bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altererythrobacter aestiaquae sp. nov., isolated from seawater
Authors: Jung Yong-Taek , Park Sooyeon , Lee Jung-Sook , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: September 2014

A Gram-stain-negative, coccoid- or oval-shaped, gliding bacterial strain, designated HDW-31T, belonging to the class

Alphaproteobacteria

, was isolated from seawater of the Yellow Sea, Korea, and was subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Strain HDW-31T grew optimally at pH 7.0–8.0, at 30 °C and in the presence of 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HDW-31T fell within the clade comprising the genus

Altererythrobacter

, clustering with the type strains of

Altererythrobacter luteolus

and

Altererythrobacter gangjinensis

, with which strain HDW-31T exhibited 97.0 and 96.0 % sequence similarity values, respectively. Sequence similarities to the type strains of the other recognized species of the genus

Altererythrobacter

were 93.5–96.0 %. The DNA G+C content was 57.9 mol% and mean DNA–DNA relatedness between strain HDW-31T and the type strain of

A. luteolus

was 5.3 %. Strain HDW-31T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c) and C16 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, a sphingoglycolipid, two unidentified glycolipids and an unidentified lipid. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain HDW-31T is distinguishable from recognized species of the genus

Altererythrobacter

. On the basis of the data presented, strain HDW-31T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Altererythrobacter

, for which the name Altererythrobacter aestiaquae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HDW-31T ( = KCTC 42006T = CECT 8527T).
Notification that new names of prokaryotes, new combinations and new taxonomic opinions have appeared in volume 64, part 6, of the IJSEM
Authors: Oren Aharon , Garrity George M.
Published: September 2014

This listing of names of prokaryotes published in a previous issue of the IJSEM is provided as a service to bacteriology to assist in the recognition of new names and new combinations. This procedure was proposed by the Judicial Commission [Minute 11(ii), Int J Syst Bacteriol
41 (1991), p. 185]. The names given herein are listed according to the Rules of priority (i.e. page number and order of valid publication of names in the original articles).
Myoinhibitory peptide regulates feeding in the marine annelidPlatynereis
Authors: Williams Elizabeth A. , Conzelmann Markus , Jékely Gáspár
Published: September 2014

Background

During larval settlement and metamorphosis, marine invertebrates undergo changes in habitat, morphology, behavior and physiology. This change between life-cycle stages is often associated with a change in diet or a transition between a non-feeding and a feeding form. How larvae regulate changes in feeding during this life cycle transition is not well understood. Neuropeptides are known to regulate several aspects of feeding, such as food search, ingestion and digestion. The marine annelidPlatynereis dumeriliihas a complex life cycle with a pelagic non-feeding larval stage and a benthic feeding postlarval stage, linked by the process of settlement. The conserved neuropeptide myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) is a key regulator of larval settlement behavior inPlatynereis. Whether MIP also regulates the initiation of feeding, another aspect of the pelagic-to-benthic transition inPlatynereis, is currently unknown.

Results

Here, we explore the contribution of MIP to feeding in settledPlatynereispostlarvae. We find that MIP is expressed in the gut of developing larvae in sensory neurons that densely innervate the foregut and hindgut. Activating MIP signaling by synthetic neuropeptide addition causes increased gut peristalsis and more frequent pharynx extensions leading to increased food intake. Conversely, morpholino-mediated knockdown of MIP expression inhibits feeding. In the long-term, treatment ofPlatynereispostlarvae with synthetic MIP increases growth rate and results in earlier cephalic metamorphosis.

Conclusions

Our results show that MIP activates ingestion and digestion inPlatynereispostlarvae. MIP is expressed in sensory-neurosecretory cells of the digestive system indicating that following larval settlement, feeding is initiated by a direct sensory mechanism. This is similar to the mechanism by which MIP induces larval settlement. The pleiotropic roles of MIP may thus have evolved by redeploying the same signaling mechanism in different aspects of a life cycle transition.
Crystal structure of (R)-2′-benzyloxy-[1,1′-binaphthalen]-2-yl trifluoromethanesulfonate
Authors: Carrilho Rui M. B. , Pereira Mariette M. , Maria Teresa M. R. , Eusébio M. Ermelinda S. , Rodrigues V. H.
Published: September 2014

In the title compound, C28H19F3O4S, a new 2′-benzyloxy (R)-BINOL derivative containing a trifluoromethanesulfonate group in the 2-position, the planes of the two naphthyl ring systems (r.m.s. deviations = 0.012 and 0.019 Å) are at an angle of 73.36 (2)°, and the planes of the benzyl ring and the naphthyl ring system bound to the ether O atom are at an angle of 75.67 (4)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaC—H...F hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [100]. The chains are linkedviaa weak C—F...π interaction and weak π–π interactions [shortest inter-centroid distance = 3.9158 (12) Å], forming a three-dimensional structure. The absolute structure of the molecule in the crystal was determined by resonant scattering [Flack parameter = 0.02 (6)].
Crystal structures of isotypic poly[bis(benzimidazolium) [tetra-μ-iodido-stannate(II)]] and poly[bis(5,6-difluorobenzimidazolium) [tetra-μ-iodido-stannate(II)]]
Authors: Zimmermann Iwan , Keene Tony D. , Hauser Jürg , Decurtins Silvio , Liu Shi-Xia
Published: September 2014

