bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dyeing behaviour of hydrogenated indigo in electrochemically reduced dyebaths
Authors: Bechtold Thomas , Turcanu Aurora , Schrott Wolfgang
Published: October 2008

The dyeing behaviour of hydrogenated indigo, in electrochemically reduced dyebaths, was studied on cotton yarn with particular focus on dark shades. Indigo concentration in the dyebath was studied from 0.9 g l−1 indigo to 7 g l−1 to achieve indigo fixation near the level of dyestuff saturation. The number of repetitive cycles of immersion into the dyebath and air oxidation was increased up to eight dips. The highest K/S value at 660 nm was measured with K/S 31 at samples dyed with eight dips in a dyebath containing 1.8 g l−1 indigo and at a bath pH level of 11.7–12.1. When comparable amounts of indigo had been fixed on the yarn from baths containing 3.5 or 7 g l−1 indigo, K/S values decreased; however, darkness in terms of L* value increased. Analysis of the reflectance curves between 400 and 700 nm proved that the visually perceived increase in darkness was caused by lowered reflectance in the wavelength range of 400–525 nm. This also explains the more reddish, duller shade of indigo dyeings obtained from baths that contain a relatively high indigo concentration. Comparison to reference experiments confirmed that cathodic dyebath reduction does not modify the dyeing behaviour of indigo.
Prospective study of the Perigee system for the management of cystocoeles – Medium‐term follow up
Authors: RANE Ajay , KANNAN Kurinji , BARRY Christopher , BALAKRISHNAN Siva , LIM Yik , CORSTIAANS Audrey
Published: October 2008

Objectives:  The Perigee transobturator cystocoele repair system (AMS) was designed and first used in Townsville, Australia. This prospective study evaluates the efficacy and safety of this device for the management of cystocoeles.

Methods:   Patients who underwent surgery with the Perigee system between March 2004 and December 2005 were reviewed. Patients who consecutively presented to our clinic with a stage 3 cystocoele or above were given information regarding the Perigee mesh surgery. Those who consented were included in our study. The study involved a questionnaire and POPQ assessment pre‐ and postoperatively at six weeks, three months, six months, 12 months and subsequently biannually.

Results:  A total of 70 patients underwent surgery with the Perigee system between March 2004 and December 2005. There were no life‐threatening complications with the procedure. Five (7.1%) patients were found to have small mesh extrusion through the vagina, and three (4.28%) patients had recurrence of stage 2 cystocoele.

Discussion/Conclusion:  On medium‐term evaluation (18 to 36 months) of the Perigee system the results seem very encouraging. The morbidity is minimal, as is the recurrence and mesh extrusion rate.
Schedule effect and laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: CHANG Wei‐Chun , LIN Cheng‐Chieh , CHEN Lu‐Min , Wu Hong‐Dar Isaac , YEH Lian‐Shung , Lin Long‐Yau
Published: October 2008

Background:  Prolonged surgical workload and different starting times of laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) might be factors influencing surgical and patient's outcomes.

Aims:  The aim of this study is to elucidate possible detrimental results of the schedule effect on LAVH.

Methods:  Retrospective cohort study based on patient charts and hospital's electronic database in a tertiary teaching hospital. A total of 217 consecutive women who underwent LAVH for gynecological diseases were enrolled. Among them, 159 LAVHs performed by four surgeons were divided into three groups according to three different starting times of the operation. Among 159 LAVHs, 110 performed by the same surgeon were divided into three groups in the same way. Variables related to operative and medical outcomes were compared and analysed by one‐way anova and chi‐squared test.

Results:  Data on both all women (159 cases) and subgroup women (110 cases) revealed that no statistical significant differences among the three groups including length of hospital stay, shift of serum haemoglobin, shift of serum haematocrit, flatulence‐relief time, surgical blood loss, blood transfusion rate, rate of postoperative fluid injection over two days after surgery or complication rate. Interestingly, the first LAVH scheduled within the 08.30 to 10.29 hours time slot had the longest mean operation time. LAVHs starting within the 15.30 to 17.29 hours time slot had the shortest mean operation time.

Conclusion:  The time of day in which LAVH is performed does not have a detrimental effect on outcome. Successful LAVH is dependent on multidisciplinary team work to achieve good surgical and patient outcomes.
Prevalence of violence against pregnant women in Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: FAWOLE Adeniran Olubukola , HUNYINBO Kehinde Isaac , FAWOLE Olufunmilayo Ibitola
Published: October 2008

Aim:  To determine the prevalence of violence to pregnant women within 12 months prior to and during the current pregnancy.

Methods:  Cross‐sectional study of 534 pregnant women attending three secondary and one tertiary health facility in Abeokuta, Nigeria using semistructured interviewer‐administered questionnaires.

Results:  Prevalence of violence within 12 months prior to pregnancy was 14.2%. Polygamous union, low level of education in both woman and partner and consumption of alcohol by partners were significant (P < 0.05) risk factors of violence prior to pregnancy. Verbal abuse was the most common (66.2%) type of abuse. Others included flogging (10.8%), slaps (9.5%), threats of violence (6.8%) and forced sexual intercourse (2.7%). The perpetrators were often husbands (65.8%) and the parents (15.8%).

