bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Outcome of Catheter Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Originating from Nonpulmonary Vein Ectopy
Authors: CHANG HUNG‐YU , LO LI‐WEI , LIN YENN‐JIANG , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , HU YU‐FENG , LI CHENG‐HUNG , CHAO TZE‐FAN , CHUNG FA‐PO , HA TRUNG LE , SINGHAL RAHUL , CHONG ERIC , YIN WEI‐HSIAN , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , HSIEH MING‐HSIUNG , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: October 2012

Long‐Term Outcome of NPV AF Ablation. Introduction: Data regarding the long‐term outcome of catheter ablation in patients with nonpulmonary vein (NPV) ectopy initiating atrial fibrillation (AF) are limited. We aimed to evaluate the long‐term result of patients with AF who had NPV triggers and underwent catheter ablation.

Methods and Results:
The study included 660 consecutive patients (age 54 ± 11 years old, 477 males) who had undergone catheter ablation for AF. Group 1 consisted of 132 patients with AF initiating from the NPV, and group 2 consisted of 528 patients with AF initiating from pulmonary vein (PV) triggers only. Patients from Group 1 were younger than those from Group 2 (51 ± 12 years old vs 54 ± 11 years old, P = 0.001) and were more likely to be females (34.4% vs 25.8%, P = 0.049). The incidences of nonparoxysmal AF (36.4% vs 16.3%, P < 0.001) and right atrial (RA) enlargement (31.3% vs 19%, P = 0.004) were higher, and the biatrial substrates were worse in Group 1 than those in Group 2 (left atrial voltage 1.5 ± 0.7 mV vs 1.9 ± 0.7 mV, P < 0.001, RA voltage 1.6 ± 0.5 mV vs 1.8 ± 0.6 mV, P = 0.014). During a follow‐up period of 46 ± 23 months, there was a higher AF recurrence rate in Group 1 than in Group 2 (57.6% vs 38.8%, P < 0.001). The independent predictors of AF recurrence were NPV trigger (P < 0.001, HR 2, 95% CI 1.4–2.85), nonparoxysmal AF (P = 0.021, HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.07–2.24), larger left atrial diameter (P = 0.002, HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.07) and worse left atrial substrate (P = 0.028, HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.03–1.64).

Conclusion:
Compared to AF originating from the PV alone, AF originating from the NPV ectopy showed a worse outcome. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 250‐258, March 2013)
Functional Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy is Associated with Improved Clinical Outcome and Absence of Appropriate Shocks
Authors: BOVEN NICK VAN , BOGAARD KJELL , RUITER JAAP , KIMMAN GEERT , THEUNS DOMINIC , KARDYS ISABELLA , UMANS VICTOR
Published: October 2012

Clinical Outcome in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Functional Responders. Introduction: We evaluated clinical outcome and incidence of (in)appropriate shocks in consecutive chronic heart failure (CHF) patients treated with CRT with a defibrillator (CRT‐D) according to functional response status. Furthermore, we investigated which factors predict such functional response.

Methods and Results

: In a large teaching hospital, 179 consecutive CHF patients received CRT‐D in 2005–2010. Patients were considered functional responders if left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased to ≥35% postimplantation. Analysis was performed on 142 patients, who had CRT‐D as primary prevention, complete data and a baseline LVEF <35%. Endpoints consisted of all‐cause mortality, heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, appropriate shocks and inappropriate shocks. Median follow‐up was 3.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.6–4.4) and median baseline LVEF was 20% (IQR 18–25%). The functional response‐group consisted of 42 patients. In this group no patients died, none were hospitalized for HF, none received appropriate shocks and 3 patients (7.1%) received ≥1 inappropriate shocks. In comparison, the functional nonresponse group consisted of 100 patients, of whom 22 (22%) died (P = 0.003), 17 (17%) were hospitalized for HF (P = 0.007), 17 (17%) had ≥1 appropriate shocks (P = 0.003) and 8 (8.1%) received ≥1 inappropriate shocks (P = 0.78). Multivariable analysis showed that left bundle branch block (LBBB), QRS duration ≥150 milliseconds and no need for diuretics at baseline are independent predictors of functional response.

Conclusion

: Functional responders to CRT have a good prognosis and rarely need ICD therapy. LBBB, QRS duration ≥150 milliseconds and lack of chronic diuretic use predict functional response. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 316‐322, March 2013)
Experience with the dermatology inpatient hospital service for adults: Mayo Clinic, 2000–2010
Authors: Storan E.R. , McEvoy M.T. , Wetter D.A. , el‐Azhary R.A. , Bridges A.G. , Camilleri M.J. , Davis M.D.P.
Published: October 2012

Background  There is a paucity of medical literature describing the role of dermatology inpatient hospital services for patients with severe dermatologic disease. A diminishing number of US hospitals have a dedicated dermatology inpatient service run by dermatologists.

Objectives  To describe the role of a dermatology‐run inpatient service in treatment of severe dermatologic disease from 2000 to 2010 at our institution.

Methods  We studied demographic characteristics, indications for admission and length of stay for the adult (age, >18 years) dermatology inpatient hospital service over the most recent decade. We compared data from the first 5.5 years with the subsequent 5.5 years and with previously published data.

