bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential actions of ethanol and trichloroethanol at sites in the M3 and M4 domains of the NMDA receptor GluN2A (NR2A) subunit
Authors: Salous AK , Ren H , Lamb KA , Hu X‐Q , Lipsky RH , Peoples RW 
Published: September 2009

Background and purpose: Alcohol produces its behavioural effects in part due to inhibition ofN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the CNS. Previous studies have identified amino acid residues in membrane‐associated domains 3 (M3) and 4 (M4) of the NMDA receptor that influence ethanol sensitivity. In addition, in other alcohol‐sensitive ion channels, sedative‐hypnotic agents have in some cases been shown to act at sites distinct from the sites of ethanol action. In this study, we compared the influence of mutations at these sites on sensitivity to ethanol and trichloroethanol, a sedative‐hypnotic agent that is a structural analogue of ethanol.Experimental approach: We constructed panels of mutants at ethanol‐sensitive positions in the GluN2A (NR2A) NMDA receptor subunit and transiently expressed these mutants in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. We used whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording to assess the actions of ethanol and trichloroethanol in these mutant NMDA receptors.Key results: Ethanol sensitivity of mutants at GluN2A(Ala825) was not correlated with any physicochemical measures tested. Trichloroethanol sensitivity was altered in two of three ethanol‐insensitive mutant GluN2A subunits: GluN2A(Phe637Trp) in M3 and GluN2A(Ala825Trp) in M4, but not GluN2A(Met823Trp). Trichloroethanol sensitivity decreased with increasing molecular volume at Phe637 or increasing hydrophobicity at Ala825 and was correlated with ethanol sensitivity at both sites.Conclusions and implications: Evidence obtained to date is consistent with a role of GluN2A(Ala825) as a modulatory site for ethanol and trichloroethanol sensitivity, but not as a binding site. Trichloroethanol appears to inhibit the NMDA receptor in a manner similar, but not identical to, that of ethanol.
Initial Experience with the High‐Density Mesh Ablation Catheter for Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: DE GREEF YVES , STOCKMAN DIRK , DUYTSCHAEVER MATTIAS , VANDEKERCKHOVE YVES , TAVERNIER RENE 
Published: September 2009

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is usually performed with multiple point‐by‐point radiofrequency ablation with a second multielectrode circular mapping catheter to validate isolation. We evaluated a 30‐mm high‐density mesh electrode (HDMA) for mapping and PVI in patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF).
Methods: In 13 patients (validation group) up to three pulmonary veins (PVs) were targeted with the HDMA. A circular mapping catheter was used to validate PVI. PVI was completed with a CARTO‐guided approach (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) followed by a voltage remap. In 11 patients (feasibility group) the HDMA catheter was evaluated as a stand‐alone mapping and ablation tool.
Results: The diagnostic accuracy of the HDMA catheter to evaluate PVI was 100%. The encircled low‐voltage area (<0.15 mV) after HDMA‐guided PVI was smaller compared to CARTO‐guided PVI. In the feasibility group 76% of the PVs could be isolated. Complete isolation of all PVs was feasible in five patients (45%) with a mean procedure and fluoroscopy time of respectively 180 ± 39 minutes and 40 ± 14 minutes. After 1 year 64% of the patients were free of symptomatic AF.
Conclusions: The HDMA electrode is a reliable mapping tool to validate PVI. The majority of PVs can be isolated, but on a patient basis touch‐up ablations are necessary in more than 50% of the cases. Therefore, modifications in catheter design are required. The small area of voltage abatement points to an ostial left atrium‐pulmonary vein disconnection. Initial clinical results in a small number of patients are promising.
The Amplatzer Duct Occluder II: A New Device for Percutaneous Ductus Arteriosus Closure
Authors: SALIBA ZAKHIA , EL‐RASSI ISSAM , ABI‐WARDE MARIE‐THÉRÈSE , CHEHAB GHASSAN , DAOU LINDA , KHATER DANIELE , GERBAKA BERNARD , JEBARA VICTOR 
Published: September 2009

