bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochronological reconsiderations for the Eastern European key loess section at Stayky in Ukraine
Authors: Kadereit A. , Wagner G. A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Event-stratigraphical correlations between local/regional terrestrial sedimentary archives and marine or ice-core records providing the global climate history and time-scale are highly desirable for a deeper understanding of the effects of global climate change on a local/regional (palaeo-)environment. However, such correlations are not trivial, as the terrestrial records tend to be floating and fragmentary and usually show varying sedimentation rates. Therefore, a reliable chronometric framework is a necessary prerequisite for any event-stratigraphy involving terrestrial archives. In this respect, the age-model underlying the event-stratigraphical approach for the Eastern European key loess section at Stayky in Ukraine appears to need revision. Here we explain, why it is highly unlikely that the Middle Pleniglacial Vytachiv Soil developed during Greenland interstadial (GIS) 8, and why the embryonic soils in the upper part of the Upper Pleniglacial part of the loess section most likely post-date Heinrich 2 event. As a consequence, the revised age-model challenges the earlier suggested correlation of the suite of incipient soils above the Vytachiv Soil with Greenland Interstadials, which was supposed to start with GIS7 but for which matching from after GIS5 seems more likely. The revised chronology suggests that the transition from Middle to Upper Pleniglacial environmental conditions at the Eastern European key section occurred during the final phase of marine isotope stage (MIS) 3. Thus, the picture appears to be in accordance with that of the Western European key section at Nussloch in Germany pointing to a common driver of palaeo-environmental change in both regions, such as early Late Glacial Maximum (LGM) advances of the Arctic ice-shield or changes of the North Atlantic circulation and sea-ice distribution leading also to relevant changes of the palaeowind field.
One-way coupling of an integrated assessment model and a water resources model: evaluation and implications of future changes over the US Midwest
Authors: Voisin N. , Liu L. , Hejazi M. , Tesfa T. , Li H. , Huang M. , Liu Y. , Leung R. L.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. An integrated model is being developed to advance our understanding of the interactions between human activities, terrestrial system and water cycle, and to evaluate how system interactions will be affected by a changing climate at the regional scale. As a first step towards that goal, a global integrated assessment model including a water-demand model is coupled offline with a land surface hydrology – routing – water resources management model. In this study, a spatial and temporal disaggregation approach is developed to project the annual regional water demand simulations into a daily time step and subbasin representation. The model demonstrated reasonable ability to represent the historical flow regulation and water supply over the Midwest (Missouri, Upper Mississippi, and Ohio). Implications for future flow regulation, water supply, and supply deficit are investigated using a climate change projection with the B1 emission scenario, which affects both natural flow and water demand. Over the Midwest, changes in flow regulation are mostly driven by the change in natural flow due to the limited storage capacity over the Ohio and Upper Mississippi River basins. The changes in flow and demand have a combined effect on the Missouri summer regulated flow. The supply deficit seems to be driven by the change in flow over the region. Spatial analysis demonstrates the relationship between the supply deficit and the change in demand over urban areas not along a main river or with limited storage, and over areas upstream of groundwater dependent fields, which therefore have an overestimated surface water demand.
Cardiovascular risk factors in young male adults: impact of physical activity and parental education
Authors: Çuhadar Serap , Atay Ayşenur , Sağlam Gülcan , Köseoğlu Mehmet , Çuhadar Levent
Published: May 2013

Background: This study was conducted to assess whether choices of physical activity, smoking status, and parental education and income were correlated with the health status of young adult males which are important for preventive health policy. Methods: 491 18-29-year old males from lower socioeconomical districts in Turkey participated in this study. Information about demographic characteristics, parental education, household income, smoking status, and physical activity was obtained by means of a standardized questionnaire. BMI and metabolic parameters (serum lipid profile) were assessed.Results: Mean total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels were in the normal range.  The physically active group displayed a better lipid profile. No relationship was found between parental education and serum lipids. Smoking was slightly correlated with household income (r=103, p=0.022).Conclusion: Young adult males who participate in relatively high levels of physical activity are at lower CHD risk than less active ones. The present study also showed that lower socioecnomic status does not always correlate with higher levels of cardiovascular risk factors. In conclusion, data supports that while family history cannot be changed, HDL levels can be modulated by lifestyle factors as in other populations and that with the determined benefits of increasing physical activity and thus, HDL levels, policy reform in schools to promote physical activity are warranted.
O impacto do status socioeconômico na incidência de casos de Aids nos municípios brasileiros: um estudo por dados em painel
Authors: Godoy Marcia Regina , Silva Everton Nunes da , Sousa Tanara Rosangela Vieira
Published: May 2013