Results  A total of 1732 patients had 2216 inpatient admissions to the adult service from 2000 to 2010. The mean (SD) age was 61.3 (17.7) years (age range 18–100 years). Median duration of admission was 3 days interquartile range (IQR), 2–5 days. The most common indications for admission were dermatitis (44.2%), psoriasis (17.4%) and cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (9.2%). We compared admissions from 2000 to mid‐2005 (n = 1260) to admissions from mid‐2005 to 2010 (n = 956). Statistically significant changes included median length of stay (decreased from 4 days [IQR, 3–6 days] to 3 days [IQR, 2–4 days] P < 0.01), admissions for psoriasis (decreased from 20.7% to 13.0%; P < .01) and admissions for dermatitis (increased from 41.6% to 47.6%; P < .01).

Conclusion  The number of patients admitted and the median length of stay decreased between the 2 periods. Indications for admission have changed significantly across the two time periods.
Pulmonary pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin in swine. Part 2: Intra‐airways compartments
Authors: Villarino N. , Lesman S. , Fielder A. , García‐Tapia D. , Cox S. , Lucas M. , Robinson J. , Brown S. A. , Martín‐Jiménez T.
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin in pulmonary and bronchial epithelial lining fluid (PELF and BELF) from pigs. Clinically healthy pigs were allocated to two groups of 36 animals each. All animals were treated with tulathromycin (2.5 mg/kg/i.m). Animals in group 2 were also challenged intratracheally with lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli 3 h prior to tulathromycin administration. Both PELF and BELF samples were harvested using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and bronchial micro‐sampling probes, respectively. Samples were taken for 17 days post‐tulathromycin administration. No statistical differences in the concentration of tulathromycin were observed in PELF between groups. The concentration vs. time profile in BELF was evaluated only in Group 1. Tulathromycin distributed rapidly and extensively into the airway compartments. The time to maximal (Tmax) concentration was 6 h postdrug administration in PELF but 72 h post‐tulathromycin administration for BELF. In group 2, the Tmax was seen at 24 h post‐tulathromycin administration. The area under the concentration time curve (h*ng/mL) was 522 000, 348 000 and 1 290 000 for PELFGroup‐1, PELFGroup‐2, and BELFGroup‐1, respectively. Tulathromycin not only distributed rapidly into intra‐airway compartments at relatively high concentrations but also resided in the airway lining fluid for a long time (>4 days).
Environmental factors shaping boring sponge assemblages at Mexican Pacific coral reefs
Authors: Nava Héctor , Carballo José Luis
Published: October 2012

Recent studies suggest a future increase in sponge bioerosion as an outcome of coral reef decline around the world. However, the factors that shape boring sponge assemblages in coral reefs are not currently well understood. This work presents the results of a 17‐month assessment of the presence and species richness of boring sponges in fragments collected from living corals, dead coral reef matrix and coral rubble from Punta de Mita and Isabel Island, two coral reefs from the central coast of the Mexican Pacific Ocean. Both localities have a high cover of dead corals generated by past El Niño Southern Oscillation events, but Punta de Mita was also highly exposed to anthropogenic impacts. Additionally, environmental factors (water transparency, water movement, temperature, sediment deposition, SST, and chlorophyll concentration) were assessed to test the hypothesis that environmental conditions which are potentially harmful for corals can enhance sponge bioerosion. Isabel Island and Punta de Mita showed a similar species richness (13 and 11 species, respectively) but boring sponge presence in both live and dead corals was higher at Isabel Island (57.6%) than at Punta de Mita (35.7%). The same result was obtained when each type of substrate was analysed separately: dead coral reef matrix (81.3% versus 55.5%), coral rubble (47.7% versus 20.0%) and living corals (43.7% versus 31.7%). A principal components analysis showed a higher environmental heterogeneity at Punta de Mita, as well as important environmental differences between Punta de Mita and Isabel Island, due to sediment deposition (2.0 versus 0.2 kg·m−2·d−1) and water movement (24.5% versus 20.5% plaster dissolution day−1), that were also negatively correlated with boring sponge presence (r = −0.7). By analysing the boring sponge assemblage, we found that environmental settings, together with habitat availability (i.e., dead coral substrate) differentiated assemblage structure at both localities. Major structural differences were largely due to species such as Cliona vermifera, Cliona tropicalis and Aka cryptica. In conclusion, factors such as habitat availability favored the presence of boring sponges but some environmental factors such as abrasion resulting from moving sediment acted restrictively, and exerted a major role in structuring boring sponge assemblages in the Mexican Pacific.
Identifying modifiable factors to improve quality for older adults in hospital: a scoping review
Authors: Parke Belinda , Hunter Kathleen F. , Bostrom Anne‐Marie , Chambers Thane , Manraj Christina
Published: October 2012

Background

Traditional ways of viewing hospitalisation do not always recognise how elements within the hospital environment contribute to disability. Four theoretical dimensions of older adult‐hospital environment fit have been proposed in previous research on elder‐friendly hospitals: social climate, physical design, care systems and processes, policies and procedures; however, modifiable factors for each dimension are not yet identified.

Design

Exploratory iterative design guided by Arksey and O'Malley (2005,International Journal of Social Research Methodology8, 19) scoping review methodology.

Method

We undertook a scoping review of primary research related to hospitalised community‐dwelling older adults. Keys search terms and criteria were used to identify relevant articles with modifiable factors extracted from articles meeting study criteria.

Results

A total of 66 studies were included and evaluated for modifiable factor mapping. We were able to map all 66 studies to the four dimensions. The majority of included studies described care systems and processes, with little relating to social climate, physical design and policies and procedures. Thirty‐nine potentially modifiable factors were identified and mapped to the theoretical dimensions according to four overarching themes: models of care; assessment of potential geriatric issues; targeting care to a specific clinical issue and supporting transitions home themes.

