bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and associated factors of condom use during commercial sex by female sex workers who were or were not injecting drug users in China
Authors: Lau Joseph T. F. , Gu Jing , Tsui Hi Yi , Chen Hongyao , Holroyd Eleanor , Wang Renfan , Hu Xianyou
Published: August 2012

Objectives We compared the prevalence of inconsistent condom use during commercial sex between female sex workers (FSWs) who did or did not inject drugs (FSW-IDUs and FSW-NIDUs) and investigated factors associated with this inconsistent use within these two groups. Methods: Some 158 FSW-NIDUs recruited from sex work venues and 218 FSW-IDUs recruited via the snowball sampling method were interviewed anonymously. Results: Only 16.5% of the FSW-IDUs and 51.3% of the FSW-NIDUs had used condoms consistently during commercial sex in the last month (odds ratio (OR) = 0.19). Factors significantly associated with inconsistent condom use in both groups included: behavioural intention for condom use (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.05 and 0.13), condom unavailability (AOR = 4.77 and 5.33), a perceived need to engage in unprotected sex if the client paid more (AOR = 8.74 and 10.84) or insisted on demanding unprotected sex (AOR = 19.78 and 7.59), and submissive gender power (AOR = 11.65 and 2.58). One factor, perceived susceptibility (AOR = 2.64), was significant only among FSW-NIDUs, whereas perceived efficacy of condom use in preventing HIV transmission (AOR = 0.08), perceptions that peer FSWs would not use condoms with clients (AOR = 2.23), self-hatred (AOR = 2.25) and lack of social support (AOR = 2.93) were significant only among FSW-IDUs. Injecting with used syringes was also associated with inconsistent condom use among FSW-IDUs (AOR = 4.64). Conclusions: FSW-IDUs were more likely than FSW-NIDUs to possess the cognitive and psychosocial conditions associated with unprotected commercial sex. Interventions need to take these differences into account.
Trends in testing and notification for genital gonorrhoea in a northern Australian district, 2004 - 2008
Authors: Su Jiunn-Yih , Condon John R.
Published: August 2012

Background The study aimed to examine the trends in notification and testing for genital gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) in the Darwin Remote District of Northern Territory, Australia, between 2004 and 2008. Methods: Using laboratory testing data and notification data, we calculated the annual sex- and age-specific notification rates, testing rates and positivity rates, and examined their trends. A deterministic matching method was used to identify unique individuals tested in order to estimate the number of years out of five in which each individual was tested. The correlation between testing rates and notification rates was calculated. Results: The notification rates for the 15–24 year age group increased sharply from 2004 to 2005, and then trended downwards between 2005 and 2008, with a decrease of 48.2% in females and 59.9% in males. No evident trends were found in testing rates. The positivity rates for this age group decreased by 46.3% in females (from 8.9% to 4.8%), and by 70.4% in males (from 10.8% to 3.2%) between 2004 and 2008. Over 76% of the population in this age-group had been tested at least once during the study period. A moderate correlation was found between notification rates and testing rates in both sexes. Conclusions: There was a significant decreasing trend in the notification rate of gonorrhoea between 2005 and 2008, which was most probably due to a decrease in prevalence. This study demonstrates the importance and utility of population-level testing data in understanding the epidemiology of common bacterial sexually transmissible infections such as gonorrhoea.
Increasing chlamydia diagnoses but little change in hospitalisations for ectopic pregnancy and infertility among women in New South Wales from 2001 to 2008
Authors: Liu Bette , Donovan Basil , Parker Jim , Guy Rebecca , Hocking Jane , Kaldor John M. , Wand Handan , Jorm Louisa
Published: August 2012

Background As genital chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) notifications have increased in Australia, time trends in hospitalisations for ectopic pregnancy and female infertility between 2001 and 2008 in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and their relationship to trends in chlamydia notifications in women were assessed. Methods: Annual rates of chlamydia notification, and hospitalisations for female infertility or ectopic pregnancy in women aged 15–44 years in NSW were calculated using routinely collected data. Chlamydia notifications and hospital separations occurring within each year belonging to the same woman were linked using probabilistic linkage of identifiers so that multiple notifications and admissions for one woman in each calendar year were only counted once. Results: From 2001 to 2008, the annual rate of chlamydia diagnoses in women increased from 157 to 477 per 100 000 population (Ptrend < 0.001). Over the same period, the annual hospitalisation rate for women with an ectopic pregnancy decreased from 14.3 to 12.6 per 1000 births (Ptrend < 0.001). This decrease was mostly in women aged 25–44 years, with no appreciable fall in women aged 15–24 years (Ptrend = 0.8). Meanwhile, the hospitalisation rate for women with infertility of female origin did not follow a consistent trend: between 2001 and 2008, it fluctuated between a low of 479 and a high of 554 per 10 000 women who were seeking pregnancy. Conclusions: These trends in ectopic pregnancy and female infertility suggest that the large increase in chlamydia notifications may not reflect hospitalisations for these two proposed chlamydia-related sequelae.
The cost-effectiveness of screening for anal cancer in men who have sex with men: a systematic review
Authors: Howard Kirsten
Published: August 2012

