bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Movement and Mesohabitat Usage of Adult and Juvenile Lake Sturgeon in the Grasse River, New York
Authors: Trested Drew G. , Chan Matthew D. , Bridges William C. , Isely J. Jeffery
Published: August 2011

Long‐term restoration efforts for lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens populations will benefit from better understanding of this species’ movements and habitat use in riverine systems. Radio transmitters were implanted in both juvenile and adult lake sturgeon in the Grasse River, New York, and individuals were relocated over a 2‐year period. Adult lake sturgeon demonstrated greater minimum daily distance moved, absolute distance moved, and mean home range size than juvenile lake sturgeon during the spring. During the course of the study, both adult and juvenile lake sturgeon exhibited movements upstream and downstream through a breached low‐head weir, and individuals did not necessarily remain resident on an annual basis in the Grasse River. Mesohabitat and substrate use patterns were determined based on comparisons of frequency distributions for relocated lake sturgeon and quantified mesohabitat and substrate over a 15‐km river reach. Lake sturgeon used pool mesohabitat and limited their use of run mesohabitat under both low‐ and mid‐flow conditions. During most of the year, adult and juvenile lake sturgeon were detected over silt substrate. This study illustrates behavioral differences and similarities between the movements and habitat use of adult and juvenile lake sturgeon in a riverine system.
Is Cating's Method of Transverse Groove Counts to Annuli Applicable for all Stocks of American Shad?
Authors: Duffy William J. , McBride Richard S. , Cadrin Steven X. , Oliveira Kenneth
Published: August 2011

A scale aging method was reported by Cating in 1953 for American shad Alosa sapidissima in the Hudson River and subsequently validated by recapturing fish marked and released in the Connecticut River. However, American shad spawn in all major rivers from Canada to Florida and their scales record growth events occurring in three distinct biogeographic provinces. Thus, a single scale aging method may not be applicable across the latitudinal range of this species. To address this concern, scales from American shad from one southern river (the St. Johns), three Middle Atlantic rivers (the Delaware, Hudson, and Connecticut), and one northern river (the Merrimack) were examined. Scales were cleaned, impressed in acetate, and analyzed by the same reader using a digital imaging system. The transverse grooves, the key morphological character used in Cating's method, were counted to the distal edge of the freshwater zone and the first three annuli. In most instances, these groove frequencies were statistically different from Cating's data for the Hudson River. Moreover, our data showed enough overlap in groove frequencies that they cannot be relied on as diagnostic characters for the freshwater zone and first three annuli in fish with difficult‐to‐interpret scales. Scale size explained more of the variance in groove frequencies than fish age did. Regardless of the specific process creating transverse grooves, we provide evidence that Cating's method should not be used to age American shad.
Cellular mechanisms of cardiomyopathy
Authors: Harvey Pamela A. , Leinwand Leslie A.
Published: August 2011

The heart exhibits remarkable adaptive responses to a wide array of genetic and extrinsic factors to maintain contractile function. When compensatory responses are not sustainable, cardiac dysfunction occurs, leading to cardiomyopathy. The many forms of cardiomyopathy exhibit a set of overlapping phenotypes reflecting the limited range of compensatory responses that the heart can use. These include cardiac hypertrophy, induction of genes normally expressed during development, fibrotic deposits that replace necrotic and apoptotic cardiomyocytes, and metabolic disturbances. The compensatory responses are mediated by signaling pathways that initially serve to maintain normal contractility; however, persistent activation of these pathways leads to cardiac dysfunction. Current research focuses on ways to target these specific pathways therapeutically.
The importance of epigenetics in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: SAKAO SEIICHIRO , TATSUMI KOICHIRO
Published: August 2011

It is generally accepted that genetic predisposition plays a role in COPD development in susceptible individuals. Therefore, many candidate genes that could be linked to the development of disease have been examined in COPD. However, inconsistent results in different study populations often limit this approach, suggesting that not only genetics, but also other factors, may be contributed to the susceptibility to COPD. Epigenetic mechanisms can affect the transcriptional activity of specific genes, at different points in time, and in different organs. Moreover, these mechanisms can have an effect on people's health. Recently, there is emerging evidence supporting a role of epigenetics for the regulation of inflammatory genes in diseases such as asthma and COPD. Moreover, recent studies suggest that the currently used treatments including corticosteroids may work through epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic regulation can be reprogrammed, potentially affecting the risk, aetiology and treatment of various disease states. The epigenetically influenced phenotype could be reversed with demethylating or deacetylating agents, consistent with epigenetic plasticity. The postnatal reversibility of these methylation or acetylation events may therefore provide good opportunities for intervention.

