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Kinds of Ice Terms modified by Ice Selected AbstractsCytopathologist-performed ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of parathyroid lesions,DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2010David Lieu M.D., M.B.A. Abstract The gold standard to determine the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is bilateral neck exploration. As most cases are caused by parathyroid adenoma, there is a movement toward preoperative localization of the abnormal gland by ultrasound and/or Tc99 -sestamibi scan and minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Nonpalpable thyroid nodules are common and cannot be differentiated from parathyroid lesions by imaging alone. This study examines cytopathologist-performed ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (UG-FNA) in diagnosis of parathyroid lesions. Between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008, seven patients with PHPT or other parathyroid lesions with one or more sonographically-visible thyroid masses underwent cytopathologist-performed UG-FNA with immediate cytological evaluation (ICE). One mass was palpable and nine were nonpalpable. Three parathyroid adenomas, two benign colloid nodules, one papillary carcinoma, three parathyroid cysts, and one thyroid cyst were diagnosed. The nodules in three patients with parathyroid adenomas were identified as follicular lesion/neoplasm on ICE. Additional UG-FNA passes were made to obtain tissue for immunohistochemistry stains, which confirmed parathyroid origin. Two of these patients had a separate benign colloid nodule and one had a thyroid cyst diagnosed by UG-FNA. The PHPT patient with papillary carcinoma on UG-FNA had the malignancy confirmed at surgery and a sonographically occult parathyroid adenoma. The three patients with thyroid cysts identified by radiology were suspected of being parathyroid cysts on the basis of real-time sonographic features at the biopsy table. The clear cyst fluid obtained by UG-FNA had markedly elevated PTH. Cytopathologist-performed UG-FNA can distinguish between parathyroid and thyroid nodules in patients with suspected parathyroid lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Fine-needle aspiration cytology in the follow-up of Hodgkin lymphomaDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2008Pio Zeppa M.D. Abstract Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by long survival and risk of relapse and second neoplasm. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possibility of improving the accuracy of fine-needle cytology (FNC) in HL follow-up using Power Doppler ultrasound (US) assistance and immediate microscopic evaluation (ICE). The study was performed in two consecutive groups of 200 FNC in HL patients. In the first group FNC of palpable lymph-nodes or extra lymph-nodal masses were performed without US assistance except for impalpable and/or deep located masses (nonassisted group); In the second group, all the FNC were performed under Power Doppler US assistance with ICE and immediately repeated in inadequate cases (assisted group). Cytological diagnoses were controlled by histology (61) or clinical follow-up (69); sensitivity and specificity were calculated in the two groups and to evaluate the effect of Power Doppler alone, adequate cases were compared with the total number of FNC in each of the two groups. FNC identified 90 negative cases, 3 false negatives, 70 HL relapse, 16 inadequate and 14 suspicious; second neoplasia were diagnosed in 12 cases and all histologically confirmed. Sensitivity and specificity were 64 and 84% in the nonassisted group and 86 and 94% in the assisted group and there were significant differences between the number of adequate cases v.s. the total number of FNC in each of the two groups. Sensitivity and specificity in assisted FNC are higher than in nonassisted ones. The main advantage of assisted FNC in the follow-up of HL is to produce accurate diagnoses avoiding invasive biopsies. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:467,472. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Transcatheter Intracardiac Echocardiography-Assisted Closure of Interatrial Shunts: Complications and Midterm Follow-UpECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2009Gianluca Rigatelli M.D. Objective: It has been suggested that intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) improves the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter device-based closure of interatrial shunts, but the impact of this technique on midterm follow-up is unknown. We sought to prospectively evaluate midterm follow-up results of ICE-aided transcatheter closure of interatrial shunts in adults. Methods: Over a 48-month period, we prospectively enrolled 140 consecutive patients (mean age 43 ± 15. 5 years, 98 females) who had been referred to our center for catheter-based closure of interatrial shunts. All patients were screened with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before the operation. Patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent ICE study and attempted closure. Immediate success rates, predischarge occlusion rates, complication rates, as well as fluoroscopy and procedural times, patients' radiological exposure, midterm complication rates, and midterm occlusion rates were evaluated. Results: One hundred patients out of 140 (71.4%) underwent an attempt at transcatheter closure. After ICE study and measurements, the TEE-planned device type and size was changed in 31 patients with patent foramen ovale whereas the TEE-planned device size was changed in 41 patients with atrial septal defect (globally 72%). Procedural success rate, predischarge occlusion rate, and complication rate were 99, 90.7, and 12%, respectively. On mean follow-up of 36.6 ± 14.8 months the follow-up occlusion rate was 96.5%. No aortic erosion or device thrombosis was observed. Conclusions: ICE-guided interatrial shunt transcatheter closure is safe and effective and appears to have excellent midterm results thus avoiding the complications caused by device oversizing, such as aortic erosion and device thrombosis. [source] Intracardiac Echocardiography in Patients with Pacing and Defibrillating Leads: A Feasibility StudyECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2008Maria Grazia Bongiorni M.D. Background: Lead extraction, an important and necessary component of treatment for many common device and lead-related complications, is a procedure that can provoke much anxiety in even the most experienced operators given the potentially serious complications. The principal impediment to lead extraction is the body's response to an intravascular foreign body with matrix intravascular neoformation, which causes the lead to adhere to the endocardium or vascular structure, increasing the risk of vascular or myocardial damage with lead removal. Fluoroscopic visualization, the commonly visualization used tool, has several limits in terms of anatomical structures visualization. