bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relevance of Grade 1 Gray‐Scale Ultrasound Findings in Wrists and Small Joints to the Assessment of Subclinical Synovitis in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Witt Matthias , Mueller Felix , Nigg Axel , Reindl Christiane , Leipe Jan , Proft Fabian , Stein Nicola , Hammitzsch Ariane , Mayer Stefan , Dechant Claudia , Schulze‐Koops Hendrik , Grunke Mathias
Published: April 2013

Objective

To investigate the clinical relevance of grade 1 findings on gray‐scale ultrasound (GSUS) of the joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We examined the wrists and small joints of 100 patients with early or established RA and 30 healthy controls, using GSUS and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS). Independent clinical assessment of all joints for tenderness and swelling according to the European League Against Rheumatism examination technique was performed. Joints with grade 1 findings on GSUS were identified, and associations with swelling, pain, and findings on PDUS were assessed. Grade 1 findings on GSUS in patients with early RA were reassessed after 6 months of antirheumatic treatment.

Results

Grade 1 results represented the majority of all GSUS findings in patients with RA and were also frequently recorded in healthy controls. Grade 1 GSUS findings were not associated with tenderness, swelling, or positive results on PDUS. In comparison to joints with grade 2 and grade 3 findings on GSUS, joints with grade 1 findings were less likely to respond to treatment.

Conclusion

The present results indicate that grade 1 findings on GSUS have limited clinical relevance.
Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Alleviates Nephritis in (NZB/NZW)F1 Mice
Authors: Lee Sang‐Won , Park Kyu‐Hyung , Park Sungha , Kim Ji‐Hye , Hong Sung‐Yu , Lee Soo‐Kon , Choi Donghoon , Park Yong‐Beom
Published: April 2013

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of different doses of the soluble form of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) (conjugated to the Fc portion of immunoglobulin) in the treatment of nephritis in lupus‐prone mice, in comparison with the efficacy of combination therapy with mycophenolate mofetil plus prednisolone.

Methods

Twenty‐eight female (NZB/NZW)F1 mice were divided into 5 groups (untreated, sRAGE [dose groups of 0.5, 1, or 2 μg], or mycophenolate mofetil plus prednisolone). Proteinuria and histologic damage were evaluated. Immune complex deposition and the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB in the kidney tissue were assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Serum concentrations of anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) and IgG subclasses were also measured. The population of T cells was evaluated using a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter, and expression of intracellular adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 in the kidney tissue was assessed by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

In comparison with untreated mice, mice treated with 1 or 2 μg sRAGE showed significantly reduced proteinuria and attenuated histologic renal damage, with efficacy comparable to that of combination therapy. Treatment with 2 μg sRAGE significantly reduced immune complex deposition and decreased the serum concentrations of anti‐dsDNA, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3. In addition, sRAGE interrupted the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB in the kidney, resulting in reduction in the expression of downstream genes of NF‐κB in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, sRAGE effectively modified T cell populations.

Conclusion

Treatment with sRAGE significantly improved nephritis in lupus‐prone mice, with efficacy comparable to that of standard induction treatment for lupus nephritis. These data suggest that sRAGE has antiinflammatory effects on the pathophysiology of lupus nephritis and could serve as a potent new therapy for this disease.
Interferon‐γ Mediates Anemia but Is Dispensable for Fulminant Toll‐like Receptor 9–Induced Macrophage Activation Syndrome and Hemophagocytosis in Mice
Authors: Canna Scott W. , Wrobel Julia , Chu Niansheng , Kreiger Portia A. , Paessler Michele , Behrens Edward M.
Published: April 2013

Objective

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a devastating cytokine storm syndrome complicating many inflammatory diseases and characterized by fever, pancytopenia, and systemic inflammation. It is clinically similar to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), which is caused by viral infection of a host with impaired cellular cytotoxicity. Murine models of MAS and HLH illustrate that interferon‐γ (IFNγ) is the driving stimulus for hemophagocytosis and immunopathology. This study was undertaken to investigate the inflammatory contributors to a murine model of Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR‐9)–induced fulminant MAS.

Methods

Wild‐type, transgenic, and cytokine‐inhibited mice were treated with an IL‐10 receptor blocking antibody and a TLR‐9 agonist, and parameters of MAS were evaluated.

