bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemodynamic Assessment of Right, Left, and Biventricular Pacing by Peak Endocardial Acceleration and Echocardiography in Patients with End‐Stage Heart Failure
Authors: BORDACHAR PIERRE , GARRIGUE STEPHANE , REUTER SYLVAIN , HOCINI MELEZE , KOBEISSI ADONIS , GAGGINI GUIDO , JAÏS PIERRE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , CLEMENTY JACQUES
Published: October 2013

Multisite ventricular pacing acutely improves the hemodynamic status in heart failure, though longer‐term observations require invasive procedures. The hemodynamics of multisite ventricular pacing were assessed by echocardiography and peak endocardial acceleration (PEA) measured by a pacemaker sensor. PEA variations are highly correlated with those of dP/dt. Thirteen end‐stage heart failure patients (left ventricular ejection fraction < 0.30) with a QRS ≤140 ms received a DDD PEA sensor‐driven pacemaker allowing right (RV), left (LV) and biventricular (BV) pacing. Ten days after implantation, standard echocardiographic parameters and variations in PEA were measured after 20 minutes at each pacing mode. The aortic systolic preejection time interval was statistically comparable between RV and LV pacing (218 ± 24 vs 219 ± 34 ms; P = NS), and significantly shorter with BV pacing (198 ± 27 ms; P = 0.013). Aortic ejection duration was nonsignificantly shorter during BV pacing than during LV pacing (‐.061, P = 0.09). The aortic velocity time integer increased during LV pacing versus RV pacing (+21 %, P < 0.05) and during BV pacing versus RV pacing (+37%, P = 0.05). As a result, the values of the PEA variations over a 15‐minute period were significantly greater during LV pacing and BV pacing versus RV pacing (+43%, P < 0.05, and +38%, P = 0.05, respectively) and were statistically comparable between BV pacing and LV pacing (+5.9% for LV pacing, P = NS). During various ventricular pacing configurations, PEA measurements were consistent with echocardiographic data, showing comparable hemodynamic effects of BV and LV pacing. The PEA sensor is a promising tool for long‐term hemodynamic monitoring and serial evaluation of the effects of multisite ventricular pacing in heart failure patients.
Mid‐term Follow‐Up of Endocardial Biventricular Pacing
Authors: JAÏS PIERRE , TAKAHASHI ATSUSHI , GARRIGUE STÉPHANE , YAMANE TEIICHI , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , SHAH DIPEN C. , BAROLD SERGE S. , DEISENHOFER ISABEL , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , CLÉMENTY JACQUES
Published: October 2013

Biventricular (BV) pacing is a promising treatment of end‐stage heart failure. This article describes our experience with a strictly endocardial BV pacing system in patients with severe congestive heart failure. Three women and eight men (age 65 ± 9 years) with drug‐resistant end‐stage CHF underwent implantation of an endocardial BV pacing system. In the first seven patients, the left ventricular lead was placed via a combined femoral and internal jugular approach. In the last four patients, the transseptal puncture was directly performed via the right internal jugular vein with a dedicated kit. The procedure was successful in all 11 patients. The acute left ventricular and BV thresholds were 1.3 ± 0.6 V and 2.4 ± 1 V, respectively. The QRS duration decreased from 214 ± 57 to 176 ± 25 ms. A functional improvement was noted in ten patients with a decrease in mean NYHA functional class from 3.7 ± 0.5 before, to 2.6 ± 0.9 after system implantation. A significant decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and increase in cardiac output were measured in eight patients. During follow‐up, four patients died from CHF (n = 3) or ventricular fibrillation (n = 1). Under oral anticoagulation, no thromboembolic event was observed but one transient ischemic attack occurred in one patient whose anticoagulation was interrupted. Endocardial BV pacing is technically feasible and appears safe, though further studies are needed before it is used on a larger scale.
First Results of the Canadian and European Single Lead DDD Studies. A Report of Two Multicenter Studies on Vena Cava Atrial Stimulation (VECATS)
Authors: RES JAN C.J. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE EUROPEAN VECATS MULTICENTER STUDY GROUP, LAU C. ,   On behalf of the canadian vecats multicenter study group
Published: October 2013

The first results of a new, single lead DDD pacing system consisting of two bipolar combinations of floating atrial ring electrodes, with the proximal ring at the vena cava superior junction, and which can be used separately for atrial sensing and pacing (VECATS) are reported. Uncomplicated implantation of the pacing system was performed in 78 patients with VDD indications. Pacing and sensing parameters were measured at implantation, before discharge (days 1–3), at 1 and 3 months in various positions and during activity. Atrial pacing threshold (AT) and diaphragmatic stimulation threshold (DT) were 3.3 ± 1.1 V and 7.2 ± 2.2 at implant, and 4.3 ± 0.5 and 7.9 ±1.1 V at 3 months, respectively, in the European group. In the Canadian group AT increased and DT decreased during follow‐up, leaving a safety margin of 1 V. Reliable intraoperative atrial pacing was possible in 93% of patients. Failures were caused by no capture (3%) or AT > DT (4%). At 3 months, 54% of the atria were consistently paced. Atrial pacing failures were due to no atrial capture (8%), and AT > DT (38%). We conclude that atrial pacing was safe and initially possible in the majority of patients with the VECATS pacing system, though diaphragmatic stimulation became more prevalent over time, due to an increase in AT threshold and a decrease in DT.
Enhanced Rate Response Algorithm for Orthostatic Compensation Pacing
Authors: MAI JUNYU , PARK EULJOON , BORNZIN GENE A. , HAUCK GREG , LEVINE PAUL A.
Published: October 2013