Conclusion

The dimensions of older adult‐hospital fit help us to organise key features of an elder‐friendly hospital and identify potentially modifiable factors. Although it makes intuitive sense to cluster and organise according to the dimensions to help with understanding, this tells us little about the synergy of interactions and hierarchical relationships. Our results highlight the importance of competent gerontological nursing in care for hospitalised older adults and the need for further understanding of the older adult and family as a unit of care.

Implications for practice

Registered nurses have a leadership role to ensure safe quality care for older people in hospital. This leadership role can be framed in interventions that focus on fixing the fit between what older people need and what the hospital environment provides. Modifiable factors for improvement are within the scope and competency of the registered nurse.
The ‘Can't Intubate Can't Oxygenate’ scenario in Pediatric Anesthesia: a comparison of different devices for needle cricothyroidotomy
Authors: Stacey Jonathan , Heard Andrew M. B. , Chapman Gordon , Wallace Catherine J. , Hegarty Mary , Vijayasekaran Shyan , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S.
Published: October 2012

Background

Little evidence exists to guide the management of the ‘Can't Intubate, Can't Oxygenate’ (CICO) scenario in pediatric anesthesia.

Objectives

To compare two intravenous cannulae for ease of use, success rate and complication rate in needle tracheotomy in a postmortem animal model of the infant airway, and trial a commercially available device using the same model.

Methods

Two experienced proceduralists repeatedly attempted cannula tracheotomy in five postmortem rabbits, alternately using 18‐gauge (18G) and 14‐gauge (14G) BD Insyte™ cannulae (BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA). Attempts began at the first tracheal cartilage, with subsequent attempts progressively more caudad. Success was defined as intratracheal cannula placement. In each rabbit, an attempt was then made by each proceduralist to perform a cannula tracheotomy using the Quicktrach Child™ device (VBM Medizintechnik GmbH, Sulz am Neckar, Germany).

Results

The rabbit tracheas were of similar dimensions to a human infant. 60 attempts were made at cannula tracheotomy, yielding a 60% success rate. There was no significant difference in success rate, ease of use, or complication rate between cannulae of different gauge. Successful aspiration was highly predictive (positive predictive value 97%) and both sensitive (89%) and specific (96%) for tracheal cannulation. The posterior tracheal wall was perforated in 42% of tracheal punctures. None of 13 attempts using the Quicktrach Child™ were successful.

Conclusion

Cannula tracheotomy in a model comparable to the infant airway is difficult and not without complication. Cannulae of 14‐ and 18‐gauge appear to offer similar performance. Successful aspiration is the key predictor of appropriate cannula placement. The Quicktrach Child was not used successfully in this model. Further work is required to compare possible management strategies for the CICO scenario.
Oral immunotherapy with transgenic rice seed containing destructed Japanese cedar pollen allergens, Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, against Japanese cedar pollinosis
Authors: Wakasa Yuhya , Takagi Hidenori , Hirose Sakiko , Yang Lijun , Saeki Mayumi , Nishimura Tomoe , Kaminuma Osamu , Hiroi Takachika , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: October 2012

Transgenic rice accumulating the modified major Japanese cedar pollen allergens, Cryptomeria japonica 1 (Cry j 1) and Cryptomeria japonica 2 (Cry j 2), which were deconstructed by fragmentation and shuffling, respectively, in the edible part of the seed was generated by transformation of a good‐tasting rice variety, ‘Koshihikari’. These modified cedar pollen antigens were deposited in ER‐derived protein bodies (PB‐I), which are suitable for delivery to the mucosal immune system in gut‐associated lymphoid tissue when orally administered because antigens bioencapsulated in PB‐I are resistant against hydrolysis by intestinal enzymes and harsh environments. Mice fed transgenic seeds daily for three weeks and then challenged with crude cedar pollen allergen showed marked suppression of allergen‐specific CD4+ T‐cell proliferation, IgE and IgG levels compared with mice fed nontransgenic rice seeds. As clinical symptoms of pollinosis, sneezing frequency and infiltration of inflammatory cells such as eosinophils and neutrophils were also significantly reduced in the nasal tissue. These results imply that oral administration of transgenic rice seeds containing the structurally disrupted Cry j 1 and Cry j 2 antigens, serving as universal antigens, is a promising approach for specific immunoprophylaxis against Japanese cedar pollinosis.
Recruitment and Retention Strategies for a Community‐Based Weight Management Study for Multi‐Ethnic Elementary School Children and Their Parents
Authors: Berry Diane C. , Neal Madeline , Hall Emily Gail , McMurray Robert G. , Schwartz Todd A. , Skelly Anne H. , Smith‐Miller Cherie
Published: October 2012

This article describes successful recruitment and retention strategies for a community‐based weight management study in two school districts in North Carolina. Recruitment and retention on both district and school levels and child and parent levels are discussed. A total of 358 children and 358 parents from eight schools in rural North Carolina participated in a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a nutrition and exercise education, coping skills training, and exercise intervention. Recruitment and retention at the district and school level included meeting with superintendents and receiving a proper introduction to school principals and consistently clear communication throughout the study. At the school level, relationships were developed with the principal and other key personnel to keep lines of communication open during the study. Recruitment and retention strategies at the child and parent level included allowing adequate time for questions during consent and assent and providing a free nutrition and exercise program, a light meal, homework assistance, child care for other children who came to the program, and transportation vouchers if needed. Successful recruitment and retention strategies at the district and school levels and child and parent levels are important for conducting longitudinal community‐based studies.
Aging and ESRD Demographics: Consequences for the Practice of Dialysis
Authors: Williams Mark E. , Sandeep Jeena , Catic Angela
Published: October 2012

