bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is PPARG the key gene in diabetic retinopathy?
Authors: Costa Valerio , Ciccodicola Alfredo
Published: April 2011

Diabetic retinopathy, a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, is major cause of non‐inherited blindness among adults. Although diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes, we still know little about the underlying molecular mechanisms. In recent years, complex connections between important molecules and pathways in the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy, such as advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress and inflammation, have been elucidated. Biochemical, genetic and functional studies strongly indicate peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ), a pleiotropic transcription factor, as a primary target in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. In this issue, Song et al. detail the role of PPARγ in diabetic retinopathy‐related disorders, illustrating PPARγ‐mediated inhibition of diabetes‐induced leukostasis and leakage, and its beneficial role in modulating inflammation, angiogenesis and apoptosis in retinal and endothelial cells. Moreover, they describe alternative treatments for diabetic retinopathy, such as plant‐derived PPARγ ligands, proposing their use – in combination with standard therapies – for modulation of diabetic retinopathy.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is a commentary on Song et al., pp. 4–19 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01411.x
Generating Radiofrequency Ablation Lesions Using Magnetically Coupled Bipolar Catheters
Authors: LEE CHOONGHEE , CHOI EUE‐KEUN , KONG HYOUN‐JOONG , CHOY YOUNG BIN , KIM HEE CHAN , OH SEIL
Published: April 2011

Background:
 Transmural lesions are difficult to produce in myocardial regions with thick walls, such as the left ventricle (LV), using conventional radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheters. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of magnetically coupled bipolar catheters and compare the performance with conventional unipolar and bipolar RF ablation catheters.

Methods and Results:
 Neodymium magnets assembled in ablation catheters were used to facilitate tissue contact in a bipolar RF ablation system. In vitro sheets of porcine skeletal muscle, with 10‐mm thickness, were ablated with a 4‐mm‐tip unipolar RF ablation catheter (UA), a bipolar ablation system (BA) using a pair of 4‐mm‐tip catheters, and a magnetically coupled bipolar system (MB). The RF generator setting was 50 W and 90°C. RF energy was delivered for 30 or 60 seconds and five lesions were created in each ablation condition. The bottom side of the skeletal‐muscle sheet was exposed to saline at 37°C and a flow of 5.6 L/min, mimicking the LV endocardial surface. The top side was exposed to air, mimicking the epicardial surface. In the 60‐second ablation cases, the transmuralities were 0%, 0%, and 40% (UA, BA, and MB, respectively). The volumes of the lesions were 61.5 ± 8.5, 224.3 ± 51.8, and 359.3 ± 93.8 mm3 (UA, BA, and MB, respectively).

Conclusions:
 The magnetically coupled bipolar RF ablation system created transmural lesions more efficiently than the conventional ablation system, primarily due to higher RF current density and stronger tissue contact. This prototype method could be applied to the development of novel ablation devices for thick areas of tissue. (PACE 2011; 34:934–938)
Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrogram or Linear Ablation in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation—A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: ESTNER HEIDI L. , HESSLING GABRIELE , BIEGLER ROMAN , SCHREIECK JUERGEN , FICHTNER STEPHANIE , WU JINJIN , JILEK CLEMENS , ZRENNER BERNHARD , NDREPEPA GJIN , SCHMITT CLAUS , DEISENHOFER ISABEL
Published: April 2011

Background: Catheter ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is a promising treatment strategy. We tested the hypothesis that CFAE ablation is superior to linear ablation in patients with persistent or long‐standing persistent AF.

Methods: In this study, 116 patients with persistent AF were randomly assigned to undergo circumferential PVI plus additional lines (linear ablation group; 59 patients) or CFAE ablation plus ostial pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) (spot ablation group; 57 patients). Primary endpoint was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia after a single ablation procedure (clinical and repeat 7‐day Holter), 12 months after ablation without antiarrhythmic medication.

Results: The primary endpoint was reached in 22 of 59 (37%) patients of the linear ablation group and in 22 of 57 (39%) patients of the spot ablation group (P = 0.9). Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias, including reablations, was achieved in 54% of patients (linear ablation group) versus 56% of patients (spot ablation group; P = 0.8). The incidence of recurrent persistent AF was higher after linear ablation than after spot ablation (21/37 vs 11/35 patients; P = 0.03); atrial tachycardia (AT) was seen more often after spot ablation (10/35 vs 4/37 patients; P = 0.03).

Conclusion: In patients with persistent AF, CFAE ablation plus PVI reaches the same results as circumferential PVI plus lines, in terms of freedom from symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmias within the first year after a single ablation procedure. Arrhythmia recurrences in patients after spot ablation were caused more often by AT, whereas recurrent persistent AF was more prevalent after the linear ablation approach. (PACE 2011; 34:939–948)
T‐Wave Alternans Testing in Pacemaker Patients: Comparison of Pacing Modes and Long‐Term Prognostic Relevance
Authors: DORENKAMP MARC , BREITWIESER CHRISTOPH , MORGUET ANDREAS J. , SEEGERS JOACHIM , BEHRENS STEFFEN , ZABEL MARKUS
Published: April 2011

Background: T‐wave alternans (TWA) is a useful method for identifying patients who are at risk for sudden cardiac death. We aimed to determine the effects of different pacing modes on test results and long‐term prognostic relevance of TWA in patients following a dual‐chamber (DDD) pacemaker implantation.

