bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Scintillation Performance of Nonstoichiometric LuAG:Ce Ceramics
Authors: Liu Shuping , Feng Xiqi , Nikl Martin , Wu Lexiang , Zhou Zhiwei , Li Jiang , Kou Huamin , Zeng Yanping , Shi Yun , Pan Yubai 
Published: October 2014

Nonstoichiometric LuAG:Ce Ceramics ([Lu(1–x)Cex]3Al5O12, x = 0.005) with different excess of Lu3+ were designed on the basis of Lu2O3‐Al2O3 phase diagram and fabricated by a solid‐state reaction method. Without using any traditional sintering aids, pure phase and good optical performance were obtained in such a Lu‐rich LuAG:Ce ceramics. In addition, scintillation efficiency and light yield of 1% excess of Lu3+ ceramic sample were found 16 times and 1.82 times higher than that of commercial Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) single crystals, respectively. Such values are comparable or even better than those in most of LuAG:Ce single crystals. However, antisite defects were also induced by excess of Lu doping, whose luminescence was found at 350–410 nm in Lu‐rich LuAG:Ce ceramics. The relationship of excess content of Lu and the microstructure, optical quality, and scintillation performance were clarified and discussed. Furthermore, by utilizing X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy technique, the charge state stability of cerium in Lu‐rich LuAG:Ce ceramics was examined. It appears that the excess of isovalence Lu3+ doping has a negligible effect on the cerium valence instability and creation of stable Ce4+ center.
Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation and Subcutaneous Monitoring Device Implantation in a 2‐Year‐Old Baby with 2 SCN5A Mutations, Sinus Node Dysfunction, Atrial Flutter Recurrences, and Drug Induced Long‐QT Syndrome: A Tricky Case of Pediatric Overlap Syndrome?
Authors: FILIPPO PAOLO DE , FERRARI PAOLA , IASCONE MARIA , RACHELI MARCO , SENNI MICHELE 
Published: October 2014

A Tricky Case of Pediatric Overlap SyndromeWe describe the case of 2‐year‐old baby with compound heterozygosity for paternal and maternal alleles mutation of α‐subunit of the cardiac sodium channel (SCN5A), sinus node dysfunction, atrial flutter recurrences, and drug induced long‐QT syndrome. In this setting, we chose at first to perform linear ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus resulting in a bidirectional isthmus block. As a second step, we decided to implant a miniaturized loop recorder that, with a minimally invasive procedure, permits us to follow the development of the disease in order to define the future strategy. After 8 months follow‐up, automatic daily loop‐recorder transmissions disclose the complete absence of any arrhythmia along with asymptomatic ventricular pauses due to sinus node dysfunction. Echocardiography shows normal findings, in particular no left ventricular dysfunction.
Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Electromyograms in Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Prospective Study Comparing Different Monitoring Techniques
Authors: MIYAZAKI SHINSUKE , ICHIHARA NOBORU , TANIGUCHI HIROSHI , HACHIYA HITOSHI , NAKAMURA HIROAKI , USUI EISUKE , KANAJI YOSHIHISA , TAKAGI TAKAMITSU , IWASAWA JIN , KUROI AKIO , HIRAO KENZO , IESAKA YOSHITO 
Published: October 2014

Diaphragmatic Electromyograms During AF AblationBackgroundThe utility of compound motor action potential (CMAP) monitoring for anticipating phrenic nerve injury (PNI) during cryoballoon ablation has been reported. We sought to compare two different CMAP recording techniques and evaluated the feasibility during pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) and superior vena cava isolation (SVCI) using radiofrequency energy.Methods and ResultsForty‐two patients undergoing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation were prospectively enrolled. SVCI was performed following PVAI if SVC potentials were observed. CMAPs were recorded 3 times (before and after PVAI, and after SVCI) simultaneously from surface electrodes (CMAPsuf) and a decapolar catheter in the subdiaphragmatic hepatic vein (CMAPabd). The baseline CMAPsuf and CMAPabd were 0.92 ± 0.36 and 0.65 ± 0.43 mV except in one case with catheter inaccessibility. The CMAPsuf did not correlate with the body mass index, or CMAPabd. In 2 and 9 patients, the CMAPsuf and CMAPabd amplitudes were < 0.5 and < 0.3 mV, respectively. The diaphragm to catheter distance was significantly longer in cases with a CMAPabd < 0.3 mV than one > 0.3 mV (39.2 ± 10.8 vs. 21.5 ± 6.6 mm, P < 0.0001). Two cases with a CMAPsuf < 0.5 mV had larger amplitudes on the CMAPabd. In 1 patient, apparent PNI occurred during the SVCI, and the CMAP disappeared after the SVCI in both techniques. The CMAPs did not significantly decrease after the PVAI and SVCI; however, a >30% decrease was observed in 2 patients in both techniques. In both, no PNI was apparent on fluoroscopy or chest X‐ray.ConclusionsStable evaluable CMAPs were obtained with the CMAPsuf in most patients. Monitoring with the CMAPabd could be an alternative and complementary method.
