bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Broad DNA repair responses in neural injury are associated with activation of the IL‐6 pathway in cholesterol‐fed rabbits
Authors: Wu Min , Audet Aaron , Cusic Jenna , Seeger Drew , Cochran Richard , Ghribi Othman
Published: September 2009

The importance of DNA repair in the pathogenic mechanism of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is still poorly understood. Here, we report that a broad range of responses by DNA repair proteins plays a critical role in the regulation of inflammatory response in rabbits fed with cholesterol‐rich diet, a model system for AD. We found accumulation of oxodG DNA adduct in the brain of rabbits fed with cholesterol‐enriched diets compared to control diets, which subsequently induced a broad range of DNA repair protein activities. Also, the hippocampus was identified as the primary site of oxidative DNA damage and elevated OGG1 activity. In addition, a physical interaction between XPB and OGG1 may account for a potential mechanism involving these DNA repair responses. DNA repair proteins also impact activation of various signaling cascades, including Src in response to cholesterol oxidation. Furthermore, OGG1 deficient mice showed no IL‐6 activation as seen in wt mice but a drastic increase of TNF‐α, a pro‐inflammatory cytokine. Thus, OGG1 may be associated with cytokine production induced by high cholesterol levels, impacting neurodegeneration. Together, our studies suggest that critical DNA repair proteins are associated with development of AD, and may serve as potential targets for the treatment of AD.
The timing of gonadal development and moult in three raptors with different breeding seasons: effects of gender, age and body condition
Authors: YOUNG GEORGE R. , DAWSON ALISTAIR , NEWTON IAN , WALKER LEE
Published: September 2009

Differences between species in breeding seasons are thought to be mediated through differences in their reproductive physiology. Little is known about how the timing and duration of gonadal maturation varies between raptor species, how the timing of moult relates to the gonadal cycle, whether the timing and degree of sexual maturation varies between juveniles and adults or whether body condition has a significant effect. To address these questions, data on gonadal size and moult for adults and juveniles of both sexes of three raptor species were extracted from the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme (based on birds found dead by members of the public). The three species, Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus, Kestrel Falco tinnunculus and Barn Owl Tyto alba, have different ecologies – diurnal bird predator, diurnal mammal predator and nocturnal mammal predator, respectively. All are single‐brooded but have different breeding seasons. The duration of gonadal maturation was markedly different between the species. Barn Owls showed the earliest maturation and the latest gonad regression, and Sparrowhawks the latest maturation and earliest gonad regression. Kestrels were intermediate. In males of all species, the testes remained fully mature throughout their respective breeding seasons. In females, the ovaries remained partially mature throughout the breeding season. Moult started slightly earlier in Sparrowhawks than in Kestrels and coincided with gonadal regression in the two species. Although females of the two species started to moult earlier than males, moult duration was similar between the sexes. Barn Owls showed no distinct annual pattern of moult. In juveniles of all three species, the gonads were smaller than in adults throughout spring and started to mature later. Gonad size in birds that had starved tended to be smaller than in birds dying from other causes, but did not influence the difference in gonad mass between adults and juveniles and between seasons. Body condition had no effect on moult. Whilst ecology has led to the evolution of different breeding seasons, differences between species, and between adults and juveniles, are mediated through adaptive differences in their reproductive physiology.
Double‐nesting behaviour and sexual differences in breeding success in wild Red‐legged PartridgesAlectoris rufa
Authors: CASAS FABIÁN , MOUGEOT FRANCOIS , VIÑUELA JAVIER
Published: September 2009

Double‐nesting behaviour, a rare breeding system in which females lay in two nests, one incubated by herself and the other one by her mate, could be considered an intermediate stage in the evolutionary trend from biparental to uniparental care of single clutches. We examined the occurrence and success of double‐nesting behaviour in Red‐legged PartridgesAlectoris rufain Central Spain. Clutch size and hatching success were recorded, as well as the variation in these between years and between incubating sexes. Participation in incubation was higher for females (94.76%) than males (41.0%), and the proportion of incubating males varied markedly between years, with no incubating males in one dry year and approximately 50% of males incubating in other years. There was significant variation among years and between sexes in laying date, clutch size and hatching success. Clutch size decreased with later laying date in males and females. The probability of clutch loss to predation differed between sexes, being much higher for nests incubated by females. Our results suggest that both rainfall and predation influence the occurrence and success of double‐nesting.
Implementing the Landfill Directive in Greece: problems, perspectives and lessons to be learned
Authors: LASARIDI KATIA
Published: September 2009

Due to the increasing pressure from the European Union, in the last decade the waste management landscape in Greece has been going through drastic changes, especially regarding policies and legislation. Shifts in management practices, however, have been considerably slower. A major component of this shift is the requirement by the Landfill Directive (LD) to divert increasing quantities of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) from landfilling. Making use of the four‐year extension allowed to countries heavily reliant on landfills, Greece will have to achieve the LD diversion targets in the period 2010–2020. In this paper the main aspects of the LD are outlined and critically placed in the context of the EU waste policy and the priorities of the new Waste Directive. The current state of waste management in Greece is presented with the main planning for new BMW treatment infrastructure. The complex and multifaceted barriers to successful implementation of waste policies in Greece are discussed using the case study of the LD, in an effort to draw lessons for the New Member States.
Capsaicin affects brain function in a model of hepatic encephalopathy associated with fulminant hepatic failure in mice
Authors: Avraham Y , Grigoriadis NC , Magen I , Poutahidis T , Vorobiav L , Zolotarev O , Ilan Y , Mechoulam R , Berry EM
Published: September 2009

Background and purpose:  Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by liver failure. In view of the effects of cannabinoids in a thioacetamide‐induced model of hepatic encephalopathy and liver disease and the beneficial effect of capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist) in liver disease, we assumed that capsaicin may also affect hepatic encephalopathy.