The recognition of the role of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in the development of COPD may identify novel targets that hatch new therapies for patients with COPD.
Relationship between aggression, interpersonal style, and therapeutic alliance during short‐term psychiatric hospitalization
Authors: Cookson Amy , Daffern Michael , Foley Fiona
Published: August 2011

Aggression during psychiatric hospitalization is frequent, problematic, and a major challenge for nurses and mental health services more generally. The strength of the therapeutic alliance between nursing staff and patients has been posited as an important protective factor that can limit the likelihood of aggression. This study examined the relationship between interpersonal style, perceived coercion, and psychiatric symptoms on the therapeutic alliance between patients and staff, and how each, in turn, is related to aggression. Participants in this study were 79 patients admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital. Each participant was interviewed to determine perceived coercion, symptoms of psychiatric illness, interpersonal style, and therapeutic alliance. Incidents of aggression were recorded at discharge through a review of incident forms, file review, and interviews with unit nursing staff. The results showed that a hostile–dominant interpersonal style and symptoms of paranoia predicted poor therapeutic alliance, contributing 14% of the variance in therapeutic alliance scores. A dominant interpersonal style predicted aggression towards staff. Therapeutic alliance, perceived coercion, and symptoms of psychiatric illness did not predict aggression. Implications for engagement in treatment and the prevention of aggression are discussed.
Basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors and enteroendocrine cell differentiation
Authors: Li H. J. , Ray S. K. , Singh N. K. , Johnston B. , Leiter A. B.
Published: August 2011

For over 30 years it has been known that enteroendocrine cells derive from common precursor cells in the intestinal crypts. Until recently little was understood about the events that result in commitment to endocrine differentiation or the eventual segregation of over 10 different hormone‐expressing cell types in the gastrointestinal tract. Enteroendocrine cells arise from pluripotent intestinal stem cells. Differentiation of enteroendocrine cells is controlled by the sequential expression of three basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors, Math1, Neurogenin 3 (Neurog3) and NeuroD. Math1 expression is required for specification and segregation of the intestinal secretory lineage (Paneth, goblet,and enteroendocrine cells) from the absorptive enterocyte lineage. Neurog3 expression represents the earliest stage of enteroendocrine differentiation and in its absence enteroendocrine cells fail to develop. Subsequent expression of NeuroD appears to represent a later stage of differentiation for maturing enteroendocrine cells. Enteroendocrine cell fate is inhibited by the Notch signalling pathway, which appears to inhibit both Math1 and Neurog3. Understanding enteroendocrine cell differentiation will become increasingly important for identifying potential future targets for common diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
Regulation of glucagon secretion by zinc: lessons from the β cell‐specific Znt8 knockout mouse model
Authors: Hardy A. B. , Serino A. S. , Wijesekara N. , Chimienti F. , Wheeler M. B.
Published: August 2011

In type‐2 diabetes, hyperglucagonaemia aggravates elevated blood glucose levels. Relative to our knowledge of the β‐cell and insulin secretion, there remains a limited understanding of glucagon secretion in α‐cells. Regulation of glucagon may be dependent on a combination of factors, which include direct glucose sensing by the α‐cell, innervations from the autonomic nervous system and potential ‘paracrine’ actions by hormones and factors that are released by adjacent endocrine cells within the islets. The list of potential ‘paracrine’ regulators within the islet includes insulin, somatostatin, γ‐aminobutyric acid, glutamate and zinc. Zinc crystallises with insulin in β‐cells and is co‐secreted with insulin. In the scientific literature, the effect of exogeneous zinc on glucagon secretion has been debated. Here, we confirm that an increase in exogeneous zinc does inhibit glucagon secretion. To determine if there are physiological effects of zinc on glucagon secretion we used a β‐cell‐specific ZnT8 knockout (Znt8BKO) mouse model. Znt8BKO mice, despite showing lower granular zinc content in β‐cells, showed no changes in fasted plasma glucagon levels and glucose regulated glucagon secretion. These findings suggest that zinc secreted from β‐cell does not regulate glucagon secretion.
Brain glucose sensing and neural regulation of insulin and glucagon secretion
Authors: Thorens B.
Published: August 2011

Glucose homeostasis requires the tight regulation of glucose utilization by liver, muscle and white or brown fat, and glucose production and release in the blood by liver. The major goal of maintaining glycemia at ∼5 mM is to ensure a sufficient flux of glucose to the brain, which depends mostly on this nutrient as a source of metabolic energy. This homeostatic process is controlled by hormones, mainly glucagon and insulin, and by autonomic nervous activities that control the metabolic state of liver, muscle and fat tissue but also the secretory activity of the endocrine pancreas. Activation or inhibition of the sympathetic or parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous systems are controlled by glucose‐excited or glucose‐inhibited neurons located at different anatomical sites, mainly in the brainstem and the hypothalamus. Activation of these neurons by hyper‐ or hypoglycemia represents a critical aspect of the control of glucose homeostasis, and loss of glucose sensing by these cells as well as by pancreatic β‐cells is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. In this article, aspects of the brain–endocrine pancreas axis are reviewed, highlighting the importance of central glucose sensing in the control of counterregulation to hypoglycemia but also mentioning the role of the neural control in β‐cell mass and function. Overall, the conclusions of these studies is that impaired glucose homeostasis, such as associated with type 2 diabetes, but also defective counterregulation to hypoglycemia, may be caused by initial defects in glucose sensing.
An exploratory study of drinkers views of health information and warning labels on alcohol containers
Authors: THOMSON LISA M. , VANDENBERG BRIAN , FITZGERALD JOHN L.
Published: August 2011

Introduction and Aims. To identify general and specific features of health information warning labels on alcohol beverage containers that could potentially inform the development and implementation of a new labelling regime in Australia.