A TTX‐Sensitive Resting Na+ Permeability Contributes to the Catecholaminergic Automatic Activity in Rat Pulmonary Vein
Authors: MALÉCOT CLAIRE O. , BREDELOUX PIERRE , FINDLAY IAN , MAUPOIL VÉRONIQUE 
Published: October 2014

Na Channels and Automatic Activity in Rat PVIntroductionEctopic activity arising from pulmonary veins (PV) plays a prominent role in the onset of atrial fibrillation in humans. Rat PV cardiac muscle cells have a lower resting membrane potential (RMP) than the left atria (LA) and presents in the presence of norepinephrine an automatic activity, which occurs in bursts. This study investigated the role of Na channels upon the RMP and the catecholaminergic automatic activity (CAA) in PV cardiac muscle.Methods and ResultsRMP and CAA experiments were performed in male Wistar rat PV. Whole‐cell INa was recorded in isolated PV and LA cardiomyocytes. PV has a higher tetrodotoxin (TTX)‐sensitive basal Na+ permeability than the LA, due to a ∼5 mV more negative Na window current in the former tissue. TTX, quinidine, and ranolazine (1 to 10 μM each) decreased CAA incidence and arrhythmias by increasing burst intervals because of a reduction of the slope of slow depolarization between bursts. TTX and ranolazine also reduced burst duration. At 1 Hz, 10 μM quinidine, ranolazine, and TTX inhibited peak INa by 33%, 28%, and 98%, respectively. Each reduced the Na window current. There was no evidence for a TTX‐ or ranolazine‐sensitive late Na current.ConclusionNa channels confer a TTX‐sensitive basal Na+ permeability to rat PV cardiac muscle cells and contribute to the slope of slow depolarization between bursts of CAA. Na channel blockers act mostly via reduction of the Na window current. Ranolazine also has an anti‐α1 adrenergic effect, which contributed to its antiarrhythmic effect.
Efficacy of a fixed combination of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate topical gel in adult patients with mild to moderate psoriasis: blinded interim analysis of a phase IV, multicenter, randomized, controlled, prospective study
Authors: Reich K. , Zschocke I. , Bachelez H. , de Jong E.M.G.J. , Gisondi P. , Puig L. , Warren R.B. , Mrowietz U. ,   the TTOP study group
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disease with the majority of individuals having limited disease, treated with topical medication. However, special attributes of topical treatments like galenic/cosmetic properties or an inconvenient treatment schedule may result in low preference for topical treatments. Hence, there is strong medical need for a topical medication, which is highly efficacious, easy‐to‐use and preferred by both physicians and patients.ObjectiveBlinded interim analysis with the purpose to assess efficacy of (both from the physician's and patient's perspective) and the patients' preference with a highly efficacious and easy‐to‐use fixed combination of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate topical gel after 8 weeks of once daily treatment in a large patient population.MethodsIn this phase IV, international, multicentre, randomized, controlled, prospective, parallel group study, adult patients with active, mild to moderate psoriasis despite previous topical psoriasis treatment, i.e. unsuccessful in the 8 weeks preceding study participation, are followed over 64 weeks. During the first 8 weeks the patients apply their medication once a day followed by a 56‐weeks maintenance period according to SmPC. Blinded interim analysis of all patients included demographics, Physician's Global Assessment, the novel Patient's self Global Assessment (PsGA) and Patient Preference Questionnaire (PPQ).Results1795 patients were analysed. At week 8, 36.5% of the physicians rated the patients' psoriasis as clear/almost clear. Similarly, based on the patients' self‐assessment, 34.2% had a clear/almost clear score of PsGA in week 8. Analysis of the PPQ showed that the vast majority of the patients judged their 8‐week treatment to be preferable compared with their previous treatments.ConclusionResults of this blinded interim analysis indicate that the fixed combination of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate gel is highly efficacious and preferred by the majority of analysed patients.