Upon orthostatic stress after a period of rest, the heart rate increases rapidly to maintain cardiac output and minimize the fall in arterial pressure. Pacemaker patients are often prone to a deficient response to orthostatic stress. This may cause lightheadedness and, in rare patients with autonomic dysfunction, syncope. To alleviate these undesirable consequences, an enhanced rate response algorithm was developed using an accelerometer. The pacemaker generates two signals from its accelerometer: instantaneous activity level (Act) and long‐term change in activity level (ActVar). Low values of both Act and ActVar indicate a resting state. An increase in Act while ActVar remains low indicates the onset of motion after prolonged rest. Upon detecting this transition, the algorithm increases the pacing rate to a programmable orthostatic compensation rate for a programmable duration. A taped‐on pacemaker with this algorithm was evaluated in three healthy women and two healthy men, 36 ± 8 years of age. Electrocardiogram and ventricular pacing pulses were recorded by a 24‐hour ambulatory system. Each trigger of the orthostatic compensation rate was verified against a >10 beats/min increase in heart rate, a response classified as appropriate. The overall specificity of the algorithm among the five subjects was 78%. The nocturnal specificity (10pmto 7 am) was 98%, considerably higher than during daytime (72%). In conclusion, a pacing algorithm to alleviate orthostatic stress was developed, which was highly specific during the night hours.
Concealed Left Pulmonary Vein Potentials Unmasked by Left Atrial Stimulation
Authors: HOCINI MÉLÈZE , SHAH DIPEN C. , JAÏS PIERRE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , PENG JING TIAN , YAMANE TEIICHI , DEISENHOFER ISABEL , GARRIGUE STÉPHANE , CLÉMENTY JACQUES
Published: October 2013

Pulmonary vein potentials (PVPs), though obvious during ectopic activity, are frequently invisible during sinus rhythm when they need to be distinguished from left atrial (LA) potentials to perform successful ablation procedures. Thirty‐six patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent circumferential PV mapping with a circular ten‐electrode catheter during sinus rhythm, and during pacing from the right atrium, proximal and distal coronary sinus (CS), and LA. Ablation was performed at the ostium of the PV, the procedural endpoint consisting of electrical disconnection of the PV from the LA. A total of 93 PVs (excluding the right inferior PV) were mapped. During sinus rhythm, distinct right PVPs were present in all instances, while they were concealed within the electrograms recorded from the left inferior and superior PV in 23 (64 %) patients. Distal CS or LA appendage pacing unmasked and separated left PV from LA potentials by a mean of 19 ± 14 ms; the LA‐to‐left‐PV potential interval measured 36 ± 14 ms. The number of deflections also increased from 2.1 ± 0.7 during sinus rhythm to 3 ± 1.4 during LA stimulation. However, in the right superior PV, pacing caused overlapping of atrial potentials with right superior PVPs. RF ablation of the left PVPs was performed during distal or LA pacing in 23 patients, while in the right superior PV it was performed during sinus rhythm eliminating all, including unmasked, left PVPs, providing proof of their PV origin. Distal CS or LA pacing is required to recognize left PVPs in approximately 2/3 of patients and facilitates RF ablation.
Mitral Regurgitation Protects from Left Atrial Thrombogenesis in Patients with Mitral Valve Disease and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: KRANIDIS ATHANASSIOS , KOULOURIS SPYRIDON , FILIPPATOS GERASIMOS , KAPPOS KOSTAS , TSILIAS KARMELOS , KARVOUNIS HARIS , EXADAKTYLOS NIKOLAOS
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that mitral regurgitation (MR) has a protective effect on the development of left atrial thrombus (LAT) in patients with rheumatic heart disease and atrial fibrillation (AF). The study population consisted of 48 anticoagulated patients (mean age = 57.1 ± 10 years). Predominant mitral stenosis (MS) was present in 14 patients, predominant MR in 14, and a mechanical valve in 20. All patients underwent detailed transesophageal echocardiography. Severity of MR was based on measurements of the MR jet by color flow mapping. Patients were divided into two groups: (a) those with MR ≥ 3 + (n =12, 25%), and (b) those without significant MR (n = 36, 75%). A LAT was found in six patients (12.5%), who also had spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), while another group of 30 patients (62.5%) had SEC only. LAT and/or SEC were present in 2/12 patients (16.6%) with significant MR versus 34/36 patients (94.4%) without significant MR (P < 0.001). In addition to the absence of significant MR, left atrial diameter (LAD) > 60 mm, and severity of MS were also related to the presence of thrombus and/or SEC. Significant MR had a protective effect against thromboembolism, although this effect was abolished if LAD > 60 mm was present. In conclusion, in patients with mitral valve disease and AF, significant MR protects against LAT formation and systemic embolization. This protective effect was lost when LAD was > 60 mm.
Resumption of Right Atrial Isthmus Conduction Following Atrial Flutter Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: BRU PAUL , DUPLANTIER CÉCILE , BOURRAT MICHEL , VALY YANN , LORILLARD RENÉ
Published: October 2013

