bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Routine Tail Suspension Husbandry Facilitates Onset of Seizure Susceptibility in EL Mice
Authors: Leussis Melanie P. , Heinrichs Stephen C.
Published: April 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Tail suspension can elicit seizures in susceptible EL mice, a model of idiopathic, multifactorial epilepsy. Further, repeated tail suspension hastens the lifetime onset of seizure susceptibility in these mice. The present study tested the hypothesis that curtailing human handling during development would delay the onset of seizure susceptibility relative to EL mice handled regularly by using tail suspension for standard laboratory husbandry.

Methods: Control mice were handled by the tail for bedding changes, whereas unhandled mice bedding was changed by using specially designed connector cages that allowed mice to transfer without handling to a cage containing clean bedding. Seizure susceptibility was tested beginning at 70, 80, 90, 100, or 140 days of age by using a handling‐induced seizure‐susceptibility paradigm.

Results: Among handled mice, more than half of the sample exhibited seizures by age 80 days relative to fewer than one fourth of unhandled mice. In addition, each group was tested a second time 10 days after the initial seizure‐susceptibility test to detect potential experience‐induced increases in seizure susceptibility. Once again, a higher frequency of handled mice expressed seizures at significantly younger ages relative to unhandled mice.

Conclusions: Although it was already known that repeated tail suspension could speed the onset of seizure susceptibility in EL mice, the present results are the first to demonstrate the converse finding that decreasing routine human handling can delay significantly the onset of seizure susceptibility. This suggests that removal of nonconsensual aspects of human–animal contact may delay or prevent the onset of seizure susceptibility.
Epileptic Seizures Superimposed on Catatonic Stupor
Authors: Suzuki Kazumasa , Miura Nobuyoshi , Awata Shuichi , Ebina Yukio , Takano Takehisa , Honda Tomoko , Shindo Tsuyoshi , Matsuoka Hiroo
Published: April 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Some patients with nonconvulsive status epilepticus are known to exhibit catatonic stupor. Thus it is necessary to rule out ictal catatonia by electroencephalography in patients with catatonic stupor. However, few reports are available on epileptic seizures superimposed on catatonic stupor.

Methods: We report three cases of epileptic seizures superimposed on psychiatric catatonic stupor without a prominent predisposing factor, including high fever or encephalitis. None of the patients had a personal or family history of neurologic disease, including epilepsy.

Results: In all three patients, catatonic stupor persisted after resolution of the epileptic seizures with administration of phenytoin. In two of the three patients, catatonic stupor resolved with electroconvulsive therapy, which caused no marked adverse effects.

Conclusions: Because it is possible that catatonic stupor itself predisposes patients to the development of epileptic seizures, electroencephalographic examinations in patients with catatonic stupor are indispensable for early recognition not only of nonconvulsive status epilepticus but also of epileptic seizures superimposed on catatonic stupor. Electroconvulsive therapy deserves consideration when catatonic stupor persists after resolution of epileptic seizures.
AMMONIA PRODUCTION IN UREA‐GROWN CULTURES OF CHLORELLA ELLIPSOIDEA12
Authors: Little Linda W. , Mah Robert A.
Published: April 2006

Production of ammonia by urea‐grown Chlorella ellipsoidea was investigated. Ammonia was produced during the stationary growth phase in cultures with urea as sole nitrogen source and glucose as supplementary carbon source. Ammonia was produced only in medium containing excess urea and limiting amounts of glucose. Ammonia production was accompanied by increase in pH.

In cultures with nitrate as sole nitrogen source and glucose as supplementary carbon source, growth and pH changes were similar to those in urea‐glucose medium, but no ammonia was detected.

Cultures grown in urea‐acetate medium were similar to those grown in urea medium without additional organic carbon source. No ammonia was produced under these circumstances and growth was significantly lower than that achieved in glucose‐supplemented cultures.

C. ellipsoidea evidently produces an enzyme or enzyme system which forms ammonia from urea. This organism was reportedly urease‐free because previous workers did not detect ammonia formation from urea. Our findings indicate that special circumstances are required to produce detectable amounts of ammonia from urea. These findings are in agreement with a recent report of urea‐splitting, cofactor‐requiring enzyme in cell‐free extracts of Chlorella.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CARPOSPOROPHYTE OF KALLYMENIA RENIFORMIS (TURNER) J. AGARDH1
Authors: Hommersand Max H. , Ott D. W.
Published: April 2006

The development of the carposporophyte in Kallymenia reniformis involves an elaborate series of interactions between reproductive and vegetative tissues. Following fertilization, the inner cells of the carpogonial branches form processes that unite with the supporting cell and with each other, giving rise to a large fusion cell. A number of medullary filaments are enveloped and incorporated within the developing fusion cell. Secondary filaments may be produced from medullary cells outside the fusion cell after connecting filaments have been initiated.

