bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transthoracic Versus Transesophageal Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation under Light Sedation: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: SANTINI LUCA , GALLAGHER MARK M. , PAPAVASILEIOU LIDA P. , ROMANO VALENTINA , TOPA ALESSIA , DI BATTISTA LUCIANO , ARACRI MAURIZIO , ROMEO FRANCESCO
Published: August 2010

Background:

Electrical cardioversion (ECV) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is limited by a 5–10% failure rate and by the expense arising from a perceived need for general anesthesia. A transesophageal approach using light sedation has been proposed as a means of augmenting the success rate and avoiding the need for general anesthesia. We hypothesized that the high rate of success and the lower energy requirement associated with biphasic cardioversion might eliminate any advantage of the transesophageal approach.

Methods:

We randomly assigned 60 patients attending for ECV of persistent AF to a transesophageal or a transthoracic approach. Sedation of moderate depth was achieved with intravenous midazolam. The dose of midazolam was titrated in the same manner in both groups.

Results:

Sinus rhythm was restored in 29/30 patients (97%) in each group using a similar number of shocks for both groups (1.3 ± 0.6 transesophageal vs 1.4 ± 0.7 transthoracic, P = NS) with a similar procedure duration (14.1 ± 8.2 minutes vs 13.8 ± 7.5 minutes, P = NS). Both groups received similar doses of midazolam (4.2 ± 2.7 mg vs 4.4 ± 2.8 mg, P = NS) and both reported a similar discomfort score in (0.9 ± 1.3 vs 1.1 ± 1.8, P = NS). No complication occurred in either group.

Conclusion:

AF may be cardioverted safely and effectively by either a transthoracic or a transesophageal approach. The use of sedation of moderate depth renders cardioversion by either approach acceptable. As transesophageal ECV shows no clear advantage, transthoracic cardioversion should remain the approach of first choice.
Acute Conversion of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation During Dofetilide Initiation
Authors: COTIGA DELIA , ARSHAD AYSHA , AZIZ EMAD , JOSHI SANDEEP , KONERU JAYANTHI N. , STEINBERG JONATHAN S.
Published: August 2010

Background:

Dofetilide (D) is a highly selective blocker of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current and was approved for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) based on a satisfactory safety/efficacy profile from trials in patients with left ventricle (LV) dysfunction or heart failure. The dose‐dependant acute conversion rates (<72 hours) were reported to be in the range of 6–30%. We hypothesized that the acute pharmacological conversion rate of D is higher than previously reported if used in a healthier cohort of patients with persistent AF.

Methods and Results:

Eighty consecutive patients received D dosing per Cockroft‐Gault adjustment for creatinine clearance and QTc intervals. Patients were 61 ± 10 years, 79% male, ejection fraction (EF) 53 ± 13%, coronary artery disease 20%, and left atrial dimension 4.1 ± 0.2 cms. The duration of the treated AF episode was a median of 19 days (range 10–113 days). All patients received D while on telemetry for at least six dosing intervals. After 2.2 ± 1.2 doses, 77% of patients converted to sinus rhythm (SR) and 23% did not and required direct current (DC) cardioversion. Acute pharmacological conversion rates were: 20% for D 125 mcg bid, 44% for 250 mcg bid, and 85% for 500 mcg bid. None of the patients had torsade de pointes and none had to stop D for intolerance. Failure to convert to SR on D alone was associated with larger left atrium (LA) diameter (P = 0.04), longer duration of AF (P = 0.02), and use of lower dosages of D (P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

D had an unusually high pharmacological conversion rate, demonstrated an incremental dose response, and was well tolerated and safe, in a relatively healthy adult cohort with persistent AF. In addition to D dose, pharmaco‐conversion was predicted by LA size and AF duration. D is a desirable alternative for conversion of AF in a variety of clinical settings.
Deglutition Induced Atrial Tachycardia and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: KANJWAL YOUSUF , IMRAN NASER , GRUBB BLAIR
Published: August 2010

Deglutition induced supraventricular tachycardia is an uncommon condition postulated to be a vagally mediated phenomenon due to mechanical stimulation. Patients usually present with mild symptoms or may have severe debilitating symptoms.

Treatment with Class I agents, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, amiodarone and radiofrquency catheter ablation has shown to be successful in the majority of reported cases.

We report the case of a 46‐year‐old healthy woman presenting with palpitations on swallowing that was documented to be transient atrial tachycardia with aberrant ventricular conduction as well as transient atrial fibrillation. She was successfully treated with propafenone with no induction of swallowing‐induced tachycardia after treatment. This is also the first case to show swallowing‐induced atrial tachycardia and atrial fibrillation in the same patient.
Follow‐Up of CRT‐ICD: Implications for the Use of Remote Follow‐Up Systems. Data from the InSync ICD Italian Registry
Authors: LUNATI MAURIZIO , GASPARINI MAURIZIO , SANTINI MASSIMO , LANDOLINA MAURIZIO , PEREGO GIOVANNI B. , PAPPONE CARLO , MARZEGALLI MAURIZIO , ARGIOLAS CARLO , MURTHY ANANT , VALSECCHI SERGIO ,   on behalf of the InSync ICD Italian Registry Investigators.
Published: August 2010

Background: Launch of remote follow‐up systems in Europe is currently underway. However, there is insufficient understanding of postimplant practices with respect to device follow‐up, reprogramming of device features, and postshock clinic visits.

Methods: We analyzed device‐stored data from patients implanted with biventricular defibrillators (CRT‐ICD) to characterize the management of patients in current clinical practice and the potential impact of remote follow‐up systems.