Design and Methods. Mixed methods, including a cross‐sectional population survey and a qualitative study of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding alcohol beverage labelling. The population survey used computer‐assisted telephone interviews of 1500 persons in Victoria, Australia to gauge the level of support for health information and warning labels. The qualitative study used six focus groups to test the suitability of 12 prototype labels that were placed in situ on a variety of alcohol beverage containers.

Results. The telephone survey found 80% to 90% support for a range of information that could potentially be mandated by government authorities for inclusion on labels (nutritional information, alcohol content, health warning, images). Focus group testing of the prototype label designs found that labels should be integrated with other alcohol‐related health messages, such as government social advertising campaigns, and specific labels should be matched appropriately to specific consumer groups and beverage types.

Discussion and Conclusion. There are high levels of public support for health information and warning labels on alcohol beverages. This study contributes much needed empirical guidance for developing alcohol beverage labelling strategies in an Australian context.[Thomson LM, Vandenberg B, Fitzgerald JL. An exploratory study of drinkers views of health information and warning labels on alcohol containers. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:240–247]
Legal Justification by Optimal Coherence*
Authors: AMAYA AMALIA
Published: August 2011

This paper examines the concept of coherence and its role in legal reasoning. First, it identifies some problem areas confronting coherence theories of legal reasoning about both disputed questions of fact and disputed questions of law. Second, with a view to solving these problems, it proposes a coherence model of legal reasoning. The main tenet of this coherence model is that a belief about the law and the facts under dispute is justified if it is “optimally coherent,” that is, if it is such that an epistemically responsible legal decision‐maker would have accepted it as justified by virtue of its coherence in like circumstances. Last, looking beyond the coherence theory, the paper explores the implications of the version of legal coherentism proposed for a general theory of legal reasoning and rationality.
Evidence concerning the Relationship between Health and Retirement
Authors: Martin John , Doran Ann
Published: August 2011

Survey data concerning the incidence of serious illness before and after retirement are analysed in two ways,

(i) by comparison of groups of retired men with groups of men in the last ten years of their working lives; (ii) by examining and comparing the trends over time before and after retirement.

Whereas the first method would lead to a conclusion that there is no difference between retired and working men, the second method shows a distinct drop in the incidence of serious illness in the two years following retirement and a slower rate of increase thereafter. It is concluded that retirement is associated with a substantial lowering in the incidence of serious illness.
Major but differential decline in the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in HIV‐infected individuals from 1995 to 2007: a nationwide cohort study*
Authors: Larsen MV , Harboe ZB , Ladelund S , Skov R , Gerstoft J , Pedersen C , Larsen CS , Obel N , Kronborg G , Benfield T
Published: August 2011

Objectives

Incidence rates (IRs) of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) are known to be higher in HIV‐infected individuals than in the general population, but have not been assessed in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Methods

From 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2007, all Danish HIV‐infected individuals (n=4871) and population controls (n=92 116) matched on age and sex were enrolled in a cohort and all cases of SAB were registered. IRs and risk factors were estimated using time‐updated Poisson regression analysis.

Results

We identified 329 cases of SAB in 284 individuals, of whom 132 individuals were infected with HIV and 152 were not [crude IR ratio (IRR) 24.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 19.5–30.0, for HIV‐infected vs. non‐HIV‐infected individuals]. Over time, IR declined for HIV‐infected individuals (IRR 0.40). Injecting drug users (IDUs) had the highest incidence and the smallest decline in IR, while men who have sex with men (MSM) had the largest decline over time. Among HIV‐infected individuals, a latest CD4 count <100 cells/μL was the strongest independent predictor of SAB (IRR 10.2). Additionally, HIV transmission group was associated with risk of SAB. MSM were more likely to have hospital‐acquired SAB, a low CD4 cell count and AIDS at the time of HIV acquisition compared with IDUs.

Conclusions

We found that the incidence of SAB among HIV‐infected individuals declined during the study period, but remained higher than that among HIV‐uninfected individuals. There was an unevenly distributed burden of SAB among HIV transmission groups (IDU>MSM). Low CD4 cell count and IDU were strong predictors of SAB among HIV‐infected individuals.
Trees and shrubs as invasive alien species – a global review
Authors: Richardson David M. , Rejmánek Marcel
Published: August 2011

Aim  Woody plants were not widely considered to be important invasive alien species until fairly recently. Thousands of species of trees and shrubs have, however, been moved around the world. Many species have spread from planting sites, and some are now among the most widespread and damaging of invasive organisms. This article presents a global list of invasive alien trees and shrubs. It discusses taxonomic biases, geographical patterns, modes of dispersal, reasons for introductions and key issues regarding invasions of non‐native woody plants around the world.

Location  Global.

Methods  An exhaustive survey was made of regional and national databases and the literature. Correspondence with botanists and ecologists and our own observations in many parts of the world expanded the list. Presence of invasive species was determined for each of 15 broad geographical regions. The main reasons for introduction and dissemination were determined for each species.