Anal cancer is a relatively rare neoplasm, related to human papillomavirus (HPV), with an incidence that does not warrant general screening. However, as many cases occur in identifiable high-risk populations, targeting these groups may be cost-effective. Screening for anal cancer in men who have sex with men (MSM) may be appropriate, given their elevated risk of anal cancer. Examining existing cost-effectiveness analyses can help inform the design and conduct of future clinical and economic studies. A review of the literature was performed using three databases to identify studies that assessed the cost-effectiveness of anal cancer screening in MSM. Five analyses were identified: four modelled the cost-effectiveness of cytological screening over a patient’s lifetime, and estimated final health outcomes as survival or quality adjusted survival. The fifth presented a decision analysis with intermediate health outcomes only and did not extrapolate to longer-term health outcomes. Several factors influenced the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. These factors were related to a paucity of primary data and included: availability of longer-term epidemiological and natural history data; availability of utility-based quality of life data from an appropriate respondent population; appropriate resource use information; and availability of information on screening adherence. There is considerable uncertainty in model results: analyses from the United States suggest screening is almost always cost-effective; analyses from the United Kingdom suggest that screening is unlikely to be cost-effective. Uncertainty is primarily driven by data paucity; by summarising key uncertainties in existing models, this review can inform the design and conduct of future studies.
Airtankers and wildfire management in the US Forest Service: examining data availability and exploring usage and cost trends
Authors: Thompson Matthew P. , Calkin David E. , Herynk Jason , McHugh Charles W. , Short Karen C.
Published: August 2012

Evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft is a crucial component of strategic wildfire management and planning. In this manuscript, we focus on the economics of fire and aviation management within the US Forest Service. Substantial uncertainties challenge comprehensive analysis of airtanker use, prompting calls from federal oversight agencies for improved aerial firefighting data collection and analysis. Here, we explore the availability and sufficiency of agency aviation data to track airtanker use and cost trends, and to categorise airtanker use by mission type and fire size class. Although the primary intended use of the airtanker fleet is for initial attack of wildfires, our results indicate that the use of these aircraft tends to occur for extended attack or large- fire support, with a significant number of flights associated with very large fires greater than 4047 ha (10 000 acres). Our results highlight apparent trends in airtanker use that challenge our ability to evaluate cost-effectiveness of airtankers. Data quality and availability issues limited our analysis, leading to a recommendation for improved data collection on flight objective and drop location. We conclude by offering suggested avenues of future research that may help address informational and analytical shortcomings.
Activation of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway by HIV controls a dendritic cell immunoregulatory phenotype
Authors: Manches Olivier , Fernandez Melissa Victoria , Plumas Joel , Chaperot Laurence , Bhardwaj Nina
Published: August 2012

HIV modulates plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) activation via Toll-like receptor 7, inducing type I IFN and inflammatory cytokines. Simultaneously, pDCs up-regulate the expression of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO), which is essential for the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which function to down-modulate immune activation. Here we demonstrate the crucial importance of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway in the establishment of this immunoregulatory phenotype in pDCs. In response to HIV, the noncanonical NF-κB pathway directly induces IDO and involves the recruitment of TNF receptor-associated factor-3 to the Toll-like receptor/MyD88 complex, NF-κB–inducing kinase-dependent IκB kinase-α activation, and p52/RelB nuclear translocation. We also show that pDC-induced Tregs can inhibit conventional DC (cDC) maturation partially through cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4 engagement. Furthermore, CTLA-4 induces IDO in cDCs in a NF-κB–inducing kinase-dependent way. These CTLA-4–conditioned cDCs can in turn induce Treg differentiation in an IDO-dependent manner. Thus, the noncanonical NF-κB pathway is integral in controlling immunoregulatory phenotypes of both pDCs and cDCs.
The role of intracellular calcium phosphate in osteoblast-mediated bone apatite formation
Authors: Boonrungsiman Suwimon , Gentleman Eileen , Carzaniga Raffaella , Evans Nicholas D. , McComb David W. , Porter Alexandra E. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: August 2012

Mineralization is a ubiquitous process in the animal kingdom and is fundamental to human development and health. Dysfunctional or aberrant mineralization leads to a variety of medical problems, and so an understanding of these processes is essential to their mitigation. Osteoblasts create the nano-composite structure of bone by secreting a collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) on which apatite crystals subsequently form. However, despite their requisite function in building bone and decades of observations describing intracellular calcium phosphate, the precise role osteoblasts play in mediating bone apatite formation remains largely unknown. To better understand the relationship between intracellular and extracellular mineralization, we combined a sample-preparation method that simultaneously preserved mineral, ions, and ECM with nano-analytical electron microscopy techniques to examine osteoblasts in an in vitro model of bone formation. We identified calcium phosphate both within osteoblast mitochondrial granules and intracellular vesicles that transported material to the ECM. Moreover, we observed calcium-containing vesicles conjoining mitochondria, which also contained calcium, suggesting a storage and transport mechanism. Our observations further highlight the important relationship between intracellular calcium phosphate in osteoblasts and their role in mineralizing the ECM. These observations may have important implications in deciphering both how normal bone forms and in understanding pathological mineralization.
Artificial turf surfaces: Perception of safety, sporting feature, satisfaction and preference of football users
Authors: Burillo Pablo , Gallardo Leonor , Felipe Jose Luis , Gallardo Ana Maria
Published: August 2012