Nos últimos anos, muitos pesquisadores dedicaram atenção à questão da importância dos indicadores sociais na redução de doenças. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a associação estatística entre os casos notificados de AIDS e algumas variáveis socioeconômicas. Foi analisada uma amostra de 1.994 municípios brasileiros com casos de AIDS informados em 1991 e 2000. As variáveis analisadas são: taxa de incidência de AIDS per capita; taxa de analfabetismo; Índice de Gini; renda per capita; acesso a eletricidade e televisão; esperança de vida ao nascer. A abordagem econométrica usada neste estudo foi modelo de dados em painel. Os resultados desta análise mostram que as variáveis socioeconômicas são importantes para entender a incidência dos casos de AIDS no Brasil, e são importantes para o desenho de políticas públicas para o combate do aumento da incidência de HIV/AIDS; além de mostrarem um padrão distinto ao encontrado na literatura para países africanos. In recent years, many researchers have devoted attention to the issue of the importance of social indicators in disease reduction. The objective of this paper is to analyze the statistical association between the reported AIDS cases and some socioeconomic variables. We analyzed a sample of 1,994 Brazilian municipalities with AIDS cases reported in 1991 and 2000. The variables analyzed are: AIDS incidence rate per capita, illiteracy rate, Gini Index, per capita income, access to electricity and television, life expectancy at birth. The approach used in this study was econometric panel data model. The results of this analysis show that socioeconomic variables are important for understanding the incidence of AIDS cases in Brazil, and are important for the design of public policies to combat the increasing incidence of HIV / AIDS, also show a distinct pattern to found in the literature for African countries.Keywords :HIV/AIDS, Socioeconomic Indicators, Public Health, Panel Data
On the Kirchhoff Index of Graphs
Authors: Das Kinkar C.
Published: May 2013

Let G be a connected graph of order n with Laplacian eigenvalues μ1 ≥ μ2 ≥ ... ≥ μn-1 > mn = 0.

The Kirchhoff index of G is defined as [xxx]

In this paper. we give lower and upper bounds on Kf of graphs in terms on n, number of edges, maximum degree, and number of spanning trees. Moreover, we present lower and upper bounds on the Nordhaus-Gaddum-type result for the Kirchhoff index.
Desenvolvimento de uma Escala para Mensuração das Confianças Cognitiva, Afetiva e Comportamental e Verificação de seus Impactos na Lealdade
Authors: Terres Mellina Da Silva , Santos Cristiane Pizzuti
Published: May 2013

Este artigo tem como objetivo desenvolver e validar uma escala que mensure os componentes afetivos, cognitivos e comportamentais da confiana e verificar seus impactos nas intenes de lealdade em trocas business-to-consumer no contexto de prestao de servios. O desenvolvimento da escala foi baseado em Churchill (1979) e seguiu os seguintes passos: a) Gerao dos itens atravs de escalas existentes e entrevistas em profundidade; b) purificao utilizando anlise fatorial exploratria e c) validao atravs da anlise fatorial confirmatria. A amostra utilizada foi de 480 estudantes. Randomicamente, uma metade dos respondentes foi utilizada na etapa exploratria e a outra, na etapa confirmatria. Os resultados mostraram que as confianas afetiva, cognitiva e comportamental so empiricamente distintas e podem ser mensuradas. Conforme esperado, as confianas afetiva e cognitiva tiveram um impacto positivo nas intenes de lealdade, enquanto a confiana comportamental no teve impacto significativo. A anlise multigrupos mostrou que, em relacionamentos mais longos, as confianas afetiva e cognitiva possuem um impacto maior quando comparadas com relacionamentos menos longos. Todavia, a confiana comportamental novamente no teve impacto significativo nas intenes de lealdade.DOI:10.5585/remark.v12i1.2331
Percepção dos enfermeiros da estratégia saúde da família sobre o uso da fitoterapia
Authors: Sampaio Larissa Alves , Oliveira Dayanne Rakelly de , Kerntopf Marta Regina , Júnior Francisco Elizaudo de Brito , Menezes Irwin Rose Alencar de
Published: May 2013

The use of medicinal plants is widespread around the world including Brazil, where there are several species and a large tradition in their use. It was aimed to know the perception of the nurses about the use of phytotherapy in Health Family Strategy (HFS). Exploratory descriptive study, qualitative approach, developed in Crato-CE with fifteen nurses from HFS. It was employed the Theme-Category Analysis. It were constructed six categories and two subcategories which were described the knowledge of professionals about phytotherapy, their views about use in primary care, the use of this practice and the strategies developed for this use. The results revealed that the knowledge of the interviewees mostly is narrow and informal, and they find difficulties to implement phytotherapy practices such as no valuation by the management and the rest of the health group. It should be emphasized as well the importance of developing strategies that enable the safe and efficient integration of phytotherapy in care and thus the appreciation of local culture.
Impacto da implementação do acolhimento com classificação de risco para o trabalho dos profissionais de uma unidade de pronto atendimento
Authors: Oliveira Kalyane Kelly Duarte de , Amorim Kalianny Kadidja Polline Soares , Fernandes Ana Paula Nunes de Lima , Monteiro Akemi Iwata
Published: May 2013

The paper aims to analyze the impact of the implementation of Hospitality with Risk Rating (ACCR) for working professionals an emergency care unit. This is a descriptive qualitative approach. Data collection was performed in Emergency Care Unit Dr. Tarcisio de Vasconcelos Maia, had 12 professionals as subjects: 3 doctors, 3 nurses, three social workers and three nursing technicians. Data were collected through a structured interview semi-structured, analyzed according to the technique of collective subject discourse. The work was conducted under the approval of the ethics committee of FAMENE / FACENE with number 121/2010. The results show that there is knowledge of professionals in the UPA on the ACCR, cited as a way to humanize care and point differing responses regarding the ability of the ACCR installation in UPA concerned, pointing structural deficiencies and personnel. The questions reveal different opinions about the changes after the implementation of the UPA, such as improved patient care. The ACCR came to improve the care of PSUs, creating order of service according to the highest risk of death and leaving the service model in order of arrival. As well, humanization of care provided, work with a multidisciplinary team. Thus, we conclude that health services should interconnect and seekfull attention of the user, providing improvements and the entire staff of the institution should engage the new device, respecting its rules and routines.
Translation as Politics: The Translation of Sadako Kurihara’s War Poems
Authors: Hayakawa Atsuko
Published: May 2013

