bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La réforme des pensions: principes, erreurs analytiques et orientations générales
Authors: Barr Nicholas , Diamond Peter
Published: June 2009

Le présent article énonce une série de principes de conception des pensions ancrés dans la théorie économique. Premièrement, les régimes de retraite ont des objectifs multiples. Deuxièmement, l'analyse devrait examiner les régimes dans leur ensemble et s'inscrire dans un contexte qui n'est pas parfait. Enfin, les différents régimes partagent les risques différemment et n'ont pas les mêmes effets selon les générations et le genre. Cet examen est renforcé par l'identification d'une série d'énormes erreurs analytiques qui apparaissent certes dans les travaux de la Banque mondiale, mais pas uniquement. Les auteurs relèvent ainsi l'étroitesse de vues, l'utilisation injustifiée de la meilleure analyse, la mauvaise utilisation de l'analyse de l'Etat stationnaire, l'analyse imparfaite de la dette implicite en matière de pensions, la méconnaissance des effets distributifs et l'analyse incomplète de l'incidence de la capitalisation. Dans cette dernière erreur, il faut encore inclure l'accent excessif mis sur les flux financiers, l'incapacitéà voir comment la capitalisation se fait et la focalisation déplacée sur le type d'actifs des fonds de prévoyance. La deuxième partie de l'article porte sur les incidences au niveau de la politique. Il y a d'abord des postulats à revoir: il n'existe pas de modèle unique parfait pour concevoir les pensions, la retraite anticipée n'a guère d'effet sur la réduction du chômage. Ensuite, la question des promesses intenables doit être abordée frontalement. Il faut aussi se poser la question de savoir si le passage de la répartition à la capitalisation dans un système obligatoire peut ou non améliorer la protection sociale. Enfin, il y a toute la problématique de la mise en œuvre: une politique qui ne peut être mise en œuvre parce que le pays n'en a pas la capacité est une politique mal conçue. Nous évoquons les différents régimes de retraite conçus en fonction des contraintes budgétaires et institutionnelles caractéristiques de différents niveaux de développement économique. Les gains pouvant résulter de la simplicité montrent qu'un pays capable de mettre en œuvre un plan exigeant administrativement n'en tire pas nécessairement des avantages. La Nouvelle‐Zélande dispose d'un régime de retraite simple qu'elle a choisi, et qui ne lui a pas été imposé.
La «composante X» dans les réformes de la sécurité sociale à Shanghai
Authors: Davies Gloria , Nielsen Ingrid , Nyland Chris , Smyth Russel , Zhu Cherrie , Zhu Judith
Published: June 2009

En 2003, le Bureau de Shanghai du travail et de la sécurité sociale a lancé le programme zhenbao (assurance urbaine), aujourd'hui largement connu sous le nom de «25 plus X». Ce régime est considéré comme une expérience importante en matière de réforme de la sécurité sociale, et on lui a reconnu le mérite d'étendre la sécurité sociale à des régions où auparavant seuls des segments de la population bénéficiaient d'une couverture obligatoire. En utilisant des données relatives aux 103 000 personnes affiliées au régime 25 plus X, nous examinons l'ampleur de l'extension de la couverture de sécurité sociale que représente le régime. Notre analyse laisse penser que s'il représente une extension des prestations pour quelques‐uns, pour beaucoup d'autres il représente une réduction considérable des prestations.
Passage des affiliés d'un régime de retraite à comptes individuels à un régime par répartition: éléments de réponse d'Argentine
Authors: D'Elia Vanesa Valeria
Published: June 2009

Avant la mise en place récente du Régime argentin intégré de sécurité sociale (Sistema Integrado Previsional Argentino, SIPA), la réforme de 2007 a constitué le premier grand changement apporté au régime d'assurance vieillesse de la sécurité sociale argentine depuis 1994. Les travailleurs cotisant au régime privé de retraite à cotisations définies sur la base de comptes individuels ont pu choisir librement pour la première fois de passer au régime public par répartition. La présente étude constitue une tentative d'analyse des caractéristiques particulières des affiliés ayant choisi d'adhérer au régime public par répartition. Elle tente par ailleurs d'établir si le comportement de ces personnes est conforme à celui d'un «travailleur simulé» qui cherche à optimiser ses revenus. L'analyse comporte une évaluation de la probabilité d'un transfert de la part de personnes répondant à certaines caractéristiques.
Les effets des réformes de la pension nationale sur les femmes et les hommes en République de Corée
Authors: An Mi‐young
Published: June 2009

Le présent article examine les effets des réformes de la pension nationale sur les femmes et les hommes en République de Corée. En 2007, le gouvernement coréen a mis en place un régime de pension de vieillesse de base soumis à une condition de ressource qui sert des prestations forfaitaires. Il a aussi validé le temps consacréà l'éducation des enfants et a modifié les conditions d'ouverture des droits pour les personnes divorcées et veuves. Sont étudiées les incidences de ces changements d'orientation sur les personnes dont la durée de vie active est plus courte et dont les salaires sont inférieurs, sur les survivants et sur le rôle traditionnel de protection sociale que la famille joue en Corée. Il ressort des constatations que les réformes présentent certains aspects positifs. Elles demeurent toutefois plus favorables à ceux dont les revenus sont plus élevés et qui n'ont jamais cessé de travailler, ce qui caractérise davantage les actifs de sexe masculin. De plus, le rôle important que joue la famille dans la garantie des revenus fait partie intégrante des dispositions et la protection assurée aux survivants demeure faible.
La générosité et la réforme du système de retraite en Algérie, au Maroc et en Tunisie
Authors: Braham Mehdi Ben
Published: June 2009