The disproportionate increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in the elderly is now recognized as a national and global reality. Among the major contributing factors are the aging of the population, a growing prevalence of CKD, greater access to care, and increased comorbidities. The utilization of renal replacement therapy in the geriatric population has concomitantly increased. It is imposing enormous challenges to the practice of ESRD care, the largest of which may be to determine the best application of clinical performance targets to a population with limitations in life expectancy. Concurrently, increased focus on quality of life will be required. The effective dialysis practitioner will need to adapt to the aging ESRD demographics with an increased focus on physical and mental well‐being of the geriatric patient.
Geodynamic implications derived from Numidian‐like distal turbidites deposited along the Internal–External Domain Boundary of the Betic Cordillera (S Spain)
Authors: Alcalá Francisco J. , Guerrera Francesco , Martín‐Martín Manuel , Raffaelli Giuliana , Serrano Francisco
Published: October 2012

Terra Nova, 00, 1–12, 2012

New data reveal Early Burdigalian ‘Numidian‐like lithofacies’ in successions of the internal (southernmost) part of the South Iberian Margin (SIM) and the south‐western margin of the Mesomediterranean Microplate (MM). The well‐known Numidian Formation was deposited in the external (Massylian) sub‐domain of the Maghrebian Flysch Basin (a south‐western branch of the Tethys Ocean). The anomalous occurrence of ‘Numidian‐like lithofacies’ is induced by the particular Early Miocene palaeogeographical and geodynamic complexity of the sector. This consisted of a ‘triple point’ with a dextral transform fault between the SIM and the MM‐Maghrebian Flysch Basin system. In this framework, the ageing of Iberian reliefs and the MM collapse, coupled with an African Margin upbulging, and a shortening of the Maghrebian Flysch Basin (both related to the subduction), could have resulted in the arrival of the Numidian depositional system from so far away.
Impaired sterol ester synthesis alters the response of Arabidopsis thaliana to Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Kopischke Michaela , Westphal Lore , Schneeberger Korbinian , Clark Richard , Ossowski Stephan , Wewer Vera , Fuchs René , Landtag Jörn , Hause Gerd , Dörmann Peter , Lipka Volker , Weigel Detlef , Schulze‐Lefert Paul , Scheel Dierk , Rosahl Sabine
Published: October 2012

Non‐host resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana against Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight disease of potato, depends on efficient extracellular pre‐ and post‐invasive resistance responses. Pre‐invasive resistance against P. infestans requires the myrosinase PEN2. To identify additional genes involved in non‐host resistance to P. infestans, a genetic screen was performed by re‐mutagenesis of pen2 plants. Fourteen independent mutants were isolated that displayed an enhanced response to Phytophthora (erp) phenotype. Upon inoculation with P. infestans, two mutants, pen2‐1 erp1‐3 and pen2‐1 erp1‐4, showed an enhanced rate of mesophyll cell death and produced excessive callose deposits in the mesophyll cell layer. ERP1 encodes a phospholipid:sterol acyltransferase (PSAT1) that catalyzes the formation of sterol esters. Consistent with this, the tested T‐DNA insertion lines of PSAT1 are phenocopies of erp1 plants. Sterol ester levels are highly reduced in all erp1/psat1 mutants, whereas sterol glycoside levels are increased twofold. Excessive callose deposition occurred independently of PMR4/GSL5 activity, a known pathogen‐inducible callose synthase. A similar formation of aberrant callose deposits was triggered by the inoculation of erp1 psat1 plants with powdery mildew. These results suggest a role for sterol conjugates in cell non‐autonomous defense responses against invasive filamentous pathogens.
Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Aquaculture: Findings of a Globally Administered Survey of Aquaculture‐Allied Professionals
Authors: Tuševljak N. , Dutil L. , Rajić A. , Uhland F. C. , McClure C. , St‐Hilaire S. , Reid‐Smith R. J. , McEwen S. A.
Published: October 2012

There is limited published information regarding antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquaculture. Our objective was to determine the opinions of aquaculture‐allied professionals around the world on the frequency of AMU and AMR in common aquatic species. The study questionnaire included five sections: respondent demographics, extent of AMU in aquaculture, frequency of observations of AMR in aquaculture, AMR monitoring and surveillance and antimicrobial susceptibility testing in various jurisdictions. It was administered in English and Spanish to 604 professionals in 25 countries and with varying expertise in aquaculture. The response rate was 33% (199/604). Over half of the participants had >10 years of experience in aquaculture: 70% (140/199) were involved in fish health/clinical work and their primary experience was with salmon, tilapia, trout, shrimp (including prawn) and/or catfish. Tetracycline use was reported by 28%, 46%, 18%, 37% and 9% of respondents working with catfish, salmon, tilapia, trout and shrimp, respectively. Resistance to tetracycline in one or more species of bacteria was reported as ‘frequent‐to‐almost always’ for the same aquaculture species by 39%, 28%, 17%, 52% and 36% of respondents, respectively. ‘Frequent‐to‐almost always’ use of quinolone was reported by 70% (32/46) and 67% (8/12) of respondents from the United States and Canada, respectively, where quinolone products are not approved for aquaculture, and extra‐label fluoroquinolone use is either prohibited (United States) or discouraged (Canada). Similar frequencies of quinolone use were also reported by the majority of respondents from Europe [70% (7/10)] and Asia [90% (9/10)] where labelled indications exist. This baseline information can be used to prioritize research or surveillance for AMU and AMR in aquaculture.
Stress‐induced increase in skeletal muscle force requires protein kinase A phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor
Authors: Andersson Daniel C. , Betzenhauser Matthew J. , Reiken Steven , Umanskaya Alisa , Shiomi Takayuki , Marks Andrew R.
Published: October 2012

Key points

Under conditions of acute adrenergic stress (i.e. fight or flight response), the contractile force of muscle is enhanced, a phenomenon known as inotropy.