The dynamic power shift of the world picture from a dominant hegemonic power structure to a global consciousness of hybridity accelerated by postcolonialism in the late 20th century has opened up a way to re-read history from a new perspective. The major point in the process is the recognition of both the cultural and political others which had long been made invisible and silent by the politics of power. It is in this light that translation must be addressed by scholarly discourse.

This paper focuses on war poems by Sadako Kurihara both in the time of and after the censorship that occurred during the occupation. Through the lens of translation and its modalities, I would propose here, history can be re-addressed. How the narrative of translation creates an arena where an individual voice is made to be heard in the language of others is closely related with the translator’s stance in the political context. The task of the translator today is much more important than ever, not only culturally but also ethically.
Un pavé dans la mare des méthodologies : les listes de diffusion de traducteurs
Authors: Plassard Freddie
Published: May 2013

Le présent article a pour objet de présenter l’apport spécifique des listes de diffusion de traducteurs au regard des méthodologies existantes pour rendre compte du processus de traduction. Il consiste en une description du matériau de ces listes, en leur catégorisation et en une analyse de leur portée à la fois méthodologique et sociologique.
La traduction d’Eugène Onéguine de Pouchkine – étude comparative multilingue
Authors: Kim Simon
Published: May 2013

Eugène Onéguine, écrit par Pouchkine à la fin du XIXesiècle, est l’une des oeuvres majeures de la littérature russe. Souvent dans l’ombre de l’opéra éponyme de Tchaïkovsky, son statut est souvent méconnu hors des milieux russophiles; néanmoins, nombreux sont les traducteurs qui s’attaquent à ce texte, que Pouchkine lui-même définit comme un « roman en vers ». De par sa nature hybride (ni roman, ni poème,à la foispoèmeetroman) et son caractère multilingue ou polyglotte (Bakhtine), possédant une forme originale (si bien qu’on parle même de « strophe onéguienne »), ce texte constitue un véritable défi que les traducteurs, et même les traducteurs non russophones (Hofstadter, Giudici), sont souvent avides de relever.

Si les langues occidentales, riches elles aussi en systèmes métriques et en versification rimée, ont la tentation de transposer le vers russe dans une forme versifiée occidentale, pour les traducteurs occidentaux la question demeure de définir ce qu’estEugène Onéguine, sachant qu’il échappe à toutes les définitions traditionnelles.

Pour les langues orientales, comme le coréen ou le japonais, qui n’ont pas les mêmes traditions linguistiques, littéraires et poétiques, les enjeux dans la traduction sont à première vue plus complexes puisqu’il s’agit d’inventer ou de renoncer à rendre une forme qui est tout aussi importante que le sujet de cette oeuvre. La distinction entre les deux est d’ailleurs rendue caduque par ce texte qui remet précisément en cause cette distinction. Or, l’observation des différentes approches traductives en langues occidentales et orientales permet de mettre en lumière cette caractéristique du texte de Pouchkine et de sa traduction. Car si la familiarité des langues occidentales avec le mètre et le vers semble apparemment poser au traducteur la question du genre (roman/poème, prose poétique/poésie « prosaïque »), l’altérité ou l’étrangeté des langues orientales révèle que la tâche du traducteur est, et a toujours été – même pour les traducteurs occidentaux – non pas tant de restituer un (semblant de) vers, mais de créer une forme, un texte qui fasse « ce que fait le texte » (Meschonnic).
Polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia: 2013 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification, and management
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew
Published: May 2013

Disease Overview

Polycythemia Vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) primarily characterized by erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis, respectively. Other disease features include leukocytosis, splenomegaly, thrombohemorrhagic complications, vasomotor disturbances, pruritus and a small risk of disease progression into acute myeloid leukemia or myelofibrosis.

Diagnosis

Almost all patients with PV harbor aJAK2mutation. When PV is suspected, the presence of aJAK2mutation highly suggests the diagnosis and its absence, combined with normal or increased serum erythropoietin level, excludes the diagnosis. Differential diagnosis of ET should include reactive thrombocytosis, chronic myeloid leukemia, prefibrotic myelofibrosis and RARS‐T (refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts associated with marked thrombocytosis). AJAK2mutation is found in 50–70% of patients with ET, myelofibrosis or RARS‐T and is capable of distinguishing reactive from clonal thrombocytosis.

Risk Stratification

Current risk stratification in PV and ET is designed to estimate the likelihood of thrombotic complications: high‐risk is defined by the presence of age >60 years or presence of thrombosis history; low‐risk is defined by the absence of both of these two risk factors. Recent data considersJAK2V617F and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors as additional risk factors for thrombosis. Presence of extreme thrombocytosis (platelet count >1,000 × 109/L) might be associated with acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS) and, therefore, risk of bleeding. Risk factors for shortened survival in both PV and ET include advanced age, leukocytosis, and history of thrombosis.