Right atrial isthmus block is currently accepted as a success criterion of atrial flutter ablation. An electrophysiological study performed days after the ablation procedure may show recovery of conduction across the isthmus in some patients, followed by arrhythmia recurrence. However, few data are available on the time course of this recovery and on the monitoring of isthmus conduction at the end of the ablation procedure as a means of increasing the success rate of the procedure. Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation was performed in 28 men and 7 women (mean age = 65 ± 11 years) presenting with common or clockwise atrial flutter (AFL) resistant to 2.9 ± 1.8 antiarrhythmic drugs. Underlying heart disease was present in 13 patients. The ablation procedure was performed with an 8‐mm‐tip catheter, by several 45‐second applications at a target temperature of 65°C, directed to the isthmus between tricuspid annulus and inferior vena cava. Bidirectional isthmus block (BDB) was created with 4–24 RF applications in all but one patient. Special attention was paid to exclude incomplete block by meticulous mapping during pacing at the coronary sinus os and at the low lateral right atrium every 5 minutes for 20 minutes thereafter. Conduction recovered across the isthmus in 5 patients at 10, 10,12,15, and 16 minutes, respectively, and further RF applications were needed to obtain stable block. At a follow‐up of 17 ±10 months, AFL occurred in the patient without, and in one patient with BDB. Thirty‐three of the 34 patients (97%) with persistent BDB remained free of arrhythmia recurrence. This study showed that conduction resumed across the isthmus within 20 minutes. after AFL ablation in 15% of the patients. The long‐term results of the procedure can be optimized by ascertaining the persistence of BDB during that period of time.
Electrophysiological Determinants of Persistent Dual Atrioventricular Nodal Pathway Physiology After Slow Pathway Ablation in Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia
Authors: FUJII EITARO , KASAI ATSUNOBU , OMICHI CHIKAYA , MATSUOKA KOJI , TERAMURA SHINOBU , UCHIDA FUMIYA , NAKANO TAKESHI
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the electrophysiological determinants of the elimination of recurrent atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) despite the persistence of dual AV nodal pathway physiology or single echo beats after ablation procedures. The study included 26 patients with common AVNRT who had undergone successful ablation treatment and no long‐term recurrence of AVNRT. The slow pathway potential was targeted, and the endpoint of ablation was one echo during atrial extrastimulus testing (ET) with isoproterenol. Persistent dual pathways physiology or single echoes were present in 12 patients (group I) and absent in 16 (group II) after ablation. The number of anterograde AV nodal pathways and maximum AH interval (Max AH) during ET were measured before and after ablation, and ventriculoatrial conduction during ventricular pacing was examined. Results: (1) multiple AV nodal pathways were more frequently observed in group I than in group II (50.0% vs 7%, P < 0.05); (2) Max AH decreased significantly after ablation in both groups (309 ± 157 vs 171 ±53 ms in group II; P < 0.01, and 409 ± 65 vs 274 ± 86 ms in group I; P < 0.001); and (3) retrograde dual pathway conduction was more common in group I than in group II. These data suggest the presence of nonuniform conductive properties of the AV node in group I and that ablation targeting the slow pathway potential prevents recurrences of AVNRT by eliminating the pathway with the longest conduction time.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up After Atrioventricular Nodal Ablation and Pacing: Low Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: GASPARINI MAURIZIO , MANTICA MASSIMO , BRIGNOLE MICHELE , COLTORTI FERNANDO , GALIMBERTI PAOLA , GIANFRANCHI LORELLA , MENOZZI CARLO , MAGENTA GIOVANNI , DELISE PIETRO , PROCLEMER ALESSANDRO , TOGNARINI STEFANO , OMETTO RENATO , ACQUATI FABRIZIO , MANTOVAN ROBERTO
Published: October 2013

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) has been reported in patients with drug refractory AF who underwent AV nodal ablation and pacing. However, whether SCD in these patients is related to the underlying heart disease or to the ablating and pacing procedure remains uncertain. Between May 1987 and January 1997, AV nodal ablation was performed in 585 patients (mean age 66 ± 11 years) with drug‐resistant, paroxysmal (n = 308) or chronic (n = 277) AF in 12 Italian centers. Lone AF was present in 133 patients. After AV junction ablation, patients underwent VVIR (454 patients) or DDDR (131 patients) pacemaker implantation. At a follow‐up of 33.6 ± 24.2 months, 80 (13.7%) deaths were recorded: 40 noncardiac, 23 nonsudden, and 17 sudden cardiac death (3%, 1.04% per year). Among five variables, including age, NYHA functional class, presence of heart disease, paroxysmal or chronic AF, previous embolic events, and LVEF, the presence of heart disease (P = 0.007) and a LVEF < 0.45, (P = 0.003) were associated with a higher risk of SCD. Analysis of SCD‐free survival by log‐rank test showed a higher incidence of SCD in patients with LVEF < 0.45 (P = 0.0001) and with coronary artery disease (P = 0.005). In this large cohort, a low incidence of long‐term SCD after AV nodal ablation and pacing for drug‐refractory AF was observed. The presence of underlying heart disease and the extent of baseline LV dysfunction were associated with an increased likelihood of SCD.
Noninvasive Assessment of Wedensky Modulated Signal‐Averaged Electrocardiograms
Authors: HNATKOVA KATERINA , RYAN STEPHEN J. , HOIUM HAROLD H. , MALIK MAREK
Published: October 2013

