bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomical Predictors for Acute and Mid‐Term Success of Cryoballoon Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Using the 28 mm Balloon
Authors: KNECHT SVEN , KÜHNE MICHAEL , ALTMANN DAVID , AMMANN PETER , SCHAER BEAT , OSSWALD STEFAN , STICHERLING CHRISTIAN 
Published: August 2012

Anatomical Predictors for Acute and Mid‐Term Success of Cryoballoon Ablation. Introduction: Cryoballoon (CB) pulmonary vein isolation (CB‐PVI) for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) has been demonstrated to be safe and reliable. Preprocedural patient selection to address the high variability in pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy may improve the acute and chronic success of CB‐PVI. The purpose of this study was to identify anatomical predictors for CB‐PVI failure using the 28 mm balloon.
Methods and Results
: We included 47 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing CB‐PVI with the 28 mm CB. Anatomical global left atrial and PV selective parameters were quantified from 3‐dimensional reconstructed preprocedural computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging data. The mean follow‐up was 26 ± 9 months (range: 12–32 months). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a continuous sharp left lateral ridge between the left PVs and the left lateral appendage (OR, 7.09; 95% CI, 1.17–43.47) and a sharp carina between the left superior and left inferior PV (OR, 5.99; 95% CI, 1.33–27.03) predict acute and mid‐term failure. For the right inferior PVs, a non‐perpendicular angle between the axis of the PV and the ostial plane (OR, 6.33; 95% CI, 1.20–33.33) and an early branching PV with change in the axis angle (OR, 7.41; 95% CI, 1.44–38.46) were predictors of acute and mid‐term failure.
Conclusion:
Anatomical variables preventing maximal heat transfer from the tissue to the CB could be identified as predictors for CB‐PVI failure with the 28 mm balloon. These findings may be a step toward a more tailored ablation strategy based on individual anatomical variations. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 132‐138, February 2013)
Adenosine receptor stimulation by polynucleotides (PDRN) reduces inflammation in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Bitto Alessandra , Oteri Giacomo , Pisano Michele , Polito Francesca , Irrera Natasha , Minutoli Letteria , Squadrito Francesco , Altavilla Domenica 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimAdenosine receptors modulate inflammation in periodontal tissues. No data are available regarding the effects of adenosine A2A receptor stimulation in experimental periodontitis (EPD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of polynucleotides (also known as polydeoxyribonucleotide, PDRN), a ligand of A2A receptor, in EPD in rats.Materials and MethodsEPD was induced ligating the cervix of the lower left first molar. Sham‐EPD had no ligature. After 7 days, EPD animals were randomized to a daily treatment with vehicle gel or 0.75% PDRN gel or PDRN gel with a specific A2A antagonist (DMPX). Treatments lasted 7 days. Animals were then euthanized and the periodontium and surrounding gingival tissue were excised for histological evaluation and bio‐molecular analysis of inflammatory (p‐JNK, p‐ERK, TNF‐α, IL‐6, HMGB‐1) and apoptotic proteins (BAX and Bcl‐2).ResultsVehicle‐treated EPD rats showed severe inflammatory infiltrate in both gingival and periodontal ligament, as well as an enhanced expression of p‐JNK, p‐ERK, TNF‐α, IL‐6, HMGB‐1 and BAX and a reduction in Bcl‐2. PDRN gel restored the histological features, blunted inflammatory and apoptotic proteins expression and preserved Bcl‐2 expression. DMPX abrogated PDRN positive effects.ConclusionOur data suggest that adenosine receptor stimulation by PDRN might represent a new therapeutic strategy for periodontitis.
Bronchial intubation could be detected by the visual stethoscope techniques in pediatric patients
Authors: Kimura Tetsuro , Suzuki Akira , Mimuro Soichiro , Makino Hiroshi , Sato Shigehito 
Published: August 2012