Results

Fulminant MAS was characterized by dramatic elevations in IFNγ, IL‐12, and IL‐6 levels. Increased serum IFNγ levels were associated with enhanced IFNγ production within some hepatic cell populations but also with decreased numbers of IFNγ‐positive cells. Surprisingly, IFNγ‐knockout mice developed immunopathology and hemophagocytosis comparable to that seen in wild‐type mice. However, IFNγ‐knockout mice did not become anemic and had greater numbers of splenic erythroid precursors. IL‐12 neutralization phenocopied disease in IFNγ‐knockout mice. Interestingly, type I IFNs contributed to the severity of hypercytokinemia and weight loss, but their absence did not otherwise affect MAS manifestations.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that both fulminant MAS and hemophagocytosis can arise independently of IFNγ, IL‐12, or type I IFNs. They also suggest that IFNγ‐mediated dyserythropoiesis, not hemophagocytosis, is the dominant cause of anemia in fulminant TLR‐9–induced MAS. Thus, our data establish a novel mechanism for the acute anemia of inflammation, but suggest that a variety of triggers can result in hemophagocytic disease.
Patients With Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis Have Defective Treg Cell Function Exacerbated by the Presence of a Suppression‐Resistant Effector Cell Population
Authors: Free Meghan E. , Bunch Donna O'Dell , McGregor Julie Anne , Jones Britta E. , Berg Elisabeth A. , Hogan Susan L. , Hu Yichun , Preston Gloria A. , Jennette J. Charles , Falk Ronald J. , Su Maureen A.
Published: April 2013

Objective

The development of pathogenic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) can result in systemic small vessel vasculitis. However, the breakdown in immune tolerance that results in the induction and persistence of ANCAs is not well understood. We undertook this study to test our hypothesis that abnormal T cell regulation is central to disease pathogenesis in patients with ANCA‐associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 62 patients with AAV and 19 healthy controls for flow cytometric analysis of CD4+ T cell populations. Functional T cell studies were performed with fluorescence‐activated cell sorted CD4+ T cell populations stimulated with anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28.

Results

We demonstrated two separate abnormalities in T cell regulation in patients with AAV. First, we showed that the Treg cell frequency was increased in the peripheral blood of patients with active disease, but Treg cells from patients with AAV had decreased suppressive function. Treg cells from patients with active disease disproportionately used a FoxP3 isoform lacking exon 2, which might alter Treg cell function. Second, we identified a CD4+ T cell population with increased frequency that was resistant to Treg cell suppression, produced proinflammatory cytokines, and was antigen experienced.

Conclusion

AAV is associated with disruption of the suppressive Treg cell network and with increased frequency of a distinct proinflammatory effector T cell subset that comprises the majority of peripheral CD4+ T cells.
Long‐Term Detection of Human Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells After Intraarticular Injection in SCID Mice
Authors: Toupet Karine , Maumus Marie , Peyrafitte Julie‐Anne , Bourin Philippe , van Lent Peter L. E. M. , Ferreira Rosanna , Orsetti Béatrice , Pirot Nelly , Casteilla Louis , Jorgensen Christian , Noël Danièle
Published: April 2013

Objective

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising tool for cell therapy for several disorders, among them the osteoarticular diseases. For such clinical applications, intraarticular (IA) injection of MSCs may be favored for higher levels of safety and targeting of specific joints. Although the safety of intravenous (IV) administration of MSCs has been reported in a number of clinical trials, the safety and biodistribution of MSCs after IA injection have not been tested. Our objective was to assess the toxicity of clinical‐grade human adipose‐derived MSCs (AD‐MSCs), as well as their biodistribution, after IA injection into SCID mice.

Methods

SCID mice received IA or IV administration of 106 human AD‐MSCs. Several tissues were recovered at different time points and processed for histologic assessment or real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. A highly sensitive assay was used to monitor the distribution of AD‐MSCs, based on amplification of human‐specific Alu sequences.

Results

Absence of toxicity was observed after AD‐MSC infusion. Alu PCR assay revealed a high sensitivity (1 human AD‐MSC/105 murine cells), with a large linear range (1–5 × 104/105 murine cells). Importantly, 15% of the IA‐injected AD‐MSCs were detectable in the joint for the first month and 1.5% of the AD‐MSCs engrafted over the long term, at least 6 months. AD‐MSCs were observed in the injected joints and in areas of tissue referred to as stem cell niches, such as the bone marrow, adipose tissue, and muscle.

Conclusion

These data support the feasibility and safety of using IA delivery of human AD‐MSCs in the treatment of rheumatic diseases that affect the joints.
Brief Report: Citrullination Within the Atherosclerotic Plaque: A Potential Target for the Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sokolove Jeremy , Brennan Matthew J. , Sharpe Orr , Lahey Lauren J. , Kao Amy H. , Krishnan Eswar , Edmundowicz Daniel , Lepus Christin M. , Wasko Mary Chester , Robinson William H.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To investigate whether citrullinated proteins within the atherosclerotic plaque can be targeted by anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), forming stimulatory immune complexes that propagate the progression of atherosclerosis.

Methods

Protein lysates prepared from atherosclerotic segments of human aorta were assessed for the presence of citrulline‐modified proteins, and specifically citrullinated fibrinogen (Cit‐fibrinogen), by immunoprecipitation and/or immunoblotting followed by mass spectrometry. Immunohistochemical analysis of coronary artery plaque was performed to determine the presence of citrullinated proteins and peptidylarginine deiminase type 4 (PAD‐4). Serum levels of anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP), anti–citrullinated vimentin (anti–Cit‐vimentin), and anti–Cit‐fibrinogen antibodies were measured in 134 women with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis; these subjects had previously been characterized for the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, by electron beam computed tomography scanning.

