bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel balloon assisted two‐stents telescoping technique for repositioning an embolized stent in the pulmonary conduit
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Gowda Srinath T. , Forbes Thomas J.
Published: January 2014

A 9‐year‐old male, with history of pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect, status post complete repair with a 16 mm pulmonary homograft in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) underwent 3110 Palmaz stent placement for conduit stenosis. Following deployment the stent embolized proximally into the right ventricle (RV). We undertook the choice of repositioning the embolized stent into the conduit with a transcatheter approach. Using a second venous access, the embolized stent was carefully maneuvered into the proximal part of conduit with an inflated Tyshak balloon catheter. A second Palmaz 4010 stent was deployed in the distal conduit telescoping through the embolized stent. The Tyshak balloon catheter was kept inflated in the RV to stabilize the embolized stent in the proximal conduit until it was successfully latched up against the conduit with the deployment of the overlapping second stent. One year later, he underwent Melody valve implantation in the pre‐stented conduit relieving conduit insufficiency. This novel balloon assisted two‐stents telescoping technique is a feasible transcatheter option to secure an embolized stent from the RV to the RVOT. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transesterification of Soybean Oil to Biodiesel in a Microwave‐Assisted Heterogeneous Catalytic System
Authors: Ye Bin , Qiu Fengxian , Sun Chuanjia , Li Yihuai , Yang Dongya
Published: January 2014

A novel heterogeneous base catalyst for biodiesel production was prepared from the support of alumina/silica loaded with potassium sodium tartrate by a one‐step sol‐gel process and the optimal conditions were investigated. Microwave‐assisted transesterification of soybean oil was carried out for the production of biodiesel. The catalysts were characterized by FT‐IR, TG‐DSC, SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, and the Hammett indicator. The effects of the molar ratio of methanol to oil, reaction temperature, and amount of catalyst on the biodiesel yield were determined. The prepared heterogeneous catalyst could be easily separated from the reaction system with high efficiency and its constant activity maintained after application for four cycles.
A general scalable and elastic matching service for content‐based publish/subscribe systems
Authors: Ma Xingkong , Wang Yijie , Pei Xiaoqiang , Li Xiaoyong
Published: January 2014

Characterized by the emergence of a large number of live content, the emergency applications have received increasing attention in recent years. Providing a general and scalable event, matching service can precisely notify users latest information that they are interested in. However, because the live content arrival rate may churn significantly in a short time and subscriptions with various patterns tend to be skewed, it is challenging to increase the generality, scalability, and elasticity of the matching process. We propose a novel parallel event matching service based on the cloud computing environment, called GSEM, to satisfy these requirements. GSEM first presents a two‐hop framework and a general subscription pattern to handle various patterns of subscriptions. To provide scalable matching service, a hybrid content space partition scheme is proposed to divide large skewed subscriptions into multiple small clusters managed by a group of parallel servers. To adapt to the sudden change of event arrival rate, GSEM elastically adjusts the scale of servers and rebalances their workloads through a performance‐aware detection technique. A prototype deployment on the OpenStack platform shows that GSEM achieves scalable matching throughput with the growth of servers, elastic service capacity with the change of event arrival rate, and significantly outperforms the existing cloud based systems in various workloads. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A temporal window of vulnerability for development of atrial fibrillation with advancing heart failure
Authors: Burashnikov Alexander , Di Diego José M. , Sicouri Serge , Doss Michael Xavier , Sachinidis Agapios , Barajas‐Martínez Hector , Hu Dan , Minoura Yoshino , Sydney Moise N. , Kornreich Bruce G. , Chi Liguo , Belardinelli Luiz , Antzelevitch Charles
Published: January 2014

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is associated with development of AF and life‐threatening ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation (VT/VF). Vulnerability to development of AF and VT/VF at different stages of HF and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly defined. The present study was designed to determine the time‐course of development of electrical and structural remodelling of the atria and ventricles, and their contribution to induction of AF and VT/VF in a canine model of HF.

Methods and results

Dogs were ventricular tachypaced (VTP) for 2–3 weeks or 5–6 weeks (‘early’ and ‘late’ HF, respectively). Electrophysiological studies were performed in isolated atrial and ventricular preparations and correlated with cardiac dimensions and haemodynamic parameters recorded in vivo. Vulnerability to programmed electrical stimulation‐induced AF was greater in early vs. late stages of HF (78% vs. 38%). In contrast, VT/VF was inducible in late but not in early stages of HF (38% vs. 0%). The temporal distinction in atrial and ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility was associated with a much more rapid development of electrical and structural remodelling in atria. Vulnerability to AF developed following moderate electro‐structural remodelling and waned with further progression to severe remodelling, which averted rapid atrial activation.

