bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Procedural Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Catheter Ablation
Authors: GU JUN , LIU XU , TAN HONGWEI , ZHOU LI , JIANG WEIFENG , WANG YUANLONG , LIU YUGANG , GU JIANING 
Published: August 2012

Impact of COPD on Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COPD on outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with AF in terms of recurrence and quality of life (QoL).
Methods
: In this prospective study, 550 consecutive patients with symptomatic, medication‐refractory AF underwent first catheter ablation. Patients were classified into those with COPD (group 1, n = 54) and those without COPD (group 2, n = 496). Patients were followed up for atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) recurrence for at least 24 months. The Medical Outcomes Study SF‐36 Health Survey was used to assess QoL at baseline and 24 months after ablation.
Results
: After a single ablation, 24 patients in group 1 (44.4%) and 142 in group 2 (28.6%) had ATa recurrence during a mean follow‐up of 31.4 ± 4.8 months (P = 0.016). The second ablation was performed in 19 patients (35.2%) from group 1 and in 109 patients (22.0%) from group 2 (P = 0.029). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that nonparoxysmal AF (P = 0.013, OR = 1.767, 95% CI: 1.129–2.765) as well as the presence of COPD (P = 0.029, OR = 1.951, 95% CI: 1.070–3.557) was the independent predictor for higher ATa recurrence. Moreover, patients in group 1 had significantly lower baseline scores on all SF‐36 Health Survey subscales. At 24‐month follow‐up, both mental component summary and physical component summary scores improved markedly in group 1 and 2.
Conclusions
: Although the presence of COPD predicted higher recurrence after single‐catheter ablation in AF patients, significant improvements in QoL were observed in the postablation COPD population. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 148‐154, February 2013)
Thermodynamic Assessment of P2O5
Authors: Jung In‐Ho , Hudon Pierre 
Published: August 2012

All the thermodynamic property data and phase diagrams related to solid and liquid P2O5 were critically evaluated and optimized to obtain the best set of Gibbs energies for all phases. Confusion in literature data due to the very sluggish nature of the reactions involving P2O5 was resolved. The Gibbs energies of O‐ and O′‐P2O5 were evaluated for the first time based on the phase stability against gas. The Gibbs energy of liquid H‐P2O5, liquid O‐P2O5, and liquid O′‐P2O5 were also properly evaluated for the first time based on the metastable and stable vapor pressures. The calculated triple points of H‐P2O5, O‐P2O5, and O′‐P2O5 are 420°C and 4.600 bar, 575°C and 0.805 bar, and 580°C and 0.774 bar, respectively. The calculated polymorphic transition point between O‐P2O5 and O′‐P2O5 is located at 65°C and 0.001 bar.
The development of fast‐track principles in gynecological surgery
Authors: WODLIN NINNIE BORENDAL , NILSSON LENA 
Published: August 2012

