bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ten Years’ Follow-Up of Single-Surgeon Minimally Invasive Reparative Surgery for Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: D'Alfonso Alessandro , Capestro Filippo , Zingaro Carlo , Matteucci Sacha , Rescigno Giuseppe , Torracca Lucia 
Published: November 2012

Objective Granted that minimally invasive mitral valve (MV) surgery short-term results were found to be equivalent to those achieved with traditional sternotomy with respect to perioperative morbidity and echocardiographic outcomes, little is known about the long-term efficacy of this approach. This report analyzes a 10-year single-surgeon experience with minimally invasive MV surgery through a right minithoracotomy with peripheral cannulation and external aortic cross-clamping and MV repair (MVR) by direct vision. Methods We studied 179 patients (48% female) who underwent MVR between December 1999 and December 2010. Mean age was 40.2 ± 10.1 years (range, 15–67 years). One hundred seventy patients (95.0%) had degenerative diseases, and nine patients (5.0%) had endocarditic diseases. Repair techniques for degenerative disease with posterior leaflet prolapse (74 patients, 43.5%) consisted of quadrangular resection (QR) and annuloplasty (AP) combined with sliding plasty (49 patients, 58.1%); for anterior leaflet prolapse (28 patients, 16.5%) and bileaflet prolapse (66 patients, 38.8%), edge-to-edge repair (EE) and AP; in 2 patients (1.2%), annular dilatation alone consisting of AP. Repair techniques for endocarditic disease consisted of EE in six patients (66.7%), perforation closure in two patients (22.2%), and QR combined with AP in one patient (11.1%). Results All patients survived the operation and were discharged with MV regurgitation (MR) less than 2+/4+. At 10 years’ follow-up, overall survival was 98.7% ± 1.2%, freedom from redo was 98.5% ± 1.1%, freedom from MR recurrence (>2+/4+) in QR and in EE repair were, respectively, 91.7% ± 2.2% and 90.0% ± 2.4% (P = not significant). The linearized rates of overall mortality, MR recurrence (>2+/4+), and redo at follow-up are 0.10% ± 0.10% per year, 0.63% ± 0.26% per year, and 0.21% ± 0.15% per year, respectively. Conclusions Minimally invasive MVR can be performed with very good perioperative and long-term results. Freedom from MR greater than 2+/4+ recurrence for patients with QR is equivalent to that with EE repair in our patient cohort.
The Application of Robotic Surgery in Vascular Medicine
Authors: Štádler Petr , Dvořáček Libor , Vitásek Petr , Matouš Pavel 
Published: November 2012

Objective The feasibility of robotically assisted laparoscopic aortic surgery has already been adequately demonstrated. Our clinical experience with robot-assisted aortoiliac reconstruction for occlusive diseases, aneurysms, and hybrid procedures performed using the Da Vinci system is described below. Methods Between November 2005 and November 2011, we performed 225 robot-assisted laparoscopic aortoiliac procedures. One hundred seventy-four patients were prospectively evaluated for occlusive diseases, 43 patients for abdominal aortic aneurysm, two for common iliac artery aneurysm, two for splenic artery aneurysm, three for hybrid procedures, and one for endoleak II treatment after endovascular aneurysm repair. The robotic system was applied to construct the vascular anastomosis for thromboendarterectomy, for aortoiliac reconstruction with a closure patch, for dissection of the splenic artery, and for posterior peritoneal suturing. A combination of conventional laparoscopic surgeries and robotic surgeries was routinely included. A modified fully robotic approach without laparoscopic surgery was used in the last 55 cases in our series. Results Two hundred seventeen cases (96%) were successfully completed robotically; one patient's surgery was discontinued during laparoscopy because of heavy aortic calcification. In seven patients (3%), conversion was necessary. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.4%, and nonlethal postoperative complications were observed in 10 patients (4.4%). Conclusions Our experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery has demonstrated the feasibility of this technique for aortoiliac vascular and hybrid procedures. Compared with purely laparoscopic techniques, the Da Vinci robotic system facilitated the creation of the aortic anastomosis and shortened the aortic clamping time.
Video-Assisted Thymectomy with Contralateral Surveillance Camera a Means to Minimize the Risk of Contralateral Phrenic Nerve Injury
Authors: Nesher Nahum , Pevni Dmitry , Aviram Galit , Kramer Amir , Mohr Rephael , Uretzky Gideon , Ben-Gal Yanai , Paz Yosef 
Published: November 2012