Some 2.3% of pregnant women had experienced violence during current pregnancy. Low level of education was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with experiencing violence during pregnancy. Although almost 25% of the pregnancies were unplanned, this was not significantly associated with experiencing violence (P > 0.05). There were similarities in the perpetrators and forms of violence experienced before and during pregnancy, with partners being the most common perpetrators.

Conclusion: Gender‐based violence is common in our environment. Health‐care providers should routinely screen for gender‐based violence during antenatal visits in order to protect the health of both mother and child.
Prevalence and correlates of dysmenorrhea among Nigerian college women
Authors: LOTO Olabisi M. , ADEWUMI Tomi A. , ADEWUYA Abiodun O.
Published: October 2008

The study assessed first year students in a Nigerian university (n = 409) for dysmenorrhea. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 53.3% and most students experienced pain at onset of menses. About half of the students reported that menstrual pain interferes with their normal daily activity. The independent predictors of dysmenorhea were longer days of menstrual flow, younger age at menarche and lower scores on extraversion scale. College health‐care providers should screen routinely for dysmenorrhea among students and offer treatment. As dysmenorrhea reportedly affects school performance and attendance, more attention should be devoted to providing health education on this topic to students.
What is the place of uterine artery embolisation in the management of symptomatic uterine fibroids?
Authors: HICKEY Martha , HAMMOND Ian
Published: October 2008

Background:  Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is an alternative to surgical management for symptomatic uterine fibroids and is increasingly performed in Australia.

Aims:  To review the evidence for the efficacy, safety and acceptability of UAE and to evaluate the place of UAE in Australia

Methods:  The study used literature review.

Results:  UAE compares favourably to hysterectomy and myomectomy in terms of short‐term symptom relief, cost, patient satisfaction and complications. There is a paucity of evidence regarding fertility and pregnancy after UAE. A significant minority of women require re‐intervention following UAE.

Conclusions:  UAE should be considered as an alternative to surgical management of symptomatic uterine fibroids in carefully selected and informed patients.
Violence during pregnancy: Associations with pregnancy intendedness, pregnancy‐related care, and alcohol and tobacco use among a representative sample of New Zealand women
Authors: FANSLOW Janet , SILVA Martha , ROBINSON Elizabeth , WHITEHEAD Anna
Published: October 2008

Aim:  To explore the extent of intimate partner violence during pregnancy and its association with pregnancy intendedness and pregnancy‐related behaviours among a representative sample of New Zealand women.

Methods:  Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 2391 women who had ever been pregnant, aged 18–64 years old in two regions (urban and rural) in New Zealand.

Results:  Six per cent of urban women and 9% of rural women had ever experienced violence during pregnancy; approximately 40% of these had experienced violence in more than one pregnancy. Women who had experienced violence in pregnancy, compared with those who had not, were less likely to report their last pregnancy had been wanted at that time (28% vs 55%), and less likely to report that their partner wanted the pregnancy (40% vs 57%). Antenatal and postnatal care attendance was almost universal during the last pregnancy. Women who had experienced violence during pregnancy were more likely to smoke tobacco during pregnancy (67% vs 22%, P < 0.0001), and more commonly, consumed alcohol (31% vs 20%, not significant). For the most recent pregnancy in which women had experienced violence, most was perpetrated by the child's biological father (96%), and most women (74%) reported that the same man had also beaten her before she was pregnant.

Conclusions:  Violence during pregnancy is a significant problem for New Zealand women, with negative health implications for both women and their children. Active intervention and support is necessary to mitigate potential consequences.
Antenatal topographical assessment of placenta accreta with ultrasound
Authors: WONG Hong Soo , ZUCCOLLO Jane , TAIT John , PRINGLE Kevin
Published: October 2008

The major risk of placenta accreta is severe haemorrhage when the placenta is separated at delivery. A case series of placenta accreta with antenatal sonographic topographical assessment of myometrial involvement is presented. The extent of myometrial involvement and the vascularity could be assessed by the observation of the extent of placental–uterine wall interface disruption and the vessels crossing the interface disruption sites. Such assessment results in strategic planning of management of the placenta at delivery with favourable pregnancy outcomes.
Evolution of an insect‐specific GROUCHO‐interaction motif in the ENGRAILED selector protein
Authors: Hittinger Chris Todd , Carroll Sean B.
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYAnimal morphology evolves through alterations in the genetic regulatory networks that control development. Regulatory connections are commonly added, subtracted, or modified via mutations incis‐regulatory elements, but several cases are also known where transcription factors have gained or lost activity‐modulating peptide motifs. In order to better assess the role of novel transcription factor peptide motifs in evolution, we searched for synapomorphic motifs in the homeotic selectors ofDrosophila melanogasterand related insects. Here, we describe an evolutionarily novel GROUCHO (GRO)‐interaction motif in the ENGRAILED (EN) selector protein. This “ehIFRPF” motif is not homologous to the previously characterized “engrailed homology 1” (eh1) GRO‐interaction motif of EN. This second motif is an insect‐specific “WRPW”‐type motif that has been maintained by purifying selection in at least the dipteran/lepidopteran lineage. We demonstrate that this motif contributes to in vivo repression of thewingless(wg) target gene and to interaction with GRO in vitro. The acquisition and conservation of this auxiliary peptide motif shows how the number and activity of short peptide motifs can evolve in transcription factors while existing regulatory functions are maintained.
Germ cell specification and early embryonic patterning inBombyx morias revealed bynanosorthologues
Authors: Nakao Hajime , Matsumoto Tomoko , Oba Yuichi , Niimi Teruyuki , Yaginuma Toshinobu
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYIn the silkmothBombyx mori, the germ cells first appear from the posterior ventral side of the egg (from within the mesodermal primordium) after blastoderm formation. This is in contrast toDrosophila, where germ cells appear at the posterior pole before cellular blastoderm formation. To date, germ plasm has not been found inB. mori. In this study, we describe the identification and expression pattern ofnanosfromB. mori, in which we recovered fournanosorthologues. One orthologue showed strong expression in embryonic germ cells, which was traced back to periplasmic granules dispersed on the ventral midline of the egg from the posterior–ventral focus of preblastoderm embryos. This suggests that, inB. mori, as in dipterans, germ cell formation depends on a localized determinant in the egg. The expression of another orthologue was observed in the posterior of the germ band. We speculate thatnanoshas dual functions; one in germ cell formation and the other in posterior body patterning, which is conferred by onenanosgene inDrosophila, but is assigned to different genes inB. mori.
Class 1 KNOX genes are not involved in shoot development in the moss Physcomitrella patens but do function in sporophyte development
Authors: Sakakibara Keiko , Nishiyama Tomoaki , Deguchi Hironori , Hasebe Mitsuyasu
Published: October 2008