Results

Western blot analysis of atherosclerotic plaque lysates demonstrated several citrullinated proteins, and the presence of Cit‐fibrinogen was confirmed by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. Immunohistochemical analysis showed colocalization of citrullinated proteins and PAD‐4 within the coronary artery plaque. In age‐adjusted regression models, antibodies targeting Cit‐fibrinogen and Cit‐vimentin, but not CCP‐2, were associated with an increased aortic plaque burden.

Conclusion

Citrullinated proteins are prevalent within atherosclerotic plaques, and certain ACPAs are associated with the atherosclerotic burden. These observations suggest that targeting of citrullinated epitopes, specifically Cit‐fibrinogen, within atherosclerotic plaques could provide a mechanism for the accelerated atherosclerosis observed in patients with RA.
Neuropathic Features of Joint Pain: A Community‐Based Study
Authors: Soni A. , Batra R. N. , Gwilym S. E. , Spector T. D. , Hart D. J. , Arden N. K. , Cooper C. , Tracey I. , Javaid M. K.
Published: April 2013

Objective

Quantitative sensory testing (QST) and questionnaire‐based assessments have been used to demonstrate features of neuropathic pain in subjects with musculoskeletal pain. However, their direct relationship has not been investigated in the community. The purpose of this study was to conduct an observational study to describe the characteristics of joint pain and to examine the relationship between QST measures and the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PD‐Q).

Methods

Warm detection, heat pain, and mechanical pain thresholds as well as mechanical pain sensitivity over the sternum were determined and the PD‐Q scores were calculated in a cross‐sectional study of 462 participants in the Chingford Study. Comparisons were made between subjects with and those without joint pain. Logistic regression modeling was used to describe the association between neuropathic pain features, as determined by the PD‐Q score, and each of the QST measures individually, adjusting for age, body mass index, and use of pain‐modifying medications.

Results

A total of 66.2% of the subjects reported recent joint pain, with a median average pain severity of 5 of 10. There was increased sensitivity to painful stimuli in the group with pain as compared to the pain‐free group, and this persisted after stratification by pain‐modifying medication use. While only 6.7% of subjects had possible neuropathic pain features and 1.9% likely neuropathic pain features according to the standard PD‐Q thresholds, features of neuropathic pain were common and were present in >50% of those reporting pain of at least moderate severity. Heat pain thresholds and mechanical pain sensitivity were significantly associated with features of neuropathic pain identified using the PD‐Q, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.79–0.97; P = 0.011) and an OR of 1.24 (95% CI 1.04–1.48; P = 0.018), respectively.

Conclusion

QST measures and the PD‐Q identified features of neuropathic pain in subjects in this community‐based study, with significant overlap between the findings of the two techniques.
Understanding the evolution of multiple scientific research domains using a content and network approach
Authors: Tang Xuning , Yang Christopher C. , Song Min
Published: April 2013

Interdisciplinary research has been attracting more attention in recent decades. In this article, we compare the similarity between scientific research domains and quantifying the temporal similarities of domains. We narrowed our study to three research domains: information retrieval (IR), database (DB), and World Wide Web (W3), because the rapid development of the W3 domain substantially attracted research efforts from both IR and DB domains and introduced new research questions to these two areas. Most existing approaches either employed a content‐based technique or a cocitation or coauthorship network‐based technique to study the development trend of a research area. In this work, we proposed an effective way to quantify the similarities among different research domains by incorporating content similarity and coauthorship network similarity. Experimental results on DBLP (DataBase systems and Logic Programming) data related to IR, DB, and W3 domains showed that the W3 domain was getting closer to both IR and DB whereas the distance between IR and DB remained relatively constant. In addition, comparing to IR and W3 with the DB domain, the DB domain was more conservative and evolved relatively slower.
Young people, child pornography, and subcultural norms on the Internet
Authors: Prichard Jeremy , Spiranovic Caroline , Watters Paul , Lueg Christopher
Published: April 2013

Literature to date has treated as distinct two issues (a) the influence of pornography on young people and (b) the growth of Internet child pornography, also called child exploitation material (CEM). This article discusses how young people might interact with, and be affected by, CEM. The article first considers the effect of CEM on young victims abused to generate the material. It then explains the paucity of data regarding the prevalence with which young people view CEM online, inadvertently or deliberately. New analyses are presented from a 2010 study of search terms entered on an internationally popular peer‐to‐peer website, isoHunt. Over 91 days, 162 persistent search terms were recorded. Most of these related to file sharing of popular movies, music, and so forth. Thirty‐six search terms were categorized as specific to a youth market and perhaps a child market. Additionally, 4 deviant, and persistent search terms were found, 3 relating to CEM and the fourth to bestiality. The article discusses whether the existence of CEM on a mainstream website, combined with online subcultural influences, may normalize the material for some youth and increase the risk of onset (first deliberate viewing). Among other things, the article proposes that future research examines the relationship between onset and sex offending by youth.
Evaluation of Initial Input Effects on Discrete‐Time Stochastic Iterative Learning Control
Authors: Meng Deyuan , Jia Yingmin , Du Junping
Published: April 2013