Risk‐Adapted Therapy

Survival is near‐normal in ET and reasonably long in PV. The 10‐year risk of leukemic/fibrotic transformation is <1%/1% in ET and <3%/10% in PV. In contrast, the risk of thrombosis exceeds 20%. The main goal of therapy is therefore to prevent thrombohemorrhagic complications. In low risk patients, this is effectively and safely accomplished by the use of low‐dose aspirin in both PV and ET and phlebotomy (hematocrit target of <45%) in PV. In high risk patients, treatment with hydroxyurea is additionally recommended, although not mandated in older patients withoutJAK2V617F or CV risk factors. Treatment with busulfan or interferon‐α is usually effective in hydroxyurea failures. Screening for clinically significant AvWS is recommended before administrating aspirin in the presence of extreme thrombocytosis. Am. J. Hematol. 88:508–516, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chimerism in monochorionic dizygotic twins: Case study and review
Authors: Chen Kristen , Chmait Ramen H. , Vanderbilt Douglas , Wu Samuel , Randolph Linda
Published: May 2013

Chimerism occurs when an organism contains cells derived from more than one distinct zygote. We focus on monochorionic dizygotic twin blood chimerism, and particularly twin–twin transfusion syndrome in such pregnancies. For years, researchers have understood chimerism to be a common phenomenon in cattle. Although, this review will not delve deeply into animal chimerism, an understanding of chimerism in the animal world can provide clues regarding health implications for human chimeras. This report serves two purposes: an update and assessment of the twins we reported previously in 2010 [Assaf et al., 2010] and a review on dizygotic monochorionic chimeric twins. First, our updated assessment of the twins shows no identifiable regression of Müllerian sex derivatives in the female, and normal neurodevelopment was documented in both. Our research has suggested several key points; one that blood chimerism persists from fetal life to at least age two years. Second, chimerism in humans is not as rare as previously thought, although it has been studied only recently. Third, assisted reproductive technologies appear to increase the risk of monochorionic dizygotic twin pregnancies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two is better than one: A case of homozygous myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Carroll Jillian M. , Quaid Kimberly A. , Stone Kristyne , Jones Renee , Schubert Frank , Griffith Christopher B.
Published: May 2013

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is an autosomal dominant condition caused by a trinucleotide CTG repeat expansion in the 3′ untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase gene. The phenotypic features of myopathic facies, generalized weakness, and myotonia are thought to be dependent on repeat number, with larger expansions generally leading to earlier and/or more severe disease. The vast majority of individuals are heterozygous for an expanded allele and an allele in the normal range. In this clinical report, we describe two brothers with congenital myotonic dystrophy type 1. The younger of the two siblings is one of only 13 homozygous patients ever reported in the literature. He carries two expanded alleles: one with 1,170 repeats and the other with >100 repeats. We present his clinical picture in relation to his more severely affected heterozygous brother as well as other published homozygous cases. Finally, we discuss the inconsistency between repeat size and symptomatic expression as it applies to the current proposed mechanisms of myotonic dystrophy type 1 pathogenicity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ESTEM imaging of single atoms under controlled temperature and gas environment conditions in catalyst reaction studies
Authors: Boyes Edward D. , Ward Michael R. , Lari Leonardo , Gai Pratibha L.
Published: May 2013

Heterogeneous gas‐solid catalyst reactions occur on the atomic scale and there is increasing evidence single atoms and very small clusters can act as primary active sites in chemical reactions. Aberration corrected environmental scanning transmission electron microscope (AC ESTEM) has been developed for novel studies of nanoparticle catalysts with Angstrom (0.1 nm) resolution in gas. It extends high vacuum analyses with full analytical facilities and unrestricted high angle annular dark field (HAADF) imaging of single atoms, small clusters and nanoparticles in dynamic in‐situ experiments with controlled gas reaction environments at initial operating temperatures up to > 500 °C.
Layer‐by‐layer assembled hydrogel nanocomposite film with a high loading capacity
Authors: Gu Renbao , Yuan Xinglin , Wu Ronglan , Li Huili , Xu Shimei , Wang Jide
Published: May 2013

The layer‐by‐layer assembly technique is a method that widely used in the preparation of nanostructured multilayer ultrathin films. We fabricated a hydrogel nanocomposite film by alternating the deposition of a core–shell poly[(dimethylimino)(2‐hydroxy‐1,3‐propanedily) chloride] (PDMIHPC)–laponite solution and poly(acrylic acid). The growth of the deposition procedure was proven by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The surface morphology of the films was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The films could reversibly load and release methylene blue (MB) dye, which was used as an indicator. It took about 4.5 h to reach loading equilibrium at pH 9.0. The loading capacity of the film for MB was as large as 4.48 μg/cm2 per bilayer because of the introduction of the core–shell PDMIHPC–laponite as a film component. Nearly 90% of MB was released at pH 3.0 or in a 300 mM NaCl solution within 2.5 h. The loading and release processes were greatly influenced by the ionic strength and pH value of the MB solution. The hydrogel nanocomposite film showed good pH‐triggered loading‐release reversibility and suggested potential applications in controlled drug‐delivery systems and smart materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39352.
Invasiveness risk of biofuel crops using Jatropha curcas L. as a model species
Authors: Negussie Aklilu , Achten Wouter M. J. , Norgrove Lindsey , Hermy Martin , Muys Bart
Published: May 2013