Results: Two hundred and seventeen patients were identified, all with complete device‐data for at least one year. Over a follow‐up period of 570 ± 158 days, 1,959 device interrogations were performed. Of these, the majority (1,280, 65%) involved the reprogramming of device parameters. The mean time interval between interrogations was 70 ± 25 days. Overall, a marked reduction of interrogations requiring reprogramming was observed between the first six months of follow‐up and subsequent periods (from 3.6 ± 1.8 to 1.1 ± 1.0 interrogations/six months). A mean of 6.0 ± 5.9 device parameters was reprogrammed during the first six months of follow‐up, versus 4.4 ± 5.6 (P = 0.000) during the subsequent period. From multivariate analysis, a higher‐than‐median number of interrogations was found to be significantly associated with defibrillator shocks (OR:2.51; 95%CI:1.42–4.42). Following a shock, a total of 133 interrogations in 60 patients were performed with 80% of these occurring within five days of the shock, and 49% did not require device reprogramming.

Conclusion: Six months after implant, reprogramming of device parameters is significantly less frequent, making the use of remote follow‐up systems a practical alternative for patients and physicians. Moreover, a considerable portion of post‐shock interrogations does not involve reprogramming and may therefore be performed remotely.
Clinical and Electrical Performance of Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene‐Covered Defibrillator Leads in Comparison to Traditional Leads
Authors: KOPLAN BRUCE A. , WEINER STAN , GILLIGAN DAVID , THACKERAY LISA , MERKEL STACIA , CHASE BERG KELLIE ,   for the REFLEx Study Investigators
Published: August 2010

Background: In the event of infection, erosion, or failure, fibrosis of a defibrillation lead can make extraction difficult. In the ENDOTAK RELIANCE G defibrillation lead, coils are covered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) to prevent tissue ingrowth.

Objective: The objective of the REFLEx Study was to evaluate if RELIANCE G defibrillation leads with ePTFE‐covered coils are as good as comparative defibrillation leads with respect to electrical performance and termination of spontaneous tachyarrhythmias.

Methods: Patients were randomized to type of defibrillation lead—Guidant RELIANCE G lead or a non‐ePTFE‐covered lead of choice. Electrical performance success was defined as meeting all minimum standards in the respective manufacturer's manual for amplitude, threshold, and impedance. A noninferiority margin of 5% was prespecified.

Results: Electrical performance success at 12 months was 93.0% (280/301) for RELIANCE G and 94.5% (291/308) for comparative leads. The performance success rate for RELIANCE G did not differ significantly from study comparative (P = 0.04, noninferiority). For spontaneous episodes, first shock conversion success rate was 90% for RELIANCE G and 95% for study comparative (P = 0.89, noninferiority). Implant conversion testing was successful in 96.7% (524/542) of RELIANCE G patients and 94.3% (512/543) of comparative patients (chi‐square P‐value = 0.0784). About 55% (609/1115) of patients completed follow‐up through month 12.

Conclusion: Data from the REFLEx study indicate that ePTFE‐covered leads are not inferior to comparative leads with respect to electrical performance and implant conversion testing. We cannot conclude that the first shock conversion efficacy of ePTFE covered leads was statistically noninferior to comparative leads.
Characteristics in Image Integration System Guiding Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation with a Common Ostium of Inferior Pulmonary Veins
Authors: YU RONGHUI , DONG JIANZENG , ZHANG ZHAOQI , LIU XINGPENG , KANG JUNPING , LONG DEYONG , FANG DONGPING , TANG RIBO , GUO XI , HU FULI , MA CHANGSHENG
Published: August 2010

Background: Common ostium of the inferior pulmonary veins (PVs) is a kind of unusual variation in pulmonary venous drainage to the left atrium (LA), whose feature of anatomy, electrophysiology, and catheter ablation is rarely demonstrated, and the consecutive series of research for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with that anomaly have not been reported.

Methods: A total of 1,226 patients with drug‐refractory AF received magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scan before ablation. Electrophysiological mapping was used to detect the focal triggers in paroxysmal AF. Basic catheter ablation strategy was circumferential PV isolation with “tricircle” under the guidance of image integration system: two circles surround two superior PVs, and the other surround the common trunk.

Results: LA and PVs reconstruction by image integration system showed a common pulmonary venous ostium of the right and left inferior PVs before ablation in 11 patients (0.9%). This anomaly could be classified into two types: type A without a short common trunk of inferior PVs and type B with a short common trunk. Fifty‐seven percent paroxysmal AF was revealed focal triggers in the common ostium. The success rate of that strategy was 90%.

Conclusion: Common ostium of inferior PVs could be classified into two types according to the presence of a short common trunk or not. The common ostium was usually an important triggering focus in paroxysmal AF. Catheter ablation strategy of circumferential PV isolation with “tricircle” under the guidance of image integration system would be a good choice.
Electrocardiographic and Electrophysiologic Predictors of Successful Ablation Site in Patients with Manifest Posteroseptal Accessory Pathway
Authors: HAGHJOO MAJID , MAHMOODI EBRAHIM , FARJAM FAZELIFAR AMIR , ALIZADEH ABOLFATH , JAFAR HASHEMI MOHAMMAD , EMKANJOO ZAHRA , ALI SADR‐AMELI MOHAMMAD
Published: August 2010

Background: Prediction of accessory pathway (AP) location before radiofrequency ablation has become increasingly important for patients with AP; this is especially true for posteroseptal (PS) APs.

Objective: To identify electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic predictors of pathway location in patients with manifest posteroseptal AP.

Methods: A detailed electrocardiographic analysis, electrophysiologic study, and ablation were performed in 94 patients with single manifest posteroseptal AP (mean age 35.0 ± 13.8 years; 56 males).