This paper is devoted to the performance evaluation of initial input effects on discrete‐time iterative learning control (ILC) when the plants are subject to random iteration‐varying disturbances. The optimal selection of initial input is provided from the viewpoints of both expectation and variance by investigating the derivative of the error function with respect to the initial input. It is shown that the nonrandom initial input minimizing the initial expected tracking error can enable the tracking error to possess the minimal expectation and variance at all iterations. Simulation tests are included to verify the theoretical study.
H∞ Model Reduction for Positive Fractional Order Systems
Authors: Shen Jun , Lam James
Published: April 2013

This paper focuses on the H∞ model reduction problem of positive fractional order systems. For a stable positive fractional order system, we aim to construct a positive reduced‐order fractional system such that the associated error system is stable with a prescribed H∞ performance. Then, based on the bounded real lemma for fractional order systems, a sufficient condition is given to characterize the model reduction problem with a prescribed H∞‐norm error bound in terms of a linear matrix inequality (LMI). Furthermore, by introducing a new flexible real matrix variable, the desired reduced‐order system matrices are decoupled with the complex matrix variable and further parameterized by the new matrix variable. A corresponding iterative LMI algorithm is also proposed. Finally, several illustrative examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Asymptotic Stability and Finite‐Time Stability of Networked Control Systems: Analysis and Synthesis
Authors: Xue Wenping , Mao Weijie
Published: April 2013

This paper focuses on the problems of asymptotic stability and finite‐time stability (FTS) analysis, along with the state feedback controller design for networked control systems (NCSs) with consideration of both network‐induced delay and packet dropout. The closed‐loop NCS is modeled as a discrete‐time linear system with a time‐varying, bounded state delay. Sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability and the FTS of the closed‐loop NCS are provided, respectively. Based on the stability analysis results, a mixed controller design method, which guarantees the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop NCS in the usual case and the FTS of the closed‐loop NCS in the unusual case (that is, in some particular time intervals, large state delay occurs), is presented. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed mixed controller design method.
Designing Emission Charging Schemes for Transportation Conformity
Authors: Yang Yanni , Yin Yafeng , Lu Huapu
Published: April 2013

This paper designs emission charging schemes to ensure traffic emissions not exceeding the emission budgets in emission regulation areas. In a network where all links are tollable, we prove that, under mild conditions, there exists a non‐negative link‐based toll scheme that achieves the transportation conformity requirement while minimizing total emissions. We further consider only tolling in the emission regulation areas and formulate a model to determine optimal area‐based emission charges to ensure the conformity. The model is formulated as a mathematical program with complementarity constraints. A solution framework is developed to solve the model, leveraging on a derivative‐free pattern search algorithm and integrating MOVES to estimate vehicular emissions more accurately. The proposed models are demonstrated on two numerical examples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustainability in the Transport and Logistics Sector: Lacking Environmental Measures
Authors: Oberhofer Peter , Dieplinger Maria
Published: April 2013

Sustainability as part of the development of companies' business strategies is gaining in importance. Due to its impact on the environment, this is particularly essential for companies of the transport and logistics sector. This paper explores several factors that influence the environmental behaviour of transport and logistics companies in Austria. It discusses the importance of the economic impact on environmental management decision in detail and analyses the sector's specific characteristics in terms of environmental behavior. A case‐based approach involving multiple field studies with face‐to‐face expert interviews and secondary data analysis was used to evaluate environmental performance and specific practices. Using selected cases, we will demonstrate how environmental measures contribute to overall business performance and draw general conclusions regarding the transport and logistics sector. Furthermore, suggestions are given as to how the government can further support transport and logistics companies in this regard. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Multispectral image analysis for algal biomass quantification
Authors: Murphy Thomas E. , Macon Keith , Berberoglu Halil
Published: April 2013

This article reports a novel multispectral image processing technique for rapid, noninvasive quantification of biomass concentration in attached and suspended algae cultures. Monitoring the biomass concentration is critical for efficient production of biofuel feedstocks, food supplements, and bioactive chemicals. Particularly, noninvasive and rapid detection techniques can significantly aid in providing delay‐free process control feedback in large‐scale cultivation platforms. In this technique, three‐band spectral images of Anabaena variabilis cultures were acquired and separated into their red, green, and blue components. A correlation between the magnitude of the green component and the areal biomass concentration was generated. The correlation predicted the biomass concentrations of independently prepared attached and suspended cultures with errors of 7 and 15%, respectively, and the effect of varying lighting conditions and background color were investigated. This method can provide necessary feedback for dilution and harvesting strategies to maximize photosynthetic conversion efficiency in large‐scale operation. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:808–816, 2013
Separation of nonfucosylated antibodies with immobilized FcγRIII receptors
Authors: Bolton Glen R. , Ackerman Margaret E. , Boesch Austin W.
Published: April 2013