Development of real‐time PCR for detection and quantitation of Streptococcus parauberis
Authors: Nguyen T L , Lim Y J , Kim D‐H , Austin B 
Published: October 2014

AbstractStreptococcus parauberis is an increasing threat to aquaculture of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus Temminck & Schlegel, in South Korea. We developed a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using the TaqMan probe assay to detect and quantify S. parauberis by targeting the gyrB gene sequences, which are effective for molecular analysis of the genus Streptococcus. Our real‐time PCR assay is capable of detecting 10 fg of genomic DNA per reaction. The intra‐ and interassay coefficient of variation (CV) values ranged from 0.42–1.95%, demonstrating that the assay has good reproducibility. There was not any cross‐reactivity to Streptococcus iniae or to other streptococcal/lactococcal fish pathogens, such as S. agalactiae and Lactococcus garvieae, indicating that the assay is highly specific to S. parauberis. The results of the real‐time PCR assay corresponded well to those of conventional culture assays for S. parauberis from inoculated tissue homogenates (r = 0.957; P < 0.05). Hence, this sensitive and specific real‐time PCR is a valuable tool for diagnostic quantitation of S. parauberis in clinical samples.
Positive feedback of NR2B‐containing NMDA receptor activity is the initial step toward visual imprinting: a model for juvenile learning
Authors: Nakamori Tomoharu , Sato Katsushige , Kinoshita Masae , Kanamatsu Tomoyuki , Sakagami Hiroyuki , Tanaka Kohichi , Ohki‐Hamazaki Hiroko 
Published: October 2014

AbstractImprinting in chicks is a good model for elucidating the processes underlying neural plasticity changes during juvenile learning. We recently reported that neural activation of a telencephalic region, the core region of the hyperpallium densocellulare (HDCo), was critical for success of visual imprinting, and that N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartic (NMDA) receptors containing the NR2B subunit (NR2B/NR1) in this region were essential for imprinting. Using electrophysiological and multiple‐site optical imaging techniques with acute brain slices, we found that long‐term potentiation (LTP) and enhancement of NR2B/NR1 currents in HDCo neurons were induced in imprinted chicks. Enhancement of NR2B/NR1 currents as well as an increase in surface NR2B expression occurred even following a brief training that was too weak to induce LTP or imprinting behavior. This means that NR2B/NR1 activation is the initial step of learning, well before the activation of alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate receptors which induces LTP. We also showed that knockdown of NR2B/NR1 inhibited imprinting, and inversely, increasing the surface NR2B expression by treatment with a casein kinase 2 inhibitor successfully reduced training time required for imprinting. These results suggest that imprinting stimuli activate post‐synaptic NR2B/NR1 in HDCo cells, increase NR2B/NR1 signaling through up‐regulation of its expression, and induce LTP and memory acquisition.
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The study investigated the neural mechanism underlying juvenile learning. In the initial stage of chick imprinting, NMDA receptors containing the NMDA receptor subunit 2B (NR2B) are activated, surface expression of NR2B/NR1 (NMDA receptor subunit 1) is up‐regulated, and consequently long‐term potentiation is induced in the telencephalic neurons. We suggest that the positive feedback in the NR2B/NR1 activation is a unique process of juvenile learning, exhibiting rapid memory acquisition.
