bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cardiac neural stem cell phenotype is compromised in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: El‐Helou Viviane , Proulx Cindy , Béguin Pauline , Assimakopoulos John , Gosselin Hugues , Clement Robert , Villeneuve Louis , Huot‐Marchand Julie‐Émilie , DeBlois Denis , Lajoie Claude , Calderone Angelino
Published: April 2009

Neural stem cells were identified in the rat heart and during scar formation and healing participated in sympathetic fiber sprouting and angiogenesis. In the setting of diabetes, impaired wound healing represents a typical pathological feature. These findings provided the impetus to test the hypothesis that experimental diabetes adversely influenced the phenotype of cardiac neural stem cells. Streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats were associated with elevated plasma glucose levels, significant loss of body weight and left ventricular contractile dysfunction. In the heart of STZ‐diabetic rats, the density of nestin immunoreactive processes emanating from cardiac neural stem cells were reduced. The latter finding was reaffirmed as nestin protein expression was significantly decreased in the heart of STZ‐diabetic rats and associated with a concomitant reduction of nestin mRNA. Employing the TUNEL assay, the loss of nestin expression in STZ‐diabetic rats was not attributed to widespread cardiac neural stem cell apoptosis. Insulin administration to STZ‐diabetic rats with established hyperglycaemia led to a modest recovery of nestin protein expression in cardiac neural stem cells. By contrast, the administration of insulin immediately after STZ injection improved plasma glucose levels and significantly attenuated the loss of nestin protein expression. These data highlight the novel observation that nestin protein expression in cardiac neural stem cells was significantly reduced in STZ‐induced type I diabetic rats. The aberrant cardiac neural stem cell phenotype may compromise their biological role and predispose the diabetic heart to maladaptive healing following ischemic injury. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 440–449, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perspectives on human stem cell research
Authors: Jung Kyu Won
Published: April 2009

Human stem cell research draws not only scientists' but the public's attention. Human stem cell research is considered to be able to identify the mechanism of human development and change the paradigm of medical practices. However, there are heated ethical and legal debates about human stem cell research. The core issue is that of human dignity and human life. Some prefer human adult stem cell research or iPS cell research, others hES cell research. We do not need to exclude any type of stem cell research because each has its own merits and issues, and they can facilitate the scientific revolution when working together. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 535–537, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biostimulation strategies for fresh and chronically polluted marine environments with petroleum hydrocarbons
Authors: Nikolopoulou Maria , Kalogerakis Nicolas
Published: April 2009

Stimulation of indigenous degraders with suitable nutrients can significantly enhance bioremediation rates of marine environments polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons. Biostimulation is emerging as the best strategy for combating oil spills following first response actions. This mini review is focused on the conditions under which biostimulation leads to increased effectiveness and strategies for successful biostimulation to fresh and chronically polluted sites are suggested. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimization of alkaline transesterification of rice bran oil for biodiesel production using response surface methodology
Authors: Rashid Umer , Anwar Farooq , Ansari Tariq Mahmood , Arif Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Response surface methodology (RSM), based on central composite rotatable design (CCRD), was used to optimize four transesterification reaction variables: methanol‐to‐oil molar ratio (3:1–12:1), catalyst (NaOCH3) concentration (0.5–1.25 wt% in relation to oil mass), reaction temperature (45–65 °C) and reaction time (30–90 min) at two levels (24 experimental design) to produce rice bran oil methyl esters (RBOME).

RESULTS: The molar ratio of methanol to oil and reaction temperatures were the most significant (P < 0.01) factors affecting the yield of RBOME. A linear relationship was found between the observed and predicted values (R2 = 0.9520). Using multiple regression analysis a quadratic polynomial equation was established for methyl ester yield. The quadratic term of catalyst concentration showed a significant (P < 0.01) effect on esters yield. The interaction terms of methanol to oil molar ratio and catalyst concentration with reaction time exhibited a positive effect on the methyl esters yield (P < 0.05). The optimum reaction conditions for transesterification of rice bran oil were 7.5:1 methanol‐to‐oil ratio, 0.88% catalyst concentration, 55 °C reaction temperature and 60 min reaction time, resulting in a RBOME yield of 83.3%. Gas chromatographic analysis of RBOME produced in the present experiment revealed linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids to be the major fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs).

CONCLUSION: RSM was found to be a suitable technique for optimizing transesterification of rice bran oil. Fuel properties of RBOME as measured according to accepted methods were found to satisfy almost all prescribed ASTM (D 6751) and EN 14214 specifications. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Micro‐fabrication and monitoring of three‐dimensional microstructures based on laser‐induced thermoplastic formation
Authors: Wang Leyan , Zhang Dongxian , Wen Zhenghu , Zhang Haijun
Published: April 2009