Post‐translational modifications can dramatically impact protein activity, but identifying such structure:function relationships, as well as capitalizing on functionally enhanced variants, is a significant challenge. Here, affinity chromatography resins that contained immobilized FcγRIII receptors were used to enrich nonfucosylated antibodies 6‐ to 9‐fold, offering what may be a tractable method for both the identification of post‐translational modifications that affect function, as well as a means to enrich variants with enhanced activity. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:825–828, 2013
Computational fluid modeling and performance analysis of a bidirectional rotating perfusion culture system
Authors: Kang Chang‐Wei , Wang Yan , Tania Marshella , Zhou Huancheng , Gao Yi , Ba Te , Tan Guo‐Dong Sean , Kim Sangho , Leo Hwa Liang
Published: April 2013

A myriad of bioreactor configurations have been investigated as extracorporeal medical support systems for temporary replacement of vital organ functions. In recent years, studies have demonstrated that the rotating bioreactors have the potential to be utilized as bioartificial liver assist devices (BLADs) owing to their advantage of ease of scalability of cell‐culture volume. However, the fluid movement in the rotating chamber will expose the suspended cells to unwanted flow structures with abnormally high shear conditions that may result in poor cell stability and in turn lower the efficacy of the bioreactor system. In this study, we compared the hydrodynamic performance of our modified rotating bioreactor design with that of an existing rotating bioreactor design. Computational fluid dynamic analysis coupled with experimental results were employed in the optimization process for the development of the modified bioreactor design. Our simulation results showed that the modified bioreactor had lower fluid induced shear stresses and more uniform flow conditions within its rotating chamber than the conventional design. Experimental results revealed that the cells within the modified bioreactor also exhibited better cell‐carrier attachment, higher metabolic activity, and cell viability compared to those in the conventional design. In conclusion, this study was able to provide important insights into the flow physics within the rotating bioreactors, and help enhanced the hydrodynamic performance of an existing rotating bioreactor for BLAD applications. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1002–1012, 2013
Effect of enzyme dehydration on alcalase‐catalyzed dipeptide synthesis in near‐anhydrous organic media
Authors: Vossenberg Petra , Beeftink Rik , Stuart Martien Cohen , Tramper Hans
Published: April 2013

The effect of enzyme dehydration by molecular sieves on the coupling of phenylalanine amide and the carbamoylmethyl ester of N‐protected phenylalanine in near‐anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was investigated. This coupling was catalyzed by Alcalase covalently immobilized onto macroporous acrylic beads (Cov); these immobilized enzymes were hydrated prior to use. The dehydration kinetics of Cov by molecular sieve powder were determined by incubating Cov with different amounts of molecular sieve powder for different periods of time (0–80 h). Subsequently, the remaining coupling activity of Cov was measured. Dehydration‐induced inactivation of Cov by molecular sieve powder was found to occur in three phases: (1) an initial, rapid, major dehydration‐induced inactivation that takes place during the first activity measurement, (2) a phase of first‐order inactivation, and (3) a plateau phase in activity. These dehydration kinetics were incorporated into a previously found reaction kinetics model. The resulting model was then used to fit progress curve data of the coupling in the presence of different amounts of molecular sieve powder. Upon establishment of parameter values, the model was used to predict independent data sets and found to work well. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:870–875, 2013
Guillaume rondelet (1507–1566)
Authors: Mian Asma , Watanabe Koichi , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Loukas Marios , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: April 2013

The 16th century French anatomist Guillaume Rondelet will be remembered as a great naturalist and a founder of ichthyology. Little known to most is that Rondelet was a proficient anatomist and contemporary to Vesalius and in fact, both studied anatomy under Johannes Guinter. Even less known is that he established the first dissecting theatre at Montpellier and it was here that he would dissect his infant son in an attempt to identify the cause of death. In this article, we review the life and contributions to anatomy of Rondelet. Clin. Anat. 27:279–281, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gabriel Falloppius (1523–1562) and the facial canal
Authors: Macchi Veronica , Porzionato Andrea , Morra Aldo , De Caro Raffaele
Published: April 2013

Gabriel Falloppius is known for his contributions to anatomy. Indeed, many anatomic structures bear his name, such as the Fallopian tubes, and his descriptions often contradicted those of other notable anatomists, such as Galen and Andreas Vesalius. In his textbook “Observationes Anatomicae,” he described for the first time the structures of the ear, eye, and female reproductive organs, and elucidated the development of the teeth. Furthermore, Falloppius described the facial canal. The objectives of this paper are to provide an overview of Falloppius's life and to discuss the clinical relevance of the facial canal as understood from his description of this anatomic structure. Clin. Anat. 27:4–9, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A cadaveric study of the anatomical variation of the origins of the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery
Authors: Katz‐Summercorn Annalise , Bridger John
Published: April 2013