The isostructural title compounds, {(C7H7N2)2[SnI4]}n, (1), and {(C7H5F2N2)2[SnI4]}n, (2), show a layered perovskite-type structure composed of anionic {[SnI4]2−}nsheets parallel to (100), which are decorated on both sides with templating benzimidazolium or 5,6-difluorobenzimidazolium cations, respectively. These planar organic heterocycles mainly form N—H...I hydrogen bonds to the terminal I atoms of the corner-sharing [SnI6] octahedra (point group symmetry 2) from the inorganic layer, but not to the bridging ones. This is in contrast to most of the reported structures of related compounds where ammonium cations are involved. Here hydrogen bonding to both types of iodine atoms and thereby a distortion of the inorganic layers to various extents is observed. For (1) and (2), all Sn—I—Sn angles are linear and no out-of-plane distortions of the inorganic layers occur, a fact of relevance in view of the material properties. The arrangement of the aromatic cations is mainly determined through the direction of the N—H...I hydrogen bonds. The coherence between organic bilayers along [100] is mainly achieved through van der Waals interactions.
Crystal structure of 5,5′-[(4-fluorophenyl)methylene]bis[6-amino-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione]
Authors: Sharma Naresh , Brahmachari Goutam , Banerjee Bubun , Kant Rajni , Gupta Vivek K.
Published: September 2014

In the title molecule, C19H21FN6O4, the dihedral angles between the benzene ring and essentially planar pyrimidine rings [maximum deviations of 0.036 (2) and 0.056 (2) Å] are 73.32 (7) and 63.81 (8)°. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the pyrimidine rings is 61.43 (6)°. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link molecules, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (001) and in combination with weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, a three-dimensional network is formed. Weak C—H...π interactions and π–π interactions, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.599 (2) Å are also observed.
Crystal structures and hydrogen bonding in the co-crystalline adducts of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid with 4-aminosalicylic acid and 2-hydroxy-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propenoic acid
Authors: Smith Graham , Lynch Daniel E.
Published: September 2014

The structures of the co-crystalline adducts of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid (3,5-DNBA) with 4-aminosalicylic acid (PASA), the 1:1 partial hydrate, C7H4N2O6·C7H7NO3·0.2H2O, (I), and with 2-hydroxy-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propenoic acid (HIPA), the 1:1:1d6-dimethyl sulfoxide solvate, C7H4N2O6·C11H9NO3·C2D6OS, (II), are reported. The crystal substructure of (I) comprises two centrosymmetric hydrogen-bondedR22(8) homodimers, one with 3,5-DNBA, the other with PASA, and anR22(8) 3,5-DNBA–PASA heterodimer. In the crystal, inter-unit amine N—H...O and water O—H...O hydrogen bonds generate a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. In (II), the asymmetric unit consists of the three constituent molecules, which form an essentially planar cyclic hydrogen-bonded heterotrimer unit [graph setR32(17)] through carboxyl, hydroxy and amino groups. These units associate across a crystallographic inversion centre through the HIPA carboxylic acid group in anR22(8) hydrogen-bonding association, giving a zero-dimensional structure lying parallel to (100). In both structures, π–π interactions are present [minimum ring-centroid separations = 3.6471 (18) Å in (I) and 3.5819 (10) Å in (II)].
Crystal structure of 2-[4-(methylsulfanyl)quinazolin-2-yl]-1-phenylethanol
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Smith Keith , Hegazy Amany S. , Ajarim Mansour D. , Kariuki Benson M.
Published: September 2014

In the molecule of the title compound, C17H16N2OS, the almost planar methylsulfanylquinazoline group [the methyl C atom deviates by 0.032 (2) Å from the plane through the ring system] forms an interplanar angle of 76.26 (4)° with the plane of the phenyl group. An intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond is present between the quinazoline and hydroxy groups. In the crystal, molecules are stacked along theb-axis direction.
Automated evaluation system of dermoscopic images of longitudinal melanonychia: Proposition of a discrimination index for detecting early nail apparatus melanoma
Authors: Koga Hiroshi , Yoshikawa Shunji , Sekiguchi Akihito , Fujii Jyuzo , Saida Toshiaki , Sota Takayuki
Published: September 2014

The prognosis of nail apparatus melanoma is generally poor because of difficulty in early stage diagnosis. Most nail apparatus melanomas occur as longitudinal melanonychia, and criteria and algorithms for dermoscopy diagnosis of longitudinal melanonychia have only recently been proposed. However, as with any clinical diagnosis, the diagnosis based on dermoscopy is to some extent subjective. Our goal is to develop an automated dermoscopic screening system for longitudinal melanonychia and to propose a novel objective and quantitative index for discriminating early nail apparatus melanoma from benign longitudinal melanonychia including melanocytic nevus. We propose an automatically calculated index representing degrees of color variegation in dermoscopic images of longitudinal melanonychia. Dermoscopy images of six cases of early stage nail apparatus melanoma and 25 cases of benign longitudinal melanonychia were analyzed with our screening system and a threshold of melanoma discrimination index was determined. This single melanoma discrimination index diagnosed early nail apparatus melanoma with 100% sensitivity and 92% specificity. The automatically calculated index proposed in the present study is valuable for managing longitudinal melanonychia. The results suggest that the degree of color variegation is essentially different between early nail apparatus melanoma and benign longitudinal melanonychia including melanocytic nevus of the nail apparatus.
Anthropometric characteristics and comorbidities in Japanese patients with neurofibromatosis type 1: A single institutional case–control study
Authors: Koga Monji , Koga Kaori , Nakayama Juichiro , Imafuku Shinichi
Published: September 2014