Les systèmes de retraite de trois pays nord‐africains — Algérie, Maroc et Tunisie — sont confrontés à un certain nombre de difficultés. En présentant les caractéristiques et la structure organisationnelle de chacun d'entre eux, cet article recense les particularités et les problèmes qui leur sont communs. Se référant à la législation pertinente et faisant appel à des simulations de cas, il examine le niveau —élevé— de générosité des différents systèmes de retraite et en présente une analyse. Dans le contexte du vieillissement de la population, d'aucuns font valoir que les niveaux de générosité actuels ne peuvent pas être maintenus, et qu'une réforme est nécessaire. L'auteur étudie dans cet article différentes options de réforme, de même que les problèmes de mise en œuvre et les impacts macro‐économiques éventuels de la réforme.
Rentenreformen: Grundsätze, Analysefehler und politische Richtungen
Authors: Barr Nicholas , Diamond Peter
Published: June 2009

Auszug

Gestützt auf zwei Bücher, erörtert der vorliegende Artikel eine Reihe von in der Wirtschaftstheorie verankerten Grundsätzen für die Gestaltung von Rentensystemen: Rentensysteme haben mehrere Ziele, eine Analyse sollte das Rentensystem in seiner Gesamtheit betrachten, eine Analyse sollte als Rahmen einen Second‐Best‐Kontext verwenden, verschiedene Systeme streuen die Risiken unterschiedlich, und Systeme haben je nach Generation und Geschlecht unterschiedliche Auswirkungen. Diese Diskussion rechtfertigt sich durch die Feststellung einer Reihe weitverbreiteter Analysefehler — Fehler, die in Arbeiten der Weltbank, aber bei Weitem nicht nur dort zu finden sind: Tunnelblick, unangemessener Einsatz von First‐Best‐Analysen, unangemessene Analysen von Systemen im Vollbetrieb, unvollständige Analyse impliziter Rentenschulden, unvollständige Analyse der Auswirkungen der Kapitaldeckung (darunter zu starke Betonung von Finanzflüssen, Nichtbeachtung dessen, wie die Kapitaldeckung zustande kommt und unangemessener Schwerpunkt auf die Art der Platzierung in Anlagefonds) und Nichtbeachtung der Umverteilungswirkung. Im zweiten Teil des Artikels werden die Folgen für die Politik betrachtet: Es gibt nicht eine einzige beste Rentengestaltung, der Vorruhestand leistet wenig oder nichts zur Absenkung der Arbeitslosigkeit, nicht tragbare Rentenzusagen müssen direkt angegangen werden, eine Umstellung von Umlageverfahren auf Kapitaldeckung in einem obligatorischen System kann die Wohlfahrt verbessern oder nicht, und die Umsetzung selbst ist wichtig — eine Ausgestaltung, die die Umsetzungsfähigkeiten eines Landes übersteigt, ist eine schlechte Ausgestaltung. Wir zeigen das Spektrum an Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten von Rentensystemen, die je nach Niveau der Wirtschaftsentwicklung den Haushalts‐ und institutionellen Restriktionen angepasst sind. Gewinne durch Einfachheit sind möglich, aber selbst wenn ein Land fähig ist, einen administrativ anspruchsvollen Plan umzusetzen, bedeutet dies nicht, dass es dadurch zwangsläufig gewinnt. So hat sich etwa Neuseeland aus freien Stücken für ein einfaches Rentensystem entschieden, und nicht unter Druck.
Großzügigkeit und Reform von Rentensystemen in Algerien, Marokko und Tunesien
Authors: Braham Mehdi Ben
Published: June 2009

Auszug

Die Rentensysteme in den nordafrikanischen Ländern Algerien, Marokko und Tunesien stehen zurzeit vor einer Reihe von Schwierigkeiten. Der vorliegende Artikel stellt die Merkmale und die organisatorische Struktur der Rentensysteme in den genannten Ländern vor und kristallisiert die Besonderheiten heraus sowie die gemeinsamen Probleme, die sie bewältigen müssen. Anhand der sie regulierende Gesetzgebung und von Fallsimulationen wird das hohe Niveau der Großzügigkeit der verschiedenen Rentensysteme diskutiert und eine Analyse präsentiert. In Anbetracht der alternden Bevölkerung lassen sich die aktuellen Niveaus an Großzügigkeit nicht aufrechterhalten, so wird argumentiert; eine Reform ist nötig. Der Artikel diskutiert verschiedene Reformoptionen, die Probleme bei der Umsetzung und mögliche makroökonomische Auswirkungen der Reform.
Reforma de las pensiones: principios, errores analíticos y orientaciones políticas
Authors: Barr Nicholas , Diamond Peter
Published: June 2009