This article reports a novel laser‐induced micro‐fabrication method and its monitoring system for three‐dimensional (3D) microstructures. The mechanism of the method is that a small zone of thermoplastic material melted by laser heating grows in liquid surrounding environment, solidifying into a convex microstructure, such as micro‐dot or micro‐pillar. A laser diode (808 nm) with maximum power output of 130 mW is used as power source, and a kind of paraffin mixed with stearic acid and paint serves as the thermoplastic material for 3D microstructure formation experiments. A light microscope system consisting of a charge‐coupled device (CCD) and a computer is utilized to realize real‐time observation of the micro‐fabricating process. The distribution of local temperature rise on material surface created by laser irradiation is simulated. The effects of liquid environment on microstructure formation have been theoretically analyzed and experimentally studied. Experiments are further carried out to investigate the relationship between laser spot and fabricated microstructures. The results indicate that the widths of micro‐dots or micro‐pillars are mostly determined by the size of focal spot, and their heights increase with the enlargement of laser power density. With this method, a micro‐dot array of Chinese characters meaning “China” has been successfully fabricated through computer programming. This method has the advantages of implementing direct, mask‐less, real‐time and inexpensive 3D microstructure fabrication. Therefore, it would be widely applied in the fields of micro/nano‐technology for practical fabrication of different kinds of 3D microstructures. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural analysis of radicular dentine surface submitted to CO2 laser at different parameters
Authors: Nomelini S.M.B. , Souza‐Gabriel A.E. , Marchesan M.A. , Sousa‐Neto M.D. , Silva‐Sousa Y.T.C.
Published: April 2009

Background: There are no reported studies comparing different parameter settings of the CO2 laser and irradiation direction considering their effect on the morphology of radicular dentine surface. Purpose: To evaluate the alterations of radicular dentine (cervical, middle, and apical thirds) irradiated with CO2 laser at different potencies and irradiation directions. Study Design: Roots of 35 canines were prepared and randomly distributed according to the laser potency: GI: no laser treatment (control) (n = 5); GII, 2 W (n = 10); GIII: 4 W (n = 10); GIV: 6 W (n = 10). Each group (excepting GI) was divided in two subgroups according to the irradiation distance (n = 5): (A) parallel and (B) perpendicular to the root canal walls. The roots were splited longitudinally and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy in a qualiquatitative way. The scores were submitted to Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests. Results: No significant statistical differences were observed among root canal thirds (P > 0.05). The specimens irradiated with 2 W were statistically different (P < 0.05) from those irradiated with 4 and 6 W, which were statistically similar between themselves (P > 0.05). With 2, 4, and 6 W at in parallel irradiation and 2 W in perpendicular direction, the surface showed a fissured aspect. With 4 W in perpendicular direction and 6 W in parallel and perpendicular direction, surface was modified by laser action and exhibited fused areas. Conclusions: The intensity of the effects is dependent on the laser‐irradiation dosimetries. Alterations were more intense when higher parameters were used. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression profile of a 400‐bpStra8promoter region during spermatogenesis
Authors: Antonangeli Fabrizio , Giampietri Claudia , Petrungaro Simonetta , Filippini Antonio , Ziparo Elio
Published: April 2009

Although numerous markers have been helpful in isolating and enriching spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), such as Thy‐1 and GFRα‐1, no specific marker for this cell type has been identified so far. A 400‐bp regulatory region of the stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8) promoter was reported to direct gene expression into SSCs and we have recently generated a new transgenic mouse model harboring the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) downstream of thisStra8promoter. In this study, a detailed analysis of the EGFP expression pattern in the testis was carried out, showing that the transgene was expressed in meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells and not in undifferentiated germ cells. These findings were supported by confocal microscopy and flow cytometric analyses, and do not agree with the previous report concerning the 400‐bpStra8promoter activity. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integrated analytical study for the authentication of five Russian icons (XVI–XVII centuries)
Authors: Sandu Irina Crina Anca , Bracci Susanna , Sandu Ion , Lobefaro Mariella
Published: April 2009

This article presents an integrated approach for the authentication of five Russian icons through the study of their paint materials (elemental composition and stratigraphic mapping), state of conservation and artistic technique. The results of the applied analytical protocol, involving optical and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy/microspectroscopy, led to the conclusion that the five icons belong to the same group and iconographic school (from Northern Russia) and date from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of 17th century. Because of massive overpainting, the icons “suffered” a change in iconographic style and significance, and restoration treatment brought to light the original painting and its attribution. Identification of the composition of the original chromatic palette used by the iconographer, the stratigraphic mapping and the conservation state of the painting materials, along with the features of the original artistic technique, furnished key elements for the icons' authentication. Here, we present the first experimental data concerning the identification of the authentication characteristics, being part of a large project that has as its final aim the evaluation of the effectiveness and effects of the cleaning agent on the paint layers. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in testosterone or temperature during the in vitro oocyte culture do not alter the sex ratio of bovine embryos
Authors: Díez Carmen , Bermejo‐Alvarez Pablo , Trigal Beatriz , Caamaño José Néstor , Muñoz Marta , Molina Irene , Gutiérrez‐Adán Alfonso , Carrocera Susana , Martín David , Gómez Enrique
Published: April 2009