Methods: Sixty‐three patients (mean age 68 ± 13 years) with structural heart disease and recently implanted DDD pacemakers were enrolled. Left ventricular (LV) function was normal or moderately impaired (mean LV ejection fraction 61 ± 13%). All patients underwent sequential TWA testing using atrial and ventricular pacing.

Results: During atrial pacing requiring physiologic conduction to the ventricles, 21% of TWA tests were positive, 43% negative, and 36% indeterminate. When using right ventricular (RV) pacing in the same patients, 19% of tests were positive, 40% negative, and 41% indeterminate. When positive and indeterminate tests were grouped as nonnegative, the concordance between atrial and ventricular pacing was 62% (κ= 0.22). After a mean follow‐up of 5.9 ± 1.9 years, 18 (29%) patients had died. Improved survival was predicted by a negative TWA test using atrial pacing (P = 0.028), but not with ventricular pacing (P = 0.722).

Conclusions: In patients with dual‐chamber pacemakers, there is a low concordance of TWA test results between atrial pacing with intrinsic conduction to the ventricles and apical RV pacing via pacemaker electrode. However, TWA during atrial pacing clearly exerts long‐term prognostic relevance in a patient group with preserved LV function and structural heart disease. (PACE 2011; 34:1054–1062)
Reliability of Ultra‐Short ECG Indices for Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Nussinovitch Udi , Elishkevitz Keren Politi , Katz Keren , Nussinovitch Moshe , Segev Shlomo , Volovitz Benjamin , Nussinovitch Naomi
Published: April 2011

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is an accepted and reliable means for assessing autonomic nervous system dysfunction. A 5‐minute measurement of HRV is considered methodologically adequate. Several studies have attempted to use shorter recordings of 1–2 minutes or 10 seconds. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of HRV parameters calculated from ultra‐short electrocardiogram recordings.

Methods: Seventy healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. HRV was evaluated for 5 minutes according to accepted procedures. Thereafter, HRV parameters were recalculated from randomly selected 1‐minute and 10‐second intervals. The standard and ultra‐short measurements were correlated using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results: Good correlations between the 5‐minute electrocardiograms (ECGs) and both the 1‐minute and 10‐second ECGs were noted for average RR interval, and root mean square of successive differences in RR intervals (RMSSD). No correlation was noted for standard deviation of the RR interval (SDNN) and several other HRV parameters.

Conclusions: RMSSD, but not SDNN, seem a reliable parameter for assessing HRV from ultra‐short (1 minute or 10 seconds) resting electrocardiographic recordings. Power spectral analysis and evaluation of other HRV parameters require longer recording periods. Further research is required to evaluate the importance of ultra‐short RMSSD for cardiovascular risk stratification.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):117–122
Patient with Syncope and LQTS Carrying a Mutation in the PAS Domain of the hERG1 Channel
Authors: Grilo Liliana Sintra , Schläpfer Jürg , Fellmann Florence , Abriel Hugues
Published: April 2011

We report the case of a woman with syncope and persistently prolonged QTc interval. Screening of congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) genes revealed that she was a heterozygous carrier of a novel KCNH2 mutation, c.G238C. Electrophysiological and biochemical characterizations unveiled the pathogenicity of this new mutation, displaying a 2‐fold reduction in protein expression and current density due to a maturation/trafficking‐deficient mechanism. The patient's phenotype can be fully explained by this observation. This study illustrates the importance of performing genetic analyses and mutation characterization when there is a suspicion of congenital LQTS. Identifying mutations in the PAS domain or other domains of the hERG1 channel and understanding their effect may provide more focused and mutation‐specific risk assessment in this population.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):213–218
Effects of Postectopic Heart Rate Turbulence on Measures of Heart Rate Variability in Patients after an Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Peltola Mirja A. , Bloch Thomsen Poul Erik , Joergensen Rikke Moerch , Huikuri Heikki V.
Published: April 2011

Background: Heart rate (HR) turbulence lasting up to 15 beats after ventricular premature beats (VPBs) may have profound effects on HR variability measures. Aim of this study was to examine the effects of HR turbulence on HR variability measures.

Methods: We developed an algorithm, which deletes 15 consecutive RR intervals after VPBs and examined the effects of the HR turbulence removal on the HR variability measures in patients after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Two hundred and sixty seven patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 0.40 and occurrence of VPBs were included in the study. Differences (%) between original HR data and HR turbulence edited data were compared.

Results: HR turbulence editing had variable effects on different HR variability indexes. Ultra low (ULF) and very low frequency (VLF) spectral components were mostly affected by the HR turbulence removal. Both ULF and VLF decreased significantly both at baseline Holter recordings (ULF: P = 0.006, VLF: P = 0.031) and at 6 weeks from AMI (ULF: P < 0.001, VLF: P = 0.001). The number of VPBs had a marked influence on results, e.g., when the number of VPBs exceeded the highest decile (≈50 VPBs/hour), the ULF and VLF spectral component were >30% lower after removal of turbulence. In addition, the prediction of arrhythmic events by ULF component improved after turbulence removal (AUC: 0.69 ‐>0.74).

