bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volume scanning electron microscopy for imaging biological ultrastructure
Authors: Titze Benjamin , Genoud Christel
Published: July 2016

Electron microscopy (EM) has been a key imaging method to investigate biological ultrastructure for over six decades. In recent years, novel volume EM techniques have significantly advanced nanometre‐scale imaging of cells and tissues in three dimensions. Previously, this had depended on the slow and error‐prone manual tasks of cutting and handling large numbers of sections, and imaging them one‐by‐one with transmission EM. Now, automated volume imaging methods mostly based on scanning EM (SEM) allow faster and more reliable acquisition of serial images through tissue volumes and achieve higher z‐resolution. Various software tools have been developed to manipulate the acquired image stacks and facilitate quantitative analysis. Here, we introduce three volume SEM methods: serial block‐face electron microscopy (SBEM), focused ion beam SEM (FIB‐SEM) and automated tape‐collecting ultramicrotome SEM (ATUM‐SEM). We discuss and compare their capabilities, provide an overview of the full volume SEM workflow for obtaining 3D datasets and showcase different applications for biological research.
Evaluation of multifunctional synthetic tetralone derivatives for treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Leng Jing , Qin Hua‐Li , Zhu Kaicheng , Jantan Ibrahim , Hussain Muhammad Ajaz , Sher Muhammad , Amjad Muhammad Wahab , Naeem‐ul‐Hassan Muhammad , Ahmad Waqas , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas
Published: July 2016

Neurodegeneration, a complex disease state, comprises several pathways that contribute to cell death. Conventional approach of targeting only one of these pathways has not been proven to be entirely successful and has demanded a hypothetical change as to how researchers design and develop new drugs. In this study, effects of a series of α, β‐unsaturated carbonyl‐based tetralone derivatives against Alzheimer's disease (AD) were investigated. Moreover, their activity toward amyloid β‐induced cytotoxicity was also studied. Six compounds including 3f, 3o, 3u, 3ae, 3af, and 3ag were discovered to be most protective against Aβ‐induced neuronal cell death in PC12 cells. The findings of in vitro experiment revealed that most of these compounds exhibited potent inhibitory activity against MAO‐B, AChE, and self‐induced Aβ1–42 aggregation. The compound 3f exhibited best AChE (IC50 = 0.045 ± 0.02 μm) inhibitory potential in addition to potent inhibition of MAO‐B (IC50 = 0.88 ± 0.12 μm). Furthermore, compound 3f disassembled the Aβ fibrils produced by self‐induced Aβ aggregation by 78.2 ± 4.8%. Collectively, these findings suggest that some compounds from this series have potential to be promising multifunctional agents for AD treatment.
Increased adipsin is associated with carotid intima media thickness and metabolic disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Gursoy Calan Ozlem , Calan Mehmet , Yesil Senses Pinar , Unal Kocabas Gokcen , Ozden Ebru , Sari Kerime R. , Kocar Merve , Imamoglu Cetin , Senses Yasar M. , Bozkaya Giray , Bilgir Oktay
Published: July 2016

Context

Adipsin, a protein secreted mainly from the adipose tissue, is a structural homologous of complement factor D, a rate‐limiting enzyme of the alternative complement system. Growing evidence suggests that the alternative complement system plays a role both in the regulation of energy homoeostasis and in the atherosclerosis. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive and metabolic disease.

Objective

To ascertain whether circulating adipsin levels are altered in women with PCOS, and whether there is an association between adipsin and metabolic parameters or carotid intima media thickness (CIMT).

Participants

A total of 144 women with PCOS and 144 age‐ and BMI‐matched controls without PCOS were recruited for this cross‐sectional study.

Main Outcome Measures

Circulating adipsin levels were measured using ELISA. Metabolic, hormonal parameters and CIMT were also determined.

Results

Adipsin levels were significantly elevated in women with PCOS compared with controls (91·52 ± 14·11 vs 60·31 ± 9·71 ng/ml, P < 0·001). Adipsin positively correlated with BMI, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), free testosterone, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and CIMT in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds ratio for PCOS was 3·25 for patients in the highest quartile of adipsin compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR=3·25, 95% CI=2·64–4·00, P = 0·016). Our findings further indicate that BMI, HOMA‐IR, hs‐CRP and free testosterone are independent factors influencing serum adipsin levels and that adipsin is an independent predictor for CIMT.

Conclusion

Circulating adipsin levels are significantly higher in women with PCOS, and the peptide is closely related to increased cardiovascular risk and metabolic disturbances.
Beyond Inclusive Conservation: The Value of Pluralism, the Need for Agonism, and the Case for Social Instrumentalism
Authors: Matulis Brett S. , Moyer Jessica R.
Published: July 2016