SUMMARY
Although the number and form of metazoan organs are determined in the embryo, plants continuously form organs via pluripotent stem cells contained within the meristem. Flowering plants have an indeterminate meristem in their diploid generation, whereas the common ancestor of land plants is inferred to have formed an indeterminate meristem in its haploid generation, as observed in the extant basal land plants, bryophytes, including mosses. It is hypothesized that the underlying gene networks for the diploid meristem were initially present in the haploid generation of the basal land plants and were eventually co‐opted for expression in the diploid generation. In flowering plants, the class 1 KNOTTED1‐LIKE HOMEOBOX (KNOX) transcription factors are essential for the function of the indeterminate apical meristem. Here, we show that the class 1 KNOX orthologs function in the diploid organ, with determinate growth in the moss Physcomitrella patens, but do not function in the haploid indeterminate meristem. We propose that the genetic networks governing the indeterminate meristem in land plants are variable, and the networks governing the diploid indeterminate meristem with the class 1 KNOX genes likely evolved de novo in the flowering plant lineage.
Larval neurogenesis in Sabellaria alveolata reveals plasticity in polychaete neural patterning
Authors: Brinkmann Nora , Wanninger Andreas
Published: October 2008

SUMMARY
The investigation of neurogenesis in polychaetes not only facilitates insights into the developmental biology of this group, but also provides new data for phylogenetic analyses. This should eventually lead toward a better understanding of metazoan evolution including key issues such as the ontogenetic processes that underlie body segmentation. We here document the development of the larval nervous system in the polychaete Sabellaria alveolata using fluorescence‐coupled antibodies directed against serotonin, FMRFamide, and tubulin in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy and 3D reconstruction software. The overall pattern of neurogenesis in S. alveolata resembles the condition found in other planktonic polychaete trochophores where the larval neural body plan including a serotonergic prototroch nerve ring is directly followed by adult features of the nervous system such as circumesophageal connectives and paired ventral nerve cords. However, distinct features are also found in S. alveolata, such as the innervation of the apical organ with ring‐shaped neurons, the low number of immunoreactive perikarya, and the lack of a posterior serotonergic cell. Moreover, in the larvae of S. alveolata, two distinct modes of neuronal development are expressed, viz. the simultaneous formation of the first three segmental neurons of the peripheral nervous system on the one hand versus the sequential appearance of the ventral commissures on the other. This highlights the complex mechanisms that underlie annelid body segmentation and indicates divergent developmental pathways within polychaete annelids that lead to the segmented nervous system of the adult.
Once‐daily extended‐release levetiracetam as adjunctive treatment of partial‐onset seizures in patients with epilepsy: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Peltola Jukka , Coetzee Christo , Jiménez Fiacro , Litovchenko Tetyana , Ramaratnam Sridharan , Zaslavaskiy Leonid , Lu Zhihong (Sarah) , Sykes Deanne M. ,   Levetiracetam XR N01235 Study Group
Published: October 2008

Purpose: Double‐blind randomized trial to assess efficacy and tolerability of once‐daily extended‐release levetiracetam (LEV XR) tablets (2 × 500 mg) as add‐on therapy in patients (12–70 years old) with partial‐onset seizures (POS) refractory to one to three antiepileptic drugs.

Methods: After an 8‐week prospective baseline‐period, eligible patients were randomized (1:1) to once‐daily LEV XR 1,000 mg/day or placebo for 12 weeks. Evaluations included changes from baseline in POS‐frequency/week, responders (≥50% reduction in POS‐frequency/week), seizure‐freedom, adverse events, laboratory tests, physical and neurologic examinations, vital signs, body‐weight, and 12‐lead electrocardiogram.