Conclusions: HR turbulence affects HR variability measures, especially the ULF and VFL spectral components. Editing of the HR turbulence should be considered when HR variability is measured from Holter recordings.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):123–130
Importance of Tachogram Length and Period of Recording during Noninvasive Investigation of the Autonomic Nervous System
Authors: Grant Catharina C. , van Rensburg Dina C. J. , Strydom Nina , Viljoen Margaretha
Published: April 2011

Background: Various disciplines use quantification of heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of autonomic function without recognizing the importance of using standardized methodologies. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of tachogram length and period of recording on HRV indicator values.

Methods: To test the influence of the length of the recording time, HRV indicator values calculated from 180, 300, 420, and 600 seconds recording periods (supine and standing) were compared. Also individual 3‐ minute periods (0–180 seconds, 180–360 seconds, 360–540 seconds) from 10‐minute (supine and standing) tachograms were compared.

Results: In the supine position, vagal‐efferent HRV indicators were not influenced by tachogram length varying between 3 and 10 minutes (P > 0.05). Supine HRV indicator values representing combined sympathetic and parasympathetic influences were tachogram length‐dependent (P < 0.05). During orthostatic stress all HRV indicators were tachogram length‐dependent (P < 0.05). Upon standing up marked vagal withdrawal and sympathetic activation occurred. Vagal withdrawal tapered off during the 3–6‐minute period after rising while indicators representing combined vagal and sympathetic activation were totally reversed.

Conclusions: During application of orthostatic stress the exact starting point of recording, as well as the length of recording, is critical due to the activation and normalization of homeostatic mechanisms. Starting the tachogram recording too late will miss out on part of the initial response to change in body position. Longer recording times will give a combination of values recorded during the stress response and values obtained after stabilization in the standing position.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):131–139
Automated versus Manual Measurement of the QT Interval and Corrected QT Interval
Authors: Kasamaki Yuji , Ozawa Yukio , Ohta Masakatsu , Sezai Akira , Yamaki Takashi , Kaneko Mutsuo , Watanabe Ichiro , Hirayama Atsushi , Nakayama Tomohiro
Published: April 2011

Background: The International Conference on Harmonization E14 Guideline specifies detailed assessment of QT interval or corrected QT interval prolongation when developing new drugs. We recently devised new software to precisely measure the QT interval.

Methods and Results: The QT intervals of all leads for a selected single heart beat were compared between automated measurement with the new software from Fukuda Denshi and manual measurement. With both automated and manual measurement, QT intervals obtained by the tangent method were shorter than those obtained by the differential threshold method, but the extent of correction was smaller. QT interval data obtained by the differential threshold method were more similar to values obtained by visual measurement than were data obtained by the tangent method, but the extent of correction was larger. Variability was related to the T‐wave amplitude and to setting the baseline and tangent in the tangent method, while skeletal muscle potential noise affected the differential threshold method. Drift, low‐amplitude recordings, and T‐wave morphology were problems for both methods. Among the 12 leads, corrections were less frequent for leads II and V3–V6.

Conclusion: We conclude that, for a thorough assessment of the QT/QTc interval, the tangent method or the differential threshold method appears to be suitable because of smaller interreader differences and better reproducibility. Correction of data should be done by readers who are experienced in measuring the QT interval. It is also important for electrocardiograms to have little noise and for a suitable heart rate and appropriate leads to be selected.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):156–164
Myocardial Scar in Sarcoidosis by 12‐lead ECG and Pathology
Authors: Strauss David G. , Selvester Ronald H. , DiBernardo Louis R.
Published: April 2011

This case demonstrates the use of QRS scoring to quantify myocardial scar in a patient with cardiac sarcoidosis and left bundle branch block who progressively received an implantable defibrillator, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), left ventricular assist device and cardiac transplantation. QRS scoring has been shown to correlate with magnetic resonance imaging measurements of scar, identify arrhythmogenic substrate and predict response to CRT, but had not previously been compared to pathology‐documented scar in nonischemic cardiomyopathies. Further study is warranted to assess the ability of QRS scoring to guide therapy for individual patients.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):219–222
Electrocardiographic Findings at Initial Diagnosis in Children with Isolated Left Ventricular Noncompaction
Authors: Ergul Yakup , Nisli Kemal , Varkal Muhammet Ali , Oner Naci , Dursun Memduh , Dindar Aygun , Aydogan Umrah , Omeroglu Rukiye Eker
Published: April 2011

Background: The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate electrocardiographic (ECG) findings of isolated left ventricular noncompaction (IVNC) patients at initial diagnosis and to explore the correlation between them and the clinical, echocardiographic, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Methods: Twenty‐three patients diagnosed with IVNC by echocardiography and cardiac MRI between January 2006 and June 2010 were enrolled in this study. The patients were examined with standard ECG and 24‐hour Holter ECG. For comparison purpose, ECGs of 50 healthy children of similar ages and demographic characteristics were taken.