Conclusions

A temporal window of vulnerability for AF appears relatively early during development of VTP‐induced HF in dogs, whereas VT/VF vulnerability is observed at more advanced stages of HF. These findings, if confirmed in humans, may have clinical implications with regard to prognosis and approach to therapy of patients with HF.
Two ecotypes of hyperaccumulators and accumulators affect cadmium accumulation in cherry seedlings by intercropping
Authors: Lin Lijin , Liao Ming'an , Mei Luoyin , Cheng Ji , Liu Juan , Luo Li , Liu Yu
Published: January 2014

The appropriate hyperaccumulator intercropping can reduce heavy metals accumulation in crop. In the current study, two ecotypes (Mining ecotype and Farmland ecotype) of Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. (cadmium accumulator), Solanum nigrum L. (cadmium hyperaccumulator), and Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. (cadmium and plumbum accumulator) were collected from plumbum‐zinc mine and non‐heavy metal contaminated farmland, respectively. They affected cadmium accumulation in cherry seedlings by intercropping. The cadmium accumulation in cherry seedlings was reduced by hyperaccumulators and accumulators. The contents of cadmium in cherry shoots were: monoculture > intercropping with D. sanguinalis (farmland) > intercropping with D. sanguinalis (mining) > intercropping with C. canadensis (farmland) > intercropping with C. canadensis (mining) > intercropping with S. nigrum (farmland) > intercropping with S. nigrum (mining). Moreover, intercropping with mining ecotype of hyperaccumulators or accumulators, the cadmium accumulation in cherry shoots was less than that intercropping with farmland ecotype. Therefore, all of hyperaccumulators and accumulators in this study could be used for remedying the cadmium contaminated cherry orchard, with mining ecotype of S. nigrum as the best material. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1251–1257, 2014
Urban and agricultural pesticide inputs to a critical habitat for the threatened delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus)
Authors: Weston Donald P. , Asbell Aundrea M. , Lesmeister Sarah A. , Teh Swee J. , Lydy Michael J.
Published: January 2014

The Cache Slough complex is an area of tidal sloughs in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta of California (USA), and is surrounding by irrigated agricultural lands. Among the species of concern in the area is the delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), a federally listed threatened species. Releases of the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos and pyrethroid insecticides were examined to determine whether they represented a threat to the copepods on which delta smelt feed (Eurytemora affinis and Pseudodiaptomus forbesi) and to aquatic life in general, represented by the standard testing organism, Hyalella azteca. There was a single incident of toxicity to H. azteca as a result of discharge of agricultural irrigation water containing chlorpyrifos. Pyrethroids were not found in samples collected during the dry season. Following rain events, however, the waters of western Cache Slough repeatedly became toxic to H. azteca because of the pyrethroids bifenthrin and cyhalothrin. The 96-h median lethal concentrations (LC50s) for E. affinis and P. forbesi for the pyrethroids bifenthrin and cyhalothrin were 16.7 ng/L to 19.4 ng/L when tested at 20 °C. However, their LC50s may be 5 mg/L to 10 ng/L at in situ temperatures of the Cache Slough, comparable to the peak bifenthrin concentration observed. The dominant pyrethroid source appeared to be urban runoff entering a creek 21 km upstream of Cache Slough. Pyrethroids of urban origin were supplemented by agricultural inputs of pyrethroids and chlorpyrifos as the creek flowed toward Cache Slough. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:920–929. © 2014 SETAC
Antibacterial activity of the soil-bound antimicrobials oxytetracycline and ofloxacin
Authors: Peng Feng-Jiao , Zhou Li-Jun , Ying Guang-Guo , Liu You-Sheng , Zhao Jian-Liang
Published: January 2014

Soil contamination of antimicrobials has become an increasing concern because of the potential risks to the soil microbial ecosystem and human health. The present study investigated sorption and desorption behaviors of oxytetracycline (OTC) and ofloxacin (OFL) in 3 typical soils (A, B, and C), and evaluated the antibacterial activity of soil-adsorbed compounds to a pure sensitive strain Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. The results showed different sorption and desorption behaviors of OTC and OFL in the 3 soils, behaviors that were mainly influenced by soil organic matter content and cation exchange capacity (CEC) as well as pH value. In addition, complexation and cation-exchange reactions were shown to be the main sorption mechanisms. Strong adsorption was found in soil B (with a high organic matter content) and in soil C (with high CEC), whereas enhanced desorption was observed in soil A (with low organic matter content). The results also demonstrated that soil-bound antimicrobials retained antibacterial activity toward E. coli. Opposite patterns of antibacterial activity were found for the 2 antimicrobials in the 3 soils: A > B > C for OFL; and C > B > A for OTC. This finding suggests that soil-bound antimicrobials could still exert selective pressure on soil bacteria although less effectively in comparison with the dissolved forms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:776–783. © 2014 SETAC
Comparative analysis of nucleotide translocation through protein nanopores using steered molecular dynamics and an adaptive biasing force
Authors: Martin Hugh S. C. , Jha Shantenu , Coveney Peter V.
Published: January 2014