High follicular testosterone levels have been associated with a skew in the sex ratio in favor of males following in vitro fertilization, whereas egg incubation temperature has been found to influence sex ratio in some reptiles. The incubation temperature interferes with the aromatase activity, resulting in a sex determination mechanism thought to be lost in mammals. In this work we aimed to test the effects of testosterone on sex ratio of bovine embryos produced in vitro and to determine whether effects of sex and temperature are effectively decoupled in mammals. Bovine oocytes were in vitro matured for 22 hr in TCM199, PVA, FSH and LH after a 22 hr meiotic arrest in TCM199, PVA and roscovitine 25 µM. Matured oocytes were in vitro fertilized and cultured up to Day 3, and embryos having three or more cells were sexed. In the first experiment, testosterone (0, 30, 300 and 1,500 nM), present both during meiotic inhibition and subsequent in vitro maturation (IVM), did not affect development rates or embryonic sex ratio. In the second experiment, increasing incubation temperatures (38, 39 or 40°C) during meiotic inhibition and subsequent IVM, reduced embryo development, but did not change the sex ratio. Under our experimental conditions, testosterone does not promote a preferential selection of Y‐chromosome bearing spermatozoa by the oocyte, and temperature and sex ratio seems to be decoupled in mammals. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:448–452, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐rainbow colorings of 3‐, 4‐ and 5‐connected plane graphs
Authors: Dvořák Zdeněk , Král' Daniel , Škrekovski Riste
Published: April 2009

We study vertex‐colorings of plane graphs that do not contain a rainbow face, i.e., a face with vertices of mutually distinct colors. If G is a 3 ‐connected plane graph with n vertices, then the number of colors in such a coloring does not exceed
$\lfloor{{7n-8}\over {9}}\rfloor$. If G is 4 ‐connected, then the number of colors is at most
$\lfloor {{5n-6}\over {8}}\rfloor$, and for n≡3(mod8), it is at most $\lfloor{{5n-6}\over {8}}\rfloor-1$. Finally, if G is 5 ‐connected, then the number of colors is at most
$\lfloor{{25}\over{58}}{\rm n}-{{22} \over {29}}\rfloor$. The bounds for 3 ‐connected and 4 ‐connected plane graphs are the best possible as we exhibit constructions of graphs with colorings matching the bounds. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 63: 129–145, 2010
Rapid response: A quality improvement conundrum
Authors: Prado Renata , Albert Richard K. , Mehler Philip S. , Chu Eugene S.
Published: April 2009

Many in‐hospital cardiac arrests and other adverse events are heralded by warning signs that are evident in the preceding 6 to 8 hours. By promptly intervening before further deterioration occurs, rapid response teams (RRTs) are designed to decrease unexpected intensive care unit (ICU) transfers, cardiac arrests, and inpatient mortality. While implementing RRTs is 1 of the 6 initiatives recommended by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, data supporting their effectiveness is equivocal. Before implementing an RRT in our institution, we reviewed cases of failure to rescue and found that (1) poor outcomes were often associated with attempts to manage early decompensations without a bedside evaluation, and (2) the common causes of decompensation for floor patients (early sepsis, aspiration, pulmonary embolism) were within the scope of our primary teams' practice. Therefore, we felt that prompt, mandatory bedside evaluations by the primary team would decrease untoward outcomes. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:255–257. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
The effects of labelling, expert testimony, and information processing mode on juror decisions in SVP civil commitment trials
Authors: Lieberman Joel D. , Krauss Daniel A.
Published: April 2009

Expert witnesses offering testimony in sexually violent predator civil commitment trials may use diagnostic labels that are either familiar (e.g. ‘psychopath’) or unfamiliar (e.g. ‘paraphilia’) to jurors. Using predictions based on cognitive experiential self‐theory, we explored the influence of testimony type (clinical versus actuarial) and diagnostic label (psychopath versus paraphilia) on jurors motivated to adopt either an experiential processing mode (PM; in which heuristic cues may be strongly relied upon) or an analytic rational PM. Consistent with previous research, our results indicated that when given a psychopathic diagnostic label, mock jurors motivated to process information experientially were more influenced by clinical testimony, whereas mock jurors induced into a rational mode were more influenced by actuarial testimony. However, experientially oriented jurors given a paraphilia diagnostic label did not show the expected influence of clinical expert testimony, and instead were more persuaded by actuarial testimony. These findings are discussed from a judgement and heuristics cues framework. The implications of several procedural suggestions are examined. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is there a future for investigative hypnosis?
Authors: Wagstaff Graham F.
Published: April 2009

Since its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, hypnosis as an investigative procedure has declined in popularity such that many experts now consider it to be more a liability than a useful forensic tool. Indeed, in the US, a majority of the states follow a per se exclusion rule, prohibiting any memories retrieved during or after hypnosis from being introduced into evidence. In this paper, factors contributing to the demise of investigative hypnosis are re‐examined. It is concluded that a per se exclusion rule is overly inclusive, but it is advisable for investigators to avoid using hypnosis when other, less contentious alternatives, such as the cognitive interview, are available. Nevertheless, it often goes unrecognised that a more positive legacy of investigative hypnosis is very present in modern investigative interviewing best practice; moreover, there may still be procedures employed in hypnotic interviewing that have yet to be exploited. For example, recent research indicates that, when divorced from the context of hypnosis, brief techniques such as focused breathing, and eye closure, can enhance memory. As memory enhancement with these techniques is achieved without the increase in false positive errors familiar to more traditional hypnosis techniques, evidence from such procedures should be acceptable to the courts. The potential role of hypnosis as a tool to reverse the effects of misinformation is also considered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alternative solvents for electrophilic synthesis of 6‐[18F]fluoro‐L‐DOPA
Authors: Forsback Sarita , Eskola Olli , Bergman Jörgen , Haaparanta Merja , Solin Olof
Published: April 2009