Experimental approach:  Fulminant hepatic failure was induced in mice by thioacetamide and 24 h later, the animals were injected with one of the following compound(s): 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (CB1, CB2 and TRPV1 receptor agonist); HU308 (CB2 receptor agonist), SR141716A (CB1 receptor antagonist); SR141716A+2‐arachidonoylglycerol; SR144528 (CB2 receptor antagonist); capsaicin; and capsazepine (TRPV1 receptor agonist and antagonist respectively). Their neurological effects were evaluated on the basis of activity in the open field, cognitive function in an eight‐arm maze and a neurological severity score. The mice were killed 3 or 14 days after thioacetamide administration. 2‐arachidonoylglycerol and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) levels were determined by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, respectively.

Results:  Capsaicin had a neuroprotective effect in this animal model as shown by the neurological score, activity and cognitive function. The effect of capsaicin was blocked by capsazepine. Thioacetamide induced astrogliosis in the hippocampus and the cerebellum and raised brain 5‐hydroxytryptamine levels, which were decreased by capsaicin, SR141716A and HU‐308. Thioacetamide lowered brain 2‐arachidonoylglycerol levels, an effect reversed by capsaicin.

Conclusions:  Capsaicin improved both liver and brain dysfunction caused by thioacetamide, suggesting that both the endocannabinoid and the vanilloid systems play important roles in hepatic encephalopathy. Modulation of these systems may have therapeutic value.
Landscape Features and Panthers in Florida
Authors: MAEHR DAVID S. , COX JAMES A.
Published: September 2009

Abstract: We used a geographic information system (GIS) to document spatial associations of Florida panthers, land cover, and other geographical features. Panther radio locations (n = 14,548) occurred in hardwood hammock, mixed hardwood swamp, and cypress swamp in greater proportion than in randomly positioned points (n = 8500). Panther radio locations occurred less frequently in agricultural, barren, and shrub and brush land cover. Panther home ranges consisted of a combination of preferred and avoided cover types, including freshwater marsh, cypress swamp, hardwood swamp, and agricultural land. These cover types accounted for 62% of the area in panther home ranges. We used correlation and discriminant function analyses to assess the potential importance of 20 landscape features. These panther locations were effectively distinguished from random points using four landscape variables: (1) the size of a contiguous patch of preferred land cover; (2) the proximity to preferred land cover; (3) the diversity of three preferred cover types within a window 120 × 120 m, and (4) the matrix within which preferred cover types occurred. Eighty‐three percent of the panther locations and 81.9% of the random points were correctly classified based on a linear model constructed using these four variables. Large, contiguous areas of preferred land‐cover types were especially important because 96% of all panther locations occurred within 90 m of preferred land cover. The average preferred forest patch size that was used by these panthers was 20,816 ha, and a regression equation suggests that patches larger than 500 ha are important. Maps of panther habitat suitability were developed using coefficients derived from discriminant analysis. Large areas of suitable land cover that are heavily used by panthers occur on private ranches covering 3606 km2. Conservation of preferred habitat on these private lands is essential to maintaining a free‐ranging population of panthers in southwest Florida.

Características del paisaje y las panteras en Florida
Priming Deficiency in Male Subjects at Risk for Alcoholism: The N4 During a Lexical Decision Task
Authors: Roopesh Bangalore N. , Rangaswamy Madhavi , Kamarajan Chella , Chorlian David B. , Stimus Arthur , Bauer Lance O. , Rohrbaugh John , O’Connor Sean J. , Kuperman Samuel , Schuckit Marc , Porjesz Bernice
Published: September 2009

Background:  While there is extensive literature on the relationship between the P3 component of event‐related potentials (ERPs) and risk for alcoholism, there are few published studies regarding other potentially important ERP components. One important candidate is the N4(00) component in the context of semantic processing, as abnormalities in this component have been reported for adult alcoholics.

Method:  A semantic priming task was administered to nonalcohol dependent male offspring (18 to 25 years) of alcoholic fathers [high risk (HR) n = 23] and nonalcoholic fathers [low risk (LR) n = 28] to study whether the 2 groups differ in terms of the N4 component. Subjects were presented with 150 words and 150 nonwords. Among the words, 50 words (primed) were preceded by their antonyms (prime, n = 50), whereas the remaining 50 words were unprimed. For the analysis, N4 amplitude and latency as well as behavioral measures for the primed and unprimed words were considered.