Gray's Anatomy states, “the celiac trunk is the first anterior branch of the abdominal aorta and arises just below the aortic hiatus. The superior mesenteric artery originates from the aorta c1.0 cm below the celiac trunk.” (Standring, 2008a, Gray's Anatomy. 40th Ed. London: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, p. 1073–1074). During dissection classes with medical students we found this not to be the case. We have re‐evaluated the anatomy of the origins of the celiac trunk (CT) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the relationship of the CT to the median arcuate ligament (MAL) in 99 cadavers. We have found the external distance between the CT and SMA to range from 0 to 20 mm (mean 3.4 mm, SD 5.17 mm), with the two in direct apposition in 57.6% (n = 99) of cases: a higher figure than previously documented. However, the internal distance between the CT and SMA ranged from 10 to 30 mm (mean 18.9 mm, SD 4.09 mm). There was no distance measurable between the MAL and the CT in 88 cadavers (92.6%, n = 95) and, of these, 32 (33.7%) showed evidence of compression or kinking of the CT. We suspect that the MAL is responsible for the approximation of the CT to the SMA in these cadavers, and that the high incidence of kinking of the CT (33.7% of cases) may have implications with regard to its role in MAL syndrome. Clin. Anat. 26:971–974, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender differences in long‐term outcome after primary percutaneous intervention for ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Wijnbergen Inge , Tijssen Jan , van 't Veer Marcel , Michels Rolf , Pijls Nico H.J.
Published: April 2013

Background

Previous studies on gender differences in outcome in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have been performed, but most of those are from before the current era of PCI technique and medical therapy and have a short duration of follow‐up. The objective of our study is to assess the influence of gender on long‐term outcome in patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) between January 2006 and May 2008.

Methods

Two‐year follow‐up data from 202 female and 668 male patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI were available from the DEBATER (A Comparison of Drug Eluting and Bare Metal Stents for Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with or without Abciximab in ST‐segment elevation Myocardial Infarction: The Eindhoven Reperfusion Study) trial database. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization.

Results

Women were older (64.7 ± 11.7 vs. 59.0 ± 10.7; P < 0.001), and had more often diabetes mellitus (15% vs. 9%; P = 0.01) and hypertension (44% vs. 25%; P < 0.001). At two years, the rate of MACE was significantly higher in women (21% vs. 14%; P = 0.02). The mortality rate in women was 8% versus 2.6% in men (P < 0.001). However, multivariate analysis after adjustment for age and the baseline characteristics hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, stent diameter, and time between onset of symptoms and arrival of the ambulance showed similar MACE and mortality rates in men and women.

Conclusion

Women have higher rates of both MACE and mortality after primary PCI for STEMI compared to men because of higher age with higher baseline risk profiles.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“Head‐to‐toe” kissing balloon angioplasty during PCI of right coronary artery chronic total occlusion
Authors: Al Aloul Basel , Guigari Pavel , Nicholas Burke M.
Published: April 2013

New techniques involving the use of retrograde channels have enabled successful revascularization of chronically occluded arteries previously not amenable to standard strategies. We describe the use of a simultaneous antegrade and retrograde approach to perform bifurcation kissing balloon angioplasty which was not possible using a standard antegrade approach. As the balloons are oriented in opposite rather than identical directions, we have named this technique “Head‐to‐Toe Kissing.” © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 25‐year experience of endomyocardial biopsy safety in infants
Authors: Zhorne Derek , Petit Christopher J. , Ing Frank F. , Justino Henri , Jefferies John L. , Dreyer William J. , Kearney Debra , Crystal Matthew A.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To analyze the outcomes and risk factors associated with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) in children less than one year of age.

Background

EMB has proven to be an integral diagnostic tool to evaluate suspected myocarditis, identify tumor histology, and provide tissue‐graft surveillance after cardiac transplantation. The morbidity and mortality of EMB has been well established in the adult literature and reviewed in the general pediatric population, but there remains limited data for children in the first year of life.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the cardiology database at our institution to identify patients less than one year of age who underwent EMB between 1984 and 2008. Cardiac catheterization reports were reviewed for patient demographics, biopsy indication, procedural details, and complications.

Results

A total of 99 EMBs were performed, 49 for evaluation of suspected myocarditis, 43 for transplant rejection surveillance, 3 to identify tumor histology, and 4 for suspected endocardial fibroelastosis. Forty procedures were performed in children age < 6 months with 11 complications and 59 procedures performed in children age ≥ 6 months with four complications. In total, there were 12 EMB procedures (12.1%) with associated complications: 9 arrhythmias, 4 perforations requiring pericardiocentesis, 1 pneumothorax, and 1 death. Univariate analysis revealed a significant association between perforation and both weight <8 kg (P = 0.05) and age <6 months (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Endomyocardial biopsies can be performed safely in infants, although children under 6 months of age and less than 8 kg represent a high risk group and deserve special consideration due to the incidence of complications in this cohort.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percutaneous ventricular septal defect closure with amplatzer devices resulting in severe tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Matyal Robina , Wang Angela , Mahmood Feroze
Published: April 2013

