bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa opportunistic pathogen and human infections
Authors: de Bentzmann Sophie , Plésiat Patrick
Published: March 2011

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram‐negative environmental species and an opportunistic microorganism, establishes itself in vulnerable patients, such as those with cystic fibrosis or hospitalized in intensive care units. It has become a major cause of nosocomial infections worldwide (about 10% of all such infections in most European Union hospitals) and a serious threat to Public Health. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have also led to the selection of resistant strains against which very few therapeutic options exist. How an environmental species can cause human infections remains a key question that still needs elucidation despite the incredibly high progress that has been made in the P. aeruginosa biology over the past decades. The workshop belonging to Current trends in Biomedicine series, which was held under the sponsorship of the Universidad International de Andalucia between the 8th and the 10th November 2010 brought in the most recent advances in the environmental life of P. aeruginosa, the human P. aeruginosa infections, the new animal models to study Pseudomonas infections, the new genetic aspects including metabolomics, genomics and bioinformatics and the community lifestyle named biofilm that accounts for P. aeruginosa persistence in humans. This workshop organized by Soeren Molin (Danemark), Juan‐Luis Ramos (Spain) and Sophie de Bentzmann (France) gathered 46 researchers coming from 11 European and American countries in a small format and was hosted in the ‘Sede Antonio Machado’ in Baeza. It was organized in seven sessions covering animal models for P. aeruginosa pathogenesis, resistance to drugs, regulatory potency including small RNA, two component systems, extracytoplasmic function sigma factors and trancriptional regulators, new therapies emerging from dissection of molecular mechanisms, and evolutionary mechanisms of P. aeruginosa strains in patients.
Strict and direct transcriptional repression of the pobA gene by benzoate avoids 4‐hydroxybenzoate degradation in the pollutant degrader bacterium Cupriavidus necator JMP134
Authors: Donoso Raúl A. , Pérez‐Pantoja Danilo , González Bernardo
Published: March 2011

As other environmental bacteria, Cupriavidus necator JMP134 uses benzoate as preferred substrate in mixtures with 4‐hydroxybenzoate, strongly inhibiting its degradation. The mechanism underlying this hierarchical use was studied. A C. necator benA mutant, defective in the first step of benzoate degradation, is unable to metabolize 4‐hydroxybenzoate when benzoate is also included in the medium, indicating that this substrate and not one of its catabolic intermediates is directly triggering repression. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that 4‐hydroxybenzoate 3‐hydroxylase‐encoding pobA transcripts are nearly absent in presence of benzoate and a fusion of pobA promoter to lacZ reporter confirmed that benzoate drastically decreases the transcription of this gene. Expression of pobA driven by a heterologous promoter in C. necator benA mutant, allows growth on 4‐hydroxybenzoate in presence of benzoate, overcoming its repressive effect. In contrast with other bacteria, regulators of benzoate catabolism do not participate in repression of 4‐hydroxybenzoate degradation. Moreover, the effect of benzoate on pobA promoter can be observed in heterologous strains with the sole presence of PobR, the transcriptional activator of pobA gene, indicating that PobR is enough to fully reproduce the phenomenon. This novel mechanism for benzoate repression is probably mediated by direct action of benzoate over PobR.
Energy metabolism and multiple respiratory pathways revealed by genome sequencing of Desulfurispirillum indicum strain S5
Authors: Rauschenbach Ines , Yee Nathan , Häggblom Max M. , Bini Elisabetta
Published: March 2011

Desulfurispirillum indicum strain S5, a novel obligate anaerobe belonging to the phylum Chrysiogenetes, is a dissimilatory selenate‐, selenite‐, arsenate‐, nitrate‐ and nitrite‐reducing bacterium. The circular genome of this metabolically versatile bacterium is 2.9 Mbp, with a G+C content of 56.1% and 2619 predicted protein‐coding genes. Genome analysis uncovered the components of the electron transport chain, providing important insights into the ability of D. indicum to adapt to different conditions, by coupling the oxidation of various electron donors to the reduction of a wide range of electron acceptors. Sequences encoding the subunits of dehydrogenases and enzymes with roles in the oxidation of several electron donors, including acetate, pyruvate and lactate were identified. Furthermore, five terminal oxidoreductase complexes were encoded in the D. indicum genome. Phylogenetic analyses of their catalytic subunits, operon structure and co‐transcription of subunit‐coding genes indicate a likely role of three of them as respiratory arsenate reductase (Arr), periplasmic nitrate reductase (Nap) and the membrane‐bound nitrate reductase (Nar). This study is the first description and annotation of the genome of a dissimilatory selenate‐ and arsenate‐respiring organism, and D. indicum represents the first sequenced member of its phylum. Our analysis demonstrates the complexity of the microorganism's respiratory system, provides the basis for the functional analysis of metalloid oxyanions respiration and expands our knowledge of the deep branching phylum of Chrysiogenetes.
Biological nitrogen fixation in acidic high‐temperature geothermal springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Authors: Hamilton Trinity L. , Lange Rachel K. , Boyd Eric S. , Peters John W.
Published: March 2011