Results: Localization was right PS in 68 patients, left PS in 19 patients, and coronary sinus and its branches in seven patients. Common to all the patients with posteroseptal AP was a negative delta in at least two inferior leads. The most sensitive and specific parameter for differentiating left posteroseptal APs from right posteroseptal APs was an R/S ratio ≥1.0 in lead V1 (sensitivity 100% and specificity 100%). The R‐wave amplitude in lead I (sensitivity 54%, specificity 67%), and delta ventricularatrial interval (sensitivity 75%, specificity 87%) had much lesser sensitivity and specificity in this regard. The epicardial posteroseptal APs were discriminated from endocardial variant by the positive delta in aVR (sensitivity 71% and specificity 99%) and negative delta in II (sensitivity 100% and specificity 20%). Delta wave polarity in V1 was not helpful for differentiating right‐sided from left‐sided posteroseptal APs.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that in patients with posteroseptal AP, successful ablation site could be predicted to be on the right or left endocardial surface using R/S ratio in lead V1. Necessity for Coronary sinus catheterization and angiography is predictable using delta wave polarities in leads aVR and II.
Entanglement of Passive Fix Ventricular Lead in Tricuspid Valve
Authors: BARCLAY JUSTIN L. , CROSS STEPHEN J. , LESLIE STEPHEN J.
Published: August 2010

Modern pacing leads are designed to minimize the risk of trauma to intracardiac structures. This case illustrates an unusual complication of permanent pacing using a passive fixation ventricular lead.
Prediction of Arrhythmic Events after Myocardial Infarction Based on Signal‐Averaged Electrocardiogram and Ejection Fraction
Authors: SCHOENENBERGER ANDREAS W. , ERNE PAUL , AMMANN STEPHAN , GILLMANN GERHARD , KOBZA RICHARD , STUCK ANDREAS E.
Published: August 2010

Background:

Trials on implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICD) for patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have highlighted the need for risk assessment of arrhythmic events (AE). The aim of this study was to evaluate risk predictors based on a novel approach of interpreting signal‐averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) and ejection fraction (EF).

Methods:

SAECG, interpreted with a new index, and EF were prospectively evaluated to predict AE in 144 patients with AMI.

Results:

During the mean follow‐up period of 4.1 years, 19 AE occurred. The new SAECG index showed a sensitivity of 84%, a specificity of 62%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 25%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96%. A combination of a normal new SAECG index and an EF >35% resulted in a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 47%, a PPV of 22%, and a NPV of 100%; this corresponded to an AE incidence rate of 0%. When both tests were abnormal, the AE incidence rate was 21.3%.

Conclusions:

This is the first contemporary study reporting predictive values based on a combination of SAECG and EF. If confirmed in an appropriately designed and powered trial, this novel approach might be used to identify both patients at very low risk for AE not requiring further risk assessment and patients at high risk in whom ICD implantation can be considered without further risk assessment.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Save Lives from Lightning‐Related Electrocution Too!
Authors: KONDUR ASHOK K. , AFONSO LUIS C. , BERENBOM LOREN D. , LAKKIREDDY DHANUNJAYA R.
Published: August 2010

We report an unusual case of a 75‐year‐old male electrocuted by lightning strike rescued by implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock coincidentally. Lightning strikes are an unusual cause of fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Depending on the amount of energy and the current vector affecting the heart, the arrhythmia burden ranges from asystole to ventricular fibrillation.
Physiology of Cardiac Pacing in Children: The Importance of the Ventricular Pacing Site
Authors: VANAGT WARD Y. , PRINZEN FRITS W. , DELHAAS TAMMO
Published: August 2010

Children with congenital or acquired atrioventricular block are provided with ventricular rate support from a pacing lead that traditionally is positioned at the right ventricular (RV) apex. However, RV apical pacing causes dyssynchronous electrical activation and left ventricular (LV) contraction, resulting in decreased LV function. Chronic RV apical pacing leads to deterioration of LV function and morphology, resulting in cardiac failure in approximately 7% of children. This review describes the pathophysiology of pacing‐induced dyssynchronous LV activation and contraction, especially as a result of chronic RV apical pacing. Furthermore, this review provides an overview of the possible alternative pacing sites, such as the RV outflow tract, His‐bundle, LV apex, and biventricular pacing.
Limitations of the DF‐4 Defibrillator Connector Necessitating Device Removal
Authors: COGERT GREGORY A. , CAMERON CRAIG S. , SANDLER DAVID A.
Published: August 2010

The DF‐4 implantable defibrillator connector was recently released for clinical practice. This connector facilitates lead to device connection, reduces bulk in the device pocket, and eliminates the risk of incorrect device connection. Unfortunately, new technology often introduces new challenges. We report the case of a 63‐year‐old male with chronic systolic heart failure referred for cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator implant. Limitations implicit to the current iteration of this technology include a lack of additional connectivity. In the present case, these limitations ultimately warranted device removal and reimplant with a traditional trifurcating IS‐1/DF‐1 connector. (PACE 2012; 35:e24–e26)
An Acute Myocardial Infarction Case that Survived An Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Which Prominent Ischemic J Waves Were Documented
Authors: MYOJO TAKUYA , SATO NOBUYUKI , MATSUKI MOTOKI , TANIGUCHI OSAMU , NAKAMURA HIDEKI , HASEBE NAOYUKI
Published: August 2010

We describe a case of a myocardial infarction, in which prominent ischemic J waves were documented during recurrent ventricular fibrillation attacks. The patient was referred to our hospital to treat an out‐of hospital cardiac arrest. Although the 12‐lead electrocardiogram obtained just after the first cardioversion did not show any apparent J waves, a J wave‐like steep downsloping type ST‐segment elevation associated with q waves in the inferior leads was documented during multiple episodes of ventricular fibrillation. Our report revealed the appearance of J waves as an important marker for lethal arrhythmias in acute ischemia. (PACE 2012; 35:e27–e30)
Performance of the Lumenless 4.1‐Fr Diameter Pacing Lead Implanted at Alternative Pacing Sites in Congenital Heart: A Chronic 5‐Year Comparison
Authors: KHAN ASRA , ZELIN KATHLEEN , KARPAWICH PETER P.
Published: August 2010

Purpose: United States approval of the Model 3830, 4.1‐French (Fr) diameter, lumenless, pacing lead (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) in patients under 17 years of age, and those with congenital heart disease (CHD), was in 2005. To date, long‐term performance at alternative pacing sites (APS) is limited and chronic efficacy comparisons with more established leads is lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these factors.

