bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological effects of 3‐iodothyronamine (T1AM) in mice include facilitation of memory acquisition and retention and reduction of pain threshold
Authors: Manni Maria Elena , De Siena Gaetano , Saba Alessandro , Marchini Maja , Landucci Elisa , Gerace Elisabetta , Zazzeri Marina , Musilli Claudia , Pellegrini‐Giampietro Domenico , Matucci Rosanna , Zucchi Riccardo , Raimondi Laura
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose

3‐Iodothyronamine (T1AM), an endogenous derivative of thyroid hormones, is regarded as a rapid modulator of behaviour and metabolism. To determine whether brain thyroid hormone levels contribute to these effects, we investigated the effect of central administration of T1AM on learning and pain threshold of mice either untreated or pretreated with clorgyline (2.5 mg·kg−1, i.p.), an inhibitor of amine oxidative metabolism.

Experimental Approach

T1AM (0.13, 0.4, 1.32 and 4 μg·kg−1) or vehicle was injected i.c.v. into male mice, and after 30 min their effects on memory acquisition capacity, pain threshold and curiosity were evaluated by the following tests: passive avoidance, licking latency on the hot plate and movements on the hole‐board platform. Plasma glycaemia was measured using a glucorefractometer. Brain levels of triiodothyroxine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and T1AM were measured by HPLC coupled to tandem MS. ERK1/2 activation and c‐fos expression in different brain regions were evaluated by Western blot analysis.

Results

T1AM improved learning capacity, decreased pain threshold to hot stimuli, enhanced curiosity and raised plasma glycaemia in a dose‐dependent way, without modifying T3 and T4 brain concentrations. T1AM effects on learning and pain were abolished or significantly affected by clorgyline, suggesting a role for some metabolite(s), or that T1AM interacts at the rapid desensitizing target(s). T1AM activated ERK in different brain areas at lower doses than those effective on behaviour.

Conclusions And Implications

T1AM is a novel memory enhancer. This feature might have important implications for the treatment of endocrine and neurodegenerative‐induced memory disorders.
Carbamazepine directly inhibits adipocyte differentiation through activation of the ERK 1/2 pathway
Authors: Turpin E , Muscat A , Vatier C , Chetrite G , Corruble E , Moldes M , Fève B
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose

Carbamazepine (CBZ), known for its anti‐epileptic, analgesic and mood‐stabilizing properties, is also known to induce weight gain but the pathophysiology of this adverse effect is still largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that CBZ could have a direct effect on adipocyte development and metabolism.

Experimental Research

We studied the effects of CBZ on morphological biochemical and molecular markers of adipogenesis, using several pre‐adipocyte murine cell lines (3T3‐L1, 3T3‐F442A and T37i cells) and primary cultures of human pre‐adipocytes. To delineate the mechanisms underlying the effect of CBZ, clonal expansion of pre‐adipocytes, pro‐adipogenic transcription factors, glucose uptake and lipolysis were also examined.

Key Results

CBZ strongly inhibited pre‐adipocyte differentiation and triglyceride accumulation in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in all models. Pleiotropic mechanisms were at the basis of the inhibitory effects of CBZ on adipogenesis and cell lipid accumulation. They included suppression of both clonal expansion and major adipogenic transcription factors such as PPAR‐γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein‐α, activation of basal lipolysis and decrease in insulin‐stimulated glucose transport.