Results: Of 188 patients screened, 158 were randomized (intention‐to‐treat population): LEV XR (n = 79) or placebo (n = 79). Seventy‐one (89.9%) LEV XR and 72 (91.1%) placebo patients completed the trial. Median POS‐frequency/week reduction was 46.1% on LEV XR and 33.4% on placebo. Estimated reduction with LEV XR over placebo was 14.4% (p = 0.038). Thirty‐four (43%) LEV XR and 23 (29.1%) placebo patients experienced ≥50% reduction in POS‐frequency/week. Eight (10.1%) patients receiving LEV XR and one (1.3%) receiving placebo were free of POS during the 12‐week treatment period. Forty‐one (53.2%) LEV XR and 43 (54.4%) placebo patients reported ≥1 adverse event. Adverse events reported with an incidence >5% and seen more often with LEV XR than with placebo were somnolence, influenza, irritability, nasopharyngitis, dizziness, and nausea.

Discussion: Once‐daily LEV XR 1,000 mg was effective and well‐tolerated as adjunct therapy in patients with POS. Ten percent of patients randomized to LEV XR experienced freedom from POS. These results support the clinical value of this new LEV XR formulation.
Human Calmodulin‐Like Protein (CLP) Expression in Oral Squamous Mucosa and in Malignant Transformation
Authors: Brooks Michael D. , Bennett Richard D. , Strehler Emanuel E. , Sebo Thomas J. , Eckert Stephen E. , Carr Alan B.
Published: October 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test whether calmodulin‐like protein (CLP) is expressed in normal human oral mucosal cells and if downregulation of CLP occurs in malignant transformation.

Materials and Methods: Oral mucosal tissue was taken from three individuals in a double‐blind manner. The samples were cut, measured, and homogenized. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed. Each cDNA sample was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR fragments were purified, cloned, and sequenced to verify the presence of CLP. Three oral mucosal tissue samples with biopsy‐confirmed squamous cell carcinoma were obtained. These samples demonstrated regions of normal epithelial cells as well as invasive squamous cell carcinoma. One normal breast epithelial sample was also obtained for positive control. Sections were stained with an affinity‐purified CLP antibody and counterstained with a diluted hematoxylin. Two observers evaluated the specimens for expression of CLP. Staining patterns and intensity were noted in normal oral mucosa, comparing them to the normal breast epithelium sample. Staining patterns and intensity were then observed in squamous tumor cells, comparing them to the patterns of benign squamous mucosa.

Results: CLP coding sequences were positively identified from the normal oral mucosal tissue samples by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) with 100% identity to the published CLP sequence (accession #M58026). In the three oral mucosa tissue samples with known squamous cell carcinoma, expression of CLP was readily detected in areas of normal oral mucosa, while a notable downregulation of CLP expression occurred in areas of malignant transformation. The staining intensity was equivalent to the staining seen in the benign breast epithelium used as a control. In the areas of squamous cell carcinoma, a decrease in CLP immunoreactivity occurred. There was a sharp contrast in staining quality and clarity between benign and malignant tissue. In the majority of the carcinoma regions, a complete lack of immunoreactivity was noted.

Conclusions: The RNA for human CLP is found in normal oral mucosa. CLP expression is seen in normal oral mucosa with a downregulation of CLP expression in malignant transformation.
Surgical Stent Fabrication for Unilateral Nasal Obstruction of the Anterior Portion of the Nasal Airway
Authors: Wong Fong , Smith Christopher R.
Published: October 2008

A description is given of the indication and technical steps for fabricating a unilateral nasal stent to maintain patency of the nasal passage after surgical opening of an obstruction in a pediatric case. The methodology uses a two‐step impression of the contralateral unobstructed naris and exterior valve region to generate a two‐piece injection mold. The mold is used to fabricate a soft silicone‐based anatomical stent. It supports an intranasal skin graft that was placed to reduce the risk of granulation.
Markers of platelet activation and apoptosis during storage of apheresis‐ and buffy coat–derived platelet concentrates for 7 days
Authors: Albanyan Abdul‐Majeed , Harrison Paul , Murphy Michael F.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: The different production methods for platelet concentrates (PCs) result in products with variable in vitro quality and in vivo viability. The aim of this study was to compare in vitro variables of PCs produced by apheresis (AP‐PC) or the buffy coat (BC‐PC) method by applying a number of new and established assays.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Standard TRIMA Accel (Gambro BCT) AP‐PCs (n = 20) and BC‐PCs (n = 20) were stored in 100 percent plasma and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were assessed using 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrachloro‐1,1′,3,3′‐tetraethlybenzimidazolcarbocyanine iodide (JC‐1) dye on Days 1, 3, 5, and 7. The capacity of platelets (PLTs) for oxidative phosphorylation was also monitored by measuring oxygen consumption using a Clark‐type electrode. PLT viability was measured using a new assay that utilizes the vital stains calcein‐AM and FM4‐64. Expression of phosphatidylserine (PS), CD42b, CD47, CD61, and CD62P was also assessed.

RESULTS: Although the JC‐1 ratio (FL2/FL1) decreased significantly in both preparations, the percentage of PLTs with depolarized ΔΨm increased significantly in BC‐PCs but not in AP‐PCs. However, no significant change was detected in the PLTs' ability to consume oxygen in both preparations. PLTs in BC‐PCs also showed significantly lower GPIb, CD47, and CD61 expression than AP‐PCs on Day 1. PLTs in both preparations, however, showed a similar increase in CD62P and PS expression during storage, without significant loss of viability.