Biofuel crops are promoted as a climate friendly alternative to fossil energy. Yet environmental risks such as potential biodiversity loss are not always adequately considered. This might occur directly as a consequence of land‐use change from natural systems to biofuel plantations, but also through invasive behavior of the biofuel species, as it might disperse and establish into adjacent natural systems. Therefore, there is a need to perform ex‐ante invasiveness risk assessments including field trials on new biofuel species before they get promoted and expanded on a large scale. This perspective uses Jatropha curcas L. as a model biofuel crop and reviews the biological traits and the circumstantial factors which may contribute to its invasive behavior. J. curcas has recently received much attention as a biodiesel ‘wonder crop’ and is being planted at large scale without scientific study on its invasiveness risk. We applied two risk assessment frameworks to provide an ex‐ante invasiveness risk assessment and obtained that J. curcas is a species with a high invasiveness risk, which is in contradiction with recent experimental evidence. We discuss the limitations of the available risk assessment frameworks, which may have led to unreliable prediction. We interpret the outcome of this theoretical exercise with some recommendations for the selection, introduction, cultivation, and processing stages of J. curcas and other biofuel crops to minimize invasiveness risk. Finally we point to the responsibilities of investors and governments and the need for integrated research of the whole biofuel production supply chain to avoid bio‐invasions. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Theoretical Spectroscopy of the NiII Intermediate States in the Catalytic Cycle and the Activation of [NiFe] Hydrogenases
Authors: Krämer Tobias , Kampa Mario , Lubitz Wolfgang , van Gastel Maurice , Neese Frank
Published: May 2013

[NiFe] hydrogenases catalyze the reversible oxidation of dihydrogen. The corresponding catalytic cycle involves a formidable number of redox states of the Ni‐Fe active site; these can be distinguished experimentally by the IR stretching frequencies of their CN and CO ligands coordinated to iron. These spectroscopic fingerprints serve as sensitive probes for the intrinsic electronic structure of the metal core and, indirectly, for the structural composition of the active site. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) was used to calculate vibrational frequencies, by focusing on the EPR‐silent intermediate states that contain divalent metal centers. By using the well‐characterized Ni‐C and Ni‐B states as references, we identified candidates for the Ni‐SIr, Ni‐SIa, and Ni‐R states by matching the predicted relative frequency shifts with experimental results. The Ni‐SIr and Ni‐SIa states feature a water molecule loosely bound to nickel and a formally vacant bridge. Both states are connected to each other through protonation equilibria; that is, in the Ni‐SIa state one of the terminal thiolates is protonated, whereas in Ni‐SIr this thiolate is unprotonated. For the reduced Ni‐R state two feasible models emerged: in one, H2 coordinates side‐on to nickel, and the second features a hydride bridge and a protonated thiolate. The Ni‐SU state remains elusive as no unequivocal correspondence between the experimental data and calculated frequencies of the models was found, thus indicating that a larger structural rearrangement might occur upon reduction from Ni‐A to Ni‐SU and that the bridging ligand might dissociate.
Infolding of covered stents used for aortic coarctation: Report of two cases
Authors: Wan Andrea W. , Lee Kyong‐Jin , Benson Lee N.
Published: May 2013

Covered stents have been used for the treatment of aortic coarctation to protect the arterial wall during dilation. Early results have shown them to be safe and effective. We report two cases of infolding of the proximal edge of a covered aortic coarctation stent. Management required implantation of a second stent. Poor stent apposition to the vessel wall and/or recoil may allow conditions for these events to occur. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intervening for RPA stenosis following Waterston shunt: Importance of anatomical definition of the coronary arteries
Authors: Hovis Ian W. , Sutton Nicole J. , Pass Robert H.
Published: May 2013

Right pulmonary artery (RPA) stenosis following Waterston shunt is common. We report a case of RPA stenosis many years following tetralogy of Fallot repair with take‐down of a Waterston shunt and demonstrate an unusual and important anatomic variant of proximity of the left coronary artery to the mid‐portion of the RPA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐dimensional multidetector computed tomography versus conventional 2‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography for annular sizing in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Influence on postprocedural paravalvular aortic regurgitation
Authors: Hansson Nicolaj C. , Thuesen Leif , Hjortdal Vibeke E. , Leipsic Jonathon , Andersen Henning R. , Poulsen Steen H. , Webb John G. , Christiansen Evald H. , Rasmussen Lars E. , Krusell Lars R. , Terp Kim , Klaaborg Kaj E. , Tang Mariann , Lassen Jens F. , Bøtker Hans E. , Nørgaard Bjarne L.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

In transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the influence of aortic annular assessment with either multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) or conventional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) on the incidence of postprocedural paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR) was evaluated.

Background

PAR remains a major limitation in TAVR. Appropriate selection of transcatheter heart valve (THV) size is crucial to prevent PAR.