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a well‐known genetic disorder characterized by café‐au‐lait spots and neurofibromas, but many other clinical characteristics and associated comorbidities also have been reported. This study aimed to characterize NF1 further by investigating its association with anthropometric characteristics and other diseases. We performed a case–control study of 227 NF1 patients (101 male, 126 female) and a randomly selected age‐ and sex‐matched control group of 681 non‐NF1 patients (303 male, 378 female) who visited our institution in Japan. We examined adult (≥20 years) height and body mass index (BMI), and, in the total sample, allergic diseases (bronchial asthma [BA], atopic dermatitis [AD] and allergic rhinitis) and other respiratory cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders. In adults, the mean BMI was lower in the NF1 group than in the control group, and was significantly statistically different among men (P = 0.0238). In the whole sample, the prevalences of BA (P = 0.0184), AD (P = 0.0144) and valvular heart disease (P = 0.0166) were significantly greater in the NF1 group than in the control group. To date, no similar research on the BMI or the prevalence of allergic disease in NF1 patients has been reported. Our results suggest that NF1 patients tend to have lower BMI and may have alterations in specific metabolic pathways and altered allergic immunity.
Gabor‐frame‐based Gaussian packet migration
Authors: Geng Yu , Wu Ru‐Shan , Gao Jinghuai
Published: September 2014

We present a Gaussian packet migration method based on Gabor frame decomposition and asymptotic propagation of Gaussian packets. A Gaussian packet has both Gaussian‐shaped time–frequency localization and space–direction localization. Its evolution can be obtained by ray tracing and dynamic ray tracing. In this paper, we first briefly review the concept of Gaussian packets. After discussing how initial parameters affect the shape of a Gaussian packet, we then propose two Gabor‐frame‐based Gaussian packet decomposition methods that can sparsely and accurately represent seismic data. One method is the dreamlet–Gaussian packet method. Dreamlets are physical wavelets defined on an observation plane and can represent seismic data efficiently in the local time–frequency space–wavenumber domain. After decomposition, dreamlet coefficients can be easily converted to the corresponding Gaussian packet coefficients. The other method is the Gabor‐frame Gaussian beam method. In this method, a local slant stack, which is widely used in Gaussian beam migration, is combined with the Gabor frame decomposition to obtain uniform sampled horizontal slowness for each local frequency. Based on these decomposition methods, we derive a poststack depth migration method through the summation of the backpropagated Gaussian packets and the application of the imaging condition. To demonstrate the Gaussian packet evolution and migration/imaging in complex models, we show several numerical examples. We first use the evolution of a single Gaussian packet in media with different complexities to show the accuracy of Gaussian packet propagation. Then we test the point source responses in smoothed varying velocity models to show the accuracy of Gaussian packet summation. Finally, using poststack synthetic data sets of a four‐layer model and the two‐dimensional SEG/EAGE model, we demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the migration method. Compared with the more accurate but more time‐consuming one‐way wave‐equation‐based migration, such as beamlet migration, the Gaussian packet method proposed in this paper can correctly image the major structures of the complex model, especially in subsalt areas, with much higher efficiency. This shows the application potential of Gaussian packet migration in complicated areas.
Disability and Care Needs Among Older Americans
Authors: FREEDMAN VICKI A. , SPILLMAN BRENDA C.
Published: September 2014

Policy Points:

Nearly half of elderly Medicare beneficiaries have difficulty performing daily activities without assistance or receive help with such activities. This help is most often from informal caregivers.

Substantial numbers of older adults living at home or in supportive settings other than nursing homes experience adverse consequences related to unmet need.

With continuing care shifts away from nursing homes, strategies are needed to improve community‐based long‐term care services and supports to aid both older adults and the informal caregivers who provide most care.

Context

The cost of late‐life dependency is projected to grow rapidly as the number of older adults in the United States increases in the coming decades. To provide a context for framing relevant policy discussions, we investigated activity limitations and assistance, care resources, and unmet need for a national sample of older adults.

Methods

We analyzed the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study, a new national panel study of more than 8,000 Medicare enrollees.

Findings

Nearly one‐half of older adults, or 18 million people, had difficulty or received help in the last month with daily activities. Altogether, 1 in 4 older adults receiving help lived in either a supportive care (15%) or a nursing home (10%) setting. Nearly 3 million received assistance with 3 or more self‐care or mobility activities in settings other than nursing homes, and a disproportionate share of persons at this level had low incomes. Nearly all older adults in settings other than nursing homes had at least 1 potential informal care network member (family or household member or close friend), and the average number of network members was 4. Levels of informal assistance, primarily from family caregivers, were substantial for older adults receiving help in the community (164 hours/month) and living in supportive care settings (50 hours/month). Nearly all of those getting help received informal care, and about 3 in 10 received paid care. Of those who had difficulty or received help in settings other than nursing homes, 32% had an adverse consequence in the last month related to an unmet need; for community residents with a paid caregiver, the figure was nearly 60%.