The near ubiquitous distribution of nifH genes in sediments sampled from 14 high‐temperature (48.0–89.0°C) and acidic (pH 1.90–5.02) geothermal springs in Yellowstone National Park suggested a role for the biological reduction of dinitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3) (e.g. nitrogen fixation or diazotrophy) in these environments. nifH genes from these environments formed three unique phylotypes that were distantly related to acidiphilic, mesophilic diazotrophs. Acetylene reduction assays and 15N2 tracer studies in microcosms containing sediments sampled from acidic and high‐temperature environments where nifH genes were detected confirmed the potential for biological N2 reduction in these environments. Rates of acetylene reduction by sediment‐associated populations were positively correlated with the concentration of NH4+, suggesting a potential relationship between NH4+ consumption and N2 fixation activity. Amendment of microcosms with NH4+ resulted in increased lag times in acetylene reduction assays. Manipulation of incubation temperature and pH in acetylene reduction assays indicated that diazotrophic populations are specifically adapted to local conditions. Incubation of sediments in the presence of a N2 headspace yielded a highly enriched culture containing a single nifH phylotype. This phylotype was detected in all 14 geothermal spring sediments examined and its abundance ranged from ∼780 to ∼6800 copies (g dry weight sediment)−1, suggesting that this organism may contribute N to the ecosystems. Collectively, these results for the first time demonstrate thermoacidiphilic N2 fixation in the natural environment and extend the upper temperature for biological N2 fixation in terrestrial systems.
Androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer: are rising concerns leading to falling use?
Authors: Krahn Murray , Bremner Karen E. , Tomlinson George , Luo Jin , Ritvo Paul , Naglie Gary , Alibhai Shabbir M.H.
Published: March 2011

Study Type – Therapy (cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Androgen deprivation therapy was originally used for metastatic prostate cancer but is now used to treat all stages of the disease. Once considered to be relatively harmless, androgen deprivation therapy was associated with impaired cognitive function, anemia, loss of muscle strength, osteoporotic fractures, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease by the year 2000.

In a large, population‐based sample of prostate cancer patients, the numbers initiating androgen deprivation therapy increased from 1995 to 2001 and then sharply declined to 2005, but the rate of initiation among eligible prevalent cases steadily decreased over that period. Monotherapy with luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone agonists became the dominant type of androgen deprivation therapy. Changes may be related to fewer cases of late stage disease, potential adverse effects, and new evidence for selected indications and regimens.

OBJECTIVE

• To describe patterns of initiation of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in a population‐based cohort of patients with prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• All patients with prostate cancer in Ontario, Canada, who started ≥90 days of ADT at age ≥66 years in 1995–2005 were classified by ADT regimen: medical castration [oestrogen and/or luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist); orchidectomy; antiandrogen monotherapy; combined androgen blockade (CAB) medical (medical castration plus antiandrogen); CAB surgical (orchidectomy plus antiandrogen).

• Indications for ADT were as follows: neoadjuvant (short‐term before prostatectomy or radiation therapy); adjuvant (long‐term with prostatectomy or radiation therapy); metastatic disease; biochemical recurrence; primary (localized disease); other.

• We examined trends in ADT regimen and indication over time.

RESULTS

• The number of patients initiating ADT increased from 1995 to 2001 (2106–2916 per year) and declined thereafter to 2200–2300 annually (total n= 26 809).

• However, prostate cancer prevalence doubled over these years, and the rate of ADT initiation decreased from 16 to 7 per 100 person‐years.

• Patterns varied by regimen and indication. Medical castration increased from 12% of all ADT in 1995 to 47% in 2005; orchidectomy decreased from 17 to 4%. Use for metastatic disease remained stable, but adjuvant therapy increased from <3% of all ADT in 1995 to 13% in 2005. Primary therapy was the most common indication, but decreased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

• ADT initiation has fallen and marked changes occurred in treatment patterns for prostate cancer.

• Changes might be driven by increasing awareness of potential harms and costs, and by new evidence supporting ADT for specific indications.
Meta‐analysis showing the beneficial effect of α‐blockers on ureteric stent discomfort
Authors: Lamb Alastair D. , Vowler Sarah L. , Johnston Richard , Dunn Nick , Wiseman Oliver J.
Published: March 2011

Study Type – Therapy (systematic review)

Level of Evidence 1a

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Ureteric stents cause significant discomfort and this is probably related to ureteric smooth muscle spasm and trigonal irritation. Alpha‐adrenoceptor antagonists reduce smooth muscle activity and are already widely used in medical expulsive therapy to aid passage of ureteric calculi.

This meta‐analysis incorporating five randomized controlled trials provides evidence that alpha‐adrenoceptor antagonists reduce stent‐related pain and storage symptoms as assessed by the Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of α‐blockers with respect to improving stent‐related symptoms.

Ureteric stents remain a source of marked discomfort and their placement is often required after certain ureteroscopic procedures or in the acute setting. This analysis identifies and reviews the several studies that have investigated the role of α‐blockers after stent placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases were scrutinized using standard MeSH headings.

Randomized or controlled trials comparing α‐blockers with control or standard therapy were included.

In all studies, patients completed the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ).

The study data were independently reviewed by two assessors.

RESULTS

In total, five studies of varying quality were identified, including 461 patients receiving either tamsulosin or alfuzosin, or control.

