bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Fat Pad Modification during Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Late Gadolinium Enhancement MRI Analysis
Authors: HIGUCHI KOJI , AKKAYA MEHMET , KOOPMANN MATTHIAS , BLAUER JOSHUA J.E. , BURGON NATHAN S. , DAMAL KAVITHA , RANJAN RAVI , KHOLMOVSKI EUGENE , MACLEOD ROB S. , MARROUCHE NASSIR F. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualize locations of both the ablation scar on the left atrium (LA) after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and epicardial fat pads (FPs) containing ganglionated plexi (GP).MethodsWe investigated 60 patients who underwent pulmonary vein antrum (PVA) isolation along with LA posterior wall and septal debulking for AF. FPs around the LA surface in well‐known GP areas (which were considered as the substitution of GP areas around the LA) were segmented from the dark‐blood MRI. Then the FP and the ablation scar image visualized by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)‐MRI on the LA were merged together. Overlapping areas of FP and the ablation scar image were considered as the ablated FP areas containing GP. Patients underwent 24‐hour Holter monitoring after ablation for the analysis of heart rate variability.ResultsAblated FP area was significantly wider in patients without AF recurrence than those in patients with recurrence (5.6 ± 3.1 cm2 vs 4.2 ± 2.7 cm2, P = 0.03). The mean values of both percentage of differences greater than 50 ms in the RR intervals (pRR > 50) and standard deviation of RR intervals over the entire analyzed period (SDNN), which were obtained from 24‐hour Holter monitoring 1‐day post‐AF ablation, were significantly lower in patients without recurrence than those in patients with recurrence (5.8 ± 6.0% vs 14.0 ± 10.1%; P = 0.0005, 78.7 ± 32.4 ms vs 109.2 ± 43.5 ms; P = 0.005). There was a significant negative correlation between SDNN and the percentage of ablated FP area (Y = −1.3168X + 118.96, R2 = 0.1576, P = 0.003).ConclusionExtensively ablating LA covering GP areas along with PVA isolation enhanced the denervation of autonomic nerve system and seemed to improve procedural outcome in patients with AF.
Permian Leonardosia organic oospores from southern Brazil
Authors: SOUZA DE FARIA RAFAEL , RICARDI‐BRANCO FRESIA , CHRISTIANO DE SOUZA ISABEL CORTEZ 
Published: January 2013

Abstract:  Leonardosia Sommer is one of the scarce Permian charophyte genera and is part of the lineage that may include the ancestors of the post‐Palaeozoic families. Oospores of the species Leonardosia langei Sommer have been found in strata of the Teresina Formation, Paraná Basin, Southern Brazil, where they are preserved as compressions. The charophyte organs found in this formation, including the original description of Leonardosia have been previously been interpreted as gyrogonites despite the presence of a carbonaceous film. We propose that these charophyte organs and the fructifications should be re‐interpreted as organic oospores rather than gyrogonites. The coiling pattern, in most cases, proved to be reverse as a result of the compression of the oospore against the internal wall of the dissolved gyrogonite. In some cases, the coiling was ambiguously observed in both directions by an overlap of the opposite walls of the oospore and the dissolved gyrogonite. A simple basal plate for L. langei was registered, and its relation with the main ideas about the phylogeny and the evolution of Mesozoic charophytes is also discussed. The ‘Stellatocharoideae’ is polyphyletic including both the stem lineage of the Nitellaceae, represented by the multipartite basal plate genera, and a clade that belongs to the evolutionary line of the Monoplacata, represented by Leonardosia.