Results  The list comprises 622 species (357 trees, 265 shrubs in 29 plant orders, 78 families, 286 genera). Regions with the largest number of woody invasive alien species are: Australia (183); southern Africa (170); North America (163); Pacific Islands (147); and New Zealand (107). Species introduced for horticulture dominated the list (62% of species: 196 trees and 187 shrubs). The next most important reasons for introduction and dissemination were forestry (13%), food (10%) and agroforestry (7%). Three hundred and twenty‐three species (52%) are currently known to be invasive in only one region, and another 126 (20%) occur in only two regions. Only 38 species (6%) are very widespread (invasive in six or more regions). Over 40% of invasive tree species and over 60% of invasive shrub species are bird dispersed.

Main conclusions  Only between 0.5% and 0.7% of the world’s tree and shrub species are currently invasive outside their natural range, but woody plant invasions are rapidly increasing in importance around the world. The objectively compiled list of invasive species presented here provides a snapshot of the current dimensions of the phenomenon and will be useful for screening new introductions for invasive potential.
National‐scale strategic approaches for managing introduced plants: insights from Australian acacias in South Africa
Authors: van Wilgen Brian W. , Dyer Colin , Hoffmann John H. , Ivey Philip , Le Maitre David C. , Moore Joslin L. , Richardson David M. , Rouget Mathieu , Wannenburgh Andrew , Wilson John R. U.
Published: August 2011

Aim  A range of approaches and philosophies underpin national‐level strategies for managing invasive alien plants. This study presents a strategy for the management of taxa that both have value and do harm.

Location  South Africa.

Methods  Insights were derived from examining Australian Acacia species in South Africa (c. 70 species introduced, mostly > 150 years ago; some have commercial and other values; 14 species are invasive, causing substantial ecological and economic damage). We consider options for combining available tactics and management practices. We defined (1) categories of species based on invaded area (a surrogate for impact) and the value of benefits generated and (2) management regions based on habitat suitability and degree of invasion. For each category and region, we identified strategic goals and proposed the combinations of management practices to move the system in the desired direction.

Results  We identified six strategic goals that in combination would apply to eight species categories. We further identified 14 management practices that could be strategically combined to achieve these goals for each category in five discrete regions. When used in appropriate combinations, the prospect of achieving the strategic goal will be maximized. As the outcomes of management cannot be accurately predicted, management must be adaptive, requiring continuous monitoring and assessment, and realignment of goals if necessary.

Main conclusions  Invasive Australian Acacia species in South Africa continue to spread and cause undesirable impacts, despite a considerable investment into management. This is because the various practices have historically been uncoordinated in what can be best described as a strategy of hope. Our proposed strategy offers the best possible chance of achieving goals, and it is the first to address invasive alien species that have both positive value and negative impacts.
Ecophysiological traits associated with the competitive ability of invasive Australian acacias
Authors: Morris Taryn L. , Esler Karen J. , Barger Nichole N. , Jacobs Shayne M. , Cramer Michael D.
Published: August 2011

Aim  We explored morphological and ecophysiological traits that enable invasive Australian acacias to compete with native species for resources (light, water and nutrients) necessary to support the substantial growth associated with successful invasions.

Location  Global.

Results  Invasive Australian acacias grow large and seed prolifically in invaded regions. The greater capacity for vegetative growth is underpinned by their ability to acquire and efficiently use resources in non‐native habitats. Key biological traits that enhance acquisition include (1) rapid and substantial allocation to root mass (up to 6‐fold more than co‐occurring native species) directed towards deep roots (at least 50% longer than those of natives) and to extensive shallow root networks; (2) heteroblasty, in most species, conferring high relative growth rates as bipinnate seedlings but long‐lived, nutrient‐conserving phyllodes as adults and (3) strong N2‐fixation abilities.

Main conclusions  The ecophysiological traits that govern the competitive interaction of invasive Australian acacias with native species are an important component of the recognized suite of factors including introduction history, human use and enemy release that combine to produce successful invasions. Traits interact to give Australian acacias competitive advantage over many native species. One such interaction is that of N2 fixation, which when coupled with slow decomposition of sclerophyllous phyllodes results in alteration of soil nutrient cycling. The lasting legacy of soil N‐enrichment hinders the competitive ability of native species and further enhances invasions. The importance of edaphic factors and competitive interactions in determining invasive success should be considered in predictive modelling of species distributions.
Macroecology meets invasion ecology: linking the native distributions of Australian acacias to invasiveness
Authors: Hui Cang , Richardson David M. , Robertson Mark P. , Wilson John R. U. , Yates Colin J.
Published: August 2011

Aim Species’ native ranges reflect the net outcome of interactions between life‐history strategies and biotic and abiotic influences over evolutionary time‐scales. Differences in native ranges might be indicative both of relative historical performance and adaptability to new conditions. Consequently, the native ranges of successful invaders might have distinctive biogeographical characteristics. We test this hypothesis by (1) quantifying macroecological patterns of the entire assemblage of native taxa inAcaciasubgenusPhyllodineaein Australia, (2) testing whether highly invasive taxa represent random samples from the patterns observed for the assemblage as a whole and (3) exploring the link between native geographical range and the position of species along the introduction‐naturalization‐invasion continuum.