SummaryBackgroundWe created a system that allows the visualization of breath sounds (visual stethoscope).AimWe compared the visual stethoscope technique with auscultation for the detection of bronchial intubation in pediatric patients.MethodsIn the auscultation group, an anesthesiologist advanced the tracheal tube, while another anesthesiologist auscultated bilateral breath sounds to detect the change and/or disappearance of unilateral breath sounds. In the visualization group, the stethoscope was used to detect changes in breath sounds and/or disappearance of unilateral breath sounds. The distance from the edge of the mouth to the carina was measured using a fiberoptic bronchoscope.ResultsForty pediatric patients were enrolled in the study. At the point at which irregular breath sounds were auscultated, the tracheal tube was located at 0.5 ± 0.8 cm on the bronchial side from the carina. When a detectable change of shape of the visualized breath sound was observed, the tracheal tube was located 0.1 ± 1.2 cm on the bronchial side (not significant). At the point at which unilateral breath sounds were auscultated or a unilateral shape of the visualized breath sound was observed, the tracheal tube was 1.5 ± 0.8 or 1.2 ± 1.0 cm on the bronchial side, respectively (not significant).ConclusionsThe visual stethoscope allowed to display the left and the right lung sound simultaneously and detected changes of breath sounds and unilateral breath sound as a tracheal tube was advanced.
Ultrasound detection of guidewires in‐plane during pediatric central venous catheterization
Authors: Kayashima Kenji , Imai Keiko , Sozen Reiko 
Published: August 2012

SummaryObjective/AimTo assess the usefulness of longitudinal ultrasound images of guidewires for pediatric central venous catheter (CVC) placement.BackgroundTo avoid arterial placement of a CVC, it is important to ensure that the guidewires are in the internal jugular vein (IJV) before inserting the dilators. Ultrasound confirmation of the guidewire position may eliminate accidental arterial dilation during CVC cannulation.MethodsFifty pediatric patients undergoing general endotracheal anesthesia for cardiovascular surgery were enrolled. The mean ± sd value for age was 14.8 ± 16.8 months; height, 69.1 ± 14.6 cm; and weight, 7.1 ± 3.2 kg. Longitudinal ultrasound images of guidewires in or around the right IJV during pediatric CVC placement were acquired using an L10‐5 MHz probe (TiTAN®; SonoSite Co., Tokyo, Japan), with the neck of the patient fully extended and the head turned 15–30 degree to the left.ResultsIn 42 (84%) patients, guidewires were visible in the lumen of the IJV. However, in 8 (16%) patients, guidewires were not visible. Longitudinal imaging of guidewires was achieved with high probability (100%) in children in whom the distance from the clavicle to the angle of the mandible was more than 59 mm, in whom the distance from the clavicle to the puncture site was more than 30 mm, or in children taller than 65 cm. All cannulations were confirmed to be CVCs by chest radiography.ConclusionsTo confirm the insertion of dilators into veins in children, we recommend that longitudinal images of the guidewires should be initially acquired.
Physical exercise reduces cardiac defects in type 2 spinal muscular atrophy‐like mice
Authors: Biondi Olivier , Lopes Philippe , Desseille Céline , Branchu Julien , Chali Farah , Salah Amina Ben , Pariset Claude , Chanoine Christophe , Charbonnier Frédéric 
Published: August 2012

Key points
The present study provides evidence that the cardiomyopathy observed in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) model mice is mainly due to intrinsic cardiac alteration but not to autonomic impairment.
We demonstrated a non‐pathological sympathetic activity on the heart of type 2 SMA‐like mice, which likely counteracts the dramatic alteration of the cardiac function, such as arrhythmia and reduced heart rate.
We demonstrated for the first time that physical exercise partially restores cardiac conduction efficiency, prevents fibrosis, attenuates defects in protein expression, bradycardia and arrhythmias leading to the partial recovery of heart and respiratory rates in exercised SMA‐like mice.
This study indicates a profound involvement of cellular, structural and vascular cardiac dysfunction in the pathogenesis of SMA, widely opening alternative pharmacological and non‐pharmacological therapeutic strategies that would most certainly include physical exercise.
Abstract  Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic cause of death in infants worldwide, is due to the misexpression of the survival of motor neuron protein, causing death of motor neurons. Several clinical symptoms suggested that, in addition to motor neurons, the autonomic nervous systems could be implicated in the cardiac function alterations observed in patienst with SMA. These alterations were also found in a severe SMA mouse model, including bradycardia and a reduction of sympathetic innervation, both associated with autonomic imbalance. In the present study, we investigate the extent of autonomic dysfunction and the effects of a running‐based exercise on the altered cardiorespiratory function in type 2 SMA‐like mice. We observed that the SMA induced: (1) a dramatic alteration of intrinsic cardiac conduction associated with bradycardia; (2) a severe cardiomyopathy associated with extensive ventricular fibrosis; and (3) a delay in cardiac muscle maturation associated with contractile protein expression defects. Furthermore, our data indicate that the sympathetic system is not only functioning, but also likely contributes to alleviate the bradycardia and the arrhythmia in SMA‐like mice. Moreover, physical exercise provides many benefits, including the reduction of cardiac protein expression defect, the reduction of fibrosis, the increase in cardiac electrical conduction velocity, and the drastic reduction in bradycardia and arrhythmias resulting in the partial restoration of the cardiac function in these mice. Thus, modulating the cardiorespiratory function in SMA could represent a new target for improving supportive care and for developing new pharmacological and non‐pharmacological interventions that would most certainly include physical exercise.
Homeostatic metaplasticity of corticospinal excitatory and intracortical inhibitory neural circuits in human motor cortex
Authors: Murakami Takenobu , Müller‐Dahlhaus Florian , Lu Ming‐Kuei , Ziemann Ulf 
Published: August 2012