Subthreshold stimulation without capture reduces the stimulation threshold and changes the action potential of subsequent suprathreshold stimulation, a phenomenon known as Wedensky modulation (WM). Patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) inducible during electrophysiological testing (n = 47, mean age 63 ± 13 years, 83% men), and healthy controls (n = 30, mean age 44 ± 16 years, 60% men) were subjected to transthoracic external subthreshold stimulation between surface precordial and left subscapular patch electrodes. Stimuli of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mA were delivered for 2 ms, in synchrony with, or 20 ms after, R wave detection. A total of 60–200 subthreshold stimulated QRS complexes were averaged and compared with averaged nonstimulated complexes recorded during the same experimental session. To detect transient changes within the QRS complex, both signals were decomposed with 54 scales of Morlet analyzing wavelets (central frequencies 40–250 Hz). Wavelet vector magnitude was obtained for stimulated and nonstimulated complexes. Their difference created a wavelet residuum (WR) that characterized WM numerically. The surface area of the three‐dimensional envelope of WR was measured and statistically compared between VT patients and healthy controls. WR showed a significantly greater increase in the spectral power of the stimulated complex in healthy controls than in VT patients (P < 0.01). In conclusion, (1) wavelet decomposition is a suitable tool to analyze WM, (2) WM in the late QRS complex is short, and (3) VT patients are less sensitive to WM, particularly at low subthreshold energies.
Primary Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: Lessons Learned From MADIT and MUSTT
Authors: GOLD MICHAEL R. , NISAM SEAH
Published: October 2013

The MADIT study lead to the first approved prophylactic indication for ICDs in patients with previous myocardial infarction, depressed left ventricular systolic function, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), and inducible sustained VT. However, criticisms have been raised with respect to the study design and patient selection. The MUSTT yielded similar results (51 % lower mortality by ICD vs no antiarrhythmic drugs) in a comparable population. The results of MUSTT address the major criticisms of MADIT: (1) MADIT was a “small” study (n = 196), while MUSTT randomized 704 patients. (2) MADIT had an “imbalance” in its prescription of β‐blockers, whereas the “imbalance” favored the control group in MUSTT: (51% vs 34%). (3) MADIT had no untreated limb, but MUSTT did. (4) MADIT's control group mortality (32% at 2 years) was considered by some as “unrealistically high “, yet MUSTT measured a similar rate (28 % at 2 years). (5) MADIT presented no information relative to patients without inducible arrhythmias, but MUSTT recorded their outcomes in a registry. In conclusion, the combined results of MADIT and MUSTT confirm the appropriateness of their risk stratification schemes and the survival benefits of ICD therapy as a highly effective primary prevention in this high risk population.
A Narrow QRS Does Not Predict a Normal Left Ventricular Function in Chagas' Disease
Authors: RIBEIRO ANTONIO LUIZ PINHO , ROCHA MANOEL OTÁVIO DA COSTA , BARROS MÁRCIO VINICIUS LINS , RODRIGUES ANDRÉ RICARDO VALE , MACHADO FERNANDO SANTANA
Published: October 2013

Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is a major prognostic determinant in Chagas' disease (ChD), a potentially fatal disorder which affects nearly 20 million individuals in Latin America. Therefore, reliable screening methods are needed to identify patients in need of a detailed evaluation of LV function. Since previous reports have suggested that a prolonged QRS duration may be an accurate predictor of LV dysfunction, the relationship between QRS duration and LV function was evaluated in ChD patients, in order to determine whether a narrow QRS on surface electrocardiogram (ECG) predicts a normal LV function. Ninety‐eight patients with ChD and no other cardiac or systemic illness were underwent standard 12‐lead ECG and Doppler echocardiogram (echo) examination. An investigator (blinded to the echo data) measured manually the QRS duration. LV dysfunction was defined by the presence of LV dilatation (LV diastolic dimension > 55 mm), depressed LV ejection fraction (LVEF < 0.50), segmental contractile abnormalities (SCA) or LV aneurysm. QRS duration was significantly correlated with LV diastolic dimension (r = 0.44, P = 0.000) and LVEF (r = 0.24, P = 0.016). A significant percentage of patients with QRS < 100 ms had abnormal systolic LV parameters, including LV dilatation (8.1%), reduced EF (10.2%), SCA (42.8%) and LV aneurysm (14.2%). A narrow QRS does not exclude the presence of significant global and segmental LV dysfunction in ChD patients. Since these abnormalities have prognostic and therapeutic implications, further evaluation of LV systolic performance is desirable in such patients.
Young adult women's experiences of body image after bariatric surgery: a descriptive phenomenological study
Authors: Jensen Janet F. , Petersen Mette H. , Larsen Tine B. , Jørgensen Dorthe G. , Grønbæk Helle N. , Midtgaard Julie
Published: October 2013

Aim

To understand the lived experience of body image in young women after obesity surgery.