Recent debate within the conservation community about how to define our mission and delineate our objectives has highlighted frictions between conventional (biodiversity centered) conservation and “new” (socio‐economically driven) conservation. It has also prompted calls for “inclusive conservation,” aimed at accommodating both conventional and new perspectives under one big tent, and quelling continued debate. In focusing on the compatibility between two well established perspectives, however, and constructing conservation as a universal agenda rooted in a common environmental ethic, inclusive conservation reinforces currently dominant thinking in the field. We argue here that, despite its name, inclusive conservation further suppresses marginal views within the conservation community by denying the very existence of margins. Drawing on the work of Nancy Fraser and Chantal Mouffe, we underscore the importance of conflict and agonistic pluralism in maintaining space for historically underrepresented points of view. In doing so, we stake out a position in the conservation debate for what we call social instrumentalism, which is an already marginalized perspective that is further suppressed by calls for inclusivity. Finally, we offer a positive alternative vision for the future of conservation, or more aptly, for a future characterized by many different conservations.
Koebnerization of Hailey–Hailey disease into a cutaneous drug eruption of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis associated with systemic symptoms
Authors: Totonchy Mariam B. , McNiff Jennifer M. , Bunick Christopher G.
Published: July 2016

We describe a 65‐year‐old Caucasian female with well‐controlled Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD) who developed acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) with severe systemic symptoms. Despite sparing of the patient's intertriginous skin, histopathologic evidence of HHD was observed in all biopsies, suggestive of a unique koebernization phenomenon of HHD to areas of cutaneous drug eruption. While internal organ involvement is less commonly reported in AGEP, there are an increasing number of patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of an AGEP/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) spectrum of cutaneous drug disorders. Early diagnosis of patients with AGEP and systemic symptoms is critical so that these patients may receive prompt and aggressive systemic therapy to decrease the risk of end organ damage and improve overall morbidity and mortality.
Intralymphatic CD30+ T‐cell proliferation during DRESS: a mimic of intravascular lymphoma
Authors: Weingertner Noëlle , Mitcov Mona , Chenard Marie‐Pierre , Cribier Bernard
Published: July 2016

Introduction

We describe the case of a patient presenting with drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), where cutaneous biopsy revealed intravascular atypical lymphocytes suggestive of lymphoma.

Case report

A 77‐year‐old man was treated with antibiotics for a hip prosthesis infection. Eight weeks later, he developed a maculo‐papulous eruption, edema of the extremities, fever and blood eosinophilia. Cutaneous biopsy revealed an atypical T‐cell proliferation into the dermal lymphatic vessels. The lymphocytes were mid‐sized, with mitoses and apoptotic figures. They were CD3+, CD4+, CD5+ and some were CD30+. There was no T‐cell receptor (TcR) clonal rearrangement. Complete regression of cutaneous eruption and eosinophilia was observed after ceasing treatment with antibiotics. The diagnosis was that of a benign atypical intralymphatic T‐cell proliferation associated with DRESS.

Discussion

The occurrence of atypical dermal CD30+ T‐cells in cutaneous biopsy during benign reactive conditions such as arthropod bites or scabies is well‐known. The intralymphatic localization of such atypical reactive lymphocytes is much less common and represents a diagnostic pitfall because it can suggest aggressive intravascular lymphoma.

Conclusion

We report the first case of benign atypical intralymphatic CD30+ T‐cell proliferation associated with DRESS. Diagnostic clues include immunohistochemistry, absence of TcR clonal rearrangement, and anatomo‐clinical correlation.
Maternal effects on offspring size in a natural population of the viviparous tsetse fly
Authors: ENGLISH SINEAD , COWEN HONOR , GARNETT EMMA , HARGROVE JOHN W.
Published: July 2016

1. Theory predicts that mothers should adaptively adjust reproductive investment depending on current reserves and future reproductive opportunities. Females in better intrinsic state, or with more resources, should invest more in current reproduction than those with fewer resources. Across the lifespan, investment may increase as future reproductive opportunities decline, yet may also decline with reductions in intrinsic state.

2. Across many species, larger mothers produce larger offspring, but there is no theoretical consensus on why this is so. This pattern may be driven by variation in maternal state such as nutrition, yet few studies measure both size and nutritional state or attempt to tease apart confounding effects of size and age.

3. Viviparous tsetse flies (Glossina species) offer an excellent system to explore patterns of reproductive investment: females produce large, single offspring sequentially over the course of their relatively long life. Thus, per‐brood reproductive effort can be quantified by offspring size.

4. While most tsetse reproduction research has been conducted on laboratory colonies, maternal investment was investigated in this study using a unique field method where mothers were collected as they deposited larvae, allowing simultaneous mother‐offspring measurements under natural conditions.

5. It was found that larger mothers and those with a higher fat content produced larger offspring, and there was a trend for older mothers to produce slightly larger offspring.