Location Australia and worldwide.

Methods Three distributional metrics representing particular biogeographical characteristics of species’ native ranges – the logarithms of range size, percolation intercept and percolation exponent – were calculated by fitting a revised alpha hull to records from Australia’s Virtual Herbarium. Randomization and cascaded tests were used to compare these metrics for species at different stages of invasion.

Results The macroecological patterns of the three distributional metrics displayed lognormal‐like frequency distributions. Most invasive species had significantly lower percolation exponents and larger native ranges than expected from random draws from the entire assemblage of Australian acacias, but percolation intercepts were not significantly different. This can be explained by a selection bias at the early stages of invasion.

Main conclusions The outcome of the natural experiment of transplanting many Australian acacias into novel environments is not random. While invasive species have a particular macroecological pattern, this can be explained by the observation that species with large native ranges and low percolation exponents (i.e. high population increase rate) are most likely to have been introduced and naturalized. Whether this pattern is an artefact of human selection or reflects a human bias towards selecting invasive species remains to be seen.
Reproductive biology of Australian acacias: important mediator of invasiveness?
Authors: Gibson Michelle R. , Richardson David M. , Marchante Elizabete , Marchante Hélia , Rodger James G. , Stone Graham N. , Byrne Margaret , Fuentes‐Ramírez Andrés , George Nicholas , Harris Carla , Johnson Steven D. , Roux Johannes J. Le , Miller Joseph T. , Murphy Daniel J. , Pauw Anton , Prescott Matthew N. , Wandrag Elizabeth M. , Wilson John R. U.
Published: August 2011

Aim Reproductive traits are important mediators of establishment and spread of introduced species, both directly and through interactions with other life‐history traits and extrinsic factors. We identify features of the reproductive biology of Australian acacias associated with invasiveness.

Location Global.

Methods We reviewed the pollination biology, seed biology and alternative modes of reproduction of Australian acacias using primary literature, online searches and unpublished data. We used comparative analyses incorporating anAcaciaphylogeny to test for associations between invasiveness and eight reproductive traits in a group of introduced and invasive (23) and non‐invasive (129) species. We also explore the distribution of groups of trait ‘syndromes’ between invasive and non‐invasive species.

Results Reproductive trait data were only available for 126 of 152 introduced species in our data set, representing 23/23 invasive and 103/129 non‐invasive species. These data suggest that invasives reach reproductive maturity earlier (10/13 within 2 years vs. 7/26 for non‐invasives) and are more commonly able to resprout (11/21 vs. 13/54), although only time to reproductive maturity was significant when phylogenetic relationships were controlled for. Our qualitative survey of the literature suggests that invasive species in general tend to have generalist pollination systems, prolific seed production, efficient seed dispersal and the accumulation of large and persistent seed banks that often have fire‐, heat‐ or disturbance‐triggered germination cues.

Conclusions Invasive species respond quicker to disturbance than non‐invasive taxa. Traits found to be significant in our study require more in‐depth analysis involving data for a broader array of species given how little is known of the reproductive biology of so many taxa in this species‐rich genus. Sets of reproductive traits characteristic of invasive species and a general ability to reproduce effectively in new locations are widespread in Australian acacias. Unless there is substantial evidence to the contrary, care should be taken with all introductions.
Extracorporeal artificial liver support systems in the management of intractable cholestatic pruritus
Authors: Fuhrmann Valentin , Drolz Andreas , Trauner Michael
Published: August 2011

Pruritus can occur as a severe complication of cholestasis. Several hypotheses suggest an important role for the accumulation of bile acids, endogenous opioids and – mire recently – lysophosphatidic acid. Bile acid sequestrants are the first‐line therapeutic agents. In refractory cases, a stepwise approach using rifampicin, oral opiate antagonists and the selective serotonine reuptake inhibitor sertraline should be tested. Recent case series reported effective relief of pruritus using extracorporal liver support systems and plasmapheresis.
New insights into the management of hepato‐renal syndrome
Authors: Hasper Dietrich , Jörres Achim
Published: August 2011

Hepato‐renal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication in patients with advanced liver disease indicating a very poor prognosis. Nevertheless, effective treatment strategies have been introduced into clinical practice over the last decade. The combined treatment with terlipressin/albumin has been proven to be effective in most published studies and should be regarded as the standard of care. Norepinephrine or midodrine are possible alternatives when terlipressin is not available. Although there is presently not enough evidence to recommend extracorporeal liver support therapy as a standard procedure in patients with HRS, these concepts constitute promising options that need to be studied in prospective clinical trials.
Preparation and characterisation of pigments based on mica coated with rare earth oxides
Authors: Santos Shirleny F , França Silvia C A , Ogasawara Tsuneharu
Published: August 2011