Results:  A significant interaction effect was observed between semantic condition and group, where HR subjects did not show N4 attenuation for primed stimuli.

Conclusion:  The lack of N4 attenuation to primed stimuli and/or inability to differentiate between primed and unprimed stimuli, without latency and reaction time being affected, suggest deficits in semantic priming, especially in semantic expectancy and/or postlexical semantic processing in HR male offspring. Further, it indicates that it might be an electrophysiological endophenotype that reflects genetic vulnerability to develop alcoholism.
Educating the Least Informed: Group Endorsements in a Grassroots Campaign
Authors: Arceneaux Kevin , Kolodny Robin
Published: September 2009

Theories of low‐information rationality claim that uninformed voters can compensate for their lack of political knowledge by employing heuristics, such as interest group endorsements, to make voting decisions as if they were fully informed. Critics of low‐information rationality contend that politically unaware voters are unlikely to use group endorsements effectively as a heuristic since they are unlikely to know the political relevance of interest groups. We address this debate by entertaining the possibility that contextual information coupled with a source cue may enhance the effectiveness of group endorsements as a heuristic. We test competing expectations with a field experiment conducted during the 2006 election in two highly competitive Pennsylvania statehouse races where a well‐known liberal interest group endorsed Democratic candidates and canvassed both core supporters and Republicans believed to be likeminded. Our results reveal that Republicans used the endorsement as a negative voting cue and that the group's endorsement helped some Republicans compensate for their lack of awareness about politics.
Source Cues, Partisan Identities, and Political Value Expression
Authors: Goren Paul , Federico Christopher M. , Kittilson Miki Caul
Published: September 2009

This article examines the conditions under which partisan identities shape the positions people express on four political values: equal opportunity, self‐reliance, moral traditionalism, and moral tolerance. The theoretical framework posits that (1) party source cues activate latent partisan biases in the minds of citizens, which in turn affect the degree to which individuals express support for these values; (2) out‐party cues are more powerful motivators of value expression than in‐party cues; (3) value shifts are more pronounced when liberal‐conservative identities reinforce partisan sentiments; and (4) partisan cues promote horizontal constraint among these values. These hypotheses are tested using data from a set of experiments appearing on a novel national survey. The empirical results generally support these theoretical expectations.
A General Empirical Law of Public Budgets: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Jones Bryan D. , Baumgartner Frank R. , Breunig Christian , Wlezien Christopher , Soroka Stuart , Foucault Martial , François Abel , Green‐Pedersen Christoffer , Koski Chris , John Peter , Mortensen Peter B. , Varone Frédéric , Walgrave Stefaan
Published: September 2009

We examine regularities and differences in public budgeting in comparative perspective. Budgets quantify collective political decisions made in response to incoming information, the preferences of decision makers, and the institutions that structure how decisions are made. We first establish that the distribution of budget changes in many Western democracies follows a non‐Gaussian distribution, the power function. This implies that budgets are highly incremental, yet occasionally are punctuated by large changes. This pattern holds regardless of the type of political system—parliamentary or presidential—and for level of government. By studying the power function's exponents we find systematic differences for budgetary increases versus decreases (the former are more punctuated) in most systems, and for levels of government (local governments are less punctuated). Finally, we show that differences among countries in the coefficients of the general budget law correspond to differences in formal institutional structures. While the general form of the law is probably dictated by the fundamental operations of human and organizational information processing, differences in the magnitudes of the law's basic parameters are country‐ and institution‐specific.
Who Lobbies Whom? Special Interest Politics under Alternative Electoral Systems
Authors: Naoi Megumi , Krauss Ellis
Published: September 2009

Why do some interest groups lobby politicians and others lobby bureaucrats? We theorize lobbying venue choices and intensity as a function of contract enforceability with policy makers, politicians, or bureaucrats. We argue that organizational structures of interest groups, in particular, whether they are centralized or decentralized, substantially affect their lobbying strategies because they are associated with different ability to monitor and enforce contracts with policy makers and punish them when they fail. We further demonstrate that the effect of centralized versus decentralized structure on venue choices is conditional on the types of electoral system: majoritarian, semiproportional (single, nontransferable vote: SNTV), or proportional representation systems. We test this argument using longitudinal survey data on lobbying which span two decades and cover around 250 interest groups in various sectors and issue areas in Japan. The results lend strong support to our argument about contract enforceability under alternative electoral systems.
Lobbying and Taxes
Authors: Richter Brian Kelleher , Samphantharak Krislert , Timmons Jeffrey F.
Published: September 2009

Lobbying dominates corporate political spending, but comprehensive studies of the benefits accrued are scarce. Using a dataset of all U.S. firms with publicly available financial statements, we delve into the tax benefits obtained from lobbying. Firms that spend more on lobbying in a given year pay lower effective tax rates in the next year. Increasing registered lobbying expenditures by 1% appears to lower effective tax rates by somewhere in the range of 0.5 to 1.6 percentage points for the average firm that lobbies. While individual firms amass considerable benefits, the costs of lobbying‐induced tax breaks appear modest for the government.
Partisan Waves: International Business Cycles and Electoral Choice
Authors: Kayser Mark Andreas
Published: September 2009