Methods

Outcomes following TAVR with a balloon‐expandable THV were compared in two retrospective cohorts identified according to whether THV size selection was based on TEE (study group 1, n = 80) or MDCT (study group 2, n = 58).

Results

The two study groups were comparable with regard to baseline clinical, risk score, and echocardiographic characteristics. The incidence of moderate/severe PAR was lower in study group 2 than in group 1, 8.6% versus 28.8% (P < 0.01). The difference between the THV nominal diameter and MDCT annular diameter was predictive of moderate/severe PAR (AUC 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72–0.92). Neither age, gender, body mass index, annular eccentricity index, aortic valve calcification nor the difference between the THV diameter and the TEE annular diameter predicted postprocedural PAR. Increased THV oversizing relative to the MDCT mean annular diameter was associated with reduced severity of PAR. No difference in perprocedural complications between two study groups was observed.

Conclusion

MDCT‐based annular sizing in TAVR significantly reduces postprocedural PAR, and THV oversizing appears pivotal in this aspect. Further delineation of the optimal degree of THV oversizing is needed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter trans‐apical closure of paravalvular mitral and aortic leaks using a new device: First in man experience
Authors: Goktekin Omer , Vatankulu Mehmet Akif , Tasal Abdurrahman , Sönmez Osman , Başel Halil , Topuz Ufuk , Ergelen Mehmet , Hijazi Ziyad M.
Published: May 2013

This report describes the first use of a new paravalvular leak (PVL) device designed specifically to close paravalvular mitral and paravalvular aortic leaks. The first patient had severe paravalvular mitral leak that was closed using the transapical route with a rectangular designed PVL device that has an oval waist for self‐centering and the second patient had moderate paravalvular aortic leak that was closed with a square designed device that has a round waist for self‐centering. Both patients had complete closure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catheterization‐based intervention in low birth weight infants less than 2.5 kg with acute and long‐term outcome
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Sallaam Salaam , Aggarwal Sanjeev , Singh Harinder R. , Turner Daniel R. , Forbes Thomas J. , Gowda Srinath T.
Published: May 2013

Background

The number of low birth weight infants with congenital heart disease is increasing and catheterizations may have an increased risk for mortality and morbidity.

Objectives

We investigate the outcome and complications of cardiac catheterizations in infants weighing < 2.5 kg.

Methods

Retrospective review of catheterization records from 1995 to 2010 in infants weighing < 2.5 kg. The demographics, procedure, outcome, and follow‐up data were collected.

Results

Of 101 catheterizations performed in 88 patients, 45 (45%) catheterizations were interventional. Balloon atrial septostomy (n = 23), pulmonary valvuloplasty (14), aortic valvuloplasty (4), stent placement (3), balloon angioplasty (2), and temporary pacemaker insertion (1) were successfully performed. Balloon atrial septostomy was performed with pulmonary or aortic valvuloplasty in two catheterizations. Infants < 2.5 kg had higher significant adverse event rate that those 2.5−3.5 kg (13% versus 6.6%, P < 0.05). No procedural death was noted. Significant adverse events (n = 13) included cardiopulmonary resuscitation three, vascular six, arrhythmia three, and apnea requiring intubation one. On median follow‐up of 3 years (0.03 to 14), n = 69, mortality rate was 36%. In six patients with valvar pulmonary stenosis with median follow‐up of 6 years (0.75–13), four (67%) did not require re‐intervention. Of two patients with aortic stenosis, one did not require repeat intervention for 6 years (last follow‐up).

Conclusion

Interventional catheterization is feasible with low procedural morbidity and mortality in high risk infants < 2.5 kg. Catheterization primarily serves as a palliative procedure to stabilize infants for definitive treatment. Balloon valvuloplasty may be effective for isolated valvar pulmonary stenosis in infants < 2.5 kg. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A pathologic study of explanted parachute devices from seven heart failure patients following percutaneous ventricular restoration
Authors: Ladich Elena , Otsuka Fumiyuki , Virmani Renu
Published: May 2013

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the pathologic findings of the percutaneous Parachute device implanted in patients with severe heart failure (HF).

Background

Currently, most treatments of HF rest on optimal medical therapy with adjunctive interventional or surgical palliative treatments. One such treatment is the Parachute device, which partitions the left ventricle excluding the scarred myocardium from functioning myocardium, and has shown promise in clinical studies.

Methods

We have examined histopathologically seven cases [six males (age range 43–74 years; mean 56 years) and one female (55 years)] of Parachute device that were either retrieved at autopsy (n = 4) or during transplantation (n = 3); implant duration, 15–1,533 days.