Role of Transition Metals in UV‐B‐Induced Damage to Bacteria
Authors: Santos Ana L. , Gomes Newton C.M. , Henriques Isabel , Almeida Adelaide , Correia António , Cunha Angela 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the possible link between metals and UV‐B‐induced damage in bacteria. The effect of growth in the presence of enhanced concentrations of different transition metals (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) on the UV‐B sensitivity of a set of bacterial isolates was explored in terms of survival, activity and oxidative stress biomarkers (ROS generation, damage to DNA, lipid and proteins and activity of antioxidant enzymes). Metal amendment, particularly Fe, Cu and Mn, enhanced bacterial inactivation during irradiation by up to 35.8%. Amendment with Fe increased ROS generation during irradiation by 1.2–13.3%, DNA damage by 10.8–37.4% and lipid oxidative damage by 9.6–68.7%. Lipid damage during irradiation also increased after incubation with Cu and Co by up to 66.8% and 56.5% respectively. Mn amendment decreased protein carbonylation during irradiation by up to 44.2%. These results suggest a role of Fe, Co, Cu and Mn in UV‐B‐induced bacterial inactivation and the importance of metal homeostasis to limit the detrimental effects of ROS generated during irradiation.
Degradation of Rhodamine B/Phenol Mixtures in Water by Sun‐Like Excitation of a Bi2WO6–TiO2 Photocatalyst
Authors: Murcia‐López Sebastián , Hidalgo María C. , Navío José A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBi2WO6 and Bi2WO6–TiO2 (5% molar Ti) nano‐heterostructures were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The properties of the synthesized catalysts were characterized, having high photoactivity for Rhodamine B degradation under sun‐like illumination, explained by a synergetic mechanism previously proposed through UV and visible induced processes, in which the photosensitization effect of Rhodamine B is considered. We now report that using Phenol, a molecule which does not lead the photosensitization process, the photoactivity decreased considerably, thus emphasizing how important is the model molecule selected as degradation substrate for evaluating the photoactivity. The photocatalytic properties of the synthesized catalysts have been evaluated by exposing a mixture of Rhodamine B and Phenol in water, to different illumination conditions. It can be confirmed that the photoinduced mechanism via the photosensitization of Rhodamine B is a key factor responsible for the increase on the photocatalytic activity showed by the Bi2WO6–TiO2 compound and that the degradation mechanism of Rhodamine B is not changed by the simultaneous presence of other transparent substrate as Phenol.
Laser Therapy in Metabolic Syndrome‐Related Kidney Injury
Authors: Ucero Alvaro C. , Sabban Bettina , Benito‐Martin Alberto , Carrasco Susana , Joeken Stephan , Ortiz Alberto 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMetabolic syndrome is characterized by hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity. Diabetes and hypertension are the main causes of chronic end‐stage kidney disease in humans. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by kidney inflammation and eventual development of kidney fibrosis. Low‐level laser (or light) therapy (LLLT) can be used to relieve pain associated with some inflammatory diseases due to photochemical effects. Despite the known contribution of inflammation to metabolic syndrome and kidney disease, there is scarce information on the potential therapeutic use of LLLT in renal disease. The aim of this randomized, placebo‐controlled study was to test the hypothesis that LLLT could modulate chronic kidney injury. Rats with nephropathy, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and type II diabetes (strain ZSF1) were subjected to three different conditions of LLLT or sham treatment for 8 weeks, and then sacrificed 10 weeks later. The main findings of this study are that the LLLT‐treated rats had lower blood pressure after treatment and a better preserved glomerular filtration rate with less interstitial fibrosis upon euthanasia at the end of follow‐up. This initial proof‐of‐concept study suggests that LLLT may modulate chronic kidney disease progression, providing a painless, noninvasive, therapeutic strategy, which should be further evaluated.