CONCLUSIONS: PLTs in AP‐PCs and BC‐PCs undergo different degrees of deterioration in mitochondrial integrity and thus may undergo different degrees of apoptosis. Interventions that maintain mitochondrial integrity may improve PLT viability in vitro.
Efficacy and safety of the use of autologous plasma rich in platelets for tissue regeneration: a systematic review
Authors: Martínez‐Zapata Ma José , Martí‐Carvajal Arturo , Solà Ivan , Bolibar Ignasi , Ángel Expósito José , Rodriguez Luciano , García Joan
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Autologous plasma rich in platelets (PRP) is a derived blood product whose application in clinical practice is growing. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate its efficacy and safety.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A search was performed in electronic databases. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) in adult patients were included and assessed for methodologic quality. The main outcomes were “tissue regeneration” and “safety.” Relative risks (RRs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated to show pooled estimates for these outcomes. When the results heterogeneity was more than 50 percent, a sensitivity analysis was performed.

RESULTS: Twenty RCTs were included (11 of oral and maxillofacial surgery, 7 of chronic skin ulcers, and 2 of surgery wounds). Four RCTs evaluated the depth reduction in gingival recession in chronic periodontitis; the SMD was 0.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16 to 0.92) mm, favorable to PRP. Three RCTs evaluated the clinical attachment level in chronic periodontitis; the SMD was 0.33 (95% CI, −0.71 to 1.37) mm. Six RCTs assessed the complete skin epithelialization in wound ulcers; the RR was 1.40 (95% CI, 0.85 to 2.31). Only 6 RCTs reported adverse effects without differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: PRP improves the gingival recession but not the clinical attachment level in chronic periodontitis. In the complete healing process of chronic skin ulcers, the results are inconclusive. There are little data about PRP safety. There are several methodologic limitations and, consequently, future research should focus on strong and well‐designed RCTs that assess the efficacy and safety of PRP.
Evaluation of Prognostic Clinical and ECG Parameters in Patients after Myocardial Infarction By Applying Logistic Regression Method
Authors: URBONAVICIENE GRAZINA , URBONAVICIUS SIGITAS , VORUM HENRIK , BLUZAITE INA , JARUSEVICIUS GEDIMINAS , HONORÉ BENT , TAMOSIUNAITE MINIJA
Published: October 2008

Noninvasive risk stratification of patients who have suffered myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the greatest challenges in today's cardiology. No single test has sufficient predictive ability. Therefore, a combination of the tests must be applied for better post‐MI risk stratification. The purpose of this study was to assess noninvasive predictors of 2 years cardiac mortality in post‐MI patients and create a stratification model for identification of high‐risk patients. Clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated before hospital discharge in 180 survivors of acute MI (mean age 57.0 ± 9.9, male 82.2%), followed up for 2 years. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine informative predictors of cardiac mortality. A clinical score was constructed using the regression coefficient from the multivariate model. During follow‐up, 16 deaths (8.8%) occurred. Multivariate analysis identified a combination of six variables that showed the strongest association with cardiac mortality. Based on the coefficients of the logistic regression, six variables were used to create a scoring system: filtered QRS duration (QRSd) >114 ms, coefficient of variation (Cv) ≤2.5%, maximal corrected QT interval (QTcmax) ≥445 ms, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤30%, the absence of use of β‐blockers (BB), and absence of treatment by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The cutoff value for the score of 10 or higher, defined the “high‐risk” patients with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 70%. The mortality rate for the low‐ and high‐risk groups were 12.5% and 87.5%, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded area under curve of 0.88. The proposed scoring system could be valuable in predicting 2 years risk of cardiac mortality in post‐MI population and allows the stratification of patients into low‐ and high‐risk groups.
Impact of Remote Magnetic Catheter Navigation on Ablation Fluoroscopy and Procedure Time
Authors: KIM ALBERT M. , TURAKHIA MINTU , LU JONATHAN , BADHWAR NITISH , LEE BYRON K. , LEE RANDALL J. , MARCUS GREGORY M. , TSENG ZIAN H. , SCHEINMAN MELVIN , OLGIN JEFFREY E.
Published: October 2008

Background:

Remote magnetic catheter navigation (RCN) is gaining acceptance in clinical cardiac electrophysiology, but details regarding how RCN affects procedure execution are not well characterized.

Methods:

From January 1, 2005, to November 30, 2007, 721 cases were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Of these, 127 used RCN and 594 used manual catheter navigation (MCN). Data including procedure time, fluoroscopy time, ablation catheter, procedural success, and complications were extracted from our procedure database and compared between RCN and MCN.

Results:

RCN use significantly decreased fluoroscopy time for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation (−29 minutes, P < 0.001), atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia ablation (−14 minutes, P < 0.001), and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia ablation (−18 minutes, P = 0.045). While RCN significantly increased mean procedure time for AF (+36 minutes, P = 0.003) and atypical atrial flutter cases (+116 minutes, P = 0.016), RCN AF procedure time diminished with increasing number of cases performed. Two cases of tamponade occurred during AF ablation using MCN (2.2%, 2 of 91 cases). No tamponade occurred during all 75 AF ablations with RCN.

Conclusion:

RCN can reduce fluoroscopy time and may reduce complications during catheter ablation. While it may increase total procedure duration, procedure times decrease with increasing operator experience.
Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony Resulting from Right Ventricular Apical Pacing: Relevance of Baseline Assessment
Authors: PASTORE GIANNI , NOVENTA FRANCO , PIOVESANA PIERGIUSEPPE , CAZZIN ROBERTO , AGGIO SILVIO , VERLATO ROBERTO , ZANON FRANCESCO , BARACCA ENRICO , RONCON LORIS , PADELETTI LUIGI , BAROLD S. SERGE
Published: October 2008

Objectives:

Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony in patients undergoing short‐term right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing and correlation with baseline echocardiographic and clinical characteristics.