The molecular determinant of the inotropic mechanism is poorly understood but involves potentiated release of calcium within the muscle cell.

Here we report that adrenergic receptor‐dependent phosphorylation of a single amino acid in the calcium release channel (ryanodine receptor 1) mediates the increased calcium and force that is seen in the muscle following acute stress.

These findings further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of muscular force regulation, and the importance for exercise physiology and muscle weakness (dynopenia).

Abstract  Enhancement of contractile force (inotropy) occurs in skeletal muscle following neuroendocrine release of catecholamines and activation of muscle β‐adrenergic receptors. Despite extensive study, the molecular mechanism underlying the inotropic response in skeletal muscle is not well understood. Here we show that phosphorylation of a single serine residue (S2844) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release channel/ryanodine receptor type 1 (RyR1) by protein kinase A (PKA) is critical for skeletal muscle inotropy. Treating fast twitch skeletal muscle from wild‐type mice with the β‐receptor agonist isoproterenol (isoprenaline) increased RyR1 PKA phosphorylation, twitch Ca2+ and force generation. In contrast, the enhanced muscle Ca2+, force and in vivo muscle strength responses following isoproterenol stimulation were abrogated in RyR1‐S2844A mice in which the serine in the PKA site in RyR1 was replaced with alanine. These data suggest that the molecular mechanism underlying skeletal muscle inotropy requires enhanced SR Ca2+ release due to PKA phosphorylation of S2844 in RyR1.
ON and OFF channels in human retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Hashimoto Takao , Katai Satoshi , Saito Yasunori , Kobayashi Fumitoshi , Goto Tetsuya
Published: October 2012

Key points

The ON and OFF channels are basic functional elements in parallel processing in the visual system in vertebrates including primates, and ON cells excite by positive contrasts, while OFF cells excite by negative contrasts.

We investigated the electrophysiological properties of optic tract fibre activities in neurosurgical patients with Parkinson's disease, focusing on ON‐ and OFF‐type responses to flashlight stimulation.

Most of the multi‐fibre responses at the light on event were excitatory, and excitatory responses at the light off event were observed at a few sites. Analysis of the single‐fiber responses revealed ON fibres and OFF fibres.

All excitatory responses to light on were transient, while all but one excitatory responses to light off were sustained. These different response types are said to contain different modes of visual information.

Our results demonstrate for the first time the ON and OFF channels and their temporal features in visual processing in humans.

Abstract  The ON and OFF channels are basic functional elements in parallel processing in the visual system in vertebrates including primates. We analysed the responses of the optic tract fibre activity in response to switching a flashlight on or off in 25 awake patients with Parkinson's disease who underwent stereotactic surgery targeting the internal globus pallidus. The responses were evoked in a darkened room by a light with a luminance of approximately 4 × 104 cd m−2 at the eye and a wide‐spectrum wavelength. Most of the responses at the light on event were excitatory (38 out of 41 sites, 93%). Thirty‐five sites with increase in activity at the light on event showed reciprocal responses or no responses to light off, and these sites were classified as containing ON fibres. In single‐fibre analysis, all of 14 ON fibres were recorded at the sites of multi‐fibre excitatory responses. Six sites showed multi‐fibre excitatory responses at the light off event; three sites showed sustained reduction in activity at the light on event, and these three sites were classified as containing OFF fibres. In single‐fibre analysis, two OFF fibres were recorded at the sites of multi‐fibre suppressive responses at the light on event, and the other two OFF fibres were recorded at the sites of multi‐fibre excitatory responses at the light on event. We found that all excitatory responses to light on were transient, while all but one excitatory responses to light off were sustained. Reduction in activity tended to be smaller than increase in activity at the light on event. These results demonstrate that the ON and OFF channels, and their transient and sustained features function in visual processing in humans.
Using electron spectroscopy to verify the model of Ga implanted during focused ion beam circuit editing
Authors: Niles David W. , Spicer Teresa , Kee Ronald W.
Published: October 2012

The authors use electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis to study the implantation of 50 keV Ga+ ions into electronic grade silicon, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride typical of focused ion beam circuit editing work. The Ga+ dose naturally splits into low dose and high dose regimes with a transitional, median regime between the two. In the low dose regime (<1016 cm−2), the amount of milled material is small (∼10 nm) relative to typical layer thicknesses of circuits. A Gaussian implanting model with an implanting yield of ∼0.6 ± 0.1, range of 43 ± 9 nm, and straggle of 15 ± 5 nm describe the data for all studied materials. The Ga atoms bind to the oxygen and nitrogen anions for oxides and nitrides, and silicon for elemental silicon. In the median regime (1016–1017 cm−2), Ga accumulation and substrate defect formation alter a simple Gaussian model for Ga implantation although a steady state condition has not yet been reached. The high dose regime (>1017 cm−2) entails a steady state condition where the implanted Ga assumes an error-function profile comprising a surface concentration as high as 50 at. % and a penetration depth of ∼60 nm. In the high dose regime, Ga implanted into nitride and oxide displays metallic valence (Ga0) on the surface, gradually transitioning to nitride and oxide valence (Ga3+) with depth.
Silicon-on-insulator based ZnO nanowire photodetector
Authors: Xie Yong , Madel Manfred , Neuschl Benjamin , Jie Wanqi , Röder Uwe , Feneberg Martin , Thonke Klaus
Published: October 2012