On meta‐analysis, all five studies showed a reduction in USSQ urinary symptom score and body pain scores. There was mean reduction of 8.4 (95% CI, 5.6–11.1) in the urinary symptom score and 7.2 (95% CI, 2.5–11.8) in the body pain score.

In three studies, the numbers of patients experiencing stent related pain were stated: 45% (51/114) of patients receiving an α‐blocker experienced painful episodes within the follow‐up period defined for that study compared to 76% (88/116) in the control groups, which is equivalent to a relative risk of pain of 0.59 (95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.71).

There were also reductions in other aspects of the USSQ, such as the general health score and sexual matters score, although these were not statistically significant or uniformly reported.

CONCLUSION

There is evidence that α‐blockers provide an improvement in discomfort after placement of a ureteric stent.
R11, a novel cell‐permeable peptide, as an intravesical delivery vehicle
Authors: Hsieh Jer‐Tsong , Zhou Jian , Gore Crystal , Zimmern Philippe
Published: March 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Efficient transfer of macromolecules such as proteins or nucleic acids or small molecules with charged or hydrophilic properties across cellular membranes is one of the major problems in cell biology and drug delivery. A cell‐permeable peptide, a short peptide with 9–12 amino acids, appears to be a potential carrier for delivering macro‐ or small molecules. Our study unveils a unique cell permeable peptide for developing intravesical therapy of new agent.

OBJECTIVE

• To test the uptake efficiency of R11, a cell‐permeable peptide (CPP), administered intravesically for effective drug delivery.

METHODS

• We used an approved in vivo model (an athymic nude mouse model) to test synthetic R11 conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) at concentrations of 1 nM and 5 nM. Controls received FITC without CPP conjugation.

• The mice were instilled with R11 for 30 min and killed 3 or 24 h later to harvest bladders for the measurement of CPP uptake and tissue localization using frozen sections.

• Bladder uptake specificity was determined using the mean values of relative FITC intensity with each tissue weight.

RESULTS

• Although the uptake of R11 varied among the mice, a 2‐ to 6‐fold higher amount of R11 was detected in the bladder at 3 and 24 h after intravesical instillation at 1‐nM or 5‐nM concentrations than was detected in the bladders of each mouse control group or in other organs.

• Examination of tissue sections further confirmed the localization of R11 in the lamina propria of the bladder wall.

CONCLUSION

• Because of its high affinity for the bladder, both systemically as reported in previous studies and after intravesical instillation as reported in the present study, R11 should be further tested in animal models as a delivery vector for agents used in treating bladder diseases.
The importance of alcoholic beverage type for suicide in Japan: A time‐series analysis, 1963–2007
Authors: NORSTRÖM THOR , STICKLEY ANDREW , SHIBUYA KENJI
Published: March 2011

Background.Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Cohort analysis has suggested that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for suicide in Japan. However, this relationship has not been observed at the population level when a measure of per capita total alcohol consumption has been analysed. The present study employed a time‐series analysis to examine whether these contradictory findings may be due to the existence of beverage‐specific effects on suicide.

Methods.An autoregressive integrated moving average model was used to assess the relationship between the consumption of different types of alcohol and suicide rates from 1963 to 2007. The data comprised age‐adjusted suicide rates for the ages 15–69, and information on beverage‐specific alcohol consumption per capita (15+). The unemployment rate was included as a control variable.

Results.During 1963–2007, male suicide rates increased substantially whereas female rates decreased slightly. Consumption of distilled spirits was significantly related to male suicide rates (but not in women) with a 1 L increase in consumption associated with a 21.4% (95% confidence interval: 3.2–42.9) increase in male suicide rates. There was no statistically significant relationship between suicide and any other form of alcohol consumption (beer, wine, other alcohol).

Conclusion.This is the first study that has shown an association between spirits consumption and male suicide in Japan. Potentially beneficial policy changes include increasing spirits prices through taxation, reducing the physical availability of alcohol and discouraging the practice of heavy drinking.[Norström T, Stickley A, Shibuya K. The importance of alcoholic beverage type for suicide in Japan: A time‐series analysis, 1963–2007.Drug Alcohol Rev2012;31:251–256]
Where is the unseen fungal diversity hidden? A study of Mortierella reveals a large contribution of reference collections to the identification of fungal environmental sequences
Authors: Nagy László G. , Petkovits Tamás , Kovács Gábor M. , Voigt Kerstin , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Papp Tamás
Published: March 2011

See also the Commentary by Hibbett and Glotzer
Metropolitan anxieties: a critical appraisal of Sartre’s theory of colonialism
Authors: Boyle Mark , Kobayashi Audrey
Published: March 2011