Este artículo establece una serie de principios para el diseño de las pensiones basados en la teoría económica: los sistemas de pensiones persiguen objetivos múltiples, el análisis debería tener en cuenta el sistema de pensiones en su conjunto, el análisis debería enmarcarse en un contexto de la mejor alternativa realista (teoría del Second Best), los diferentes sistemas comparten riesgos de distinta manera, y los sistemas tienen diferentes repercusiones en función de la generación y del género. Reforzamos este análisis con la identificación de una serie de errores analíticos muy generalizados que aparecen en el trabajo del Banco Mundial pero que, bajo ningún concepto, son exclusivos del trabajo del Banco Mundial: estrechez de miras, utilización indebida de los análisis de la situación óptima inalcanzable (First Best), uso inadecuado del análisis del estado estacionario, análisis incompleto de la deuda implícita de las pensiones, análisis incompleto de las repercusiones de la capitalización (incluidos los siguientes aspectos: se presta una atención excesiva a los movimientos financieros, incapacidad de analizar cómo se genera la capitalización y el que se preste excesiva atención al tipo de valores en los fondos), y omisión de los efectos distributivos. La segunda parte del artículo examina las implicaciones para la política: no existe un diseño ideal de las pensiones, la jubilación anticipada no contribuye o apenas contribuye a reducir el desempleo, es necesario afrontar de manera directa la previsión de que las pensiones no serán sostenibles, la sustitución de sistemas de reparto por sistemas de capitalización en un régimen obligatorio puede mejorar o no el bienestar, y cuestiones relacionadas con la aplicación (un diseño político que supere la capacidad nacional de ejecución es un mal diseño político). Ilustramos una serie de diseños de sistemas de pensiones que encajan en las restricciones de la capacidad fiscal e institucional características de diferentes niveles de desarrollo económico. Las posibles ventajas de la simplicidad implican que aunque un país sea capaz de aplicar un programa exigente en términos administrativos, ese programa no siempre le beneficiará. Nueva Zelandia tiene un sistema de pensiones simple porque así lo ha elegido, sin que le haya sido impuesto.
El «componente X» en las reformas de la seguridad social en Shanghai
Authors: Davies Gloria , Nielsen Ingrid , Nyland Chris , Smyth Russell , Zhu Cherrie , Zhu Judith
Published: June 2009

En 2003, la Oficina de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Shanghai lanzó el programa zhenbao (seguro municipal), conocido ahora generalmente como el modelo 25 + X. Este régimen está considerado como un experimento importante en materia de reforma de la seguridad social y se le ha elogiado por extender la seguridad social a zonas donde anteriormente sólo algunos segmentos de la población se beneficiaban de una cobertura obligatoria. Utilizando los datos obtenidos de 103 000 personas afiliadas al modelo 25 + X, examinamos hasta qué punto este régimen representa una extensión de la cobertura de seguridad social. Nuestro análisis sugiere que, si bien significa una extensión de las prestaciones para algunos, sin embargo, implica para otros muchos una dilución significativa de esas prestaciones.
Determinantes del traspaso de los afiliados a capitalización al régimen previsional de reparto: evidencia para la Argentina
Authors: D'Elia Vanesa Valeria
Published: June 2009

Antes de la reciente aplicación del Sistema Integrado de Seguridad Social (Sistema Integrado Previsional Argentino, SIPA), la reforma del Sistema Previsional Argentino 2007 representa el primer cambio significativo desde el año 1994. Por primera vez los trabajadores cuyas cotizaciones se dirigían al régimen privado de capitalización, pudieron libremente optar por pasarse al régimen público de reparto. Este trabajo intenta analizar las características distintivas de aquellos que optaron por cambiarse al régimen estatal, a la vez que se busca indagar si la conducta de estos individuos se encuentra en línea con la maximización de ingresos de un «trabajador simulado». El análisis se completa con la estimación de probabilidades de traspaso de individuos con diferentes características.
El impacto de género en las reformas de la Pensión Nacional de la República de Corea
Authors: An Mi‐young
Published: June 2009

Este artículo examina el impacto de género que tendrán las reformas de la Pensión Nacional de la República de Corea. En 2007, el Gobierno coreano introdujo un régimen de pensiones básicas de vejez sujetas a verificación de recursos que incluía el pago de subsidios fijos. También introdujo períodos subvencionados de cobertura de las pensiones por crianza de los hijos y cambió las condiciones de titularidad de las personas divorciadas y viudas. Este artículo examina el impacto que tendrán estas reformas en las personas con historiales laborales más cortos y salarios más bajos, en los sobrevivientes y en el papel tradicional de protección social que desempeña la familia en Corea. Las conclusiones indican que las reformas tienen algunos aspectos positivos. No obstante, las reformas siguen favoreciendo más a quienes tienen ingresos más altos y un historial laboral ininterrumpido, aspectos que son más característicos de los trabajadores varones. Es más, el importante papel que desempeña la familia en la seguridad de ingresos sigue estando sólidamente arraigado en la legislación y, por otro lado, la protección de los sobrevivientes sigue siendo insuficiente.
Generosidad y reforma de los sistemas de pensiones de Argelia, Marruecos y Túnez
Authors: Braham Mehdi Ben
Published: June 2009

Los sistemas de pensiones de tres países de África del Norte, Argelia, Marruecos y Túnez, atraviesan dificultades. En el presente artículo se identifican las particularidades y los problemas comunes de los sistemas de pensiones de estos países mediante la presentación de las características y la estructura organizativa de cada uno de ellos. En lo referente a la legislación habilitadora y las simulaciones de casos, se estudia y analiza el elevado nivel de generosidad de los distintos sistemas de pensiones. Se afirma que en un contexto de envejecimiento de la población, no se pueden mantener los niveles actuales de generosidad y, por lo tanto, hace falta una reforma. En el artículo se estudian distintas opciones de reforma, los retos que plantea su aplicación y sus posibles repercusiones sobre la macroeconomía.
Sub‐clinical atrophy of the retinal nerve fibre layer in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pueyo Victoria , Ara Jose Ramon , Almarcegui Carmen , Martin Jesus , Güerri Noemi , García Elena , Pablo Luis Emilio , Honrubia Francisco Manuel , Fernandez Francisco Javier
Published: June 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 748–752

Purpose:  This study aimed to evaluate the presence of abnormalities in the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with normal ophthalmic examination, and to compare the ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scanning laser polarimetry (GDx) to detect axonal loss.