Background

Quantitative studies have documented that health‐related quality of life and body image are improved after bariatric surgery, probably due to significant weight loss. Female obesity surgery candidates are likely to be motivated by dissatisfaction regarding physical appearance. However, little is known about the experience of the individual woman, leaving little understanding of the association between bariatric surgery and changes in health‐related quality of life and body image.

Design

A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study.

Methods

Data were collected over 4 months during 2010. Selection for interview was carried out through purposeful sampling. The participants were five young women who underwent bariatric surgery (range: 1–12 months). In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were analysed by systematic text condensation influenced by Giorgi's phenomenological method and supplemented by elements from narrative analysis.

Findings

The analysis revealed three concepts: solution to an unbearable problem, learning new boundaries and hopes of normalization. These revelatory concepts were synthesized into one major theme: on the edge of control, that is describing these women's feelings of being on the edge of balance between control and loss of control.

Conclusion

Perception of control may be an essential aspect of body image and the key to understanding these young women's feelings of empowerment and quality of life through body control postbariatric surgery. Future studies should focus on how body control is an essential aspect of body image, which may contribute to long‐term weight loss maintenance and improve quality of life.
Evaluation of the RAAPS Risk Screening Tool for Use in Detecting Adolescents With Depression
Authors: Salerno Jennifer , Barnhart Sarah
Published: October 2013

Problem

Screening is vital to quality adolescent care, but using multiple surveys to screen depression and interrelated risk behaviors is difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate RAAPS (Rapid Assessment for Adolescent Preventive Services) effectiveness as a screening tool for adolescent depression.

Methods

Cronbach's α, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were assessed.

Findings

Cronbach's α was 0.66 overall. The ROC curve is 0.86. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.86 and 0.71, respectively. The positive predictive value is 0.46 and the negative predictive value is 0.95.

Conclusion

Results indicate RAAPS may be an effective screening tool for identifying adolescent depression.
Methylation profiling of SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, CISH and SHP1 in Philadelphia‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Zhang Min Yue , Fung Tsz Kin , Chen Fang Yuan , Chim Chor Sang
Published: October 2013

Janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signalling, pivotal in Philadelphia‐negative (Ph‐ve) myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), is negatively regulated by molecules including SOCSs, CISH and SHP1. SOCS1, SOCS2 and SOCS3 methylation have been studied in MPN with discordant results. Herein, we studied the methylation status of SOCS1, SOCS2 and SOCS3, CISH and SHP1 by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) in cell lines and 45 diagnostic marrow samples of Ph‐ve MPN. Moreover, we attempted to explain the discordance of methylation frequency by mapping the studied MSP primers to the respective genes. Methylation was detected in normal controls using SOCS2 MSP primers in the 3′translated exonic sequence, but not primers around the transcription start site in the 5′ untranslated regions (5′UTR). SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3 and CISH were completely unmethylated in primary MPN samples and cell lines. In contrast, methylation of SHP1 was detected in 8.9% primary marrow samples. Moreover, SHP1 was completely methylated in K562 cell line, leading to reversible SHP1 silencing. A review of methylation studies of SOCS1 and SOCS3 showed that spuriously high rates of SOCS methylation had been reported using MSP primers targeting CpG sites in the 3′translated exonic sequence, which is also methylated in normal controls. However, using MSP primers localized to the 5′UTR, methylation of SOCS1, SOCS2 and SOCS3 is infrequent across all studies. In summary, methylation of SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3 and CISH is infrequent in Ph‐ve MPN. Appropriate MSP primers are important for accurate estimation of the methylation frequency. The role of SHP1 methylation in the pathogenesis of MPN warrants further investigation.
Identifying individual common carp Cyprinus carpio using scale pattern
Authors: Huntingford F. A. , Borçato F. L. , Mesquita F. O.
Published: October 2013

Volunteers were able to match photographs of the same common carp Cyprinus carpio taken on two occasions. Images were identified correctly on 95·76% of occasions. Thus, scale patterns can be used for non‐invasive identification of C. carpio over a period of time.
Antibacterial Effect of Mentha spicata Essential Oil on Listeria monocytogenes in Traditional Lighvan Cheese
Authors: Moosavy Mir‐Hassan , Esmaeili Saber , Mostafavi Ehsan
Published: October 2013

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that is widespread in the environment. There are several reports on the isolation of L. monocytogenes from many types of cheeses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Mentha spicata essential oil on L. monocytogenes in traditional Lighvan cheese. L. monocytogenes was added to the raw ewe's milk and M. spicata essential oil was subsequently mixed with the milk at concentrations of 0, 2 and 2.5%. After producing the cheese, sampling performed until 60 days. Results of this study showed that M. spicata essential oil at all concentrations was effective against L. monocytogenes in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between 2 and 2.5%. Effect of the M. spicata essential oil on L. monocytogenes at 14C was greater than 4C. Also, with increasing salt water concentration, the anti‐Listerial effect of the M. spicata essential oil increased.