Key points
Homeostatic metaplasticity is an important mechanism for maintaining overall synaptic weight of a neuronal network in the physiological range.
Homeostatic metaplasticity has been demonstrated, so far largely exclusively, for excitatory synaptic neurotransmission.
New non‐invasive transcranial magnetic theta burst stimulation (TBS) experiments at the systems level of human motor cortex demonstrate for the first time that homeostatic metaplasticity is also present in inhibitory intracortical circuits.
In addition, manipulation of intracortical inhibition by priming TBS contributes to the homeostatic regulation of metaplasticity in the corticospinal excitatory pathway.
Findings are important for therapeutic applications of non‐invasive brain stimulation that aim at correcting excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmission outside the physiological range in humans with neuropsychiatric disorders.
Abstract  Homeostatic metaplasticity, a fundamental principle for maintaining overall synaptic weight in the physiological range in neuronal networks, was demonstrated at the cellular and systems level predominantly for excitatory synaptic neurotransmission. Although inhibitory networks are crucial for regulating excitability, it is largely unknown to what extent homeostatic metaplasticity of inhibition also exists. Here, we employed intermittent and continuous transcranial magnetic theta burst stimulation (iTBS, cTBS) of the primary motor cortex in healthy subjects for induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP)‐like and long‐term depression (LTD)‐like plasticity. We studied metaplasticity by testing the interactions of priming TBS with LTP/LTD‐like plasticity induced by subsequent test TBS. Changes in excitatory neurotransmission were measured by the input–output curve of motor‐evoked potentials (IO‐MEP), and changes in GABAAergic inhibitory neurotransmission by the IO of short‐interval intracortical inhibition (IO‐SICI, four conditioning stimulus intensities of 70–100% active motor threshold, interstimulus interval 2.0 ms). Non‐primed iTBS increased IO‐MEP, while non‐primed cTBS decreased IO‐MEP. Pairing of identical protocols (iTBS→iTBS, cTBS→cTBS) resulted in suppression of the non‐primed TBS effects on IO‐MEP, and pairing of different protocols (cTBS→iTBS, iTBS→cTBS) enhanced the test TBS effects on IO‐MEP. While non‐primed TBS did not result in significant changes of IO‐SICI, iTBS→iTBS resulted in IO‐SICI decrease, and cTBS→cTBS in IO‐SICI increase compared with the non‐primed conditions. The changes in SICI induced by priming TBS correlated with the changes in MEP induced by subsequent test TBS. Findings demonstrate that plasticity in both excitatory and inhibitory circuits in the human motor cortex are regulated by homeostatic metaplasticity, and that priming effects on inhibition contribute to the homeostatic regulation of metaplasticity in excitatory circuits.
Impact of flat panel‐imager veiling glare on scatter‐estimation accuracy and image quality of a commercial on‐board cone‐beam CT imaging system
Authors: Lazos Dimitrios , Williamson Jeffrey F. 
Published: August 2012