The aim of this research is to understand the experience of the football sector on the use of artificial turf (satisfaction, safety, sporting feature, or the advantages and disadvantages). The study was conducted on a random selection of 627 male participants (404 amateur/semi‐professional footballers, 101 coaches and 122 referees) that regularly train/compete on artificial turf in Spanish football leagues. The results of the skin abrasion, muscle strain and the possibility of sustaining an injury, on a Likert‐type 10‐point interval scale, gave a perception of ‘somewhat dissatisfied’ for the participants. The main advantages of artificial turf were their sports features, the evenness of the surface and the good state of conservation. Participants were satisfied with the artificial turf surface. Approximately three out of four participants gave an overall ranking of highly satisfied. The players were significantly less satisfied than the coaches and referees. The overall satisfaction with artificial turf fields was strongly influenced by previous experience, particularly those who had previously played on dirt pitches. These results highlight the versatility of artificial turf to adapt to any circumstance or requirement for local sport and top‐level professional competitions alike.
The reliability of tests for sport‐specific skill amongst elite youth rugby league players
Authors: Waldron Mark , Worsfold Paul , Twist Craig , Lamb Kevin
Published: August 2012

In rugby league, tests of sport‐specific skill often involve subjective assessments of performance by observers of varying qualification. However, the reliability of such subjective assessments has yet to be investigated via appropriate statistical techniques. Therefore, the aims of the current study were to investigate: (1) the intra‐observer reliability of a non‐qualified observer (‘novice’) and (2) the inter‐observer reliability of the three observers (two qualified ‘experts’ and one novice observer) in the assessment of catching, passing and tackling (stages 1 and 2) ability in elite adolescent rugby league players (age: 14.7±0.5 years). Players performed each skill element within a simulated practice drill and were assessed in ‘real time’ by the observers according to pre‐defined criteria. An overall bias (P<0.05) was revealed between the observers in stage 1 of catching and stage 1 of passing, the differences being higher for the novice compared to both expert coaches for each stage of catching and the first stage of passing, and between expert 2 and the novice for stage 2 of tackling. No comparisons met the pre‐determined analytical goal of ‘perfect agreement’, for any of the skill components. Comparisons between the expert observers did not reach perfect agreement, with the lowest values occurring for both tackling skill stages (60–65%). None of the tests employed were sufficiently reliable to potentially discern between players of differing ability, which may mean up to 56% of players' skill being misinterpreted. The credibility of such assessments should be questioned and alternative tests considered.
SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF SUNSPOT OSCILLATIONS OBSERVED WITH SDO/AIA
Authors: Reznikova V. E. , Shibasaki K.
Published: August 2012

The spatial structure of sunspot oscillations and its variation with frequency and height have been studied using data from SDO/AIA for two well-developed sunspots observed in 2010. Computation of potential magnetic fields together with line-of-sight and vector magnetograms from SDO/HMI allowed us to interpret discovered features of spatial structure. Namely, we have found that (1) expansion of the magnetic field lines above the sunspot causes a gradual broadening of the area occupied by the 3 minute oscillations with height, and (2) variation of magnetic field inclination across the sunspot causes a decrease in the pulsation frequency with distance from the center of the umbra. We have shown that the transformation from 3 minute umbral oscillations to 5 minute penumbral waves can be explained by variation of the acoustic cutoff frequency across the sunspot.
Influence of chamber volume in single-walled carbon nanotube synthesis by an electric arc
Authors: Ramarozatovo V , Mansour A , Razafinimanana M , Monthioux M , Valensi F , Noé L , Masquère M
Published: August 2012

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were produced by an electric arc process in a low-pressure chamber with vertical electrodes using heterogeneous graphite anodes containing nickel and yttrium catalysts. The influence of the chamber volume (18, 25 and 60 L) and graphite grain size (1 and 100 µm) of the anode on the resulting products was analysed. This was correlated with the physical properties of the plasma as studied by optical emission spectroscopy and with the temperature of the gaseous atmosphere surrounding the plasma as measured using thermocouples. Nanotube yield and purity were evaluated from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Results showed a strong influence of the heterogeneous anode grain size. It was found that the optimal synthesis conditions correspond to an arc chamber volume of 25 L and a graphite grain size of 1 µm. In that case the plasma temperature and the carbon over nickel concentration ratio in the plasma differ notably from those observed under the other synthesis conditions. It was also found that a slower temperature rise of the gaseous atmosphere surrounding the plasma and a higher anode erosion rate are associated with a higher SWCNT yield. These results were interpreted considering the vapour–liquid–solid nanotube formation model.
Relative importance of static contribution to the thermal shifts of spectral lines in Nd3+-doped Y3Al5O12 laser crystals
Authors: Wen-Chen Zheng , Ping Su , Hong-Gang Liu , Guo-Ying Feng
Published: August 2012

By means of the observed pressure and temperature dependences of several spectral lines in yttrium aluminum garnet Y3Al5O12 (YAG) : Nd3+ laser crystals, the static contribution due to lattice thermal expansion and the vibrational contribution due to electron–phonon interaction to the thermal shifts of these spectral lines are studied. It is found that (i) the importance of static contribution of a spectral line depends on the pressure dependence of this line, (ii) the static contribution always leads the spectral lines to shift to the blue (i.e. higher energy) with increasing temperature, while the vibrational one leads the lines to shift to the red, and (iii) the relative importance of static contribution changes not only from crystal to crystal (as suggested in the previous papers for ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ crystals), but also from spectral line to spectral line in the same crystal. So, the general statement in previous studies that the static contribution to thermal shift is negligibly small in a ‘hard’ crystal is inappropriate.
First Report of Meloidogyne marylandi Infecting Bermudagrass in Florida
Authors: Sekora N. S. , Crow W. T. , Mekete T.
Published: August 2012