Within postcolonial studies there is now a well‐established wariness of the Eurocentric or metrocentric tendencies of postcolonial theory itself. For some the charge that postcolonial theory continues to interpret the history and culture of non‐European societies through European frames of reference can be traced to the provocative theory of colonisation developed by French philosopher, novelist and political activist Jean‐Paul Sartre. We subject Sartre’s theory of colonialism to critical scrutiny and question this claim. We locate Sartre’s philosophical works and political activism against the backdrop of a twentieth‐century Parisian intellectual life marked by fierce struggles over the future of Marxism. Sartre’s metrocentricism was tempered by his tortuous efforts to write existentialism into the Marxist canon, a theoretical endeavour that led him to replace Marxism’s eschatology and linear teleology with a series of circular histories based on the complex ways in which separate anti‐colonial movements spiral off following their own contingent, creolised and anarchic trajectories. Sartre’s desire to contest and rethink rather than submit to and seal metrocentric framings of colonialism and anti‐colonialism derived from his weddedness to a historicised phenomenology of existence as spatial. Critical interrogation of the complicity of postcolonial theory in the global march of metrocentric ontology affords both geography and postcolonial studies a new impetus for dialogue. Any project that aspires to a transcendence of metropolitan modes of knowing must first better understand the situated production and complexities of such modes of knowing. Before scrutinising how the colonising tendencies of postcolonial theory might best be handled, there is a need to map historical geographies of the different theoretical projects and practices that have emerged in different metropolitan locations and at different times.
Migrant masculinities and domestic space: British home‐making practices in Dubai
Authors: Walsh Katie
Published: March 2011

Existing research has tended to highlight the working lives, career trajectories and networking practices of skilled migrant men. In contrast, this article asserts the significance of domestic space in the constitution and narration of migrant masculinities, examining the role of domestic practices, objects, and relations. To do so, I explore the practices and narratives of British migrants in Dubai, drawing on ethnographic research, including interviews surrounding international relocation and domestic material culture, as well as participant‐observation within homes. Migrants with a range of occupations, migration trajectories, residence biographies, and living arrangements are included in the discussion. Through the analysis it is demonstrated that the co‐constitution of domesticity and masculinity in migrants’ lives is complex, involving geographies of absence and presence, mobility and emplacement, international careering and settlement. The heterogeneity of British men in Dubai challenges any singular representation of masculinity in this migration context and generates alternative meanings of home and belonging. The article concludes that further analysis of domestic material culture and home‐making is necessary to complicate our understanding of the relationship between masculinities and home, for those who stay put as well as those who move.
Characteristics of the actions by which 5‐HT affects electrical and mechanical activities in rabbit jugular vein
Authors: Itoh Takeo , Kajikuri Junko
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 5‐HT is known to be a potent vasospasmogenic agonist in various arteries. However, in veins the vasomodulating actions of 5‐HT, and the underlying mechanisms, remain to be fully clarified. Here, we characterized the actions by which 5‐HT affects electrical and mechanical activities in the rabbit jugular vein.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Membrane potential and isometric tension were measured in endothelium‐intact and ‐denuded preparations. Localization of 5‐HT receptor subtypes was examined immunohistochemically.

KEY RESULTS 5‐HT induced a transient then a small, sustained smooth muscle cell hyperpolarization in endothelium‐intact strips. In endothelium‐denuded strips, 5‐HT induced only a sustained hyperpolarization, and this was changed to a depolarization by the selective 5‐HT7 receptor inhibitor SB269970. This depolarization was inhibited by the 5‐HT2A receptor blocker sarpogrelate. 5‐HT induced a relaxation of PGF2α‐induced contracted strips that was similar in endothelium‐intact and ‐denuded preparations. The latter relaxation was changed to contraction by SB269970 and this contraction was inhibited by sarpogrelate. Immunoreactive responses against endothelial and smooth muscle 5‐HT2A receptors and smooth muscle 5‐HT7 receptors were identified in the vein. The 5‐HT‐induced relaxation of the PGF2α contraction was inhibited by the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase inhibitor Rp‐cAMPS and by the AC inhibitor SQ22536.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results indicate that 5‐HT activates both smooth muscle 5‐HT7 receptors (to produce relaxation) and smooth muscle 5‐HT2A receptors (to produce contraction) in rabbit jugular vein. We suggest that in this particular vein, the 5‐HT2A receptor‐induced depolarization and contraction are masked by the 5‐HT7 receptor‐induced responses, possibly via actions mediated by cAMP.
The thienotriazolodiazepine Ro 11‐1464 increases plasma apoA‐I and promotes reverse cholesterol transport in human apoA‐I transgenic mice
Authors: Zanotti I , Maugeais C , Pedrelli M , Gomaraschi M , Salgam P , Calabresi L , Bernini F , Kempen H
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ro 11‐1464 is a thienotriazolodiazepine previously described to selectively stimulate apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) production and mRNA level in human liver cells. Here, we studied its effects upon oral administration to human apoA‐I transgenic (hapoA‐I) mice.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HapoA‐I mice were treated for 5 days with increasing doses of Ro 11‐1464. Macrophage reverse cholesterol transport (mph‐RCT) was assessed by following [3H]‐cholesterol mobilization from pre‐labelled i.p. injected J774 macrophages to plasma, liver and faeces. Effects on plasma lipids, apoproteins, lecithin‐cholesterol : acyltransferase (LCAT) and liver enzymes, as well as on faecal excretion of cholesterol and bile salts, and on liver lipids and mRNA contents were determined.

KEY RESULTS Treatment with Ro 11‐1464 300 mg·kg−1·day−1 resulted in a nearly 2‐fold increase in plasma apoA‐I, a 2‐ to 3‐fold increase in the level of large sized‐pre‐β high‐density lipoprotein and a 3‐fold selective up‐regulation of hepatic apoA‐I mRNA, but a marked decrease in all plasma lipids and LCAT activity. Mpm‐RCT was decreased in blood but markedly increased in faecal sterols (4‐fold) and bile acids (1.7‐fold). However, liver weight and liver enzymes in plasma were also increased, in parallel with an increase in liver cholesterol ester content (all these effect being significant).

