Role of Catheter Ablation in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy is a disorder characterized by frequent ventricular tachycardia originating from the right ventricle and fibro-fatty replacement of right ventricular myocardium. Though the disorder was originally described during surgical ablation of refractory ventricular tachycardia, catheter ablation of tachycardia is one of the options for patients not responding to anti arrhythmic agents. Direct current fulguration was used in the initial phase followed by radiofrequency catheter ablation. In the present day scenario, all patients with risk for sudden cardiac death should receive an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Radiofrequency catheter ablation remarkably reduces the frequency of defibrillator therapies. Direct current fulguration can still be considered in cases when radiofrequency ablation fails, though it requires higher expertise, general anesthesia and carries a higher morbidity. Newer mapping techniques have helped in identification of the site of ablation. In general, the success rate of ablation in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia is less than in other forms of right ventricular tachycardias like right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia

Spectral hole burning and fluorescence studies of a synthetic chlorophyll dimer, a bacterial antenna system and a bacterial reaction center

Hole burning and fluorescence spectroscopy are applied to a synthetic chlorophyll dimer, an antenna system from the bacterium Prosthecochloris aestuarii and a reaction center from the bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Information concerning the strength of the linear electron-phonon (exciton-phonon) coupling, inhomogeneous broadening, energy transfer times, nature or structure of the excited states ( S[subscript]1), the excited state decay times and the vibrational levels of S[subscript]1 for these three systems are reported and discussed. A theory for modelling the hole shape and absorption profile for a single transition which is inhomogeneously broadened and coupled to two low frequency modes, with arbitrary coupling strength, is presented and applied to photochemical hole spectra and the absorption profile of the bacterial RC from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The effects of stress upon erythrocyte resistance in pedigree clean, known carrier and dwarf beef cattle

"Has the fight against beef cattle dwarfism progressed? Are methods now available whereby the breeder can enjoy a "dwarf-free" production program? These questions are examples of those frequently encountered by the animal husbandry scientist who is engaged in the ever growing battle against this problem. Although increased numbers of inquiries are comforting in one sense they are not uncommon when a situation reaches the magnitude now assigned to dwarfism . It is through reference the them, however, that a portion of the expanding concern over this problem can be pictured and the expressed desire for established facts should be looked upon with favor. While the above type of enthusiasm steams from various sources additional and more specific interests can be illustrated by noting the enlarged efforts of many universities and independent research firms, and the increased willingness of many breeders to supply animals for experimental purposes."--Introduction

Meeting the challenge? Transitions out of long-term homelessness

Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) is a pilot project designed to break the cycle of long-term homelessness. The project provides intensive support for up to three years to assist people who are long-term homeless receive the range of services they need. This is the second of four reports evaluating the J2SI project. It documents the social outcomes and the economic costs and benefits from the first 24 months. The evaluation uses a randomised controlled trial that tracks the outcomes of J2SI participants (Group J) and compares their outcomes with those of a comparison group (Group E) who are being supported by existing services. After 24 months the evidence shows a sustained improvement in the housing circumstances of the J2SI participants compared to those in the control group. Critically, most (86%) have maintained their housing. While the move to independent housing was difficult in the beginning, the high rate of housing retention suggests that most of the participants are developing the skills and confidence needed to keep their housing. The report contains the results of a cost-benefit analysis of the program after 2 years of operation. The evaluation was conducted by researchers from RMIT University and the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research. Authors: Guy Johnson, Daniel Kuehnle, Sharon Parkinson, Yi-Ping Tseng

How Do We Measure Success in Homelessness Services? : Critically Assessing the Rise of the Homelessness Outcomes Star

The Homelessness Outcomes Star (HOS) is probably the most widespread form of outcome measurement employed by homelessness service providers. Developed in the UK, the HOS is now being used by homelessness services in other European countries and Australia, while being promoted internationally as a validated set of key performance indicators. This paper examines the ideological framework that underpins the HOS, as well as the theoretical and methodological approaches that inform its operation. The review concludes that while there is some utility in the measurement of relative progress for individual service users, the HOS has important limits, both as a means of comparative outcome analysis and as a validated measure of homelessness service outcomes