Classification of broncholiths and clinical outcomes
Authors: Lim So Y. , Lee Kyung J. , Jeon Kyeongman , Koh Won‐Jung , Suh Gee Y. , Chung Man P. , Kim Hojoong , Kwon O Jung , Um Sang‐Won 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveWe evaluated effective treatments of broncholithiasis based on its radiographical and bronchoscopic features.MethodsThis retrospective study conducted at Samsung Medical Center, Korea enrolled patients who were suspected of having broncholithiasis based on chest computed tomography (CT). The broncholiths were classified as intraluminal, mixed (both intraluminal and extraluminal) and extraluminal based on chest CT and bronchoscopic findings.ResultsThe study enrolled 46 patients between 1995 and 2009. Symptoms included cough (n = 21, 45.7%), hemoptysis (n = 19, 41.3%) and purulent sputum (n = 11, 23.9%). Cough was more common in intraluminal boncholiths than in other type of broncholiths (P = 0.03). Based on chest CT, there were 15 (32.6%) intraluminal, 15 (32.6%) mixed and 16 (34.8%) extraluminal broncholiths. All 15 intraluminal broncholiths were removed completely via flexible (n = 2) or rigid (n = 13) bronchoscopy. For the 15 mixed broncholiths, seven (46.7%) bronchoscopic interventions were performed, but complete removal of the broncholiths was not accomplished. Six (40%) mixed and four (25%) extraluminal broncholiths were treated by surgical resection for symptom control. None of the patients who underwent surgical resection suffered morbidity or postoperative mortality.ConclusionsThe treatment of broncholithiasis should be based on chest CT and bronchoscopic findings. Intraluminal broncholiths can be removed via bronchoscopy, while surgery should be considered for symptomatic mixed or extraluminal broncholiths.
Sleep Deprivation Alters Gene Expression and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Mice Splenocytes
Authors: Lungato L. , Marques M. S. , Pereira V. G. , Hix S. , Gazarini M. L. , Tufik S. , D'Almeida V. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractCellular defence against the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) involves a number of mechanisms in which antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) play an important role. The relation between sleep deprivation and oxidative stress has not yet been completely elucidated. Although some authors did not find evidence of this relationship, others found alterations in some oxidative stress markers in response to sleep deprivation. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify changes induced by sleep deprivation in the activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in mice splenocytes, ideally corroborating a better understanding of the observed effects related to sleep deprivation, which could be triggered by oxidative imbalance. Splenocytes from mice sleep deprived for 72 h showed no significant difference in CAT and CuZnSOD gene expression compared with normal sleep mice. However, sleep‐deprived mice did show higher MnSOD gene expression than the control group. Concerning enzymatic activity, CuZnSOD and MnSOD significantly increased after sleep deprivation, despite the expression in CuZnSOD remained unchanged. Moreover, CAT activity was significantly lower after sleep deprivation. The data suggest that the antioxidant system is triggered by sleep deprivation, which in turn could influence the splenocytes homoeostasis, thus interfering in physiological responses.
On the Relationship Between Technology Transfer and Economic Growth in Asian Economies
Authors: Nabin Munirul , Nguyen Xuan , Sgro Pasquale 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn this paper, FDI and licensing are incorporated using a model where increasing the international transmission of technology adds to efficient production in the receiving country and results in higher welfare. The model is then tested with data from a selection of 11 Asian economies and a strong positive relationship is found between FDI, licensing and economic growth. The policy recommendations from both our theoretical model and empirical results are that Asian economies should improve their production efficiency to host international technologies to maximise the benefits of international technology transfers.
STIM2 drives Ca2+ oscillations through store‐operated Ca2+ entry caused by mild store depletion
Authors: Thiel Markus , Lis Annette , Penner Reinhold 
Published: January 2013

Key points
Stromal cell‐interaction molecule (STIM) 2 senses Ca2+ levels in the endoplasmic reticulum and activates Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane upon store depletion.
Here we report that STIM2 is preferentially activated by low agonist concentrations that cause mild reductions in endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ levels.
This shows that store‐operated Ca2+ entry is regulated through signal strength, with weak stimuli activating STIM2 and strong stimuli engaging STIM1.
The results help us to understand how receptor activation enables differential modulation of Ca2+ entry over a range of agonist concentrations and levels of store depletion.