Results: In 87% of patients, ECG abnormalities were found. The most frequently seen ECG findings were left ventricular hypertrophy, ST‐segment depression, and negative T wave related to abnormal repolarization particularly in DII, DIII, and V4–6 leads, as well as prolonged PR and QTc intervals. No ECG features or patterns were found that were specific to the disease. In contrast to adult patients, while no intraventricular conduction defects (particularly in the left bundle brach) were found in any of our patients, 13% had considerable bradycardia and one required a pacemaker. The Holter ECG recordings showed supraventricular tachycardia attacks in two patients and a short ventricular tachycardia attack in one. Patients whose echocardiograms and MRI showed left ventricular systolic dysfunction and left ventricular dilatation had signs of left ventricular hypertrophy and repolarization abnormality on their ECGs, but there was no significant difference in PR, QRS, and QTc intervals.

Conclusion: Regardless of how frequently left ventricular hypertrophy and repolarization abnormalities are found on IVNC patients’ initial ECGs, we think that they are not unique to the disease but are related to the severity of the cardiomyopathy.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):184–191
Clinical Aspects of the Early Repolarization Syndrome: A 2011 Update
Authors: Stern Shlomo
Published: April 2011

Recent studies suggest that the electrocardiographic (ECG) finding of J‐point ST‐elevation, the early repolarization syndrome, is not as benign as earlier believed. Three important articles published in 2008/2009 suggest that this finding in the inferolateral leads of the ECG may be representing a risk for subsequent ventricular fibrillation. Although these retrospective studies do justify a careful evaluation of persons with this electrocardiographic pattern, especially of those with syncope or ventricular arrhythmias and/or family history of sudden cardiac death, it seems to be unjustified to consider it today to be a marker for high risk for sudden cardiac deaths in a general population. Even in athletes, early repolarization was found to increase only minimally their arrhythmic risk. In spite of certain similarities with the Brugada syndrome, their association is far from being proved. Prospective studies and further electrophysiological and genetic information will help to clarify the clinical significance of this syndrome.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):192–195
Comparison of Chronic Biphasic Pacing versus Cathodal Pacing of the Right Ventricle on Left Ventricular Function in Sheep after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Mower Morton M. , Hepp Dennis , Hall Ralph
Published: April 2011

Background: The physiological effects of biphasic pacing have not been studied in compromised hearts.

Methods: Myocardial infarction was induced in 12 sheep by high coronary artery ligation. Perioperative mortality was 33%. The surviving eight animals exhibited increased left ventricular volume and reduced percent fractional shortening. Two weeks after the infarction, sheep were implanted with atrial‐triggered, right ventricular pacemaker systems capable of pacing with cathodal (cathodal pulse) and biphasic (anodal pulse followed by cathodal pulse) waveforms, and randomly assigned to an initial mode. At 3‐month intervals, or whenever pacing was lost for any reason, the pacing system was switched to the alternative mode. Cardiac function was assessed at 2‐ to 3‐week intervals through the use of echocardiograms. Successful pacing was confirmed over an average of 8 weeks in each mode.

Results: Cathodal pulsing had neither beneficial nor deleterious effect on the diminished cardiac performance induced by myocardial infarction. When compared to the cathodal mode, biphasic pulsing improved cardiac performance as reflected by decrease of diastolic and systolic ventricular volumes, reduction in left ventricular systolic diameter, and increases in percent fractional shortening. When compared to the unpaced state after the myocardial infarction, the percent fractional shortening was significantly increased by biphasic pacing. Concordant trends in improvement in the other cardiac parameters were also observed for the biphasic mode. No ventricular tachyarrhythmias or mortality was associated with biphasic stimulation.

Conclusion: When compared to cathodal pacing, myocardial biphasic pacing has no safety issues in sheep that have undergone a large myocardial infarction. Importantly, biphasic pulsing elicited significant benefits in cardiac performance.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):111–116
A 61‐Year‐Old Patient with Activity‐Related Wide Complex Tachycardia
Authors: Aktas Mehmet K. , Kroening Daniel , Ling Fred S. , Calkins Hugh , Goldenberg Ilan , Huang David T.
Published: April 2011

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):208–212
Application of uterine compression suture in association with intrauterine balloon tamponade (‘uterine sandwich’) for postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: YOONG WAI , RIDOUT ALEXANDRA , MEMTSA MARIA , STAVROULIS ANDREAS , AREF‐ADIB MERNOOSH , RAMSAY‐MARCELLE ZEUDI , FAKOKUNDE ABIODUN
Published: April 2011