Muscovite from a Brazilian natural source was beneficiated using knife mills and an ultrasound treatment. It was possible to achieve mica with a particle size of below 100 and above 45 μm and a thickness of between 0.5 and 1 μm. This product could be used for the synthesis of intensely coloured pearlescent pigments based on muscovite covered with rare earth oxides (CeO2, PrO2 and Ce0.95Pr0.05O2). Pigments were prepared by hydrolysis and characterised by X‐ray diffraction, thermal analyses (thermogravimetric/differential thermal) and scanning electron microscopy (MeV). The colour of the resulting pigments was analysed using the CIELab method, including a pearlescence index, and it showed the following colours: mica‐CeO2, yellow; mica‐PrO2, black; mica‐Ce0.95Pr0.05O2, orange.
An observational pilot study of CSF diversion in subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Amato Anthony , Britz Gavin W , James Michael L , Graffagnino Carmelo , Zomorodi Ali R , Zomorodi Margaret E , Olson DaiWai M
Published: August 2011

Background: A primary focus of hospital treatment following admission for subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a prevention of cerebral artery vasospasm, which may result in ischaemic stroke. Intraventricular catheter (IVC) insertion to facilitate cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) drainage and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring may reduce the incidence or severity of vasospasm, but insufficient evidence exists from which clinicians may determine the best practice of CSF management.

Aims: The aim of this study was to provide the pilot data to explore the impact of different methods of CSF drainage on outcomes in patients with SAH.

Methods: In this non‐randomized observational study, patients diagnosed with SAH who had ICP monitoring in situ were prospectively enrolled. Group assignment was determined by the method of external ventricular drainage (EVD) management prescribed by the attending physician prior to enrollment.

Results: The 37 subjects were disproportionately divided: open‐EVD group (N = 24) and monitor‐ICP group (N = 13). There were no statistically significant differences by group assignment with respect to vasospasm, length of stay (LOS), highest average ICP, total CSF drained and disability upon discharge between groups.

Conclusions: Although not significant, our results show that the monitor‐ICP group trended towards improved clinical outcomes. These results provide sufficient equipoise to support further research in ICP management in patients with SAH using a randomized clinical trial.

Relevance to clinical practice: This study provides a solid foundation for the development of a randomized trial exploring two different methods of ICP monitoring and CSF diversion during the acute phase of care following aneurysm rupture.
Ictal Asystole: An Indication for Pacemaker Implantation and Emerging Cause of Sudden Death
Authors: WITTEKIND SAMUEL G. , LIE OCTAVIAN , HUBBARD STEPHEN , VISWANATHAN MOHAN N.
Published: August 2011

Ictal asystole is being recognized as a potential mechanism of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). We report a case of a patient without known cardiac disease presenting with ictal asystole resulting in syncope, trauma, and need for pacemaker implantation. The management of ictal asystole is also briefly reviewed. This case is notable for the asystolic episode wholly captured on video‐electroencephalogram/electrocardiogram, the serious risk of trauma and death posed to the patient, and its implications for the mechanism of ictal asystole. This report will alert physicians to the possibility of ictal arrhythmias as a cause of syncope and SUDEP in vulnerable patients. (PACE 2011; 1–4)
Intercostal Muscle Twitching from Right Ventricular Apical Pacing
Authors: KAKODKAR SIDDHARTH A. , PARIKH MILIND G. , MADIAS CHRISTOPHER , TROHMAN RICHARD G. , KRISHNAN KOUSIK
Published: August 2011

A patient with a dilated cardiomyopathy underwent successful implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator. The device system included an active fixation lead placed at the right ventricular (RV) apex. Pacing from the RV apex unexpectedly led to left‐sided intercostal muscle stimulation and twitching. This intercostal muscle twitching resolved completely with movement of the lead to the RV outflow tract. (PACE 2011;1–2)
An Apparent Way of Achieving Proof of Pulmonary Vein Disconnection during Cryoballoon Ablation
Authors: SCHWAGTEN BRUNO , DE GREEF YVES , ACOU WILLEM‐JAN , STOCKMAN DIRK
Published: August 2011

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has established itself as a standard therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Still, the most widely performed procedure of point‐by‐point distal‐tip ablation using a 3‐dimensional mapping system and a circular catheter to validate PVI remains a complex, elaborative, and time‐consuming procedure. This explains the many efforts being made over the recent years to simplify and shorten PVI procedures without compromising the efficacy or the safety. The cryoballoon (Ablation Frontiers, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) is a recently introduced “single shot ablation tool” to facilitate PVI. Initial studies on efficacy and safety of this device are encouraging in patients with paroxysmal AF. However, several controversies remain, such as the need for an additional circular mapping catheter to validate PVI and the lack of on‐line PV recording during freezes. One of the most recent developments in this field is the Achieve circular mapping catheter (Ablation Frontiers, Medtronic, Inc.). We describe an apparent case in which this tool is used in conjunction with the cryoballoon.