6. The present results highlight the importance of measuring maternal nutritional state, rather than size alone, when considering maternal investment in offspring. Implications for understanding vector population dynamics are also discussed.
Seasonal changes in spatial patterns of Oncorhynchus mykiss growth require year‐round monitoring
Authors: Tattam Ian A. , Li Hiram W. , Giannico Guillermo R. , Ruzycki James R.
Published: July 2016

Growth and movement of juvenile salmonids influence the expression of individual life history traits and production of adults at the population scale. We individually marked and recaptured juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss over the course of a year in Murderers Creek, a semi‐arid tributary to the South Fork John Day River in Northeast Oregon. We tagged O. mykiss in three reaches with differing stream gradient, stream temperature and fish density. Mean growth rates differed significantly among reaches and seasons with a significant interaction between reach and season. Reaches with high growth rates shifted across Murderers Creek among seasons. Stream reaches with high growth during the winter had low growth during summer and vice‐versa. The proportion of individuals moving at the reach scale during summer was low (≤2.6%), suggesting that individuals did not track resources at the reach scale. The spatio‐temporal variation in growth indicates that monitoring stream salmonids across multiple seasons is necessary to accurately characterise the production of different stream reaches.
Navigating the complexity of ecological stability
Authors: Donohue Ian , Hillebrand Helmut , Montoya José M. , Petchey Owen L. , Pimm Stuart L. , Fowler Mike S. , Healy Kevin , Jackson Andrew L. , Lurgi Miguel , McClean Deirdre , O'Connor Nessa E. , O'Gorman Eoin J. , Yang Qiang
Published: July 2016

Human actions challenge nature in many ways. Ecological responses are ineluctably complex, demanding measures that describe them succinctly. Collectively, these measures encapsulate the overall ‘stability’ of the system. Many international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Science‐Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, broadly aspire to maintain or enhance ecological stability. Such bodies frequently use terms pertaining to stability that lack clear definition. Consequently, we cannot measure them and so they disconnect from a large body of theoretical and empirical understanding. We assess the scientific and policy literature and show that this disconnect is one consequence of an inconsistent and one‐dimensional approach that ecologists have taken to both disturbances and stability. This has led to confused communication of the nature of stability and the level of our insight into it. Disturbances and stability are multidimensional. Our understanding of them is not. We have a remarkably poor understanding of the impacts on stability of the characteristics that define many, perhaps all, of the most important elements of global change. We provide recommendations for theoreticians, empiricists and policymakers on how to better integrate the multidimensional nature of ecological stability into their research, policies and actions.
Ongoing impairments following transient ischaemic attack: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Turner G. M. , Calvert M. , Feltham M. G. , Ryan R. , Marshall T.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

Clinical management after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is focused on stroke prevention; however, a number of small studies suggest that patients may experience ongoing residual impairments.

Methods

This was a retrospective matched‐cohort study using anonymized electronic primary care records from The Health Improvement Network database, which covers approximately 6% of the UK population. Adults (≥ 18 years old) who experienced a first TIA between 2009 and 2013 were matched in a ratio of 1:5 to controls by age, sex and general practice. The time to first consultation for fatigue, psychological impairment or cognitive impairment was estimated by Kaplan–Meier survivor functions and adjusted hazard ratios.

Results

A total of 9419 TIA patients and 46 511 controls were included. The Kaplan–Meier curves showed that TIA patients were more likely than controls to consult for all three impairments (P < 0.0001). Within 7.1 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 6.2–8.2), 25% of TIA patients consulted for psychological impairment compared with 23.5 months (95% CI, 22.5–24.6) for controls. Hazard ratios for TIA patients were 1.43 (95% CI, 1.33–1.54) for consulting for fatigue, 1.26 (95% CI, 1.20–1.31) for psychological impairment and 1.45 (95% CI, 1.28–1.65) for cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Transient ischaemic attack is associated with significantly increased subsequent consultation for fatigue, psychological impairment and cognitive impairment. These findings suggest that impairments exist after initial symptoms of TIA have resolved, which should be considered by clinicians when treating TIA patients.
The dynamics of introduction of alien scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) into Croatia
Authors: Masten Milek Tatjana , Šimala Mladen , Pintar Maja
Published: July 2016

In recent years, several species of alien scale insects have arrived and spread rapidly through European and Mediterranean countries. One hundred and twenty‐nine species of alien scale insects have so far been recorded in Europe. This paper presents a list of alien scale insect species for Croatia, comprising 56 species from 8 different families. Four of them are new records for Croatia: Aonidiella taxus Leonardi, 1906, Ichnaspis longirostris (Signoret, 1882), Phoenicococcus marlatii (Cockerell, 1899) and Spilococcus mammillariae (Bouche, 1844). The majority of species recorded belong to the following families: Diaspididae (28 species), Coccidae (12 species), Pseudococcidae (10 species), Eriococcidae (two species). The scale insect families Dactylopidae, Margarodidae, Ortheziidae and Pheniococcidae comprised only one recorded alien species each. During the time frame covered in the review (from the beginning of the 20th century until 2015), the majority of alien scale insect species (23) were registered in the period from 2000 to 2015. Data on the origin of introduced alien scale insects shows that the majority of the species originate from Asia (22 species), followed by North America (6 species), Africa, Australia and Central America (5 species each) and South America (4 species), with 9 species being of unknown origin.
Work of the EPPO/IOBC Panel on biological control agents
Authors: Orlinski A. D.
Published: July 2016