Conclusions and Implications

The effect of CBZ on adipogenesis involves activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. Our results show that CBZ acts directly on pre‐adipocytes and adipocytes to alter adipose tissue development and metabolism.
Changes in Avian and Plant Communities of Aspen Woodlands over 12 Years after Livestock Removal in the Northwestern Great Basin
Authors: EARNST SUSAN L. , DOBKIN DAVID S. , BALLARD JENNIFER A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract: Riparian and quaking aspen(Populus tremuloides)woodlands are centers of avian abundance and diversity in the western United States, but they have been affected adversely by land use practices, particularly livestock grazing. In 1990, cattle were removed from a 112,500‐ha national wildlife refuge in southeastern Oregon. Thereafter, we monitored changes in vegetation and bird abundance in years 1–3 (phase 1) and 10–12 (phase 2) in 17 riparian and 9 snow‐pocket aspen plots. On each 1.5‐ha plot, we sampled vegetation in 6 transects. Three times during each breeding season, observers recorded all birds 50 m to each side of the plot's 150‐m centerline for 25 minutes. We analyzed data with multivariate analysis of variance and paired t tests with p values adjusted for multiple comparisons. In both periods, riparian and snow‐pocket aspen produced extensive regeneration of new shoots ( stems/ha and 7079 stems/ha, respectively). By phase 2, a 64% increase in medium‐diameter trees in riparian stands indicated successful recruitment into the overstory, but this pattern was not seen in snow‐pocket stands, where the density of trees was over 2 times greater. By phase 2 in riparian and snow‐pocket stands, native forb cover had increased by 68% and 57%, respectively, mesic shrub cover had increased by 29% and 58%, and sagebrush cover had decreased by 24% and 31%. Total avian abundance increased by 33% and 39% in riparian and snow‐pocket aspen, respectively, ground or understory nesters increased by 133% and 67% and overstory nesters increased by 34% and 33%. Similarly, ground or understory foragers increased by 25% and 32%, aerial foragers by 55% and 57%, and overstory foragers by 66% and 43%. We interpreted the substantial regeneration of aspen shoots, increased densities of riparian forbs and shrubs, and increased avian abundances as a multitrophic‐level response to the total removal of livestock and as substantial movement toward recovery of biological integrity.
Author Response to: The Attitude–Action Gap: Toward a Better Understanding of “How Much is Enough?”
Authors: Bowerman Tom , Markowitz Ezra M.
Published: August 2012

In our target article (Markowitz & Bowerman 2011), we reported findings from a series of surveys suggesting that a large majority of Americans possess positive attitudes towards reducing consumption, with implications for individual and policy actions. Commentators Katherine Arbuthnott, Keith Brown, and Susan Clayton draw attention to both strengths and weaknesses in our target manuscript and raise important points about the role of consumption‐related attitudes and norms in shaping behavior and policy. As readers following this prior discussion are aware, our initial research centered around a consistent finding regarding Oregonians’ attitudes towards consumption: across a series of state‐wide surveys and in‐depth interviews, we found that the vast majority of Oregonians agreed that “Our country would be better off if we all consumed less.” At the same time, we found decidedly mixed support regarding the translation of such “de‐consumption” beliefs into actual behavior and policy preferences. All three of the commentators appear to share our own guarded optimism regarding the potential implications of these findings for confronting issues related to over‐consumption (e.g., climate change). We are largely in agreement with the various points and critiques each raises and herein aim to offer an actionable response.
Organizational Structure and the Optimal Design of Policymaking Panels: Evidence from Consensus Group Commissions’ Revenue Forecasts in the American States
Authors: Krause George A. , Douglas James W.
Published: August 2012

Increasing both the size and diversity of policymaking panels is widely thought to enhance the accuracy of collective policy decisions. This study advances the theoretical conditions in which improving collective accuracy necessitates an efficient trade‐off between a panel's size and its level of organizational diversity. This substitution effect between these organizational characteristics is empirically supported with data on official general‐fund revenue forecasts made by consensus group (CG) independent commissions in the American states. Evidence of an asymmetric substitution effect is also uncovered, whereby increasing organizational diversity in large CG commissions produces revenue forecasts that reduce collective accuracy by slightly more than three times as much compared to decreasing such diversity in small CG commissions. This study underscores the limits of organizational diversity as a mechanism for improving collective judgments when policymaking authority is diffuse among many panel members.
Offshoring, immigration, and the native wage distribution
Authors: Olney William W.
Published: August 2012

Abstract This paper presents a simple model that examines the impact of offshoring and immigration on wages and tests these predictions using U.S. state‐industry‐year panel data. According to the model, the productivity effect causes offshoring to have a more positive impact on low‐skilled wages than immigration, but this gap decreases with the workers’ skill level. The empirical results confirm both of these predictions and thus present direct evidence of the productivity effect. Furthermore, the results provide important insight into how specific components of offshoring and immigration affect the wages of particular types of native workers.
Import sensitive products and perverse tariff‐rate quota liberalization
Authors: Pouliot Sébastien , Larue Bruno
Published: August 2012