Conclusions

The older population—especially those with few economic resources—has substantial late‐life care needs. Policies to improve long‐term services and supports and reduce unmet need could benefit both older adults and those who care for them.
Discussion of “Managers' Discretionary Adjustments: The Influence of Uncontrollable Events and Compensation Interdependence”
Authors: van Rinsum Marcel
Published: September 2014

In this discussion of Bol, Hecht and Smith (this issue; BHS), I examine their theory and experimental setting with the purposes of investigating how their study generalizes and identifying further research possibilities. First, I discuss the uncontrollable events the study addresses, which are influenceable and require innovative effort to prevent adverse effects. What follows next is an analysis of experimental design choices and their implications. In particular, results could be specific to the manipulation of event likelihood, as well as to the properties of the objective bonus system and form of subjectivity. This illustrates how evaluation system design properties can create diverse reference points and affect perceived fairness and discretionary adjustments. Together, these points indicate wherein the contribution of BHS lies, and provide an outline for future research opportunities by suggesting alternative research choices.
Incident subjective memory complaints and the risk of subsequent dementia
Authors: Luck T. , Luppa M. , Matschinger H. , Jessen F. , Angermeyer M. C. , Riedel‐Heller S. G.
Published: September 2014

Objective

In this study, we aimed to analyze the association between new—incident—subjective memory complaints (SMC) and risk of subsequent dementia in a general population sample aged 75+ years.

Method

Data were derived from follow‐up (FUP) waves I‐V of the population‐based Leipzig Longitudinal Study of the Aged (LEILA75+). We used the Kaplan–Meier survival method to estimate dementia‐free survival times of individuals with and without incident SMC and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the association between incident SMC and risk of subsequent dementia, controlled for covariates.

Results

Of 443 non‐demented individuals, 58 (13.1%) developed dementia during a subsequent 5.4‐year follow‐up period. Participants with incident SMC showed a significantly higher progression to dementia (18.5% vs. 10.0%; P = 0.010) and a significantly shorter mean dementia‐free survival time than those without (6.2 vs. 6.8 years; P = 0.008). The association between incident SMC and risk of subsequent dementia remained significant in the multivariable Cox analysis (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.8; P = 0.028).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest higher progression to dementia and shorter dementia‐free survival in older individuals with incident SMC. These findings support the notion that such subjective complaints should be taken seriously in clinical practice as possible early indicators of incipient dementia.
Differences in subjective response to alcohol in heavy‐ and light‐drinking Chinese men versus Caucasian American men
Authors: Rueger Sandra Y. , Hu Hongxing , McNamara Patrick , Cao Dingcai , Hao Wei , King Andrea C.
Published: September 2014

Aims

To compare subjective responses to alcohol among Han Chinese and Caucasian American males.

Design

Double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled human laboratory design. Participants completed three randomized experimental sessions with high and low alcohol and placebo beverages.

Setting

Chinese participants were examined at Xinjiang Medical University, China. Caucasian participants were examined at the University of Chicago, USA.

Participants

 Seventy Han Chinese (35 heavy/35 light drinkers) and 75 Caucasian Americans (43 heavy/32 light drinkers).

Measurements

Breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) and the ‘stimulation’ and ‘sedation’ subscales of the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale were assessed at pre‐drink baseline and four time‐points after beverage consumption. The ‘like’ and ‘want’ subscales of the Drug Effects Questionnaire were also assessed at the post‐drink assessments.

Findings

Comparisons with light drinkers showed that high‐ and low‐dose alcohol produced decreases in stimulation, liking and wanting in Chinese versus Caucasians (P < 0.05), and dose‐dependent increases in sedation in both groups (P < 0.001). Among heavy drinkers, high‐dose alcohol produced higher stimulation (P < 0.001) but with concomitant higher sedation for both doses (P < 0.05) for Chinese versus Caucasians. Alcohol also demonstrated significantly lower liking (P < 0.001) in Chinese versus Caucasian heavy drinkers for both doses. Interestingly, both groups showed dose‐dependent increases in wanting relative to placebo (P < 0.05), but the magnitude of the increase was lower in Chinese drinkers.

Conclusions

Stimulating effects of alcohol are predominant in Chinese male binge drinkers, as has been found in Caucasians, but with less hedonic and motivational reward, potentially explaining some of the lower risk for alcohol disorders in Asian subgroups.
A 19‐Mb de novo deletion on BTA 22 including MITF leads to microphthalmia and the absence of pigmentation in a Holstein calf
Authors: Wiedemar Natalie , Drögemüller Cord
Published: September 2014

