing human ventricular myocyte and are thought to underlie abnormal ventricular contractility in congestive heart failure (CHF). Individual changes in the expression or activity of Ca2+ transport proteins of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR Ca2+ ATPase, SERCa) or the sarcolemmal (sodium-calcium exchanger, NCX) have not always been observed in CHF and cannot per se consistently explain these Ca2+ transient defects. We review recent data that suggests that the normal balance of transport activities of SERCa and NCX is deranged in failing human myocytes. We hypothesize that an increase in the NCX/SERCa transport capacity in failing myocytes can explain the abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis of the failing human ventricular myocyte.
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Voltage-dependent Ca2+ release from the SR of feline ventricular myocytes is explained by Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. J Physiol 2000; 523 Pt 3:533-48. [PMID: 10718736 PMCID: PMC2269826 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7793.2000.t01-1-00533.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
1. Direct voltage-gated (voltage-dependent Ca2+ release, VDCR) and Ca2+ influx-gated (Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release, CICR) sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release were studied in feline ventricular myocytes. The voltage-contraction relationship predicted by the VDCR hypothesis is sigmoidal with large contractions at potentials near the Ca2+ equilibrium potential (ECa). The relationship predicted by the CICR hypothesis is bell-shaped with no contraction at ECa. 2. The voltage dependence of contraction was measured in ventricular myocytes at physiological temperature (37 C), resting membrane potential and physiological [K+]. Experiments were performed with cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) in the pipette or in the presence of the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (isoprenaline; ISO). 3. The voltage-contraction relationship was bell-shaped in Na+-free solutions (to eliminate the Na+ current and Na+-Ca2+ exchange, NCX) but the relationship was broader than the L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L)-voltage relationship. 4. Contractions induced with voltage steps from normal resting potentials to -40 mV are thought to represent VDCR rather than CICR. We found that cAMP and ISO shifted the voltage dependence of ICa,L activation to more negative potentials so that ICa,L was always present with steps to -40 mV. ICa,L at -40 mV inactivated when the holding potential was decreased (VŁ = -57.8 +/- 0.49 mV). 5. ISO increased inward current, SR Ca2+ load and contraction in physiological [Na+] and a broad bell-shaped voltage-contraction relationship was observed. Inhibition of reverse-mode NCX, decreasing ICa,L and decreasing SR Ca2+ loading all decreased contractions at strongly positive potentials near ECa. 6. The voltage-contraction relationship in 200 microM cadmium (Cd2+) was bell-shaped, supporting a role of ICa,L rather than VDCR. 7. All results could be accounted for by the CICR hypothesis, and many results exclude the VDCR hypothesis.
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Role of polymorphisms in codons 143 and 160 of the O6-alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase gene in lung cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2000; 9:339-42. [PMID: 10750675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
O6-Alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) plays an important role in the repair of alkylating agent-induced DNA damage and protection from the carcinogenic effects of environmental agents. To examine the importance of the AGT codon 143 and codon 160 polymorphisms in risk for lung cancer and to assess the prevalence of these polymorphisms in different racial groups, we performed genotype analysis of lung cancer patients and matched controls. The prevalence of the AGT143Val allele in controls was 0.07 in Caucasians and 0.03 in African Americans. The AGT143Val allele was not detected in an unmatched Asian control cohort. The prevalence of the AGT160Arg variant allele was 0.01 in Caucasians, 0.02 in African Americans, and 0.03 in Asians. A marginally significant association was observed between the AGT codon 143 (isoleucine/valine) genotype and risk for lung cancer (odds ratio = 2.1; 95% confidence interval = 1.01-4.7). The prevalence of the AGT160Arg variant allele was similar in lung cancer cases versus matched controls. These results suggest that the AGT codon 143 polymorphism may play an important role in risk for lung cancer.