Methods: Implant and follow‐up data on leads were compared: group 1 (non‐3830 leads) and group 2 (Model 3830 leads). These included acute and chronic sensing and pacing, impedances, implant sites, and complications. Groups were compared using Fischer's exact test, paired, and nonpaired t‐tests, with significance defined at P < 0.05.

Results: A total of 119 patients (ages 5–48 years) received 171 leads: group 1 (n = 80) and group 2 (n = 91). At implant, there were no differences in patient age, CHD, sensing, or pacing thresholds between groups. Implant lead impedances differed between groups but all were within normal values for each lead design. Chronic data showed no difference in sensing, pacing thresholds, or impedances. There were five (6%) early lead dislodgements in group 1 and one (1%) in group 2. APS were achieved in group 2 with mean 1.6 ± 1.3 minutes fluoroscopy time.

Conclusion: The new 4.1‐Fr lumenless lead shows similar performance indices to established leads even at APS, yet is thinner and achieves APS with technical ease, permitting more efficient chronic pacing in children and all patients with CHD. (PACE 2010; 33:1467–1474)
Phenylpropanoid Metabolism in Ripening Fruits
Authors: Singh Rupinder , Rastogi Smita , Dwivedi Upendra N.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Ripening of fleshy fruit is a differentiation process involving biochemical and biophysical changes that lead to the accumulation of sugars and subsequent changes in tissue texture. Also affected are phenolic compounds, which confer color, flavor/aroma, and resistance to pathogen invasion and adverse environmental conditions. These phenolic compounds, which are the products of branches of the phenylpropanoid pathway, appear to be closely linked to fruit ripening processes. Three key enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway, namely phenylalanine ammonia lyase, O‐methyltransferase, and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) have been reported to modulate various end products including lignin and protect plants against adverse conditions. In addition, peroxidase, the enzyme following CAD in the phenylpropanoid pathway, has also been associated with injury, wound repair, and disease resistance. However, the role of these enzymes in fruit ripening is a matter of only recent investigation and information is lacking on the relationships between phenylpropanoid metabolism and fruit ripening processes. Understanding the role of these enzymes in fruit ripening and their manipulation may possibly be valuable for delineating the regulatory network that controls the expression of ripening genes in fruit. This review elucidates the functional characterization of these key phenylpropanoid biosynthetic enzymes/genes during fruit ripening processes.
Cytokinesis of Thuricola folliculata (Ciliophora, Peritrichida)1
Authors: EPERON SIMONE
Published: August 2010

Thuricola folliculata is a sessiline, loricate peritrich ciliate. Its somatic pellicle consists of annular transverse crests and includes the plasma membrane, the alveolus, the electron‐dense epiplasm, and the subepiplasmic layer. Cytokinesis occurs along an

oral‐aboral median plane where two fissures develop, one at the oral and one at the aboral end of the peritrich. Each fissure results from simultaneous formation of two furrows on opposite sides of the cell. At the end of cytokinesis, both trophozoites remain joined

to each other by an intercellular bridge. During cytokinesis, microfilament bundles appear at the level of the subepiplasmic layer in the fission plane; they are distributed in two arcs, one oral and one aboral, and may be responsible for the formation of the four furrows.

The cross‐sectioned microfilament arc is 1 pm wide and about 0.1‐0.2 pm thick at first and later can be more than 1 pm in diameter; it shows many microfilaments, 3‐10 nm in diameter and oriented parallel to the fission plane, and also many dense corpuscles 25‐55

nm in diameter. Then both arcs join each other to form a microfilament ring. This ring is delimited by discontinuous dense borders and a boundary layer. The microfilament ring seems structurally analogous to the contractile ring of various dividing cells, where it

works like a sphincter. The dense corpuscles, the discontinuous dense borders, and the boundary layer of T. folliculata have not been reported in any other ciliates.
Metabolism of Threonine, Methionine, and Related Compounds in Mixed Rumen Ciliate Protozoa1
Authors: Onodera Ryoji , Migita Ryoichi
Published: August 2010

Metabolic pathways of L‐threonine and L‐methionine in starved, bacteria‐free, mixed rumen ciliate protozoa were examined. Rumen ciliates produced 2‐oxobutanoate (2OB) from both L‐threonine and L‐methionine; 2OB was then converted to 2‐aminobutanoate (2AB) and propionate. The 2AB appeared to be converted slowly to propionate. D‐Threonine seemed to be hardly metabolized.
The Contractile Vacuole of Amoeba proteus. III. Vacuolar Response to Phagocytosis1
Authors: Couillard P. , Forget J. , Pothier F.
Published: August 2010

The reaction of the contractile vacuole of Amoeba proteus to single and multiple phagocytosis under controlled conditions has been studied. Fluid intake into the cytoplasm from the phagosomes induces secretion by the contractile vacuole of equivalent excess volumes:. Vacuolar response is rapid (200 sec) and may be initiated by increases of protoplasmic hydration of as little as 1%. Cytoplasmic uptake of fluid from the phagosome can occur against an osmotic gradient; thus some form of active transport is implied.
Chemotaxis by Entamoeba histolytica1
Authors: Bailey Gordon B. , Leitch Gordon J. , Day Diane B.
Published: August 2010