(PACE 2012; 35:e337–e340)
The Importance of Tricuspid Regurgitation and Right Ventricular Overload in ICD/CRT Recipients: Beside the Left, beyond the Left
Authors: FAZIO SERAFINO , CARLOMAGNO GUIDO
Published: August 2011

Device therapy for advanced heart failure has become increasingly employed in the last 10 years. Several retrospective studies have postulated a harmful effect of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) lead placement on tricuspid valve function and right heart hemodynamics, in particular among patients with preexisting pulmonary vascular overload and both left and right ventricular remodeling/dysfunction. This functional hypothesis is also supported by long‐term clinical follow‐up analyses of ICD and cardiac resynchronization therapy recipients. In this viewpoint, we propose that the possibility of worsening tricuspid regurgitation and consequent hemodynamic deterioration following device implantation should be considered in future studies, as well as in the preimplant evaluation of individual candidates among other clinical factors. (PACE 2011; 34:1181–1184)
Predictors of Axillary Vein Location for Vascular Access during Pacemaker and Defibrillator Lead Implantation
Authors: HSU JONATHAN C. , FRIDAY JOCELYN , LEE BYRON K. , AZADANI PEYMAN N. , LEE RANDALL J. , BADHWAR NITISH , TSENG ZIAN H. , OLGIN JEFFREY E. , MARCUS GREGORY M.
Published: August 2011

Background:
 The axillary vein is a commonly used extrathoracic access site for cardiac rhythm device lead implantation. We sought to describe variation in axillary vein location and identify predictors of a more cranial or caudal radiographic location to facilitate blind venous cannulation.

Methods:
 This was a single‐center, retrospective study of patients undergoing lead implantation between 2006 and 2010. The cranial‐caudal location of the axillary vein lateral and medial to the rib cage border was determined by reviewing peripheral contrast venograms. Multivariate linear regression was performed.

Results:
 Of 155 patients, the majority were men (62%) and White (53%). The most frequent position of the lateral and medial axillary vein was over the third rib (40%) and top of the third rib (15%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, whites had a more caudal location of both the lateral (0.56 rib spaces lower, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22–0.91, P = 0.002) and medial axillary vein (0.50 rib spaces lower, 95% CI 0.85–0.91, P = 0.019). Other independent predictors included an approximate 3–4% higher rib space location for every digit increase in body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.049 for the lateral location and P = 0.016 for the medial location) and an approximate half rib space higher location for males (P = 0.015 for the lateral location and P = 0.013 for the medial location).

Conclusions:
 The most common radiographic position of the axillary vein was over the third rib. Whites have a more caudal axillary vein location while men and patients with higher BMI have a more cranial position of the axillary vein. (PACE 2011; 34:1585–1592)
The Influence of Atrial and Ventricular Pacing on the Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: ELKAYAM LIOR U. , KOEHLER JODI L. , SHELDON TODD J. , GLOTZER TAYA V. , ROSENTHAL LAWRENCE S. , LAMAS GERVASIO A.
Published: August 2011

Background:
 The effect of atrial pacing on the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. Furthermore, the threshold of ventricular pacing that is associated with a higher incidence of AF has yet to be determined. Thus, we set out to determine the optimal pacing modality in patients with sinus node dysfunction (SND) for the prevention of AF.

Methods:
 Individual patient data from four contemporary pacemaker studies were gathered and analyzed. Since AF would inherently lead to a reduction in atrial pacing, percent atrial and ventricular pacing (%AP and %VP) were determined at the first follow‐up visit and then used as a surrogate for all endpoints. Patients with >5 minutes of AF at the first visit were excluded. The primary endpoint was defined as 7 consecutive days of AF.

Results:
 A total of 1,507 patients were included. During a mean follow‐up of 14.3 ± 8.7 months, 77 patients developed AF (annual rate of 4.3%). The incidence of AF in the first (0–32%), second (32–66%), third (66–89%), and fourth (89–100%) quartiles of %AP was 1.3%, 5.3%, 5.8%, and 8.0%, respectively (P < 0.001). A multivariable analysis found that pacing above the first quartile was associated with a relative risk of 2.93 (95% confidence interval 1.16–7.39, P = 0.023). The grouping of %VP into first (0–2%), second (2–7%), third (7–84%), and fourth (84–100%) quartiles yielded an AF incidence of 2.4%, 3.4%, 6.6%, and 8.0%, respectively (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:
 We demonstrated that in patients with SND both atrial and ventricular pacing are associated with a higher incidence of AF. (PACE 2011; 34:1593–1599)
Desensitization of Thermal Hyperemia in the Skin is Reproducible
Authors: FRANTZ JOHANNA , ENGELBERGER ROLF PETER , LIAUDET LUCAS , MAZZOLAI LUCIA , WAEBER BERNARD , FEIHL FRANÇOIS
Published: August 2011

Please cite this paper as: Frantz, Engelberger, Liaudet, Mazzolai, Waeber and Feihl (2012). Desensitization of Thermal Hyperemia in the Skin is Reproducible. Microcirculation 19(1), 78–85.

Objective:  Local heating increases skin blood flow SkBF (thermal hyperemia). In a previous study, we reported that a first local thermal stimulus could attenuate the hyperemic response to a second one applied later on the same skin spot, a phenomenon that we termed desensitization. However, other studies found no evidence for desensitization in similar conditions. The aim of the present work was to test whether it was related to differences in instrumentation.

Methods:  Twenty‐eight healthy young males were studied. Two pairs of heating chambers, one custom‐made (our study) and one commercial (other groups), were affixed to forearm skin. SkBF was measured with single‐point laser‐Doppler flowmetry (LDF) (780 nm) in one pair, and laser‐Doppler imaging (LDI) (633 nm) in the other. A temperature step from 34 to 41°C, was applied for 30 minutes and repeated after two hours.