While percutaneous intervention is an alternative for patients who are not surgical candidates, the rate of morbidity and mortality is comparable to open repair. Appending the reported complications associated with percutaneous intervention (device mal‐positioning, dislodgement, and entrapment in the sub‐valvular apparatus), we report mechanical damage to the tricuspid valve (TV). Percutaneous closure with an Amplatzer septal occluder device was attempted on three patients who developed a ventricular septal defects (VSD) after myocardial infarction. In all three cases, damage to the tricuspid leaflet was noted post‐procedure. The accompanying severe tricuspid regurgitation led to right ventricular failure, even in the patients where the VSD was considered successfully occluded. Despite successful deployment of the Amplatzer device, complications with catheter manipulation may still arise. Damage to the TV can occur during percutaneous VSD closure with Amplatzer device. Periprocedure TEE monitoring can detect damage to the tricuspid leaflets. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of internal pudendal artery atherosclerosis using aortography and multi‐detector computed angiography
Authors: Philip Femi , Shishehbor Mehdi H. , Desai Milind Y. , Schoenhagen Paul , Ellis Stephen , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To compare multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) and aortography in the assessment of the internal pudendal artery (IPA) anatomy and degree of atherosclerosis.

Methods

Eighty‐three patients underwent MDCT and aortography of the pelvic vasculature prior to consideration for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. These modalities were used to localize the IPA origin, degree of stenosis (normal: <50% stenosis or abnormal: >50% stenosis or occlusion), normal= and extent of calcification, quantified using a nominal scale (0 = no calcification, 1 = <25%, 2 = 25–50%, 3 = >50% of the IPA length). These studies were read independently and were blinded.

Results

Mean patient age was 78 ± 8 years with a high prevalence of atherosclerotic disease (70% coronary artery disease (CAD) and 30% peripheral artery disease (PAD)). The prevalence of having IPA stenosis or occlusion was 54%, 18% had an accessory arterial origin. In a patient‐based analysis, the sensitivity of MDCT for detecting significant proximal IPA disease was 100% and, specificity 74%, positive predictive valve was 66%, and negative predictive value was 100%. In assessing the distal IPA and cavernosal arteries, the sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 64%, positive predictive value 89%, and negative predictive value of 100%. MDCT used significantly more contrast and more radiation than aortography.

Conclusion

MDCT had a high false‐positive rate and low false‐negative rate in evaluating the proximal IPA. For the distal IPA or cavernosal arteries, MDCT showed a high sensitivity and low specificity. These modalities have complementary roles in the assessment of IPA patency. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation without balloon predilation: A single‐center pilot experience
Authors: Mendiz Oscar A. , Fraguas Hugo , Lev Gustavo A. , Valdivieso Leon R. , Favaloro Roberto R.
Published: April 2013

Aim

To assess the results of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using the Medtronic CoreValve prosthesis (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN), without balloon predilation, in high‐risk patients with degenerated severe aortic stenosis.

Methods and Results

Fifty‐one consecutive patients who underwent direct TAVI, 98% through a transfemoral approach. Patients were 79 ± 8 years of age, 74% in New York Heart Association classes III or IV and at high risk for surgical valve replacement (mean logistic EuroScore 20 ± 15). Mean aortic valve area was 0.7 ± 0.2 cm2. Procedural success rate was 94.2%. In‐hospital, there were 2 deaths, 1 minor stroke with minimal sequelae, and 14 (28%) pacemaker implantation. At 30 days, there was one additional stroke and no new deaths. The mean postprocedural transprosthetic gradient was 15 ± 5 mm Hg; periprosthetic severe regurgitation was absent and moderate in one case. After a median follow‐up of 7 months, there were five additional deaths (two cardiac), while 84% of survivors were in New York Heart Association classes I or II.

Conclusions

These results suggest that direct CoreValve implantation in patients with severe aortic stenosis is feasible and may lead to hemodynamic and clinical improvement in patients who are poor candidates for aortic valve surgery, pending confirmation in larger series with longer follow‐up. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emergency and prophylactic use of miniaturized veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Husser Oliver , Holzamer Andreas , Philipp Alois , Nunez Julio , Bodi Vicente , Müller Thomas , Lubnow Matthias , Luchner Andreas , Lunz Dirk , Riegger Günter A.J. , Schmid Christof , Hengstenberg Christian , Hilker Michael
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To report our center's experience using veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vaECMO) in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Background

In TAVI, short‐term mortality closely relates to life threatening procedural complications. VaECMO can be used to stabilize the patient in emergency situations. However, for the prophylactic use of vaECMO in very high‐risk patients undergoing TAVI there is no experience.