A micropore membrane procedure to assay taxis by Entamoeba histolytica is described and the results of studies of responses to a variety of soluble substances, bacteria, an rat colon washings using this procedure are reported. Trophozoites migrated in blind well chambers through 8‐m̈m pore size polycarbonate membranes but not nitrocellulose membranes up to 12 m̈m pore size. Amoebae were attracted toward fresh axenic culture medium (TYI‐S), an enzymatic hydrolysate of casein (Trypticase), and a partially purified preparation of N‐acetylneuraminic acid from egg mucin, but not purified N‐acetylneuraminateora variety of other low molecular weight metabolites. The response was verified as chemotaxis by checkerboard analysis. Amoebae migrated most dramatically toward suspensions of all of seven bacterial species tested, including motile and non‐motile, gram‐negative and gram‐positive rods and cocci. This response was diminished when the bacteria concentration gradient was eliminated. The response to bacteria culture filtrates was less than 10% of that to bacterial suspensions. A response to clarified washings from the rat colon was detected; this was diminished but not eliminated by filter sterilization of the washings. We concluded that some soluble molecules, possibly of intermediate molecular size, whole bacteria, and both soluble and paniculate components of the rat colon provide tactic stimuli for E. histolytica. Scanning electron micrographs of trophozoites migrating towards attractants through membranes showed narrow', extended pseudopodia entering the membrane pores, and enlarging spheres exiting as the cells proceeded through.
Genetic Encodement of Acanthamoeba Lactic Dehydrogenase
Authors: Ward Adrian P.
Published: August 2010

Electrophoretic separation of the water‐soluble proteins from seven Acanthamoeba strains, followed by lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) visualization by the zymogram method, has indicated a single LDH activity in each extract. To account for this observation, three alternatives are considered: inadequate electrophoretic resolution, two gene‐encodement of LDH with constraints relating to subunit assembly or oligomer stability, and one gene‐LDH encodement.
Erhardorina n. g., Ascogregarina polynesiensis n. sp., Eimeria golemanskii n. sp., Isospora tamariscini n. sp., Gregarina kazumii n. nom., New Combinations and Emendations in the Names of Apicomplexan Protozoa1
Authors: Levine Norman D.
Published: August 2010

On the basis of a review of the approximately 4300 species of apicomplexan protozoa, the following new species, new names, new combinations, and emendations are given: NEW GENUS,Erhardovina; NEW SPECIES,Ascogregarina polynesiensis, Eimeria golemanskii, Isospora tamariscini; NEW NAME,Gregarina kazumii; NEW COMBINATIONS,Ascogregarina brachyceri (Purrini, 1980),Erhardovina euzeti (Lipa, 1981),E. scutovertexi (Erhardová, 1955),Haemorhormidium batrachi (Chaudhuri & Choudhury, 1983); EMENDATIONS,Selenidium francianum(Arvy, 1952) Tuzet & Ormières, 1965,Pyxinioides bolitoides D. P. Henry, 1938,P. japonicus H. Hoshide, 1951,P. kamenote H. Hoshide, 1951,P. kurofuji H. Hoshide, 1951,P. oshoroensis H. Hoshide, 1951,P. pugetensis D. P. Henry, 1938, Gregarina levinei Haldar & Sarkar, 1980,Retractocephalus halticae Haldar, Chakraborty & Kundu, 1982,Cnemidospora schizophylli Tuzet & Guerin, 1947,Grebneckiella indica (Merton, 1911) Watson, 1916,Quadruspinospora atractomorphae Haldar & Chakraborty, 1978,Haemogregarina acipenseri Nawrotzky, 1914,H. lobianci Yakimov & Kohl‐Yakimov, 1912,H. yakimovikohlae Wladimiroff, 1910,Hepatozoon luehi (Sambon, 1909) Pessoa, Cavalheiro & de Souza, 1970,Eimeria beyerae Ovezmukhammedov, 1977, E. (?) gigantea (Labbé, 1896) Reichenow, 1921, E. (?) labbei Hardcastle, 1943, E. rufi Prasad, 1960, E. (?) scylii (Drago, 1902) Levine & Becker, 1933, Isospora corvi Ray, Shivnani, Oommen & Bhaskaran, 1952,I. melopsittaci Bhatia, Chauhan, Arora & Agrawal, 1973, I. seicerci Ray, Shivnani, Oommen & Bhaskaran, 1952,I. stomatici Chakravarty & Kar, 1944,I. triffitae Nukerbaeva & Svanbaev, 1973,Wenyonella mackinnonae Misra, 1947,Octosporetla sanguinolentae Ovezmukhammedov, 1975,Lankesterella millani Alvarez Calvo, 1975,Sarcocystis woodhousei Dogel', 1916,Haemoproteus lari Yakunin, 1972, Babesia ninakohlyakimovae (Yakimoff & Shokhor, 1916),Theileria ninakohlyakimovae (Yakimov, 1916) Krylov, 1974,Haemohormidium batrachi(Chaudhuri & Choudhury, 1983).
Studies on Trypanosomatid Actin I. Immunochemical and Biochemical Identification
Authors: MORTARA RENATO A.
Published: August 2010