The translocation of nucleotide molecules across biological and synthetic nanopores has attracted attention as a next generation technique for sequencing DNA. Computer simulations have the ability to provide atomistic‐level insight into important states and processes, delivering a means to develop a fundamental understanding of the translocation event, for example, by extracting the free energy of the process. Even with current supercomputing facilities, the simulation of many‐atom systems in fine detail is limited to shorter timescales than the real events they attempt to recreate. This imposes the need for enhanced simulation techniques that expand the scope of investigation in a given timeframe. There are numerous free energy calculation and translocation methodologies available, and it is by no means clear which method is best applied to a particular problem. This article explores the use of two popular free energy calculation methodologies in a nucleotide‐nanopore translocation system, using the α‐hemolysin nanopore. The first uses constant velocity‐steered molecular dynamics (cv‐SMD) in conjunction with Jarzynski's equality. The second applies an adaptive biasing force (ABF), which has not previously been applied to the nucleotide‐nanpore system. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive comparison of these methodologies, allowing for a detailed comparative assessment of the scientific merits, the computational cost, and the statistical quality of the data obtained from each technique. We find that the ABF method produces results that are closer to experimental measurements than those from cv‐SMD, whereas the net errors are smaller for the same computational cost. © 2014 The Authors Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population pharmacokinetics of TC‐5214, a nicotinic channel modulator, in phase I and II clinical studies
Authors: Xu Hongmei , Henningsson Anja , Alverlind Sofie , Tummala Raj , Toler Steven , Beaver Jessica S. , Al‐Huniti Nidal
Published: January 2014

TC‐5214 (dexmecamylamine) is a nicotinic channel modulator that has previously been evaluated for treatment of major depression disorder (MDD) and is currently being evaluated by Targacept as a treatment for overactive bladder. A comprehensive population pharmacokinetic (POP PK) model of TC‐5214 was developed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling of pooled plasma concentration data from 6 early phase I studies in 179 healthy participants or patients with non‐MDD and 1 phase II study in 68 MDD patients. Concentration–time profiles of TC‐5214 after either single or multiple oral doses of TC‐5214 was described by a one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption with lag time and first‐order elimination. Covariate analysis revealed that creatinine clearance was a significant covariate on clearance and that body weight significantly influenced the central volume of distribution. The final model (with identified covariates) was used to simulate steady‐state exposure for patients with impaired renal function. Results from forest plots reveal that patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or end stage renal disease are associated with significantly higher Cssmax and AUC compared to patients with normal renal function. The proposed final POP PK model could be employed in defining a TC‐5214 dosage regimen in patients with impaired renal function.
Effect of polarity‐reversal and electrical intensity on the oil removal from soil
Authors: Li Tingting , Guo Shuhai , Wu Bo , Zhang Lingyan , Gao Yongchao
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Although electro‐bioremediation (EK‐Bio) is effective at removing organic contaminants from soil, the role of electrical intensity (EI) and polarity‐reversal (PR) remains unclear. Two electrokinetic reactors (ER I and II) with six treatments (EK‐I, EK‐PR‐I, Bio‐I, EK‐Bio‐I, EK‐Bio‐PR‐I and EK‐PR‐II) were applied for 42 days to examine the effect of EI and PR on oil EK‐Bio remediation.

RESULTS

The final oil degradation rate in EK‐Bio‐PR‐I was 27.8%, representing an increase of 18.4%, 11.3% and 7.6% compared with EK‐I, Bio‐I and EK‐Bio‐I, respectively. Soil pH remained at around 6.6, and the average bacterial counts increased from 7.66 to 8.41 log10 cfu g‐1 dry soil by the end of EK‐Bio‐PR‐I. There was a significant positive linear correlation between EI and the oil degradation rate in EK‐I (y = 0.6919x + 9.2278; Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.9887). The simulated oil degradation rate was assessed according to the above equation in an amplification experiment (EK‐PR‐II), and the observed oil degradation rate showed no significant difference with the simulated data (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EI and PR have positive effects on oil degradation efficiency and soil bacteria, indicating that EK‐Bio with appropriate EI and periodic PR is the best approach for removing oil from soil. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Choice with frequently changing food rates and food ratios
Authors: Baum William M. , Davison Michael
Published: January 2014

In studies of operant choice, when one schedule of a concurrent pair is varied while the other is held constant, the constancy of the constant schedule may exert discriminative control over performance. In our earlier experiments, schedules varied reciprocally across components within sessions, so that while food ratio varied food rate remained constant. In the present experiment, we held one variable‐interval (VI) schedule constant while varying the concurrent VI schedule within sessions. We studied five conditions, each with a different constant left VI schedule. On the right key, seven different VI schedules were presented in seven different unsignaled components. We analyzed performances at several different time scales. At the longest time scale, across conditions, behavior ratios varied with food ratios as would be expected from the generalized matching law. At shorter time scales, effects due to holding the left VI constant became more and more apparent, the shorter the time scale. In choice relations across components, preference for the left key leveled off as the right key became leaner. Interfood choice approximated strict matching for the varied right key, whereas interfood choice hardly varied at all for the constant left key. At the shortest time scale, visit patterns differed for the left and right keys. Much evidence indicated the development of a fix‐and‐sample pattern. In sum, the procedural difference made a large difference to performance, except for choice at the longest time scale and the fix‐and‐sample pattern at the shortest time scale.
Gum arabic capped‐silver nanoparticles inhibit biofilm formation by multi‐drug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ansari Mohammad Azam , Khan Haris Manzoor , Khan Aijaz Ahmed , Cameotra Swaranjit Singh , Saquib Quaiser , Musarrat Javed
Published: January 2014