Mutations in MITF lead to a large variety of phenotypes in human, mice and other species. They mostly affect pigmentation and hearing, whereas in mice, they may additionally cause microphthalmia and osteopetrosis. In this study, we report a single case of a Holstein calf with lack of pigmentation and microphthalmia born to healthy parents. Mendelian analysis of high‐density SNP genotypes reveals a large number of parentage errors showing missing paternal alleles in the offspring, indicating a deletion encompassing 19 Mb on BTA 22. The genomic deletion affects the paternal allele and includes MITF and 131 other annotated genes. As the calf shows only one copy of the BTA 22 segment, the observed phenotype is probably caused by haploinsufficiency of the genes in that genomic region. Both the observed lack of skin pigmentation and reduced eye size can most likely be explained by a lack of MITF function.
Genome‐scan analysis for genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci underlying birth weight and onset of puberty in doe kids (Capra hircus)
Authors: Esmailizadeh A. K.
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to locate quantitative trait loci (QTL) causing variation in birth weight and age of puberty of doe kids in a population of Rayini cashmere goats. Four hundred and thirty kids from five half‐sib families were genotyped for 116 microsatellite markers located on the caprine autosomes. The traits recorded were birth weight of the male and female kids, body weight at puberty, average daily gain from birth to age of puberty and age at puberty of the doe kids. QTL analysis was conducted using the least squares interval mapping approach. Linkage analysis indicated significant QTL for birth weight on Capra hircus chromosomes (CHI) 4, 5, 6, 18 and 21. Five QTL located on CHI 5, 14 and 29 were associated with age at puberty. Across‐family analysis revealed evidence for overlapping QTL affecting birth weight (78 cM), body weight at puberty (72 cM), average daily gain from birth to age of puberty (72 cM) and age at puberty (76 cM) on CHI 5 and overlapping QTL controlling body weight at puberty and age at puberty on CHI 14 at 18–19 cM. The proportion of the phenotypic variance explained by the detected QTL ranged between 7.9% and 14.4%. Confirming some of the previously reported results for birth weight and growth QTL in goats, this study identified more QTL for these traits and is the first report of QTL for onset of puberty in doe kids.
U Wave during Supraventricular Tachycardia: Simulation of a Long RP Tachycardia and Hiding the Common Type AVNRT
Authors: Bogossian Harilaos , Ninios Ilias , Frommeyer Gerrit , Bandorski Dirk , Eckardt Lars , Lemke Bernd , Zarse Markus
Published: September 2014

The main tool for the differentiation of supraventricular tachycardia is the 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Especially differentiating the atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) from the atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) due to concealed accessory pathway or from an atrial tachycardia (AT) is very important for catheter setting and ablation approach in an electrophysiological study. In our case we saw the occurrence of a U wave during tachycardia—simulating a pseudo P wave. This mimicked a long RP‐tachycardia, although it was a common type AVNRT.
P‐Wave Duration in Lead aVR and the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertension
Authors: Francia Pietro , Ricotta Agnese , Balla Cristina , Adduci Carmen , Semprini Lorenzo , Frattari Alessandra , Modestino Anna , Mercanti Federico , Sensini Isabella , Caprinozzi Massimo , Tocci Giuliano , Volpe Massimo
Published: September 2014

Background

Hypertension entails atrial remodeling that affect P‐wave (PW) duration on electrocardiogram (ECG). PW indices (e.g., variance, dispersion, and terminal force) are associated with a higher risk for atrial fibrillation (AF), but their calculation requires multiple measurements of PW duration, limiting their use in clinical practice. We evaluated whether PW duration in specific ECG leads may identify patients with increased susceptibility to AF in a population of hypertensive patients.

Methods

In a case–control study, AF and control subjects were matched for age, sex, and left atrial (LA) dimensions. PW duration was measured from digitally stored ECGs. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of PW duration and indices with AF.

Results

We enrolled 44 hypertensive AF patients (16 paroxysmal and 28 persistent) and 44 hypertensive controls. AF and control subjects were matched for sex (males, n = 27), age (67 ± 8 years), LA diameter (40 ± 5 mm), and were comparable for left ventricular mass (45 ± 11 g/m2.7 vs 48 ± 12 g/m2.7, P = 0.19), ejection fraction (58 ± 7% in both groups), and prevalence of mild valvular heart disease (7% vs 5%; P = 0.64). PW duration in lead aVR was significantly higher in AF patients as compared with controls (115 ± 18 ms vs 101 ± 14 ms; P < 0.0001) and was the best independent predictor of AF in multivariable logistic regression (PW ≥ 100 ms: RR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.3–10.3; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Simple measurement of PW duration in lead aVR allows effective identification of AF patients in a population of hypertensives. Confirmation of this finding in a larger population would provide a simple and effective risk marker of AF in hypertensive patients.
QRS‐T Angle: A Review
Authors: Oehler Andrew , Feldman Trevor , Henrikson Charles A. , Tereshchenko Larisa G.
Published: September 2014

For proper distribution of preventative resources, a more robust method of cardiac risk stratification should be encouraged in addition to merely reduced ejection fraction. To this end, the QRS‐T angle, an electrocardiogram‐derived measure of the difference in mean vectors of depolarization and repolarization, has been found associated with sudden cardiac death and other mortal and morbid outcomes in multiple observational studies over the past decade. The use of both frontal and spatial QRS‐T angle in the prediction of future cardiac events including sudden cardiac death, all‐cause mortality, and further cardiac morbidity is reviewed here.
Progressive Interatrial Block and Supraventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Enriquez Andres , Conde Diego , Redfearn Damian P. , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: September 2014