The anticonvulsant actions of carisbamate associate with alterations in astrocyte glutamine metabolism in the lithium–pilocarpine epilepsy model
Authors: Hadera Mussie Ghezu , Faure Jean‐Baptiste , Berggaard Nina , Tefera Tesfaye Wolde , Nehlig Astrid , Sonnewald Ursula 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAs reported previously, in the lithium–pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), carisbamate (CRS) produces strong neuroprotection, leads to milder absence‐like seizures, and prevents behavioral impairments in a subpopulation of rats. To understand the metabolic basis of these effects, here we injected 90 mg/kg CRS or vehicle twice daily for 7 days starting 1 h after status epilepticus (SE) induction in rats. Two months later, we injected [1‐13C]glucose and [1,2‐13C]acetate followed by head microwave fixation after 15 min. 13C incorporation into metabolites was analyzed using 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We found that SE reduced neuronal mitochondrial metabolism in the absence but not in the presence of CRS. Reduction in glutamate level was prevented by CRS and aspartate levels were similar to controls only in rats displaying absence‐like seizures after treatment [CRS‐absence‐like epilepsy (ALE)]. Glutamine levels in CRS‐ALE rats were higher compared to controls in hippocampal formation and limbic structures while unchanged in rats displaying motor spontaneous recurrent seizures after treatment (CRS‐TLE). Astrocytic mitochondrial metabolism was reduced in CRS‐TLE, and either enhanced or unaffected in CRS‐ALE rats, which did not affect the transfer of glutamine from astrocytes to neurons. In conclusion, CRS prevents reduction in neuronal mitochondrial metabolism but its effect on astrocytes is likely key in determining outcome of treatment in this model.
imageTo understand the metabolic basis of the strong neuroprotection and reduction in seizure severity caused by carisbamate (CRS) in the lithium–pilocarpine (Li‐Pilo) model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), we injected CRS for 7 days starting 1 h after status epilepticus and 2 months later [1‐13C]glucose and [1,2‐13C]acetate. 13C Magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis was performed on brain extracts and we found that CRS prevented reduction in neuronal mitochondrial metabolism but its effect on astrocytes was likely key in determining outcome of treatment in this model. ALE = absence like epilepsy; acetyl CoA = acetyl coenzyme A; GS = glutamine synthetase; PAG = phosphate activated glutaminase; PC = pyruvate carboxylase; OAA = oxaloacetate; TCA cycle = tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Inositol synthesis regulates the activation of GSK‐3α in neuronal cells
Authors: Ye Cunqi , Greenberg Miriam L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe synthesis of inositol provides precursors of inositol lipids and inositol phosphates that are pivotal for cell signaling. Mood stabilizers lithium and valproic acid, used for treating bipolar disorder, cause cellular inositol depletion, which has been proposed as a therapeutic mechanism of action of both drugs. Despite the importance of inositol, the requirement for inositol synthesis in neuronal cells is not well understood. Here, we examined inositol effects on proliferation of SK‐N‐SH neuroblastoma cells. The essential role of inositol synthesis in proliferation is underscored by the findings that exogenous inositol was dispensable for proliferation, and inhibition of inositol synthesis decreased proliferation. Interestingly, the inhibition of inositol synthesis by knocking down INO1, which encodes inositol‐3‐phosphate synthase, the rate‐limiting enzyme of inositol synthesis, led to the inactivation of GSK‐3α by increasing the inhibitory phosphorylation of this kinase. Similarly, the mood stabilizer valproic acid effected transient decreases in intracellular inositol, leading to inactivation of GSK‐3α. As GSK‐3 inhibition has been proposed as a likely therapeutic mechanism of action, the finding that inhibition of inositol synthesis results in the inactivation of GSK‐3α suggests a unifying hypothesis for mechanism of mood‐stabilizing drugs.
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Inositol is an essential metabolite that serves as a precursor for inositol lipids and inositol phosphates. We report that inhibition of the rate‐limiting enzyme of inositol synthesis leads to the inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3α by increasing inhibitory phosphorylation of this kinase. These findings have implications for the therapeutic mechanisms of mood stabilizers and suggest that inositol synthesis and GSK 3α activity are intrinsically related.