Objective Thymectomy for thymoma has traditionally been performed through midsternotomy that provides excellent exposure for a complete and safe resection. Minimally invasive alternatives have not been extensively evaluated for this disease process because data regarding the long-term oncologic effectiveness of these techniques remain to be established. Furthermore, video-assisted surgery as a unilateral approach may compromise the extension of the resection and could cause irreversible damage to the phrenic nerve of the opposite side. We evaluated the clinical feasibility and safety of a bilateral concomitant video-assisted approach with contralateral surveillance camera in patients undergoing thymectomy for thymoma. Methods Four patients (3 females, 1 male) with thymoma causing myasthenia gravis (MG) were operated thoracoscopically at our institute under general anesthesia with double-lumen endotracheal intubation. The patients were placed in a supine position, and a 5-mm 30-degree lens thoracoscope was introduced into the left pleural space. Two other 10-mm working channels were applied. En bloc thymectomy was then performed, including mediastinal and pericardial fat pads, other tissue, and pleura from the level of the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm. A second 5-mm thoracoscope was inserted into the right hemithorax, and it was kept inside during the entire procedure to allow lateral surveillance of the extension and safety of the resection. Carbon dioxide insufflation and valved ports were used. Results The duration of the operation was 90 ± 72 minutes. Complete resection was achieved in all patients without any nerve injury. There were no perioperative adverse events. Gradual remission from extremity and ocular weakness was achieved after recovery. Conclusions The ultimate surgical goal of thymectomy is to completely remove the gland and anterior mediastinal tissue without nerve injury. Bilateral concomitant video-assisted thoracic thymectomy with a contralateral surveillance camera was found feasible and safe. Given the capability of our technique to perform a complete and extensive thymectomy associated with less invasiveness and beneficial effects, there seems to be a role for minimally invasive thymectomy in the treatment of thymoma.
Augmented Reality Image Guidance Improves Navigation for Beating Heart Mitral Valve Repair
Authors: Chu Michael W.A. , Moore John , Peters Terry , Bainbridge Daniel , McCarty David , Guiraudon Gerard M. , Wedlake Chris , Lang Pencilla , Rajchl Martin , Currie Maria E. , Daly Richard C. , Kiaii Bob 
Published: November 2012

Objective Emerging off-pump beating heart valve repair techniques offer patients less invasive alternatives for mitral valve (MV) repair. However, most of these techniques rely on the limited spatial and temporal resolution of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) alone, which can make tool visualization and guidance challenging. Methods Using a magnetic tracking system and integrated sensors, we created an augmented reality (AR) environment displaying virtual representations of important intracardiac landmarks registered to biplane TEE imaging. In a porcine model, we evaluated the AR guidance system versus TEE alone using the transapically delivered NeoChord DS1000 system to perform MV repair with chordal reconstruction. Results Successful tool navigation from left ventricular apex to MV leaflet was achieved in 12 of 12 and 9 of 12 (P = 0.2) attempts with AR imaging and TEE alone, respectively. The distance errors of the tracked tool tip from the intended midline trajectory (5.2 ± 2.4 mm vs 16.8 ± 10.9 mm, P = 0.003), navigation times (16.7 ± 8.0 seconds vs 92.0 ± 84.5 seconds, P = 0.004), and total path lengths (225.2 ± 120.3 mm vs 1128.9 ± 931.1 mm, P = 0.003) were significantly shorter in the AR-guided trials compared with navigation with TEE alone. Furthermore, the potential for injury to other intracardiac structures was nearly 40-fold lower when using the AR imaging for tool navigation. The AR guidance also seemed to shorten the learning curve for novice surgeons. Conclusions Augmented reality–enhanced TEE facilitates more direct and safe intracardiac navigation of the NeoChord DS tool from left ventricular apex to MV leaflet. Tracked tool path results demonstrate fourfold improved accuracy, fivefold shorter navigation times, and overall improved safety with AR imaging guidance.
Biogeographic partitioning of Southern Ocean microorganisms revealed by metagenomics
Authors: Wilkins David , Lauro Federico M. , Williams Timothy J. , Demaere Matthew Z. , Brown Mark V. , Hoffman Jeffrey M. , Andrews‐Pfannkoch Cynthia , Mcquaid Jeffrey B. , Riddle Martin J. , Rintoul Stephen R. , Cavicchioli Ricardo 
Published: November 2012