Clinical isolates (n = 55) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were screened for the extended spectrum β‐lactamases and metallo‐β‐lactamases activities and biofilm forming capability. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the antibiofilm efficacy of gum arabic capped‐silver nanoparticles (GA‐AgNPs) against the multi‐drug resistant (MDR) biofilm forming P. aeruginosa. The GA‐AgNPs were characterized by UV‐spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and high resolution‐transmission electron microscopy analysis. The isolates were screened for their biofilm forming ability, using the Congo red agar, tube method and tissue culture plate assays. The biofilm forming ability was further validated and its inhibition by GA‐AgNPs was demonstrated by performing the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy. SEM analysis of GA‐AgNPs treated bacteria revealed severely deformed and damaged cells. Double fluorescent staining with propidium iodide and concanavalin A‐fluorescein isothiocyanate concurrently detected the bacterial cells and exopolysaccharides (EPS) matrix. The CLSM results exhibited the GA‐AgNPs concentration dependent inhibition of bacterial growth and EPS matrix of the biofilm colonizers on the surface of plastic catheters. Treatment of catheters with GA‐AgNPs at 50 µg ml−1 has resulted in 95% inhibition of bacterial colonization. This study elucidated the significance of GA‐AgNPs, as the next generation antimicrobials, in protection against the biofilm mediated infections caused by MDR P. aeruginosa. It is suggested that application of GA‐AgNPs, as a surface coating material for dispensing antibacterial attributes to surgical implants and implements, could be a viable approach for controlling MDR pathogens after adequate validations in clinical settings.
Predictors of olfactory dysfunction in rhinosinusitis using the brief smell identification test
Authors: Alt Jeremiah A. , Mace Jess C. , Buniel Maria C. F. , Soler Zachary M. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Associations between olfactory function to quality‐of‐life (QOL) and disease severity in patients with rhinosinusitis is poorly understood. We sought to evaluate and compare olfactory function between subgroups of patients with rhinosinusitis using the Brief Smell Identification Test (B‐SIT).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional evaluation of a multicenter cohort.

Methods

Patients with recurrent acute sinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis were prospectively enrolled from three academic tertiary care sites. Each subject completed the B‐SIT, in addition to measures of disease‐specific QOL. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and clinical measures of disease severity were compared between patients with normal (BSIT ≥9) and abnormal (BSIT <9) olfaction scores. Regression modeling was used to identify potential risk factors associated with olfactory impairment.

Results

Patients with rhinosinusitis (n = 445) were found to suffer olfactory dysfunction as measured by the B‐SIT (28.3%). Subgroups of rhinosinusitis differed in the degree of olfactory dysfunction reported. Worse disease severity, measured by computed tomography and nasal endoscopy, correlated to worse olfaction. Olfactory scores did not consistently correlate with the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index or Sinonasal Outcome Test scores. Regression models demonstrated nasal polyposis was the strongest predictor of olfactory dysfunction. Recalcitrant disease and aspirin intolerance were strongly predictive of worse olfactory function.

Conclusions

Olfactory dysfunction is a complex, multifactorial process found to be differentially expressed within subgroups of rhinosinusitis. Olfaction was associated with disease severity as measured by imaging and endoscopy, with only weak associations to disease‐specific QOL measures.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 124:E259–E266, 2014
Comparison of the Emulsion Mixing and In Situ Polymerization Techniques for Synthesis of Water‐Borne Reduced Graphene Oxide/Polymer Composites: Advantages and Drawbacks
Authors: Arzac Alejandro , Leal Gracia Patricia , Fajgar Radek , Tomovska Radmila
Published: January 2014

Water‐borne reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/polymer composites have been synthesized by emulsion mixing and in situ polymerization. The main challenge is to synthesize colloidally stable hybrid latexes that are able to produce composite films by water evaporation at standard atmospheric conditions for their possible application as electrically conductive coatings. The selected polymer system is composed from poly(methyl metacrylate/butyl acrylate) in 50/50 wt% ratio in order to obtain glass transition temperature of the final film lower than the room temperature. The polymer is joined with rGO stable dispersions, which are prepared by reduction of GO in the presence of polyvynil pyrrolidone (PVP). The latex blends are composed of weakly bonded rGO platelets with polymer particles by the presence of PVP, whereas the covalent bonds between the polymers and the rGO in the in situ hybrid latexes are established. Both procedures result in stable hybrid latexes, from which layered composites are obtained by slow water evaporation. The composite blends present better self‐organization of rGO, tendency of segregated network formation, and electrically conductive properties. The in situ composites present decreased aggregation of rGO, uniformly distributed rGO in the polymeric matrix and lower conductivity.
Fluridone: a combination germination stimulant and herbicide for problem fields?
Authors: Goggin Danica E , Powles Stephen B
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Problem weeds in agriculture, such as Lolium rigidum Gaud., owe some of their success to their large and dormant seed banks, which permit germination throughout a crop‐growing season. Dormant weed seed banks could be greatly depleted by application of a chemical that stimulates early‐season germination and then kills the young seedlings. Fluridone, a phytoene desaturase‐inhibiting herbicide that can also break seed dormancy, was assessed for its efficacy in this regard.