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS In this model Ro 11‐1464 causes increased hepatic expression and plasma levels of apoA‐I and a suppression of LCAT, and a marked enhancement of reverse cholesterol transport, but also some symptoms of liver toxicity. The compound may therefore be a prototype for a next generation of anti‐atherosclerotic medicines.
Cellular Phone and Cellular Phone Accessory Dermatitis Due to Nickel Allergy: Report of Five Cases
Authors: Berk David R. , Bayliss Susan J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Cellular phone dermatitis, also known as mobile phone dermatitis, is a recently recognized condition due to either nickel or chromate allergy. Cellular phone dermatitis has most often been reported in young adults and less commonly in adolescents. We describe five adolescents whose cellular phone dermatitis was caused by nickel allergy.
“Hot Tub” Folliculitis from a NonChlorinated Children’s Pool
Authors: SEGNA KARA G. , KOCH LAINE H. , WILLIAMS JUDITH V.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Pseudomonas aeruginosa is common cause of folliculitis following contact with contaminated water. We report a case of pseudomonal folliculitis that occurred after swimming in a children’s pool filled with water from a well.
PHACE without Face? Infantile Hemangiomas of the Upper Body Region with Minimal or Absent Facial Hemangiomas and Associated Structural Malformations
Authors: Nabatian Adam S. , Milgraum Sandy S. , Hess Christopher P. , Mancini Anthony J. , Krol Alfons , Frieden Ilona J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Infantile hemangiomas can be associated with congenital anomalies such as PHACE syndrome with facial hemangiomas and genitourinary and spinal anomalies in the setting of lower body hemangiomas. We describe five infants in whom segmental hemangiomas involving the upper torso and extremities with absent or small facial hemangiomas were associated with structural anomalies similar to those reported with PHACE syndrome, including three with structural arterial anomalies of the subclavian arteries, three with aortic arch anomalies (right sided or narrowed arch), two with congenital heart disease (atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect; tetralogy of Fallot), one with a retinal scar, and one with a sternal defect (scar). Two of five had small facial hemangiomas of the lower lip, but none had large segmental hemangiomas of the face. Three of five would have met diagnostic criteria for PHACE but lacked a facial hemangioma of 5 cm in diameter or greater. Patients with segmental arm and thorax hemangiomas may have associated structural abnormalities with overlapping features of PHACE, suggesting that a similar syndrome can occur in this clinical setting.
Scalp Discoloration from Selenium Sulfide Shampoo: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gilbertson Kenneth , Jarrett Robert , Bayliss Susan J. , Berk David R.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  We describe six patients who developed orange to red–brown scalp discoloration after application of selenium sulfide–containing shampoos. This phenomenon has been described only once previously. In all of the cases, the discoloration resolved shortly after discontinuing the selenium sulfide. Lightly swabbing with isopropyl alcohol facilitated removal of the discoloration. This simple technique serves as a painless diagnostic method, which may prevent unnecessary evaluation with a biopsy.
Peripheral Targets of 5‐HT1D Receptor Immunoreactive Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Ivanusic Jason J. , Kwok Matthew M.K. , Jennings Ernest A.
Published: March 2011

(Headache 2011;51:744‐751)

Objective.— The aim of the current study was to determine the proportion of trigeminal primary afferent neurons that innervate the intracranial vasculature, and other craniofacial tissues, that are also 5 hydroxy triptamine (5‐HT)1D receptor immunoreactive.

Methods.— Retrograde tracing and immunohistochemistry was used to identify 5‐HT1D receptor labeled trigeminal primary afferent neurons that innervate the lacrimal gland (n = 3 animals), nasal mucosa (n = 3 animals), and the intracranial vasculature (middle meningeal artery in the dura [n = 3 animals] and middle cerebral artery [n = 3 animals]).

Results.— The percentage of neurons that were 5‐HT1D receptor immunoreactive was greater for primary afferent neurons innervating the middle meningeal artery (41.8 ± 1%) than those innervating the middle cerebral artery (28.4 ± 0.8%), nasal mucosa (25.6 ± 1%), or lacrimal gland (23.5 ± 3%). For each retrograde labeled population, the 5‐HT1D receptor immunoreactive cells were among the smallest of the retrograde labeled cells.

Conclusions.— These findings provide a basis for understanding the role of 5‐HT1D receptor agonists (eg, triptans) in the treatment of primary vascular headaches and suggest that the selectivity of triptans in the treatment of these headaches does not appear to result from specific localization of the 5‐HT1D receptor to trigeminovascular neurons alone.
Neocortical thinning in “benign” mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Labate Angelo , Cerasa Antonio , Aguglia Umberto , Mumoli Laura , Quattrone Aldo , Gambardella Antonio
Published: March 2011

Purpose:  In refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) extrahippocampal and neocortical abnormalities have been described in patients with or without mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS). Recently we observed gray matter reductions in regions outside the hippocampus in benign MTLE with or without MTS. Cortical thickness has been proposed as a viable methodologic alternative for assessment of neuropathologic changes in extratemporal regions. Herein, we aimed to use this technique to describe cortical abnormalities in patients with benign TLE.