AbstractFast‐track is a multimodal strategy aimed at reducing the physiological burden of surgery to achieve an enhanced postoperative recovery. The strategy combines unimodal evidence‐based interventions in the areas of preoperative preparation, anesthesia, surgical factors and postoperative care. The advantages of fast‐track most likely extend to gynecology, although so far have scarcely been reported. This review summarizes current evidence concerning use of fast‐track in general and in gynecological surgery. The main findings of this review are that there are benefits within elective gynecological surgery, but studies of quality of life, patient satisfaction and health economics in elective surgery are needed. Studies of fast‐track within the field of non‐elective gynecological surgery are lacking. Widespread education is needed to improve the rate of implementation of fast‐track. Close involvement of the entire surgical team is imperative to ensure a structured perioperative care aiming for enhanced postoperative recovery.
Vacuum extraction: development and test of a procedure‐specific rating scale
Authors: MAAGAARD MATHILDE , OESTERGAARD JEANETT , JOHANSEN MARIANNE , ANDERSEN LISE LOTTE , RINGSTED CHARLOTTE , OTTESEN BENT , SØRENSEN JETTE L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectives. To develop and validate an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) scale for vacuum extraction. Design. Two‐part study design: Primarily, development of a procedure‐specific checklist for vacuum extraction. Hereafter, validation of the developed OSATS scale for vacuum extraction in a prospective observational study. Setting. Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen. Population. For development, an obstetric expert from each labor ward in Denmark (28 departments) was invited to participate. For validation, nine first‐year residents and 10 chief physicians with daily work in the obstetric field were tested. Methods. The Delphi method was used for development of the scale. In a simulated vacuum extraction scenario, first‐year residents and obstetric chief physicians were rated using the developed OSATS scale for vacuum extraction to test construct validity of the scale. Main outcome measures. Consensus for the content of the scale. To test the scale of Cronbach's alpha, interclass correlation and differential item function was calculated in the prospective study. Results. 89% completed the first and 61% completed the second Delphi round. Hereafter, consensus was obtained. There was a significant difference between residents’ and experts’ performance for total score and for the score of the separate parts of the scale. Cronbach's alpha for total score and for the separate parts of the scale was 0.91–0.95 and interclass correlation 0.84–0.9. Conclusions. The OSATS scale for vacuum extraction is a reliable test for differentiating between competence levels in a simulated setting.
MRI in the diagnosis and surgical management of abnormal placentation
Authors: PALACIOS‐JARAQUEMADA JOSÉ MIGUEL , BRUNO CLAUDIO HERNÁN , MARTÍN EDUARDO 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjective. To determine the usefulness of placental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and surgical management of abnormal placentation. Design. Retrospective follow‐up. Setting. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Population. 547 pregnant women. Methods. In all cases, a direct and reliable description of abnormal placentation features was obtained by the operating surgeon. Placental MRI was analyzed according to: (1) primary description, (2) invasion topography, (3) modification required to the surgical tactics or techniques and (4) by positive and negative predictive values. Main outcome measures. Ultrasound and MRI findings were compared with surgical results, which were considered a final diagnosis in relation to primary diagnostic indications. Results. Placental MRI was obtained because of diagnostic doubt in 78 cases, for deep invasion diagnosis in 148 cases and to define the invasion area in 346 cases. Placental MRI allowed accurate demarcation and assessment of the degree of placental invasion, parametrial involvement and cervico‐trigonal vascular hyperplasia, permitting changes in the surgical tactical approach. Ultrasound and MRI differences were associated with placenta previa, uterine scar thinning and use of different criteria for placental invasion through definitions or terminology. Six cases of false‐negative and 11 of false‐positive findings were reported. Conclusion. Placental MRI provides excellent characterization of the degree and extension of placental invasion. Its usefulness in cases of adherent placentation is directly associated to the therapeutic measures, especially where dissection maneuvers are needed. Diagnostic differences between ultrasound and MRI related to the presence or not of placenta previa and uterine scar thinning.
Effects of Ovariectomy and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on Vaginal Wall Thickness and Innervation
Authors: Pelletier Georges , Ouellet Johanne , Martel Céline , Labrie Fernand 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
One mechanism by which low sexual steroid activity observed after menopause could cause sexual dysfunction is by deficient vaginal innervation. Recently, it has been shown that intravaginal administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) could produce beneficial effects on sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.

Aim
The goal of this study was to determine if DHEA could modify innervation in the rat vagina.

Main Outcome Measures
The area occupied by the nerve fibers immunoreactive for protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), a panneuronal marker or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a sympathetic nerve fiber marker, in the lamina propria and muscular layers, respectively, as well as the total area of each of these 2 layers were measured by stereological analysis.

Methods
The innervation of the rat vagina was examined 9 months after ovariectomy (OVX) compared to intact animals and treatment of OVX animals with DHEA (80 mg/kg). Four sections from each vagina (5 animals/groups) were immunostained.

Results
In OVX animals, the lamina propria area was decreased to 44%, an effect which was reversed by DHEA to 69% of the intact value. OVX also caused a 59% decrease in the area of PGP 9.5 fibers, an effect which was prevented by DHEA, thus showing a 68% stimulatory effect of DHEA on the density of PGP 9.5 fibers in the lamina propria compared to OVX animals. Following OVX, the muscular layer area was decreased by 61%. DHEA treatment induced 118% and 71% increases in TH fiber area compared to OVX and intact animals, respectively. The density of TH fibers was 182% increased over intact controls by DHEA treatment of OVX animals.