Abstract  Agonist‐induced Ca2+ oscillations in many cell types are triggered by Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and driven by store‐operated Ca2+ entry. Stromal cell‐interaction molecule (STIM) 1 and STIM2 serve as endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensors that, upon store depletion, activate Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ channels (Orai1–3, CRACM1–3) in the plasma membrane. However, their relative roles in agonist‐mediated Ca2+ oscillations remain ambiguous. Here we report that while both STIM1 and STIM2 contribute to store‐refilling during Ca2+ oscillations in mast cells (RBL), T cells (Jurkat) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells, they do so dependent on the level of store depletion. Molecular silencing of STIM2 by siRNA or inhibition by G418 suppresses store‐operated Ca2+ entry and agonist‐mediated Ca2+ oscillations at low levels of store depletion, without interfering with STIM1‐mediated signals induced by full store depletion. Thus, STIM2 is preferentially activated by low‐level physiological agonist concentrations that cause mild reductions in endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ levels. We conclude that with increasing agonist concentrations, store‐operated Ca2+ entry is mediated initially by endogenous STIM2 and incrementally by STIM1, enabling differential modulation of Ca2+ entry over a range of agonist concentrations and levels of store depletion.
Functional significance of synaptic terminal size in glutamatergic sensory pathways in thalamus and cortex
Authors: Petrof Iraklis , Sherman S. Murray 
Published: January 2013

Abstract  Glutamatergic pathways are a major information‐carrying and ‐processing network of inputs in the brain. There is considerable evidence suggesting that glutamatergic pathways do not represent a homogeneous group and that they can be segregated into at least two broad categories. Class 1 glutamatergic inputs, which are suggested to be the main information carriers, are characterized by a number of unique synaptic and anatomical features, such as the large synaptic boutons with which they often terminate. On the other hand, Class 2 inputs, which are thought to play a modulatory role, are associated, amongst other features, with exclusively small terminal boutons. Here we summarize and briefly discuss these two classes of glutamatergic input and how their unique features, including their terminal bouton size and anatomy, are related to their suggested function.
Synergistic Effects of Amiodarone and Fluconazole on Candida tropicalis Resistant to Fluconazole
Authors: da Silva Cecília Rocha , de Andrade Neto João Batista , Sidrim José Júlio Costa , Ângelo Maria Rozzelê Ferreira , Magalhães Hemerson Iury Ferreira , Cavalcanti Bruno Coêlho , Brilhante Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira , Macedo Danielle Silveira , de Moraes Manoel Odorico , Lobo Marina Duarte Pinto , Grangeiro Thalles Barbosa , Nobre Júnior Hélio Vitoriano 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

There have recently been significant increases in the prevalence of systemic invasive fungal infections. However, the number of antifungal drugs on the market is limited in comparison to the number of available antibacterial drugs. This fact, coupled with the increased frequency of cross-resistance, makes it necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies. Combination drug therapies have become one of the most widely used and effective strategies to alleviate this problem. Amiodarone (AMD) is classically used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and is the drug of choice for patients with arrhythmia. Recent studies have shown broad antifungal activity of the drug when administered in combination with fluconazole (FLC). In the present study, we induced resistance to fluconazole in six strains of
Candida tropicalis
and evaluated potential synergism between fluconazole and amiodarone. The evaluation of drug interaction was determined by calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration and by performing flow cytometry. We conclude that amiodarone, when administered in combination with fluconazole, exhibits activity against strains of
C. tropicalis
that are resistant to fluconazole, which most likely occurs via changes in the integrity of the yeast cell membrane and the generation of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage that could lead to cell death by apoptosis.