Practical Applications

These findings may be of significant importance with regard to food safety because application of M. spicata essential oils for control of L. monocytogenes in unpasteurized and traditional cheeses tested and achieved best results. Also, environmental conditions (NaCl and temperature) increased antibacterial effect of M. spicata in cheese.
Night Work and the Reproductive Health of Women: An Integrated Literature Review
Authors: Chau Yu Moon , West Sandra , Mapedzahama Virginia
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The aim of this review was to synthesize current evidence on the effects of night work on the major stages of women's reproductive health, specifically the menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause. Current understanding suggests that night work (work that causes disruption of a worker's circadian [day/night] rhythms) adversely affects workers’ health and well‐being. A complex relationship exists between circadian rhythms and reproductive hormones, and this may potentially increase the vulnerability of women to the detrimental effect of night work, including during menopause.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted (March–May 2011) via CINAHL, MEDLINE, Sociological Abstracts, and Business Source Premier for primary research studies written in English using the key words “shift‐work” and “female/women.” Findings of identified articles were themed to pregnancy, fertility, aspects of menstrual cycles, and menopause.

Results

Twenty articles were identified, (13 articles concerning pregnancy, 3 addressing fertility, and 4 addressing aspects of the menstrual cycle) but no studies addressing menopause were located. All identified articles demonstrated problematic approaches to the determination of night‐work exposure.

Discussion

Evidence of the impact of night work on female reproductive health as presented in the current literature is inconclusive. Moreover, available evidence needs to be interpreted with caution, given the various limitations and inconsistencies among the studies in the measurement of night‐work exposure and shift‐work patterns. Studies that focus specifically on night work are needed to facilitate an understanding of the impact of circadian disruption on the reproductive health of women undertaking night work.
Reflections Regarding Future Cannabis Use Among High‐Frequency Users in a Canadian University Student Population
Authors: Rudzinski Katherine , Dawe Meghan , McGuire Fraser , Shuper Paul A. , Rehm Jürgen , Fischer Benedikt
Published: October 2013

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug worldwide, and the most commonly used illicit drug in Canada, among postsecondary student populations. This cross‐sectional study qualitatively assessed 112 high‐frequency, cannabis‐using university students in Canada: It examined their subjective expectations regarding what they anticipated their cannabis use would look like in the short‐ and mid‐term future and explored factors they saw potentially contributing to changes in their prospective drug use. Results indicated that participants believe that decisions about future cannabis use will be influenced by several contextual factors, including education and employment responsibilities, intimate relationships, and peer associations. These findings help illuminate the natural evolution of cannabis use and can guide the development of interventions for high‐frequency cannabis users in the future.
Disclosure and (re)performance of gender‐based evidence in an interpreter‐mediated asylum interview
Authors: Maryns Katrijn
Published: October 2013

In order to handle the complexities of increasing influxes of people, asylum agencies tend to adhere to static categorisations of the variability encountered in the institutional space. This study demonstrates that, although classification is to some extent inevitable, isolation of social categories (gender, age, citizenship) into policy guidelines and routine procedures can be counterproductive in socially heterogeneous settings, such as the asylum determination interview, where several participants (asylum officers, interpreters, decision makers) are deeply implicated in the discursive co‐construction of client identities. Drawing on sociolinguistic micro‐analysis of gender‐based evidence from an interpreted asylum interview in the Belgian asylum procedure, this study shows how the (re)performance of gender issues is deeply embedded in and therefore cannot be understood outside the specific socio‐discursive dynamics and the broader institutional context of the asylum interview.
Egg allergy: An update
Authors: Tan John W , Joshi Preeti
Published: October 2013

Egg allergy is the commonest infant food allergy both in Australia and world‐wide. The clinical presentation of egg allergy is varied – egg is involved in both IgE and non‐IgE‐mediated allergic reactions and has been implicated in conditions such as anaphylaxis, food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome, atopic dermatitis and eosinophilic oesophagitis. The clinical presentation, pathophysiology and diagnosis as well as the natural history and management of egg allergy will be discussed. Current theories about primary prevention as well as potential future therapies are presented. Finally, practical information about egg allergy and immunisation is provided.
Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of 6‐month daily dosing of an oral formulation of cyclosporine (ATOPICA for cats®) in cats
Authors: Roberts E. S. , VanLare K. A. , Strehlau G. , Peyrou M. , Roycroft L. M. , King S.
Published: October 2013