The authors present here a technologically easy process to electrically contact ensembles of ZnO nanowires on silicon-on-insulator substrates for multiple sensor applications. Microtrenches defined by standard photolithography and etching processes were bridged by ZnO nanowires. The ZnO nanowires grown by a high temperature process show excellent crystalline quality as confirmed by photoluminescence. These wires connecting the opposite sides of the microtrenches were investigated here as solar-blind photosensitive detectors, but may equally well serve for any other sensing application, where the ZnO conductivity is altered by the attachment of specific gases, proteins, etc. The straightforward design allows for an easy integration into CMOS processes.
Excitation of radiative polaritons by polarized broadband infrared radiation in thin oxide films deposited by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Vincent-Johnson Anita J. , Masters Andrew E. , Hu Xiaofeng , Scarel Giovanna
Published: October 2012

This work contributes to the understanding of infrared radiation interaction with matter and its absorption for energy harvesting purposes. By exciting radiative polaritons in thin oxide films with polarized infrared radiation, a further evidence is collected that a link exists between radiative polaritons and the heat recovery mechanism hypothesized in previous research. In the voltage transient occurring when the infrared radiation is turned on, the observed time necessary to reach the maximum voltage and the voltage intensity versus angle of incidence exhibit a mismatch when generated by polarized and nonpolarized infrared radiation. The existence of collective charge oscillation modes in the semiconductor-based elements of the thermoelectric power generators supporting the heat recovery mechanism is suggested as the main source of the discrepancy.
Multicriteria optimization for volumetric‐modulated arc therapy by decomposition into a fluence‐based relaxation and a segment weight‐based restriction
Authors: Bokrantz Rasmus
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To develop a method for inverse volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning that combines multicriteria optimization (MCO) with direct machine parameter optimization. The ultimate goal is to provide an efficient and intuitive method for generating high quality VMAT plans.

Methods:

Multicriteria radiation therapy treatment planning amounts to approximating the relevant treatment options by a discrete set of plans, and selecting the combination thereof that strikes the best possible balance between conflicting objectives. This approach is applied to two decompositions of the inverse VMAT planning problem: a fluence‐based relaxation considered at a coarsened gantry angle spacing and under a regularizing penalty on fluence modulation, and a segment weight‐based restriction in a neighborhood of the solution to the relaxed problem. The two considered variable domains are interconnected by direct machine parameter optimization toward reproducing the dose‐volume histogram of the fluence‐based solution.

Results:

The dose distribution quality of plans generated by the proposed MCO method was assessed by direct comparison with benchmark plans generated by a conventional VMAT planning method. The results for four patient cases (prostate, pancreas, lung, and head and neck) are highly comparable between the MCO plans and the benchmark plans: Discrepancies between studied dose‐volume statistics for organs at risk were—with the exception of the kidneys of the pancreas case—within 1 Gy or 1 percentage point. Target coverage of the MCO plans was comparable with that of the benchmark plans, but with a small tendency toward a shift from conformity to homogeneity.

Conclusions:

MCO allows tradeoffs between conflicting objectives encountered in VMAT planning to be explored in an interactive manner through search over a continuous representation of the relevant treatment options. Treatment plans selected from such a representation are of comparable dose distribution quality to conventionally optimized VMAT plans.
Visualizing ex vivo radiofrequency and microwave ablation zones using electrode vibration elastography
Authors: DeWall Ryan J. , Varghese Tomy , Brace Chris L.
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

Electrode vibration elastography is a new shear wave imaging technique that can be used to visualize thermal ablation zones. Prior work has shown the ability of electrode vibration elastography to delineate radiofrequency ablations; however, there has been no previous study of delineation of microwave ablations or radiological–pathological correlations using multiple observers.

Methods:

Radiofrequency and microwave ablations were formed inex vivo bovine liver tissue. Their visualization was compared on shear wave velocity and maximum displacement images. Ablation dimensions were compared to gross pathology. Elastographic imaging and gross pathology overlap and interobserver variability were quantified using similarity measures.

Results:

Elastographic imaging correlated with gross pathology. Correlation of area estimates was better in radiofrequency than in microwave ablations, with Pearson coefficients of 0.79 and 0.54 on shear wave velocity images and 0.90 and 0.70 on maximum displacement images for radiofrequency and microwave ablations, respectively. The absolute relative difference in area between elastographic imaging and gross pathology was 18.9% and 22.9% on shear wave velocity images and 16.0% and 23.1% on maximum displacement images for radiofrequency and microwave ablations, respectively.