Abstract This paper shows that a Tariff‐Rate‐Quota's (TRQ) minimum access expansion can perversely trigger domestic price increases. Often, TRQs have prohibitive over‐quota tariffs to mimic import quotas in providing minimum market access. In the WTO's Doha Round, it is likely that countries using TRQs will avoid aggressive tariff reductions if they increase the quota portion of TRQs. We show that when the import price lies between the unit cost of production and the price received by domestic upstream firms, an increase in import quota as a share of domestic production may cause an increase in the domestic retail price.
Hub‐and‐spoke free trade areas: theory and evidence from Israel
Authors: Deltas George , Desmet Klaus , Facchini Giovanni
Published: August 2012

Abstract We study how the sequential formation of free trade areas affects trade flows between member countries. In a three‐country, three‐good model of comparative advantage if two countries have an FTA, and both sign a similar agreement with the third, trade between the two decreases. However, if only one of them signs an additional FTA, a hub‐ and‐spoke pattern arises, and trade between the initial members increases. Israel’s experience lends strong support to our model: trade between Israel and the EU, subject to an FTA since 1975, increased by an additional 29% after the introduction of the US‐Israel FTA in 1985.
Monetary transmission mechanisms in a small open economy: a Bayesian structural VAR approach
Authors: Bhuiyan Rokon
Published: August 2012

Abstract This paper develops a Bayesian structural VAR model for Canada in order to estimate the effects of monetary policy shocks, using the overnight rate target as the policy instrument. I allow the policy variable and other home and foreign variables to interact with each other contemporaneously. The key finding is that monetary policy affects the real economy through both the market interest rate and the exchange rate. I also find that the Bank of Canada responds to any home and foreign variables that embodies information about future inflation and that external shocks are an important source of output fluctuations.
Does the sophistication of use of unemployment insurance evolve with experience?
Authors: Gray David , McDonald Ted
Published: August 2012

Abstract The subject of this paper is the repeat use of UI/EI benefits in Canada. The first objective is to investigate empirically the pattern of adjustment that UI users exhibit over a multiple claim horizon. Our secondary objective is to investigate a behavioural channel that might potentially underlie observed adjustment effects, namely, individual learning effects. We estimate an econometric model of how certain features of their claims change as they file subsequent claims. We find strong empirical patterns suggesting that there does appear to be some sort of an adjustment process; beneficiaries tend to approach a desired value for these particular facets of their UI claims. There appears to be some process of growing sophistication of UI use – which some might label ‘gaming the system’– reflecting the adjustment of claims and the concomitant employment patterns to the provisions and rules of the regime. We also uncover evidence in favour of the existence of individual learning effects.
Capacity to Sustain Sustainability: A Study of U.S. Cities
Authors: Wang XiaoHu , Hawkins Christopher V. , Lebredo Nick , Berman Evan M.
Published: August 2012

Why do some governments implement more sustainability practices than others? Based on a national survey of U.S. cities, this article finds moderate levels of sustainability efforts and capacity in U.S. cities; about one‐third of the sustainability practices identified in this article have been implemented. The authors conclude that, first, capacity building is a useful conceptual focus for understanding sustainability implementation in U.S. cities. Capacity building involves developing technical and financial support and increasing managerial execution. Second, sustainability is strongly associated with managerial capacity, which includes establishing sustainability goals, incorporating goals in operations, and developing a supportive infrastructure. Third, getting stakeholders involved furthers the capacity for sustaining sustainability efforts. Citizen involvement is strongly associated with securing financial support for sustainability.
Use and Misuse of Multivariable Approaches in Interventional Cardiology Studies on Drug‐Eluting Stents: A Systematic Review
Authors: D’ASCENZO FABRIZIO , CAVALLERO ERIKA , BIONDI‐ZOCCAI GIUSEPPE , MORETTI CLAUDIO , OMEDÈ PIERLUIGI , BOLLATI MARIO , CASTAGNO DAVIDE , MODENA MARIA GRAZIA , GAITA FIORENZO , SHEIBAN IMAD
Published: August 2012

Aims:
 Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are the most reliable evidence, even if they require important resource and logistic efforts. Large, cost‐free and real‐world datasets may be easily accessed yielding to observational studies, but such analyses often lead to problematic results in the absence of careful methods, especially from a statistic point of view. We aimed to appraise the performance of current multivariable approaches in the estimation of causal treatment and effects in studies focusing on drug‐eluting stents (DES).