Connecting filaments are nonseptale and wind their way through the medulla. The presence of a connecting filament in the vicinity of an auxiliary cell appears to initiate a complex sequence of responses. Vegetative filaments are produced in the medulla and inner cortex that grow centripetally toward the auxiliary cell and fuse with one another, forming a network of secondary tissue. One of the vegetative cells may penetrate the auxiliary cell, while others intrude into subsidiary cells connecting them with the network. An ostiolate pericarp is initiated in the cortex above the auxiliary cell. The connecting filament fuses with the auxiliary cell and also with some of the surrounding vegetative cells, forming an irregular lobed structure. Gonimoblast is initiated in scattered pockets from vegetative cells in the vicinity of the auxiliary cell apparatus.
UPTAKE OF COBALT AND VITAMIN B12 BY TROPICAL MARINE MACROALGAE1,2
Authors: Bunt J. S.
Published: April 2006

Using gamma spectroscopy, measurements were made of the uptake of cobalt and vitamin B12 by a number of species of tropical macroalgae, particularly Laurencia corallopsis and Enteromorpha lingulata. Data were gathered on the manner in which uptake rates are influenced by illumination and how they change with time during incubation and with substrate concentration. Some information is included on uptake rates when cobalt and vitamin B12 were provided separately and together.
INORGANIC NITROGEN ASSIMILATION OF DITYLUM BRIGHTWELLII, A MARINE PLANKTON DIATOM1,2
Authors: Eppley Richard W. , Rogers Jane N.
Published: April 2006

Apparent Km values for nitrite reductase, glutamic dehydrogenase, and nitrate reductase are of the order 10−4 molar for nitrite, ammonia, and nitrate, respectively while half‐saturation constants for the corresponding uptake mechanisms approximate 10−6 molar. Ammonium and nitrate are accumulated in the vacuolated cells of the diatom (about 10 and 40 mmoles/liter cell volume, respectively) and these intracellular pools serve as substrate for the assimilatory enzymes. Nitrite is either not accumulated or is concentrated, in a very small cellular compartment.

Ammonium and nitrate in the external medium exert modifying effects on uptake and assimilatory mechanisms which can be distinguished from effects of the ions accumulated within the cells. Several of these effects are described and fitted into a general scheme of nitrogen assimilation by D. brightwellii.
PRODUCTION OF VITAMIN B12, THIAMINE, AND BIOTIN BY PHYTOPLANKTON1
Authors: Carlucci A. F. , Bowes Peggy M.
Published: April 2006

Some ecologically important phytoplankters released vitamins into culture medium during growth. Skeletonema costatum and Stephanopyxis turris (vitamin B12‐requirers) produced both thiamine (vitamin B1) and biotin when growing with either 12 or 2 ng vitamin B12/liter. Gonyaulax polyedra (vitamin B12‐requirer) produced thiamine with 12 ng vitamin B12/liter, and Coccolithus huxleyi (thiamine‐requirer) produced vitamin B12 and biotin with 120 ng thiamine/liter, but only biotin with 10 ng thiamine/liter. The amount of vitamin produced by an alga and rate at which it was produced varied with the phytoplankter, the concentration of the required vitamin, and incubation time. Vitamins produced during early and exponential growth were due to excretions, and those produced at stationary growth resulted from excretion and release due to cell lysis.

Uptake of the required vitamin by all phytoplankters was greatest during the first few days of incubation. On continued incubation the rate of uptake/cell decreased.

In the sea phytoplankters may contribute a major portion of the amount of dissolved vitamins.
VITAMIN PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION BY PHYTOPLANKTON IN MIXED CULTURE1
Authors: Carlucci A. F. , Bowes Peggy M.
Published: April 2006

The production and utilization of vitamins by 2 or more, marine phytoplankters cultured in the same vessel were demonstrated. The release of toxic materials or vitamin inactivators wax also observed. The utilization of vitamins by those phytoplankters requiring them and the production of toxic materials were determined from increases and decreases in cell numbers of certain algae grown in mixed cultures.

Vitamin utilization was most readily observed in mixed cultures where 2 phytoplankters were present. Dunaliella tertiolecta and Skeletonema costatum produced utilizable thiamine for Coccolithus huxleyi. C. huxleyi released utilizable vitamin B12 for Cyclotella nana. D. tertiolecta, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and S. costatum produced utilizable biotin for Amphidinium carterae. The amount of utilizable vitamin and rate at which it was released depended on the phytoplankters present and conditions of incubation.

In complex systems with more than 2 phytoplankters, beneficial effects to utilizers were often noted for short durations during the incubation period. At the end of the experiments the beneficial effects were usually not evident.

P. tricornutum (nonvitamin requirer) was stimulated by a mixture of carryover B12 and thiamine when growing with A. carterae, indicating that in vitamin‐free media it cannot synthesize vitamin(s) fast enough to allow for a maximum growth rate.

The concentrations of vitamins in seawater samples may not be the amounts available to vitamin‐requiring organisms. Among the factors affecting vitamin availability are the production of inhibitors and vitamin inactivators by various organisms in the ecosystem.
OLISTHODISCUS LUTEUS (CHRYSOPHYCEAE) I. EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND TEMPERATURE ON GROWTH. MOTILITY AND SURVIVALS1, 2
Authors: Tomas Carmelo R.
Published: April 2006

The effect of salinity and temperature on Olisthodiscus luteus Carter has been examined to across the relative importance of these factory on dynamics of natural population. A salinity range 2–50% was observed with increased tolerance to low salinity (<5%.) at higher temperature (20–30°C). Slinities at 4–5%. Had densities of 103 cells/ml−1, and growth >0.5 division day−1 at temperature of 15–30°C higher salinities (5–50%.) variable but distinct optima for density, growth and motility were observed

5, 10 and 30°C. Density and motility showed no clear optima from 10–10%.15–25°C where maximum growth rates >1.0 division/day−1 were common. Temperature increased from (0.5–1.9 division. Day−1) and increases of three orders of magnitude (102−103) for maximum densities. Temperature optima 20°C for growth 5–35%. And 25°C for >40%. were observed. The implications of these findings to natural populations of O. luleus are discussed.
LIPID COMPOSITION OF A PROCHLOROPHYTE1
Authors: Perry G.J. , Gillan F.T. , Johns R.B.
Published: April 2006