Pundits have often claimed, but scholars have never found, that partisan swings in the vote abroad predict electoral fortunes at home. Employing semiannual Eurobarometer data on vote intention in eight European countries, this article provides statistical evidence of international comovement in partisan vote intention and its provenance in international business cycles. Electoral support for “luxury parties,” those parties associated with higher spending and taxation, covaries across countries together with the business cycle. Both the domestic and international components of at least one economic aggregate—unemployment—prove a strong predictor of shifts in domestic vote intention. Globalization, by driving business cycle integration, is also synchronizing partisan cycles.
District Complexity as an Advantage in Congressional Elections
Authors: Ensley Michael J. , Tofias Michael W. , De Marchi Scott
Published: September 2009

Scholars of congressional elections have argued that an increase in constituent diversity increases the level of electoral competition. Following models of boundedly rational candidates, we argue that there is strong reason to believe that the opposite is true. As the complexity of the electoral landscape increases, challengers will have a more difficult time locating an optimal platform when facing an experienced incumbent. Using data from the 2000 National Annenberg Election Study, we construct a novel measure of district complexity for U.S. House districts and test whether the entry of quality challengers and the incumbent's share of the two‐party vote are affected by the complexity of the electoral landscape. We find strong support for the hypothesis that complexity benefits incumbents for both indicators of electoral competition, which stands in contrast to most of the existing literature on diversity and incumbent performance.
Altered Early Left Ventricular Diastolic Wall Velocities in Pulmonary Hypertension: A Tissue Doppler Study
Authors: López‐Candales Angel , Bazaz Raveen , Edelman Kathy , Gulyasy Beth
Published: September 2009

Background: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is known to occur in severe chronic pulmonary hypertension (PH); however, the mechanism(s) remains unclear. Methods: Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) was used to track early (E) diastolic signals of basal and mid portions of the interventricular septum (IS) and LV free wall (LVFw) in 20 patients (60 ± 8 years) with documented LVDD without PH and in 30 patients (60 ± 11 years) with known chronic PH. All subjects were in normal sinus rhythm and had normal LV ejection fraction. Results: PH patients had lower early (E) wave velocities in basal IS (–4.2 ± 1.9 vs. –5.9 ± 1.2 cm/sec; P < 0.001), distal IS (–2.6 ± 2.6 vs. –4.2 ± 1.1 cm/sec; P < 0.01), and basal LVFw (–5.2 ± 1.7 vs. –6.5 ± 1.2 cm/sec; P < 0.01) than patients with LVDD and no PH. Finally, worsening PH distorts the entire IS diastolic tracing resulting in asynchronous diastolic signals. Conclusions: The presence of PH not only decreases IS early (E) wave diastolic velocity generation but also distorts the entire pattern of IS diastolic relaxation when compared to patients with typical LVDD and no PH. Further studies are now needed to assess the full effect of PH on LV diastole and how this influences clinical outcomes. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, November 2009)
Association of Left Atrial Strain and Strain Rate Assessed by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Tsai Wei‐Chuan , Lee Cheng‐Han , Lin Chih‐Chan , Liu Yen‐Wen , Huang Yao‐Yi , Li Wei‐Ting , Chen Ju‐Yi , Lin Li‐Jen
Published: September 2009

Background: We hypothesized that contraction of the LA wall could be documented by speckle tracking and could be applied for assessment of LA function. This study tried to identify the association between LA longitudinal strain (LAS) and strain rate (LASR) measured by speckle tracking with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Methods: Fifty‐two patients (61 ± 17 years old, 23 men) with sinus rhythm at baseline referred for the evaluation of episodic palpitation were included. Standard four‐chamber and two‐chamber views were acquired and analyzed off‐line. Peak LAS and LASR were carefully identified as the peak negative inflection of speckle tracking waves after P‐wave gated by electrocardiography. Results: Ten patients (19%) had PAF. LAS, LASR, age, left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension, left ventricular mass, LA volume, and mitral early filling‐to‐annulus early velocity ratio were different between patients with and without PAF. After multivariate analysis, LASR was significantly independently associated with PAF (OR 8.56, 95% CI 1.14–64.02, P = 0.036). Conclusion: Speckle tracking echocardiography could be used in measurements of LAS and LASR. Decreased negative LASR was independently associated with PAF. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, November 2009)
Cardiac Structural and Functional Changes in Competitive Amateur Cyclists
Authors: Kuchynka Petr , Palecek Tomas , Vilikus Zdenek , Havranek Stepan , Taborska Katerina , Louch William E. , Linhart Ales
Published: September 2009