Methods:  Whole‐brain cortical thickness analysis (FreeSurfer) was performed in 32 unrelated patients with benign TLE [16 patients with signs of MTS on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pMTLE; 16 without, nMTLE] and 44 healthy controls.

Key Findings:  In the pMTLE group, the most significant thinning was found in the sensorimotor cortex bilaterally but was more extensive in the left hemisphere (false discovery rate, p < 0.05). Other areas were localized in the occipital cortex, left supramarginal gyrus, left superior parietal gyrus, left paracentral sulcus, left inferior/middle/superior frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal sulcus, right cingulate cortex, right superior frontal gyrus, right inferior parietal gyrus, right fusiform gyrus, and cuneus/precuneus. In the nMTLE, a similar neurodegenerative pattern was detected, although not surviving correction for multiple comparisons. Direct comparison between pMTLE and nMTLE did not reveal significant changes.

Significance:  Patients with either benign pMTLE or nMTLE showed comparable cortical thinning, mainly confined to the sensorimotor cortex. This finding that is not appreciated on routine MRI supports the hypothesis that similar to refractory MTLE, even in benign MTLE, pathology in neocortical regions maybe implicated in the pathophysiology of this syndrome.
A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of an Adapted U.S. Model of Pharmaceutical Care for Nursing Home Residents in Northern Ireland (Fleetwood Northern Ireland Study): A Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Patterson Susan M. , Hughes Carmel M. , Cardwell Chris , Lapane Kate L. , Murray Ashley M. , Crealey Grainne E.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of an adapted U.S. model of pharmaceutical care to improve psychoactive prescribing for nursing home residents in Northern Ireland (Fleetwood NI Study).

DESIGN:Economic evaluation alongside a cluster randomized controlled trial.

SETTING:Nursing homes in NI randomized to intervention (receipt of the adapted model of care; n=11) or control (usual care continued; n=11).

PARTICIPANTS:Residents aged 65 and older who provided informed consent (N=253; 128 intervention, 125 control) and who had full resource use data at 12 months.

INTERVENTION:Trained pharmacists reviewed intervention home residents' clinical and prescribing information for 12 months, applied an algorithm that guided them in assessing the appropriateness of psychoactive medication, and worked with prescribers (general practitioners) to make changes. The control homes received usual care in which there was no pharmacist intervention.

MEASUREMENTS:The proportion of residents prescribed one or more inappropriate psychoactive medications (according to standardized protocols), costs, and a cost‐effectiveness acceptability curve. The latter two outcomes are the focus for this article.

RESULTS:The proportions of residents receiving inappropriate psychoactive medication at 12 months in the intervention and control group were 19.5% and 50.4%, respectively. The mean cost of healthcare resources used per resident per year was $4,923 (95% confidence interval (CI)=$4,206–5,640) for the intervention group and $5,053 (95% CI=$4,328–5,779) for the control group. The probability of the intervention being cost‐effective was high, even at low levels of willingness to pay to avoid a resident receiving inappropriately prescribed psychoactive medication.

CONCLUSION:The Fleetwood NI model of care was more cost‐effective than usual care.
Water Adherence Factors for Human Skin
Authors: Gujral Jaspreet S. , Proctor Deborah M. , Su Steave H. , Fedoruk Joseph M.
Published: March 2011

On incidental dermal exposure to chemicals in water, a key exposure factor is the amount of water adhering to skin. Although soil adherence factors have been developed for risk assessment, measurements of water adherence on human skin have not been described. In the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) dermal risk assessment guidance, dermal dose from environmental exposures is based upon the flux rate across the skin, which assumes that an unlimited amount of chemical is available for absorption. This assumption is applicable to certain exposure scenarios such as swimming and bathing. However, exposures to contaminated water frequently involve scenarios where the available chemical is limited by the amount of water adhering to the skin, for example, during accidental splashes.

We conducted studies in human volunteers to investigate water adherence per unit area of skin after brief contact with water. In two sets of experiments, either water was applied with a micropipette to 10‐cm2 areas of the lower leg, foot, and hand, or the foot and hand were briefly immersed in water. In males, using a micropipette, water adherence ranged from 1.93 (foot) to 7.13 μL/cm2 (lower leg). In females, it ranged from 1.10 (lower leg) to 4.83 μL/cm2 (hand). Hand and foot immersion resulted in relatively higher values of 6.89 and 5.17 μL/cm2, respectively, in males, and 5.40 and 6.39 μL/cm2 in females. Water adherence was affected by amount of body hair and type of exposure.

Water adherence factors can be used to calculate the applied dose per unit area for exposures involving intermittent water contact.
Prevalence of Preexcitation in a Young Population of Male Swiss Conscripts
Authors: KOBZA RICHARD , TOGGWEILER STEFAN , DILLIER ROGER , ABÄCHERLI ROGER , CUCULI FLORIM , FREY FRANZ , JAKOB SCHMID JOHANN , ERNE PAUL
Published: March 2011

Background: Sudden cardiac death can be the first clinical presentation of asymptomatic ventricular preexcitation. Recent data about prevalence of preexcitation in the electrocardiograms (ECG) of the general population are scarce.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of preexcitation in a contemporary population of young conscripts.