We evaluated in a prospective observational study the use of a ‘uterine sandwich’ technique (uterine compression sutures in association with intrauterine tamponade) in women who had had unsuccessful medical treatment for postpartum hemorrhage. Ten of the 11 patients had cesarean sections (complicated by placenta previa and uterine atony) and one had a normal delivery. The median estimated blood loss and units of blood transfused were 1500ml (range 750–4000ml) and two units (range 0–9), respectively. B‐Lynch sutures were placed in two patients and Hayman's modification was used in nine. Bakri balloon tamponade was in place for a median of 22hours (range 17–27hours), while the median volume infused in the balloon was 300ml (range 150–350ml). The combined technique was successful in avoiding hysterectomy in all cases, and there was no documented postpartum morbidity. This is a simple and quick surgical technique that can be used to treat atonic postpartum hemorrhage, particularly in conjunction with placenta previa.
Positive and negative feedbacks in human population dynamics: future equilibrium or collapse?
Authors: Lima Mauricio , Berryman Alan A.
Published: April 2011

The future number of people inhabiting the planet will influence the impact over natural ecosystems. In consequence, the growth of the human population represents one of the most important challenges for the near future. In this paper we used population dynamic theory to analyze human population growth. The results suggest that human population growth exhibited important fluctuations during the last 2000 years. In particular two different phases during the last 400 years can be distinguished, a positive relationship with population size implying positive feedback processes, followed by a negative relationship with population size – suggesting that negative feedback processes have been operating during the last 45 years. Our results support the view that ecological concepts derived from population ecology can be useful for understanding human dynamics. While cooperation at low densities in animal populations reminds us the Boserupian view that population growth induces economic development and higher standards of living, competition at high densities reconciles ecological theory with the original Malthusian view. We conclude that the present reduction in human per capita growth rates appears to be consequence of different limiting factors operating in combination around the globe in a similar manner, except in Africa where the factors operating appears to be very different. Humans may achieve a stable equilibrium population in the next century but the possibility of a population collapse caused by second‐order oscillations should be considered.
Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review
Authors: Oja P. , Titze S. , Bauman A. , de Geus B. , Krenn P. , Reger‐Nash B. , Kohlberger T.
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to update the evidence on the health benefits of cycling. A systematic review of the literature resulted in 16 cycling‐specific studies. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies showed a clear positive relationship between cycling and cardiorespiratory fitness in youths. Prospective observational studies demonstrated a strong inverse relationship between commuter cycling and all‐cause mortality, cancer mortality, and cancer morbidity among middle‐aged to elderly subjects. Intervention studies among working‐age adults indicated consistent improvements in cardiovascular fitness and some improvements in cardiovascular risk factors due to commuting cycling. Six studies showed a consistent positive dose–response gradient between the amount of cycling and the health benefits. Systematic assessment of the quality of the studies showed most of them to be of moderate to high quality. According to standard criteria used primarily for the assessment of clinical studies, the strength of this evidence was strong for fitness benefits, moderate for benefits in cardiovascular risk factors, and inconclusive for all‐cause mortality, coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality, cancer risk, and overweight and obesity. While more intervention research is needed to build a solid knowledge base of the health benefits of cycling, the existing evidence reinforces the current efforts to promote cycling as an important contributor for better population health.
Self‐efficacy, imagery use, and adherence during injury rehabilitation
Authors: Wesch N. , Hall C. , Prapavessis H. , Maddison R. , Bassett S. , Foley L. , Brooks S. , Forwell L.
Published: April 2011

Previous observational studies examining imagery, self‐efficacy, and adherence during injury rehabilitation have been cross‐sectional and thus have not provided a clear representation of what occurs over the course of the rehabilitation period. The objectives of this research were (1) to examine the temporal patterns of imagery, self‐efficacy, and rehabilitation adherence during an 8‐week rehabilitation program and (2) to identify the time–order relationships between imagery, self‐efficacy, and adherence. The design of the study was prospective and observational. 90 injured people (n=57 males; n=33 females) aged 18–78 years attending an injury rehabilitation clinic participated. The main outcome measures were imagery (cognitive, motivational, and healing), self‐efficacy (task and coping), and rehabilitation adherence (duration, quality, and frequency). Results indicated that task efficacy, imagery use, and adherence levels remained stable, while coping efficacy declined over time. During the course of rehabilitation, moderate to strong reciprocal relationships existed between self‐efficacy and adherence to rehabilitation. Weak to moderate relationships were found between imagery use and rehabilitation adherence. The results of this study can be used to inform the development of interventions steeped in self‐efficacy and imagery aimed at improving rehabilitation adherence and treatment outcome.
Landscape complexity and spatial scale influence the relationship between remotely sensed spectral diversity and survey‐based plant species richness
Authors: Rocchini Duccio , McGlinn Daniel , Ricotta Carlo , Neteler Markus , Wohlgemuth Thomas
Published: April 2011

Questions: Species rarefaction curves have long been used for estimating the expected number of species as a function of sampling effort. Nonetheless, sampling species based on standard plant inventories represents an effort‐intensive approach. Hence, rarefaction based on remotely sensed information can provide a rapid tool for identifying regions with exceptional richness and turnover. The aim of this paper is to examine (i) if the rates of spectral and species accumulation are positively correlated with one another at different spatial scales, and (ii) if the strength of this correlation differs between regions of varying landscape complexity.

Location: Switzerland, Europe.