Purpose:The purposes of this study is to measure the low frequency drop (LFD) of the modulation transfer function (MTF), associated with the long tails of the detector point spread function (PSF) of an on‐board flat panel imager and study its impact on cone‐beam CT (CBCT) image quality and scatter measurement accuracy.Methods:Two different experimental methods were used to characterize LFD and its associated PSF of a Varian OBI flat‐panel detector system: the edge response function (ERF) method and the disk transfer function (DTF) method. PSF was estimated by fitting parametric models to these measurements for four values of the applied voltage (kVp). The resultant PSF was used to demonstrate the effect of LFD on image contrast and CT number accuracy in CBCT images reconstructed from synthetic datasets, as well as, accuracy of scatter measurements with the beam‐stop method.Results:The MTFs derived from the measured ERF data revealed LFDs varying from 8% (at 60 kVp) to 10.5% (at 120 kVp), while the intensity of the long PSF tails was found to increase with increasing kVp. The veiling glare line spread functions derived from the ERF and DTF methods were in excellent agreement. Uncorrected veiling glare reduced contrast and the image intensity in CBCT reconstruction, near the phantom periphery (by 67 Hounsfield units in a 20 cm‐in‐diameter water phantom) and (to a smaller degree) near inhomogeneities. Use of the bow‐tie filter mitigated these effects. Veiling glare also resulted in about 10%–15% overestimation of the scatter‐to‐primary ratio when measured with the beam‐stop or beam‐stop array method.Conclusions:The long tails of the detector PSF were found to have a modest dependence of beam spectrum, which is reflected on the MTF curve LFD. Our findings show that uncorrected veiling glare can affect quantitative accuracy and contrast in CBCT imaging, based on flat panel imager. In addition, it results in overestimation of the scatter‐to‐primary ratio, measured with the beam‐stop methods.
Comparison of signal to noise ratios from spatial and frequency domain formulations of nonprewhitening model observers in digital mammography
Authors: Sisini Francesco , Zanca Federica , Marshall Nicholas W. , Taibi Angelo , Cardarelli Paolo , Bosmans Hilde 
Published: August 2012

Purpose:Image quality indices based upon model observers are promising alternatives to laborious human readings of contrast‐detail images. This is especially appealing in digital mammography as limiting values for contrast thresholds determine, according to some international protocols, the acceptability of these systems in the radiological practice. The objective of the present study was to compare the signal to noise ratios (SNR) obtained with two nonprewhitening matched filter model observer approaches, one in the spatial domain and the other in the frequency domain, and with both of them worked out for disks as present in the CDMAM phantom.Methods:The analysis was performed using images acquired with the Siemens Novation and Inspiration digital mammography systems. The spatial domain formulation uses a series of high dose CDMAM images as the signal and a routine exposure of two flood images to calculate the covariance matrix. The frequency domain approach uses the mathematical description of a disk and modulation transfer function (MTF) and noise power spectrum (NPS) calculated from images.Results:For both systems most of the SNR values calculated in the frequency domain were in very good agreement with the SNR values calculated in the spatial domain. Both the formulations in the frequency domain and in the spatial domain show a linear relationship between SNR and the diameter of the CDMAM discs.Conclusions:The results suggest that both formulations of the model observer lead to very similar figures of merit. This is a step forward in the adoption of figures of merit based on NPS and MTF for the acceptance testing of mammography systems.
Residual Antibiotics Disrupt Meat Fermentation and Increase Risk of Infection
Authors: Kjeldgaard Jette , Cohn Marianne T. , Casey Pat G. , Hill Colin , Ingmer Hanne 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Fermented sausages, although presumed safe for consumption, sometimes cause serious bacterial infections in humans that may be deadly. Not much is known about why and when this is the case. We tested the hypothesis that residual veterinary antibiotics in meat can disrupt the fermentation process, giving pathogenic bacteria a chance to survive and multiply. We found that six commercially available starter cultures were susceptible to commonly used antibiotics, namely, oxytetracycline, penicillin, and erythromycin. In meat, statutorily tolerable levels of oxytetracycline and erythromycin inhibited fermentation performance of three and five of the six starter cultures, respectively. In model sausages, the disruption of meat fermentation enhanced survival of the pathogens
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 and
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium compared to successful fermentations. Our work reveals an overlooked risk associated with the presence of veterinary drugs in meat.