SummaryWe performed a metagenomic survey (6.6 Gbp of 454 sequence data) of Southern Ocean (SO) microorganisms during the austral summer of 2007–2008, examining the genomic signatures of communities across a latitudinal transect from Hobart (44°S) to the Mertz Glacier, Antarctica (67°S). Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of the SAR11 and SAR116 clades and the cyanobacterial genera Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus were strongly overrepresented north of the Polar Front (PF). Conversely, OTUs of the Gammaproteobacterial Sulfur Oxidizer‐EOSA‐1 (GSO‐EOSA‐1) complex, the phyla Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia and order Rhodobacterales were characteristic of waters south of the PF. Functions enriched south of the PF included a range of transporters, sulfur reduction and histidine degradation to glutamate, while branched‐chain amino acid transport, nucleic acid biosynthesis and methionine salvage were overrepresented north of the PF. The taxonomic and functional characteristics suggested a shift of primary production from cyanobacteria in the north to eukaryotic phytoplankton in the south, and reflected the different trophic statuses of the two regions. The study provides a new level of understanding about SO microbial communities, describing the contrasting taxonomic and functional characteristics of microbial assemblages either side of the PF.
Endothelial FOS expression and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Mackenzie RM , Sandrim VC , Carty DM , McClure JD , Freeman DJ , Dominiczak AF , McBride MW , Delles C 
Published: November 2012

Please cite this paper as: Mackenzie RM, Sandrim VC, Carty DM, McClure JD, Freeman DJ, Dominiczak AF, McBride MW, Delles C. Endothelial FOS expression and pre‐eclampsia. BJOG 2012;119:1564–1571.Objective  To study gene expression profiles in human endothelial cells incubated with plasma from women who developed pre‐eclampsia and women with normotensive pregnancies.Design  A case–control study.Setting  A longitudinal nested case–control study within three maternity units.Population  A mixed obstetric population attending maternity hospitals in Glasgow.Methods  Plasma was obtained at both 16 and 28 weeks of gestation from 12 women: six women subsequently developed pre‐eclampsia (cases) and six women, matched for age, body mass index (BMI) and parity, remained normotensive (controls). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with plasma for 24 hour before RNA isolation.Main outcome measures  Gene expression profiles were compared between the two gestational time points using Illumina® HumanHT‐12 v4 Expression BeadChips. Differential mRNA expression observed in microarray experiments were validated using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and gene networks were analysed using Ingenuity® pathway analysis.Results  There was a significant difference in the expression of 25 genes following incubation with plasma from controls, and an increase in the expression of 11 genes following incubation with plasma from cases, with no overlap between the two groups (false discovery rate, FDR < 0.05). There was a 3.74‐fold (FDR < 0.001) increase in the expression of the c‐Fos gene (FOS) when HUVECs were incubated with control plasma from 16 and 28 weeks of gestation, with no significant difference between the two time points with plasma from cases. Similar findings for FOS were obtained by qRT‐PCR.Conclusions  Plasma from women who subsequently develop pre‐eclampsia appears to contain factors that lead to the dysregulation of FOS in endothelial cells during pregnancy. Reduced expression of c‐Fos may lead to impaired vasculogenesis, and thereby contribute to the development of pre‐eclampsia.
Rescue corticosteroids in twin pregnancies and short‐term neonatal outcomes
Authors: Bibbo C , Deluca L , Gibbs KA , Saltzman DH , Rebarber A , Green RS , Fox NS 
Published: November 2012