Methods and Results:
 Pertinent studies published in the literature were searched, selected, abstracted, and appraised for quality and validity features. Six studies with a logistic regression were included, all of them reporting more than 10 events for covariates and different length of follow‐up, with an overall low risk of bias. Most of the 15 studies with a Cox proportional hazard analysis had a different follow‐up, with less than 10 events for covariates, yielding an overall low or moderate risk of bias. Sixteen studies with propensity score were included: the most frequent method for variable selection was logistic regression, with underlying differences in follow‐up and less than 10 events for covariate in most of them. Most frequently, calibration appraisal was not reported in the studies, on the contrary of discrimination appraisal, which was more frequently performed. In seventeen studies with propensity and matching, the latter was most commonly performed with a nearest neighbor‐matching algorithm yet without appraisal in most of the studies of calibration or discrimination. Balance was evaluated in 46% of the studies, being obtained for all variables in 48% of them.

Conclusions:
 Better exploitation and methodological appraisal of multivariable analysis is needed to improve the clinical and research impact and reliability of nonrandomized studies. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:611–621)
Cardiac Rhythm Device Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Kang Jaskaran , Simpson Christopher S. , Campbell Debra , Borici‐Mazi Rozita , Redfearn Damian P. , Michael Kevin A. , Abdollah Hoshiar , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: August 2012

We present a series of three cases of patch testing confirmed cardiac rhythm device induced contact dermatitis. In the first two cases, there was complete resolution with device extraction and reimplantation with another device with either an absence of the offending agent or a coating with another resin or metal. These cases illustrate the difficulties in diagnosing pain, tenderness, and dermatological manifestations in patients with cardiac rhythm devices (pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators)
Incidentally Found Situs Inversus with Dextrocardia: Inferior Myocardial Infarction in an 86‐Year‐Old Woman
Authors: Hudzik Bartosz , Polonski Lech
Published: August 2012

Situs inversus with dextrocardia is a rare condition. Yet, the incidence of atheroclerosis and myocardial infarction in patients with dextrocardia is similar to that in general population. The diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction is somewhat tricky and difficult if the dextrocardia is not recognized. We present the electrocardiogram, coronary angiograms, and chest radiogram of a patient with incidentally found situs inversus with dextrocardia.
Elimination of Fatal Arrhythmias through Ablation of Triggering Premature Ventricular Contraction in Type 3 Long QT Syndrome
Authors: Cheng Zhongwei , Gao Peng , Cheng Kang’an , Chen Taibo , Deng Hua , Chang Bingxi , Fang Quan
Published: August 2012

Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is the most common inherited arrhythmia, fatal arrhythmias are the main causes of sudden death, and often induced by the premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Ablation of the triggering PVCs may eliminate the fatal arrhythmias and prevent the sudden death in patients with LQTS. We report a 19‐year‐old boy diagnosed with type 3 LQTS, frequent fatal arrhythmias induced by PVCs with the identical QRS morphology. Successful ablation of the triggering PVCs was done and a single‐chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted. There was no fatal arrhythmia events recorded by ICD during 29‐month follow‐up. Catheter ablation was the effective method to eliminate the fatal arrhythmias through ablation of the triggering PVCs in the present LQT3 patient.
Measure of the QT–RR Dynamic Coupling in Patients with the Long QT Syndrome
Authors: Halamek Josef , Couderc Jean‐Philippe , Jurak Pavel , Vondra Vlastimil , Zareba Wojciech , Viscor Ivo , Leinveber, M.Sc. Pavel
Published: August 2012

Background: The patients with the long QT syndrome type‐1 (LQT‐1) have an impaired adaptation of the QT interval to heart rate changes. Yet, the description of the dynamic QT–RR coupling in genotyped LQT‐1 has never been thoroughly investigated.