Interatrial conduction disorders are frequent in patients with structural heart diseases, including hypertension, coronary disease, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and they are strongly associated with atrial tachyarrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation and flutter. Conduction delays lead to dispersion of refractory periods and participate in initiating and maintaining reentry circuits, facilitating atrial arrhythmias. In this case, the changing pattern over time is a manifestation of progressive atrial remodeling and conduction delay. The terminal negative component of the P wave in the inferior leads suggests block of the electrical impulse in the Bachman bundle zone, with retrograde activation of the left atria via muscular connections at the coronary sinus. This has been reproduced in experimental models and confirmed by endocardial mapping. Physicians should be aware of the association between advanced interatrial block and development of atrial arrhythmias as its recognition could prompt early and aggressive antiarrhythmic treatment.
Correlation of Electrocardiogram and Regional Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Literature Review
Authors: Rinta‐Kiikka Irina , Tuohinen Suvi , Ryymin Pertti , Kosonen Petteri , Huhtala Heini , Gorgels Anton , Bayés de Luna Antonio , Nikus Kjell
Published: September 2014

Background

Patients with acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) benefit substantially from emergent coronary reperfusion. The principal mechanism is to open the occluded coronary artery to minimize myocardial injury. Thus the size of the area at risk is a critical determinant of the patient outcome, although other factors, such as reperfusion injury, have major impact on the final infarct size. Acute coronary occlusion almost immediately induces metabolic changes within the myocardium, which can be assessed with both the electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Methods

The 12‐lead ECG is the principal diagnostic method to detect and risk‐stratify acute STEMI. However, to achieve a correct diagnosis, it is paramount to compare different ECG parameters with golden standards in imaging, such as CMR. In this review, we discuss aspects of ECG and CMR in the assessment of acute regional ischemic changes in the myocardium using the 17 segment model of the left ventricle presented by American Heart Association (AHA), and their relation to coronary artery anatomy.

Results

Using the 17 segment model of AHA, the segments 12 and 16 remain controversial. There is an important overlap in myocardial blood supply at the antero‐lateral region between LAD and LCx territories concerning these two segments.

Conclusion

No all‐encompassing correlation can be found between ECG and CMR findings in acute ischemia with respect to coronary anatomy.
Cardioprotective and Cardiotoxic Effects of Quercetin and Two of Its In Vivo Metabolites on Differentiated H9c2 Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Daubney James , Bonner Philip L. , Hargreaves Alan J. , Dickenson John M.
Published: September 2014

Whilst mitotic rat embryonic cardiomyoblast‐derived H9c2 cells have been widely used as a model system to study the protective mechanisms associated with flavonoids, they are not fully differentiated cardiac cells. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective and cardiotoxic actions of quercetin and two of its major in vivo metabolites, quercetin 3‐glucuronide and 3′‐O‐methyl quercetin, using differentiated H9c2 cells. The differentiated cardiomyocyte‐like phenotype was confirmed by monitoring expression of cardiac troponin 1 after 7 days of culture in reduced serum medium containing 10 nM all‐trans retinoic acid. Quercetin‐induced cardiotoxicity was assessed by monitoring MTT reduction, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, caspase 3 activity and reactive oxygen species production after prolonged flavonoid exposure (72 hr). Cardiotoxicity was observed with quercetin and 3′‐O‐methyl quercetin, but not quercetin 3‐glucuronide. Cardioprotection was assessed by pre‐treating differentiated H9c2 cells with quercetin or its metabolites for 24 hr prior to 2‐hr exposure to 600 μM H2O2, after which oxidative stress‐induced cell damage was assessed by measuring MTT reduction and LDH release. Cardioprotection was observed with quercetin and 3′‐O‐methyl quercetin, but not with quercetin 3‐glucuronide. Quercetin attenuated H2O2‐induced activation of ERK1/2, PKB, p38 MAPK and JNK, but inhibitors of these kinases did not modulate quercetin‐induced protection or H2O2‐induced cell death. In summary, quercetin triggers cardioprotection against oxidative stress‐induced cell death and cardiotoxicity after prolonged exposure. Further studies are required to investigate the complex interplay between the numerous signalling pathways that are modulated by quercetin and which may contribute to the cardioprotective and cardiotoxic effects of this important flavonoid.
Effect of urban vs. rural residence on the association between atopy and wheeze in Latin America: findings from a case–control analysis
Authors: Endara P. , Vaca M. , Platts‐Mills T. A. E. , Workman L. , Chico M. E. , Barreto M. L. , Rodrigues L. C. , Cooper P. J.
Published: September 2014

Background

The association between atopy and asthma is attenuated in non‐affluent populations, an effect that may be explained by childhood infections such as geohelminths.

Objective

To investigate the association between atopy and wheeze in schoolchildren living in urban and rural areas of Ecuador and examine the effects of geohelminths on this association.

Methods

We performed nested case–control studies among comparable populations of schoolchildren living in rural communities and urban neighbourhoods in the Province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. We detected geohelminths in stool samples, measured recent wheeze and environmental exposures by parental questionnaire, and atopy by specific IgE (sIgE) and skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to aeroallergens.