Owing to the ozone layer‐depleting properties of chlorofluorocarbon compounds, alternative solvents for electrophilic fluorination reactions are desirable. Chloroform, dichloromethane, acetone or their deuterated analogues were examined as substitutes for Freon‐11 in the electrophilic synthesis of 6‐[18F]fluoro‐L‐DOPA ([18F]FDOPA). CDCl3, CD2Cl2 and C3D6O were found to be suitable solvents in this reaction, with the deuterated solvents providing significantly higher yields than Freon‐11. There were no differences among the solvents in the specific radioactivity, the radiochemical purity, the chemical purity or the microbiological quality of the final product. However, the radiochemical yield of [18F]FDOPA was increased when acetic acid was added to the precursor solution prior to the fluorination reaction. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between scapular position and structural strength of rib cage in quadruped animals
Authors: Fujiwara Shin‐ichi , Kuwazuru Osamu , Inuzuka Norihisa , Yoshikawa Nobuhiro
Published: April 2009

Determining scapular position is a major issue in reconstructing the skeletal systems of extinct quadruped archosaurs and mammals, because the proximal portion of the scapulae has no direct skeletal joint with the vertebrae or ribs. When quadrupeds stand or walk, their trunk is suspended between the forelimbs by the serratus muscles, which arises from the lateral sides of the “thoracic” ribs and inserts into the proximal portion of the costal surface of the scapula. Therefore, the “thoracic” ribs are subjected to a static or dynamic vertical compression between the lifting force from the muscle and the gravitational force from the vertebral column. To investigate the body support function of the ribs, we analyzed the mechanical strength of the ribs of extant tetrapods by the two‐dimensional finite element method, and compared the degree of strength through their craniocaudal scapular positions. The result of this simulation showed that the “thoracic” ribs of quadrupeds, to which the serratus muscles attach, have a relatively higher strength against compaction than the other ribs. In bipeds, however, we did not find a similar correlation between the strength of ribs and the serratus muscle. This implies that the location of robust ribs is associated with the arrangement of the serratus muscle, and provides a probable candidate for determination of the scapular position for extinct quadruped archosaurs and mammals. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional morphology of digestion in the stomachless, piscivorous needlefishes Tylosurus gavialoides and Strongylura leiura ferox (Teleostei: Beloniformes)
Authors: Manjakasy Jennifer M. , Day Ryan D. , Kemp Anne , Tibbetts Ian R.
Published: April 2009

Belonidae are unusual in that they are carnivorous but lack a stomach and have a straight, short gut. To develop a functional morphological model for this unusual system the gut contents and alimentary tract morphology of Tylosurus gavialoides and Strongylura leiura ferox were investigated. The posterior orientation of the majority of the pharyngeal teeth supports the swallowing of whole large prey, but not their mastication. Mucogenic cells are abundant in the mucosa lining, particularly the esophagus, and their secretions are likely to protect the gut lining from damage while lubricating passage of the prey. Esophagus, anterior intestine, posterior intestine, and rectum all have highly reticulate mucosae. The anterior three gut sections are distensible to accommodate the passage of prey. However, following ingestion large prey are passed to the highly distensible posterior intestine where they rest head first against the ileorectal valve. Alimentary pH ranges from neutral to weakly acidic. Fish prey is digested head first with the head being largely digested while the remainder of the body is still intact. The nondistensibility of the rectum and the small aperture provided by the ileorectal valve suggest the products of intestinal digestion are either small particulates or fluids that pass into rectum where they are absorbed. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Olecranon orientation as an indicator of elbow joint angle in the stance phase, and estimation of forelimb posture in extinct quadruped animals
Authors: Fujiwara Shin‐ichi
Published: April 2009

Reconstruction of limb posture is a challenging task in assessing functional morphology and biomechanics of extinct tetrapods, mainly because of the wide range of motions possible at each limb joint and because of our poor knowledge of the relationship between posture and musculoskeletal structure, even in the extant taxa. This is especially true for extinct mammals such as the desmostylian taxa Desmostylus and Paleoparadoxia. This study presents a procedure that how the elbow joint angles of extinct quadruped mammals can be inferred from osteological characteristics. A survey of 67 dried skeletons and 113 step cycles of 32 extant genera, representing 25 families and 13 orders, showed that the olecranon of the ulna and the shaft of the humerus were oriented approximately perpendicular to each other during the stance phase. At this angle, the major extensor muscles maximize their torque at the elbow joint. Based on this survey, I suggest that olecranon orientation can be used for inferring the elbow joint angles of quadruped mammals with prominent olecranons, regardless of taxon, body size, and locomotor guild. By estimating the elbow joint angle, it is inferred that Desmostylus would have had more upright forelimbs than Paleoparadoxia, because their elbow joint angles during the stance phase were approximately 165° and 130°, respectively. Difference in elbow joint angles between these two genera suggests possible differences in stance and gait of these two mammals. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development and embryonic pattern of body wall musculature in the crassiclitellate Eisenia andrei (Annelida, Clitellata)
Authors: Hunnekuhl Vera S. , Bergter Annette , Purschke Günter , Paululat Achim
Published: April 2009