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in patients undergoing pacing and defibrillating leads before and during a transvenous device removal, and its potential role in detecting intracardiac leads and areas of fibrous adherence. Methods: ICE interrogation was performed in 25 consecutive patients with pacing and defibrillating implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) leads before and during device removal. Results: A programmed ICE analysis was completed in 23 out of 25 patients with excellent resolution, providing a "qualitative-quantitative" information on anatomical structures, cardiac leads, and related areas of fibrous adherence. No ICE-related complications occurred. Conclusions: ICE evaluation is safe and feasible in patients with pacing and defibrillating leads before and during transvenous lead removal, offering an excellent visualization of cardiac leads and related areas of adherence. ICE can assist pacing and ICD lead removal and could improve procedure efficacy and safety. [source] Proximal Coronary Hemodynamic Changes Evaluated by Intracardiac Echocardiography during Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion in a Canine ModelECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2008Beibei Han M.D. Background: The purpose of this study was to assess whether the dynamic changes in coronary flow velocity and coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) within proximal coronary arteries are related to myocardial perfusion status and infarct size in a myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury model. Methods: In 14 dogs, left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was ligated for 2 hours followed by 2 hours reperfusion. Coronary flow velocity was obtained by ICE within coronary arteries at baseline, and at the end of both occlusion and reperfusion period. The CFVR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic to resting peak diastolic velocity (PDV). Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by real time myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE). The infarct area was detected by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and expressed as the percentage of the whole left ventricular (LV) area. Results: CFVR significantly decreased both in proximal LAD and left circumflex (LCx) artery at the end of occlusion, and did not recover at the end of reperfusion. However, no significant difference in flow parameters was observed between dogs with myocardial perfusion defect and those without. CFVR in LAD at the end of reperfusion did not correlate with the infarct size (r =,0.182, P = NS) either. Conclusions: Decreased CFVR detected by ICE occurs both in ischemic and in nonischemic proximal arteries during myocardial ischemia and early stage of reperfusion. This change in CFVR has poor correlation with the extent of microvascular impairment and cannot be used to predict infarct size. [source] Role of Echocardiography in Percutaneous Occlusion of the Left Atrial AppendageECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2007Mráz M.D. Percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a modern alternative for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and with a high risk of stroke who are not eligible for long-term anticoagulation therapy. Echocardiography plays a significant role in selecting patients, guiding the procedure, and in the postprocedural follow-up. Objectives and methods: To test the role of transesophagoeal echocardiography (TEE) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in facilitating and shortening the procedure. Results: ICE represents a more convenient approach in patients who are not under generally anesthesia and helps to facilitate transseptal puncture. On the other hand, TEE, having the ability to rotate the image plane, helps to better determine the position of the occluder. Conclusions: Echocardiographic guidance of this procedure is essential. Which approach will be preferred will depend on the development of these two methods. [source] The concept of the gas turbine-based hybrid vehicle: system, design and configuration issuesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 9 2006Roberto Capata Abstract The object of this study is a theoretical and experimental analysis of a new hybrid propulsion system for a passenger sedan in which the thermal engine is a small gas turbine set. Some preliminary results on the possibility of replacing the conventional ICE of a hybrid ,series' configuration by a turbogas were presented and discussed in previous papers by the same authors: several possible designs were examined under both a thermodynamic and an operative point of view. This paper presents a summary of the project and constitutes an attempt to put things in a proper engineering perspective: the technical feasibility of the project is assessed via a calculation of the required mission loads, a preliminary design of the most important elements of the propulsive system, the choice of the mission control strategy and the implementation of a numerical system simulator. The experiments that provided a verification for the assumed component efficiencies were carried out, in cooperation with the Research Centre of ENEA-Casaccia, on an ELLIOTT TA-45 group. Our results, though only preliminary, allow for a direct comparison between a GT-hybrid vehicle and a modern diesel car, and indicate that the GT-hybrid may be actually a competitor for the FC-powered vehicle concept. Our ,optimal' configuration is a combination of a 100 kg battery pack and two turbogas set of 5 and 16 kW, respectively. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Randomized Comparison Between Open Irrigation Technology and Intracardiac-Echo-Guided Energy Delivery for Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation: Procedural Parameters, Outcomes, and the Effect on Esophageal InjuryJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007NASSIR F. MARROUCHE M.D. Introduction: We performed a prospective study to compare efficacy and safety of both open irrigation tip (OIT) technology with intracardiac echo (ICE)-guided energy delivery in patients presenting for PVAI. Methods and Results: Fifty-three patients presenting for PVAI were randomized to ablation using an OIT catheter (Group 1, 26 patients; temperature and power were set at 50° and 50 W, respectively, with a saline pump flow rate of 30 mL/min) or radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery under ICE guidance (Group 2, 27 patients; energy was titrated based on microbubbles formation). The mean procedure time and fluoroscopy exposure were lower in Group 1 (164 ± 42 min and 7,560 ± 2,298 ,Graym2 vs 204 ± 47 min and 12,240 ± 4,356 ,Graym2; P = 0.005 and 0.008, respectively). Moreover, the durations of RF lesions applied per PV antrum was lower in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (5.1 ± 2.2 min vs 9.2 ± 3.2 min, P = 0.03, respectively). Within 24 hours after PVAI in 35.7% (all erythema) of Group 1 and 57.1% (21.4% erythema and 35.7% necrosis) of Group 2, patients' esophageal wall changes were documented. After 14 ± 2 months of follow up, recurrences were documented in 19.2% of Group 1 and 22.2% of Group 2 patients. Conclusion: Although both OIT and ICE-guided energy delivery possess a similar effect in treating AF, OIT seems to be superior in terms of achieving isolation and shortening fluoroscopy exposure. Moreover, a lower incidence of esophageal wall injury was observed utilizing OIT for PVAI. [source] Use of ICE for RF Ablation of AFJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Cynthia M. Tracy M.D. No abstract is available for this article. [source] Effect of all-trans retinoic acid on apoptosis and expression of regulatory genes (Bcl-2, Fas, ICE) in experimentally induced gastric epithelial cell dysplasia in ratsJOURNAL OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES, Issue 1 2001Cui Rutao OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism and effect of all-trans retinoic acid on apoptosis and the expression of Bcl-2, Fas and ICE in experimentally induced dysplastic gastric epithelial cells. METHODS: Apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2, Fas and ICE in gastric epithelial cells was studied using the terminal dUTP nucleotide end-labeling (TUNEL) technique. The immunohistochemistry of Wistar rats enrolled in three groups was studied: group 1, blank controls; group 2, dysplasia induced by N -methyl- N -nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and then treated with all-trans retinoic acid; and group 3, dysplasia induced by MNNG and treated with a placebo. RESULTS: In the three groups, the rates of dysplasia were 0, 26.7 and 73.3%; the apoptosis indices were 8.3 ± 3.1, 7.8 ± 2.6 and 2.2 ± 0.4; the expression of Bcl-2 was 13.3, 33.3 and 66.7%; and overexpression of Bcl-2 was 6.7, 6.7 and 33.3%, respectively. There were significant differences between group 2 and group 3 (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were found between group 2 and group 1 (P > 0.05). The expression rates of Fas were 46.7, 40 and 6.7%; the overexpression rates were 13.3, 26.7 and 13.3%, respectively; the expression rates of ICE were 20, 60 and 13.3%; the overexpression rates were 0, 13.3 and 6.7% in the three groups, respectively. The expression rates of Fas and ICE in group 2 were significantly different from that of group 3 (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in overexpression rates between group 2 and group 3. No significant differences were found either in expression or overexpression of Fas and ICE between group 2 and group 1. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that all-trans retinoic acid inhibits Bcl-2 expression, promotes Fas expression, enhances ICE expression and gastric mucosal epithelial cell apoptosis, and thus may reverse or inhibit the progression to cancer. [source] EFFECT OF INSOLUBLE PARTICLES UPON SOLID INCLUSION LEVELS IN ICE FORMED ON A SUBCOOLED STAINLESS STEEL SURFACEJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2000PING CHEN ABSTRACT This study employed an insoluble solid particle, i.e. a potato starch used as an example, to investigate the impact of the concentration of such particles suspended in water (with solid loading of 5, 10, 20 and 30 wt%) upon the solid inclusion levels in ice layers formed on a sub-cooled smooth stainless steel plate surface. The effects of ice growth rate, bulk concentration and suspension velocity on insoluble solid inclusion, i.e. potato starch mass fraction, in ice layer were studied. The experiments, where potato starch is added into aqueous sucrose solutions or the reverse where sucrose is added into starch suspension, were also carried out to investigated effect of the starch particles on sucrose inclusion in ice and effect of solute (sucrose) on starch particle inclusion in ice. It has been found that solid inclusion in ice increases with increasing bulk concentration and average ice growth rate, at constant solution and coolant velocities, and increasing suspension velocity can help pure ice formation. The average distribution coefficient of sucrose in ice layer formed from sucrose solution does not appear to be affected by the addition of potato starch. However, the average distribution coefficient of potato starch in ice layer formed from suspension is influenced by sucrose concentration quite significantly. [source] Percutaneous Treatment for Mitral Regurgitation: The QuantumCor SystemJOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008RICHARD R. HEUSER M.D. Aims:Percutaneous edge-to-edge techniques and annuloplasty have been used to treat mitral regurgitation (MR). However, neither intervention can be performed reliably a second time and, with annuloplasty, a foreign body is left behind. The mitral and tricuspid annuli are areas of dense collagen (Fig. 1); treatment with radiofrequency (RF) energy in sheep reduces their size, and can be repeated without affecting the coronary sinus. RF energy may also be used in leaflet procedures. Our aim was to improve mitral valve competence using techniques that can be incorporated into a minimally invasive approach. Figure 1. This trichrome stain slide shows the amount of collagen present in the mitral annulus (in green). Methods:In open-heart procedures in 16 healthy sheep (6 with naturally occurring MR), we used a malleable probe (QuantumCor, Inc., Lake Forest, CA) that conforms to the annular shape to deliver RF energy via a standard generator to replicate a surgical mitral annular ring. Four segments of the posterior mitral valve annulus were treated while on cardiopulmonary support via a left thoracotomy with access via the atrial appendage. Seven sheep were followed chronically. Results:All sheep underwent intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) or direct circumferential measurement of the mitral annulus before and after RF therapy. RF therapy was administered in less than 4 minutes in each case, and the mean anteroposterior (AP) annular distance was reduced by a mean of 5.75 ± 0.86 mm (23.8% reduction, P< 0.001). In the 6 sheep with nonischemic MR, regurgitation was eliminated. Acute histopathology (HP) demonstrated no damage to the leaflets, coronary sinuses, or coronary arteries. At 30 days, the AP distance continued to be reduced in the 7 surviving sheep (mean 5.0 ± .6 mm, 21.4% reduction, P< 0.001). Conclusions:In a sheep model, RF energy applied for less than 4 minutes per case at subablative temperatures in four quadrants of the posterior mitral valve annulus reduced the AP and circumferential annular distances significantly, and eliminated nonischemic MR. Results will need to be confirmed in follow-up studies to determine safety and efficacy. RF energy administered as a novel, percutaneous method of mitral valve annuloplasty may have the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with current surgical techniques. [source] Transesophageal Echocardiography and Intracardiac Echocardiography Differently Predict Potential Technical Challenges or Failures of Interatrial Shunts Catheter-Based ClosureJOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007GIANLUCA RIGATELI M.D. We sought to prospectively assess the role of transesophageal (TEE) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in detecting potential technical difficulties or failures in patients submitted to interatrial shunts percutaneous closure. We prospectively enrolled 46 consecutive patients (mean age 35±28, 8 years, 30 female) referred to our center for catheter-based closure of interatrial shunts. All patients were screened with TEE before the intervention. Patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent ICE study before the closure attempt (40 patients). TEE detected potential technical difficulties in 22.5% (9/40) patients, whereas ICE detected technical difficulties in 32.5% (13/40 patients). In patients with positive TEE/ICE the procedural success (92.4% versus 100% and, P = ns) and follow-up failure rate (7.7% versus 0%, P = ns) were similar to patients with negative TEE/ICE, whereas the fluoroscopy time (7 ± 1.2 versus 5 ± 0.7 minutes, P < 0.03), the procedural time (41 ± 4.1 versus 30 ± 8.2 minutes, P ± 0.03), and technical difficulties rate (23.1% versus 0%, P = 0.013) were higher. Differences between ICE and TEE in the evaluation of rims, measurement of ASD or fossa ovalis, and detection of venous valve and embryonic septal membrane remnants impacted on technical challenges and on procedural and flouroscopy times but did not influence the success rate and follow-up failure rate. [source] WINTER PHYTOPLANKTON BLOOMS UNDER ICE ASSOCIATED WITH ELEVATED OXYGEN LEVELS,JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 6 2002Karen A. Phillips Many shallow lakes in north temperate zones experience reduced dissolved oxygen concentration under ice. However, some shallow lakes display supersaturated dissolved oxygen concentrations (>20 mg·L,1) in late winter under conditions of maximum ice thickness. During the winters of 1996, 1997, and 1999, we collected phytoplankton samples from Arrowwood Lake near Pingree, North Dakota to determine whether a specific alga was involved in dissolved oxygen supersaturation in this lake. Although dissolved oxygen supersaturation was not observed during this period, we did observe an increase in dissolved oxygen concentration that was associated with a phytoplankton bloom during late February and early March in both 1996 and 1997. In 1996, the bloom was composed of the dinoflagellate, Peridinium aciculiferum (Lemm.) Lemm. and several species of cryptomonads. A similar bloom of P. aciculiferum was followed by a bloom of several species of euglenoids in 1997. In contrast, P. aciculiferum was only a minor component of the winter phytoplankton, dissolved oxygen concentrations remained low, and no bloom event was observed in 1999. Statistical analyses indicated a significant relationship (rs = 0.57, P = 0.019) between dissolved oxygen levels and the density of the dinoflagellate, P. aciculiferum, but no significant relationship between dissolved oxygen levels and densities of other phytoplankton. These results suggest that the elevated levels of dissolved oxygen are associated with the dinoflagellate, P. aciculiferum. This bloom was most likely the result of an excystment event rather than a general growth response. [source] Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in industrial minced beefLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2002C. Vernozy-Rozand Aims: ,The lack of baseline data on the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in retail minced beef