IMPORTANCE
Antibiotics have for a long time been used as growth promoters in farm animals, and while they are banned as such in Europe, their clinical use in farm animals still accounts for the majority of consumption. Here, we examined how acceptable levels of antibiotics in meat influence fermentation. Our results show that commonly used bacterial starter cultures are sensitive to residual antibiotics at or near statutorily tolerable levels, and as a result, processed sausages may indeed contain high levels of pathogens. Our findings provide a possible explanation for outbreaks and disease cases associated with consumption of fermented sausages and offer yet another argument for limiting the use of antimicrobials in farm animals.
Comparative Genomics of Early-Diverging
Brucella
Strains Reveals a Novel Lipopolysaccharide Biosynthesis Pathway
Authors: Wattam Alice R. , Inzana Thomas J. , Williams Kelly P. , Mane Shrinivasrao P. , Shukla Maulik , Almeida Nalvo F. , Dickerman Allan W. , Mason Steven , Moriyón Ignacio , O’Callaghan David , Whatmore Adrian M. , Sobral Bruno W. , Tiller Rebekah V. , Hoffmaster Alex R. , Frace Michael A. , De Castro Cristina , Molinaro Antonio , Boyle Stephen M. , De Barun K. , Setubal João C. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Brucella
species are Gram-negative bacteria that infect mammals. Recently, two unusual strains (
Brucella inopinata
BO1
T
and
B. inopinata
-like BO2) have been isolated from human patients, and their similarity to some atypical brucellae isolated from Australian native rodent species was noted. Here we present a phylogenomic analysis of the draft genome sequences of BO1
T
and BO2 and of the Australian rodent strains 83-13 and NF2653 that shows that they form two groups well separated from the other sequenced
Brucella
spp. Several important differences were noted. Both BO1
T
and BO2 did not agglutinate significantly when live or inactivated cells were exposed to monospecific A and M antisera against O-side chain sugars composed of
N-
formyl-perosamine. While BO1
T
maintained the genes required to synthesize a typical
Brucella
O-antigen, BO2 lacked many of these genes but still produced a smooth LPS (lipopolysaccharide). Most missing genes were found in the
wbk
region involved in O-antigen synthesis in classic smooth
Brucella
spp. In their place, BO2 carries four genes that other bacteria use for making a rhamnose-based O-antigen. Electrophoretic, immunoblot, and chemical analyses showed that BO2 carries an antigenically different O-antigen made of repeating hexose-rich oligosaccharide units that made the LPS water-soluble, which contrasts with the homopolymeric O-antigen of other smooth brucellae that have a phenol-soluble LPS. The results demonstrate the existence of a group of early-diverging brucellae with traits that depart significantly from those of the
Brucella
species described thus far.

IMPORTANCE
This report examines differences between genomes from four new
Brucella
strains and those from the classic
Brucella
spp. Our results show that the four new strains are outliers with respect to the previously known
Brucella
strains and yet are part of the genus, forming two new clades. The analysis revealed important information about the evolution and survival mechanisms of
Brucella
species, helping reshape our knowledge of this important zoonotic pathogen. One discovery of special importance is that one of the strains, BO2, produces an O-antigen distinct from any that has been seen in any other
Brucella
isolates to date.
The Role of Bacterial Enhancer Binding Proteins as Specialized Activators of σ54-Dependent Transcription
Authors: Bush Matthew , Dixon Ray 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYBacterial enhancer binding proteins (bEBPs) are transcriptional activators that assemble as hexameric rings in their active forms and utilize ATP hydrolysis to remodel the conformation of RNA polymerase containing the alternative sigma factor σ54. We present a comprehensive and detailed summary of recent advances in our understanding of how these specialized molecular machines function. The review is structured by introducing each of the three domains in turn: the central catalytic domain, the N-terminal regulatory domain, and the C-terminal DNA binding domain. The role of the central catalytic domain is presented with particular reference to (i) oligomerization, (ii) ATP hydrolysis, and (iii) the key GAFTGA motif that contacts σ54for remodeling. Each of these functions forms a potential target of the signal-sensing N-terminal regulatory domain, which can act either positively or negatively to control the activation of σ54-dependent transcription. Finally, we focus on the DNA binding function of the C-terminal domain and the enhancer sites to which it binds. Particular attention is paid to the importance of σ54to the bacterial cell and its unique role in regulating transcription.