Methods:  Patients with MS and disease‐free controls were invited to enrol in the study from 1 February 2007 to 30 June 2008. Ophthalmic examination, including evaluation of visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF), showed normal results in all subjects. Retinal nerve fibre layer properties were measured by means of OCT and GDx. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were also recorded.

Results:  Forty eyes of 40 MS patients and 20 eyes of age‐ and sex‐matched controls were included in the study. Despite normal VA and VF results, significant differences between the two groups were observed in VF mean deviation (MD), most of the RNFL measurements provided by OCT and GDx, and VEP P100 latency and amplitude. There was a significant correlation between OCT and GDx parameters, and between these parameters and VEP results. Nineteen MS eyes (35.7%) showed RNFL abnormalities detected either by OCT or GDx.

Discussion:  Sub‐clinical ganglion cell loss can be detected in MS patients with normal visual function. Both OCT and GDx are useful complementary tools with which to identify this damage.
Functional and morphological changes in the eyes of Behçet’s patients with uveitis
Authors: Takeuchi Masaru , Iwasaki Takuya , Kezuka Takeshi , Usui Yoshihiko , Okunuki Yoko , Sakai Jun‐ichi , Goto Hiroshi
Published: June 2009

Purpose:  Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic, recurrent, multisystem disorder, and serious ocular involvement may lead to blindness. In some BD patients, latent tissue damage caused by recurrent ocular inflammation is not reflected by visual acuity or ophthalmoscopic findings. In this study, we evaluated the morphological and functional changes of ocular features related to duration of uveitis from onset in BD patients, and analysed their association with visual acuity.

Methods:  Thirty‐eight eyes of 20 patients with ocular BD were enrolled. Eyes with marked complications such as cataract, glaucoma, cystoid macular oedema, macular degeneration and optic atrophy were excluded from the study. During clinical remission of ocular inflammation, perimetric sensitivity and retinal thickness were measured by Micro Perimeter 1 (MP‐1) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), respectively. The relationship between MP‐1 and OCT findings, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and duration from initial onset of uveitis were analysed statistically.

Results:  logMAR correlated with perimetric sensitivity measured with MP‐1 at the fovea, inner macula and outer macula, but not with retinal thickness based on OCT. The duration of uveitis correlated significantly with logMAR and with OCT‐based retinal thickness at the fovea, inner macular and outer macula, but not with MP‐1‐derived retinal perimetric sensitivity. No correlation was found between OCT‐based retinal thickness and the corresponding MP‐1‐derived retinal sensitivity at the fovea, inner macula or outer macula.

Conclusion:  These results demonstrate that visual acuity, retinal perimetric sensitivity and retinal thickness decrease with an increase in the duration of uveitis in BD patients, but that retinal perimetric sensitivity is relatively preserved among these factors.
Exogenous oestrogen exposure, female reproductive factors and the long‐term incidence of cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study
Authors: Kanthan Gowri L. , Wang Jie Jin , Burlutsky George , Rochtchina Elena , Cumming Robert G. , Mitchell Paul
Published: June 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 773–778

Purpose:  To assess the association between exogenous oestrogen exposure, female reproductive factors and the long‐term incidence of cataract.

Methods:  People aged 49+ years living in a defined geographic region were invited to participate in this prospective population‐based survey. Of 2072 women (83% of those eligible) who were examined during 1992–1994 at baseline, around 75% of survivors were re‐examined at 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐up visits. Lens photographs were assessed using the Wisconsin Cataract Grading System by masked graders. An interviewer‐administered questionnaire was used at each visit to collect information on female reproductive factors and the use of the oral contraceptive pill and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy.

Results:  After adjusting for age, smoking, socioeconomic status, steroid use, hypertension and diabetes, ever having used the oral contraceptive pill had a mild protective effect against incident cortical cataract (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.50–0.98). However, hormone replacement therapy, age at menarche, age at menopause, duration of exposure to endogenous oestrogen, parity and type of menopause were not found to have significant associations with the incidence of any type of cataract or cataract surgery.

Conclusion:  Apart from a weak protective association of oral contraceptive pill use and the development of cortical cataract, we found no significant longitudinal associations between exogenous oestrogen exposure, female reproductive factors and the long‐term incidence of cataract in this older population‐based cohort.
What is your diagnosis? Blood smear from an injured red‐tailed hawk
Authors: Johns Jennifer L. , Luff Jennifer A. , Shooshtari Mahrokh P. , Zehnder Ashley M. , Borjesson Dori L.
Published: June 2009