in France prompted this survey of industrial minced beef production. Methods and Results: ,An automated enzyme-linked fluorescence immunoassay (ELFA), the VIDAS E. coli O157 method, was used to detect E. coli O157 in industrial minced beef samples. Confirmation of samples positive according to the ELFA was performed using an automated immunoconcentration (ICE) system, VIDAS ICE, which allows the selective capture and release of target organisms. The ICE was followed by culture on cefixime tellurite sorbitol MacConkey agar and a chromogenic medium, O157:H7 ID. Of the 3450 minced beef samples tested, 175 samples were positive with the ELFA method and, of these, four were confirmed by the ICE method. They were identified as sorbitol-negative, O157-positive, H7-positive, mobile, verotoxin-producing E. coli . Conclusions: ,The prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in industrial French minced beef was 0·12%, consistent with many other reports. Significance and Impact of the Study: ,The low infective dose of E. coli O157:H7 presents a major threat. The main means of combating this organism are thermal destruction and good food hygiene covering activities on-farm, in the abattoir and in minced beef industries. [source] Cerebral oedema in minimal hepatic encephalopathy due to extrahepatic portal venous obstructionLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 8 2010Amit Goel Abstract Background: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) has recently been reported in patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO). Aims: To evaluate brain changes by magnetic resonance studies in EHPVO patients. Methods: Blood ammonia level, critical flicker frequency (CFF), brain metabolites on 1H-magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and brain water content on diffusion tensor imaging and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) were studied in 31 EHPVO patients with and without MHE, as determined by neuropsychological tests. CFF and magnetic resonance imaging studies were also performed in 23 controls. Results: Fourteen patients (14/31, 45%) had MHE. Blood ammonia level was elevated in all, being significantly higher in the MHE than no MHE group. CFF was abnormal in 13% (4/31) with EHPVO and in 21% (3/14) with MHE. On 1H-MR spectroscopy, increased Glx/Cr, decreased mIns/Cr, and no change in Cho/Cr were noted in patients with MHE compared with controls. Significantly increased mean diffusivity (MD) and decreased (MTR) were observed in the MHE group, suggesting presence of interstitial cerebral oedema (ICE). MD correlated positively with blood ammonia level (r=0.65, P=0.003) and Glx (r=0.60, P=0.003). Discussion: MHE was detected in 45% of patients with EHPVO while CFF was abnormal in only 13%. ICE was present in 7/10 brain regions examined, particularly in those with MHE. Hyperammonaemia elevated cerebral Glx levels correlated well with ICE. Conclusions: MHE was common in EHPVO; CFF could identify it only in a minority. ICE was present in EHPVO, particularly in those with MHE. It correlated with blood ammonia and Glx/Cr levels. Hyperammonaemia seems to contribute to ICE in EHPVO. [source] A novel streptococcal integrative conjugative element involved in iron acquisitionMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Zoe Heather Summary In this study, we determined the function of a novel non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) system carried by a streptococcal integrative conjugative element (ICE), ICESe2. The NRPS shares similarity with the yersiniabactin system found in the high-pathogenicity island of Yersinia sp. and is the first of its kind to be identified in streptococci. We named the NRPS product ,equibactin' and genes of this locus eqbA,N. ICESe2, although absolutely conserved in Streptococcus equi, the causative agent of equine strangles, was absent from all strains of the closely related opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus zooepidemicus. Binding of EqbA, a DtxR-like regulator, to the eqbB promoter was increased in the presence of cations. Deletion of eqbA resulted in a small-colony phenotype. Further deletion of the irp2 homologue eqbE, or the genes eqbH, eqbI and eqbJ encoding a putative ABC transporter, or addition of the iron chelator nitrilotriacetate, reversed this phenotype, implicating iron toxicity. Quantification of 55Fe accumulation and sensitivity to streptonigrin suggested that equibactin is secreted by S. equi and that the eqbH, eqbI and eqbJ genes are required for its associated iron import. In agreement with a structure-based model of equibactin synthesis, supplementation of chemically defined media with salicylate was required for equibactin production. [source] Back to the future: the new ICE ageMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Gordon Churchward Summary The analysis of bacterial genomes has revealed an extraordinary array of conjugal elements (integrative and conjugative element or ICE) that reside in bacterial chromosomes. These elements contribute to the pan-genomes of individual species and confer a wide variety of properties on their bacterial hosts. ICEBs1 is a conjugal element found in Bacillus subtilis that has a remarkable regulatory mechanism that apparently favours conjugation when there are suitable recipient bacteria at high density or when the bacterial host is facing DNA-damaging stresses. In the current issue, Bose et al. dissect the mechanism of induction of transfer of this element, and reveal a new, apparently widespread repressor anti-repressor system and a new mechanism of repressor destruction by proteolysis. [source] Linear Radiofrequency Microcatheter Ablation Guided by Phased Array Intracardiac Echocardiography Combined with Temperature DecayPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 12 2009DAVID KEANE M.D., Ph.D. Background:Fluoroscopy-guided catheter placement is limited in its ability to determine electrode-endocardial contact and involves radiation exposure. We hypothesized that (1) intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) would provide superior assessment of linear electrode contact compared to fluoroscopy and (2) slow temperature decay upon discontinuation of the radiofrequency current (time for temperature to fall 90% after a 10-second test application of the radiofrequency current T90) would indicate optimal electrode-myocardial contact. Methods:Sixty endocardial lesions were created in the atria and ventricles of six goats by simultaneous delivery of the radiofrequency current through two linear electrodes of a microcatheter with a central interelectrode thermocouple. Catheter placement was guided by fluoroscopy. A 7.5-MHz ICE transducer in the right atrium or ventricle assessed electrode contact. T90 and previously reported parameters of electrode contact and lesion formation were recorded. Histomorphometry was performed on the lesions. Results:T90 was 4.27 ± 4.98 seconds. Lesion depth significantly correlated with ICE assessment of electrode contact (r = 0.56, P = 0.001); T90 upon radiofrequency current offset (r = 0.48, P = 0.008), impedance fall upon radiofrequency current onset (r = 0.37, P = 0.008), bipolar pacing threshold preablation (r =,0.56, P = 0.001), bipolar electrogram amplitude preablation (r = 0.43, P = 0.02), but not with fluoroscopic assessment of the electrode contact (r = 0.18, n.s.). For the prediction of achieving a lesion depth of >2 mm, a T90 of >4.0 seconds yielded a specificity of 86% and a sensitivity of 52%, ICE yielded a specificity and sensitivity of 58% and 68%, respectively, while the specificity and sensitivity of fluoroscopy were 26% and 68%, respectively. Both ICE and T90 provide additional clinical relevance during guidance of cardiac microcatheter ablation. [source] Cycloheximide induces apoptosis of astrocytesPATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2002Takahiro Tsuchida Cultured rat astrocytes were incubated in the presence of cycloheximide (CHX; 20 µg/mL), a potent neuroprotective agent. Then cells were subjected to DNA gel electrophoresis. Electrophoresis showed DNA ladder formation, which is characteristic of apoptosis. Inhibitors of interleukin-1,-converting enzyme (ICE) and caspase 32(CPP32), which play critical roles in certain apoptotic pathways, did not block the cycloheximide-induced apoptosis of cultured astrocytes. This observation indicates that the role of ICE and CPP32 is not significant in the CHX-induced astrocyte apoptosis process. When the blood,brain barrier was disrupted in the rat, the number of brain cells undergoing apoptosis was significantly higher after cycloheximide administration, in contrast to controls. Of the cells that produced glial fibrillary acidic protein, some were observed to undergo apoptosis. Although CHX has been shown to be useful as a neuroprotective agent against ischemic neuronal death, astroglial toxicity may be problematic, depending on CHX concentration. Therefore, a prudent use of this compound is recommended. [source] Long-term survival after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in two patients with malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidneyPEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER, Issue 7 2009Yuhki Koga MD Abstract A 5-month-old male with stage II malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK) and a 24-month-old male with stage III MRTK were treated with surgical resection of tumors and chemotherapy of alternating ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide) and VDC (vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide), followed by high-dose chemotherapy using etoposide, carboplatin, and melphalan with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Two patients have been alive without any evidence of disease for 30 and 37 months after diagnosis, respectively, and require no medication. Consolidation with SCT should be further studies for selected patients with high-risk MRTK. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:888,890. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] How Do Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Practices Affect the Mental Health of Children?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 1 2010Jill D. McLeigh First page of article [source] Measuring Community Coalition Effectiveness Using the ICE© InstrumentPUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 1 2006Mary E. Cramer ABSTRACT This article presents the development and psychometric testing of the Internal Coalition Effectiveness (ICE) instrument, which was based on the conceptual model Internal Coalition Outcome Hierarchy. Sixty-one items were derived from literature about successful coalitions, and the ICE instrument was tested for reliability and validity. A national panel of eight experts conducted content validity. Remaining tests involved a sample of 61 members and leaders of a large midwestern coalition (77% response rate, n = 47). Content validity involved a two-stage process for rigorous item development and quantification (0.88, p < 0.05). Internal consistency was based on bivariate Pearson's correlation of 0.30,0.70 for two-item scales and Cronbach's ,(, = 0.70). Construct validity was assessed by correlation analysis, independent Student's t tests, and informal coalition feedback. The final 30-item version of ICE is psychometrically sound. Findings were shared with the local coalition, and, in support of the instrument's validity, members and leaders found this information useful for promoting coalition sustainability by identifying internal strengths and areas for improvement. The ICE instrument adds to the body of literature by measuring critical constructs of coalition effectiveness and has significant application for public health nurses working as evaluators for coalitions engaged in community health programing. [source] Expression of Apoptosis-related Genes in Chronic Cyclosporine Nephrotoxicity in MiceAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2002Chul Woo Yang To define the mechanism of cyclosporine (CsA)-induced apoptosis, we investigated the expression of apoptosis-related genes in experimental chronic CsA nephrotoxicity. Mice on a low-salt (0.01%) diet were given vehicle (VH, olive oil, 1 mg/kg/day), or CsA (30 mg/kg/day), and sacrificed at 1 and 4 weeks. Apoptosis was detected with deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) stain, and the expressions of apoptosis-related genes were evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblot or immunohistochemistry. The activity of caspase 1 and 3 was also evaluated. The CsA group showed increases in apoptotic cells compared with the VH group (54 ± 41 vs. 3 ± 3, p <,0.05), and the number of apoptotic cells correlated well with interstitial fibrosis scores (r =,0.83, p <,0.01). The CsA group showed a significant increase in Fas-ligand mRNA (0.20 vs. 0.02 amol/,g total RNA, p <,0.05) and Fas protein expression (146% vs. 95%, p <,0.05), compared with the VH group. The CsA group showed significant increases in ICE mRNA (0.21 vs. 0.03 amol/,g total RNA at 4 weeks, p <,0.05) and CPP32 mRNA (0.18 vs. 0.03 amol/,g total RNA at 4 weeks, p <,0.05), compared with the VH group. The enzymatic activity of ICE (16.6 vs. 7.9 ,mol/,g/ h, p <,0.05) and CPP32 protease (15.6 vs. 2.7 ,mol/,g/ h, p <,0.05) proteases were increased in the CsA group, compared with the VH group. The ratio between bax and bcl-2 protein increased significantly in the CsA group (5.3-fold), compared with the VH group. Levels of p53 protein also increased in the CsA group. Immunohistochemical detection of Fas, Fas-ligand, ICE and CPP32 revealed strong immunoreactivity in renal tubular cells in areas of structural injury. These findings suggest that local activation of the apoptosis-related genes is associated with CsA-induced apoptotic cell death. [source] Intracortical electroencephalography in acute brain injury,ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2009Allen Waziri MD Objective Continuous electroencephalography (EEG) is used in patients with neurological injury to detect electrographic seizures and clinically important changes in brain function. Scalp EEG has poor spatial resolution, is often contaminated by artifact, and frequently demonstrates activity that is suspicious for but not diagnostic of ictal activity. We hypothesized that bedside placement of an intracortical multicontact electrode would allow for improved monitoring of cortical potentials in critically ill neurological patients. Methods Sixteen individuals with brain injury, requiring invasive neuromonitoring, underwent implantation of an eight-contact minidepth electrode. Results Intracortical EEG (ICE) was successfully performed and compared with scalp EEG in 14 of these 16 individuals. ICE provided considerable improvement in signal-to-noise ratio compared with surface EEG, demonstrating clinically important findings in 12 of 14 patients (86%) including electrographic seizures (n = 10) and acute changes related to secondary neurological injury (n = 2, 1 ischemia, 1 hemorrhage). In patients with electrographic seizures detected by ICE, scalp EEG demonstrated no concurrent ictal activity in six, nonictal-appearing rhythmic delta in two, and intermittently correlated ictal activity in two. In two patients with secondary neurological complications, ICE demonstrated prominent attenuation 2 to 6 hours before changes in other neuromonitoring modalities and more than 8 hours before the onset of clinical deterioration. Interpretation ICE can provide high-fidelity intracranial EEG in an intensive care unit setting, can detect ictal discharges not readily apparent on scalp EEG, and can identify early changes in brain activity caused by secondary neurological complications. We predict that ICE will facilitate the development of EEG-based alarm systems and lead to prevention of secondary neuronal injury. Ann Neurol 2009;66:366,377 [source] Gene deletion of either interleukin-1,, interleukin-1,,converting enzyme, inducible nitric oxide synthase, or stromelysin 1 accelerates the development of knee osteoarthritis in mice after surgical transection of the medial collateral ligament and partial medial meniscectomyARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 12 2003Kristen M. Clements Objective To investigate the development of osteoarthritis (OA) after transection of the medial collateral ligament and partial medial meniscectomy in mice in which genes encoding either interleukin-1, (IL-1,), IL-1,,converting enzyme (ICE), stromelysin 1, or inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were deleted. Methods Sectioning of the medial collateral ligament and partial medial meniscectomy were performed on right knee joints of wild-type and knockout mice. Left joints served as unoperated controls. Serial histologic sections were obtained from throughout the whole joint of both knees 4 days or 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks after surgery. Sections were graded for OA lesions on a scale of 0,6 and were assessed for breakdown of tibial cartilage matrix proteoglycan (aggrecan) and type II collagen by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanases with immunohistochemistry studies using anti-VDIPEN, anti-NITEGE, and Col2-3/4Cshort neoepitope antibodies. Proteoglycan depletion was assessed by Alcian blue staining and chondrocyte cell death, with the TUNEL technique. Results All knockout mice showed accelerated development of OA lesions in the medial tibial cartilage after surgery, compared with wild-type mice. ICE-, iNOS-, and particularly IL-1,,knockout mice developed OA lesions in the lateral cartilage of unoperated limbs. Development of focal histopathologic lesions was accompanied by increased levels of MMP-, aggrecanase-, and collagenase-generated cleavage neoepitopes in areas around lesions, while nonlesional areas showed no change in immunostaining. Extensive cell death was also detected by TUNEL staining in focal areas around lesions. Conclusion We postulate that deletion of each of these genes, which encode molecules capable of producing degenerative changes in cartilage, leads to changes in the homeostatic controls regulating the balance between anabolism and catabolism, favoring accelerated cartilage degeneration. These observations suggest that these genes may play important regulatory roles in maintaining normal homeostasis in articular cartilage matrix turnover. [source] Catheter-based intracardiac echocardiography in the interventional cardiac laboratoryCATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 1 2004Zheng Liu MD Abstract Recent advances in technology have engendered a renewed enthusiasm in the use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) to guide and assess cardiac interventions. AcuNav is a phased-array sector imaging probe equipped with color and spectral Doppler capabilities. Previous-generation imaging catheters yielded unfamiliar limited-depth radial images with no flow information. Current imaging technology such as the AcuNav has not only consolidated the role of ICE but opened newer applications in the interventional laboratory. ICE has clear advantages over transesophageal echocardiography as the imaging modality of choice in the cardiac catheterization and electrophysiological laboratories. We review the technical evolution of ICE and describe the expanded utility of the AcuNav imaging catheter during cardiac interventions. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:63,71. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ifosfamide/carboplatin/etoposide (ICE) as front-line, topotecan/ cyclophosphamide as second-line and oral temozolomide as third-line treatment for advanced neuroblastoma over one year of ageACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2004A Donfrancesco Children affected by advanced neuroblastoma have a discouraging prognosis, but intensive induction chemotherapy may increase the complete response rate. The combination of ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (ICE) was used for the first time as front-line regimen in patients with stage 4 neuroblastoma over the age of 1 y. Similarly, second-line treatment for children with relapsed neuroblastoma, particularly after high-dose chemotherapy, has been unsatisfactory. The combination of topotecan and cyclophosphamide was studied in resistant or relapsed solid tumors. Furthermore, there is a need for effective palliative treatment in patients failing therapy. Temozolomide, a new dacarbazine analog with optimal oral bioavailability, is being used in an ongoing phase II study as an alternative to oral etoposide. Seventeen patients with stage 4 neuroblastoma have entered the ICE study; 15/16 (94%) major responses after induction were observed and 6/16 (37%) evaluable patients are disease free after a median of 51 mo. Twenty-one patients with relapsed/refractory disease (of whom 13 neuroblastomas) entered the topotecan/cyclophosphamide study: 7/21 (33%) patients responded. Forty-one patients entered the temozolomide study (of whom 16 had neuroblastomas): stable disease and symptom relief were obtained in 15/30 (50%) evaluable patients. Intensive induction with ICE resulted in a faster response with high response rate; a larger study with longer follow-up is needed to confirm a survival advantage. Second-line treatment was effective in obtaining remissions, some of them long lasting. Third-line treatment did not elicit measurable responses in neuroblastoma, but achieved prolonged freedom from disease progression and excellent palliation in several patients. [source] Population biology of the red gurnard (Aspitrigla cuculus L.; Triglidae) in the inshore waters of Eastern Anglesey and Northwest WalesJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 4 2010A. L. Marriott Summary ICES has identified red gurnard Aspitrigla cuculus (L.) as a potential commercial species and recommended that monitoring programmes should be conducted to derive information on biological parameters for stock assessment purposes. In this paper, data on the population biology of red gurnard in the coastal waters of Northwest Wales and Eastern Anglesey are presented. Total length (TL) of fish sampled ranged from 15.4 to 35.0 cm (males) and 10.5 to 43.1 cm (females), with the majority of females between 20 and 30 cm TL (70.0%) and males between 20 and 30 cm TL (71.0%). TL/weight (W) relations were similar between immature and mature individuals for both sexes and between both sexes (all maturity stages combined), producing a combined data equation W = 0.005 TL3.19. Age of fish ranged from 1 to 7 years and 1 to 6 years, respectively, for females and males, with the majority of females age 3 (37%) and the majority of males age 2 (49%). The age structures of female and male red gurnards were significantly different, with the older age classes consisting predominantly of female fish. Both males and females exhibited similar asymptotic growth patterns; the combined von Bertalanffy growth function was . Instantaneous rates of total mortality were calculated as 1.13 year,1 for males and 0.98 year,1 for females. The size (L50) and age at first maturity (A50) were estimated to be 26.3 cm TL and 3.6 years for males, 28.1 cm TL and 3.5 years for females and 25.6 cm TL and 3.7 years for both sexes combined. [source] REBUILDING THE EASTERN BALTIC COD STOCK UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE (PART II): TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE COSTS OF A MARINE PROTECTED AREANATURAL RESOURCE MODELING, Issue 1 2009CHRISTINE RÖCKMANN Abstract This study adds a cost analysis of the Eastern Baltic cod fishery to the existing model presented in Röckmann et al. [2007a]. As cost data on this international fishery do not exist, data from Denmark are extrapolated to the whole international fishery. Additionally, unit and total variable costs are simulated, and the sensitivity to a set of different cost,stock and cost,output elasticities is tested. The study supports preliminary conclusions that a temporary marine reserve policy, which focuses on protecting the Eastern Baltic cod spawning stock in the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) subdivision 25, is a valuable fisheries management tool to (i) rebuild the overexploited Eastern Baltic cod stock and (ii) increase operating profits. The negative effects of climate change can be postponed for at least 20 years,depending on the assumed rate of future climate change. Including costs in the economic analysis does not change the ranking of management policies as proposed in the previous study where costs were neglected. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||