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Inhibition of tissue factor pathway during intermittent pneumatic compression: A possible mechanism for antithrombotic effect. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 1999; 19:2812-7. [PMID: 10559031 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.19.11.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices are an effective prophylaxis against lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. Their antithrombotic effect has been attributed to a reduction in venous stasis and enhanced fibrinolysis. The initiating mechanism for blood coagulation is the tissue factor (TF) dependent pathway, which is inhibited by tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). We have investigated the effect of IPC on the TF pathway in 6 normal subjects and 6 patients with postthrombotic venous disease undergoing IPC for 120 minutes; all subjects were studied with each of 5 IPC devices. In normal subjects and patients, plasma factor VIIa (FVIIa) activity (the activated form of factor VII [FVII]) declined from mean values ranging 51 to 65 and 50 to 53 mU/mL before IPC with different devices to 10 to 13 and 20 to 22 mU/mL at 180 minutes, respectively (P<0.001 for all groups). FVII antigen levels were unchanged. Plasma TFPI (P<0.001) rose from mean baseline values ranging 69 to 79 and 57 to 61 ng/mL to 76 to 123 and 71 to 79 ng/mL at 180 minutes in normal subjects and patients, respectively (P<0. 001 for all groups). Plasma prothrombin fragment F1.2 levels showed minimal changes. There was an inverse relationship between TFPI and FVIIa in normal subjects (r=-0.31, P=0.001) and patients (r=-0.37, P<0.001). IPC results in an increase in plasma TFPI and decline in FVIIa. Inhibition of TF pathway, the initiating mechanism of blood coagulation, is a possible mechanism for the antithrombotic effect of IPC.
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Clinical consequences of alterations in platelet transfusion dose: a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. Transfusion 1999; 39:674-81. [PMID: 10413273 DOI: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.1999.39070674.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dose-response relationship for platelet transfusion has become increasingly important as the use of platelet transfusion has grown. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS One hundred fifty-eight prophylactic apheresis platelet transfusions were administered to 46 patients undergoing high-dose therapy followed by hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, multiple-crossover study. Transfusions were administered in pairs, differing only in platelet content. Each pair consisted of a lower-dose platelet component (LDP) and a higher-dose platelet component (HDP) administered in random order to the same patient. LDPs contained a mean of 3.1 x 10(11) platelets (range, 2.3-3.5 x 10(11)), and HDPs contained a mean of 5.0 x 10(11) platelets (range, 4.5-6.1 x 10(11)). Patients with active bleeding and those who were refractory to platelet transfusions were excluded. RESULTS The mean posttransfusion platelet count increment with LDP was 17,010 per microL, and that with HDP was 31,057 per microL (p<0.0001). Only 37 percent of LDPs resulted in platelet count increments of at least 20,000 per microL, whereas 81 percent of HDPs resulted in increments above this level (p<0.0001). The mean transfusion-free interval with LDP was 2.16 days, whereas that with HDP was 3.03 days (p<0.01). Administration of LDPs was associated with a 39 to 82 percent increase in the relative risk (per day) of requiring subsequent platelet transfusions (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION As compared to the administration of HDPs, the administration of LDPs for prophylactic transfusion in hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant patients results in a lower platelet count increment, a lower likelihood of obtaining a posttransfusion platelet increment >20,000 per microL, a shorter transfusion-free interval, and a greater relative risk per day of requiring additional transfusions.
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Long-term outcome of infants with single ventricle and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999; 117:506-13; discussion 513-4. [PMID: 10047654 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5223(99)70330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND METHODS Between January 1, 1984, and December 1, 1997, 73 infants with functional single ventricle and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection were admitted to our institution. A retrospective review was undertaken to determine factors influencing survival. RESULTS Heterotaxy syndrome was present in 52 patients and hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 14. Obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection was present in 21 patients. The pulmonary venous connection was supracardiac in 32 patients, cardiac in 21 patients, infracardiac in 13, and mixed in 7. Twelve patients died before the operation. The remaining 61 patients underwent surgery at a median age of 5 days (range 1 day-2. 5 years). Overall survival was 45% at 6 months of age, 37% at 1 year, and 19% at 5 years. Survival for patients undergoing surgery was 54% at 6 months of age, 44% at 1 year, and 23% at 5 years. By univariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model, younger age at the time of the initial operation and repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection were predictors of mortality. Lung tissue from 14 patients was available for histologic examination. The pulmonary veins were dilated and wall thickness was increased. Increased muscularization of the arteries was seen in 11 patients. CONCLUSIONS The long-term prognosis for children undergoing staged reconstructive operations for single ventricle and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is poor. Early mortality is high and late death is a continuing risk. Development of the pulmonary vasculature, especially the pulmonary veins, is abnormal, even in children without clinical evidence of pulmonary venous obstruction.