Cyclosporine was proven efficacious in the treatment of feline hypersensitivity dermatitis. This target animal study was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of ATOPICA for Cats® (cyclosporine oral solution, USP) MODIFIED following 6‐month daily dosing in cats. Forty healthy cats (four cats/sex/group) received 0, 8 (1×), 16 (2×), 24 (3×), or 40 (5×) mg/kg cyclosporine once daily for 6 months (183 days). Body weight, food consumption, ophthalmoscopic, physical examinations including neurological assessments, blood pressure, electrocardiography, clinical pathology (hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, urinalysis), organ weights, and macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed and assessed. In addition, blood concentrations of cyclosporine were measured at the pretreatment trough on Days 1, 2, 7, 14, 31, 91, 154, and 182, and post‐treatment on Days 1, 31, and 182. Adverse effects possibly related to treatment included prolonged APTT and one report each of bone marrow hypocellularity and lymphoma; all occurred in cats treated with doses more than 16 mg/kg. There was no significant accumulation of cyclosporine beyond the first week of treatment. Results confirm that ATOPICA for Cats is safe and well tolerated in cats without unexpected accumulation beyond the first week of treatment when administered as directed.
Not All Incentives Wash Out the Warm Glow: The Case of Blood Donation Revisited
Authors: Costa‐Font Joan , Jofre‐Bonet Mireia , Yen Steven T.
Published: October 2013

The issue of the nature of the altruism inherent in blood donation and the perverse effects of financial rewards for blood giving has been recently revisited in the economic literature with limited consensus. As Titmuss () famously pointed out, providing monetary incentives to blood donors may crowd out blood supply as purely altruistic donors may feel less inclined to donate. In this paper we examine how favouring different types of incentives is related to the likelihood of donating blood by exploiting a large sample representative of the population of fifteen European countries that contains information on both donation and attitudes towards incentives. Our results show that those who favour monetary rewards for blood donation are less likely to be donors and those who favour non‐monetary rewards are more likely to have donated. This is consistent with the idea that while monetary rewards may crowd out blood donation, non‐monetary rewards do not.
Is there a Gender Bias in the Use of Foreign Languages in Europe?
Authors: Ginsburgh Victor , Prieto‐Rodriguez Juan
Published: October 2013

The process of globalization has forced workers (essentially white collars) to learn foreign languages and break linguistic barriers. In most cases, Europeans have chosen English as a second language. But English is not the only language that has an economic impact on international trade. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of the most important foreign languages used at the workplace on wages of men and women, both at the mean and along the wage distribution, in Northern and Southern Europe (Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy and Spain). Workers from both genders benefit from a premium, but there are marked differences between North European and South European countries.
Industrial Policy: A Missing Link in Mexico's Quest for Export‐led Growth
Authors: Moreno‐Brid Juan Carlos
Published: October 2013

This article explores the need for Mexican policymakers to add an active industrial policy as a key instrument to assist in the nation's so far failed quest for high and sustained economic growth. Mexico implemented drastic reforms in the mid‐1980s to open its markets to foreign competition and to reduce the state's intervention in the economy, but these reforms failed to ensure robust economic growth. The article explores myths and facts of the theory and practice of industrial policy. It identifies what type of industrial policy the new administration, which took office in December 2012, will apparently implement during 2013–2018 and how it may, or may not, help to put Mexico onto a path of high, sustained economic expansion.
Running Hot and Cold: Economic Liberalization and Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America by Sector
Authors: Hecock R. Douglas , Jepsen Eric M.
Published: October 2013

This article examines the effects of market‐oriented economic reforms on foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Latin America from 1985 to 2006. In contrast with most existing scholarship, we disaggregate FDI into its destination in the primary resource, manufacturing, and service sectors, allowing us to determine that different kinds of investments exhibit distinct behavior. Manufacturing FDI appears to be erratic; previous investment is not a predictor of current investment. FDI across sectors is associated with varying policy environments, with service and primary resource investment attracted to hosts with policies associated with more stable economic and political contexts. Overall, manufacturing FDI appears to function more like “hot” portfolio investment and is less likely to provide some of the positive spillover effects thought to be associated with more permanent FDI. These findings have an array of implications for economic, development, and industrial policies throughout Latin America and the developing world.
Subnational Bond Market Development: What Drives the Yield Spreads of Mexican Cebures?
Authors: Espinosa Salvador
Published: October 2013

A robust market for subnational bonds can provide emerging economies with additional tools to accelerate their economic growth. This article seeks to trigger a reflection on the factors that emerging nations such as Mexico would need to take into account if the aim is to issue bond instruments that are attractive to investors. This study assesses the factors affecting the yield spread of a sample of Mexican bonds known as Cebures. The analysis shows that only variables associated with the structure of the bond affect such yield spreads, not factors reflecting the financial strength of the issuing entity. Government policies aimed at modifying the implicit risk of this type of bonds may not be sufficient to alter bond buyer's risk perceptions.
The Future of Energy in the United States and Latin America: Possible Scenarios
Authors: Chacón Susana
Published: October 2013

The technology revolution and the discovery of shale oil and shale gas deposits changed the world's geopolitics and geostrategies. Today, the United States no longer depends on oil imports. It is becoming an energy producer and exporter, which changes its role in the world. The effect is also felt in Latin America. Because countries such as Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina will be the main energy producers in the future, they will all change their relationship with the United States. They must seek new markets so as not to be affected by the new energy power balance. This article analyzes the situation in Latin America as it faces the U.S. scenario and its new worldwide energy potential.
Agenda Setting and Issue Definition at the Micro Level: Giving Climate Change a Voice in thePeruvianCongress
Authors: Takahashi Bruno , Meisner Mark
Published: October 2013