Contribution of Topoisomerase IV Mutation to Quinolone Resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuko , Takei Masaya , Kishii Ryuta , Yasuda Mitsuru , Deguchi Takashi 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

The mechanism of quinolone resistance in
Mycoplasma genitalium
remains poorly understood due to difficulties with
in vitro
culture, especially of clinical isolates. In this study, to confirm the association between mutations in topoisomerases and antimicrobial susceptibilities to quinolones, ciprofloxacin-resistant mutant strains were selected using the cultivable type strain ATCC 33530. Sequence analysis revealed that the mutant strains harbored mutations in topoisomerase IV: Gly81Cys in ParC, Pro261Thr in ParC, or Asn466Lys in ParE. The MICs of all quinolones tested against the mutant strains were 2- to 16-fold higher than those against the wild-type strain. No cross-resistance was observed with macrolides or tetracyclines. We determined the inhibitory activities of quinolones against DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV in order to investigate the correlation between antimicrobial susceptibility and inhibitory activity against the target enzymes, considered the primary targets of quinolones. Furthermore, using enzymatic analysis, we confirmed that Gly81Cys in the ParC quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) contributed to quinolone resistance. This is the first study to isolate quinolone-resistant mutant strains of
M. genitalium
harboring substitutions in the
parC
or
parE
gene
in vitro
and to measure the inhibitory activities against the purified topoisomerases of
M. genitalium
.
Blood, Tissue, and Intracellular Concentrations of Azithromycin during and after End of Therapy
Authors: Matzneller P. , Krasniqi S. , Kinzig M. , Sörgel F. , Hüttner S. , Lackner E. , Müller M. , Zeitlinger M. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Although azithromycin is extensively used in the treatment of respiratory tract infections as well as skin and skin-related infections, pharmacokinetics of azithromycin in extracellular space fluid of soft tissues, i.e., one of its therapeutic target sites, are not yet fully elucidated. In this study, azithromycin concentration-time profiles in extracellular space of muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue, but also in plasma and white blood cells, were determined at days 1 and 3 of treatment as well as 2 and 7 days after the end of treatment. Of all compartments, azithromycin concentrations were highest in white blood cells, attesting for intracellular accumulation. However, azithromycin concentrations in both soft tissues were markedly lower than in plasma both during and after treatment. Calculation of the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC
0–24
)/MIC
90
ratios for selected pathogens suggests that azithromycin concentrations measured in the present study are subinhibitory at all time points in both soft tissues and at the large majority of observed time points in plasma. Hence, it might be speculated that azithromycin's clinical efficacy relies not only on elevated intracellular concentrations but possibly also on its known pleotropic effects, including immunomodulation and influence on bacterial virulence factors. However, prolonged subinhibitory azithromycin concentrations at the target site, as observed in the present study, might favor the emergence of bacterial resistance and should therefore be considered with concern. In conclusion, this study has added important information to the pharmacokinetic profile of the widely used antibiotic drug azithromycin and evidentiates the need for further research on its potential for induction of bacterial resistance.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of P-873 versus Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Neutropenic Murine Thigh Infection Model
Authors: Lamb Lucinda M. , Crandon Jared L. , Nicolau David P. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

P-873 is a novel compound in the RX-04 pyrrolocytosine series of protein synthesis inhibitors currently under development by Rib-X Pharmaceuticals. We evaluated the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of this compound against
Klebsiella pneumoniae
using a murine neutropenic thigh infection model. P-873 demonstrated potent and rapid
in vivo
activity against this organism with enhanced penetration and duration of exposure in thigh tissue.
Target Gene Sequencing To Define the Susceptibility of Neisseria meningitidis to Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Hong Eva , Thulin Hedberg Sara , Abad Raquel , Fazio Cecilia , Enríquez Rocío , Deghmane Ala-Eddine , Jolley Keith A. , Stefanelli Paola , Unemo Magnus , Vazquez Julio A. , Veyrier Frédéric J. , Taha Muhamed-Kheir 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Meningococcal
gyrA
gene sequence data, MICs, and mouse infection were used to define the ciprofloxacin breakpoint for
Neisseria meningitidis
. Residue T91 or D95 of GyrA was altered in all meningococcal isolates with MICs of ≥0.064 μg/ml but not among isolates with MICs of ≤0.032 μg/ml. Experimental infection of ciprofloxacin-treated mice showed slower bacterial clearance when GyrA was altered. These data suggest a MIC of ≥0.064 μg/ml as the ciprofloxacin breakpoint for meningococci and argue for the molecular detection of ciprofloxacin resistance.