Conclusions:

Statistically significant radiological–pathological correlation was observed in this study, but correlation coefficients were lower than other modulus imaging techniques, most notably in microwave ablations. Observers provided similar delineations for most thermal ablations. These results suggest that electrode vibration elastography is capable of imaging thermal ablations, but refinement of the technique may be necessary before it can be used to monitor thermal ablation procedures clinically.
Mapping cumulative noise from shipping to inform marine spatial planning
Authors: Erbe Christine , MacGillivray Alexander , Williams Rob
Published: October 2012

Including ocean noise in marine spatial planning requires predictions of noise levels on large spatiotemporal scales. Based on a simple sound transmission model and ship track data (Automatic Identification System, AIS), cumulative underwater acoustic energy from shipping was mapped throughout 2008 in the west Canadian Exclusive Economic Zone, showing high noise levels in critical habitats for endangered resident killer whales, exceeding limits of “good conservation status” under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Error analysis proved that rough calculations of noise occurrence and propagation can form a basis for management processes, because spending resources on unnecessary detail is wasteful and delays remedial action.
Neurosteroids and Microneurotrophins Signal Through NGF Receptors to Induce Prosurvival Signaling in Neuronal CellsA Presentation from the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) New Inroads to Child Health (NICHe) Conference on Stress Response and Child Health in Heraklion, Crete, Greece, 18 to 20 May 2012.
Authors: Gravanis Achille , Calogeropoulou Theodora , Panoutsakopoulou Vily , Thermos Kyriaki , Neophytou Constantinos , Charalampopoulos Ioannis
Published: October 2012

Synthetic DHEA analogs promote neuronal survival without estrogenic or androgenic side effects.
Pkd2 Knows the Flow
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: October 2012

A calcium channel in the nonmotile cilia of crown cells contributes to left-right patterning.
Internalization as Activation
Authors: Andrianantoandro Ernesto
Published: October 2012

In plants, receptor internalization promotes G protein signaling.
Hippo Blocks the Way
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: October 2012

The Hippo pathway inhibits metastasis of breast cancer cells, a role that is stimulated by the LIF receptor and inhibited by miR-9.
Activity of Moxifloxacin, Imipenem, and Ertapenem against Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacteroides fragilis in Monocultures and Mixed Cultures in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model Simulating Concentrations in the Human Pancreas
Authors: Schubert Sabine , Dalhoff Axel
Published: October 2012

The activities of moxifloxacin, imipenem, and ertapenem against pathogens causing severe necrotizing pancreatitis were studied in an
in vitro
pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) model.
Escherichia coli
,
Enterobacter cloacae
,
Enterococcus faecalis
, and
Bacteroides fragilis
were exposed in monocultures and mixed cultures to concentrations of the three agents comparable to those in the human pancreas. Moxifloxacin was more active than the two carbapenems in monocultures and mixed cultures, reducing the numbers of CFU more drastically and more rapidly.
KPC-4 Is Encoded within a Truncated Tn
4401
in an IncL/M Plasmid, pNE1280, Isolated from Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia marcescens
Authors: Bryant Kendall A. , Van Schooneveld Trevor C. , Thapa Ishwor , Bastola Dhundy , Williams Laurina O. , Safranek Thomas J. , Hinrichs Steven H. , Rupp Mark E. , Fey Paul D.
Published: October 2012

We describe the transfer of
bla
KPC-4
from
Enterobacter cloacae
to
Serratia marcescens
in a single patient. DNA sequencing revealed that KPC-4 was encoded on an IncL/M plasmid, pNE1280, closely related to pCTX-M360. Further analysis found that KPC-4 was encoded within a novel Tn
4401
element (Tn
4401f
) containing a truncated
tnpA
and lacking
tnpR
, IS
Kpn7
left, and Tn
4401
IRL-1, which are conserved in other Tn
4401
transposons. This study highlights the continued evolution of Tn
4401
transposons and movement to multiple plasmid backbones that results in acquisition by multiple species of Gram-negative bacilli.
Complete Sequence of pJIE186-2, a Plasmid Carrying Multiple Virulence Factors from a Sequence Type 131 Escherichia coli O25 Strain
Authors: Zong Zhiyong
Published: October 2012

The complete sequence of a 137-kb plasmid, pJIE186-2, from a sequence type 131 (ST131)
Escherichia coli
strain was determined. pJIE186-2 contained IncF replicons (FIB, FIIA, and FIAΔ), an incomplete conjugative region, and multiple virulence factors (
sitABCD
,
iucABCD-iutA
,
iroCDEN
,
etsABC
,
hlyF
,
iss
,
ompT
, and
vagCD
) but no antimicrobial resistance genes. The host strain also had another plasmid, pJIE186-1, carrying multiple resistance genes. The two plasmids conferred selective advantages for the host strain, contributing to the recent emergence of ST131
E. coli
.
Novel 6′-
N
-Aminoglycoside Acetyltransferase AAC(6′)-Iaj from a Clinical Isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tada Tatsuya , Miyoshi-Akiyama Tohru , Shimada Kayo , Shimojima Masahiro , Kirikae Teruo
Published: October 2012

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
NCGM1588 has a novel chromosomal class 1 integron, In151, which includes the
aac(6′)-Iaj
gene. The encoded protein, AAC(6′)-Iaj, was found to consist of 184 amino acids, with 70% identity to AAC(6′)-Ia.
Escherichia coli
transformed with a plasmid containing the
aac(6′)-Iaj
gene acquired resistance to all aminoglycosides tested except gentamicin. Of note,
aac(6′)-Iaj
contributed to the resistance to arbekacin. Thin-layer chromatography revealed that AAC(6′)-Iaj acetylated all aminoglycosides tested except gentamicin. These findings indicated that AAC(6′)-Iaj is a functional acetyltransferase that modifies the amino groups at the 6′ positions of aminoglycosides and contributes to aminoglycoside resistance of
P. aeruginosa
NCGM1588, including arbekacin.
Structural Insights into the Subclass B3 Metallo-β-Lactamase SMB-1 and the Mode of Inhibition by the Common Metallo-β-Lactamase Inhibitor Mercaptoacetate
Authors: Wachino Jun-ichi , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Mori Shigetarou , Kurosaki Hiromasa , Arakawa Yoshichika , Shibayama Keigo
Published: October 2012