Background:

RVA pacing causes abnormal ventricular depolarization that may lead to mechanical LV dyssynchrony. The relationships between pacing‐induced LV dyssynchrony and baseline echocardiographic and clinical variables have not been fully clarified.

Methods:

Tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed in 153 patients before and after RVA pacing. LV dyssynchrony was measured by the time between the shortest and longest electromechanical delays in the five basal LV segments (intra‐LV). The prevalence and degree of LV dyssynchrony after RVA pacing was evaluated in three groups: baseline LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%, 35–55%, and ≥55%. The intrapatient effect of RVA pacing was determined as the percent increase in intra‐LV value (Δintra‐LV%). The pacing‐induced intra‐LV was correlated with baseline variables.

Results:

The prevalence and degree of LV dyssynchrony after RVA pacing was significantly higher in patients with lower LVEF (P < 0.001). ΔIntra‐LV% was inversely correlated with baseline intra‐LV and LVEF (B =−2.6, B =−4.2, P < 0.001). Baseline intra‐LV and LV end‐systolic volume correlated positively with intra‐LV after RVA pacing (B = 0.49, B = 0.6, P < 0.001), whereas LVEF showed an inverse correlation.

Conclusions:

The degree of LV dyssynchrony induced by RVA is variable. Patients with higher baseline LV dyssynchrony, more dilated LV, and more depressed LVEF showed a higher degree of LV dyssynchrony during pacing. These findings may assume importance in predicting the risk of heart failure in pacemaker patients.
Noninvasive Imaging in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy—Part 1: Selection of Patients
Authors: YPENBURG CLAUDIA , WESTENBERG JOS J. , BLEEKER GABE B. , VAN de VEIRE NICO , MARSAN NINA A. , HENNEMAN MAUREEN M. , Van Der WALL ERNST E. , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. , ABRAHAM THEODORE P. , BAROLD S. SERGE , BAX JEROEN J.
Published: October 2008

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established therapy for patients with advanced heart failure, depressed left ventricular function, and wide QRS complex. However, individual response varies, and a substantial amount of patients do not respond to CRT. Recent studies observed that assessment of inter‐ and particularly intraventricular dyssynchrony may allow identification of potential responders to CRT. In addition, presence of scar tissue and venous anatomy may play a role in the selection of candidates. In this review, an extensive overview of the available dyssynchrony measurements is provided using echocardiography as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging. Furthermore, other information derived from MRI, nuclear imaging, and computed tomography useful for the selection of potential candidates for CRT will be discussed.
LV Lead Fixation in a Coronary Vein May Be the Cause and Result of Thrombosis
Authors: BREULS NICO , RES JAN C. J.
Published: October 2008

A recently implanted left ventricular lead was fixated in the coronary sinus due to thrombosis while attempting to reposition the lead because of phrenic nerve stimulation.
Exercise‐Attenuation of Q‐Waves in II, III, and aVF, and R‐Waves in V1 and V2 in a Patient with an Inferior Infarction and Anterior Wall Ischemia
Authors: MADIAS JOHN E.
Published: October 2008

A 63‐year‐old male patient with inferior infarction revealed transient attenuation of the Q‐waves in II, III, and aVF, and R‐waves in V1–V3 during an exercise stress test. Myocardial scintigraphy disclosed ischemia of the anterior wall and coronary arteriography, a 90% stenosis of the left main coronary artery (LMCA). The mechanism involved appears to be a transient failure of the anterior wall to generate adequate depolarization forces for the genesis of Q‐waves in the inferior leads and R‐waves in the anterior leads. This electrocardiogram sign is diagnostic of severe anterior wall ischemia due to left anterior descending or LMCA stenosis.
Echocardiographic Aspects of Multisite Pacing in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Winter Siegmund , Nesser Hans Joachim
Published: October 2008

Background: Echocardiography has emerged as an accepted approach to define dyssynchrony in patients with advanced stage of heart failure (HF). Unfortunately no single echocardiographic parameter has been established to predict positive response after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and the nonresponder rate of 20–30% is still a matter of discussion and research. One of the most promising techniques in this regard is two‐dimensional strain echocardiography based on speckle tracking with the potential to disclose residual dyssynchrony after primary CRT. An important reason for weak response to CRT is suboptimal position of the coronary sinus (CS) lead. Initial clinical benefit after CRT may mask partial residual dyssynchrony, which may cause worsening and recurrence of HF symptoms over time. Echocardiography helps to define the location of residual dyssynchrony and may identify patients who would benefit from implantation of a second CS‐lead and triple‐site pacing. If primary CRT fails due to imperfect placement of the CS‐lead or due to coronary vein abnormalities and an epicardial approach is not appropriate, dual site pacing of the right ventricle may be an alternative procedure.
Continuing Medical Education Program in Echocardiography
Authors: Fan Pohoey , Anwar Ashraf M. , Nosir Youssef F.M.
Published: October 2008