EPPO started work on biological control agents (BCAs) in 1996, and the joint EPPO/IOBC Panel was established in 1997. The history of the Panel is provided and EPPO Standards developed by the Panel are described. These Standards are: PM 6/1 ‘First import of exotic biological control agents for research under contained conditions’, PM 6/2 ‘Import and release of non‐indigenous biological control agents’ and PM 6/3 ‘List of biological control agents widely used in the EPPO region’. The last of these has been annually updated as a ‘Positive List’ of BCAs for which EPPO recommends its member countries to use a simplified procedure for import and releases. EPPO activities in biological control have been focused on the safety aspects of the introduction of invertebrate BCAs. However, the scope of EPPO's work in this area is now under review, and a number of issues are being considered by the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations. These include the remit of the Panel and Standards in relation to micro‐organisms, the evaluation of potential environmental benefits as well as potential risks from releases and the potential for use of BCAs against regulated pests and those recommended for regulation.
Regulation and use of biological control agents in Hungary
Authors: Tőkés G. , Ripka G.
Published: July 2016

A wide range of biological control agents (BCAs) have been authorized and used in Hungary for the control of pests (including pathogens). BCAs are key elements of both integrated pest management and organic farming for different crops. Authorization of BCAs depends on the type of ‘active substance’. Micro‐organisms can be authorized under the EU Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009 as plant protection products (PPP), while macro‐organisms are not within its scope. Plant protection tools (traps, mating disruption) are registered at a national level in Hungary, although mass traps and mating disruption pheromones are considered to be PPP. Plant extracts can be authorized as PPP, but some of them can be approved as a ‘basic substance’ and in this case they do not need further authorization. In Hungary, the vast majority of macro‐organisms used as BCAs have been mainly used in greenhouses and polytunnels for the control of thrips, whiteflies, aphids, leaf mining flies, phytophagous mites and lepidopteran pests in vegetable and ornamental crops. Recently a non‐indigenous chalcid wasp, Torymus sinensis, has been successfully introduced for the control of the oriental chestnut gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus, on chestnut (Castanea sativa) on different sites.
An EPPO study on wood commodities other than round wood, sawn wood and manufactured items
Authors: Ward M. G. , Orlinski A. D.
Published: July 2016

This paper summarizes the approach of a recent EPPO study and some of its key outputs. The study was commissioned to aid pest risk analysis and the development of risk management measures for movements of woodchips and other similar commodities. These wood commodities represent a significant pathway for the introduction of pests of trees into new areas, and the pathway is becoming more important as trade in such commodities increases. An indication of the relative risk of different commodities for different types of pest was proposed as a conclusion of the study. More information is now needed on the quantities and nature of the material being moved into and within the EPPO region, and the treatments to which it has been subjected. This may not be clear from commercial documentation and trade data so national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) are encouraged to gather and share such information from inspections of consignments.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of rVIII‐SingleChain and octocog alfa (Advate®) in patients with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Klamroth R. , Simpson M. , von Depka‐Prondzinski M. , Gill J. C. , Morfini M. , Powell J. S. , Santagostino E. , Davis J. , Huth‐Kühne A. , Leissinger C. , Neumeister P. , Bensen‐Kennedy D. , Feussner A. , Limsakun T. , Zhou M. , Veldman A. , St. Ledger K. , Blackman N. , Pabinger I.
Published: July 2016

Background

rVIII‐SingleChain, a novel recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII), has been designed as a B‐domain truncated construct with covalently bonded heavy and light chains, aiming to increase binding affinity to von Willebrand factor (VWF). Preclinical studies confirmed greater affinity for VWF, giving improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties compared with full‐length rFVIII.

Aim

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of rVIII‐SingleChain and compare them against those of full‐length rFVIII.

Methods

This study enrolled 27 patients with severe haemophilia A in the AFFINITY clinical trial programme. After a 4‐day washout period, all patients received a single infusion of 50 IU kg−1 octocog alfa (Advate®); after a ≥4‐day postinfusion washout period, they received a single infusion of 50 IU kg−1 rVIII‐SingleChain. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic assessments of each product were collected before infusion (predose) and at 0.5, 1, 4, 8, 10, 24, 32, 48 and 72 h postinfusion for both products.

Results

rVIII‐SingleChain had a longer mean half‐life (t1/2) (14.5 vs. 13.3 h), lower mean clearance (CL) (2.64 vs. 3.68 mL h−1 kg−1), higher mean residence time (20.4 vs. 17.1 h) and larger mean AUCinf (2090 vs. 1550 IU?h dL−1) than octocog alfa, respectively. The mean AUCinf after rVIII‐SingleChain infusion was ~35% larger than after octocog alfa. A similar pattern was observed for AUC0‐last. No serious adverse events or inhibitors were reported.