Results

Three patients died of cardiac causes and none died from complications. Histologic early changes (<30 days, n = 1) included adherent thrombus, with focal neutrophil infiltration and degenerating inflammatory cells. Over time (31–300 days, n = 4), there was organized thrombus and development of neoendocardial thickening especially at the free‐edge of the device and its contact with the adjacent endocardium while the base of the device showed varying degrees of fibrin thrombus. The greatest organization of thrombus was observed in devices removed at >300 days (680 and 1533 days); both had fractures of the foot along with strut fracture and one had tearing of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

Conclusions

The percutaneous Parachute device appears as a promising adjunctive treatment for patients suffering from severe HF. The pathologic changes are those of organizing thrombus with and without inflammation with minor complications of foot and strut fracture. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful bypass restenting across the struts of an occluded subintimal stent in chronic total occlusion using a retrograde approach
Authors: Ohya Hidefumi , Kyo Eisho , Katoh Osamu
Published: May 2013

Recently, subintimal angioplasty has been introduced as a bailout strategy to improve the success rate of PCI for vessels with CTO. However, the long‐term outcome of subintimal angioplasty has not been determined, and a limitation of subintimal angioplasty is the uncertainty in making the re‐entry point. We report two cases, where occlusive in‐stent restenosis occurred in a stent implanted in the subintimal space of the RCA that had CTO. These two cases were successfully treated with bypass restenting across the struts of an occluded subintimal stent using a retrograde approach. A retrograde wire crossed the occluded segment through the lumen along the outside of the stent and reentered the inside of the stent across the stent struts. The reverse CART technique followed by multiple restenting across the stent struts restored antegrade flow. Follow‐up angiography demonstrated the patency of the RCA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of oxygen consumption in elderly patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: Gertz Zachary M. , McCauley Brian D. , Raina Amresh , O'Donnell William , Shellenberger Charlene , Willhide Judi , Forfia Paul R. , Herrmann Howard C.
Published: May 2013

Background

Invasive evaluation of aortic stenosis requires measuring cardiac output. With the Fick equation, a measure of oxygen consumption (VO2) is required. Standard equations for estimating VO2 were derived in younger and healthier populations than the ones referred for possible transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The goal of this study was to determine the best method of estimating VO2 in elderly patients with aortic stenosis.

Methods

We directly measured VO2 in elderly patients undergoing invasive assessment of aortic stenosis. We compared standard equations estimating VO2 and two prespecified hypothesized equations for VO2 to determine which was most accurate. We also examined the subgroup of patients with low flow.

Results

Among 51 patients, aged 80–97 years, the mean VO2 was 198 mL/min. Using 125*body surface area (BSA) to estimate VO2 the average error was 35 mL/min, and 67% of values were within 25% of the true value. Using 3*Weight to estimate VO2, those numbers were 29 mL/min and 65%. The hypothesized equations did better: 100*BSA had error of −12 mL/min and 90% within 25% of measured VO2; for 2.5*Weight it was −9 mL/min and 84%. Among the 20 patients with low flow, hypothesized equations performed best. Using 2.5*Weight and 100*BSA there were 90% and 85% within 25% of measured VO2, respectively, compared to 55% and 75% when 3*Weight and 125*BSA were used. Weight and BSA were the only independent predictors of VO2.

Conclusions

When estimating VO2 in an elderly population with aortic stenosis, the best equations are 2.5*Weight and 100*BSA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter trans‐septal antegrade closure of muscular ventricular septal defects in young children
Authors: Koneti Nageswara Rao , Verma Sudeep , Bakhru Shweta , Vadlamudi Karunakar , Kathare Pallavi , Penumatsa Raghava Raju , Qureshi Shakeel
Published: May 2013

Background

Surgical or transcatheter closure of muscular ventricular septal defects (mVSDs) in young children may be technically challenging and associated with significant complications.

Objective

To assess the feasibility of trans‐septal antegrade closure of mVSD in a selected subset of young children.

Methods

This is a prospective study from a single centre from July 2011 to March 2013. Nine infants and children with single or multiple mVSDs were included in the study. The median age and weight were 6 months (range 4–18 months) and 4.5 kg (range 3.8–6.2 kg), respectively. Trans‐femoral trans‐septal antegrade technique was used in eight children. One child was excluded from the study because of abnormally tortuous anatomy of both the femoral veins and subsequently underwent VSD device closure by the trans‐jugular approach. The follow‐up evaluation included chest X‐ray, ECG, and echocardiogram at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.

Results

The defects were closed successfully in all eight patients using Amplatzer mVSD device in 5 and Amplatzer Duct Occluder II in 3. Moderate mitral regurgitation due to entrapment of the anterior mitral leaflet occurred in one patient with a posteriorly located mVSD, necessitating removal of the device, and surgical closure of the mVSD. The small additional residual mVSD in one other patient closed spontaneously during the follow‐up.

Conclusions

Transcatheter trans‐septal antegrade closure of mVSD in young children is technically feasible and merits further consideration. Symptomatic relief in multiple mVSD can be achieved after closing larger defects. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age, glomerular filtration rate, ejection fraction, and the AGEF score predict contrast‐induced nephropathy in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Andò Giuseppe , Morabito Gaetano , de Gregorio Cesare , Trio Olimpia , Saporito Francesco , Oreto Giuseppe
Published: May 2013

Background

In patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the occurrence of Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy (CIN) has a pronounced impact both on morbidity and mortality. We investigated the variables associated with CIN development in 481 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI and evaluated the predictive value of a 3‐variable clinical risk score (the AGEF score) based on age, left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Methods

CIN was defined as an absolute increase in serum creatinine ≥0.5 mg/dL or an increase ≥25% from baseline within 72 hr. AGEF score was calculated by adding 1 point to the Age/EF(%) ratio if the eGFR was <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2.