Objective  To estimate the efficacy of a rescue course of antenatal corticosteroids in twin pregnancies.Design  Retrospective cohort study.Setting  Tertiary‐care centre.Population  Twins born from 24 to <34 weeks of gestation in a single maternal and fetal medicine practice from 2006 to 2011.Methods  We compared neonatal outcomes in 88 twins exposed to a single course of corticosteroids with outcomes in 42 twins exposed to two courses of corticosteroids: the initial course and a single rescue course. Analyses were adjusted to control for correlation between twins born to the same mother.Main outcome measure  Short‐term neonatal respiratory morbidity.Results  Rescue corticosteroids were associated with fewer days of mechanical ventilation (7.3 ± 3.3 versus 33.9 ± 25.3 days, P = 0.003), fewer days with a fraction of inspired oxygen of >21% (6.3 ± 4.3 versus 33.3 ± 25.8 days, P = 0.003), a lower incidence of mechanical ventilation >14 days or death while on mechanical ventilation (0 versus 12.5%, P = 0.016), and a lower incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (0 versus 12.5%, P = 0.016). The proportion of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome did not differ between the groups (adjusted odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 0.50–3.26). There were no differences found for birthweight, head circumference and length.Conclusions  In twins born before 34 weeks of gestation, exposure to rescue corticosteroids may be associated with improved neonatal outcomes. Further studies are warranted to assess the effect of rescue corticosteroids in twin pregnancies.
The implementation effects of expanded consolidation: the case of consolidating special purpose entities
Authors: Luo Ting , Warfield Terry 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis article examines the impact of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), FIN 46(R), on perceived earnings informativeness of companies with special purpose entities (SPEs). We find that the impact depends on the pre‐FIN 46(R) incentives for using SPEs. The implementation of FIN 46(R) improves perceived earnings informativeness of companies that previously used SPEs less for the manipulation of financial reporting, but does not generate the same improvement for those otherwise. Furthermore, these differential effects are more pronounced when companies reacted to FIN 46(R) by restructuring their SPEs to keep them off financial statements.
When U.S. venture capital ventures abroad
Authors: Abdou Khaled , Varela Oscar 
Published: November 2012

AbstractOlder, more experienced and smaller U.S. venture capital firms are most probable to sacrifice proximate distance for new opportunities in foreign, and mostly mature, portfolio companies. These companies are treated differently than the domestic ones, as U.S. venture capital firms collaborate with and delegate monitoring to foreign partners, rather than stage or syndicate. Successful outcomes mostly occur in more mature, non‐hi‐tech, portfolio companies that receive more financing per round. Our results are robust to the investee country's openness and industry classification, stage of the investment and possible sample selection problems.
Character distribution maps: a visualization method for comparative cladistics
Authors: Whitlock John A. , Wilson Jeffrey A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe rise of computational methods and widespread availability of phylogenetic software packages has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of phylogenetic analyses published each year. We anticipate that as the number of workers and the number of analyses continues to increase, interest in so‐called ‘meta‐analyses’ that compare not just the resultant trees, but the data themselves, will also increase. Here, we demonstrate a simple method for authors to facilitate such comparisons by visually representing the character data included in their analyses, the Character Distribution Map (CDM).
Can neuropeptides treat obesity? A review of neuropeptides and their potential role in the treatment of obesity
Authors: Boughton C K , Murphy K G 
Published: November 2012