Conclusions
The relatively potent stimulatory effect of DHEA on intravaginal nerve fiber density provides a possible explanation for the beneficial effects of intravaginal DHEA on sexual dysfunction observed in postmenopausal women.
Erectile Function Significant Enough for Penetration During Sexual Intercourse After Removal of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis
Authors: Martinez Daniel R. , Mennie Peter A. , Carrion Rafael 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Fifty-two-year-old male with history of multiple insults to his erectile tissue, including insertion and removal of penile implant, presents with significant partial erectile function, substantial enough for anal penetration during sexual intercourse.

Aim
Erectile function rigid enough for anal penetration, let alone any erectile function after removal of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), is rare. This article, to our knowledge, is the first case of a patient who has undergone multiple insults to his erectile tissue, including an episode of ischemic priapism followed by implantation and removal of an IPP, who presents with erectile function sufficient enough for coitus.

Main Outcome Measures
Outcome measured via standardized patient questionnaires and penile Doppler following injection of Trimix.

Method
An objective measure of the patient’s erectile function was performed via penile Doppler.

Results
Penile Doppler after 10-mcg injection of Trimix revealed numerous perforating vessels from the corpora spongiosum providing blood flow to the corpora cavernosa. The patient obtained approximately 60–70% rigid erection.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, and after thorough review of the literature, we could not find any reports of erectile function significant enough to take part in sexual intercourse and penetration after removal of a three-piece IPP. The implant usually disrupts the normal anatomy which allows for cavernosal arterial vasodilation and increased blood flow into the corpora. Following dilation of the corpora the cylinders are inserted and inflated, and the smooth muscle that makes up the corpora cavernosum is compressed against the wall of the tunica albuginea. Theoretically, the remaining smooth muscle tissue may retain some of its physiologic function, adding some additional girth to the penis with an already activated IPP during sexual intercourse.
The sudden appearance of CO emission in LHA 115-S 65
Authors: Oksala M. E. , Kraus M. , Arias M. L. , Borges Fernandes M. , Cidale L. , Muratore M. F. , Curé M. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Molecular emission has been detected in several Magellanic Cloud B[e] supergiants. In this Letter, we report on the detection of CO band head emission in the B[e] supergiant LHA 115-S 65, and present a K-band near-infrared spectrum obtained with the Spectrograph for INtegral Field Observation in the Near-Infrared (SINFONI; R= 4500) on the ESO VLT UT4 telescope. The observed molecular band head emission in S65 is quite surprising in the light of a previous non-detection by McGregor, Hyland & McGinn, as well as a high-resolution (R= 50 000) Gemini/Phoenix spectrum of this star taken nine months earlier showing no emission. Based on analysis of the optical spectrum by Kraus, Borges Fernandes & de Araújo, we suspect that the sudden appearance of molecular emission could be due to density build-up in an outflowing viscous disc, as seen for Be stars. This new discovery, combined with variability in two other similar evolved massive stars, indicates an evolutionary link between B[e] supergiants and luminous blue variables.
Increased gingival crevicular fluid levels of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM) ‐1 in severe periodontitis
Authors: Bisson Catherine , Massin Frédéric , Lefevre Pierre Arthur , Thilly Nathalie , Miller Neal , Gibot Sébastien 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimThis study was designed to evaluate the presence of a new regulator of innate immunity in periodontitis: the soluble form of triggering receptor on myeloid cells‐1 (sTREM‐1) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).Material and MethodsGCF was collected at four sites, three pathological and one healthy from 17 patients with periodontitis, and at one healthy site from 23 control patients. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to quantify sTREM‐1 levels in collected crevicular fluid. Recorded clinical parameters were probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding upon probing, tooth mobility, plaque index (PlI), and gingival index (GI).ResultsThe mean sTREM‐1 level in collected fluid was significantly higher in pathological sites than in healthy sites from either periodontal or control patients: 353.9 pg/ml, 50.2 pg/ml and 25.4 pg/ml respectively. Soluble TREM‐1 concentration was significantly correlated with PPD. The sTREM‐1 levels increased with the augmentation of the PlI and GI scores and levelled off at score 2 for both indexes. In multivariate analysis, periodontal pocket depth and smoking status were statistically associated with highest sTREM‐1 concentrations.ConclusionsTREM‐1 was detected in crevicular fluid and its concentration was higher in pathological sites. It could be a marker of periodontal tissue destruction.
Novel Podoviridae Family Bacteriophage Infecting Weissella cibaria Isolated from Kimchi
Authors: Kleppen Hans Petter , Holo Helge , Jeon Sang-Rok , Nes Ingolf F. , Yoon Sung-Sik 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