ABSRACT

A lipid analysis is reported of a symbiont Prochloron sp. associated with the ascidian Lissorclinum patella collected from Rodda Reef, North Queensland, Australia. Phosphatidyl glycerol, monogalacosyl diglyceride, digalacosyl diglyceride and sulfoquinovasyl diglyceride were identified. These lipids together with their fatty acid profiles, the limited range of hydrocargons (nC13‐nC17), and sterol analysis (chlesterol 27%) are consistent with a firm relaionship fot the new genus Prochloron with he Cyanophya.
BENTHIC MARINE DIATOM ASSOCIATIONS: UPPER FLORIDA BAY (FLORIDA) AND ASSOCIATED SOUNDS1
Authors: DeFelice David R. , Lynts George W.
Published: April 2006

Models of the diatom associations found in upper Florida Bay and adjoining sounds have been constructed utilizing Q modal factor‐vector analysis and ecologic diversity indices (Shannon index, number of species, evenness). Four distinct associations were defined using Q‐mode factor‐vector analysis. Two associations were epiphytic, occurring on Thalassia testudinum König—Association I was characterized by Cocconeis placentula Ehr., Association III by Cylindrotheca closterium (Ehr.) Reim. & Lewin and Cocconeis placentula Ehr. The other two associations were epipelic, occurring on the carbonate mud substratum—Association II was characterized by Cyclotella striata (Kütz.) Grun., Rhopalodia gibberula (Ehr.) O. Müller and Surirella fastuosa (Ehr.) Kütz., Association IV by Fragilaria crotonensis Kitton and Cyclotella striata (Kütz.) Grun. The majority of the 161 species identified were present in both the epiphytic and epipelic assemblages. Only 33 species were restricted to the epiphyton, and 18 species restricted to the epipelon. The epipelic assemblage was significantly more diverse than was the epiphytic assemblage. A general trend of increased diversity away from terrestrial environs toward more open areas of water in both the epipelon and epiphyton was also found.
INTRACELLULAR BACTERIA INGONYOSTOMUM SEMEN(CHLOROMONADOPHYCEAE)1,2
Authors: Heywood Peter
Published: April 2006

Intracellular bacteria occur in ca. 5–10% ofGonyostomum semenDiesing cells. Bacteria are rod‐shaped and are present in localized regions of the cytoplasm. This is the first report of intracellular bacteria in the Chloromonadophyceae.
VARIATION IN OCHLOCHAETE HYSTRIX (CHAETOPHORALES. CHLOROPHYYCEAE) STUDIED IN CULTURE1
Authors: Nielsen Ruth
Published: April 2006

Six different isolates of Ochlochaete Thwaites ex Harvey have been studied under identical culture conditions. All the isolates show open branching, a character previously ascribed specifically to O. hystrix Thwaites ex Harv. sensu stricto, and all form hairs on rounded cells in the central part of the thallus, a character hitherto attributed only to O. ferox Huber. Consequently, separation of these two entities on the species level is untenable. The plant described by Huber is referred to O. hystrix var. ferox (Huber) var. nov. The type material of Chaetobolus gibbus Rosenvinger is similar to one of the isolates studied and is included in O. hystrix. Quadriflagellate zoospores have been observed in all the isolates, and in one of them also biflagellate swarmers.
CRYPTOGLENA PIGRA: A EUGLENOID WITH ONE CHLOROPLAST12
Authors: Rosowski James R. , Lee Kit W.
Published: April 2006

The taxonomic status of Cryptoglena pigra Ehrb., interpreted from observations based on bright‐field microscopy, has been uncertain. Examination with the electron microscope of a clone of C pigra isolated by E. G. Pringsheim reveals certain features which, collectively, are distinctly euglenoid: periplast associated with muciferous bodies and subpellicular microtubules; canal and reservoir with microtubules; one flagellum with a swelling and emergent through a canal, and a second flagellum without a swelling and nonremergent; stigma (eyetpot) closely apprrssed to but not part of the chloroplast; nucleus with permanently condensed chromosomes attached to the inner nuclrar membrane; mitochondria with disc‐shaped cristae constricted at the base; chloroplast with thylakoids often in triplets; and paramylon grains in the cytoplasm. Unlike most euglenoids, C. pigra possesses a single chloroplast that in transverse thin sections is U‐shaped.
MEASUREMENTS OF PHYTOPLANKTON‐PROTEIN CONTENT WITH THE HEATED BIURET‐FOL1N ASSAY1,2
Authors: Dorsey Thomas E. , McDonald Paul , Roels Oswald A.
Published: April 2006

The heated biuret‐Folin method for determining protein consistently measures 90% of the total nitrogen of filtered algae samples as protein‐N without the need of mechanical disruption as long as the heating period in biuret is 100 min at 100 C. Data indicate this protein assay measures total protein on all species tried and for naturally occurring mixtures of species plus detritus. Dilute algal suspensions with as little as 0.05 μg‐atom particulate protein N.liter
‐1
can he concentrated by fltration on glass fiber filters to 1.0 μg‐atom particulate protein‐N per filter, the optimal amount of sample for a 5 ml volume of biuret. The filtered algae samples can be stored for several weeks frozen before assaying, if necessary.
CORRECTION OF THE NAME PSEUDOTETRAÉDRON POLYMORPHUM (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1
Authors: MacEntee Frank J. , Bold Harold C. , Archibald Patricia A.
Published: April 2006