Methods

From January 2009 to August 2011, we performed 131 TAVI. Emergency vaECMO was required in 8 cases (7%): ventricular perforation (n = 3), hemodynamic instability/cardiogenic shock (n = 4), hemodynamic deterioration due to ventricular tachycardia (n = 1). Since August 2011, during 83 procedures, prophylactic vaECMO was systematically used in very high‐risk patients (n = 9, 11%) and emergency ECMO in one case (1%) due to ventricular perforation.

Results

Median logistic EuroScore in prophylactic vaECMO patients was considerably higher as compared to the remaining TAVI population (30% vs. 15%, P = 0.0003) while in patients with emergency vaECMO it was comparable (18% vs. 15%, P = 0.08). Comparing prophylactic to emergency vaECMO, procedural success and 30‐day mortality were 100% vs. 44% (P = 0.03) and 0% vs. 44% (P = 0.02), respectively. Major vascular complications and rate of life threatening bleeding did not differ between both groups (11% vs. 11%, P = 0.99 and 11% vs. 33%, P = 0.3) and were not vaECMO‐related.

Conclusions

Life‐threatening complications during TAVI can be managed using emergency vaECMO but mortality remains high. The use of prophylactic vaECMO in very high‐risk patients is safe and may be advocated in selected cases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Placement of tryton side branch stent only; A new treatment strategy for Medina 0,0,1 coronary bifurcation lesions
Authors: Grundeken Maik J. , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Lesiak Maciej , Koch Karel T. , Voskuil Michiel , de Winter Robbert J. , Wykrzykowska Joanna J. , Stella Pieter R.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

We propose a new treatment strategy of Medina 0,0,1 bifurcation lesions using a dedicated side branch stent alone (Tryton Side Branch Stent™) without additional main branch stenting, with the advantage of an optimal ostial side branch coverage without the disadvantage of an excessive amount of metal in the main branch.

Background

Medina 0,0,1 lesions are relatively rare and there is no consensus on treatment strategy. Several previous techniques have been described, all with considerable disadvantages.

Methods

Between October 2009 and November 2011, 12 patients with Medina 0,0,1 lesions treated with Tryton alone were included. Clinical outcomes were reported as all‐cause mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and target vessel failure (TVF; defined as the composite of all‐cause mortality, MI, and TVR). Procedural success was defined as successful stent placement with residual stenosis <30%, postprocedural TIMI 3 flow, and no in‐hospital TVF.

Results

Mean age was 64 years. Median side branch reference vessel diameter was 2.6 [2.5–3.0] mm (median stenosis 75%). Procedural success was 100%. Median clinical follow‐up duration was 868 [470–906] days with just one of the patients suffering from a late adverse clinical outcome: TLR at 427 days, resulting in TVF, TVR, and TLR rates of 8.3%.

Conclusion

Treatment of Medina 0,0,1 lesions with the Tryton stent alone was associated with a 100% procedural success and only one late clinical adverse event (median follow‐up of 868 days). These first positive results need to be confirmed in larger prospective randomized studies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A high performance engine for concurrent complex event processing
Authors: Karakostas Bill
Published: April 2013

This paper describes the architecture, prototype implementation and performance analysis of a complex event processing engine that can scale up to very large numbers of concurrent events while keeping the requirements on system resources predictable and low. The main innovation of this approach is that each instantiated event pattern is handled by a dedicated Erlang process, instead of a single or shared operating system thread. This in turn, reduces the latency in processing the event processing as it avoids the overheads associated with resource contention. We demonstrate how this approach can achieve linear event processing times under high event loads, using modest computing resources. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Memristor‐based voltage‐controlled relaxation oscillators
Authors: Fouda M. E. , Radwan A.G.
Published: April 2013

This paper introduces two voltage‐controlled memristor‐based reactance‐less oscillators with analytical and circuit simulations. Two different topologies which are R‐M and M‐R are discussed as a function of the reference voltage where the generalized formulas of the oscillation frequency and conditions for oscillation for each topology are derived. The effect of the reference voltage on the circuit performance is studied and validated through different examples using PSpice simulations. A memristor‐based voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) is introduced as an application for the proposed circuits which is nano‐size and more efficient compared to the conventional VCOs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Filtering approaches to accelerated consensus in diffusion sensor networks
Authors: Abd‐Elrady Emad , Mulgrew Bernard
Published: April 2013

The main objective in distributed sensor networks is to reach agreement or consensus on values acquired by the sensors. A common methodology to approach this problem is using the iterative and weighted linear combination of those values to which each sensor has access. Different methods to compute appropriate weights have been extensively studied, but the resulting iterative algorithm still requires many iterations to provide a fairly good estimate of the consensus value. In this paper, different accelerating consensus approaches based on adaptive and non‐adaptive filtering techniques are studied and applied on the problem of acoustic source localization using the adaptive projected subgradient method. A comparative simulation study shows that the non‐adaptive polynomial filters based on Newton's interpolating polynomials and semi‐definite programming can provide more accelerated consensus and better estimation accuracy than adaptive filters evaluated using constrained affine projection algorithm or stochastic gradient algorithm provided that the network topology is known beforehand. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.