Conclusions

rVIII‐SingleChain has a favourable pharmacokinetic profile compared with octocog alfa and was well tolerated. The prolonged t1/2, larger AUC and reduced CL of rVIII‐SingleChain may permit longer dosing intervals, thereby improving patient adherence to prophylactic treatment.
Tb3Al2.5Ga2.5O12 Transparent Ceramic for Magneto‐Optical Application
Authors: Hao Deming , Feng Yue , Tang Yanru , Yi Xuezhuan , Zhang Shuai , Chen Chong , Lin Hui , Zhou Shengming
Published: July 2016

The optical quality and microstructure of the Tb3Al2.5Ga2.5O12 transparent ceramic were investigated and compared with those of Tb3Ga5O12 (TGG) and Tb3Al5O12 (TAG). The transmission of the Tb3Al2.5Ga2.5O12 ceramic was as high as 80% in the visible and near‐infrared (IR) regions, which was close to the theoretical value. The Verdet constant of the Tb3Al2.5Ga2.5O12 ceramic measured at 632.8 nm and room temperature was −150.6 rad/Tm, which was 12% larger than that of the TGG single crystal and 13% smaller than that of the TAG single crystal, and the Tb3Al2.5Ga2.5O12 ceramic showed the highest transparency among these three samples.
Change in quality of life in older people with dementia participating in Paro‐activity: a cluster‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jøranson Nina , Pedersen Ingeborg , Rokstad Anne Marie Mork , Ihlebæk Camilla
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of robot‐assisted group activity with Paro on quality of life in older people with dementia.

Background

Nursing home residents with severe dementia often experience social withdrawal and lower quality of life, which are suggested to be enhanced by non‐pharmacological interventions.

Design

A cluster‐randomized controlled trial. Ten nursing home units were randomized to robot‐assisted intervention or control group (treatment as usual).

Methods

Data were collected between March 2013–September 2014. 27 participants participated in group activity for 30 minutes twice a week over 12 weeks, 26 participated in the control group. Change in quality of life was assessed by local nurses through the Quality of Life in Late‐Stage Dementia scale at baseline, after end of intervention and at 3 months follow‐up. The scale and regular psychotropic medication were analysed stratified by dementia severity. Analysis using mixed model, one‐way anova and linear regression were performed.

Results

An effect was found among participants with severe dementia from baseline to follow‐up showing stable quality of life in the intervention group compared with a decrease in the control group. The intervention explained most of the variance in change in the total scale and in the subscales describing Tension and Well‐being for the group with severe dementia. The intervention group used significantly less psychotropic medication compared with the control group after end of intervention.

Conclusion

Pleasant and engaging activities facilitated by nursing staff, such as group activity with Paro, could improve quality of life in people with severe dementia.

The trial is in adherence with the CONSORT statement and is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (study ID number: NCT02008630).
Psychometric testing of the Italian and French versions of the Care Dependency Scale
Authors: Zürcher Simeon Joel , Vangelooven Christa , Borter Natalie , Schnyder Daniel , Hahn Sabine
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to test psychometrically the Italian and French versions of the Care Dependency Scale.

Background

The Care Dependency Scale assesses changes in patients’ level of care dependency including important functional and mental dimensions. Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Italian version is still ongoing. The French version has to date not been validated.

Design

Nationwide cross‐sectional point prevalence study.

Method

Data were extracted from the national, annual prevalence survey of hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers and inpatient falls in Swiss acute care hospitals in 2011. A total of 799 Italian and 1068 French‐speaking patients were included in the analysis. For the evaluation, the psychometric properties were tested for each language both separately and conjointly.

Results

The scales revealed high internal consistency. Factor analysis presented a one‐factor solution for both versions separately as well as combined. Comparison of internal structure revealed an excellent degree of equivalence between the versions. Highly significant Spearman correlations between the Care Dependency Scale and the Braden Scale sum scores indicated satisfactory criterion validity.

Conclusion

Both the Italian and the French versions of the Care Dependency Scale showed satisfactory psychometric properties and a high level of equivalence. Further psychometric testing, using modern test theory approaches, is required. However, the scale is recommended as a valid instrument for further use in Italian and French.
Vascular Complications During Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias: A Comparison Between Vascular Ultrasound Guided Access and Conventional Vascular Access
Authors: SHARMA PARIKSHIT S. , PADALA SANTOSH K. , GUNDA SAMPATH , KONERU JAYANTHI N. , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A.
Published: July 2016

Ultrasound Guided Vascular Access for Electrophysiologic Procedures

Introduction

Vascular access related complications are the most common complications from catheter based EP procedures and have been reported to occur in 1–13% of cases. We prospectively assessed vascular complications in a large series of consecutive patients undergoing catheter based electrophysiologic (EP) procedures with ultrasound (US) guided vascular access versus conventional access.

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation procedures at VCU medical center were included. US guided access was obtained in all cases starting June 2015 (US group) while modified Seldinger technique without US guidance (non‐US group) was used in cases prior to this date. All vascular complications were recorded for a 30‐day period after the procedure. A total of 689 patients underwent 720 procedures. Ablations for ventricular tachyarrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia: VT, premature ventricular contractions: PVCs) accounted for 89 (12%) cases; atrial fibrillation (AF) ablations accounted for 328 procedures (46%) and other catheter based procedures accounted for 42% of cases. A significantly higher incidence of complications was noted in the non‐US group compared with the US group (19 [5.3%] vs. 4 [1.1%], respectively, P = 0.002). Major complications were also higher among the non‐US group (9 [2.5%] vs. 2 [0.6%], P = 0.03). Increasing age (P = 0.04) and non‐US guided vascular access (P = 0.002) were associated with a higher risk of vascular access complications.