RESULTS

The germination of fluridone‐treated Lolium rigidum seeds was stimulated on soils with low organic matter, and almost 100% seedling mortality was observed, while the treatment was only moderately effective on a high‐organic‐matter potting mix. Seedlings from wheat, canola, common bean and chickpea seeds sown on fluridone‐treated sandy loam were bleached and did not survive, but lupins and field peas grew normally.

CONCLUSION

This proof‐of‐concept study with fluridone suggests that it may be possible to design safe and effective molecules that act as germination stimulants plus herbicides in a range of crop and soil types: a potentially novel way of utilising herbicides to stimulate seed bank germination and a valuable addition to an integrated weed management system. [[ArtCopyrightmsg]]
Cycle length distributions in random permutations with diverging cycle weights
Authors: Dereich Steffen , Mörters Peter
Published: January 2014

We study the model of random permutations with diverging cycle weights, which was recently considered by Ercolani and Ueltschi, and others. Assuming only regular variation of the cycle weights we obtain a very precise local limit theorem for the size of a typical cycle, and use this to show that the empirical distribution of properly rescaled cycle lengths converges in probability to a gamma distribution.Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 46,635–650, 2015
Health status and microbial (Pasteurellaceae) flora of free‐ranging bighorn sheep following contact with domestic ruminants
Authors: Drew Mark L. , Rudolph Karen M. , Ward Alton C. S. , Weiser Glen C.
Published: January 2014

Eighteen bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) with known or suspected contact with domestic ruminants on public or private land were removed to prevent possible disease transmission. Live bighorns maintained in captivity were monitored for evidence of respiratory disease. Contacts with cattle (n = 4) occurred in December, January, and July; whereas, most contacts with domestic sheep (n = 10), goats (n = 3), or both (n = 1) occurred between April and October. Four bighorns died within 7 days following capture and 10 survived from 47 days to 57 months in captivity. Five bighorns had gross and/or histological evidence of pneumonia. Pasteurellaceae were isolated from 17/18 bighorns, and domestic ruminants that were contacted by 4 bighorns. Isolates included multiple biovariants of Mannheimia spp. and Bibersteinia trehalosi, and Pasteurella multocida subspecies and biotypes. Pasteurellaceae from pneumonic lungs included Mannheimia spp. biovariant 1, P. multocida subsp. multocida a, and B. trehalosi biovariant 2B. The Mannheimia spp. biovariant 1, isolated from 2 pneumonic bighorns and contacted domestic sheep, had restriction fragment‐length pattern similarity coefficient values of 1.0, indicating high similarity and likely sharing between the species. Management implications include the need for species separation and rapid responses to contact situations because 28% of the bighorns died with evidence of respiratory disease following domestic ruminant contact. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Selenium‐Rich Octanuclear Iridium Clusters with Mixed‐Valent Selenium Ligands in the Densest Known Packing of Ellipsoids
Authors: Stolze Karoline , Günther Anja , Hoffmann Herbert C. , Ruck Michael
Published: January 2014

Dark‐red air‐stable crystals of Ir8Se28Br14·2H2O were obtained by reacting iridium in an excess of selenium and selenium tetrabromide at 300 °C for one week. The crystal structure is monoclinic (space group P21/n) with a = 1274.66(3) pm, b = 1211.48(3) pm, c = 1743.82(4) pm, and β = 91.227(1)° at 296(1) K. The structure consists of uncharged clusters Ir8Se28Br14 = (Ir3+)8(Se22–)(Se42–)6(SeBr2)2(Br–)10 with two water molecules attached to each of them. Selenium adopts three different oxidation states, –I in the diselenide dumbbell, –I and ±0 in the tetraselenide chains, and +II in the SeBr2 units. The iridium(III) cations are coordinated octahedrally by selenium atoms and bromide ions. The octahedra share common vertices, while the oligoselenide anions provide high intra‐cluster connectivity: μ6‐η2 in the case of Se22– and μ4‐η3 for Se42–. In parts the cluster resembles a cut‐out of the rhombohedral Ir3Se8 framework structure. The ellipsoidal clusters form an excellent approximation of the mathematically predicted densest known packing of ellipsoids, featuring the coordination number of 14.
Limitations of ACS‐NSQIP in Reporting Complications for Patients Undergoing Pancreatectomy: Underscoring the Need for a Pancreas‐Specific Module
Authors: Epelboym Irene , Gawlas Irmina , Lee James A. , Schrope Beth , Chabot John A. , Allendorf John D.
Published: January 2014

