Am J Clin Nutr 2009; 89: 1905-12.”
“A simple plane wave, ray-tracing approach was used to derive approximate equations for the dielectric microsphere whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonant wavenumber and quality factor, as dependent on the surrounding medium’s refractive index. These equations are then used to determine the feasibility of a micro-optical sensor for species concentration. Results indicate that the WGMs are not sensitive enough to refractive index changes in the case of gas media. However, they can be sufficiently sensitive for measurements in liquids. Experiments were carried out to validate the analysis and to provide an assessment of this sensor concept. (C)

2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3425790]“
“Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction has been associated with marked exercise intolerance and poor prognosis.

Selleck CX-4945 However, molecular pathogenesis of this phenotype remains unexplained in a large proportion of cases.

Methods and Results We performed whole exome sequencing as an initial genetic test in a large Czech family with 3 males affected by nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in end-stage disease. A novel frameshift mutation of four-and-a-half LIM domain 1 gene (FHL1) SRT2104 (c.599_600insT; p.F200fs32X) was detected in these individuals. The mutation does not affect transcription, splicing, and stability of FHL1 mRNA and results in production of truncated FHL1 protein,

which is contrary to heart tissue homogenate not detectable in frozen tissue sections of myocardial biopsy of affected males. The identified mutation cosegregated also with abnormal ECG and with 1 case of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in heterozygous females. Although skeletal muscle involvement is a common SBI-0206965 concentration finding in FHL1-related diseases, we could exclude myopathy in all mutation carriers.

Conclusions We identified a novel FHL1 mutation causing isolated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with X-chromosomal inheritance.”
“Prolonged right ventricular (RV) apical pacing is associated with progressive left ventricular dysfunction due to dysynchronous ventricular activation and contraction. RV septal pacing allows a narrower QRS compared to RV apical pacing, which might reflect a more physiological and synchronous ventricular activation. Previous clinical studies, which did not consistently achieve RV septal pacing, were not confirmatory and need to be repeated. This review summarizes the anatomy of the RV septum, the radiographic appearances of pacing leads in the RV, the electrocardiograph correlates of RV septal lead positioning, and the techniques and tools required for implantation of an active-fixation lead onto the RV septum.