A unicellular chlorococcalean alga, Pseudotetraëdron polymorphum MacEntee, Bold & Archibald is renamed Chlorotetratëdron polymorphum (MacEntee, Bold & Archibald) MacEntee, Bold & Archibald became the former generic designation has been preempted by a xanthophycean alga.
DISTRIBUTION OF INTERTIDAL DIATOMS ASSOCIATED WITH SEDIMENTS IN YAQUINA ESTUARY, OREGON1,2
Authors: Amspoker Michael C. , McIntire C. David
Published: April 2006

Sediment samples and environmental data were collected from November 1973 to August 1974 to analyze the distribution of sediment‐associated diatom assemblages relative to vertical, horizontal, and seasonal gradients in Yaquina Estuary, Oregon. The distribution of diatoms was regulated primarily by mean salinity and characteristics of the sediment, i.e., mean sediment size and percentage of organic carbon. Prominent taxa in the river above Yaquina Bay exhibited overlapping distributions along the salinity gradient to a location in brackish water where the mean salinity was approximately 5%o. At this salinity, a relatively sharp discontinuity in the diatom flora existed which appeared to represent the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms involved in the osmotic regulation of fresh‐ and brackish‐water diatoms. Relatively large disparities m the structure of diatom assemblages were found within relatively small areas of Yaquina Bay. These differences were attributed to properties of the sediment. Differences in diatom assemblages relative to variations in light intensity, water temperature and exposure to intertidal emergence were not apparent from the analysis of field data.
FREEZE‐DRYING OF ALGAE: CHLOROPHYTA AND CHRYSOPHYTA1
Authors: McGrath Marian Sharp , Daggett Pierre‐Marc , Dilworth Sonya
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐nine of 106 algal strains tested were successfully lyophilized using at least one of the following as suspending agents: 20% (w/v) skim milk, 12% (w/v) sucrose, 100% lamb serum and 100% horse serum. The majority of the Chlorella and Scenedesmusstrains tested (27/40) were amenable to freeze‐drying. Much less success (3/18) occurred with the Chlamydomonas strains tested. At least one strain of Ankistrodesmus, Bracteacoccus, Characium, Trebouxia, Haematococcus, Coccomyxa, Interfilum, Hormidium and Nephrodiella were also recovered. More strains were recovered with 20% skim milk as the protective agent than with 12% sucrose; however, 12% sucrose generally provided higher yields. Freeze‐drying appears to be an effective method of preservation far some algal strains.
Effect of Aging on the Response of Ghrelin to Acute Weight Loss
Authors: Yukawa Michi , Cummings David E. , Matthys Colleen C. , Callahan Holly S. , Frayo R. Scott , Spiekerman Charles F. , Weigle David S.
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the failure of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin to increase as it normally does with weight loss contributes to impaired weight recovery in older persons.

DESIGN: Prospective diet intervention study.

SETTING: University of Washington Medical Center from 2001 through 2005.

PARTICIPANTS: Twenty‐one younger (18–35) and 18 older (≥70) men and women.

INTERVENTION: Two weeks of a weight‐maintaining diet were followed in sequence by 2 weeks of 30% calorie restriction, then 4 weeks of ad libitum food intake.

MEASUREMENTS: Twenty‐four‐hour plasma ghrelin levels, dual x‐ray absorptiometry scan for body composition, resting energy expenditure, and calorie intakes were measured.

RESULTS: Both younger and older subjects lost weight with calorie restriction and failed to fully regain their baseline weight. The older adults trended toward increasing their calorie intake above their baseline level during the ad libitum period (111±66 kcal, P=.11), whereas the younger individuals did not (−236±95 kcal, P=.02). There was no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts in 24‐hour ghrelin levels before or after calorie restriction. Ghrelin levels in the two cohorts increased equivalently after calorie restriction and decreased after ad libitum food consumption resumed.

CONCLUSION: Ghrelin levels in healthy older individuals respond appropriately in a compensatory manner to changes in body weight and calorie intake.
Clinical Yield of Computed Tomography Brain Scans in Older General Medical Patients
Authors: Hirano Lianne A. , Bogardus Sidney T. , Saluja Sanjay , Leo‐Summers Linda , Inouye Sharon K.
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical yield of computed tomography (CT) brain scans in a prospective cohort of older patients admitted to the general medicine service.

DESIGN: Nested cohort study of 117 subjects enrolled in previous prospective cohort study of 919 subjects.

SETTING: University‐affiliated teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: Hospitalized general medical patients aged 70 and older who received one or more brain CT scans during their hospital stay.

MEASUREMENTS: Review of medical records and interpretation of the first brain CT scan in these 117 patients for indications for ordering scans and clinically significant brain abnormalities. Medical records of patients with brain CT scans with abnormalities were reviewed for 2 weeks after the scan for changes in medical management resulting from scan findings. Three independent reviewers adjudicated the presence of abnormalities and resulting treatment changes.

RESULTS: Of the 117 brain CT scans, 32 (27%) were ordered to exclude intracranial hemorrhage, 30 (26%) to exclude cerebrovascular accident (CVA), 16 (14%) for falls, 15 (13%) for syncope, seven (6%) to exclude subdural hemorrhage, five (4%) for mental status change, and 12 (10%) for other reasons. Of the 117 brain CT scans, 29 (25%) had abnormalities, including acute CVA or hemorrhage, old CVA, meningioma, and other abnormalities. Only 10 (9% of all scans, 34% of abnormal scans) resulted in treatment changes (including consultations, further imaging, stroke evaluation, and drug changes). The presence of focal neurological deficits was significantly associated with treatment changes after CT scans (odds ratio=13.2, 95% confidence interval=1.7–161.5).