A novel subclass B3 metallo-β-lactamase (MBL), SMB-1, recently identified from a
Serratia marcescens
clinical isolate, showed a higher hydrolytic activity against a wide range of β-lactams than did the other subclass B3 MBLs, i.e., BJP-1 and FEZ-1, from environmental bacteria. To identify the mechanism underlying the differences in substrate specificity among the subclass B3 MBLs, we determined the structure of SMB-1, using 1.6-Å diffraction data. Consequently, we found that SMB-1 reserves a space in the active site to accommodate β-lactam, even with a bulky R1 side chain, due to a loss of amino acid residues corresponding to F31 and L226 of BJP-1, which protrude into the active site to prevent β-lactam from binding. The protein also possesses a unique amino acid residue, Q157, which probably plays a role in recognition of β-lactams via the hydrogen bond interaction, which is missing in BJP-1 and FEZ-1, whose

K
m

values for β-lactams are particularly high. In addition, we determined the mercaptoacetate (MCR)-complexed SMB-1 structure and revealed the mode of its inhibition by MCR: the thiolate group bridges to two zinc ions (Zn1 and Zn2). One of the carboxylate oxygen atoms of MCR makes contact with Zn2 and Ser221, and the other makes contact with T223 and a water molecule. Our results demonstrate the possibility that MCR could be a potent inhibitor for subclass B3 MBLs and that the screening technique using MCR as an inhibitor would be effective for detecting subclass B3 MBL producers.
Epidemiology of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis: a Case-Case-Control Study
Authors: Hayakawa Kayoko , Marchaim Dror , Palla Mohan , Gudur Uma Mahesh , Pulluru Harish , Bathina Pradeep , Alshabani Khaled , Govindavarjhulla Aditya , Mallad Ashwini , Abbadi Deepika Reddy , Chowdary Deepti , Kakarlapudi Hari , Guddati Harish , Das Manoj , Kannekanti Naveen , Vemuri Praveen , Doddamani Rajiv , Mundra Venkat Ram Rakesh , Guddeti Raviteja Reddy , Policherla Rohan , Bai Sarika , Lohithaswa Sharan , Shashidharan Shiva Prasad , Chidurala Sowmya , Diviti Sreelatha , Sukayogula Krishna , Joseph Melwin , Pogue Jason M. , Lephart Paul R. , Martin Emily T. , Rybak Michael J. , Kaye Keith S.
Published: October 2012

Although much is known about vancomycin-resistant (VR)
Enterococcus faecium
, little is known about the epidemiology of VR
Enterococcus faecalis
. The predilection of VR
E. faecalis
to transfer the vancomycin resistance determinant to
Staphylococcus aureus
is much greater than that of VR
E. faecium
. The epidemiology of VR
E. faecalis
has important implications regarding the emergence of vancomycin-resistant
S. aureus
(VRSA); 8 of 13 reported VRSA cases have been from Michigan. A retrospective case-case-control study was conducted at the Detroit Medical Center, located in southeastern Michigan. Unique patients with VR
E. faecalis
infection were matched to patients with strains of vancomycin-susceptible (VS)
E. faecalis
and to uninfected controls at a 1:1:1 ratio. Five hundred thirty-two VR
E. faecalis
cases were identified and were matched to 532 VS
E. faecalis
cases and 532 uninfected controls. The overall mean age of the study cohort (
n
= 1,596) was 63.0 ± 17.4 years, and 747 (46.8%) individuals were male. Independent predictors for the isolation of VR
E. faecalis
(but not VS
E. faecalis
) compared to uninfected controls were an age of ≥65 years, nonhome residence, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, exposure to cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones in the prior 3 months, and immunosuppressive status. Invasive procedures and/or surgery, chronic skin ulcers, and indwelling devices were risk factors for both VR
E. faecalis
and VS
E. faecalis
isolation. Cephalosporin and fluoroquinolone exposures were unique, independent predictors for isolation of VR
E. faecalis
. A majority of case patients had VR
E. faecalis
present at the time of admission. Control of VR
E. faecalis
, and ultimately VRSA, will likely require regional efforts focusing on infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
Antifungal Lock Therapy
Authors: Walraven Carla J. , Lee Samuel A.
Published: October 2012

The widespread use of intravascular devices, such as central venous and hemodialysis catheters, in the past 2 decades has paralleled the increasing incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs).
Candida albicans
is the fourth leading cause of hospital-associated BSIs. The propensity of
C. albicans
to form biofilms on these catheters has made these infections difficult to treat due to multiple factors, including increased resistance to antifungal agents. Thus, curing CR-BSIs caused by
Candida
species usually requires catheter removal in addition to systemic antifungal therapy. Alternatively, antimicrobial lock therapy has received significant interest and shown promise as a strategy to treat CR-BSIs due to
Candida
species. The existing
in vitro
, animal, and patient data for treatment of
Candida
-related CR-BSIs are reviewed. The most promising antifungal lock therapy (A
f
LT) strategies include use of amphotericin, ethanol, or echinocandins. Clinical trials are needed to further define the safety and efficacy of A
f
LT.