Purpose: To assess cardiac structural and functional changes induced by competitive amateur cycling. Methods: Fifty‐one young competitive amateur male cyclists and 47 age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects underwent complex transthoracic echocardiographic examination focused on the detailed assessment of cardiac size and function, especially of the left ventricle (LV). Subsequently, spiroergometry was performed in all study participants and its results were compared to echocardiographic data. Results: Higher left ventricular mass indexes due to the greater LV wall thickness and LV end‐diastolic diameter were found in amateur cyclists as compared to control subjects. There were no differences with regard to the LV systolic function parameters. However, significantly better indices of LV diastolic function were present in cyclists. A significant correlation between maximal oxygen pulse and LV mass index/height2.7, LV diastolic parameters and right ventricular size was noted. Conclusions: Amateur competitive cycling leads to considerable LV structural and functional changes. The increases in LV wall thickness and cavity size together with supranormal diastolic properties are key characteristics of this LV remodeling. As well, LV mass, diastolic function, and RV size are predictors of exercise capacity, indicating an important involvement of these elements in improving cardiac function with endurance training. (Echocardiography 2010;27:11‐16)
Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography for Quantitative Analysis of Left‐Ventricular Aneurysm
Authors: Jahnke Cosima , Foell Daniela , Heinrichs Gudrun , Jung Bernd , Bley Thorsten , Handke Michael , Bode Christophe , Geibel Annette
Published: September 2009

Background: Quantitative analysis of left‐ventricular (LV) aneurysms after myocardial infarction is prognostically relevant and assists in planning surgery. Three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography facilitates clear visualization of cardiac anatomy and accurate assessment of functional parameters. The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of 3D echocardiography to quantify LV aneurysms. Methods: Ten patients with a known LV‐aneurysm after myocardial infarction underwent 3D echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging at 1.5 Tesla within 3 days. For 3D echocardiography, a multiplanar transesophageal examination was performed with full LV coverage and the 3D dataset was analyzed offline. The LV‐aneurysm was defined by a wall thickness <5 mm. The following quantitative parameters were determined: left ventricular end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes, LV myocardial mass (LV‐mass) and mass of the LV‐aneurysm. LV ejection fraction and percentage of aneurysm mass (%‐aneurysm) were calculated. Results: LV volumes and ejection fraction showed a strong correlation between 3D echocardiography and CMR (r = 0.94–0.97; P < 0.01). Importantly, the mass and percentage of mass of the LV‐aneurysm demonstrated a high correlation as well (r = 0.94 and r = 0.86, respectively; P < 0.01). For all parameters, the calculated bias between both methods was found to be minimal (0.8–7.6%). Conclusions: Three‐dimensional echocardiography proved to be a reliable tool for quantitative analysis of LV volumes, ejection fraction and aneurysm size in patients with prior myocardial infarction. In addition, 3D visualization of the complex cardiac anatomy in patients with LV‐aneurysm may assist surgical procedure planning. (Echocardiography 2010;27:64‐68)
Measurement of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction by Real Time 3D Echocardiography in Patients with Severe Systolic Dysfunction: Comparison with Radionuclide Angiography
Authors: Müller Hajo , Frangos Caroline , Fleury Eric , Righetti Alberto , Lerch René , Burri Haran
Published: September 2009

Aim: Measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using real time 3D echocardiography (3DE) has been performed in subjects with preserved or modestly reduced systolic function. Our aim was to evaluate this technique in the subset of patients with severe systolic dysfunction. Methods and results: Consecutive patients with LVEF less than 0.35 at two‐dimensional echocardiography were included. LVEF obtained by 3DE was compared to the value measured by radionuclide angiography (RNA). Real time full‐volume 3DE was performed, with offline semiautomated measurement of LVEF using dedicated software (Cardioview RT, Tomtec) by a single observer blinded to the results of RNA. A total of 50 patients were evaluated, of whom 38 (76%, 27 males, age 69 ± 13 years) had a 3DE of sufficient quality for analysis. LVEF for this group was 0.21 ± 0.07 using 3DE and 0.27 ± 0.08 using RNA. The agreement between the two techniques was rather poor (r = 0.49; P < 0.001; 95% limits of agreements of −0.20 to 0.09). Truncation of the apex was observed in 6 of 38 (16%) patients. Conclusion: In patients with severe systolic dysfunction, 3DE shows poor agreement for measurement of LVEF as compared to RNA. There may be underestimation of up to 20% in absolute terms by 3DE. Accordingly, the two methods are not interchangeable for the follow‐up of LV function. A limitation of 3DE may, at least in part, be related to the incomplete incorporation of the apical region into the pyramidal image sector in patients with dilated hearts. (Echocardiography 2010;27:58‐63)
Two‐Dimensional Ultrasound Speckle Tracking Imaging in Evaluation of Early Changes in Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients with Essential Hypertension
Authors: Mu Yuming , Qin Chuan , Wang Chunmei , Huojiaabudula Guliqiman
Published: September 2009