During early development of Eisenia andrei (Crassiclitellata), a loose arrangement of primary circular and longitudinal muscles encloses the whole embryo. Circular muscles differentiate in an anterior–posterior progression creating a segmental pattern. Primary circular muscles emerge at the segmental borders while later in development the central part of each segment is filled with circular strands. Longitudinal muscles develop in an anterio‐posterior manner as well, but by continuous lengthening. Muscle growth is not restricted by segmental boundaries. The development begins with one pair of prominent longitudinal muscles differentiating ventrally along the right and the left germ band. These first muscles provide a guiding structure for the parallel organization of the afterwards differentiating longitudinal musculature. Additional primary longitudinal muscles emerge and form, together with the initial circular muscles, the primary muscle grid of the embryo. During the following development, secondary longitudinal muscle strands develop and integrate themselves into the primary grid. Meanwhile the primary circular muscles split into thin strands in a ventral to dorsal progression. Thus, a fine structured mesh of circular and longitudinal muscles is generated. Compared to other “Oligochaeta”, embryonic muscle patterns in E. andrei are adapted to the development of a lecithotrophic embryo. Nevertheless, two general characteristics of annelid muscle development become evident. The first is the segmental development of the circular muscles from a set of initial muscles situated at the segment borders. Second, there is a continuous development of primary longitudinal muscles starting at the anterior pole. At least one pair of main primary longitudinal strands is characteristic in Annelida. The space between all primary strands is filled with secondary longitudinal strands during further development. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Visualization of multidirectional regional left ventricular dynamics by high‐temporal‐resolution tissue phase mapping
Authors: Föll Daniela , Jung Bernd , Staehle Felix , Schilli Elfriede , Bode Christoph , Hennig Jürgen , Markl Michael
Published: April 2009

Purpose

To apply high‐temporal‐resolution tissue phase mapping (TPM) to derive a detailed representation of normal regional myocardial motion in a large cohort of 58 normal subjects (three age groups) and one patient with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Materials and Methods

Analysis included transformation of the acquired myocardial velocities into radial, circumferential, and long‐axis motion components representing left ventricular (LV) function with a spatiotemporal resolution of 1.3 × 2.6 × 8 mm3 and 13.8 msec, respectively. To compare multidirectional regional myocardial velocities between groups of subjects, a multisegment and multislice visualization model was employed. Regional myocardial motion was mapped onto the visualization model to display the current status of myocardial motion from base to apex as in‐plane velocity vector fields in conjunction with color‐coded long‐axis plane motion. Moreover, correlation analysis was used to investigate regional differences in myocardial dynamics.

Results

Age‐related changes in LV myocardial velocities resulted in significant differences of peak and time‐to‐peak velocities in the radial and long‐axis directions. Correlation analysis revealed clearly visible regional differences in the temporal evolution of long‐axis and circumferential velocities, particularly between the youngest and oldest age groups. Comparison of pathological LV motion with age‐matched volunteers indicated marked regional alterations in myocardial velocities and dynamics.

Conclusion

High‐temporal‐resolution TPM in combination with a schematic visualization model and correlation analysis permits the identification of local changes in myocardial velocities associated with different age groups and a common LV pathology. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:1043–1052. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR imaging findings of small bowel hemorrhage: Two cases of mural involvement and one of perimural
Authors: Leonardou Polytimi , Kierans Andrea S. , Elazazzi Mohamed , Shaikh Faiq , Semelka Richard C.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

To demonstrate the MR appearance of small bowel wall hemorrhage.

Materials and Methods

A search was performed of the clinical information system (CIS) and the abdominal MRI databases of our institution for patients diagnosed with bowel hemorrhage on MRI between January 1, 2000, and July 31, 2008. All patients were imaged using a protocol that included noncontrast T1‐ and T2‐weighted images and postgadolinium gradient echo images.

Results

Two male patients, 44 and 55 years of age, were identified with small bowel mural hemorrhage, one in the duodenum and one in the jejunum. A third patient, a 66‐year‐old man, was identified with perimural hematoma. The following imaging features were observed: for mural hemorrhage, mural‐based increased signal intensity (SI) in the bowel wall on fat suppressed T1‐weighted images, variable increased SI on T2‐weighted images and no appreciable enhancement on the postcontrast T1‐weighted image; perimural hemorrhage exhibited normal thickness low SI wall on T2‐weighted single shot images, with ill‐defined material surrounding the bowel. SI features of this material, was similar to mural‐based abnormality.

Conclusion

In two patients with small bowel wall hemorrhage, the wall showed increased thickness with increased SI on noncontrast T1‐weighted images and lack of enhancement on postgadolinium images. Perimural hematoma showed an intact normal thickness wall that was low SI on T2 with surrounding material that was high SI on noncontrast T1‐weighted images and did not enhance. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:1185–1189. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repeatability of quantitative parameters derived from diffusion tensor imaging in patients with glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Paldino Michael J. , Barboriak Daniel , Desjardins Annick , Friedman Henry S. , Vredenburgh James J.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

To quantify the repeatability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) in patients with glioblastoma multiforme.