Conclusion

In a large series of patients undergoing catheter based EP procedures for cardiac arrhythmias, US guided vascular access was associated with a significantly decreased 30‐day risk of vascular complications.
Performance of Anatomically Designed Quadripolar Left Ventricular Leads: Results from the NAVIGATE X4 Clinical Trial
Authors: MITTAL SUNEET , NAIR DEVI , PADANILAM BENZY J. , CIUFFO ALLEN , GUPTA NIGEL , GALLAGHER PETER , GOLDNER BRUCE , HAMMILL ERIC F. , WOLD NICOLAS , STEIN KENNETH , BURKE MARTIN
Published: July 2016

Anatomically Designed Quadripolar LV Leads

Introduction

The safety and efficacy of a novel family of quadripolar left ventricular (LV) pacing leads designed to pace from nonapical regions of the LV with low pacing capture thresholds was studied in patients undergoing implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D).

Methods and Results

Patients receiving a CRT‐D were implanted with 1 of 3 ACUITY X4 leads (Spiral Long, Spiral Short, or Straight), designed to address coronary venous anatomical variability. Electrical performance and LV lead related complications were evaluated 3 and 6 months post implantation, respectively. 764 patients (68 ± 11 years, 66% male) were enrolled; 738 (97%) successfully implanted with an ACUITY X4 lead (Spiral L, n = 239, 31%; Spiral S, n = 281, 37%; Straight, n = 218, 29%). A targeted threshold ≤2.5 V was achieved in 644 (94%) patients. The median threshold from the best proximal electrode was lower than the tip electrode (0.9 V [IQR 0.7, 1.3] vs. 1.3 V [IQR 0.7, 2.5], p< 0.001) on Spiral leads. Irrespective of lead implanted, one of the proximal electrodes was the programmed cathode in most patients. The overall LV complication‐free rate was 98%. LV lead dislodgment occurred in 8 (1%) patients. PNS occurred in 58 (8%) patients, but only 3 (0.4%) patients required surgical intervention.

Conclusion

The ACUITY X4 LV leads had low pacing thresholds particularly from proximal electrodes, a high incidence of pacing from the nondistal electrode, and low likelihood of dislodgment or PNS requiring surgical intervention. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02071173)
Culturing Heterotrophic Protists from the Baltic Sea: Mostly the “Usual Suspects” but a Few Novelties as Well
Authors: Weber Felix , Mylnikov Alexander P. , Jürgens Klaus , Wylezich Claudia
Published: July 2016

The study of cultured strains has a long tradition in protistological research and has greatly contributed to establishing the morphology, taxonomy, and ecology of many protist species. However, cultivation‐independent techniques, based on 18S rRNA gene sequences, have demonstrated that natural protistan assemblages mainly consist of hitherto uncultured protist lineages. This mismatch impedes the linkage of environmental diversity data with the biological features of cultured strains. Thus, novel taxa need to be obtained in culture to close this knowledge gap. In this study, traditional cultivation techniques were applied to samples from coastal surface waters and from deep oxygen‐depleted waters of the Baltic Sea. Based on 18S rRNA gene sequencing, 126 monoclonal cultures of heterotrophic protists were identified. The majority of the isolated strains were affiliated with already cultured and described taxa, mainly chrysophytes and bodonids. This was likely due to “culturing bias” but also to the eutrophic nature of the Baltic Sea. Nonetheless, ~ 12% of the isolates in our culture collection showed highly divergent 18S rRNA gene sequences compared to those of known organisms and thus may represent novel taxa, either at the species level or at the genus level. Moreover, we also obtained evidence that some of the isolated taxa are ecologically relevant, under certain conditions, in the Baltic Sea.
Determinants of Health Behaviors After Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study in Geneva
Authors: Kaiser Barbara , Jeannot Emilien , Razurel Chantal
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications in pregnancy. The objective of this study was to specify the determinants of postpartum physical activity and dietary habits after a pregnancy complicated by GDM in a population of Swiss women. This information will be used to improve health promotion and diabetes prevention interventions for women with a history of GDM.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 173 pregnant women with a diagnosis of GDM was carried out. Quantitative data were collected at the end of pregnancy (T1) and at 6 months postpartum (T3). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess associations between the level of healthy lifestyle at 6 months postpartum, clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, motivation to adopt a healthy lifestyle after birth at the end of pregnancy, and postulated psychosocial correlates of health behaviors.

Results

Multivariate regression analysis showed that only 2 variables were determinants in a low adherence to healthy lifestyle in the postpartum period after GDM: a lower level of social support (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; P < .001) and more perceived barriers to a healthy lifestyle (OR, 1.2; P = .002).

Discussion

This study shows that, for women who had GDM, the problem of low adherence to a healthy lifestyle to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes may be secondary to the lack of resources available for the promotion and development of healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. The findings of this study suggest that some women with a history of GDM do not have the means and resources in the postpartum period to apply the advice given during antenatal monitoring.
Integrated Review of Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: McFarland Ditsapelo M. , Gueldner Sarah M. , Mogobe Keitshokile D.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to review published studies to identify and describe barriers to Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening among women in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Design and Methods

Guided by Cooper's integrative review methodology, studies published between 2006 and 2015 were identified by searching electronic databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, MEDLINE, ProQuest, and PsycINFO using specified search terms. Using this strategy, 224 articles were identified and screened for duplication and by reading titles, abstracts, and full texts. Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria and were appraised using relevant tools for qualitative and quantitative designs. No relevant articles published in 2006, 2007, and 2014 were found.