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the overall clinical yield of brain CT scans in unselected older hospitalized patients is low. Targeting scans toward patients with new focal neurological deficits will help to improve clinical yield.
High‐throughput molecular profiling of blood donors for minor red blood cell and platelet antigens
Authors: Montpetit Alexandre , Phillips Michael S. , Mongrain Ian , Lemieux Réal , St‐Louis Maryse
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  ABO and D phenotyping of both blood donors and patients receiving transfusions is routinely performed by blood banks to ensure compatibility. These analyses are performed by antibody‐based agglutination assays. Blood is not tested for minor blood group antigens on a regular basis, however, because of cost and time constraints. This can result in alloimmunization of the patient against one to several minor antigens and may complicate future transfusions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  To address this problem, an assay has been generated on the GenomeLab SNPstream genotyping system to test simultaneously polymorphisms linked to 22 different blood antigens with donor’s DNA isolated from minute amounts of white blood cells.

RESULTS:  The results showed that both the error rate of the assay, as measured by the strand concordance rate, and the no‐call rate were very low (0.1%). The concordance rate with the actual red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) serology data varied from 97 to 100 percent. Experimental or database errors as well as rare polymorphisms contributing to antigen conformation could explain the observed differences. These rates, however, are well above requirements because phenotyping and cross‐matching will always be performed before transfusion.

CONCLUSION:  Molecular profiling of blood donors for minor RBC and PLT antigens will give blood banks instant access to many different matched donors through the setup of a centralized data storage system.
Quality of Life and Cost for Patients with Premature Ventricular Contractions by Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation
Authors: HUANG CONG‐XIN , LIANG JIN‐JUN , YANG BO , JIANG HONG , TANG QI‐ZHU , LIU XIU‐JUAN , WAN WEI‐GUO , JIAN XIAO‐LI
Published: April 2006

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL), health‐care resource utilization, and cost for the patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) by radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

Methods: RFCA was performed in 58 patients with symptomatic PVCs that were refractory/easy to medication. A 24‐hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, QoL, health‐care resources utilization, and cost were assessed at a screening visit and 3 and 12 months after RFCA.

Results: RFCA was successfully performed in 56 patients (96.6%). This resulted in a significant improvement in the QoL at 3 and 12 months after the procedure. There were no major complications related to the procedure. Nine patients (15.5%) had residual arrhythmia. Seven of them underwent repeated ablation with successful results. It also improved the QoL and reduced health‐care resource utilization and cost.

Conclusions: RFCA is a safe and effective treatment for PVCs, and it is a viable alternative to drugs in the presence of disabling symptoms.
Pacemaker Implantation as a Risk Factor for Heart Failure in Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: NOTHROFF JÖRG , NOROZI KAMBIZ , ALPERS VALENTIN , ARNHOLD JAN O. , WESSEL ARMIN , RUSCHEWSKI WOLFGANG , BUCHHORN REINER
Published: April 2006

Aim: Complete postoperative heart block following open‐heart surgery and sinus node dysfunction are indications for permanent cardiac pacing in children with congenital heart defects. The purpose of our study was to evaluate if cardiac pacing is a risk factor of heart failure during longtime follow‐up of grown ups with congenital heart disease (GUCH).

Methods: For an objective assessment of heart failure, NT‐Pro brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and maximal oxygen uptake index (VO2max) during the cardiopulmonary exercise testing were measured in 346 consecutive GUCH patients during a longtime follow‐up examination.

Results: Thirty‐nine of these patients who had pacemaker implantation had significantly increased BNP levels (448.2 ± 76.8 vs 123.8 ± 9.7 pg/mL, P < 0.0001) and significantly decreased VO2max (22.5 ± 0.9 vs 27.4 ± 0.4, P < 0.0001). Heart failure in pacemaker patients was associated with significantly prolonged QRS complex durations (171.1 ± 8.3 ms vs 108.7 ± 1.8 ms, P < 0.0001), increased right ventricular end diastolic diameters (38.7 ± 2.1 mm vs 27.8 ± 0.5mm, P < 0.0001), lower heart rates at rest (69.5 ± 1.9/min vs 82 ± 1/min, P < 0.0001), and at exercise (140.3 ± 5.8/min vs 163.5 ± 1.2/min, P < 0.0001). Mean fractional shortening of the left ventricle was normal in both patient groups.

Conclusion: Pacemaker implantation may be associated with heart failure during longtime follow‐up of GUCH indicated by significantly elevated BNP levels and decreased VO2max. Possible explanations are prolongation of QRS complex duration, decreased maximal heart rates during exercise, and dilatation of the right ventricle.
Early Detectors of the Heart's Electrical Activity
Authors: BREATHNACH CAOIMHGHÍN S. , WESTPHAL WOLFGANG
Published: April 2006

It was in Matteucci's rheoscopic frog in Pisa that evidence was first found for the electrical activity of the heart in 1844, and his results were confirmed and expanded 12 years later at Würzburg. The capillary electrometer gave a continuous record that could be photographed, and was used initially by Einthoven who, to obviate the onerous mathematical conversion of the electrometer record, developed the string galvanometer by the close of the century, and showed its clinical value in 1906.
Temporal Pattern of Conduction Recurrence During Radiofrequency Ablation for Typical Atrial Flutter
Authors: STOVICEK PETR , FIKAR MIROSLAV , WICHTERLE DAN
Published: April 2006

Introduction: Conduction recurrence during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus for typical atrial flutter is common. Understanding the temporal pattern of recurrences could help to predict a durable bidirectional block (BDB) and optimize the procedure.