Materials and Methods

IRB approval and informed consent were obtained for this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act‐compliant study. Sixteen patients with glioblastoma multiforme underwent MR imaging at two time points without interval intervention. ADC and FA maps were registered to the contrast‐enhanced and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) image volumes. Volumes of tumor‐related enhancement (TRE) and FLAIR signal abnormality (FSA) were defined using a semiautomated segmentation technique.

Results

Repeated observations of mean ADC and mean FA were highly consistent within both TRE (ADC: r = 0.947,P < 0.0001; FA: r = 0.947, P < 0.0001) and FSA (ADC: r = 0.979, P < 0.0001; FA: r = 0.972, P < 0.0001). Within TRE, repeatability coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for change measured 0.104 × 10−3 mm2S−1 and 7.4% (ADC) and 0.0196 and 13.9% (FA), respectively. Within FSA, repeatability coefficients and 95% CI for change measured 0.071 × 10−3 mm2S−1 and 5.2% (ADC) and 0.0159 and 8.7% (FA), respectively. To detect 10% changes in mean ADC, sample sizes of nine (TRE) and six (FSA) patients would be required. The same change in mean FA would require sample sizes of 21 (TRE) and 10 (FSA) patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Changes after therapy greater than the repeatability coefficient or 95% CI for change are unlikely to be related to variability in the measurement of ADC and FA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:1199–1205. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accuracy of MRI for predicting the circumferential resection margin, mesorectal fascia invasion, and tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Kim Seung Ho , Lee Jeong Min , Park Hee Sun , Eun Hyo Won , Han Joon Koo , Choi Byung Ihn
Published: April 2009

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRI for predicting the circumferential resection margin (CRM), mesorectal fascia (MRF) invasion, and the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐five consecutive patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (≥T3 or lymph node‐positive) who underwent neoadjuvant CRT and subsequent surgery were enrolled in this retrospective study. Two blinded radiologists independently reviewed both the pre‐ and post‐CRT rectal MR images and measured the post‐CRT CRM; they recorded their confidence level with respect to the MRF invasion and tumor response using a 5‐point scale. The diagnostic accuracy of each reviewer was calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.

Results

The measured CRM was not significantly different from the reference standard (mean difference, −1.4 mm; 95% limits of agreement, −8.3–5.4 mm; interclass correlation coefficient, 0.82). The diagnostic accuracy (Az) for determining MRF invasion was 0.890 for reviewer 1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.788–0.954) and 0.829 for reviewer 2 (95% CI, 0.715–0.911). The Az for predicting complete or near‐complete regression was 0.791 for reviewer 1 (95% CI, 0.672–0.882) and 0.735 for reviewer 2 (95% CI, 0.611–0.837).

Conclusion

MRI provides accurate information regarding the CRM of locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant CRT; it also shows relatively high accuracy for predicting MRF invasion and moderate accuracy for assessing tumor response. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:1093–1101. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Halting the effects of flow enhancement with effective intermittent zeugmatographic encoding (HEFEWEIZEN) in SSFP
Authors: Derakhshan Jamal J. , Griswold Mark A. , Sunshine Jeffrey L. , Duerk Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

To describe a new method for performing dark blood (DB) magnetization preparation in TrueFISP (bSSFP) and apply the technique to high‐resolution carotid artery imaging.

Materials and Methods

The developed method (HEFEWEIZEN) provides directional flow suppression, while preserving bSSFP contrast, by periodically applying spatial saturation in short repetition time (TR) TrueFISP. Steady‐state free precession (SSFP) conditions are maintained throughout the acquisition for the imaging slice magnetization. HEFEWEIZEN was implemented on a 1.5 T scanner with standard receiver coils. Studies were performed in phantoms, eight asymptomatic volunteers, and two patients with low‐ and high‐grade carotid artery stenosis.

Results

Average flow suppression was 88% ± 4% (arterial) and 85% ± 3% (venous) in a multislice study. Stationary signal, contrast, and fine details were maintained with only slight signal suppression (11% ± 11%). Comparison to diffusion‐prepared SSFP in the common carotid artery demonstrated significant improvement in wall‐lumen contrast‐to‐noise ratio efficiency (P = 0.024). DB contrast was achieved with only 13% increased acquisition time (14.3 sec). Further acceleration was possible by confining the DB preparation to the central 60% of k‐space.

Conclusion

A fast, short TR, DB TrueFISP pulse sequence was developed and tested in the carotid arteries of asymptomatic volunteers and patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:1163–1174. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility and reproducibility of biventricular volumetric assessment of cardiac function during exercise using real‐time radial k‐t SENSE magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Lurz Philipp , Muthurangu Vivek , Schievano Silvia , Nordmeyer Johannes , Bonhoeffer Philipp , Taylor Andrew M. , Hansen Michael S.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

To assess the feasibility and reproducibility of real‐time radial k‐t sensitivity encoding (SENSE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for biventricular volumetric assessment during exercise.