In this study, the presence of actin in cultured trypanosomatids was investigated using polyclonal antibodies to heterologous actin. Polyclonal antisera to rabbit muscle actin and a monospecific anti‐actin antibody react with a 43‐kDa polypeptide in extracts of Trypanosoma cruzi, Herpetomonas samuelpessoai and Leishmania mexicana amazonensis on protein immunoblots. The 43‐kDa polypeptide co‐migrates with skeletal muscle actin and is retained within trypanosomatid cytoskeletons. Attempts to isolate H. samuelpessoai actin through DNase I affinity chromatography showed that the 43‐kDa polypeptide did not bind to the column. Instead, low yields of a 47‐kDa polypeptide were obtained indicating that the trypanosomatid actin displays unusual DNase I binding behavior when compared to actins from higher eukaryotes. Immunofluorescence studies confirmed that cytoskeletons retain the actin‐like protein. In H. samuelpessoai, actin is localized in the region close to the flagellum, whereas in T. cruzi it is more homogeneously distributed. The data presented here show that trypanosomatid actin displays biochemical characteristics similar to actins of other protozoa.
Some Eugregarines (Sporozoa, Apicomplexa) from the Stored Fruit Beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator Fauv. (Coleoptera) from India
Authors: ROY KABITA
Published: August 2010

Morphology and life history of 3 cephaline gregarines found in the gut of the pest of stored fruit, Oryzaephilus mercator. are described. Of these 3, 2 are new species. The 3 species are (1) Hirmocystis minuta (Ishii, 1914) (LP TL = 1:7 – 1:22, WP/WD = 1:1, 6–1:7); (2) Amsotobus indicus n. sp. (LP/TL = 1:3–1:6, WP/WD = 1:1 – 1:1.3); (3) Leidyana oryzaephili n. sp. (LP/TL = 1:2 – 1:12; WP/WD = 1:1–1:1.6).
Synchronization of Mating Reactivity Rhythms in Populations of Paramecium bursaria
Authors: MIWA I. , KANAZAWA Y. , ISHIKAWA K. , HIROSE M.
Published: August 2010

Cell populations of Paramecium bursaria show arhythmic mating reactivity after exposure to constant light (LL) for more than 2 wk. After this arhythmic population is exposed to darkness for 9 h, the mating reactivity rhythm of the cell population reappears. The phases of rhythms in individual cells are synchronized to each other. When the arhythmic population in constant light is exposed to dark pulses of various durations, the first peak of the recovered mating reactivity rhythm appears 6 h after the end of the dark pulse. Thus, in the case of dark pulses to cells in LL, the transition from dark to light sets the phase of the subsequent mating reactivity rhythm. When an arhythmic population in LL is transferred to constant darkness (DD), a rhythm of mating reactivity also appears and, in this case, the first peak of the rhythm occurs 18 h after the LL to DD transition. Therefore, arhythmic populations of cells in LL can be synchronized by either a dark pulse or by transition to continuous darkness. When the arhythmic populations in LL were transferred to various light/dark (LD) cycles, the mating reactivity rhythms entrained to LD cycles of 18 to 30 h in duration. Finally, mating rhythms can also be synchronized by treatment with puromycin (400 μg/ml for 6–18 h).
Analysis of a Surface Antigen of Pneumocystis carinii
Authors: LINKE MICHAEL J. , WALZER PETER D.
Published: August 2010

The 115 kd band in polyacrylamide gels is a major antigen of Pneumocystis carinii. Data obtained from treatment with enyzmes, binding to lectins, and labelling the surface with biotin suggest that this moiety is a glycoprotein containing mannosyl/glucosyl and N‐acetylglucosamine residues, and that it is located on the cell wall of the organism. Other rat and human P. carinii antigens also are glycoproteins but differ in specific protein or carbohydrate residues or location on the organism.
Glutathione in Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: WAGNER BEATE
Published: August 2010

In Tetrahymena, glutathione is synthesized from the same precursors as it is in higher animals and is present in similar intracellular concentrations. The intracellular thiol‐disulfide ratio is also identical to that of mammalian tissues, due to the activity of glutathione reductase. The intracellular GSH‐level was found to be dependent on the sulfur‐containing amino acids in the chemically defined medium.
Description of the Infraciliature and Morphogenesis in the Ciliate Urotricha ondina N. Sp. (Prorodontida, Urotrichidae)
Authors: MUÑOZ A. , TÉLLEZ C. , FERNÁNDEZ‐GALIANO D.
Published: August 2010