Methods: We reanalyzed all consecutive ECGs of Swiss citizens who underwent conscription for the army between March 1, 2004, and July 31,2006. All ECGs with the diagnosis preexcitation were included in the present study.

Results: We analyzed ECGs of 41,699 male conscripts. Mean age was 19.2 ± 1.1 years. Preexcitation was found in 53 individuals. The length of the delta wave was 46 ± 10 ms. The most frequent localization of the accessory pathway was the left free wall.

Conclusion: The prevalence of preexcitation in young, predominantly male conscripts is 0.13%. This is comparable with previous findings in children. (PACE 2011; 34:949–953)
A Most Unusual Pacemaker
Authors: IYER VIVEK , NAZIF TAMIM M. , VAZQUEZ JESUS , REIFFEL JAMES A.
Published: March 2011

We present a case of pacemaker artifact on 12‐lead electrocardiogram that was initially interpreted as malfunction of the patient's dual‐chamber cardiac pacemaker. It was ultimately determined to arise from an extracardiac gastric pacemaker, which had been inserted for refractory, severe diabetic gastroparesis. Proper functioning of both devices was confirmed, and settings were adjusted to test for interdevice interference. This is a report of a patient with both cardiac pacemaker and a gastric pacemaker. We review the literature on patients with multiple pacemaker devices, and conclude with several practical considerations for their care. (PACE 2011; 1–3)
Catheter Ablation of an Accessory Pathway within the Marshall Vein in a Patient with Mechanical Mitral Valve
Authors: ASLANI AMIR , MORADI MEHDI , KHEIRKHAH JALAL , HAGHJOO MAJID
Published: March 2011

A 37‐year‐old man, known case of mitral valve replacement, was referred for ablation. Meticulous mapping showed the earliest signal in the distal coronary sinus (CS). Endocardial ablation via transseptal approach failed to permanently ablate the accessory pathway. Similarly, ablation within the CS was unsuccessful. Finally, the mapping catheter was introduced into the vein of Marshall (VoM) and a very early signal was obtained. In the first 3 seconds of the radiofrequency energy application within the VoM, delta wave disappeared. During 1‐year follow‐up, the patient had no recurrence of the palpitations and electrocardiogram showed no delta wave. (PACE 2013; 36:e132–e135)
Transseptal Implantation of a Left Ventricular Pacing Lead for an Ectopic Location of the Coronary Sinus Ostium in the Left Atrium
Authors: MONDOLY PIERRE , MARACHET MARIE‐AGNÈS , MASSABUAU PIERRE , RUMEAU PHILIPPE , MAURY PHILIPPE , DELAY MARC , DUPARC ALEXANDRE
Published: March 2011

Congenital abnormalities of the coronary sinus (CS) are rare but can be responsible for unsuccessful implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy device. We report the case of an ectopic drainage of the CS in the left atrium. A left ventricular lead was implanted by the transseptal route. (PACE 2013; 36:e51–e52)
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Electrogram Adjudication for Device Registries: Methodology and Observations from ALTITUDE
Authors: POWELL BRIAN D. , CHA YONG‐MEI , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. , CESARIO DAVID A. , CAO MICHAEL , JONES PAUL W. , SETH MILAN , SAXON LESLIE A. , GILLIAM III F. ROOSEVELT
Published: March 2011

Background: The increasing use of remote monitoring with the associated large retrievable databases provides a unique opportunity to analyze observations on implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) therapies. Adjudication of a large number of stored ICD electrograms (EGMs) presents a unique challenge. The ALTITUDE study group was designed to use the LATITUDE remote monitoring system to evaluate ICD patient outcomes across the United States.

Methods and Results: Of 81,081 patients on remote monitoring, a random sample of 2,000 patients having 5,279 shock episodes was selected. The ALTITUDE EGM review committee was comprised of seven electrophysiologists from four institutions. An online EGM adjudication system was designed. Episodes were classified as appropriate (70% of shock episodes) or inappropriate ICD therapies (30%). Light's Kappa was used to assess agreement.

Interobserver and intraobserver Kappa scores for dual‐chamber ICDs were 0.84 (0.71–0.91) and 0.89 (0.82–0.95), consistent with substantial agreement. Interobserver and intraobserver Kappa scores for single‐chamber ICDs were 0.61 (0.54–0.67) and 0.69 (0.59–0.79). The rhythm categories of “nonsustained arrhythmia” and “polymorphic and monomorphic ventricular tachycardia” resulted in the greatest degree of discordant adjudication between reviewers.