Results

Atopy, particularly sIgE to house dust mite (HDM), was more strongly associated with recent wheeze in urban than rural schoolchildren: (urban, adj. OR 5.19, 95% CI 3.37–8.00, P < 0.0001; rural, adj. OR 1.81, 95%CI 1.09–2.99, P = 0.02; interaction, P < 0.001). The population fractions of wheeze attributable to atopy were approximately two‐fold greater in urban schoolchildren: SPT to any allergen (urban 23.5% vs. rural 10.1%), SPT to HDM (urban 18.5% vs. rural 9.6%), and anti‐HDM IgE (urban 26.5% vs. rural 10.5%), while anti‐Ascaris IgE was related to wheeze in a high proportion of rural (49.7%) and urban (35.4%) children. The association between atopy and recent wheeze was attenuated by markers of geohelminth infections.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that urban residence modifies the association between HDM atopy and recent wheeze, and this effect is explained partly by geohelminth infections.
Optimal management of hypothyroidism, hypothyroxinaemia and euthyroid TPO antibody positivity preconception and in pregnancy
Authors: Chan Shiao , Boelaert Kristien
Published: September 2014

Normal physiological changes of pregnancy warrant the need to employ gestation specific reference ranges for the interpretation of thyroid function tests. Thyroid hormones play crucial roles in foetal growth and neurodevelopment which are dependent on adequate supply of maternal thyroid hormones from early gestation onwards. The prevention of significant adverse obstetric and neurodevelopmental outcomes from hypothyroidism requires a strategy of empirical levothyroxine dose increases and predictive dose adjustments in pregnancy combined with regular thyroid function testing, starting before pregnancy and until the postpartum period. Subclinical hypothyroidism has been associated with an increased risk of pregnancy loss and neurocognitive deficits in children, especially when diagnosed before or during early pregnancy. Whilst trials of levothyroxine replacement for mild hypothyroidism in pregnancy have not indicated definite evidence of improvements in these outcomes, professional guidelines recommend treatment, especially if evidence of underlying thyroid autoimmunity is present. Studies of isolated hypothyroxinaemia in pregnancy have shown conflicting evidence with regards to adverse obstetric and neurodevelopmental outcomes and no causative relationships have been determined. Treatment of this condition in pregnancy may be considered in those with underlying thyroid autoimmunity. Whilst the evidence for a link between the presence of anti‐TPO antibodies and increased risks of pregnancy loss and infertility is compelling, the results of ongoing randomized trials of levothyroxine in euthyroid women with underlying autoimmunity are currently awaited. Further studies to define the selection of women who require levothyroxine replacement and to determine the benefits of a predictive dose adjustment strategy are required.
Insulin ameliorating endotoxaemia‐induced muscle wasting is associated with the alteration of hypothalamic neuropeptides and inflammation in rats
Authors: Duan Kaipeng , Yu Wenkui , Lin Zhiliang , Tan Shanjun , Bai Xiaowu , Gao Tao , Xi Fengchan , Li Ning
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Septic patients always develop muscle wasting, which delays the rehabilitation and contributes to the increased complications and mortality. Previous studies have implied the crucial role of central inflammation and neuropeptides in the energy balance and muscle metabolism. Insulin has been confirmed to attenuate muscle degradation and inhibit inflammation. We tested the hypothesis whether insulin ameliorating muscle wasting was associated with modulating hypothalamic inflammation and neuropeptides.

Design and subjects

Thirty‐two adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were in intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 mg/kg) or saline, followed by subcutaneous injection of insulin (5 IU/kg) or saline. Twenty‐four hours after injection, skeletal muscle and hypothalamus tissues were harvested. Muscle wasting was measured by the mRNA expression of two E3 ubiquitin ligases, muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF‐1) and muscle atrophy F‐box (MAFbx), as well as 3‐methylhistidine (3‐MH) and tyrosine release. Hypothalamic inflammatory markers and neuropeptides expression were also measured in four groups.

Results

LPS injection led to significant increase in hypothalamic inflammation as well as muscle wasting. Also, increased hypothalamic neuropeptides, proopiomelanocortin (POMC), cocaine and amphetamine‐related transcript (CART) and neuropeptides Y (NPY) and decreased agouti‐related protein (AgRP) were observed. Insulin treatment ameliorated endotoxaemia‐induced muscle wasting and hypothalamic inflammation, and attenuated the alteration of neuropeptides, POMC, CART and AgRP.

Conclusion

Hypothalamic inflammation and neuropeptides are involved in the endotoxaemia‐induced muscle wasting. Insulin treatment can reduce muscle wasting, which is associated with reduced hypothalamic inflammation and alteration of hypothalamic neuropeptides.
Two cases of steroid‐responsive encephalomyelitis with reversible diffuse cerebral arterial stenosis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tomizawa Yuji , Kanou Masayoshi , Koinuma Takashi , Misawa Shihoko , Shiotsuki Hiromi , Noda Kazuyuki , Hattori Nobutaka , Okuma Yasuyuki
Published: September 2014