Background

Large centralized databases are used with increasing frequency for reporting hospital‐specific and nationwide trends and outcomes after various surgical procedures in order to improve quality of surgical care. American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS‐NSQIP) is a risk‐adjusted, case‐weighted complication tracking initiative that reports 30‐day outcomes from more than 400 academic and community institutions in the US. However, the accuracy of event reporting specific to pancreatic surgery has never been examined in depth.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients, the information on whose postoperative course was originally reported through ACS‐NSQIP between 2006 and 2010. Preoperative characteristics, operative data, and postoperative events were recorded after review of electronic medical records including physician and nursing notes, operative room records and anesthesiologist reports. Fidelity of reported clinical events was assessed. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for each variable of interest.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐nine pancreatectomies were reviewed, including 145 (58.2 %) Whipple procedures, 19 (7.6 %) total pancreatectomies, 65 (26.1 %) distal pancreatectomies, and 15 (6.0 %) central or partial resections. Median age was 65.7, males comprised 41.5 % of the group, and 74.3 % of patients were Caucasian. The overall rate of complications reported by NSQIP was 44.0 %, compared with 45.0 % in our review, however discordance was observed in 27.3 % of the time, including 34 cases of reporting a complication where there was not one, and 34 cases of missed complication. The most frequently reported event was postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion, however this was also the event most commonly misclassified. Additionally, three procedures unrelated to the index operation were recorded as reoperation events. While a pancreas‐specific module does not yet exist, ACS‐NSQIP reports a 7.6 % rate of organ‐space surgical site infections; when compared with our institutional rate of Grades B and C postoperative fistula (10.4 %), we observed discordance 4.4 % of the time. Delayed gastric emptying, a common post‐pancreatectomy morbidity, was not captured at all. Additionally, there were significant inaccuracies in reporting urinary tract infections, postoperative pneumonia, wound complications, and postoperative sepsis, with discordance rates of 4.4, 3.2, 3.6, and 6.8 %, respectively.

Conclusions

ACS‐NSQIP data are an important and valuable tool for evaluating quality of surgical care, however pancreatectomy‐specific postoperative events are often misclassified, underscoring the need for a hepatopancreatobiliary‐specific module to better capture key outcomes in this complex and unique patient population.
Portal Vein Thrombosis After Hepatectomy
Authors: Yoshiya Shohei , Shirabe Ken , Nakagawara Hidekazu , Soejima Yuji , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Ikegami Toru , Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Harimoto Norifumi , Nishie Akihiro , Yamanaka Takeharu , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: January 2014

Background

Although various complications after hepatectomy have been reported, there have been no large studies on postoperative portal vein thrombosis (PVT) as a complication. This study evaluated the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of PVT after hepatectomy.

Methods

The preoperative and postoperative clinical characteristics of patients who underwent hepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 208 patients were reviewed. The incidence of PVT after hepatectomy was 9.1 % (n = 19), including main portal vein (MPV) thrombosis (n = 7) and peripheral portal vein (PPV) thrombosis (n = 12). Patients with MPV thrombosis had a significantly higher incidence of right hepatectomy (p < 0.001), larger resection volume (p = 0.003), and longer operation time (p = 0.021) than patients without PVT (n = 189). Multivariate analysis identified right hepatectomy as a significant independent risk factor for MPV thrombosis (odds ratio 108.9; p < 0.001). Patients with PPV thrombosis had a significantly longer duration of Pringle maneuver than patients without PVT (p = 0.002). Among patients who underwent right hepatectomy, those with PVT (n = 6) had a significantly lower early liver regeneration rate than those without PVT (n = 13; p = 0.040), and those with PVT had deterioration of liver function on postoperative day 7. In all patients with MPV thrombosis who received anticoagulation therapy, PVT subsequently resolved.

Conclusions

Postoperative PVT after hepatectomy is not rare. It is closely related to delayed recovery of liver function and delayed liver regeneration.
Metabolic biology of 3‐methylglutaconic acid‐uria: a new perspective
Authors: Su Betty , Ryan Robert O.
Published: January 2014

Over the past 25 years a growing number of distinct syndromes/mutations associated with compromised mitochondrial function have been identified that share a common feature: urinary excretion of 3‐methylglutaconic acid (3MGA). In the leucine degradation pathway, carboxylation of 3‐methylcrotonyl CoA leads to formation of 3‐methylglutaconyl CoA while 3‐methylglutaconyl CoA hydratase converts this metabolite to 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl CoA (HMG CoA). In “primary” 3MGA‐uria, mutations in the hydratase are directly responsible for the accumulation of 3MGA. On the other hand, in all “secondary” 3MGA‐urias, no defect in leucine catabolism exists and the metabolic origin of 3MGA is unknown. Herein, a path to 3MGA from mitochondrial acetyl CoA is proposed. The pathway is initiated when syndrome‐associated mutations/DNA deletions result in decreased Krebs cycle flux. When this occurs, acetoacetyl CoA thiolase condenses two acetyl CoA into acetoacetyl CoA plus CoASH. Subsequently, HMG CoA synthase 2 converts acetoacetyl CoA and acetyl CoA to HMG CoA. Under syndrome‐specific metabolic conditions, 3‐methylglutaconyl CoA hydratase converts HMG CoA into 3‐methylglutaconyl CoA in a reverse reaction of the leucine degradation pathway. This metabolite fails to proceed further up the leucine degradation pathway owing to the kinetic properties of 3‐methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase. Instead, hydrolysis of the CoA moiety of 3‐methylglutaconyl CoA generates 3MGA, which appears in urine. If experimentally confirmed, this pathway provides an explanation for the occurrence of 3MGA in multiple disorders associated with compromised mitochondrial function.
Incidence of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abu-Zaid Ahmed , Nazer Ahmed , AlOmar Osama , Azzam Ayman , Al-Eid Haya S , Elhassan Tusneem Ahmed , Al-Badawi Ismail A
Published: January 2014