Objective: Study the new Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II). Limitations were encountered with the preexisting devices in nonconical ducts, large ducts, or in small infants. These include failure, residual shunts, protrusion, migration, and vascular damage.
Methods: Between June 2008 and March 2009, 20 consecutive patients were enrolled. In cases where different devices were applicable, we favored the use of the ADO II to maximize our experience with this device and prove its superiority. No coils were required in these 20 patients.
Results: There were 15 females and 5 males (median age 2 years). ADO II group (n = 16): Immediate complete closure in 75% of the patients, rising to 93.7% at 24 hours. A residual shunt persisted at 3 months in one child. Aortic narrowing from device protrusion was noted in two type E ducts, without any significant gradient, however. ADO I group (n = 4): In two adolescents and in one adult patient, the duct was successfully closed. In a 2‐year‐old patient with a 6.6 mm type B duct, the ADO I totally obstructed the aortic flow and was retrieved before releasing. The child was sent for surgery.
Conclusion: Even though we did not compare the ADO II to other devices, we feel that it has the capacity to substitute most of the coils, and some of the original ADO I indications. Arterial access was sufficient in most patients, but venous delivery is advised in small infants with large or long ducts, to avoid aortic protrusion and residual shunts.
Immunohistochemical techniques to compare primary vs. metastatic mucinous carcinoma of the skin
Authors: Levy Gillian , Finkelstein Alexander , McNiff Jennifer M. 
Published: September 2009

Background: Primary and metastatic mucinous carcinomas in skin are histologically indistinguishable. Immunohistochemical panels help differentiate primary and metastatic adenocarcinoma of skin, but data regarding mucinous carcinoma is scant. Methods: We stained five primary mucinous carcinomas, two mucinous carcinomas metastatic to skin and five primary breast and colon mucinous carcinomas with p63, CD15, CK5/6, CK7, CK20, calponin and D2‐40 to identify patterns that might differentiate primary from metastatic disease. We also searched for myoepithelial cells in all cases. Results: All cases of primary mucinous carcinoma of the skin were positive for CK7, 40% showed rare cells labeled for p63 and 20% of cases labeled focally for CK5/6. The breast mucinous carcinomas metastatic to the skin were negative for all markers except CK7, although 60% of primary breast carcinomas labeled for p63. Colon mucinous carcinoma labeled only for CK20. Conclusions: In a small subset of mucinous carcinomas (20% in this series), positive labeling for CK5/6 indicated primary cutaneous tumor. Staining with p63 also favored primary over metastatic disease. Myoepithelial cell layers were not consistently identified to enable the identification of primary disease.Levy G, Finkelstein A, McNiff JM. Immunohistochemical techniques to compare primary vs. metastatic mucinous carcinoma of the skin
Urotensin II: A Novel Target in Human Corpus Cavernosum
Authors: d’Emmanuele Di Villa Bianca Roberta , Cirino Giuseppe , Mitidieri Emma , Coletta Ciro , Grassia Gianluca , Roviezzo Fiorentina , Grieco Paolo , Novellino Ettore , Imbimbo Ciro , Mirone Vincenzo , Sorrentino Raffaella 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Urotensin II (U-II) is a cyclic peptide originally isolated from the teleost neurosecretory system and subsequently identified in other species, including man. U-II was identified as the natural ligand of an orphan G-protein coupled receptor (UT receptor). U-II and UT receptor are expressed in a variety of peripheral organs and especially in cardiovascular tissue. U-II caused both constrictor and vasodilator effect, depending by vascular bed. The in vivo functional consequences of U-II on the cardiovascular hemodynamics are not clearly understood.

Aim
To investigate the presence of UT receptor and the effect of U-II in human corpus cavernosum (HCC) strips. To evaluate the effect of U-II in vivo in anesthetized rats.

Methods
UT receptor expression as protein and as mRNA were assessed by Western blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Next, the UT receptor localization was evaluated by immunohystochemical analysis. By using HCC strips, with or without endothelium, the effect of U-II (0.1 nM–10 µM) was evaluated. In order to asses the nitric oxide (NO) involvement, the strips were incubated with N (G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NO synthase inhibitor, 100 µM). U-II (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 nmol/rat) effect in vivo was studied in anesthetized rats by monitoring the intracavernous and systemic blood pressure.