Methods and Results: We analyzed atrial flutter ablations in 108 consecutive patients (85 males, age 63 ± 11 years). RF energy was delivered through 8‐mm tip or 4‐mm cooled‐tip catheter. On average, 18 ± 11 pulses were necessary to achieve BDB. The time to recurrence of conduction after RF cessation was recorded. Early and late conduction recurrences were defined as ≤10 minutes and >10 minutes, respectively. Patients were observed for ≥30 minutes after bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) block was achieved. Conduction did not recur in 46 patients. In 8 cases, no block was achieved. A total of 167 conduction recurrences were recorded in the remaining 54 cases (1–10 per case). Of these, in 53 patients, recurrences were classified as early (98%) and 14 patients had late recurrences (8%). Thirteen patients had both early and late recurrences (24%). All but one late recurrence were preceded by at least one early recurrence. Absence of early recurrence had negative predictive value of 98%, while any early recurrence had positive predictive value of 26% for subsequent late conduction recovery.

Conclusion: Incidence of isthmus conduction recurrence rapidly decayed during the waiting period. Absence of conduction recurrence within 10 minutes after first successful RF delivery was highly predictive of persistent BDB.
Three‐Dimensional Anatomy of the Left Atrium by Magnetic Resonance Angiography: Implications for Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: MANSOUR MOUSSA , REFAAT MARWAN , HEIST EDWIN KEVIN , MELA THEOFANIE , CURY RICARDO , HOLMVANG GODTFRED , RUSKIN JEREMY N.
Published: April 2006

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has become one of the primary treatments for symptomatic drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). During this procedure, delivery of ablation lesions to certain regions of the left atrium can be technically challenging. Among the most challenging regions are the ridges separating the left pulmonary veins (LPV) from the left atrial appendage (LAA), and the right middle pulmonary vein (RMPV) from the right superior (RSPV) and right inferior (RIPV) pulmonary veins. A detailed anatomical characterization of these regions has not been previously reported.

Methods: Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed in patients prior to undergoing PVI. Fifty consecutive patients with a RMPV identified by MRA were included in this study. Ridges associated with the left pulmonary veins were examined in an additional 30 patients who did not have a RMPV. Endoluminal views were reconstructed from the gadolinium‐enhanced, breath‐hold three‐dimensional MRA data sets. Measurements were performed using electronic calipers.

Results: The width of the ridge separating the LPV from the LAA was found to be 3.7 ± 1.1 mm at its narrowest point. The segment of this ridge with a width of 5 mm or less was 16.6 ± 6.4 mm long. The width of the ridges separating the RMPV from the RSPV and the RIPV was found to be 3.0 ±1.5 mm and 3.1 ±1.8 mm, respectively. There were no significant differences between LPV ridges for patients with versus without a RMPV.

Conclusion: The width of the ridges of atrial tissue separating LPV from the LAA and the RMPV from its neighboring veins may explain the technical challenge in obtaining stable catheter positions in these areas. A detailed assessment of the anatomy of these regions may improve the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation at these sites.
Efficacy of Sirolimus‐Eluting Stents as Compared to Paclitaxel‐Eluting Stents for Saphenous Vein Graft Intervention
Authors: CHU WILLIAM W. , KUCHULAKANTI PRAMOD K. , WANG BETTY , CLAVIJO LEONARDO C. , SUDDATH WILLIAM O. , PICHARD AUGUSTO D. , SATLER LOWELL F. , KENT KENNETH M. , WAKSMAN RON
Published: April 2006

Background: Saphenous vein graft (SVG) intervention is associated with a significantly increased rate of periprocedural complications and late clinical and angiographic restenosis. In the contemporary drug‐eluting stent (DES) era, the comparison of the efficacy of sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) with paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES) in SVG interventions is currently unknown. We conducted this retrospective analysis to investigate this issue.

Methods and Results: Forty‐seven patients with 50 SVG lesions who underwent standard percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with SES (SES group) were compared with 42 patients with 45 SVG lesions with PES (PES group). All patients received distal protection devices (DPDs) during the interventions. The in‐hospital, 30‐day, and 6‐month clinical outcomes in both groups were compared. Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics were balanced between both groups except for the proximal and mid lesions. There were no deaths or Q‐wave myocardial infarctions (MIs) during the index hospitalization. Non‐Q‐wave MI was similar between the two groups (SES vs PES, 4.3% vs 7.1%, P = 0.55). At 30‐day and 6‐month follow‐ups, all the clinical outcomes were similar between the two groups. There was no subacute thrombosis (SAT) or late thrombosis in either group. The event‐free survival at 6 months was also similar between both groups (P = 0.75).

Conclusions: The use of DES in patients undergoing SVG intervention with a DPD is clinically safe and feasible. As compared to SES, PES have the same efficacy and clinical outcomes in SVG interventions up to 6 months.
Efficacy of Rheolytic Thrombectomy in Early Versus Late Myocardial Infarction
Authors: MAKARYUS AMGAD N. , GARYALI SAMIR , DAY GINA , LABANA SUBIR S. , PARK CHONG , KAPLAN BARRY , JAUHAR RAJIV
Published: April 2006

Background: Rheolytic thrombectomy has been used successfully to treat acutely occluded lower‐limb vessels, dialysis grafts, intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, and diseased native coronary vessels and saphenous vein grafts. Few studies, however, have examined the efficacy of rheolytic thrombectomy in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) setting. We sought to determine the efficacy of the AngioJet® Rheolytic™ thrombectomy catheter (Possis Medical, Minneapolis, MN, USA) in patients presenting with AMI either before or after 12 hours of onset of symptoms.