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are common parasites attacking turfgrasses in the United States, but the species of these nematodes is typically unresolved unless targeted surveys are performed (3). Using morphometric analysis and an RFLP method (3), an investigation of a golf course green in Florida with a history of infestation by root-knot nematodes was conducted to identify the species present. This ‘Tifdwarf’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis) putting green at the University of Florida Research Unit in Citra, FL, exhibited irregular patches of declining turf. Turf roots in these symptomatic areas had galled root tips with adhering egg masses, characteristic of infection from Meloidogyne spp. Mean populations of 5,149 ± 708 Meloidogyne second stage juveniles per 100 cm3 of soil were extracted from the rhizosphere of these symptomatic plants. Morphological measurements from 20 of these juveniles were slightly less than those published previously for M. marylandi, but were still distinct enough to discriminate them from M. graminis, which commonly infects bermudagrass in Florida (3). Body length averaged 396.1 ± 4.9 (376.7 to 420.0) μm with a mean width of 16.3 ± 0.5 (13.3 to 18.3) μm, stylet lengths were 11.2 ± 0.7 (6.7 to 12.3) μm, tail lengths averaged 54.7 ± 1.9 (47.5 to 65.0) μm with the hyaline region of the tails 9.9 ± 0.7 (8.3 to 14.2) μm. Mature females extracted from symptomatic root tissue lacked a posterior cone-like protuberance of the vulva typical of M. graminis. DNA was extracted from 15 single juveniles using a NaOH digestion method (2). The mitochondrial DNA region was amplified with PCR using the primers C2F3/1108 5′-GGTCAATGTTCAGAAATTTGTGG-3′ and 5′-TACCTTTGACCAATCACGCT-3′ (3). This resulted in a DNA fragment 520 bp in length, which upon digestion with SspI restriction enzyme produced four bands 148, 103, 91, and 67 bp in length, similar to what has been reported for M. marylandi (3). The PCR products were purified with a QIAquick PCR purification kit (QIAGEN, Valencia, CA) and sequenced at the University of Florida, Cancer Research and Genetics Institute. Sequences were compared with those in GenBank by means of BLAST search. The comparison showed a sequence similarity of 98% with M. marylandi (GenBank Accession No. JN241918.1). Although M. marylandi has been reported on bermudagrass in many areas of the United States and other places throughout the world (1,3,4), to our knowledge, this is the first detection of this nematode in Florida. Further studies will be conducted to determine the prevalence, incidence, severity of damage caused by M. marylandi, and determine a possible mode of dispersal on turfgrasses.

References: (1) A. M. Golden. J. Nematol. 21:453, 1989. (2) J. Hübschen et al. Euro. J. Plant Pathol. 110:779, 2004. (3) M. A. McClure et al. Plant Dis. 96:635, 2012. (4) Y. Oka et al. Nematol. 5:727, 2003.
First Report of Pseudomonas cichorii Causing Leaf Spot of Stevia Detected in Florida
Authors: Strayer A. , Garcia-Maruniak A. , Sun X. , Schubert T. , Sutton B.
Published: August 2012

During a routine nursery inspection in Hernando County, Florida in July 2011, leaf spot symptoms were observed on the popular sugar substitute stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). Spots were roughly circular to irregular in shape, variable in size, and dark brown with a yellow halo. White to cream-colored, circular, convex, gram-negative bacterial colonies were isolated on nutrient agar and identified as Pseudomonas cichorii based on the LOPAT scheme (2). DNA from four individual colonies inoculated in nutrient broth was extracted using DNeasy columns (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA). The PCR-amplified product from four different genes, 16S rRNA (1.5 Kbp), gyrB (0.9 Kbp), rpoB (1.2 Kbp), and rpoD (0.7 Kbp), was sequenced (GenBank Accession Nos. JQ994483, JQ994484, JQ994485, and JQ994486). Nucleotide and translated amino acid sequences for each gene were compared to the nucleotide and protein databases, respectively. The best matches were always with P. cichorii with nucleotide identities ranging from 98 to 99% and amino acid identities from 99 to 100%. Four healthy stevia plants were spray inoculated with 20 ml of a 108 CFU ml–1 suspension prepared from a 24-hour-old culture, of which two were sprayed with carborundum (silicon carbide) immediately prior to inoculation. Two additional plants were sprayed with carborundum only or sterile tap water only and served as healthy controls. Symptoms began to develop 4 days after inoculation. Spots originated at the tips or edges of the leaves and enlarged over time. Enlarging lesions progressed to encompass the entire leaf, accompanied by water soaking, curling, and necrosis. Blighting typically spread down to the stem and caused dieback. The pathogen was successfully reisolated from the lesions and produced identical LOPAT scheme results. Based on the information collected, it is believed that this is the first confirmed report of bacterial leaf spot caused P. cichorii on stevia worldwide. This find is significant due to the rising popularity of stevia cultivation for its sweetness and medicinal properties (1). To our knowledge, stevia is not currently being grown commercially in Florida; however, there is commercial acreage being developed elsewhere in the United States.