Objective: To investigate two‐dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging (STI) in evaluating values of early changes in left ventricular diastolic function in patients with essential hypertension (EH). Methods: Seventy‐five EH patients with left ventricular normal geometry (LVN), including 38 cases with nonleft atrial enlargement (NLAE) and 37 cases with left atrial enlargement (LAE), and 50 healthy persons were enrolled as study participants. Two‐dimensional images of LV apical four‐chamber view, two chamber view, and LV long‐axis view and short‐axis view of mitral annular, papillary muscle, and apical levels were obtained to measure early diastolic E′ peak value, late diastolic A′ peak value, and E′/A′ ratio at LV apical longitudinal strain rate (SrL) and short‐axis radial strain rate (SrR), circumferential strain rate (SrC), and rotation rate (RotR) in all cardiac segments. Average values of E′, A′, and E′/A′ at SrL in three segments on long‐axis and SrR, SrC, and RotR on three short‐axis levels were calculated. Untwisting rate (Untw R) and untwisting half‐time (UHT) were also calculated. Results: (1) Data on 110 of 125 patients were usable for STI analysis. (2) There were no intersegment significant differences between A′ at SrL in three segments or interlevel significant differences between A′ at SrR in three levels in the NLAE group and the LAE group. (3) Compared with the normal group, E′ at SrL and E′/A′ at SrL, SrR and SrC, and Untw R reduced in the NLAE group and the LAE group, while A′ at SrL, SrR, and SrC and E′ at RotR increased and UHT extended. Conclusion: STI may be helpful for the detection of early changes in left ventricular diastolic function in patients with EH. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:146‐154)
Measurement of the Myocardial Performance Index in Ambulatory Patients with Heart Failure: Correlation with Other Clinical and Echocardiographic Parameters and Independent Prognostic Value
Authors: Vizzardi Enrico , Chiari Ermanna , Faggiano Pompilio , D’Aloia Antonio , Bordonali Tania , Metra Marco , Cas Livio Dei
Published: September 2009

Background: Many echocardiographic parameters have been proposed for the assessment of the patients with heart failure (HF). Recently, the myocardial performance index (MPI) has been shown to be an accurate index of myocardial function. We assessed the correlation with other clinical and echocardiographic measurements and the prognostic value of MPI in patients with HF. Methods and results: The MPI was assessed in 112 consecutive patients with persistent symptoms of HF (II–III NYHA class), sinus rhythm, LV systolic dysfunction (defined by an ejection fraction ≤ 45%). At multivariable analysis, only NYHA class and ejection fraction were independently related to MPI. The severity of mitral regurgitation and MPI were the only parameters independently related to the incidence of death or cardiovascular hospitalizations. A MPI > 0.55 (median value) and medium to severe mitral regurgitation were associated with a relative risk of cardiovascular events of 18.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.6–20.7; P < 0.005) and of 3.03 (95% CI, 2–4.1; P = 0.035), respectively. Conclusions: In our patients with HF, MPI was the best predictor of cardiovascular events. Mitral regurgitation was the only other variable which had an additive prognostic value at multivariate analysis. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:123‐129)
Ventricular Mechanical Asynchrony in Patients with Different Degrees of Systolic Dysfunction: Results from AVE Registry by the Italian Society of Cardiovascular Echography (SIEC)
Authors: Carerj Scipione , Raffa Santi , Martiniello Alfonso Roberto , Leto Anna , Scandura Salvatore , Capasso Fabio , La Carrubba Salvatore , Citro Rodolfo , Izzo Annibale , Mangano Santi , Zito Concetta , Penco Maria , Caso Pio
Published: September 2009

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of interventricular and intraventricular asynchrony in patients with different degrees of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Methods: We enrolled 182 patients (male 79%, mean age 64 ± 11 years) with LV ejection fraction (EF) < 50% and identified two groups: Group A (n = 79) with mild‐to‐moderate LV dysfunction (EF between 36% and 49%) and Group B (n = 103) with severe dysfunction (EF ≤ 35%). An echocardiogram was performed in all patients and a delay longer than 40 msec in the time difference between the aortic and pulmonary preejection intervals was considered as an index of interventricular asynchrony. The electromechanical delays were assessed by pulsed tissue Doppler technique. A time difference between the earliest and the latest segment greater than 40 msec was considered the cutoff for intraventricular asynchrony. The sum of asynchrony was calculated by adding to the LV intraventricular delay the delay between the lateral basal right ventricular segment and the most delayed LV basal segment. Results: The prevalence of interventricular asynchrony was lower among Group A patients (19.8% vs. 37.9%; P = 0.007) while the prevalence of intraventricular asynchrony did not differ between groups (32.9% vs. 44% in Group A and Group B respectively; P = 0.18). The sum of asynchrony (cutoff >102 msec) did not differ between groups either (29.9% vs. 35.9%; P = 0.39). Conclusions: The prevalence of intraventricular asynchrony is independent of the LV systolic dysfunction severity. This could indicate the potential role of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with mild‐moderate systolic dysfunction. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:110‐116)
Left Ventricular Untwisting in Restrictive and Pseudorestrictive Left Ventricular Filling: Novel Insights into Diastology
Authors: Van Dalen Bas M. , Soliman Osama I. I. , Vletter Wim B. , Ten Cate Folkert J. , Geleijnse Marcel L.
Published: September 2009