Obesity is a major worldwide public health issue. The physiological systems that regulate body weight are thus of great interest as targets for anti‐obesity agents. Peptidergic systems are critical to the regulation of energy homeostasis by key regions in the hypothalamus and brainstem. A number of neuropeptide systems have therefore been investigated as potential treatments for obesity. Blocking orexigenic peptide signals such as neuropeptide Y, melanin‐concentrating hormone, orexins, relaxin‐3 and galanin‐like peptide or stimulating anorectic signalling pathways used by peptides such as the melanocortins, ciliary neurotrophic factor and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, are approaches that have shown some promise, but which have also highlighted possible concerns. Manipulation of central peptidergic systems poses a number of therapeutic problems, including brain access and side effects. Given that the homeostatic defence of body weight may limit the effectiveness of any single‐target therapy developed, a combination therapy approach may offer the best hope for the effective prevention and treatment of obesity.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Neuropeptides. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.170.issue‐7
Characterization of AQX‐1125, a small‐molecule SHIP1 activator
Authors: Stenton Grant R , Mackenzie Lloyd F , Tam Patrick , Cross Jennifer L , Harwig Curtis , Raymond Jeffrey , Toews Judy , Chernoff David , MacRury Thomas , Szabo Csaba 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundThe efficacy of AQX‐1125, a small‐molecule SH2‐containing inositol‐5′‐phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) activator and clinical development candidate, is investigated in rodent models of inflammation.Experimental ApproachAQX‐1125 was administered orally in a mouse model of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and a number of rodent models of respiratory inflammation including: cigarette smoke, LPS and ovalbumin (OVA)‐mediated airway inflammation. SHIP1 dependency of the AQX‐1125 mechanism of action was investigated by comparing the efficacy in wild‐type and SHIP1‐deficient mice subjected to an intrapulmonary LPS challenge.ResultsAQX‐1125 exerted anti‐inflammatory effects in all of the models studied. AQX‐1125 decreased the PCA response at all doses tested. Using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell counts as an end point, oral or aerosolized AQX‐1125 dose dependently decreased the LPS‐mediated pulmonary neutrophilic infiltration at 3–30 mg kg−1 and 0.15–15 μg kg−1 respectively. AQX‐1125 suppressed the OVA‐mediated airway inflammation at 0.1–10 mg kg−1. In the smoke‐induced airway inflammation model, AQX‐1125 was tested at 30 mg kg−1 and significantly reduced the neutrophil infiltration of the BAL fluid. AQX‐1125 (10 mg kg−1) decreased LPS‐induced pulmonary neutrophilia in wild‐type mice but not in SHIP1‐deficient mice.ConclusionsThe SHIP1 activator, AQX‐1125, suppresses leukocyte accumulation and inflammatory mediator release in rodent models of pulmonary inflammation and allergy. As shown in the mouse model of LPS‐induced lung inflammation, the efficacy of the compound is dependent on the presence of SHIP1. Pharmacological SHIP1 activation may have clinical potential for the treatment of pulmonary inflammatory diseases.Linked ArticleThis article is accompanied by Stenton et al., pp. 1506–1518 of this issue. To view this article visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.12039
Inhibition of endothelial cell Ca2+ entry and transient receptor potential channels by Sigma‐1 receptor ligands
Authors: Amer Mohamed S , McKeown Lynn , Tumova Sarka , Liu Ruifeng , Seymour Victoria AL , Wilson Lesley A , Naylor Jacqueline , Greenhalgh Katriona , Hou Bing , Majeed Yasser , Turner Paul , Sedo Alicia , O'Regan David J , Li Jing , Bon Robin S , Porter Karen E , Beech David J 
Published: November 2012

Background and PurposeThe Sigma‐1 receptor (Sig1R) impacts on calcium ion signalling and has a plethora of ligands. This study investigated Sig1R and its ligands in relation to endogenous calcium events of endothelial cells and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels.Experimental ApproachIntracellular calcium and patch clamp measurements were made from human saphenous vein endothelial cells and HEK 293 cells expressing exogenous human TRPC5, TRPM2 or TRPM3. Sig1R ligands were applied and short interfering RNA was used to deplete Sig1R. TRP channels tagged with fluorescent proteins were used for subcellular localization studies.Key ResultsIn endothelial cells, 10–100 μM of the Sig1R antagonist BD1063 inhibited sustained but not transient calcium responses evoked by histamine. The Sig1R agonist 4‐IBP and related antagonist BD1047 were also inhibitory. The Sig1R agonist SKF10047 had no effect. Sustained calcium entry evoked by VEGF or hydrogen peroxide was also inhibited by BD1063, BD1047 or 4‐IBP, but not SKF10047. 4‐IBP, BD1047 and BD1063 inhibited TRPC5 or TRPM3, but not TRPM2. Inhibitory effects of BD1047 were rapid in onset and readily reversed on washout. SKF10047 inhibited TRPC5 but not TRPM3 or TRPM2. Depletion of Sig1R did not prevent the inhibitory actions of BD1063 or BD1047 and Sig1R did not co‐localize with TRPC5 or TRPM3.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe data suggest that two types of Sig1R ligand (BD1047/BD1063 and 4‐IBP) are inhibitors of receptor‐ or chemically activated calcium entry channels, acting relatively directly and independently of the Sig1R. Chemical foundations for TRP channel inhibitors are suggested.