The first complete genome sequence of a phage infecting
Weissella cibaria
(
Weissella kimchii
) is presented. The bacteriophage ϕYS61 was isolated from kimchi, a Korean fermented vegetable dish. Bacteriophages are recognized as a serious problem in industrial fermentations; however, ϕYS61 differed from many virulent phages associated with food fermentations since it was difficult to propagate and was very susceptible to resistance development. Sequence analysis revealed that ϕYS61 resembles
Podoviridae
of the subfamily
Picovirinae
. Within the subfamily
Picovirinae
, the ϕ29-like phages have been extensively studied, and their terminal protein-primed DNA replication is well characterized. Our data strongly suggest that ϕYS61 also replicates by a protein-primed mechanism.
Weissella
phage ϕYS61 is, however, markedly different from members of the
Picovirinae
with respect to genome size and morphology.
Picovirinae
are characterized by small (approximately 20-kb) genomes which contrasts with the 33,594-bp genome of ϕYS61. Based on electron microscopy analysis, ϕYS61 was classified as a member of the
Podoviridae
of morphotype C2, similar to the ϕ29-like phages, but its capsid dimensions are significantly larger than those reported for these phages. The novelty of ϕYS61 was also emphasized by the low number of open reading frames (ORFs) showing significant similarity to database sequences. We propose that the bacteriophage ϕYS61 should represent a new subfamily within the family
Podoviridae
.
Thermodynamics of Formate-Oxidizing Metabolism and Implications for H
2
Production
Authors: Lim Jae Kyu , Bae Seung Seob , Kim Tae Wan , Lee Jung-Hyun , Lee Hyun Sook , Kang Sung Gyun 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Formate-dependent proton reduction to H
2
(HCOO
−
+ H
2
O → HCO
3
−
+ H
2
) has been reported for hyperthermophilic
Thermococcus
strains. In this study, a hyperthermophilic archaeon,
Thermococcus onnurineus
strain NA1, yielded H
2
accumulation to a partial pressure of 1 × 10
5
to 7 × 10
5
Pa until the values of Gibbs free energy change (Δ
G
) reached near thermodynamic equilibrium (−1 to −3 kJ mol
−1
). The bioenergetic requirement for the metabolism to conserve energy was demonstrated by Δ
G
values as small as −5 kJ mol
−1
, which are less than the biological minimum energy quantum, −20 kJ mol
−1
, as calculated by Schink (B. Schink, Microbiol. Mol. Biol. Rev. 61:262-280, 1997). Considering formate as a possible H
2
storage material, the H
2
production potential of the strain was assessed. The volumetric H
2
production rate increased linearly with increasing cell density, leading to 2,820 mmol liter
−1
h
−1
at an optical density at 600 nm (OD
600
) of 18.6, and resulted in the high specific H
2
production rates of 404 ± 6 mmol g
−1
h
−1
. The H
2
productivity indicates the great potential of
T. onnurineus
strain NA1 for practical application in comparison with H
2
-producing microbes. Our result demonstrates that
T. onnurineus
strain NA1 has a highly efficient metabolic system to thrive on formate in hydrothermal systems.
Ectoine Biosynthesis in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Ofer Naomi , Wishkautzan Marina , Meijler Michael , Wang Ying , Speer Alexander , Niederweis Michael , Gur Eyal 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium smegmatis
is a commonly used mycobacterial model system. Here, we show that
M. smegmatis
protects itself against elevated salinity by synthesizing ectoine and hydroxyectoine and characterize the phenotype of a nonproducing mutant. This is the first analysis of
M. smegmatis
halotolerance and of the molecular mechanism that supports it.
Environmental Factors Affect Acidobacterial Communities below the Subgroup Level in Grassland and Forest Soils