Incidence of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) in the Saudi Arabian population has not been studied before. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to define the population-based incidence rates and histopathological types of MOGCTs in the Saudi Arabian population from 1999 to 2008. Our study showed that MOGCTs are a common type of ovarian tumors in the Saudi Arabian population, and the incidence rates and histopathological types are relatively comparable to the international populations with few differences.
Severity of Spatial Neglect During Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Predicts Community Mobility After Stroke
Authors: Oh‐Park Mooyeon , Hung Cynthia , Chen Peii , Barrett A.M.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To examine whether stroke survivors with more severe spatial neglect during their acute inpatient rehabilitation had poorer mobility after returning to their communities.

Design

A prospective observational study.

Setting

Acute inpatient rehabilitation and follow‐up in the community.

Participants

Thirty‐one consecutive stroke survivors with right‐brain damage (women, n = 15 [48.4%]), with the mean (standard deviation) age of 60 ± 11.5 years, were included in the study if they demonstrated spatial neglect within 2 months after stroke.

Methods

Spatial neglect was assessed with the Behavioral Inattention Test (BIT) (range, 0‐146 [a lower score indicates more severity]) and the Catherine Bergego Scale (range, 0‐30 [a higher score indicates more severity]). A score of the Behavioral Inattention Test <129 or of the Catherine Bergego Scale >0 defined the presence of spatial neglect.

Main Outcome Measurements

The outcome measure is community mobility, defined by the extent and frequency of traveling within the home and in the community, and is assessed with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging Life‐Space Assessment (range, 0‐120 [a lower score indicates less mobile]). This measure was assessed after participants returned home ≥6 months after stroke. The covariates were age, gender, functional independence at baseline; follow‐up interval; and depressed mood, which may affect the relationship between spatial neglect and community mobility.

Results

A lower Behavioral Inattention Test score was a significant predictor of a lower Life‐Space Assessment score after controlling for all the covariates (β = 0.009 [95% confidence interval, 0.008‐0.017]); P = .020). The proportion of participants unable to travel independently beyond their homes was 0%, 27.3%, and 72.7% for those with mild, moderate, and severe acute neglect, respectively (Catherine Bergego Scale range, 1‐10, 11‐20, and 21‐30, respectively).

Conclusions

Our result indicates that acute spatial neglect has a negative impact on regaining of functional mobility in the community. Specific screening and treatment of spatial neglect during acute stroke care may be necessary to improve long‐term mobility recovery.
Mirror Visual Feedback for Phantom Pain: International Experience on Modalities and Adverse Effects Discussed by an Expert Panel: A Delphi Study
Authors: Hagenberg Annegret , Carpenter Christine
Published: January 2014

Background

Mirror visual feedback (mirror therapy) is practiced worldwide in very different ways to alleviate phantom pain; no study has compared these variations yet or researched the associated risk and harm.

Objectives

To establish use and justification of a generally accepted mirror visual feedback treatment plan after amputation; to explore the occurrence and handling of adverse effects; and to increase knowledge about contributing factors.

Methods

Experiential knowledge of 13 experienced practitioners from 6 countries and 5 professions was explored with a 3‐round Delphi technique.

Results

Experience with the use of 5 different treatment plans was described, of which 1 has never been mentioned in the literature: an intense 1‐off plan in which the illusion was carefully set up before the patient was left to the experience with no interference, resolving pain as well as adverse effects. In the 4 known treatment plans, the expectations of response time varied, which influenced the definition of responders/nonresponders; the set‐ups, control, and use of material reflected the professional background of the practitioners. Contraindications also were defined according to the professional confidence to deal with the adverse effects. Adverse effects were reported, including emotional reactions, pain increase, sensory changes, freezing of the phantom limb, dizziness, and sweating. The attitude toward, and the handling of, adverse effects varied in patients as in practitioners according to their professional background. A tool to fine tune the experience was reported with covering of the limb during therapy. Full consensus was reached on several treatment modalities.

Conclusion

Analysis of the results suggests that the different treatment plans suit different patients and practitioners. Matching these could enhance effectiveness and compliance. Knowledge about adverse effects needs to inform treatment decisions. These findings triggered the development of a mirror visual feedback gateway to guide patients to the treatment plan for their needs, and to collect data from the practitioners to enhance neuroscientific understanding and inform practice.
Pre-operative considerations in aesthetic facial surgery
Authors: Veer V , Jackson L , Kara N , Hawthorne M
Published: January 2014

This article reviews the common pitfalls in the complex process of pre-operative assessment for facial plastic surgery. Legal guidelines and best practice are discussed, and attention is directed mainly towards the consenting and psychological issues surrounding this area of surgery.
Tetralogy of Fallot: epidemiology meets real-world management: lessons from the Baltimore-Washington Infant Study
Authors: Nies Melanie , Brenner Joel I.
Published: January 2014