References: (1) D. Patil et al. Asian J. Pharm. Clin. Res. 5:1, 2011. (2) N. W. Schaad et al. Laboratory Guide for Identification of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. 3rd Edition. The American Phytopathological Society. St. Paul, MN, 2001.
Effects of Sunlight Exposure on Grapevine Powdery Mildew Development
Authors: Austin Craig N. , Wilcox Wayne F.
Published: August 2012

Natural and artificially induced shade increased grapevine powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) severity in the vineyard, with foliar disease severity 49 to 75% higher relative to leaves in full sun, depending on the level of natural shading experienced and the individual experiment. Cluster disease severities increased by 20 to 40% relative to those on check vines when ultraviolet (UV) radiation was filtered from sunlight reaching vines in artificial shading experiments. Surface temperatures of leaves in full sunlight averaged 5 to 8°C higher than those in natural shade, and in one experiment, filtering 80% of all wavelengths of solar radiation, including longer wavelengths responsible for heating irradiated tissues, increased disease more than filtering UV alone. In controlled environment experiments, UV-B radiation reduced germination of E. necator conidia and inhibited both colony establishment (hyphal formation and elongation) and maturity (latent period). Inhibitory effects of UV-B radiation were significantly greater at 30°C than at 20 or 25°C. Thus, sunlight appears to inhibit powdery mildew development through at least two mechanisms, i.e., (i) UV radiation's damaging effects on exposed conidia and thalli of the pathogen; and (ii) elevating temperatures of irradiated tissues to a level supraoptimal or inhibitory for pathogen development. Furthermore, these effects are synergistic at temperatures near the upper threshold for disease development.
Robotic-Assisted or Minithoracotomy Incision for Left Ventricular Lead Placement a Single-Surgeon, Single-Center Experience
Authors: Bhamidipati Castigliano Murthy , Mboumi Igor W. , Seymour Keri A. , Rolland Roberta , Dilip Karikehalli , Gopaldas Raja R. , Lutz Charles J.
Published: August 2012

Objective

Left ventricular (LV) resynchronization with epicardial lead placement after failed coronary sinus cannulation can be achieved with minimally invasive robotic-assisted (RA) or minithoracotomy (MT) incisions. We evaluated early outcomes and costs after RA and MT epicardial LV lead implantation at our academic center.

Methods

From 2005 to 2010, 24 patients underwent minimally invasive RA or MT epicardial LV lead placement for resynchronization. Patient characteristics, electrophysiologic features, outcomes, and costs were analyzed.

Results

Ten patients underwent RA and 14 underwent MT minimally invasive LV lead placement, with no 30-day mortality in either group. Younger patients underwent RA epicardial lead placement (63.8 ± 15.4 vs 75.6 ± 10.0 years; P = 0.03). In addition, although both groups had comparable body surface areas, RA patients had significantly higher body mass index versus MT patients (44.4 ± 17.5 vs 26.9 ± 7.1 kg/m2, respectively; P = 0.003). Premorbid risk and cardiovascular profiles were similar across groups. Importantly, pacing threshold, impedance, and postoperative QRS interval were equivalent between groups. Significantly, both operating room and mechanical ventilation durations were higher with RA epicardial placement (P < 0.001). Despite equivalent outcomes, incision-to-closure interval was 48 minutes shorter with MT (P = 0.002). Absolute differences in direct costs between groups were negligible. Despite these differences, resource utilization and lengths of stay were equivalent.

Conclusions

Epicardial LV lead placement is efficacious with either approach. Early outcomes and mortality are equivalent. Greater tactile feedback during operation and equivalent short-term outcomes suggest that MT minimally invasive LV lead placement is the more favorable approach for epicardial resynchronization.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Pilot Study of a Fourth-Generation, Minimally Invasive Device
Authors: Fumoto Hideyuki , Gillinov A. Marc , Saraiva Roberto M. , Horai Tetsuya , Anzai Tomohiro , Takaseya Tohru , Shiose Akira , Arakawa Yoko , Vince D. Geoffrey , Dessoffy Raymond , Fukamachi Kiyotaka
Published: August 2012

Objective

Exclusion of the left atrial appendage is proposed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a fourth-generation atrial exclusion device developed for minimally invasive applications.

Methods

The novel atrial exclusion device consists of two polymer beams and two elastomeric bands that connect the two beams at either end. Fifteen mongrel dogs were implanted with the device at the base of the left atrial appendage through a median sternotomy and were evaluated at 30 (n = 7), 90 (n = 6), and 180 (n = 2) days after implantation by epicardial echocardiography, left atrial and coronary angiography, gross pathology, and histology.

Results

Left atrial appendage exclusion was completed without hemodynamic instability. Coronary angiography revealed that the left circumflex artery was patent in all cases. A new endothelial tissue layer developed, as expected, on the occluded orifice of the left atrium.