Methods: The plant species data were derived from the Swiss “Biodiversity Monitoring” programme. Seven Landsat ETM+ images covering the whole study area were acquired. We applied species and spectral rarefaction for five biogeographical areas ranging from flat to mountainous zones. The relative increments (rates) of the species and spectral rarefaction curves were compared using Pearson correlation together with locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS).

Results: The biogeographic regions differed from one another in both their spectral and species diversity. The relationship between spectrally‐ and species‐derived rates of accumulation was non‐significant in simple landscapes, but we observed a significant positive correlation in complex landscapes over fine‐to‐intermediate spatial scales.

Conclusions: Spectral rarefaction represents a powerful tool for measuring landscape diversity and potentially predicting species diversity at regional to global spatial scales. Based on remotely sensed information, more efficient diversity‐based monitoring programmes can be developed.
Addressing data property rights concerns and providing incentives for collaborative data pooling: the West African Vegetation Database approach
Authors: Janßen Thomas , Schmidt Marco , Dressler Stefan , Hahn Karen , Hien Mipro , Konaté Souleymane , Lykke Anne Mette , Mahamane Ali , Sambou Bienvenu , Sinsin Brice , Thiombiano Adjima , Wittig Rüdiger , Zizka Georg
Published: April 2011

Question: How can quantitative data from vegetation surveys best be assembled in a large regional vegetation database? What effects have intellectual property rights concerns of individual and institutional data holders on data contribution and how can incentives to contribute data be generated?

Location: West Africa, with discussion of a possible approach to dealing with property rights concerns being of wider interest.

Methods: The management of data property rights in the West African Vegetation Database was developed based on consultations with institutions and scientists in five West African countries over 2 years. It was agreed in two successive Memoranda of Understanding.

Results: The West African Vegetation Database addresses property rights concerns by leaving the control over data access with the data owners, and provides incentives to build a distributed research community by fostering data sharing.

Conclusion: We present a potential solution to the problem of intellectual property rights issues being an impediment to data sharing and the compilation of large regional vegetation databases. The data property rights management approach implemented in the West African Vegetation Database provided incentives for the contribution of recently acquired and unpublished data. Numerous phytosociological and dendrometric vegetation surveys have been made available by institutions and individual researchers for regional‐scale analyses. The structures developed may serve as a model for regional‐scale vegetation databases in collaborative settings involving multiple data owners.
Adenosine A1, but not A2, Receptor Blockade Increases Anxiety and Arousal in Zebrafish
Authors: Maximino Caio , Lima Monica G. , Olivera Karen R. M. , Picanço‐Diniz Domingos L. W. , Herculano Anderson M.
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Adenosinergic systems have been implicated in anxiety‐like states, as caffeine can induce a state of anxiety in human beings. Caffeine is an antagonist at A1 and A2 adenosine receptors but it remains unclear whether anxiety is mediated by one or both of these. As the adenosinergic system is rather conserved, we opted to pursue these questions using zebrafish, a widely used model organism in genetics and developmental biology. Zebrafish adenosine 1. 2A.1 and 2A.2 receptors conserve histidine residues in TM6 and TM7 that are responsible for affinity in bovine A1 receptor. We investigated the effects of caffeine, PACPX (an A1 receptor antagonist) and 1,3‐dimethyl‐1‐propargylxanthine (DMPX) (an A2 receptor antagonist) on anxiety‐like behaviour and locomotor activity of zebrafish in the scototaxis test as well as evaluated the effects of these drugs on pigment aggregation. Caffeine increased anxiety at the dose of 100 mg/kg, while locomotion at the dose of 10 mg/kg was increased. Both doses of 10 and 100 mg/kg induced pigment aggregation. PACPX, on the other hand, increased anxiety at a dose of 6 mg/kg and induced pigment aggregation at the doses of 0.6 and 6 mg/kg, but did not produce a locomotor effect. DMPX, in turn, increased locomotion at the dose of 6 mg/kg but did not produce any effect on pigment aggregation or anxiety‐like behaviour. These results indicate that blockade of A1‐R, but not A2‐R, induces anxiety and autonomic arousal, while the blockade of A2‐R induces hyperlocomotion. Thus, as in rodents, caffeine’s anxiogenic and arousing effects are probably mediated by A1 receptors in zebrafish and its locomotor activating effect is probably mediated by A2 receptors.
Interaction of Acylated and Substituted Antimicrobial Peptide Analogs with Phospholipid–Polydiacetylene Vesicles. Correlation with their Biological Properties
Authors: Siano Alvaro , Húmpola María V. , Rey María C. , Simonetta Arturo , Tonarelli Georgina G.
Published: April 2011