Recent works on prostomatid ciliates show that some genera of this group have a differentiated oral infraciliature and that their stomatogenesis during division involves the proliferation of only a few somatic kineties. These findings have significant implications regarding the iaxonomic status of these genera and also on the terminology used for the oral structures. In Urotricha ondina, the oral infraciliature consists of (1) a paroral kinety formed of paired kinetosomes that encircle the cytostome at the anterior pole of the cell and (2) 3 adoral organelles, each formed of 2 rows of kinetosomes, ventral in position and obliquely disposed, lying above 3 short somatic kineties that do not reach the anterior pole of the cell. This oral ciliature —formerly known as the corona and brosse, respectively—originate during stomatogenesis from the proliferation of 4 somatic kineties that lie posterior to the adoral organelles of the parental cell.
Identification and Phylogenetic Relationships of Microsporidia by Riboprinting
Authors: POMPORT‐CASTILLON CECILE , ROMESTAND BERNARD , DE JONCKHEERE JOHAN F.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. The SSUrDNA and the ITS of different microsporidia from eight fishes, four insects and a shrimp were amplified and digested with restriction enzymes. The generated riboprints suggest a close evolutionary relationship between Glugea americanus and Spraguea lophii suggesting that Glugea americanus should be renamed Spraguea americanus and that the tissue infected and host origin should be considered of greater taxonomic importance for defining a genus than previously considered. Phylogenetic analysis of the riboprints demonstrates an unidentified microsporidium from a bumper fish (Chloroscombrus chrysurus) is related although not identical to Microgemma oviodea, a parasite from red band fish. We were also able to distinguish between Glugea anomala and Glugea atherinae and Glugea stephani but were not able to differenciate among the latter two. Insects isolates, Nosema costelytrae, N. bombycis, N. trichoplusiae, Nosema sp. and a shrimp isolate, Agmasoma penaei, are not related to the fish isolates.
Sexual and Asexual Development of Cryptosporidium parvum in Five Oocyst– or Sporozoite‐Infected Human Enterocytic Cell Lines
Authors: MAILLOT CELINE , FAVENNEC LOIC , FRANCOIS ARNAUD , DUCROTTE PHILIPPE , BRASSEUR PHILIPPE
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. The human enterocytic cell lines Caco‐2, HT29, HCT8 and the Caco‐2 clones TC7 and PF11 were studied for their ability to support Cryptosporidium parvum development. Following the addition in cultures of either oocysts or excysted sporozoites, immunofluorescent and transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of all stages of the parasite life cycle by both procedures, and no difference in the ration of infected cells was found among cell lines. More oocysts were seen in cell monolayers infected with oocysts than with sporozoites (p < 0.0001). The number of meronts observed was the same after either oocysts or sporozoites inoculation. Data suggest that the two methods yield a same cell infection rate.
Lectin‐Binding Sites Involved in Paramecium primaurelia Mating Pair Formation
Authors: CORRADO MARIA U. DELMONTE , LOCATELLI DONATA , PALEARI LAURA , BOTTIROLI GIOVANNI
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Mating pair formation in Paramecium primaurelia was shown to be inhibited by incubating mating‐competent mating type (mt) I and mt U cells with Limulus polyphemus agglutinin (LPA) or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). Preincubation of LPA and WGA with their specific binding‐monosaccharides, N‐acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc) and N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), respectively, prevented the lectin effect on pair formation. Addition either of NeuAc or GlcNAc resulted in a reversal of cell pairing inhibition by LPA or WGA, respectively. Both NeuAc and GlcNAc monosaccharides inhibited pair formation when their concentration exceeded a threshold value. The pattern of the relative distribution of NeuAc and GlcNAc molecules on the cell surface was analyzed using fluorescence resonance energy transfer techniques combined with imaging systems. Mt I1 cells showed a high lectin‐binding site density localized just on the surface region engaged in conjugation. The pattern of mt I cells, consisting of a quite homogeneous lectin‐binding site density spread on the cell surface, was also common to nonmating‐competent cells and to immature cells. These findings suggest that in P. primaurelia pair formation involves both NeuAc and GlcNAc residues and that the development of mating‐competence is related to a modification in NeuAc and GlcNAc relative distribution on the cell surface of mt 11 cells.
A Symbiont‐Produced Protein and Bacterial Symbiosis in Amoeba proteus
Authors: PAK JEONG W. , JEON KWANG W.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Gram‐ symbiotic X‐bacteria present in the xD strain of Amoeba proteus as required cell components, synthesize and export a large amount of a 29‐kDa protein (S29x) into the host's cytoplasm across bacterial and symbiosome membranes. The S29x protein produced by E. coli transformed with the s29x gene is also rapidly secreted into the culture medium. Inside amoebae, S29x enters the host's nucleus as detected by confocal and irnmunoelectron microscopy, although it is not clear if S29x is selectively accumulated inside the nucleus. The deduced amino‐acid sequence of S29x has a stretch of basic amino acids that could act as a nuclear localization signal, but there is no signal peptide at the N‐terminus and the transport of S29x is energy independent. The functions of S29x are not known, but in view of its prominent presence inside the amoeba's nucleus, S29x is suspected to be involved in affecting the expression of amoeba's nuclear gene(s).
Genetic Analysis of Giardia from Hoofed Farm Animals Reveals Artiodactyl‐Specific and Potentially Zoonotic Genotypes
Authors: EY PETER L. , MANSOURI MANDANA , KULDA JAROSLAV , NOHYNKOVA EVA , MONIS PAUL T. , ANDREWS ROSS H. , MAYRHOFER GRAHAM
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Thirty one Giardia isolates, established from six species of hoofed livestock by axenic culture or growth in suckling mice, were compared genetically by analysis of DNA amplified from loci encoding variant surface proteins or the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase and by allozyme analysis. The isolates were heterogeneous, but all showed affinity with genetic Assemblage A‐one of two major assemblages defined previously by analysis of Giardia from humans. Three distinct genotypes were evident. Ten isolates (eight axenic and two established in suckling mice) from an alpaca, pig, horse, cattle and sheep were indistinguishable from human‐derived G. intestinalis belonging to a previously designated genetic group (Group I). This genotype seems to have broad host specificity, including a zoonotic potential for humans. Five isolates (two axenic and three established in suckling mice) from an alpaca, a horse and sheep had close affinity with human‐derived Group I and Group I1 G. inresrinalis genotypes. The other 16 isolates (comprising both axenic and suckling mouse‐propagated cultures derived from cattle, sheep, alpaca, a goat and pigs in Australia and Europe) differed from all other Giardia with “duodenalis” morphology that have been examined by these methods and they segregated as a highly distinct sublineage (referred to herein as ‘Novel livestock’) within genetic Assemblage A. The predominance of ‘Novel livestock’ genotypes in the test panel and their apparent exclusive association with artiodactyl hosts indicates that they may be confined to this group of mammals. Assemblage B genotypes, which are prevalent in humans and some other animal species, were not detected.
The Diplomonad Fish Parasite Spironucleus vortens Produces Hydrogen
Authors: MILLET CORALIE O.M. , CABLE JOANNE , LLOYD DAVID
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. The diplomonad fish parasite Spironucleus vortens causes major problems in aquaculture of ornamental fish, resulting in severe economic losses in the fish farming industry. The strain of S. vortens studied here was isolated from an angelfish and grown in Keister's modified TY‐I‐S33 medium. A membrane‐inlet mass spectrometer was employed to monitor, in a closed system, O2, CO2, and H2. When introduced into air‐saturated buffer, S. vortens rapidly consumed O2 at the average rate of 62±4 nmol/min/107 cells and CO2 was produced at 75±11 nmol/min/107 cells. Hydrogen production began under microaerophilic conditions ([O2]=33.±15 μM) at a rate of 77±7 nmol/min/107 cells. Hydrogen production was inhibited by 62% immediately after adding 150 μM KCN to the reaction vessel, and by 50% at 0.24 μM CO, suggesting that an Fe‐only hydrogenase is responsible for H2 production. Metronidazole (1 mM) inhibited H2 production by 50%, while CO2 production was not affected. This suggests that metronidazole may be reduced by an enzyme of the H2 pathway, thus competing for electrons with H+.
Identification of Ethanol‐intoxicated Patients with Minor Head TVauma Requiring Computed Tomography Scans
Authors: Cook Laura Staffeld , Levitt M. Andrew , Simon Barry , Williams Virgil L.
Published: August 2010