Conclusions

This novel atrial exclusion device achieved easy, reliable, and safe exclusion of the left atrial appendage, with favorable histological results in a canine model for up to 6 months. Clinical application could provide a new therapeutic option for reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Use of Axillary Cannulation for Simultaneous Endo-Occlusion and Antegrade Perfusion during Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Farivar Robert Saeid , Fernandez Joss D.
Published: August 2012

Objective

We aimed to develop an antegrade arterial perfusion method that would allow a single suture line on the heart.

Methods

Using an 8-mm Dacron graft sewn to the right axillary artery, we performed antegrade arterial flow and simultaneous endo-occlusion, as well as the delivery of antegrade cardioplegia.

Results

Five patients underwent right axillary antegrade flow, with intention to use axillary endo-occlusion. There were no deaths, axillary artery injuries, or conversions to sternotomy. One patient who had a small (6 mm) axillary artery required femoral arterial balloon placement with axillary arterial flow. When using a 100-mm endobal-loon, transesophageal echo alone is suitable for placement of the endo-balloon. All patients are alive and doing well at least 1 year after surgery.

Conclusions

The right axillary artery is a suitable conduit for simultaneous endo-occlusion, antegrade flow, and antegrade cardioplegia delivery during mitral valve surgery.
Management of a Protruding Right Coronary Artery Stent during Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Nwaejike Nnamdi , Rozario Christopher , Sogliani Franco
Published: August 2012

We describe the successful management of a stent protruding from the right coronary ostium into the aortic root in the setting of aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. Due to advances in medical care more elderly patients present for aortic valve surgery after percutaneous coronary intervention. Therefore, with an aging population due to advances in medical care, more patients will present for aortic valve surgery after percutaneous coronary intervention. We suggest a degree of caution before valve deployment in transcatheter aortic valve intervention or during annular manipulation in patients undergoing traditional aortic valve replacement with coexisting patent proximal stents.
Hybrid Access to Atria via the Guiraudon Universal Cardiac Introducer for Arrhythmia Ablation after Total Cavopulmonary Derivation
Authors: Guiraudon Gérard M. , Jones Douglas L. , Bainbridge Daniel , Cohen Laurence , Lecompte Yves , Hidden-Lucet Françoise , Frank Robert , Pavie Alain
Published: August 2012

We report the first use of a new platform, the Guiraudon Universal Cardiac Introducer (GUCI), in humans for accessing the left atrium for catheter-based ablations in patients with resistant atrial arrhythmias after total cavopulmonary derivation. The GUCI was originally designed for intracardiac access for closed, beating instrumental intracardiac surgery.

The patient was a 29-year-old man with problematic atrial arrhythmias resistant to antiarrhythmic drugs because of severe uncontrolled bradycardia and because his pacemaker was explanted for infection.

The GUCI was attached to the left atrial appendage via an anterior left thoracotomy. The GUCI was modified to accommodate introduction and manipulation of multiple catheters. This allowed electrophysiologists to perform catheter-based exploration and ablation. A DDD pacemaker was implanted, with an atrial endocardial lead introduced via the GUCI cuff and a ventricular epicardial lead.

Postoperative atrial arrhythmias were controlled using amiodarone and atrial pacing. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient was arrhythmia- and drug-free and returned to full employment.

This new access offers an additional new alternative atrial access to treat resistant arrhythmia after total cavopulmonary derivation. The current state-of-the-art makes patient selection difficult and uncomfortable for the surgeons because of incomplete preoperative electrophysiological data, such as a return to the beginning of surgery for arrhythmia; however, more cumulative experience with intraoperative electrophysiological data and new mapping technologies should address these limitations.
Over the Next Hill
Authors: Emery Robert W. , Cooper Matthew M. , Joyce David L.
Published: August 2012

In the tradition of Dr Arom, who had many interests in his clinical and research career, I will touch on three things that will impact the practice of clinical cardiac surgery over the next several years: use of bilateral internal mammary arteries, use of external mesh support to improve saphenous vein graft patency, and anticoagulation of mechanical heart valves. The remainder of the presentation goes into depth on the development of a bloodless heart surgery program, which is contemporary and timely as it encompasses some thoughts of this society.
The Effect of TRANSPARENT TESTA2 on Seed Fatty Acid Biosynthesis and Tolerance to Environmental Stresses during Young Seedling Establishment in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Mingxun , Wang Zhong , Zhu Yana , Li Zhilan , Hussain Nazim , Xuan Lijie , Guo Wanli , Zhang Guoping , Jiang Lixi
Published: August 2012

In plants, fatty acids (FAs) and FA-derived complex lipids are major carbon and energy reserves in seeds. They are essential components of cellular membranes and cellular signal or hormone molecules. Although TRANSPARENT TESTA2 (TT2) is well studied for its function in regulating proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in the seed coat, little attention has been given to its role in affecting seed FA accumulation and tolerance to environmental stresses. We demonstrate that the tt2 mutation remarkably increased the seed FA content, decreased seed weight, and altered the FA composition. The increase in FA content in the tt2 seeds was due to the relative decrease of seed coat proportion as well as the more efficient FA synthesis in the tt2 embryo. Microarray analysis revealed that tt2 mutation up-regulated a group of genes critical to FA biosynthesis and embryonic development. The mutation also altered the gene expressions that respond to stress. The microarray analysis discovered that the increase in FA accumulation of the tt2 seeds were accompanied by the significant up-regulation of FUSCA3, a transcriptional factor for embryonic development and FATTY ACID ELONGASE1, which catalyzes the elongation of FA chains. Moreover, lower seed protein accumulation during seed maturation also contributed to the increased seed FA accumulation in tt2 mutants. This study advances the understanding of the TT2 gene in seed FA accumulation and abiotic stresses during seed germination and seedling establishment.
CASE Plots for the Chemotype‐Based Activity and Selectivity Analysis: A CASE Study of Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
Authors: Pérez‐Villanueva Jaime , Medina‐Franco José L. , Méndez‐Lucio Oscar , Yoo Jakyung , Soria‐Arteche Olivia , Izquierdo Teresa , Lozada M. Concepción , Castillo Rafael
Published: August 2012