Abstract: An injured juvenile red‐tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) was evaluated at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis. The hawk was quiet, alert, and emaciated, and had a closed comminuted, mid‐diaphyseal ulnar fracture. CBC results included heterophilia with a left shift, monocytosis, and increased plasma fibrinogen concentration. The blood smear included rare heterophils containing small, dark blue inclusions approximately 1–2 μm in diameter that ranged from round to coccobacillary in shape and formed variably shaped aggregates; the morphology of the inclusions was suspicious for Chlamydophila or Ehrlichia spp. pathogens. The hawk died, and histopathologic examination of tissues obtained at necropsy found severe multifocal histiocytic and heterophilic splenitis in addition to chronic hepatitis, myocarditis and epicarditis, meningoencephalitis, and airsacculitis. Using immunohistochemistry the presence of Chlamydia/Chlamydophila spp. antigen within multiple tissues was confirmed. Chlamydophila psittaci DNA was demonstrated in whole blood and fresh splenic tissue via real‐time PCR. Direct fluorescent antibody staining of air‐dried blood smears was positive in rare leukocytes for Chlamydia/Chlamydophila spp. antigen, and immunocytochemical staining of blood smears for Chlamydia/Chlamydophila spp. antigen was focally positive in rare heterophils. These findings may represent the first reported diagnosis of natural avian C. psittaci infection by visualization of organisms in peripheral blood heterophils. Immunocytochemical evaluation of blood smears was valuable in confirming the diagnosis and may be a useful antemortem test to discriminate between bacteria and other inclusions within heterophils.
Evidence of Inheritance of Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts in Irish Wolfhounds
Authors: Van Steenbeek F.G. , Leegwater P.A.J. , Van Sluijs F.J. , Heuven H.C.M. , Rothuizen J.
Published: June 2009

Background:The etiogenesis of congenital portosystemic shunt in dogs is not understood. In Irish Wolfhounds, intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IHPSS) is thought to be hereditary, but the mode of inheritance is unknown.

Objectives:To document the genetic background and investigate the potential mode of inheritance of IHPSS in Irish Wolfhounds.

Animals:Three mature, privately owned, affected siblings and their progeny produced in 2 litters.

Methods:Prospective, observational study. Two test matings of 1 affected sire with 2 of his affected sisters were used to determine the inheritance pattern. Affection status was determined by measuring venous blood ammonia concentrations, detection of the shunt by ultrasonography and confirmation during surgical attenuation of the intrahepatic shunting vessel.

Results:In 1 litter of 5 pups all had an IHPSS. In the other litter 5 of 11 pups were affected. Both left‐ and right‐sided shunts occurred in both litters. No sex predisposition was evident among affected dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Our results show that IHPSS in Irish Wolfhounds is a familial disorder that is likely genetic. It is unlikely that the mode of inheritance is monogenic. A digenic, triallelic trait could explain the observed occurrence of IHPSS but other modes of inheritance cannot be excluded.
Left Ventricular Radial and Circumferential Wall Motion Analysis in Horses Using Strain, Strain Rate, and Displacement by 2D Speckle Tracking
Authors: Schwarzwald C.C. , Schober K.E. , Berli A.‐S.J. , Bonagura J.D.
Published: June 2009

Background: Noninvasive assessment of left‐ventricular (LV) function is clinically relevant, but is incompletely studied in horses.

Objectives: To document the feasibility, describe the techniques, and determine the reliability of 2D speckle tracking (2DST) for characterization of LV radial and circumferential wall motion in horses.

Animals: Three Standardbreds, 3 Thoroughbreds; age 8–14 years; body weight 517–606 kg.

Methods: Observational study. Repeated 2‐dimensional echocardiographic examinations were performed in unsedated horses by 2 observers and subsequently analyzed by 2DST. Test reliability was determined for segmental and for averaged 2DST indices (including strain, strain rate, displacement, and rotation) by estimating measurement variability, within‐day interobserver variability, between‐day interobserver variability, and between‐day intraobserver variability. Variability was expressed as coefficient of variation (percent) and the absolute value below which the difference between 2 measurements will lie with 95% probability.

Results: 2DST analyses were feasible in 16 of 18 echocardiographic studies. The automated tracking was accurate during systole but inaccurate during diastole. Reliability was higher for radial compared to circumferential measurements. For radial strain, radial systolic strain rate, and radial systolic displacement, the test‐retest variabilities ranged between 2.4 and 33.1% for segmental and between 4.1 and 16.1% for averaged measurements.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Systolic radial motion of the LV at the chordal level could be reliably characterized in horses by 2DST. Circumferential measurements were less reliable. Diastolic measurements were invalid because of inaccurate tracking. The clinical value of LV wall motion analysis by 2DST in horses requires further investigation.
Daily Rhythms of Left Atrial Pressure in Beagle Dogs with Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Authors: Ishikawa T. , Tanaka R. , Suzuki S. , Saida Y. , Soda A. , Fukushima R. , Yamane Y.
Published: June 2009

Background: Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) causes increased left atrial pressure (LAP) and is associated with occurrence of clinical signs. It will be useful to understand diurnal variations of LAP for the management of MR.

Hypothesis: Circulatory parameters and diurnal rhythm are linked to clinical signs in cardiac diseases. LAP also exhibits a diurnal rhythm in dogs with MR.

Animals: Five healthy Beagle dogs weighing 9.8–12.8 kg (3 males and 2 females; aged 2 years) were used.

Methods: A radiotelemetry system for continuous measurement of LAP was used in this study. Rupture of the chordae tendineae was experimentally induced via left atriotomy, and a transmitter catheter was inserted into the left atrium. The body of the transmitter was implanted SC. After clinical condition was stabilized, the severity of MR was evaluated by echocardiography, and LAP was recorded for 72 consecutive hours for the analysis of diurnal variation.