Role of OATP1B3 in the transport of bile acids assessed using first‐trimester trophoblasts
Authors: Yan Ziru , Li Eqiong , He Lingfei , Wang Jianhua , Zhu Xiaojun , Wang Hanzhi , Wang Zhengping 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the transport of two kinds of bile acids by organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 (OATP1B3) using first‐trimester trophoblasts. The mechanisms of damage to fetuses with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy were investigated, providing new potential strategies for targeted therapies aimed at reducing fetal risk.Material and MethodsThe expression of OATP1B3 was knocked down by lentiviral vector‐mediated RNA interference, and silencing efficiency was assessed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The cytotoxicity of two bile acids (glycocholic acid [GCA] and glycochenodeoxycholic acid [GCDCA]) was assessed using the MTT method. Transport of bile acids was assessed by establishing an in vitro trophoblast monolayer model using polyester Transwell‐clear inserts, and the concentration of bile acids in the upper compartment was assessed using high‐pressure liquid chromatography.ResultsGCA and GCDCA (10 and 20 μM) were not cytotoxic to the SWAN cell line (P > 0.05). RNAi treatment decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of OATP1B3 by 94.42% and 49.51%, respectively (P < 0.05). The bile acid transport curves were similar in the control and negative RNAi groups, whereas those in the RNAi group differed significantly from those in the control and negative RNAi groups. The concentration of GCA and GCDCA in the upper compartment was significantly lower in the RNAi group than in the control and negative RNAi groups.ConclusionsOATP1B3 expression in trophoblasts was confirmed indirectly by its ability to transport the bile acids GCA and GCDCA.
Evaluation of Valsalva Sinus Wall Deformation Due to Compression by the Amplatzer Septal Occluder and the Potential for Erosion Development
Authors: KITANO MASATAKA , YAZAKI SATOSHI , ABE TADAAKI , OSAMU YAMADA 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesWe studied whether the pressure exerted by the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) disk on the Valsalva sinus wall (VW) is a risk factor for erosion and attempted to determine the pressure that may trigger erosion.BackgroundThe causes and mechanisms of erosion after ASO placement remain unclear.MethodsWe reviewed 665 consecutive patients with atrial septal defects who underwent ASO closure at our hospital from 2005 to 2012. We used transesophageal echocardiography and other tests to evaluate disk‐related VW deformation as a risk factor for erosion.ResultsImmediately after ASO placement, intermittent VW deformation from either disk was determined in 54 of the 665 patients (8%). Of these 54 patients, only 1 exhibited late erosion (0.15%) during a follow‐up of more than 4 years (0.035% a year). The maximum VW deformation depth relative to the standard curve, or dent, was 2.6 mm in this patient, whereas that in the remaining patients ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 mm. The dent values were significantly deeper in patients with contact between the left atrial disk and posterior atrial wall than in those without contact (P = 0.03). There was a significant negative correlation between dent and the aortic side‐maximum device thickness (DT)/middle part‐DT ratio (P = 0.04).ConclusionAlthough VW deformation, particularly deep VW deformation caused by pressure from either disk after ASO placement must be a recognized risk for erosion, which deformation level carries a stronger risk for erosion could not be concluded.
BIOSIMILAR ESAS: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW
Authors: Wilson Paul , Wood Cheryl 
Published: October 2014

SUMMARYBackgroundThe management of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease has been transformed by development of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs). Following expiry of the patent of the originator epoetin alfa in Europe, a number of biosimilar ESAs have been licensed for use in the nephrology setting. Biosimilars are biological medicines that are approved via stringently defined regulatory pathways on the basis that they have demonstrated comparable safety, efficacy and quality to their reference product.ObjectivesAs nurses have a pivotal role in patient care, not only administering medications but also educating patients about their treatment options, it is important that nurses understand the differences between biosimilar medicines and their reference products and appreciate the stringent regulatory requirements for approval of biosimilars.MethodsIn this review, we use epoetin zeta as a case study to highlight practical considerations of using biosimilar ESAs in the management of patients with kidney disease.Results and ConclusionBiosimilar products, such as epoetin zeta, may offer a range of features to patients, nurses and physicians, such as greater flexibility over dose and route of administration, in addition to greater access to biological medicines through cost savings.Application to PracticeRenal nurses play a significant role in the management of patients with kidney disease and anaemia, not only having an important role in the delivery of medicine but also in the education of patients. This review discusses some of the practical aspects associated with the use of biosimilar medicines to assist nurses in making informed decisions over their use.