Results

Overall, the incidence of CIN was 5.2%. In‐hospital mortality was higher in patients with CIN than in those without (16% Vs 1.3%, P = 0.001). At multivariate analysis age (OR 1.06, P = 0.042), eGFR (OR 0.95, P = 0.001), EF (OR 0.94, P = 0.007) and post‐procedural TIMI flow grade (OR 0.43, P = 0.045) were independent predictors of CIN. AGEF score was an accurate (OR 5.19, P < 0.001, AUC 0.88) and calibrated (Hosmer‐Lemeshow χ2 = 10.25, P = 0.25) predictor of CIN.

Conclusions

Advanced age, depressed EF, and reduced eGFR are independent predictors of CIN development after primary PCI for STEMI. The preprocedural individual patient risk can be clinically assessed with the calculation of the AGEF score, which is based on such readily available parameters. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New frontier for intracardiac devices: Endobronchial occlusion of bronchopleural fistula with CERA device
Authors: Chamié Francisco , Nigri David Henrique , Haddad Rui
Published: May 2013

We report on a 57‐year‐old patient suffering from advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the left lung, ultimately submitted to intrapericardial left pneumonectomy with hilar and mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Imaging examination showed a left bronchopleural fistula that needed to be occluded. Due to the patient's high surgical risk, endobronchial closure with intracardiac device was performed. The ASD CERA™ device (Lifetech Schenzhen, China) was chosen. The procedure was successful and the patient was discharge from the hospital 5 days thereafter. Endobronchial closure of bronchopleural fistulas with intracardiac devices is feasible and may become an excellent option for those very ill patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reversal of ischemia of donor artery myocardium after recanalization of a chronic total occlusion
Authors: Sachdeva Rajesh , Agrawal Mayank , Flynn Shawn E. , Werner Gerald S. , Uretsky Barry F.
Published: May 2013

Background

Case reports have shown that an intermediate stenosis in the donor artery collateralizing the myocardium of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) can produce an ischemic fractional flow reserve (FFR) value which may revert to non‐ischemic with CTO revascularization.

Methods

A consecutive series of patients with severe angina in which a donor artery with intermediate stenosis (30–70%) had FFR measured before and after successful CTO recanalization were studied.

Results

Fourteen of 50 consecutive CTO patients with successful PCI fulfilled the study criteria. Eight had CTO of the right coronary artery (RCA), three circumflex (LCx), and three RCA and LCx. Left anterior descending artery was the donor artery in 13 and LCx in 1 patient. Of nine donor ischemic FFR patient's pre‐PCI, six reverted to non‐ischemic (FFR pre‐PCI 0.76 ± 0.04 and 0.86 ± 0.03 post‐PCI). Five patients had normal FFR in the donor artery pre‐ and post‐CTO PCI.

Conclusions

In patients with a CTO and an intermediate donor artery stenosis, the frequency of ischemia in the donor artery territory is relatively high and often normalized by successful CTO recanalization. These data recommend recanalizing the CTO first whenever possible as a preferred therapeutic strategy to avoid the need for PCI to the donor artery or multivessel bypass surgery. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bisguanidines with Biphenyl, Binaphthyl, and Bipyridyl Cores: Proton‐Sponge Properties and Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Maronna Astrid , Hübner Olaf , Enders Markus , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: May 2013

Herein, we report on the synthesis, protonation, and coordination chemistry of chelating guanidine ligands with biphenyl, binaphthyl, and bipyridyl backbones. The ligands are shown to be proton sponges, and this protonation was studied experimentally and by using quantum‐chemical calculations. Group 10 metal (Ni, Pd, and Pt) complexes with different metal/ligand ratios were synthesized. In the case of the bipyridyl systems, coordination occurs exclusively at the pyridine N atoms, as opposed to protonation. The spin‐density distribution and the magnetism were evaluated for a series of paramagnetic NiII complexes with the aid of paramagnetic NMR spectroscopic studies in alliance with quantum‐chemical calculations and magnetic (SQUID) measurements. Through direct delocalization from the singly occupied molecular orbitals (SOMOs), a significant amount of spin density is placed on the guanidinyl groups, and spin polarization also transports spin density onto the aromatic backbone.
X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy for Characterization of Bionanocomposite Functional Materials for Energy‐Harvesting Technologies
Authors: Artyushkova Kateryna , Atanassov Plamen
Published: May 2013

The analysis of hybrid multicomponent bioorganic and bioinorganic composite materials related to energy technologies by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy is discussed. The approaches and considerations of overcoming the difficulties of analyzing hybrid multicomponent materials are demonstrated for different types of materials used in bioenzyme fuel cells, that is, enzyme immobilization in a hybrid inorganic–organic matrix, analysis of peptide binding and structure in the mediation of silica nanoparticle formation, analysis of enzyme–polymeric multilayered architectures obtained through layer‐by‐layer assembly, and study of the mechanism of electropolymerization. Thorough optimization of experimental design through analysis of an adequate set of reference materials, relevant timescales of sample preparation and X‐ray exposure, careful peak decomposition and cross‐correlation between elemental speciation, results in a detailed understanding of the chemistry of nanocomposite constituents and interactions between them. The methodology presented and examples discussed are of significant importance to the scientific and engineering communities focused on the immobilization of enzymes, proteins, peptides, and other large biological molecules on solid substrates.