Results: Abrupt increases in LAP, which averaged 16.7 mmHg, were observed at feeding periods. In contrast, strong diurnal LAP variations were found, with a significant but slight increase in daytime LAP compared with nighttime LAP.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Diurnal LAP is characterized by a slight but significant nocturnal decrease and abrupt increases in response to excitation. The latter seemed to be more important considering the relationship with clinical manifestations. The clinical relevance of exercise restriction in the management of MR was acknowledged.
Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis Dysfunction in Hospitalized Neonatal Foals
Authors: Hart K.A. , Slovis N.M. , Barton M.H.
Published: June 2009

Background:Transient hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction occurs frequently in critically ill humans and impacts survival. The prevalence and impact of HPA axis dysfunction in critically ill neonatal foals are not well characterized.

Hypotheses:(1) HPA axis dysfunction occurs in hospitalized neonatal foals, and is characterized by inappropriately low basal serum cortisol concentration or inadequate cortisol response to exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH); (2) hospitalized foals with HPA axis dysfunction have more severe disease and are less likely to survive than hospitalized foals with normal HPA axis function.

Animals:Seventy‐two hospitalized foals and 23 healthy age‐matched foals.

Methods:Basal ACTH and cortisol concentrations were measured and a paired low‐dose (10 μg)/high‐dose (100 μg) cosyntropin stimulation test was performed at admission in hospitalized foals. HPA axis dysfunction was defined as (1) an inappropriately low basal cortisol concentration or (2) an inadequate increase in cortisol concentration (delta cortisol) after administration of cosyntropin, with cut‐off values for appropriate basal and delta cortisol concentrations determined from results obtained in healthy age‐matched foals.

Results:Forty‐six percent of hospitalized foals had an inappropriately low basal cortisol concentration and 52% had an inadequate delta cortisol concentration after administration of the 100 μg dose of cosyntropin. An inadequate delta cortisol response to the high (100 μg) dose of cosyntropin was significantly correlated with shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in hospitalized foals, and with decreased survival in a subgroup of septic foals.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:HPA axis dysfunction occurs frequently in hospitalized neonatal foals, and negatively impacts disease severity and survival.
Effects of Body Positioning on Swallowing and Esophageal Transit in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Bonadio C.M. , Pollard R.E. , Dayton P.A. , Leonard C.D. , Marks S.L.
Published: June 2009

Background: Contrast videofluoroscopy is the imaging technique of choice for evaluating dysphagic dogs. In people, body position alters the outcome of videofluoroscopic assessment of swallowing.

Hypothesis/Objective: That esophageal transit in dogs, as measured by a barium esophagram, is not affected by body position.

Animals: Healthy dogs (n= 15).

Methods: Interventional, experimental study. A restraint device was built to facilitate imaging of dogs in sternal recumbancy. Each dog underwent videofluoroscopy during swallowing of liquid barium and barium‐soaked kibble in sternal and lateral recumbancy. Timing of swallowing, pharyngeal constriction ratio, esophageal transit time, and number of esophageal peristaltic waves were compared among body positions.

Results: Transit time in the cervical esophagus (cm/s) was significantly delayed when dogs were in lateral recumbency for both liquid (2.58 ± 1.98 versus 7.23 ± 3.11; P= .001) and kibble (4.44 ± 2.02 versus 8.92 ± 4.80; P= .002). In lateral recumbency, 52 ± 22% of liquid and 73 ± 23% of kibble swallows stimulated primary esophageal peristalsis. In sternal recumbency, 77 ± 24% of liquid (P= .01 versus lateral) and 89 ± 16% of kibble (P= .01 versus lateral) swallows stimulated primary esophageal peristalsis. Other variables were not significantly different.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Lateral body positioning significantly increases cervical esophageal transit time and affects the type of peristaltic wave generated by a swallow.
A Retrospective Analysis of Renal Carcinoma in the Horse
Authors: Wise L.N. , Bryan J.N. , Sellon D.C. , Hines M.T. , Ramsay J. , Seino K.K.
Published: June 2009

Background:Renal carcinoma is a rare tumor of horses.

Hypothesis:Presenting complaints and clinical signs of this disease are vague and early diagnosis increases survival time.

Animals:Data were collected from the medical records of 4 horses presented to Washington State University as well as the 23 previously published case reports of horses with renal carcinoma.

Methods:Retrospective study.

Results:Renal carcinoma affects horses of all ages with most cases observed in geldings and Thoroughbreds. The most common presenting complaints are nonspecific and usually do not occur until late in the course of the disease. Routine laboratory results generally are unremarkable with no evidence of renal dysfunction. Urine and peritoneal fluid analyses are consistently abnormal, but the changes usually are nonspecific. Rectal palpation often allows detection of an abnormal kidney or a mass in the area of the kidney. Renal ultrasound examination is the most rewarding imaging procedure, and when combined with renal biopsy, antemortem diagnosis can be achieved. Renal carcinoma is both locally invasive and metastatic, necessitating careful staging for metastasis using thoracic radiography and abdominal ultrasound examination. If the tumor is localized to 1 kidney, nephrectomy is the treatment of choice. No chemotherapy or radiation treatment for renal carcinoma has been reported in the horse. Median survival for this series of cases was 11 days (0 days–1 year).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Prognosis is poor to grave.
Soy Protein Isolate versus Meat‐Based Low‐Protein Diet for Dogs with Congenital Portosystemic Shunts
Authors: Proot S. , Biourge V. , Teske E. , Rothuizen J.
Published: June 2009

Background: Both presurgical preparation and long‐term support of nonoperable dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) require optimal dietary management. Studies suggested that protein source may play an important role, with vegetable and dairy protein sources having better effects on hepatic encephalopathy (HE) than meat proteins.