A series of peptide analogs based on region 6–22 of Plantaricin 149 sequence were synthesized. The interaction between these analogs and phospholipid–polydiacetylene vesicles was investigated to evaluate the ability of the bioassay to detect differences in the interaction of the peptides with dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles, associated with amino acid substitution and N‐terminal conjugation of the sequences with short fatty acids (8 and 12 carbon atoms). Fatty acid conjugation of peptides with low antimicrobial activity resulted in lipopeptides with improved activity against strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. The length of the fatty acid determined the bacterial specificity, and the conjugation with n‐octanoic acid yielded the most active analog (C8‐CT) against Staphylococcus aureus strain (MIC: 1.0 μm) while the conjugation with n‐dodecanoic acid (C12‐CT) was optimal for Listeria monocytogenes strain (MIC: 2.0 μm). In contrast, the substitution of Phe by Trp had an unfavorable effect on the antimicrobial activity. Hemolysis tests and membrane interaction studies with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine–polydiacetylene vesicles showed that lipopeptides interact to a greater extent with both biological and biomimetic membranes. Also, a good correlation was found between antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus strain and % colorimetric response values with dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol–polydiacetylene vesicles.
Syntheses and Pharmacological Evaluations of Novel N‐Substituted Bicyclo‐Heptane‐2‐amines at N‐Methyl‐d‐Aspartate Receptors
Authors: Ates‐Alagoz Zeynep , Sun Shengguo , Wallach Jason , Adejare Adeboye
Published: April 2011

Several novel norcamphor (bicycloheptane)‐based compounds were designed and synthesized as non‐competitive N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonists at the phencyclidine binding sites. The heterocyclic ring was also varied to examine piperidine, pyrrolidine, and morpholine groups. We examined pharmacological activities of these compounds in vitro (binding studies) and in vivo (maximal electroshock test). Pharmacological evaluations revealed one of the compounds, 5a, to be a good lead, exhibiting moderate binding at N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (IC50 = 7.86 μm; Ki = 5.28 μm), maximal electroshock neuroprotection activity at 100 mg/kg and acceptable toxicity profile.
Gerontological rehabilitation nursing of older patients in acute health centre hospitals: nursing views
Authors: Elo Satu , Saarnio Reetta , Routasalo Pirkko , Isola Arja
Published: April 2011

elo s., saarnio r., routasalo p. & Isola a. (2012) Gerontological rehabilitation nursing of older patients in acute health centre hospitals: nursing views. International Journal of Older People Nursing7, 46–56  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2011.00277.x

Aim.  The aim was to describe gerontological rehabilitation nursing in an acute hospital setting from nursing staff’s points of view.

Background.  In the model of gerontological rehabilitation nursing, older people are active operators in their own rehabilitation process. It is the task of nursing staff, together with the patient, their relatives and a multiprofessional team, to support the patient’s commitment to the rehabilitation goal.

Methods.  In this study, a cross‐sectional design was used. Registered Nurses (RNs) and Practical Nurses (PNs) (n = 367) from four different hospitals responded to the questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out with spss using descriptive statistics.

Results.  The majority of nursing staff (66%) considered that older rehabilitation patients thought that rehabilitation was activity undertaken by physiotherapists aimed at improving patients’ functional abilities. The wards in question have well‐functioning rehabilitation teams. The rehabilitation of older patients is a goal‐oriented activity. Despite this, not everyone was aware of the goals. Essential patient care and promotion of rehabilitation were well attended to by nurses. Emotional support was emphasised in maintaining the motivation of older people.

Conclusions.  Because RNs and PNs, unlike other professionals, see older rehabilitation patients 24 hours a day and are able to assess their possibilities of coping independently with essential tasks, nursing staff could have an active role in the rehabilitation team. The education of nursing staff must focus on boosting self‐esteem and teaching independent decision‐making in promoting the rehabilitation of older persons and the assessment of their progress.

Implications for practice.  Nurse managers must arrange further education for nurses in promoting the rehabilitation of older persons. Nurse managers must also arrange time for the multiprofessional team to discuss and agree joint rehabilitation goals.
‘Finding home’: a grounded theory on how older people ‘find home’ in long‐term care settings
Authors: Cooney Adeline
Published: April 2011

cooney a. (2011) ‘Finding home’: a grounded theory on how older people ‘find home’ in long‐term care settings. International Journal of Older People Nursing7, 188–199   doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2011.00278.x

Background.  A link between residents ‘feeling at home’ in long‐term care facilities and ‘quality of life’ is emerging in the literature. Few studies, however, have focused on what helps residents to find a home in long‐term care settings. This study aimed to fill this gap.

Aim.  This study aimed to understand older peoples’ perceptions of ‘being at home’ in long‐term care settings and the factors that influence these perceptions.

Design.  Grounded theory guided the study design. Residents (n = 61) living in public or private long‐term care settings were interviewed using unstructured interviews.

Findings.  Four categories were identified as critical to finding a home in long‐term care settings: ‘continuity’, ‘preserving personal identity’, ‘belonging’ and ‘being active and working’. ‘Finding Home’ was conceptualised as the core category. The potential to ‘find home’ was influenced by mediating and facilitating/constraining factors.

Conclusions.  The Theory of Finding Home was generated from the data. This theory describes the factors critical to ‘finding home’ in long‐term care settings.

Implications for practice.  The Theory of Finding Home gives insight into what matters to older people living in long‐term care settings. Strategies to help generate a feeling of home in long‐term care settings are shared.
Application of high‐resolution melting curve analysis for typing of fowl adenoviruses in field cases of inclusion body hepatitis
Authors: Steer PA , O'Rourke D , Ghorashi SA , Noormohammadi AH
Published: April 2011

Objective  Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) cause inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in chickens. In this study, clinical cases of IBH from Australian broiler flocks were screened for the presence and genotype of FAdVs.