Structure–activity characterization of molecular databases plays a central role in drug discovery. However, the characterization of large databases containing structurally diverse molecules with several end‐points represents a major challenge. For this purpose, the use of chemoinformatic methods plays an important role to elucidate structure–activity relationships. Herein, a general methodology, namely Chemotype Activity and Selectivity Enrichment plots, is presented. Chemotype Activity and Selectivity Enrichment plots provide graphical information concerning the activity and selectivity patterns of particular chemotypes contained in structurally diverse databases. As a case study, we analyzed a set of 658 compounds screened against cyclooxygenase‐1 and cyclooxygenase‐2. Chemotype Activity and Selectivity Enrichment plots analysis highlighted chemotypes enriched with active and selective molecules against cyclooxygenase‐2; all this in a simple 2D graphical representation. Additionally, the most active and selective chemotypes detected in Chemotype Activity and Selectivity Enrichment plots were analyzed separately using the previously reported dual activity–difference maps. These findings indicate that Chemotype Activity and Selectivity Enrichment plots and dual activity–difference maps are complementary chemoinformatic tools to explore the structure–activity relationships of structurally diverse databases screened against two biological end‐points.
New Alloferon Analogues: Synthesis and Antiviral Properties
Authors: Kuczer Mariola , Majewska Anna , Zahorska Renata
Published: August 2012

We have extended our study on structure/activity relationship studies of insect peptide alloferon (H‐His‐Gly‐Val‐Ser‐Gly‐His‐Gly‐Gln‐His‐Gly‐Val‐His‐Gly‐OH) by evaluating the antiviral effects of new alloferon analogues. We synthesized 18 alloferon analogues: 12 peptides with sequences shortened from N‐ or C‐terminus and 6 N‐terminally modified analogues H‐X1‐Gly‐Val‐Ser‐Gly‐His‐Gly‐Gln‐His‐Gly‐Val‐His‐Gly‐OH, where X1 = Phe (13), Tyr (14), Trp (15), Phg (16), Phe(p‐Cl) (17), and Phe(p‐OMe) (18). We found that most of the evaluated peptides inhibit the replication of Human Herpesviruses or Coxsackievirus B2 in Vero, HEp‐2 and LLC‐MK2 cells. Our results indicate that the compound [3‐13]‐alloferon (1) exhibits the strongest antiviral activity (IC50 = 38 μm) among the analyzed compound. Moreover, no cytotoxic activity against the investigated cell lines was observed for all studied peptides at concentration 165 μm or higher.
Bioactive Derivatives of Curcumin Attenuate Cataract Formation In Vitro
Authors: Radha Asha , Devi Rukhmini Sudha , Vilasini Sasikala , Rajan Sakunthala Priya , Sreedharan Balachandran , Puzhavoorparambil Velayudhan Mohanan , Abraham Annie
Published: August 2012

In this study, curcumin derivatives salicylidenecurcumin (CD1) and benzalidenecurcumin (CD2)] were prepared, and their biological activity was compared in in vitro selenite‐induced cataract model. The antioxidant activity was studied using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Knoevenagel condensates of curcumin exhibited higher DPPH radical scavenging activity compared with curcumin. The anticataractogenic potential of curcumin derivatives was analyzed using lens organ culture method. The activity of antioxidant enzymes and calcium homeostasis was reversed to near normal levels following treatment in organ cultured rat lenses. These results indicated that curcumin and its derivatives—CD1 and CD2—are beneficial against selenite‐induced cataract in vitro. Of these, CD1 is having higher bioactive potential compared with curcumin and CD2.
Fourteen new microsatellite markers for Atlantic herring Clupea harengus
Authors: Libungan L. A. , Ólafsdóttir G. , Skírnisdóttir S. , Pálsson S. , Pampoulie C. , Björnsdóttir S. H. , Ólafsson K. , Óskarsson G. J. , Daníelsdóttir A. K.
Published: August 2012

Fourteen new microsatellite loci were developed and tested on Atlantic herring Clupea harengus with 39 individuals from Iceland and 49 individuals from Norway. The microsatellites, which contain di, tri and tetranucleotide repeats, are polymorphic (7–30 alleles), with observed heterozygosity ranging between 0·69 and 1·00 and expected heterozygosity between 0·55 and 0·97.
Dockside Tarts and Modesty Boards: A Review of Recent Policy on Sexualisation
Authors: Bragg Sara
Published: August 2012

In recent years, the ‘sexualisation of childhood’ has moved into the centre ground of public policy and debate internationally, despite the conceptual confusions and inadequate evidence surrounding the processes denoted by the term. This paper focuses primarily on the most recent of several UK government‐commissioned reviews and reports, the Bailey Review of 2011, warning that its proposals may amplify the voices of organised campaign groups at the expense of young people's, potentially damaging their rights to sexual self‐expression and information. In addition, however, it argues that we should attend to how the Review delineates boundaries between the personal, the social and the political and between the public and private, to understand the kind of contract between state and citizen that policy on ‘sexualisation’ attempts to put in place.
Development and preliminary validation of an indirect screener for drug use in the perinatal period
Authors: Ondersma Steven J. , Svikis Dace S. , LeBreton James M. , Streiner David L. , Grekin Emily R. , Lam Phebe K. , Connors‐Burge Veronica
Published: August 2012

Aims

This study sought to develop and begin validation of an indirect screener for identification of drug use during pregnancy, without reliance on direct disclosure.