Decades ago, mass-scale epidemiologic studies were undertaken to accurately describe the prevalence of congenital heart disease and associated malformations, and to identify inheritance patterns, teratogenic influence and aetiologic underpinnings. Despite phenomenal breakthroughs in molecular diagnosis of congenital heart disease, original population-based studies for detailed knowledge of prevalence, associated malformations, and appropriate patient and family counselling remain invaluable to the armamentarium and knowledge base of paediatric cardiologists. No modern-era studies have supplanted the importance of the Baltimore-Washington Infant Study undertaken from 1981 to 1989. In this article, we reprise the findings of the Baltimore-Washington Infant Study in tetralogy of Fallot, as well as to review current molecular diagnosis.
Modern surgical management of patients with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Chai Paul J. , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Quintessenza James A.
Published: January 2014

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic heart defect seen in children beyond infancy. There is considerable variation in surgical management today ranging from differences in timing of complete repair versus initial use of a shunt for palliation, and methods for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. This article will examine some of the current surgical management techniques for patients with Tetralogy of Fallot.
The role of cardiac catheterisation in patients with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Stapleton Gary E.
Published: January 2014

Cardiac catheterisation plays an important role in the management of patients with tetralogy of Fallot. There are a number of palliative transcatheter interventions that can be performed in the neonatal period to allow for improved oxygen saturations and interval growth of the pulmonary arteries until corrective surgery is performed. Most patients develop branch pulmonary artery stenosis, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, pulmonary insufficiency, or significant residual left-to-right shunts during long-term follow-up after corrective surgery. Transcatheter interventions can be performed to treat many of these issues, often eliminating or delaying the need for subsequent surgery. The indications for cardiac catheterisation and the specifics for various interventional procedures for patients with tetralogy of Fallot are reviewed in this manuscript.
Mediation of parental educational level on fruit and vegetable intake among schoolchildren in ten European countries
Authors: Lehto Elviira , Ray Carola , te Velde Saskia , Petrova Stefka , Duleva Vesselka , Krawinkel Michael , Behrendt Isabel , Papadaki Angeliki , Kristjansdottir Asa , Thorsdottir Inga , Yngve Agneta , Lien Nanna , Lynch Christel , Ehrenblad Bettina , Vaz de Almeida Maria Daniel , Ribic Cirila Hlastan , Simčic Irena , Roos Eva
Published: January 2014

Objective

To examine which factors act as mediators between parental educational level and children's fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake in ten European countries.

Design

Cross-sectional data were collected in ten European countries participating in the PRO GREENS project (2009). Schoolchildren completed a validated FFQ about their daily F&V intake and filled in a questionnaire about availability of F&V at home, parental facilitation of F&V intake, knowledge of recommendations about F&V intake, self-efficacy to eat F&V and liking for F&V. Parental educational level was determined from a questionnaire given to parents. The associations were examined with multilevel mediation analyses.

Setting

Schools in Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia and Sweden.

Subjects

Eleven-year-old children (n 8159, response rate 72%) and their parents.

Results

In five of the ten countries, children with higher educated parents were more likely to report eating fruits daily. This association was mainly mediated by knowledge but self-efficacy, liking, availability and facilitation also acted as mediators in some countries. Parents’ education was positively associated with their children's daily vegetable intake in seven countries, with knowledge and availability being the strongest mediators and self-efficacy and liking acting as mediators to some degree.

Conclusions

Parental educational level correlated positively with children's daily F&V intake in most countries and the pattern of mediation varied among the participating countries. Future intervention studies that endeavour to decrease the educational-level differences in F&V intake should take into account country-specific features in the relevant determinants of F&V intake.
Aerobic nitrous oxide production through N-nitrosating hybrid formation in ammonia-oxidizing archaea
Authors: Stieglmeier Michaela , Mooshammer Maria , Kitzler Barbara , Wanek Wolfgang , Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie , Richter Andreas , Schleper Christa
Published: January 2014

Soil emissions are largely responsible for the increase of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) in the atmosphere and are generally attributed to the activity of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria. However, the contribution of the recently discovered ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) to N2O production from soil is unclear as is the mechanism by which they produce it. Here we investigate the potential of Nitrososphaera viennensis, the first pure culture of AOA from soil, to produce N2O and compare its activity with that of a marine AOA and an ammonia-oxidizing bacterium (AOB) from soil. N. viennensis produced N2O at a maximum yield of 0.09% N2O per molecule of nitrite under oxic growth conditions. N2O production rates of 4.6±0.6 amol N2O cell−1 h−1 and nitrification rates of 2.6±0.5 fmol NO2− cell−1 h−1 were in the same range as those of the AOB Nitrosospira multiformis and the marine AOA Nitrosopumilus maritimus grown under comparable conditions. In contrast to AOB, however, N2O production of the two archaeal strains did not increase when the oxygen concentration was reduced, suggesting that they are not capable of denitrification. In 15N-labeling experiments we provide evidence that both ammonium and nitrite contribute equally via hybrid N2O formation to the N2O produced by N. viennensis under all conditions tested. Our results suggest that archaea may contribute to N2O production in terrestrial ecosystems, however, they are not capable of nitrifier-denitrification and thus do not produce increasing amounts of the greenhouse gas when oxygen becomes limiting.