Findings

All 17 articles had good methodological quality and were included in the review. The studies were from 10 sub‐Saharan countries and from different settings. Content analysis of the data revealed three major themes coded as client, provider, and system barriers. The most common client barriers were lack of knowledge and awareness about Pap smear screening, fear of cancer, belief of not being at risk for cervical cancer, and that a Pap smear is not important unless one is ill and cultural or religious factors. Provider barriers were failure to inform or encourage women to screen. Major system barriers were unavailability and inaccessibility of the Pap test.

Conclusions

The review provided evidence of barriers to Pap smear screening among sub‐Saharan women. Although there were some variations from country to country, sub‐Saharan countries share similar constraints to Pap smear screening. These findings have important implications for practice and policy.

Clinical Relevance

Understanding the client, provider, and system barriers to cervical cancer screening could guide development of effective interventions.
The Role of New Removable Complete Dentures in Stimulated Salivary Flow and Taste Perception
Authors: Tango Rubens Nisie , Arata Anelyse , Borges Alexandre Luiz Souto , Costa Anna K.F. , Pereira Luciano Jose , Kaminagakura Estela
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of replacement of inadequate complete dentures on salivary flow and taste perception in geriatric patients.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐three patients, 13 males and 20 females, with a mean age of 64.4 years were submitted to stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rate and salivary pH measurements, and sense of taste evaluation. Tests were performed 3 months before complete denture substitution and 3 weeks after denture insertion.

Results

The mean for unstimulated saliva (USS) was 2.1 ml before and 2.7 ml after replacement (p = 0.003). The mean volume of stimulated saliva was 6.3 ml before and 8.2 ml after replacement (p = 0.004). The pH mean of USS was 7.8 ± 0.44 before and 8.02 ± 0.41 after replacement (p = 0.005). No statistically significant difference was determined in the sense of taste before and 3 weeks after complete denture replacement.

Conclusions

The replacement of inadequate complete dentures increases saliva flow; however, it does not improve taste perception.
Novel carvedilol paediatric nanomicelle formulation: in-vitro characterization and in-vivo evaluation
Authors: Wegmann Marcel , Parola Luciano , Bertera Facundo M , Taira Carlos A , Cagel Maximiliano , Buontempo Fabian , Bernabeu Ezequiel , Höcht Christian , Chiappetta Diego A , Moretton Marcela A
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Carvedilol (CAR) is a poorly water-soluble beta-blocker. Its encapsulation within nanomicelles (NMs) could improve drug solubility and its oral bioavailability, allowing the development of a paediatric liquid CAR formulation with commercially available copolymers: D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) and poly(vinyl caprolactam)-poly(vinyl acetate)-poly(ethylene glycol) (Soluplus®).

Methods

Drug-loaded NMs were prepared by copolymer and CAR dispersion in distilled water. Micellar size and morphology were characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. In-vitro drug permeation studies were evaluated by conventional gut sac method. In-vivo CAR oral bioavailability from NMs dispersions and drug control solution was evaluated in Wistar rats.

Key findings

Carvedilol apparent aqueous solubility was increased (up to 60.4-folds) after its encapsulation within NMs. The micellar size was ranged between 10.9 and 81.9 nm with a monomodal size distribution. There was a significant enhancement of CAR relative oral bioavailability for both copolymers vs a micelle-free drug solution (P < 0.05). This improvement was higher for TPGS-based micelles (4.95-fold) in accordance with the in-vitro CAR permeation results.

Conclusions

The present investigation demonstrates the development of highly concentrated CAR liquid micellar formulation. The improvement on drug oral bioavailability contributes to the potential of this NMs formulation to enhance CAR paediatric treatment.
Martian meteorite Tissint records unique petrogenesis among the depleted shergottites
Authors: Basu Sarbadhikari A. , Babu E. V. S. S. K. , Vijaya Kumar T. , Chennaoui Aoudjehane H.
Published: July 2016