Objective:To determine whether clinical parameters and neurologic scores can be used to guide the decision to obtain computed tomography (CT) head scans for ethanol‐intoxicated patients with presumed‐minor head injuries.

Methods:In a prospective cohort analysis, 107 consecutive adult patients who presented to a county emergency department (ED) with serum ethanol levels >80 mg/dL and minor head trauma were studied. Commonly used clinical variables were determined for each patient. Each patient also underwent an abbreviated neurologic scoring examination and a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score evaluation at the time of presentation and one hour later, after which a cranial CT scan was done. For purposes of analysis, patients with and patients without intracerebral injuries visible on CT scans of the head were compared.

Results:Nine of 107 patients (8.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.9–15.4%) had CT scans that were positive for intracerebral injury. Two patients (1.9%; 95% CI = 0.2–6.6%) needed craniotomy. Five patients had hemotympanum and two patients had bilateral periorbital ecchy‐mosis, but CT scans were negative for intracerebral injury in these patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients with and without CT scan abnormalities, based on the clinical variables, the GCS scores, or the abbreviated neurologic scoring examinations at presentation or at one hour.

Conclusion:The prevalence of intracerebral injury in CT scans of ethanol‐intoxicated patients with minor head injuries was 8.4%. Commonly used clinical parameters and neurologic scores at presentation and one hour later were unable to predict which patients would have intracerebral injuries as evidenced by CT scans. Our low (1.9%) neurosurgical intervention rate supports the need to develop a selective approach to CT scanning in this population.
Positive‐outcome Bias: Comparison of Emergency Medicine and General Medicine Literatures
Authors: Moscati Ronald , Jehle Dietrich , Ellis David , Fiorello Albert , Landi Michael
Published: August 2010

Objective:The existence of positive‐outcome bias in the medical literature is well established. Positive‐outcome bias in two emergency medicine journals was compared with that found in two general medicine journals.

Methods:Published original contributions from Annals of Emergency Medicine, American Journal of Emergency Medicine, JAMA, and New England Journal of Medicinewere reviewed. Articles were categorized as demonstrating a positive or negative outcome or showing no difference using new criteria. Descriptive articles were excluded.

Results:Of 700 articles reviewed, 177 emergency medicine and 211 general medicine articles met the study criteria. The emergency medicine journals had 142 articles (80%) with positive outcomes, 27 (15%) with negative outcomes, and 8 (5%) with no difference. The general medicine journals had 169 articles (80%) with positive outcomes, 33 (16%) with negative outcomes, and 9 (4%) with no difference. There was no significant difference between journal groups (chi‐square; p = 0.99). The power of the study was 0.80 to detect a difference of 15% between groups with alpha set at 0.05.

Conclusions:There was no significant difference in the proportions of positive‐outcome studies published in this sample of the emergency medicine literature compared with the general medicine literature. The potential impact of positive‐outcome bias and methods of dealing with the problem are reviewed.
The Effect of Compression Duration on Hemodynamics during Mechanical High‐impulse CPR
Authors: Swart Gary L. , Mateer James R. , DeBehnke Daniel J. , Jameson Stephen J. , Osborn Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2010

Objective: To determine whether shorter compression durations combined with fixed increased compression velocity during mechanical high‐impulse CPR (HI‐CPR) improve resuscitation hemodynamics, compared with mechanical standard CPR (SCPR).

Methods: A porcine model of ventricular fibrillation was used, with each animal serving as its own control. Twelve anesthetized swine (20–25 kg each) were instrumented for hemodynamic monitoring. Ventricular fibrillation was induced and followed, after 3 minutes, by mechanical SCPR (50% duty cycle) for 10 minutes. Mechanical HI‐CPR was then applied, with compression durations varied randomly at 2‐minute intervals for 20% (COM20), 30% (COM30), and 40% (COM40) of the CPR cycle. A 2‐minute mechanical SCPR control phase completed the experiment.

Results: Hemodynamic measurements were significantly better for COM20 and COM30 vs SCPR, including, respectively: mean arterial pressure (MAP), 45 ± 8 and 43 ± 7 vs 36 ± 7 torr; coronary perfusion pressure (CPP), 21± 6 and 21 ± 8 vs 16 ± 6 torr; and end‐tidal CO2 (ETCO2), 7 ± 2 and 6.6± 2 vs 5 ± 1.4 torr. MAP, CPP, and ETCO2 during COM40 were not significantly different from those during SCPR, and there was no difference between COM20 and COM30 for any hemodynamic parameter. Aortic flow velocity was significantly better in COM20, COM30, and COM40 vs SCPR: 2.3± 0.7, 2.1± 0.9, and 1.95 ± 0.9 vs 1.3 ± 0.5 cm/sec, respectively.

Conclusion: In a swine model of mechanical HI‐CPR, shorter compression durations combined with fixed increased compression velocity significantly improve resuscitation hemodynamics, compared with those afforded by mechanical SCPR.