Authors: Naether Astrid , Foesel Bärbel U. , Naegele Verena , Wüst Pia K. , Weinert Jan , Bonkowski Michael , Alt Fabian , Oelmann Yvonne , Polle Andrea , Lohaus Gertrud , Gockel Sonja , Hemp Andreas , Kalko Elisabeth K. V. , Linsenmair Karl Eduard , Pfeiffer Simone , Renner Swen , Schöning Ingo , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Wells Konstans , Fischer Markus , Overmann Jörg , Friedrich Michael W. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn soil,Acidobacteriaconstitute on average 20% of all bacteria, are highly diverse, and are physiologically activein situ. However, their individual functions and interactions with higher taxa in soil are still unknown. Here, potential effects of land use, soil properties, plant diversity, and soil nanofauna on acidobacterial community composition were studied by cultivation-independent methods in grassland and forest soils from three different regions in Germany. The analysis of 16S rRNA gene clone libraries representing all studied soils revealed that grassland soils were dominated by subgroup Gp6 and forest soils by subgroup Gp1Acidobacteria. The analysis of a large number of sites (n= 57) by 16S rRNA gene fingerprinting methods (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism [T-RFLP] and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis [DGGE]) showed thatAcidobacteriadiversities differed between grassland and forest soils but also among the three different regions. Edaphic properties, such as pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, C/N ratio, phosphorus, nitrate, ammonium, soil moisture, soil temperature, and soil respiration, had an impact on community composition as assessed by fingerprinting. However, interrelations with environmental parameters among subgroup terminal restriction fragments (T-RFs) differed significantly, e.g., different Gp1 T-RFs correlated positively or negatively with nitrogen content. Novel significant correlations ofAcidobacteriasubpopulations (i.e., individual populations within subgroups) with soil nanofauna and vascular plant diversity were revealed only by analysis of clone sequences. Thus, for detecting novel interrelations of environmental parameters withAcidobacteria, individual populations within subgroups have to be considered.
Proteogenomic Elucidation of the Initial Steps in the Benzene Degradation Pathway of a Novel Halophile, Arhodomonas sp. Strain Rozel, Isolated from a Hypersaline Environment
Authors: Dalvi Sonal , Azetsu Sei , Patrauchan Marianna A. , Aktas Deniz F. , Fathepure Babu Z. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Lately, there has been a special interest in understanding the role of halophilic and halotolerant organisms for their ability to degrade hydrocarbons. The focus of this study was to investigate the genes and enzymes involved in the initial steps of the benzene degradation pathway in halophiles. The extremely halophilic bacteria
Arhodomonas
sp. strain Seminole and
Arhodomonas
sp. strain Rozel, which degrade benzene and toluene as the sole carbon source at high salinity (0.5 to 4 M NaCl), were isolated from enrichments developed from contaminated hypersaline environments. To obtain insights into the physiology of this novel group of organisms, a draft genome sequence of the Seminole strain was obtained. A cluster of 13 genes predicted to be functional in the hydrocarbon degradation pathway was identified from the sequence. Two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to corroborate the role of the predicted open reading frames (ORFs). ORFs 1080 and 1082 were identified as components of a multicomponent phenol hydroxylase complex, and ORF 1086 was identified as catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (2,3-CAT). Based on this analysis, it was hypothesized that benzene is converted to phenol and then to catechol by phenol hydroxylase components. The resulting catechol undergoes ring cleavage via the meta pathway by 2,3-CAT to form 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde, which enters the tricarboxylic acid cycle. To substantiate these findings, the Rozel strain was grown on deuterated benzene, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected deuterated phenol as the initial intermediate of benzene degradation. These studies establish the initial steps of the benzene degradation pathway in halophiles.