Background: Conceptually, an ideal therapeutic agent should target the underlying mechanisms that cause left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. The objective of our study was to gain further insight into the mechanics of diastology by comparison of LV untwisting measured by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in young healthy adults with normal and “pseudorestrictive” LV filling, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with “true restrictive” LV filling. Methods: The study comprised 20 healthy volunteers with a Doppler LV‐inflow pattern compatible with restrictive LV filling but a diastolic early phase filling velocity/early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E/Em) ratio <8 (“pseudorestrictive”), 20 for age and gender‐matched healthy volunteers with normal LV filling and an E/Em ratio <8, and 10 DCM patients with “true restrictive” LV filling and an E/Em ratio >15. LV untwisting parameters were determined by STE. Results: Compared to healthy subjects, DCM patients had decreased peak diastolic untwisting velocity (−62 ± 33 degrees/s vs −113 ± 25 degrees/s, P < 0.01) and untwisting rate (−15 ± 9 degrees/s vs −51 ± 24 degrees/s, P < 0.01). Compared to healthy subjects with normal LV filling, healthy subjects with “pseudorestrictive” LV filling had increased peak diastolic untwisting velocity (−123 ± 25 degrees/s vs −104 ± 30 degrees/s, P < 0.05) and untwisting rate (−59 ± 23 degrees/s vs −44 ± 22 degrees/s, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Faster LV untwisting plays a pivotal role in the rapid early diastolic filling occasionally seen in young healthy individuals. In contrast, in DCM patients untwisting is severely delayed and this impairment to utilize suction may reduce LV filling. (Echocardiography 2010;27:269‐274)
Bone marrow derived cells in the tumour microenvironment contain cells with primitive haematopoietic phenotype
Authors: Deak Erika , Göttig Stephan , Rüster Brigitte , Paunescu Virgil , Seifried Erhard , Gille Jens , Henschler Reinhard
Published: September 2009

Infiltration of bone marrow derived cells is part of the angiogenic switch required for uncontrolled tumour growth. However, the nature of the tumour‐infiltrating cells from bone marrow has not been fully elucidated. To investigate the phenotype of bone marrow derived cells within a tumour, we employed the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) murine tumour model. We followed bone marrow derivation of tumour‐infiltrating cells through transplantation of CD45.2 bone marrow cells into pre‐irradiated CD45.1 mice. We found robust CD45.2 donor type chimerism in bone marrow and blood of CD45.1 recipient tumour‐bearing mice. Flow cytometric analysis of LLC tumours showed, in addition to previously described pro‐angiogenic CD45+VEGFR2+‘endothelial progenitor cells’ (EPC), or CD45+Tie2+‘Tie2‐expressing monocytes’ (TEM), incorporation of donor type lineage marker negative (Lin−) and Lin−Sca1+ undifferentiated haematopoietic cell types. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the extravasal location of the primitive haematopoietic cells. Flow‐cytometric sorting of bone marrow cells and subsequent analysis in haematopoietic colony‐forming assays revealed that cells with a Lin−Sca1+ phenotype, which were initially negative for VEGFR2 and Tie2, gave rise to VEGFR2+ and/or Tie2+ cells. Moreover, Lin− bone marrow cells pre‐labelled with the membrane dye PKH26 (a red fluorochrome) and transplanted i.v. into tumour‐bearing mice were found to extravasate and incorporate into LLC tumours within 24 hrs. Thus, primitive haematopoietic precursors which are thought to be precursors of EPC and TEMs, constitute a part of the tumour microenvironment. This makes them an attractive target cell population for tumour‐directed cellular therapies.
Anti‐CD44 induces apoptosis in T lymphoma via mitochondrial depolarization
Authors: Rajasagi Mohini , von Au Anja , Singh Rahul , Hartmann Natalie , Zöller Margot , Marhaba Rachid
Published: September 2009

A blockade of CD44 can interfere with haematopoietic and leukemic stem cell homing, the latter being considered as a therapeutic option in haematological malignancies. We here aimed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic efficacy of anti‐CD44. We noted that in irradiated mice reconstituted with a bone marrow cell transplant, anti‐CD44 exerts a stronger effect on haematopoietic reconstitution than on T lymphoma (EL4) growth. Nonetheless, in the non‐reconstituted mouse anti‐CD44 suffices for a prolonged survival of EL4‐bearing mice, where anti‐CD44‐prohibited homing actively drives EL4 cells into apoptosis. In vitro, a CD44 occupancy results in a 2–4‐fold increase in apoptotic EL4 cells. Death receptor expression (CD95, TRAIL, TNFRI) remains unaltered and CD95 cross‐linking‐mediated apoptosis is not affected. Instead, CD44 ligation promotes mitochondrial depolarization that is accompanied by caspase‐9 cleavage and is inhibited in the presence of a caspase‐9 inhibitor. Apoptosis becomes initiated by activation of CD44‐associated phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and proceeds via ERK1/2 dephosphorylation without ERK1/2 degradation. Accordingly, CD44‐induced apoptosis could be mimicked by ERK1/2 inhibition, that also promotes EL4 cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Thus, during haematopoietic stem cell reconstitution care should be taken not to interfere by a blockade of CD44 with haematopoiesis, which could be circumvented by selectively targeting leukemic CD44 isoforms. Beyond homing/settlement in the bone marrow niche, anti‐CD44 drives leukemic T cells into apoptosis via the mitochondrial death pathway by CD44 associating with PP2A. Uncovering this new pathway of CD44‐induced leukemic cell death provides new options of therapeutic interference.
Altered interaction between cardiac vagal influence and delta sleep EEG suggests an altered neuroplasticity in patients suffering from major depressive disorder
Authors: Jurysta F. , Kempenaers C. , Lancini J. , Lanquart J.‐P. , Van De Borne P. , Linkowski P.
Published: September 2009

Jurysta F, Kempenaers C, Lancini J, Lanquart J‐P, van de Borne P, Linkowski P. Altered interaction between cardiac vagal influence and delta sleep EEG suggests an altered neuroplasticity in patients suffering from major depressive disorder.