Article Title: Role of Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography in Heart Failure
Megaphylogeny, Cell Body Plans, Adaptive Zones: Causes and Timing of Eukaryote Basal Radiations1
Authors: CAVALIER‐SMITH THOMAS
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT.I discuss eukaryote megaphylogeny and the timing of major innovations in the light of multigene trees and the rarity of marine/freshwater evolutionary transitions. The first eukaryotes were aerobic phagotrophs, probably substratum‐associated heterotrophic amoeboflagellates. The primary eukaryote bifurcation generated unikonts (ancestrally probably unicentriolar, with a conical microtubular [MT] cytoskeleton) and bikonts (ciliary transformation from anterior cilium to ancestrally gliding posterior cilium; cytoskeleton of ventral MT bands). Unikonts diverged into Amoebozoa with anterior cilia, lost when lobosan broad pseudopods evolved for locomotion, and Choanozoa with posterior cilium and filose pseudopods that became unbranched tentacles/microvilli in holozoa and eventually the choanoflagellate/choanocyte collar. Of choanozoan ancestry, animals evolved epithelia, fibroblasts, eggs, and sperm. Fungi and Ichthyosporea evolved walls. Bikonts, ancestrally with ventral grooves, include three adaptively divergent megagroups: Rhizaria (Retaria and Cercozoa, ancestrally reticulofilose soft‐surfaced gliding amoeboflagellates), and the originally planktonic Excavata, and the corticates (Plantae and chromalveolates) that suppressed pseudopodia. Excavata evolved cilia‐generated feeding currents for grooval ingestion; corticates evolved cortical alveoli and ciliary hairs. Symbiogenetic origin and transfers of chloroplasts stimulated an explosive radiation of corticates—hard to resolve on multigene trees—and opisthokonts, and ensuing Cambrian explosions of animals and protists. Plantae lost phagotrophy and multiply evolved walls and macroalgae. Apusozoa, with dorsal pellicle and ventral pseudopods, are probably the most divergent bikonts or related to opisthokonts. Eukaryotes probably originated 800–850 My ago. Amoebozoa, Apusozoa, Loukozoa, and Metamonada may be the only extant eukaryote phyla pre‐dating Neoproterozoic snowball earth. New subphyla are established for Choanozoa and Loukozoa; Amoebozoa are divided into three revised subphyla, with Variosea transferred into Conosa.
Current State of In Situ Measuring Methods for the Control of Firing Processes
Authors: Raether Friedrich G.
Published: October 2008

A combination of in situ measuring methods and computer simulation is suggested for the optimization of debinding and sintering processes in lab furnaces. From the optical measurement of sintering shrinkage and the mass loss measurement during debinding the respective reaction rates are derived. A high resolution of 1 μm and a reproducibility better than 0.3% were obtained for the optical measurement of sintering shrinkage. The atmospheres in the in situ measuring furnaces have to be closely matched to the production furnaces, to allow a transfer of the optimized heating cycles. A kinetic field method is used to obtain a model‐free prediction of the debinding and sintering kinetics. Various other macroscopic in situ measuring methods are discussed, regarding their role during process optimization of ceramics. For example, heat transfer properties, required to calculate temperature and stress distributions during the heat treatment, were obtained by a modified laser‐flash technique.
Predation of smelt on vendace larvae: experimental and field studies
Authors: Haakana H. , Huuskonen H.
Published: October 2008

Abstract –  Lake Höytiäinen in eastern Finland has suffered from a prolonged vendace Coregonus albula (L.) recession during the last two decades. The present study examined the capacity of smelt Osmerus eperlanus (L.) to prey on vendace larvae as well as the diet of smelt in Lake Höytiäinen to reveal its possible predation on vendace larvae. The larvae were observed to be most vulnerable to smelt >100 mm (TL) predation at a total length of 13 mm. In Lake Höytiäinen, the diet of smelt was clearly dominated by zooplankton and no vendace larvae were found in the stomachs, probably due to small size of the smelt and low abundance of the larvae. Spawning time of smelt and larval period of coregonids overlap in spring and an observed decrease in feeding activity of smelt during spawning time may provide a temporal refuge against predation. Although smelt has been found to intensively predate on coregonid larvae in other lakes, it does not play an important role in maintaining the present low‐density state of vendace in Lake Höytiäinen.
The C. elegans P4‐ATPase TAT‐1 Regulates Lysosome Biogenesis and Endocytosis
Authors: Ruaud Anne‐Françoise , Nilsson Lars , Richard Fabrice , Larsen Morten Krog , Bessereau Jean‐Louis , Tuck Simon
Published: October 2008

P‐type adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) of the Drs2p family (P4‐ATPases) are multipass transmembrane proteins required to generate and maintain phospholipid asymmetry in membrane bilayers. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, several members of this family control distinct transport events within the endosomal and secretory pathways. Comparatively, little is known about the functions of P4‐ATPases in multicellular organisms. In this study, we analyzed the role of the Caenorhabditis elegans Drs2p homologue transbilayer amphipath transporter (TAT)‐1 in intracellular trafficking. tat‐1 is expressed in many tissues including the intestine, the epidermis and the nervous system. In intestinal cells, tat‐1 loss‐of‐function mutants accumulate large vacuoles of mixed endolysosomal identity positive for the lysosomal protein LMP‐1. In addition, they lack the same class of storage granules as lmp‐1 mutants, suggesting that part of the tat‐1 phenotype might result from LMP‐1 sequestration in an aberrant compartment. Epidermal cells mutant for tat‐1 contain acidified giant hybrid multivesicular bodies probably corresponding to endolysosomal intermediate compartments or deficient lysosomes. Finally, TAT‐1 is required for yolk uptake in oocytes and an early step of fluid‐phase endocytosis in the intestine. Hence, TAT‐1 is required at multiple steps of the endolysosomal pathway, at least in part by ensuring proper trafficking of cell‐specific effector proteins.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Expression of the Small Heat Shock Protein alphaB‐Crystallin in Term Human Placenta
Authors: Mineva Ivelina , Stamenova Maria , Gartner Wolfgang , Wagner Ludwig
Published: October 2008