Agenda‐setting and policy‐formulation processes, including those involved in global issues such as climate change, have been a focus of continuous research during recent years. Most studies have taken a broad, longitudinal perspective, with limited emphasis on the individual level decision making that can better explain the broader dynamics tested in the past. This study presents an analysis at the micro level that uncovers specific instances of individual decision making within an information‐processing framework. Additionally, little is known about how climate change is defined in developing nations that are highly vulnerable to its effects. This micro‐level analysis focuses on national legislators and advisers in thePeruvianCongress. The article presents a detailed narrative of the formulation process of several climate change bills and the development of a special committee on climate change and biodiversity in the 2006–2011 legislative period in thePeruvianCongress. The study discusses the role of policy entrepreneurs, the influence of limited or inaccurate information, and the competition with other policy issues through an analysis of in‐depth interviews with these legislative elites. The results show the significant influence of media reports and Internet use in a low‐information environment.
N‐acetylgalactosamine exposure of serum IgA1 was associated with glomerulosclerosis and tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis of IgA nephropathy patients
Authors: Xu Li‐Xia , Ye Zhi‐ming , Feng Zhonglin , Xin Gang , Zhang Bin , Liu Shuangxin , Li Ruizhao , Li Zhilian , Liang Xinling , Shi Wei
Published: October 2013

Aim

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis with various histological and clinical phenotypes. N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) exposure plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of IgAN. The aim of the current study is to investigate whether GalNAc exposure of serum IgA1 was associated with clinical and pathological manifestation of IgAN.

Methods

Sera from 199 patients with biopsy proved IgAN were collected. Clinical and pathological manifestations were collected. Biotinylated Helix aspersa were used in ELISA to examine GalNAc exposure on IgA1 molecules. Patients were divided into two groups according to the GalNAc exposure rate less or more than 0.4.

Results

Age, gender, and serum creatinine were comparable between the two groups. Univariate analysis showed that significantly higher urinary protein excretion rate but less severe glomerular sclerosis and tubularinterstitial fibrosis were observed in the lower GalNAc exposure group. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that adjusted by age and gender, the GalNAc exposure rate more than 0.4 was a risk factor of glomerular sclerosis and tubularinterstitial fibrosis, OR*(95% CI) were 2.76 (1.19–6.37) and 2.49 (1.18–5.25), respectively.

Conclusion

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy patients with lower proteinuria had higher GalNAc exposure rates. The GalNAc exposure rate more than 0.4 was a risk factor of severe chronic renal tissue change.
Combined heterotopic liver–pancreas transplantation as a curative treatment for liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Henn Constance , Kapellen Thomas , Prenzel Freerk , Siekmeyer Manuela , Hau Hans‐Michael , Kiess Wieland , Bartels Michael
Published: October 2013

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease with a defect in epithelial chloride transport that results in a multisystem disease. Although pulmonary disease remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality, focal biliary cirrhosis and portal hypertension may develop in up to 8% of these patients. Liver transplantation (TX) is an accepted therapy and shows good results. We report on a patient with cystic fibrosis homozygous for the most common CFTR mutation delta F 508 who received a combined heterotopic liver and pancreas transplantation at the age of 18 yr. He suffered from CFRD, which untypically required high doses of insulin. In addition, the patient had pulmonary complications, was chronically colonized with multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MBL) and had an allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). The patient remained in stable health for 54 months post‐TX and was able to live a nearly normal life. With a follow‐up of five yr, the function of the liver and pancreas allografts was excellent. However, and sadly, his pulmonary function continued to deteriorate from progression of his CF, and he died of respiratory failure due to a severe pneumonia and septicemia at the age of 23 yr and five months.
Interaction of H2@C60 and Nitroxide through Conformationally Constrained Peptide Bridges
Authors: Garbuio Luca , Li Yongjun , Antonello Sabrina , Gascón José A. , Lawler Ronald G. , Lei Xuegong , Murata Yasujiro , Turro Nicholas J. , Maran Flavio
Published: October 2013

We synthesized two molecular systems, in which an endofullerene C60, incarcerating one hydrogen molecule (H2@C60) and a nitroxide radical are connected by a folded 310‐helical peptide. The difference between the two molecules is the direction of the peptide orientation. The nuclear spin relaxation rates and the para → ortho conversion rate of the incarcerated hydrogen molecule were determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The experimental results were analyzed using DFT‐optimized molecular models. The relaxation rates and the conversion rates of the two peptides fall in the expected distance range. One of the two peptides is particularly rigid and thus ideal to keep the H2@C60/nitroxide separation, r, as large and controlled as possible, which results in particularly low relaxation and conversion rates. Despite the very similar optimized distance, however, the rates measured with the other peptide are considerably higher and thus are compatible with a shorter effective distance. The results strengthen the outcome of previous investigations that while the para → ortho conversion rates satisfactorily obey the Wigner's theory, the nuclear spin relaxation rates are in excellent agreement with the Solomon–Bloembergen equation predicting a 1/r6 dependence.