Materials and Methods

In all, 12 healthy young adults underwent MRI at rest and during supine exercise at three different workload intensities. Biventricular volumes and function were assessed with 1) a radial k‐t SENSE real‐time sequence and 2) a scanner vendor supplied (standard) real‐time sequence. Global image quality, motion fidelity, and agreement in right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) stroke volume (SV) as a surrogate measure for accuracy were assessed. Exercise MR was repeated within 1 month for assessment of reproducibility.

Results

Imaging scores were superior for radial real‐time k‐t SENSE images (P < 0.001). Agreement in RV and LV SV during exercise was better with radial k‐t real‐time (SD of difference ±3.43 vs. ±8.97 mL; P < 0.001). Agreement in cardiac output (CO) in the same subject at two different imaging sessions was better for radial k‐t SENSE. This was significant for the CO calculated for the RV (SD of difference ±0.6 vs. ±0.95 L/min; P = 0.01) and LV (±0.45 vs. ±0.92 L/min; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Radial k‐t SENSE real‐time imaging represents a feasible and reproducible imaging technique for biventricular assessment during exercise. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:1062–1070. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of intraportal venous flow distribution by unenhanced MR angiography using three‐dimensional fast spin‐echo with a selective tagging pulse: Efficacy of subtraction of tag‐on and tag‐off images acquired during a single breath‐hold
Authors: Ito Katsuyoshi , Shimizu Ayame , Tsukuda Toshinobu , Sasaki Katsumi , Tanabe Masahiro , Matsunaga Naofumi , Jo Chisaki , Kanazawa Hitoshi , Miyazaki Mitsue
Published: April 2009

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of subtracted MR images from two sets of unenhanced three‐dimensional (3D) MR angiography data (tag‐on and tag‐off images) acquired simultaneously during a single breath‐hold in assessing the intraportal venous flow distribution to the distal branches from the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and the splenic vein (SpV).

Materials and Methods

Tag‐on and tag‐off MR images during a single breath‐hold were obtained in 25 normal subjects. Tagging pulse was placed on the SMV or SpV separately to study inflow correlation of tagged blood into the portal vein.

Results

On the MR images tagged on the SMV, the mean ratings of visibility of tagged blood flow on the subtracted images were significantly higher (P = 0.016–0.0001) than those on the source images in almost all branches except second‐ordered left portal vein (P = 0.096). On the subtracted MR images tagged on SMV, the tramline (16 of the 25 subjects) was the most common distribution pattern of the tagged blood inflow in the main portal vein.

Conclusion

Subtracted MR images from two sets of unenhanced 3D MR angiography data (tag‐on and tag‐off images) acquired simultaneously would be effective to show the blood flow distribution of tagged blood into the portal vein and distal branches from SMV and SpV under the physiological condition without contrast injections. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:1224–1229. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frequent detection of hepatitis B virus variants associated with lamivudine resistance in treated South African patients infected chronically with different HBV genotypes
Authors: Selabe S. Gloria , Song Ernest , Burnett Rosemary J. , Mphahlele M. Jeffrey
Published: April 2009

This retrospective study investigated and characterized the YMDD motif of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse transcriptase (RT) gene, in sequential samples of 17 South African patients with chronic hepatitis B infection on lamivudine treatment. The profile of HBV genotypes as well as the genetic variability of pre‐core (pre‐C) and basal core promoter regions (BCP) were also determined in these patients. Mutations within the RT gene were determined by direct sequencing using SpectruMedix SCE 2410 genetic analyzer and INNO‐LiPA HBV DR (Innogenetics), while the genetic variability of the pre‐C/BCP and surface gene were determined by direct sequencing only. HBV genotypes were determined by analysis of the surface, core and RT genes using a web‐based genotyping tool (NCBI). HBV DNA was quantified using Cobas Amplicor HBV Monitor assay (Roche Diagnostics). Of the 17 patients, 13 (76.5%) carried YMDD mutations: 7 with rtM204I (2 HBeAg‐positive and 5 HBeAg‐negative) and 6 with rtM204V (4 HBeAg‐positive and 2 HBeAg‐negative). Of the 13 patients with resistant HBV strains, 8 (61.5%) carried genotype A, 3 (23%) genotype B, and 2 (15.3%) genotype C. Overall, only 5 of 13 (38%) patients with YMDD mutations experienced genotypic viral drug resistance and treatment failure. Of the 17 patients, 3 carried both pre‐C (G1896A) and BCP (A1762T/G1764A) mutants, 1 pre‐C only and 1 BCP only. This study demonstrated frequent detection of mutations associated with lamivudine‐resistance in therapy‐experienced South African patients infected chronically with different HBV genotypes, and confirmed that these mutations are not always accompanied by clinical relapse. J. Med. Virol. 81:996–1001, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prospective cohort study of mother‐to‐infant infection and clearance of hepatitis C in rural Egyptian villages
Authors: Shebl Fatma M. , El‐Kamary Samer S. , Saleh Doa'a A. , Abdel‐Hamid Mohamed , Mikhail Nabiel , Allam Alif , El‐Arabi Hanaa , Elhenawy Ibrahim , El‐Kafrawy Sherif , El‐Daly Mai , Selim Sahar , El‐Wahab Ayman Abd , Mostafa Mohamed , Sharaf Soraya , Hashem Mohamed , Heyward Scott , Stine O. Colin , Magder Laurence S. , Stoszek Sonia , Strickland G. Thomas
Published: April 2009