Methods  Twenty‐six IBH cases from commercial poultry farms were screened. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with high‐resolution melt (HRM) curve analysis (PCR/HRM genotyping) was used to determine the presence and genotype of FAdVs. For comparison, field isolates were also assessed by virus microneutralisation and nucleotide sequence analysis of the hexon loop 1 (Hex L1) gene. PCR detection of chicken anaemia virus (CAV) and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) was also employed.

Results  FAdV‐8b and FAdV‐11 were identified in 13 cases each. In one case, FAdV‐1 was also identified. Cross‐neutralisation was observed between the FAdV‐11 field strain and the reference FAdV‐2 and 11 antisera, a result also seen with the type 2 and 11 reference FAdVs. Field strains 1 and 8b were neutralised only by their respective type antisera. The FAdV‐8b field strain was identical to the Australian FAdV vaccine strain (type 8b) in the Hex L1 region. The Hex L1 sequence of the FAdV‐11 field strain had the highest identity to FAdV‐11 (93.2%) and FAdV‐2 (92.7%) reference strains. In the five cases tested for CAV and IBDV, neither virus was detected. The evidence suggested the presence of sufficient antibodies against CAV and IBD in the parent flocks and there was no indication of immunosuppression caused by these viruses.

Conclusion  These results indicate that PCR/HRM genotyping is a reliable diagnostic method for FAdV identification and is more rapid than virus neutralisation and direct sequence analysis. Furthermore, they suggest that IBH in Australian broiler flocks is a primary disease resulting from two alternative FAdV strains from different species.
Bilateral skin fold rotation–advancement flaps for the closure of large lumbosacral wounds in three dogs
Authors: Dunn A , Buffa E , Mitchell R , Hunt G
Published: April 2011

Three dogs were presented for the management of disease processes resulting in large skin defects over the dorsal lumbosacral region. One had severe dog bite wounds, one had a large burn sustained from a heating pad and one had a large myxosarcoma in the region. In each case, the extent and location of the resulting skin defect were assessed as factors likely to prevent reconstruction using simple tension‐relieving techniques alone or in combination with established reconstructive techniques, such as axial pattern flaps or skin stretching devices. Bilateral skin fold rotation–advancement flaps (SFRAFs) based on the flank folds were mobilised dorsally and allowed complete wound closure in two dogs and subtotal closure in the other dog. All wounds healed without major complications and an acceptable cosmetic outcome was achieved in each case. Minor flap debridement was required in two dogs. The use of bilateral SFRAFs is a useful technique alone or in combination with other reconstructive techniques for the closure of large dorsal lumbosacral skin defects when existing techniques are not sufficient. Small flank folds, such as those of obese dogs, may yield unexpectedly large SFRAFs.
Fatal columbid herpesvirus‐1 infections in three species of Australian birds of prey
Authors: Phalen DN , Holz P , Rasmussen L , Bayley C
Published: April 2011

We document columbid herpesvirus‐1 (CoHV‐1) infection in two barking owls (Ninox connivens), a powerful owl (Ninox strenua) and an Australian hobby (Falco longipennis). Antemortem signs of infection were non‐specific and the birds either died soon after they were identified as ill or were found dead unexpectedly. Gross postmortem findings were also not specific. Microscopically, marked to massive splenic and hepatic necrosis with the presence of eosinophilic inclusion bodies in remaining splenocytes and hepatocytes was found in all birds. Herpesvirus virions were identified in liver sections from one of the boobook owls by electron microscopy. Using CoHV‐1‐specific primers and polymerase chain reaction, CoHV‐1 DNA was amplified from tissue samples from all birds. A comparison of these sequences to previously reported sequences of CoHV‐1 found them to be identical or to vary by a single base pair. These findings increase the number of known species of birds of prey that are susceptible to CoHV‐1 infection and indicate that rock pigeons (Columbia livia) should not be included in the diet of captive Australian birds of prey.
Colic after swimming exercise in racehorses: an investigation of incidence, management, surgical findings and outcome
Authors: Walmsley E , Steel C , Haines G , Lumsden J , O'Sullivan C
Published: April 2011

The incidence of colic following swimming exercise (SC) in a racehorse population examined over 3 years was 0.08%. Following 167,977 swims, 136 cases were reported. Colic resolved spontaneously in 2 horses, medically in 129 or surgically in 5. In a separate study, 21 horses were subject to exploratory laparotomy for SC. Findings included non‐strangulating displacements in 7 horses, strangulating displacements in 7, a combination of non‐strangulating and strangulating displacements in 1, prominent gaseous intestinal distension in 5 and no abnormalities in 1 horse. A poor response to analgesia prompted surgery in all cases. Rectal palpation and/or abdominal ultrasound was performed in 16 of 21 cases and abnormalities were found in 14 of these. Of the 21 surgical cases, 20 (95.2%) survived to discharge and 18 (90%) raced postoperatively.