Methods: Procedural and angiographic data on 61 consecutive patients (January 2003–December 2003) who presented with an AMI and had rheolytic thrombectomy with the AngioJet® catheter performed were reviewed. Coronary flow was assessed with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counts (TFCs). Of the 61 patients studied, 40 had AngioJet® performed within 12 hours and 21 had it done after 12 hours from the onset of symptoms. Procedural success was measured by TFCs measured before and after the procedure and was defined as a change in the TFC of ≥50%. Statistical significance was considered at a P value of <0.05.

Results: Procedural success was achieved in 75% of the patients in the early presentation group (within 12 hours) and 0% of the patients in the late presentation group (after 12 hours). TFC values were statistically different (P < 0.001) in the early group, but not significant (P > 0.1) in the late thrombectomy group.

Conclusion: Rheolytic thrombectomy with the AngioJet® catheter is more effective in terms of improvement in coronary blood flow as assessed by TFCs when used less than 12 hours after the onset of clinical symptoms suggestive of AMI.
A 5Fr Catheter Approach Reduces Patient Discomfort during Transradial Coronary Intervention Compared with a 6Fr Approach: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: GWON HYEON‐CHEOL , DOH JUN‐HYUNG , CHOI JIN HO , LEE SANG HOON , HONG KYUNG PYO , PARK JUNG EUY , SEO JUNG DON
Published: April 2006

Smaller guiding catheters can help reduce local complications and patient morbidity during transradial coronary intervention (TRI). This study was designed to compare the patient's morbidity, success rate, and the operator's convenience between 5‐French (5Fr) and 6‐French (6Fr) TRIs. This is a single‐center prospective randomized study. Patients who underwent TRI, in 2003, were prospectively randomized to either 5Fr or 6Fr catheter groups (100 patients in each group). Procedure‐related patient morbidity as well as clinical and procedural characteristics was scored and analyzed. Procedural success rate was not significantly different between the groups. The number of unsatisfactory supports (6% in 5Fr group, 3% in 6Fr group; P = 0.31) and the incidence of local wound complications were not significantly different between the groups. Local wound pain scores were significantly lower in the 5Fr group compared with the 6Fr group, particularly during sheath insertion and removal, and during procedures. Pain scores were higher in female patients than in male patients during sheath removal (male: 1.3 ± 1.3, female: 1.7 ± 1.5; P = 0.049). Radial artery diameter was well correlated with local pain score during sheath removal (r = 0.31, P < 0.001), and with the height and weight of the patients (height: r = 0.33, P < 0.001; weight: r = 0.27, P < 0.001). In conclusion, using a 5Fr catheter during TRI reduce, local access site pain, particularly in female patients with smaller body size, whereas the success and local complication rates were similar to a 6Fr approach.
Intravascular Ultrasound in Patients with Challenging In‐Stent Restenosis: Importance of Precise Stent Visualization
Authors: ALFONSO FERNANDO , SUÁREZ ALFONSO , PÉREZ LUIS , SABATÉ MANEL , MORENO RAUL , BAÑUELOS CAMINO
Published: April 2006

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is widely used to optimize stent (ST) implantation. However, its value to guide therapy in challenging cases of in‐stent restenosis (ISR) is not well established. We present 3 patients with complex ISR where IVUS interrogation was useful: (a) to readily identify the ST “entry door,” (b) to accurately detect ST malapposition, (c) to measure the extent of ST protrusion out from its deployed position, and (d) to guide and optimize therapy. Thus, due to its unique ability to visualize the complete structure of the underlying ST, IVUS constitutes a superb diagnostic tool in patients with ISR, especially in challenging anatomic settings.
Dysfunction of an Atrial Septal Defect Occluder 8 Years after Implantation
Authors: TEN FREYHAUS HENRIK , ROSENKRANZ STEPHAN , SÜDKAMP MICHAEL , HÖPP HANS‐WILHELM
Published: April 2006

Catheter interventional treatment of atrial septal defect (ASD) is widely accepted. The ASD occluder system (ASDOS) is no longer a widely used device nowadays. However, it is implanted in a substantial number of patients. We report a case of severe left‐to‐right shunt 8 years after catheter interventional closure of an ASD with an ASDOS device. The shunt was due to a membrane perforation, while the arms of the device were not dislocated. Microscopy, microbiology, and histology could not establish a proper explanation for the dysfunction; so long‐term follow‐up investigation may be required in patients with an implanted ASDOS device.
Perforation of Aortic Root as Secondary Complication after Implantation of Patent Foramen Ovale Occlusion Device in a 31‐Year‐Old Woman
Authors: LANGE STEFAN A. , SCHOEN STEFFEN P. , BRAUN MARTIN U. , SCHULZE MATTHIAS R. , BOSCHERI ALESSANDRA F. , KITTNER THOMAS , STRASSER RUTH H.
Published: April 2006

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a 3‐mm‐large patent foramen ovale (PFO). No other reason for these neurological events could be found and the patient underwent percutaneous closure of the PFO with a CARDIA® Star 03/30 device without periprocedural complications. Four weeks later, the patient underwent a routine control of device without any adverse clinical symptoms. Surprisingly, echocardiography revealed a perforation of the aortic root by an umbrella strut with a small shunt from the aortic root to the right atrium. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis of device malposition. Consecutively, the patient underwent minimal invasive surgery. After removal of the single perforating strut, the bleeding lesion was closed. The patient remained free of any additional complications during the postoperative course and up until now has had uneventful follow‐ups.
Divergent preferences of Rhagoletis pomonella host races for olfactory and visual fruit cues
Authors: Forbes Andrew A. , Feder Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2006