Objectives: Determine whether a low‐protein test diet with soy as its main protein source results in better scores than a control diet with the same composition but with poultry as its main protein source in dogs with CPSS.

Methods: In a double‐blind cross‐over study, 16 dogs received each diet for 4 weeks. Dogs in group T first received the test diet and then the control diet, whereas dogs in group C were fed the diets in the opposite order. Different variables (body weight, body condition score, HE score, fecal score, CBC, plasma tests of liver function including NH3, and coagulation tests) were measured at the start of the study and after completion of each diet.

Results: One‐way repeated measures ANOVA was performed. Plasma NH3 was significantly lower after the test diet than after the control diet. The test diet also resulted in significantly higher fibrinogen concentrations and lower prothrombin times. The HE score improved with both diets, with no significant difference between the 2 diets.

Conclusions: Both diets achieved a significant improvement in HE score. The influence of the soy‐based diet on plasma NH3 concentration and coagulation parameters suggests that such a diet decreases the risk for HE and gives better support of liver function.
Accuracy of an Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Immunoluminometric Assay for Differentiating ACTH‐Dependent from ACTH‐Independent Hyperadrenocorticism in Dogs
Authors: Rodríguez Piñeiro M.I. , Benchekroun G. , De Fornel‐Thibaud P. , Maurey‐Guenec C. , Garnier F. , Rosenberg D.
Published: June 2009

Background:Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) determination has been used for 30 years to distinguish ACTH‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADHAC) from ACTH‐independent hyperadrenocorticism (AIHAC) in dogs. However, the few studies that have evaluated its diagnostic accuracy, based in the majority of cases on older assays, have been associated with systematic, but highly variable proportions of misclassified or unclassified cases.

Objective:The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the accuracy of a validated ACTH immunoluminometric assay (ILMA) for differentiating between ADHAC and AIHAC.

Animals:One hundred and nine dogs with hyperadrenocorticism were included: 91 with ADHAC and 18 with AIHAC.

Methods:Retrospective study. Dogs displaying feedback inhibition after the dexamethasone suppression test, adrenal symmetry, or both were considered to have ADHAC. AIHAC was demonstrated by adrenal tumor histology. For each group, ACTH determination by ILMA was reviewed.

Results:In the ADHAC group, plasma ACTH measurements ranged between 6 and 1250 pg/mL (median, 30 pg/mL). In the AIHAC group, all ACTH concentrations were below the lower quantification limit of the assay (<5 pg/mL). The 95% confidence interval was 85–100% for sensitivity and 97–100% for specificity in AIHAC diagnosis.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance:No overlap in ACTH concentrations was observed between dogs with ADHAC and dogs with AIHAC. The use of a new technique with high analytical sensitivity made it possible to use a low threshold (5 pg/mL), avoiding the misclassification of some ADHAC cases with low, but quantifiable concentrations of ACTH. The assessment of ACTH concentrations by ILMA is an accurate tool for differentiating between ADHAC and AIHAC.
Serum Cardiac Troponin I Concentrations in Cattle with Cardiac and Noncardiac Disorders
Authors: Mellanby R.J. , Henry J.P. , Cash R. , Ricketts S.W. , Bexiga R. , Truyers I. , Mellor D.J.
Published: June 2009

Background: Making a clinical diagnosis of pericarditis in cattle is difficult and additional diagnostic tests are needed to evaluate cattle with suspected pericarditis. Serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations are increased in cattle with pericarditis, but the utility of measuring serum cTnI concentrations in cattle with suspected pericarditis in cattle remains unclear.

Objectives: To determine if serum cTnI concentrations in cattle can be used to differentiate pericarditis from other cardiac disorders and noncardiac thoracic diseases.

Animals: Seventy‐seven clinically diseased cattle and 19 healthy control cattle.

Methods: Serum cTnI concentrations were measured using an Immunlite Troponin I immunometric chemiluminescent assay in consecutive cases of postmortem‐confirmed pericarditis (n = 18), endocarditis (n = 15), chronic suppurative pneumonia (n = 13), congenital heart disease (n = 10), reticulitis (n = 3), mediastinal abscess (n = 7), thymic lymphoma (n = 6), and caudal vena cava thrombosis (n = 5). Serum cTnI concentrations were measured in 19 healthy cattle.

Results: Although serum cTnI concentrations were significantly higher in cattle with pericarditis compared with healthy cattle, they were not significantly different from concentrations in cattle with endocarditis, congenital cardiac disease, mediastinal abscess, reticulitis, caudal vena cava thrombosis, or chronic suppurative pneumonia.

Conclusions: Serum cTnI cannot be used to distinguish cattle with pericarditis from cattle with other primary cardiac diseases. In addition, serum cTnI concentrations cannot distinguish between cattle with primary cardiac diseases and those with other noncardiac, intrathoracic disorders.
Calcium Reuptake Related Genes as a Cardiac Biomarker in Dogs with Chronic Mitral Valvular Insufficiency
Authors: Lee J.‐S. , Pak S.‐I. , Hyun C.
Published: June 2009

Background: Gene expression linked to sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium reuptake (SRCR) is altered in humans and animals with heart failure.

Hypothesis: The expression of SRCR genes in peripheral blood cells have the potential to be cardiac biomarkers of heart failure in dogs with chronic mitral valvular insufficiency (CMVI).

Animals: Client‐owned 15 healthy control dogs and 23 small breed dogs with CMVI classified by severity, based on the classification system determined by the international small animal cardiac heart council.