We present two cases of steroid‐responsive encephalomyelitis that showed reversible diffuse cerebral arterial stenosis by magnetic resonance imaging. A 22‐year‐old Asian man and a 37‐year‐old Asian man initially presented with fever and headache. There were no other specific neurological deficits on admission. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed mononuclear‐dominant pleocytosis; both cases were diagnosed as aseptic meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid protein levels were relatively high in both cases. Several days after admission, disturbance of consciousness, external ophthalmoplegia and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation occurred. Although there were no specific abnormal findings in the brain parenchyma, magnetic resonance angiography showed diffuse arterial stenosis. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed a longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesion. There was no evidence of infectious disease; intravenous methylprednisolone (1 g/day) was given. Both cases responded well to steroid therapy. The diffuse cerebral arterial stenosis in magnetic resonance angiography improved after treatment. Diffuse cerebral arterial stenosis in magnetic resonance angiography combined with high cerebral spinal fluid protein level could be clues to early diagnosis of steroid‐responsive encephalomyelitis. Interestingly, these findings could be interpreted as blood–brain barrier disruption, which is thought to be a main pathophysiology of steroid‐responsive encephalomyelitis.
Does increasing immunoglobulin levels impact survival in solid organ transplant recipients with hypogammaglobulinemia?
Authors: Florescu Diana F. , Kalil Andre C. , Qiu Fang , Grant Wendy , Morris Michael C. , Schmidt Cynthia M. , Florescu Marius C. , Poole Jill A.
Published: September 2014

Background

Severe hypogammaglobulinemia (IgG < 400 mg/dL) has adverse impact on mortality during the first year post‐transplantation. The aim of the study was to determine whether increasing IgG levels to ≥400 mg/dL improved outcomes.

Methods

Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed to estimate survival, log‐rank test to compare survival distributions between groups, and Fisher's exact test to determine the association between hypogammaglobulinemia and rejection or graft loss.

Results

Thirty‐seven solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients were included. Hypogammaglobulinemia was diagnosed at median of 5.6 months (range: 0–291.8 months) post‐transplantation. Types of transplants: liver–small bowel (17); liver–small bowel–kidney (2); liver (5); small bowel (4); liver–kidney (1); kidney/kidney–pancreas (3); heart (3); heart–kidney (1); and heart–lung (1). The three‐yr survival after the diagnosis of hypogammaglobulinemia was 49.5% (95% CI: 32.2–64.6%). Patients were dichotomized based upon IgG level at last follow‐up: IgG ≥ 400 mg/dL (23 patients) and IgG < 400 mg/dL (14 patients). There was no evidence of a difference in survival (p = 0.44), rejection rate (p = 0.44), and graft loss censored for death (p = 0.99) at one yr between these two groups. There was no difference in survival between patients receiving or not immunoglobulin (p = 0.99) or cytomegalovirus hyperimmunoglobulin (p = 0.14).

Conclusion

Severe hypogammaglobulinemia after SOT is associated with high mortality rates, but increasing IgG levels to ≥400 mg/dL did not seem to translate in better patient or graft survival in this cohort.
HER2‐Positive Endometrial Cancer Subtype Carries Poor Prognosis
Authors: Łapińska‐Szumczyk Sylwia , Supernat Anna , Majewska Hanna , Gulczyński Jacek , Łuczak Agata , Biernat Wojciech , Wydra Dariusz , Żaczek Anna J.
Published: September 2014

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a hormone‐dependent, most frequent malignancy of the female genital tract, yet no molecular subtype classification based receptor status (estrogen receptor [ER], progesterone receptor [PR], human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]) has been established so far. Assuming that molecular subtypes might differ fundamentally in EC, we analyzed expression levels of ER, PR, and HER2 with immunohistochemistry and aimed to determine clinical significance of four molecular subtypes: ER+/PR+/HER2+; ER+/PR+/HER2−, ER−/PR−/HER2+, and ER−/PR−/HER2−. The study included 400 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded primary tumor EC samples which covered all stages of endometrial carcinoma, from IA to IVB. ER−/PR−/HER2+ subtype correlated with the poorest outcome, ER+/PR+/HER2− subtype was associated with the most favorable prognosis (p = 0.002). Molecular subtype division remained an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis, accompanying parameters such as diabetes, hypertension, stage, myometrial infiltration, and metastases, all of which yielded hazard ratios between 1.39 and 2.23. ER+/PR+/HER2+ and ER+/PR+/HER2− subtypes had low average TP53 and TOP2A expression levels when compared with ER−/PR−/HER2+ and ER−/PR−/HER2− (both p < 0.00001). Molecular subtypes in EC do show diversity in terms of prognosis, clinicopathological, and molecular characteristics. ER−/PR−/HER2+ subtype exhibit is exceptionally aggressive tumor characteristics. Subtype differentiation might aid prediction of treatment response in EC.
Control of hepatic glucose metabolism by islet and brain
Authors: Rojas J. M. , Schwartz M. W.
Published: September 2014

Dysregulation of hepatic glucose uptake (HGU) and inability of insulin to suppress hepatic glucose production (HGP) contribute to hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Growing evidence suggests that insulin can inhibit HGP not only through a direct effect on the liver but also through a mechanism involving the brain. Yet, the notion that insulin action in the brain plays a physiological role in the control of HGP continues to be controversial. Although studies in dogs suggest that the direct hepatic effect of insulin is sufficient to explain day‐to‐day control of HGP, a surprising outcome has been revealed by recent studies in mice, investigating whether the direct hepatic action of insulin is necessary for normal HGP: when the hepatic insulin signalling pathway was genetically disrupted, HGP was maintained normally even in the absence of direct input from insulin. Here, we present evidence that points to a potentially important role of the brain in the physiological control of both HGU and HGP in response to input from insulin as well as other hormones and nutrients.