The apple and hawthorn‐infesting host races of Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh (Diptera: Tephritidae) represent a model for incipient sympatric speciation. Recent studies have shown that apple and hawthorn flies differ in their responses to host‐fruit odor. Each host race preferentially orients to the volatile chemicals emanating from the surface of its natal fruit and is antagonized by non‐natal fruit volatiles. Fruit odor discrimination is evolutionarily important due to its contributory role in host‐specific mating, generating partial premating reproductive isolation between the races in sympatry. Visual cues are also involved in R. pomonella host searching, yet the extent to which they are used to discriminate between hosts has not been fully resolved, nor has their interaction with olfactory cues. Here, we report results from a series of two‐way choice experiments conducted in the field on resident apple and hawthorn flies at a site near Fennville, MI, USA. Four key findings emerged from the study: (1) both olfactory and (2) visual cues increased host discrimination of apple and hawthorn flies for their respective natal fruit, (3) the presence of a single appropriate volatile blend on a natal or non‐natal visual model generally increased the ability of flies to discriminate for their natal fruit, and (4) the presence of both natal and non‐natal olfactory cues on fruit models did not enhance host discrimination above levels observed for visual models alone. We discuss the implications of our results for interpreting the findings of two‐way host choice experiments and for sympatric speciation in phytophagous insects.
Colonization of non‐cassava plant species by cassava whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) in Uganda
Authors: Sseruwagi P. , Maruthi M.N. , Colvin J. , Rey M.E.C. , Brown J.K. , Legg J.P.
Published: April 2006

Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is the vector of cassava mosaic geminiviruses (CMGs), which are the main production constraint to cassava [Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiaceae)], both in Uganda and elsewhere in Africa. Two B. tabaci genotype clusters, Ug1 and Ug2, differentiated at 8% nucleotide (nt) divergence within the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene, have been shown to occur on cassava in Uganda. However, the role of alternative hosts in the ecology of cassava B. tabaci genotypes and their possible involvement in the epidemiology of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) in Uganda remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the restriction of cassava B. tabaci genotypes to cassava and the colonization of alternative host species in select cassava‐growing areas of the country in 2003 and 2004. Bemisia tabaci adults and 4th instar nymphs were collected from cassava and 11 other cultivated and uncultivated species occurring adjacent to the sampled cassava fields. Phylogenetic analysis of mtCOI sequences revealed that only a single genotype cluster, Ug1, was present on both cassava and non‐cassava plant species sampled in this study. The Ug1 genotypes (n = 49) shared 97–99% nt identity with the previously described cassava‐associated B. tabaci populations in southern Africa, and were ∼8% and ∼13% divergent from Ug2 and the ‘Ivory Coast cassava’ genotypes in Uganda and Ivory Coast, respectively. The Ug1 genotypes occurred (as adults) on all 12 source‐plant species sampled. However, based on the presence of B. tabaci 4th instar nymphs, the Ug1 genotypes (n = 13) colonized cassava and five other non‐cassava plant species: Manihot glaziovii, Jatropha gossypifolia, Euphorbia heterophylla, Aspilia africana, and Abelmoschus esculentus, suggesting that cassava B. tabaci (Ug1 genotypes) are not restricted to cassava in Uganda. No Ug2‐like genotypes were detected on any of the plant species sampled, including cassava, in this study. The identification of additional hosts for at least one genotype cluster, Ug1, known also to colonize cassava, and which was hitherto thought to be ‘cassava‐restricted’ may have important epidemiological significance for the spread of CMGs in Uganda.
Quality of root canal fillings performed by undergraduate dental students on single‐rooted teeth*
Authors: Lynch C. D. , Burke F. M.
Published: April 2006

Introduction:  Root canal therapy is an accepted and successful form of tooth conservation. Educational guidelines require dental schools to ensure that their graduates are competent on graduation at performing root canal therapy. The aim of this investigation was to assess the technical quality of root canal fillings placed by undergraduate students in single‐rooted teeth.

Materials and methods:  A total of 100 radiographs of root canal fillings placed by undergraduate students in single‐rooted teeth were examined under even illumination in a darkened room using ×2 magnification. These were graded as ‘adequate’, where the root canal filling was within 2 mm of the radiographic apex, ‘under‐filled’, where the root canal filling was >2 mm from the radiographic apex, and ‘over‐filled’, where the root canal filling was extruded beyond the radiographic apex. The presence of voids, fractured instruments, and root perforations were also noted.

Results:  All teeth were obturated with gutta‐percha and sealer (Roth Cement), using a cold lateral condensation technique. Of 100 teeth, 10% (n = 10) had voids. Of the remainder, 70% (n = 63) were judged to be ‘acceptable’, 21% (n = 19) were ‘under‐filled’, and 9% (n = 8) were ‘over‐filled’. There was no evidence of fractured instruments or root perforations in any root filling examined.

Conclusions:  The quality of root canal fillings placed in single‐rooted teeth by undergraduate dental students at the University Dental School and Hospital, Cork was acceptable (63% of root fillings placed in single rooted teeth were graded as ‘adequate’). The probable reasons for this are multi‐factorial, but may be linked to the amount of pre‐clinical and clinical teaching in endodontics at the University Dental School and Hospital, Cork. It should be remembered that factors other than radiographic quality/evidence must be considered when determining the outcome of root canal therapy.