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Nitric oxide mediates immunosuppression induced by Listeria monocytogenes infection: quantitative studies. Microb Pathog 1998; 25:267-77. [PMID: 9878455 DOI: 10.1006/mpat.1998.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Our laboratory has shown that immunization of mice with an attenuated strain of Salmonella typhimuriuminduces profound suppression in the capacity of splenocytes to mount an in vitro antibody plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and to proliferate in response to mitogens. In vitro addition of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, to cell cultures from Salmonella-immunized mice completely blocked suppression of the PFC responses, implicating that NO is the suppressor factor. The present study quantified the role of nitric oxide in immunosuppression induced by Listeria monocytogenes, a gram positive intracellular pathogen of macrophages. Listeria infection resulted in suppression of the PFC assay at inoculating doses of greater than 6.5x10(3)colony forming units, with no suppression observed at lower doses. Suppression correlated with increased nitrite production. Addition of NMMA to spleen cell cultures taken from Listeria-infected mice completely blocked suppression of the PFC response, and returned nitrite production to baseline levels. In regard to Listeria-induced suppression of responses to the mitogen, Concanavalin A (Con A), the parameters were different from those observed for the PFC response. There was a direct correlation between the log10of the inoculating dose of Listeria and degree of immunosuppression, with suppression observed at doses as low as 1x10(3)cells. Addition of NMMA to the Con A-stimulated cultures resulted in reduced nitrite levels, but only partial restoration of the proliferative responses. Co-culture of splenocytes from Listeria inoculated mice with normal splenocytes in media with NMMA and reduced levels of L-arginine resulted in complete reversal of suppressed responses to Con A. Similar differences in ease of reversing suppression of the PFC response, as compared with responses to Con A, were previously noted using cells taken from Salmonella-infected mice. The present results show that a gram positive intracellular pathogen of macrophages, L. monocytogenes, induces immunosuppression in mouse spleen cells by a nitric oxide mediated mechanism that closely parallels that induced by the gram negative pathogen, S. typhimurium.
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Electrophysiological properties of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes with alpha1-adrenergic-induced hypertrophy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY 1998; 275:H577-90. [PMID: 9683447 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.1998.275.2.h577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The electrophysiology of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes with and without hypertrophy has not been characterized. The alpha1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine induced hypertrophy in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. After 48 h of exposure to 20 microM phenylephrine, cell surface area of hypertrophied myocytes was 44% larger than control. Action potential duration was significantly longer in hypertrophy than in control. There was an increase in L-type Ca2+ current in control after 48 h in culture, but current density was significantly less in hypertrophy (-4.7 +/- 0.8 hypertrophy vs. -10.7 +/- 1.2 control pA/pF, n = 22, P < 0.05). T-type Ca2+ current density was not different. The alpha-adrenergic antagonist prazosin blocked the hypertrophy and the chronic effect of phenylephrine on L-type Ca2+ current. Transient outward K+ current density was decreased 70% in hypertrophy and was blocked with 4-aminopyridine. No change in Na+ current density was observed. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, eliminated the hypertrophy and the effect on L-type Ca2+ current. These studies showed that phenylephrine-induced hypertrophy occurred via the alpha1-adrenergic pathway and caused electrophysiological changes and effects on ion channel expression.
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Abstract
We examined the effects of two exercise training modalities, i.e., low-intensity endurance and sprint running, on in vitro, isovolumic myocardial performance following ischemia and reperfusion. Rats ran on a treadmill 5 d.wk-1 for 6 wk at the following levels: endurance; 20 m.min-1, 0% grade, 60 min.d-1 and sprint; five 1-min runs at 75 m.min-1, 15% grade interspersed with 1-min active recovery runs at 20 m.min-1, 15% grade. Both endurance and sprint training significantly improved exercise tolerance relative to control (P < 0.05) on two graded exercise tests. Buffer perfused hearts of control (N = 18), endurance (N = 20), and sprint (N = 13) trained animals underwent no-flow ischemia (20 min) and reperfusion (30 min) in a Langendorff mode. During reperfusion, left ventricular developed pressure and its first derivative were 20% higher in sprint (P < 0.05) than either endurance or control hearts. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was lowest in sprint during reperfusion (sprint, 10 +/- 1 mm Hg vs endurance, 14 +/- 2 mm Hg; and control, 14 +/- 2 mm Hg, at 30 min reperfusion). Hearts were then used for biochemical studies or dissociated into single cells for measurement of contraction, cell calcium, and action potential duration. Single cell contractions were greatest in sprint despite similar calcium transients in all groups. Ischemia/reperfusion caused action potential prolongation in control but not trained myocytes. Hearts from sprint had the greatest glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (P < 0.05) and a tendency towards increased superoxide dismutase activity. These results suggest that sprinting increases myocardial resistance to ischemia/reperfusion. This protection may be secondary to increased myofilament calcium sensitivity and/or myocardial expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.
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EFFECTS OF EXERCISE TRAINING ON THE ELECTRO-PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL FUNCTION OF ISOLATED MYOCYTES. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1995. [DOI: 10.1249/00005768-199505001-00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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