Tissint, a new unaltered piece of Martian volcanic materials, is the most silica‐poor and Mg‐Fe‐rich igneous rock among the “depleted” olivine‐phyric shergottites. Fe‐Mg zoning of olivine suggests equilibrium growth (<0.1 °C h−1) in the range of Fo80–56 and olivine overgrowth (Fo55–18) through a process of rapid disequilibrium (~1.0–5.0 °C h−1). The spatially extended (up to 600 μm) flat‐top Fe‐Mg profiles of olivine indicates that the early‐stage cooling rate of Tissint was slower than the other shergottites. The chemically metastable outer rim of olivine (<Fo55) consists of oscillatory phosphorus zoning at the impact‐induced melt domains and grew rapidly compared to the early to intermediate‐stage crystallization of the Tissint bulk. High‐Ca pyroxene to low‐Ca pyroxene and high‐Ca pyroxene to plagioclase ratios of Tissint are more comparable to the enriched basaltic and enriched olivine‐phyric shergottites. Dominance of augite over plagioclase induced augite to control the Ca‐buffer in the residual melt suppressing the plagioclase crystallization, which also caused a profound effect on the Al‐content in the late‐crystallized pyroxenes. Mineral chemical stability, phase‐assemblage saturation, and pressure–temperature path of evolution indicates that the parent magma entered the solidus and left the liquidus field at a depth of 40–80 km in the upper mantle. Petrogenesis of Tissint appears to be similar to LAR 06319, an enriched olivine‐phyric shergottite, during the early to intermediate stage of crystallization. A severe shock‐induced deformation resulted in remelting (10–15 vol%), recrystallization (most Fe‐rich phases), and exhumation of Tissint in a time scale of 1–8 yr. Tissint possesses some distinct characteristics, e.g., impact‐induced melting and deformation, forming phosphorus‐rich recrystallization rims of olivine, and shock‐induced melt domains without relative enrichment of LREEs compared to the bulk; and shared characteristics, e.g., modal composition and magmatic evolution with the enriched basaltic shergottites, evidently reflecting unique mantle source in comparison to the clan of the depleted members.
The regulatory factor X protein MoRfx1 is required for development and pathogenicity in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Sun Dandan , Cao Huijuan , Shi Yongkai , Huang Pengyun , Dong Bo , Liu Xiaohong , Lin Fucheng , Lu Jianping
Published: July 2016

Magnaporthe oryzae is a cereal pathogen causing 20%–30% rice yield losses. Regulatory factor X transcription factors are highly conserved proteins with diverse functions among organisms. Here, we show that MoRfx1 is required for cell division, development and pathogenicity in M. oryzae. Deletion of MoRFX1 resulted in reduced growth and conidiation, decreased appressorium turgor and impaired virulence. ΔMorfx1 displayed increased sensitivity to UV light, four DNA‐damaging agents and three cell wall‐perturbing compounds. However, ΔMorfx1 showed decreased sensitivity to bleomycin, a DNA/cell wall‐damaging agent, and increased chitin content of the cell wall in vegetative mycelium. In addition, cell division speed was reduced in ΔMorfx1, and ΔMorfx1 did not produce three‐celled conidia. RNA‐sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses suggested that MoRfx1 has bipartite functions in the control of the expression of genes required for cell division and chitin metabolism, not only as a transcriptional repressor, but also as a transcriptional activator. In particular, the expression of chitin deacetylase genes MoCDA2 and MoCDA1 was greatly down‐regulated in ΔMorfx1, and deletion of MoCDA2 and MoCDA1, similar to ΔMorfx1, increased resistance to bleomycin. Taken together, our results indicate that MoRFX1 regulates development and pathogenicity by modulating the expression of genes involved in cell division and cell wall integrity.
Epidemiology of onychomycosis in Crete, Greece: a 12‐year study
Authors: Maraki Sofia , Mavromanolaki Viktoria Eirini
Published: July 2016

Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal nail infection caused by dermatophytes, yeasts or non‐dermatophyte moulds (NDMs). It occurs worldwide and accounts for about 50% of all nail disorders. The incidence of the disease and the prevalence of pathogens involved vary in different geographical areas and change with time. This study was undertaken to determine the epidemiology of onychomycosis in Crete, Greece during a 12‐year period. Mycologic nail investigation (direct microscopy and cultures) was performed in samples taken from 3317 patients with clinical suspicion of onychomycosis. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities and concurrent superficial fungal infections at other body sites were also recorded. Onychomycosis was mycologically confirmed in 547 (16.5%) patients. Fingernail onychomycosis was found in 274 (50.1%) patients, toenail onychomycosis in 271 (49.5%), and both toenail and fingernail onychomycosis in two (0.4%). Yeasts were the major causative agents, followed by dermatophytes and NDMs. Candida albicans was the most commonly isolated yeast species and Trichophyton rubrum the most common dermatophyte. Concomitant fungal skin infections were noted in 53 (19.6%) patients with toenail onychomycosis. Factors predisposing to onychomycosis were trauma, diabetes, psoriasis, peripheral circulatory insufficiency and immunosuppression. Mycological investigations are necessary to confirm clinical diagnosis and identify the pathogen, in order to select the most appropriate treatment.
A Conceptual Typology of Kin‐State Mediation
Authors: Kocadal Özker
Published: July 2016

In this article, I argue that kin states can play major roles in international mediation processes involving their kin communities. Although kin states may be naturally biased toward their kin, kin states are sometimes actively involved in mediation processes and such involvement is even encouraged by third‐party mediators. In this study, I divide the various roles assumed by kin states in mediation into four main conceptual categories: promoter, quasi‐mediator, powerbroker, and enforcer. My analysis presumes that a kin state can use its close ties with its kin community to make third‐party mediation more successful. I support and illustrate this model using cases of kin‐state involvement in peace processes and examine both the benefits and complications that kin‐state mediation can entail. This study contributes to scholarship examining the effectiveness of biased mediators. I conclude that the role a kin state assumes in a mediation is often context‐dependent, but that third‐party mediators and the international community can use their leverage over kin states to improve the peace process.