Objective:  Major depressive disorder (MDD), which is associated with altered neuroplasticity and increased relative cardiac sympathic activity, enhances the risk of cardiovascular pathologies. Interaction between cardiac sympatho‐vagal indexes and delta sleep power is probably altered in MDD.

Method:  Sleep characteristics and cardiac sympatho‐vagal indexes of 10 depressive patients were compared to 10 control men across the first three non‐rapid eye movement (NREM)–REM cycles. Interaction between normalized high frequency (HF) and delta power bands was studied using coherence analysis.

Results:  Patients showed increased sleep latency, stage 1 and wake durations. No differences in heart rate variabilities were observed: Total power, HF and RR‐interval decreased from NREM to REM sleep and wakefulness in both groups. Gain value was lower in patients while coherence and phase shift were similar between groups. Modifications in HF appear 8 min before modifications in delta.

Conclusion:  Major depressive disorder is related to an altered link between cardiac vagal influence and delta sleep, suggesting disorders in cardiovascular controls and an altered neuroplasticity.
The relationship between childhood trauma history and the psychotic subtype of major depression
Authors: Gaudiano B. A. , Zimmerman M.
Published: September 2009

Gaudiano BA, Zimmerman M. The relationship between childhood trauma history and the psychotic subtype of major depression.

Objective:  Increasing evidence exists linking childhood trauma and primary psychotic disorders, but there is little research on patients with primary affective disorders with psychotic features.

Method:  The sample consisted of adult out‐patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) at clinic intake using a structured clinical interview. Patients with MDD with (n = 32) vs. without psychotic features (n = 591) were compared as to their rates of different types of childhood trauma.

Results:  Psychotic MDD patients were significantly more likely to report histories of physical (OR = 2.81) or sexual abuse (OR = 2.75) compared with non‐psychotic MDD patients. These relationships remained after controlling for baseline differences. Within the subsample with comorbid post‐traumatic stress disorder, patients with psychotic MDD were significantly more likely to report childhood physical abuse (OR = 3.20).

Conclusion:  Results support and extend previous research by demonstrating that the relationship between childhood trauma and psychosis is found across diagnostic groups.
The biology of satellite cells and telomeres in human skeletal muscle: effects of aging and physical activity
Authors: Kadi F. , Ponsot E.
Published: September 2009

The decline in the neuromuscular function affects the physical performance and is a threat for independent living in later life. The age‐related decrease in muscle satellite cells observed by the age of 70 can be specific to type II fibers in some muscles. Several studies have shown that different forms of exercise induce the expansion of satellite cell pool in human skeletal muscle of young and elderly. Exercise is a powerful non‐pharmacological tool inducing the renewal of the satellite cell pool in skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscle is not a stable tissue as satellite cells are constantly recruited during normal daily activities. Satellite cells and the length of telomeres are important in the context of muscle regeneration. It is likely that the regulation of telomeres in vitro cannot fully mimic the behavior of telomeres in human tissues. New insights suggest that telomeres in skeletal muscle are dynamic structures under the influence of their environment. When satellite cells are heavily recruited for regenerative events as in the skeletal muscle of athletes, telomere length has been found to be either dramatically shortened or maintained and even longer than in non‐trained individuals. This suggests the existence of mechanisms allowing the control of telomere length in vivo.
Prenatal and postnatal parental smoking and acute otitis media in early childhood
Authors: Håberg SE , Bentdal YE , London SJ , Kværner KJ , Nystad W , Nafstad P
Published: September 2009

Aim:  To explore the associations between acute otitis media in early childhood and prenatal and postnatal tobacco smoke exposure.

Methods:  Subjects were 32 077 children born between 2000 and 2005 in the Norwegian Mother and Child Study with questionnaire data on tobacco smoke exposure and acute otitis media up to 18 months of age. Multivariate regression models were used to obtain adjusted relative risks for acute otitis media.

Results:  Acute otitis media was slightly more common in children exposed to parental smoking. The incidence from 0 to 6 months was 4.7% in unexposed children and 6.0% in children exposed both prenatally and postnatally. After adjusting for postnatal exposure and covariates, the relative risk for acute otitis media 0–6 months when exposed to maternal smoking in pregnancy was 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.69. Maternal smoking in pregnancy was associated with acute otitis media up to 12 months of age. Compared with non‐exposed children, there was a slightly increased risk of recurrent acute otitis media for children exposed both prenatally and postnatally with a relative risk of 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.52.

Conclusion:  Even in a cohort with relatively low exposure levels of parental smoking, maternal smoking in pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of acute otitis media in early childhood.