Main Outcome Measures
HCC expresses the UT receptor and its activation, by UII, causes an endothelium- and NO-dependent relaxation.

Results
UT receptor is expressed in human and rat corpus cavernosum. In HCC UT receptor is localized on endothelial cells. U-II significantly relaxed HCC strips in endothelium- and –NO-dependent fashion. The peptide caused a significant increase in intracavernous pressure in anesthetized rats.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that UT receptor is expressed on the endothelium of HCC. U-II/UT receptor system is involved in HCC function and it involves endothelium and NO pathway. Thus, U-II/UT receptor pathway could be involved in erectile function.
Robot-Assisted Vessel Harvesting for Penile Revascularization
Authors: Raynor Mathew C. , Davis Rodney , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Ideal candidates for penile revascularization include young patients with documented vasculogenic erectile dysfunction usually resulting from pelvic trauma. Historically, large midline incisions were necessary to harvest the epigastric vessels for penile revascularization. We report our experience with robot-assisted epigastric vessel harvesting for use in penile revascularization procedures.

Aim
To describe our technique and experience with robot-assisted vessel harvesting for use in penile revascularization.

Methods
Five patients were selected for penile revascularization. Each patient suffered pelvic crush injuries resulting in post-traumatic erectile dysfunction. Each patient had no significant prior medical history and had normal erectile function prior to injury. Penile duplex Doppler ultrasound studies using vasoactive agents demonstrated decreased arterial inflow. Complementary pelvic angiography documented the corresponding arterial lesions. Each patient underwent attempted penile revascularization using a modified Virag-V technique. The epigastric artery was harvested robotically and transposed through a 3 cm incision at the base of the penis. Microscopic revascularization was performed by anastamosing the epigastric artery to the deep dorsal vein. Distal dorsal vein ligation of the subcoronal plexus was performed to limit glans hyperemia.

Main Outcome Measures
Description of a new method of vessel harvesting for penile revascularization.

Results
Penile revascularization was successful in four out of five patients. One patient had complete thrombosis of the deep dorsal penile vein and underwent subsequent penile prosthesis implantation. Each patient undergoing successful revascularization was discharged home two days postoperatively and has reported resumption of sexual activity.

Conclusions
The robot-assisted approach to epigastric vessel harvesting is an ideal minimally-invasive complement to penile revascularization. This procedure negates the need for a large midline incision and may shorten recovery time. Our described technique offers a novel option for the application of minimally-invasive technology, but longer-term follow-up is needed to further evaluate the success of penile revascularization.
SURVIVAL OF ESCHERICHIA COLI, STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS IN FROZEN CHICKEN HAMBURGER
Authors: CASARIN LETÍCIA SOPEÑA , TONDO EDUARDO CÉSAR , KLEIN MANUELA POLETTO , BRANDELLI ADRIANO 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT The survival of food pathogens during frozen storage of chicken hamburgers was evaluated. Hamburgers were contaminated with Escherichia coli (ECHC), Staphylococcus aureus (SAFH) and Salmonella Enteritidis (SE86), separately, and stored at −18C for 28 days. Results demonstrated reductions of 0.63 log10 cfu/g, 0.73 log10 cfu/g and 0.27 log10 most probable number/g in the populations of ECHC, SAFH and SE86, respectively. These microorganisms were also stored at −18C in 0.1% peptone water and presented significantly different reductions (P < 0.05) when compared with frozen hamburgers, suggesting that components of chicken hamburger may exert a cryoprotective effect on microbial cells.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSEven though Brazilian poultry meat industries present high levels of quality control, the presence of bacterial pathogens in hamburgers may occur. In Brazil, chicken hamburgers are frequently commercialized frozen, and it is well established that frozen temperatures are able to avoid microbial growth. However, frozen temperatures can also be able to inactivate part of the bacterial population, and the magnitude of its effect will vary according to the type of food and the process that it was submitted. This study evaluated the survival of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Enteritidis in frozen hamburgers, aiming to verify if this process could provide an additional margin of safety to this product.
EFFECT OF ANTEMORTEM JOURNEY AND LAIRAGE AT ABATTOIR ON RABBIT MEAT QUALITY
Authors: PETRACCI MASSIMILIANO , BIANCHI MAURIZIO , VENTURI LUCA , CREMONINI MAURO ANDREA , CAVANI CLAUDIO 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT A study was conducted to determine the effects of journey duration (1 versus 3 h) and lairage time at abattoir (0 versus 5 h) on rabbit meat quality traits. Rabbits transported for 3 h produced meat with significantly higher pH values (P < 0.01), darker (lower L*values, P < 0.01) and less yellow (P < 0.05) color, as well as lower losses during cooking (P < 0.01), than those transported for 1 h. Moreover, animals laired for 5 h yielded meat with more (P < 0.05) yellow color, cooking losses (P < 0.05) and higher shear values (P < 0.01) than rabbits not laired before slaughtering. The nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that these differences (P < 0.05) are mainly related to changes occurring in the distribution of myofibrillar (T21) and extra‐myofibrillar (T22) water. In conclusion, this study indicated that journey time and lairage at abattoir may play an important role in determining rabbit meat quality traits.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIn many previous studies that considered the effect of journey and lairage on rabbit meat quality, animals were stress‐induced by extreme conditions of journey and/or lairage that were unlikely to occur during commercial operations. The aim of this study is to establish whether meat quality characteristics are still influenced when journey and lairage times match current commercial production practices. Because processing‐plant efficiency depends on product uniformity, it will be interesting to test the potential variability effect of rabbit preslaughter practices on meat quality properties.
Patterns of precursor behaviors in the life span of a U.S. environmental terrorist group
Authors: Smith Brent L. , Damphousse Kelly R. 
Published: September 2009