Although persistent transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) from infected mothers to their infants is reported in 4–8%, transient HCV perinatal infection also occurs. This prospective cohort study determined perinatal HCV infection‐ and early and late clearance‐rates in 1,863 mother‐infant pairs in rural Egyptian villages. This study found 15.7% and 10.9% of pregnant women had HCV antibodies (anti‐HCV) and HCV‐RNA, respectively. Among 329 infants born of these mothers, 33 (10.0%) tested positive for both anti‐HCV and HCV‐RNA 2 months following birth—29 (12.5%) having HCV‐RNA positive mothers and 4 (with transient infections) having mothers with only anti‐HCV. Fifteen remained HCV‐RNA positive at one and/or 2 years (persistent infections), while 18 cleared both virus and antibody by 1 year (transient infections). Among the 15 persistent cases, 7 cleared their infections by 2 or 3 years. At 2‐ to 6‐ and at 10‐ to 12‐month maternally acquired anti‐HCV was observed in 80% and 5% of infants, respectively. Four perinatally infected and one transiently infected infant were confirmed to be infected by their mothers by the sequence similarity of their viruses. Viremia was 155‐fold greater in mothers of infants with persistent than mothers of infants with transient infections. Maternal‐infant transmission of HCV is more frequent than generally reported. However, both early and late clearance of infection frequently occurs and only 15 (4.6%) and 8 (2.4%) infants born of HCV‐RNA positive mothers had detectable HCV‐RNA at one and 2–3 years of age. Investigating how infants clear infection may provide important information about protective immunity to HCV. J. Med. Virol. 81:1024–1031, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus and its association with hepatitis B, C, and D virus infections among incarcerated male substance abusers in Taiwan
Authors: Chu Fang‐Yeh , Chiang Shu‐Chuan , Su Fu‐Hsiung , Chang Yuan‐Ying , Cheng Shu‐Hsing
Published: April 2009

Taiwan has been facing a rising epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection since 2004. Injection drug users comprised 38.5% of accumulated HIV cases by 2007. This cross‐sectional study investigated the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and HIV infection in 753 male substance users who were detained in a detoxification center in Taoyuan, Taiwan. The subjects were enrolled into the study consecutively between February and October, 2005. The seroprevalence rates of HIV antibodies, HCV antibodies, and HBV surface antigens among all subjects, and HDV antibodies among HBV carriers were 6.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.19–8.95), 30.5% (95% CI: 27.23–33.93), 16.9% (95% CI: 14.24–19.71) and 13.7% (95% CI: 8.19–21.04), respectively. Subjects in the heroin injection group had significantly higher rates of HIV infection, HCV infection and HDV superinfection (25.5%, 89.6%, and 38.7%) than those in the heroin non‐injection group (0.9%, 24.5%, and 6.25%), the methamphetamine group (0.3%, 8.1%, and 6.7%), and the club drug group (1%, 3%, and 0%; P < 0.001). The odds of HCV, HIV, or HDV infection were 74.7, 63.8, and 11.1 higher, respectively, for heroin injection drug users than for non‐injection drug users (P < 0.0001). Compared to HIV‐negative individuals, the odds of being a heroin injector and the odds of HCV co‐infections were 64‐fold and 149‐fold higher, respectively, in HIV‐positive individuals. The impact of HBV, HCV, and HDV infection on the HIV epidemic in Taiwan should be monitored closely. J. Med. Virol. 81:973–978, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition reduce ammonia‐induced cell swelling in cultured astrocytes
Authors: Reddy Pichili V. B. , Rama Rao Kakulavarapu V. , Norenberg Michael D.
Published: April 2009

Ammonia is the principal neurotoxin implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy, and astrocytes are the neural cells predominantly affected in this condition. Astrocyte swelling (cytotoxic edema) represents a critical component of the brain edema in acute form of hepatic encephalopathy (acute liver failure, ALF). Although mechanisms of astrocyte swelling by ammonia are not completely understood, cultured astrocytes exposed to pathophysiological levels of ammonia develop the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT), a process that was shown to result in astrocyte swelling. Cyclosporin A (CsA), a traditional inhibitor of the mPT, was previously shown to completely block ammonia‐induced astrocyte swelling in culture. However, the efficacy of CsA to protect cytotoxic brain edema in ALF is problematic because it poorly crosses the blood–brain barrier, which is relatively intact in ALF. We therefore examined the effect of agents that block the mPT but are also known to cross the blood–brain barrier, including pyruvate, magnesium, minocycline, and trifluoperazine on the ammonia‐induced mPT, as well as cell swelling. Cultured astrocytes exposed to ammonia for 24 hr displayed the mPT as demonstrated by a CsA‐sensitive dissipation of the mitochondrial inner membrane potential. Pyruvate, minocycline, magnesium, and trifluoperazine significantly blocked the ammonia‐induced mPT. Ammonia resulted in a significant increase in cell volume, which was blocked by the above‐mentioned agents to a variable degree. A regression analysis indicated a high correlation between the effectiveness of reducing the mPT and cell swelling. Our data suggest that all these agents have therapeutic potential in mitigating brain edema in ALF. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.