Methods: Prospective, controlled, observational study. The expression levels of SRCR genes (SERCA2α, PLN, and HAX‐1) were evaluated in peripheral blood of dogs at different stages of CMVI via real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The mRNA expression levels of PLN and HAX‐1, but not SERCA2α were significantly (P= .08), reduced in dogs with moderate to severe CMVI. The fold change in PLN expression compared with control were 0.38 ± 0.07 (in group II) and 0.20 ± 0.10 (in group III), while HAX‐1 expression were 0.37 ± 0.06 (group II) and 0.41 ± 0.12 (group III). The expressions of PLN and HAX‐1 were significantly reduced in groups II and III (P < .05) but not in group I (P > .05). The reduced PLN and HAX‐1 expressions were highly correlated with the severity of heart failure (P < .001), vertebral heart score (P < .05), and left atrium to aortic root ratio (P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: PLN and HAX‐1 can be potential biomarkers for heart failure caused by CMVI.
Changes in Regulatory T Cells in Dogs with Cancer and Associations with Tumor Type
Authors: O'Neill K. , Guth A. , Biller B. , Elmslie R. , Dow S.
Published: June 2009

Background: Regulatory T cells (Treg) have been shown to suppress antitumor immunity and often are increased in humans and rodents with cancer. However, Tregs have not been well studied in dogs with cancer and it is not known if certain tumor types are associated with increased Tregs.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that Treg percentages would be increased in dogs with cancer and that Treg percentages would be higher in dogs with certain types of cancer.

Animals: The percentages and numbers of Tregs and nonregulatory T cells and B cells were assessed in 34 dogs with cancer and 9 age‐matched control dogs. Dogs evaluated included 14 dogs with sarcoma, 7 dogs with carcinoma, 7 dogs with lymphoma, and 6 dogs with mast cell tumor.

Methods: Numbers and percentages of Tregs, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells and B cells were determined using flow cytometry and compared between control dogs and dogs with cancer.

Results: The percentage of Tregs was significantly increased overall in dogs with cancer compared with control dogs. When tumor types were compared, Treg percentages were significantly increased in dogs with carcinoma. The Treg/CD8 T cell ratio was significantly higher in dogs with cancer compared with control dogs and was also significantly increased in 2 dogs with T‐cell lymphoma.

Conclusions: Treg percentages in blood were increased in dogs with cancer, particularly in dogs with carcinoma. The Treg/CD8 ratio also identified tumor‐specific abnormalities in dogs with cancer. These findings indicate that tumor‐specific factors may affect Tregs in dogs.
At the Crossroads of Bacterial Metabolism and Virulence Factor Synthesis in Staphylococci
Authors: Somerville Greg A. , Proctor Richard A.
Published: June 2009

Bacteria live in environments that are subject to rapid changes in the availability of the nutrients that are necessary to provide energy and biosynthetic intermediates for the synthesis of macromolecules. Consequently, bacterial survival depends on the ability of bacteria to regulate the expression of genes coding for enzymes required for growth in the altered environment. In pathogenic bacteria, adaptation to an altered environment often includes activating the transcription of virulence genes; hence, many virulence genes are regulated by environmental and nutritional signals. Consistent with this observation, the regulation of most, if not all, virulence determinants in staphylococci is mediated by environmental and nutritional signals. Some of these external signals can be directly transduced into a regulatory response by two-component regulators such as SrrAB; however, other external signals require transduction into intracellular signals. Many of the external environmental and nutritional signals that regulate virulence determinant expression can also alter bacterial metabolic status (e.g., iron limitation). Altering the metabolic status results in the transduction of external signals into intracellular metabolic signals that can be “sensed” by regulatory proteins (e.g., CodY, Rex, and GlnR). This review uses information derived primarily using
Bacillus subtilis
and
Escherichia coli
to articulate how gram-positive pathogens, with emphasis on
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
, regulate virulence determinant expression in response to a changing environment.
The EVER Proteins as a Natural Barrier against Papillomaviruses: a New Insight into the Pathogenesis of Human Papillomavirus Infections
Authors: Lazarczyk Maciej , Cassonnet Patricia , Pons Christian , Jacob Yves , Favre Michel
Published: June 2009

Infections by human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the most frequently occurring sexually transmitted diseases. The crucial role of genital oncogenic HPV in cervical carcinoma development is now well established. In contrast, the role of cutaneous HPV in skin cancer development remains a matter of debate. Cutaneous beta-HPV strains show an amazing ubiquity. The fact that a few oncogenic genotypes cause cancers in patients suffering from epidermodysplasia verruciformis is in sharp contrast to the unapparent course of infection in the general population. Our recent investigations revealed that a natural barrier exists in humans, which protects them against infection with these papillomaviruses. A central role in the function of this HPV-specific barrier is played by a complex of the zinc-transporting proteins EVER1, EVER2, and ZnT-1, which maintain cellular zinc homeostasis. Apparently, the deregulation of the cellular zinc balance emerges as an important step in the life cycles not only of cutaneous but also of genital HPVs, although the latter viruses have developed a mechanism by which they can break the barrier and impose a zinc imbalance. Herein, we present a previously unpublished list of the cellular partners of EVER proteins, which points to future directions concerning investigations of the mechanisms of action of the EVER/ZnT-1 complex. We also present a general overview of the pathogenesis of HPV infections, taking into account the latest discoveries regarding the role of cellular zinc homeostasis in the HPV life cycle. We propose a potential model for the mechanism of function of the anti-HPV barrier.