Research Summary This article discusses the paucity of data available for assessing the “life span” of a terrorist group. It introduces a new methodology that allows researchers to examine when terrorist groups perform their preincident activities. The findings suggest that differences exist in the temporal patterns of terrorist groups: environmental terrorist groups engage in a relatively short planning cycle compared with right‐wing and international terrorists. The article concludes by examining a case study on “the Family,” which is a unique environmental terrorist group that conducted activities over a relatively long period of time. This group provides an interesting contrast to other environmental terrorists. Despite significant organizational differences, their patterns of preparatory conduct were highly similar. Policy Implications The findings suggest that (1) temporal and spatial data about preincident terrorist activity can be collected from unclassified and open sources and (2) law‐enforcement agencies that are investigating environmental groups have relatively little time to observe and infiltrate their individual cells (compared with right‐wing and international terrorists). Finally, the data suggest that environmental terrorists—at least so far—have engaged in attacks that are less deadly than the comparison groups.
Hope: a construct central to living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Milne Linda , Moyle Wendy , Cooke Marie 
Published: September 2009

Background.  Hope plays an integral role in health and illness and may assist individuals to cope in difficult and adverse circumstances, for instance when living with an illness such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can demand continuous adaptation.Aim.  This paper reports the meaning of hope in people living with COPD as described by seven participants involved in a home‐based pulmonary maintenance program.Methods.  Using an interpretive phenomenological approach a purposive sample of seven participants were interviewed to understand participants’ experiences of the phenomena of hope. An interpretative description is provided.Results.  Thematic analysis revealed a number of themes, including that hope persists despite chronic illness and the unpredictable dilemmas of living with COPD. Many benefits were found to be gained from involvement in a home‐based pulmonary maintenance program, including increasing exercise capacity, hope and wellbeing.Conclusion.  Despite the limitations imposed by living with COPD participants revealed a determination to live as normal a life as possible. The pulmonary maintenance program was pivotal in assisting participants to improve exercise capacity, hope and wellbeing. Nurses may have a role to play in helping people with COPD maintain or regain hope.
Psychometric validity of the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test
Authors: Hopkins C. , Gillett S. , Slack R. , Lund V.J. , Browne J.P. 
Published: September 2009