Design

Women were recruited from their hospital rooms after giving birth. Participation involved (i) completing a computerized assessment battery containing three types of items: direct (asking directly about drug use), semi‐indirect (asking only about drug use prior to pregnancy) and indirect (with no mention of drug use), and (ii) providing urine and hair samples. An optimal subset of indirect items was developed and cross‐validated based on ability to predict urine/hair test results.

Setting

Obstetric unit of a university‐affiliated hospital in Detroit.

Participants

Four hundred low‐income, African American, post‐partum women (300 in the developmental sample and 100 in the cross‐validation sample); all available women were recruited without consideration of substance abuse risk or other characteristics.

Measurements

Women first completed the series of direct and indirect items using a Tablet PC; they were then asked for separate consent to obtain urine and hair samples that were tested for evidence of illicit drug use.

Findings

In the cross‐validation sample, the brief screener consisting of six indirect items predicted toxicology results more accurately than direct questions about drug use (area under the ROC curve = 0.74, P < 0.001). Traditional direct screening questions were highly specific, but identified only a small minority of women who used drugs during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Conclusions

Indirect screening may increase the accuracy of mothers' self‐reports of prenatal drug use.
Exenatide at therapeutic and supratherapeutic concentrations does not prolong the QTc interval in healthy subjects
Authors: Darpö Börje , Philip Sager , MacConell Leigh , Cirincione Brenda , Mitchell Malcolm , Han Jenny , Huang Wenying , Malloy Jaret , Schulteis Christine , Shen Larry , Porter Lisa
Published: August 2012

Aims

Exenatide has been demonstrated to improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, with no effect on heart rate corrected QT (QTc) at therapeutic concentrations. This randomized, placebo‐ and positive‐controlled, crossover, thorough QT study evaluated the effects of therapeutic and supratherapeutic exenatide concentrations on QTc.

Methods

Intravenous infusion was employed to achieve steady‐state supratherapeutic concentrations in healthy subjects within a reasonable duration (i.e. days). Subjects received exenatide, placebo and moxifloxacin, with ECGs recorded pre‐therapy and during treatment. Intravenous exenatide was expected to increase heart rate to a greater extent than subcutaneous twice daily or once weekly formulations. To assure proper heart rate correction, a wide range of baseline heart rates was assessed and prospectively defined methodology was applied to determine the optimal QT correction.

Results

Targeted steady‐state plasma exenatide concentrations were exceeded (geometric mean ± SEM 253 ± 8.5 pg ml−1, 399 ± 11.9 pg ml−1 and 627 ± 21.2 pg ml−1). QTcP, a population‐based method, was identified as the most appropriate heart rate correction and was prespecified for primary analysis. The upper bound of the two‐sided 90% confidence interval for placebo‐corrected, baseline‐adjusted QTcP (ΔΔQTcP) was <10 ms at all time points and exenatide concentrations. The mean of three measures assessed at the highest steady‐state plasma exenatide concentration of ∼500 pg ml−1 (ΔΔQTcPavg) was −1.13 [−2.11, −0.15). No correlation was observed between ΔΔQTcP and exenatide concentration. Assay sensitivity was confirmed with moxifloxacin.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that exenatide, at supratherapeutic concentrations, does not prolong QTc and provide an example of methodology for QT assessment of drugs with an inherent heart rate effect.
Syndecan‐2 can promote clearance of T‐cell receptor/CD3 from the cell surface
Authors: Rovira‐Clavé Xavier , Angulo‐Ibáñez Maria , Noguer Oriol , Espel Enric , Reina Manuel
Published: August 2012

T cells express the heparan sulphate proteoglycans syndecan‐2 and syndecan‐4. Syndecan‐4 plays a T‐cell inhibitory role; however, the function of syndecan‐2 is unknown. In an attempt to examine this function, syndecan‐2 was expressed constitutively in Jurkat T cells. Interestingly, the expression of syndecan‐2 decreased the surface levels of T‐cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex, concomitant with intracellular retention of CD3ε and partial degradation of the TCR‐ζ chain. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that intracellular CD3ε co‐located with Rab‐4 endosomes. However, the intracellular pool of CD3ε did not recycle to the cell surface. The lower TCR/CD3 surface levels caused by syndecan‐2 led to reduced TCR/CD3 responsiveness. We show that the cytosolic PDZ‐binding domain of syndecan‐2 is not necessary to elicit TCR/CD3 down‐regulation. These results identify a previously unrecognized means of controlling surface TCR/CD3 expression by syndecan‐2.