Problem  Expression of heat shock proteins has been described in different tissues relevant to human reproduction, including placenta. AlphaB‐crystallin is a member of the small heat shock protein family (sHsp) exerting biologically important chaperon functions.

Method of study  Immunofluorescence; immunoblot analysis; quantitative real‐time‐PCR; CpG island methylation analysis.

Results  In this study, we once again describe the expression of alphaB‐crystallin in the stroma of the placental villi and in the cytoplasm of decidual cells by immunofluorescence. In contrast, Hsp27 – another sHsp family member – was detected exclusively in the syncytiotrophoblast layer. This varying expression pattern provides additional support to earlier reports of functional differences between both proteins. Semi‐quantitative immunoblot analysis of placenta tissue specimens (n = 6) revealed Hsp27 expression exceeding that of alphaB‐crystallin, albeit with inter‐individual variations. Inter‐individual alphaB‐crystallin expression variations were confirmed by quantitative RT‐PCR. CpG island methylation was ruled out as the underlying cause for the inter‐individual alphaB‐crystallin expression variations. However, the expression extent of GATA3, which is a transcription factor with corresponding elements within the alphaB‐crystallin gene (CRYAB) promoter, paralleled that of alphaB‐crystallin. We demonstrated remarkable GATA3 expression in placental tissue, exceeding that of other endocrine organs.

Conclusion  We can conclude that the differential expression patterns of alphaB‐crystallin and Hsp27 indicate functional differences between these highly related proteins in placental tissues.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Effect of Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide and Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha on Ovarian Function
Authors: Williams Erin J. , Sibley Kelly , Miller Aleisha N. , Lane Elizabeth A. , Fishwick John , Nash Deborah M. , Herath Shan , England Gary C. W. , Dobson Hilary , Sheldon I. Martin
Published: October 2008

Problem  Pelvic inflammatory disease and metritis are important causes of infertility in humans and domestic animals. Uterine infection with Escherichia coli in cattle is associated with reduced ovarian follicle growth and decreased estradiol secretion. We hypothesized that this effect could be mediated by the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα).

Method of study  In vitro, bovine ovarian theca and granulosa cells were treated with LPS or TNFα and steroid secretion measured. In vivo, the effect of LPS or TNFα intrauterine infusion was determined by ovarian ultrasonography and measurement of hormones in cattle.

Results  Lipopolysaccharide reduced granulosa cell estradiol secretion, whilst TNFα decreased theca and granulosa cell androstenedione and estradiol production, respectively. In vivo, fewer animals ovulated following intrauterine infusion with LPS or TNFα.

Conclusion  Lipopolysaccharide and TNFα suppress ovarian cell function, supporting the concept that pelvic inflammatory disease and metritis are detrimental for bovine ovarian health.
Who Speaks for the People? The President, the Press, and Public Opinion in the United States
Authors: SPARROW BARTHOLOMEW H.
Published: October 2008

The U.S. president, the media, and public opinion survey data all represent the American public: the U.S. president serves as the personification and symbol of the U.S. government to the press and people alike; the news and opinion publicized in the media constitute the public sphere; and public opinion polls are accepted as indicators of the public's opinions and beliefs. This article uses both existing research findings and new data to unpack the relationship between the three institutions so as to determine under which conditions each institution speaks for the public and under which it dominates or is subordinate to the others.
The Presidency and Local Media: Local Newspaper Coverage of President George W. Bush
Authors: ESHBAUGH‐SOHA MATTHEW , PEAKE JEFFREY S.
Published: October 2008

Presidents increasingly bypass the filter of national media and take their message on the road to appeal to local audiences through local news outlets. We examine local newspaper coverage of President George W. Bush in 2003. Presumably, the president would enjoy mostly positive coverage from local newspapers. Yet, we demonstrate substantial variation in local news coverage, with community support for the president being a primary predictor of whether he will receive positive coverage. We also find that stories on the Iraq War contributed to negative coverage, even at the local level. We conclude with commentary on the utility of presidents' local media strategy in light of our findings.
Polls and Elections: Editorial Cartoons 2.0: The Effects of Digital Political Satire on Presidential Candidate Evaluations
Authors: BAUMGARTNER JODY C.
Published: October 2008

While the number of full‐time editorial cartoonists has declined in the past few decades, several have taken their craft online in the form of animated Flash cartoons. In this article I test the effects of one of the more popular animated editorial cartoons on presidential candidate evaluations of 18‐ to 24‐year‐olds. A posttest‐only experimental design was used to survey students from several universities in six states. The results from this online experiment suggest that these editorial cartoons have a negative effect on candidate evaluations. However, viewing the clip did not change candidate preferences and an analysis of the control group suggests that viewership of online humor may have a positive effect on political participation.