Objectives:  We set out to determine the psychometric validation of a disease‐specific health related quality of life instrument for use in chronic rhinosinusitis, the 22 item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), a modification of a pre‐existing instrument, the SNOT‐20.Design, setting and participants:  The National Comparative Audit of Surgery for Nasal Polyposis and Chronic Rhinosinusitis was a prospective cohort study collecting data on 3128 adult patients undergoing sinonasal surgery in 87 NHS hospitals in England and Wales. Data were collected preoperatively and at 3 months after surgery, and analysed to determine validity of the SNOT‐22. Test–retest reliability was assessed in a separate cohort of patients in a single centre.Main outcome measures:  The SNOT‐22, a derivative of the SNOT‐20 was the main outcome measure. Patients were also asked to report whether they felt better, the same or worse following surgery. To evaluate the SNOT‐22, the internal consistency, responsiveness, known group differences and validity were analysed.Results:  Preoperative SNOT‐22 scores were completed by 2803 patients. 3‐month postoperative SNOT‐22 scores were available for 2284 patients of all patients who completed a preoperative form (81.5% response rate). The Cronbach’s alpha scores for the SNOT‐22 were 0.91 indicating high internal consistency. The test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.93, indicating high reliability of repeated measures. The SNOT‐22 was able to discriminate between patients known to suffer with chronic rhinosinusitis and a group of healthy controls (P < 0.0001, t = 85.3). It was also able to identify statistically significant differences in sub‐groups of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. There was a statistically significant (P < 0.0001, t = 39.94) decrease in patient reported SNOT‐22 scores at 3 months. At 3 months the overall effect size in all patients was 0.81, which is considered large. We found the minimally important difference that is the smallest change in SNOT‐22 score that can be detected by a patient, to be 8.9 points.Conclusions:  We have found the SNOT‐22 to be valid and easy to use. It can be used to facilitate routine clinical practice to highlight the impact of chronic rhinosinusitis on the patient’s quality of life, and may also be used to measure the outcome of surgical intervention. The minimally important difference allows us to interpret scores in a clinical context, and may help to improve patient selection for surgery.
Is musical hallucination an otological phenomenon? a review of the literature
Authors: Cope T.E. , Baguley D.M. 
Published: September 2009

Background:  Musical hallucination is the subjective experience of hearing music, or aspects of music, when none is being played, and as such is a disorder of the processing of complex sounds.Objective of Review:  To determine the extent to which the otological system is responsible for musical hallucination, and to evaluate approaches to clinical management.Type of Review:  A review of all studies and literature reviews pertaining to musical hallucination, supplemented by inclusion of informative case reports.Search Strategy:  A systematic search of multiple databases carried out on 22nd March 2009 was complemented by referral to the reference lists of included manuscripts.Results:  Although not always troublesome in itself, musical hallucination can be a marker of underlying pathology in the ear or brain, or indicate obsessive‐compulsive traits or social isolation, and is likely to be clinically underreported. Associations have been reported with hearing loss, female gender, social isolation and being over 60 years of age, although it is rare even in this group, and these may well not be independent risk factors. Robust comparative analysis of these factors with controls has yet to be undertaken. Underlying causes include neurovascular pathology, psychiatric disorders and opioid medications, however these are absent in the majority of cases.Conclusions:  This review supports the proposal that the otological system plays a role in the pathogenesis of musical hallucination. Hearing impairment may act as an initiating factor, and the primary dysfunction is overactivity of auditory association cortex, although an impairment of higher‐level inhibition does also seem necessary. Once underlying sinister causes have been excluded, first line treatment should be explanation of the condition and optimisation of hearing. Medications have a role only in selected patient groups.
An evidence based approach to the management of salivary masses
Authors: Isa A.Y. , Hilmi O.J. 
Published: September 2009

Background:  Salivary lumps are common and constitute 13.8% of all lumps assessed at the North Glasgow neck lump clinic. We present our management plan for these conditions.Method:  Literature search using key words salivary lumps or glands or cancer or sialadenitis or sialalisthiasis in combination with diagnosis, management, investigation, treatment, intervention and surgery was performed in June 2009 using MEDLINE and Pubmed. Data from the North Glasgow neck lump clinic database are also presented.Results:  Published literature on management of salivary lumps is level 2/3 evidence.Conclusion:  The majority of salivary gland swellings can be adequately assessed with ultrasound and ultrasound guided FNA. The majority of patients with salivary gland tumours are likely to benefit from surgical excision. Due to the higher risk of malignancy in submandibular gland tumours surgical excision should be undertaken, unless there is significant co‐morbidity.