Results:  During the second thermal challenge, the plateau SkBF was lower than during the first thermal and was observed with each of the four combinations of SkBF measurement techniques and heating equipment (p < 0.05 for all conditions, range −9% to −16% of the initial value).

Conclusion:  Desensitization of thermal hyperemia is not specific to peculiar operating conditions.
Mutant telomerase RNAs induce DNA damage and apoptosis via the TRF2‐ATM pathway in telomerase‐overexpressing primary fibroblasts
Authors: Mahalingam Dashayini , Tay Ling L. , Tan Wei H. , Chai Juin H. , Wang Xueying
Published: August 2011

Mutant template human telomerase RNAs (MT‐hTers) have been shown to induce apoptosis in various cancer cells with high telomerase activity. However, the mechanism by which MT‐hTers inhibit the growth of cancer cells and their effects on normal cells remain unknown. To determine the effects of MT‐hTers on normal cells, MT‐hTer‐47A and ‐AU5 were introduced into IMR90 lung fibroblasts, which have low telomerase levels. Growth of IMR90 cells after MT‐hTers infection was not significantly impaired; however, similar treatments in telomerase‐overexpressing IMR90 [IMR90 wild‐type (WT)hTERT] cells inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Confocal microscopy showed that MT‐hTers induced DNA damage foci (i.e. 53BP1 and γ‐H2AX) in IMR90 WThTERT cells. Microarray analysis revealed that GADD45γ was significantly elevated in MT‐hTer‐treated IMR90 WThTERT cells. MT‐hTers also induced ATM phosphorylation at Ser1981 in IMR90 WThTERT cells, and western blot analysis revealed high levels of phosphorylated p53 after the down‐regulation of cellular TRF2 expression in MT‐hTer‐treated IMR90 WThTERT cells. Taken together, we have shown that MT‐hTers induce double‐stranded DNA break‐like damages in telomerase positive IMR90 WThTERT cells after phosphorylation of ATM and p53 via suppression of TRF2, which may eventually lead to apoptosis via elevation of GADD45γ.

Structured digital abstract

TRF2 and 53BP1 colocalize by fluorescencemicroscopy (Viewinteraction)

H2AX and TRF2 colocalize by fluorescencemicroscopy (Viewinteraction)
The genital econiche: focus on microbiota and bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Danielsson Dan , Teigen Per Kristen , Moi Harald
Published: August 2011

Ecological and evolutionary forces shaping the normal and abnormal microflora of the genital econiche are discussed, in particular those related to bacterial vaginosis, which worldwide is the most common vaginal infection, with numerous obstetrical and gynecological complications, including acquisition and transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Characterized by a heavy overgrowth of Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive anaerobes with no signs of inflammation, bacterial vaginosis has been regarded a microbiological and immunological enigma. Immune tolerance to both normal and abnormal vaginal microbiota, mainly derived from gut microflora, as a result of coevolution with humans might explain the absence of inflammation, supported by short‐chain fatty acids, known to modulate immune responses, that are produced in large quantities by anaerobes. Recent studies have implicated the development of a vaginal biofilm with Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae as main players in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis. Supporting this conclusion are data such as those demonstrating heavy growth of G. vaginalis and diversified anaerobes with numerous “clue cells” that are sloughing off from the biofilm. Gardnerella and Atopobium organisms attached to these clue cells can be demonstrated in the male genital econiche, likely reflecting a heterosexual transmission of the disorder.
Antioxidant and Antiinflammation Capacities of Some Pear Cultivars
Authors: Li Xia , Gao Wen‐Yuan , Huang Li‐Jing , Zhang Jun‐Ying , Guo Xin‐Hua
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  Five commercial pear cultivars were investigated for total phenolics and flavonoids contents, the main phenolic compounds, and their antioxidant and antiinflammation capacities. Four in vitro oxidant and 2 in vivo antiinflammation models were used to evaluate the pharmacological activities of the different pears. The main phenolic compounds were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detector, which result indicated that gallic acid ranged from 5.23 to 10.72 μg/g, catechin from 0.41 to 28.83 μg/g, chlorogenic acid from 485.11 to 837.03 μg/g, caffeic acid from 0 to 1.16 μg/g, epicatechin from 6.73 to 131.49 μg/g, and rutin from 0.92 to 104.64 μg/g. The total antioxidant capacity was in descending order: Shuijing > Fengshui > Xuehua > Ya > Xiang pear, which was consistent with the total phenol and flavonoid contents. Thus, the antioxidant capacity of pears may be attributed to their high contents of phenolics and flavonoids. However, the antiinflammation activity was in decreasing order: Xuehua > Xiang > Ya > Fengshui > Shuijing pear, which indicates that compounds other than antioxidants may be responsible for the antiinflammation effect.

Practical Application:  The importance on antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds in foods and vegetables as natural antioxidants has reached a new high in recent years. In this study, the total phenol and flavonoid contents, and the antioxidant and antiinflammation activities of 5 different types of commercial pears in China were investigated, which may be the experimental basis for the further development and utilization of the pears.