Conclusions: This method of adjudication of a large volume of stored EGM data prior to device therapies will allow new observations in regards to device performance and has the potential to improve device programming and design. There was substantial interreviewer agreement for rhythm classification. Agreement was greater for dual‐chamber compared to single‐chamber devices, indicating the atrial lead adds diagnostic value in rhythm interpretation. (PACE 2011; 34:1003–1012)
Perceived Community Cohesion and the Stress Process in Youth
Authors: Van Gundy Karen T. , Stracuzzi Nena F. , Rebellon Cesar J. , Tucker Corinna Jenkins , Cohn Ellen S.
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Using survey data from two youth samples, one rural and one urban, we examine the role and significance of perceived community cohesion in the stress process. In particular, we assess the extent to which community attachment and detachment are related to depressed mood, problem substance use, and delinquency net of social statuses, stress exposure, and personal attributes. In addition, we explore the degree to which those dimensions of community cohesion explain or condition the links between the above stress‐process components (e.g., social statuses, stress exposure, and personal attributes) and well‐being. We find remarkably similar results across samples: community attachment is related to lower odds of problem substance use and delinquency; community detachment is related to higher levels of depressed mood, problem substance use, and delinquency; and community attachment buffers the link between stress and problem substance use. With respect to depressed mood, however, the rural youth show greater vulnerability to stress than the urban youth and unique benefits from community attachment compared to the latter. Our findings highlight the roles of community attachment and detachment in the stress process and underscore the importance of each for youth well‐being in rural and urban settings.
Optical Properties and Microstructure of Nanocrystalline Cubic Zirconia Prepared by High‐Pressure Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Zhang Haibin , Kim Byung‐Nam , Morita Koji , Yoshida Hidehiro , Lim Jae‐Hyuk , Hiraga Keijiro
Published: March 2011

The optical properties and microstructure are evaluated for a transparent cubic (8 mol% yttria‐stabilized) zirconia (c‐YSZ) prepared by high‐pressure spark plasma sintering. Oxygen vacancies and residual pores are primary defects in the present transparent c‐YSZ, and the combination influence of these two defects determines the optical properties. The as‐sintered transparent zirconia strongly absorbs the incident light due to the formation of high concentration of oxygen vacancies. Annealing treatment in oxidizing atmosphere can improve the transparency by reducing oxygen defects. The existence of fine pores in the present zirconia causes scattering of the incident light.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity in β‐Ga2O3 Nanobelts
Authors: Tien Li‐Chia , Chen Wei‐Tong , Ho Ching‐Hwa
Published: March 2011

β‐Ga2O3 nanobelts have been synthesized by a vapor transport process under different ambient oxygen. Their structural and optical properties were characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, photoluminescence (PL), and absorbance measurements. Structural characterization revealed that the as‐synthesized samples consist of monoclinic β‐Ga2O3 nanobelts with comparable surface area. Samples prepared under high oxygen ambient possessed large numbers of gallium‐associated defects confirmed by PL and absorbance measurements. The photocatalytic activity of β‐Ga2O3 nanobelts was evaluated by the degradation of organic dyes (rhodamine B and methyl blue) under ultraviolet light illumination. The results demonstrated that β‐Ga2O3 nanobelts exhibited superior photocatalytic activity and stability as compared with commercial β‐Ga2O3 powder. The photocatalytic activity of β‐Ga2O3 nanobelts was greatly enhanced and attributed to the large numbers of acceptor states associated with gallium defects. The origin of enhanced photocatalytic activity of β‐Ga2O3 nanobelts was discussed.
Structural Evolution During Precipitation of Alkaline‐Earth Fluoride Nanocrystals in Oxyfluoride Glasses: A Multinuclear Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Xue Zheng , Edwards Trent G. , Sen Sabyasachi
Published: March 2011

The fluorine and aluminum coordination environments and their evolution during precipitation of CaF2, SrF2, and (CaxSr1−x)F2 nanocrystals in oxyfluoride glasses and glass–ceramics are investigated using 19F and 27Al magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy. These structural aspects of the parent glasses and of the resulting glass–ceramics are found to be strongly dependent on the nature of the modifier cation. In the calcium‐modified glass the preexisting F–Ca(n) sites act as major precursors of F–Ca(4) sites in CaF2 nanocrystals that are precipitated upon ceramming. In contrast, for the strontium‐modified glass, besides F–Sr(n) sites a large fraction of the Al–F–Sr(n) sites in the parent glass are converted into F–Sr(4) sites in the glass–ceramic during precipitation of SrF2 nanocrystals. In the case of a glass containing both calcium and strontium as modifying cations precipitation of (CaxSr1−x)F2 solid solution nanocrystals is achieved upon ceramming. However, Ca2+ ions preferentially partition into the crystal phase resulting in a Ca:Sr atomic ratio that is significantly higher in the nanocrystal compared with that in the parent glass. These observations are consistent with the higher field strength of Ca2+ compared with Sr2+. Incorporation of Yb3+ ions into the lattices of these fluoride nanocrystals is also evidenced in the 19F NMR spectra.
Multitechnique Investigation of Extruded Clay Brick Microstructure
Authors: Krakowiak Konrad J. , Lourenço Paulo B. , Ulm Franz Josef
Published: March 2011

Despite the omnipresence of clay brick as construction material since thousands of years, fundamental knowledge about the link between composition, microstructure, and mechanical performance is still scarce. In this paper, we use a variety of advanced techniques of experimental mechanics and material characterization for extruded clay brick for masonry, that range from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, to instrumented nanoindentation and macroscopic strength and durability tests. We find that extruded clay brick possesses a hierarchical microstructure: depending on the firing temperature, a “glassy” matrix phase, which manifests itself at submicrometer scales in form of neo‐crystals of mullite, spinel‐type phase, and other accessory minerals, forms either a granular or a continuum matrix phase that hosts at submillimeter scale the porosity. This porous composite forms the backbone for macroscopic material performance of extruded brick, including anisotropic strength, elasticity, and water absorption behavior.