Method: We propose a method to model the dynamic QT–RR coupling by defining a transfer function characterizing the relationship between a QT interval and its previous RR intervals measured from ambulatory Holter recordings. Three parameters are used to characterize the QT–RR coupling: a fast gain (GainF), a slow gain (GainL), and a time constant (τ). We investigated the values of these parameters across genders, and in genotyped LQT‐1 patients with normal QTc interval duration (QTc  <  470 ms).

Results: The QT–RR dynamic profiles are significantly different between LQT‐1 patients (97) and controls (154): LQT‐1 have longer QTc interval (453  ± 35 vs. 384  ± 26 ms, P  <  0.0001), and an increased dependency of the QT interval to previous RR changes revealed by a larger GainL (0.22  ± 0.06 vs. 0.18  ± 0.07, P  <  0.0001) and GainF (0.05  ± 0.02 vs. 0.03  ± 0.01, P  <  0.0001). Importantly, LQT‐1 patients have a faster QT dynamic response to previous RR changes described by τ: 122  ± 44 vs. 172  ± 92 beats (P  <  0.0001). This faster QT dynamic response of the QT–RR dynamic coupling remained in LQT‐1 patients with QTc in a normal range (<430 ms).

Conclusions: The measurement of QT–RR dynamic coupling could be used in patients suspected to carry a concealed form of the LQT‐1 syndrome, or to provide insights into the types of arrhythmogenic triggers a patient may be prone to.
Recovery of Heart Rate Variability and Ventricular Repolarization Indices Following Exercise
Authors: Lahiri Marc K. , Chicos Alexandru , Bergner Dan , Ng Jason , Banthia Smirti , Wang Norman C. , Subačius Haris , Kadish Alan H. , Goldberger Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2012

Background: There is a heightened risk of sudden cardiac death related to exercise and the postexercise recovery period, but the precise mechanism is unknown. We have demonstrated that sympathoexcitation persists for ≥45 minutes after exercise in normals and subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study is to determine whether this persistent sympathoexcitation is associated with persistent heart rate variability (HRV) and ventricular repolarization changes in the postexercise recovery period.

Methods and Results: Twenty control subjects (age 50.7 ± 1.4 years), 68 subjects (age 58.2 ± 1.5 years) with CAD and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and 18 subjects (age 57.6 ± 2.4 years) with CAD and depressed LVEF underwent a 16‐minute submaximal bicycle exercise protocol with continuous ECG monitoring. QT and RR intervals were measured in recovery to calculate the time dependent corrected QT intervals (QTc), the QT–RR relationship, and HRV. QTc was dependent on the choice of rate correction formula. There were no differences in QT–RR slopes among the three groups in early recovery. HRV recovered quickly in controls, more slowly in those with CAD‐preserved LVEF, and to a lesser extent in those with CAD‐depressed LVEF.

Conclusion: Despite persistent sympathoexcitation for the 45‐minute recovery period, ventricular repolarization changes do not persist for that long and HRV changes differ by group. Additional understanding of the dynamic changes in cardiac parameters after exercise is needed to explore the mechanism of increased sudden cardiac death risk at this time.
Prognostic Significance of T‐Wave Amplitude in Lead aVR on the Admission Electrocardiography in Patients with Anterior Wall ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated by Primary Percutaneous Intervention
Authors: Ayhan Erkan , Isık Turgay , Uyarel Huseyin , Ergelen Mehmet , Cicek Gokhan , Ghannadian Bahman , Eren Mehmet
Published: August 2012

Background: T‐wave positivity in aVR lead patients with heart failure and anterior wall old ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are shown to have a higher frequency of cardiovascular mortality, although the effects on patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been investigated. In this study, we sought to determine the prognostic value of T wave in lead aVR on admission electrocardiography (ECG) for in‐hospital mortality in patients with anterior wall STEMI treated with primary PCI.

Methods: After exclusion, 169 consecutive patients with anterior wall STEMI (mean age: 55 ± 12.9 years; 145 men) undergoing primary PCI were prospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were classified as a T‐wave positive (n = 53, group 1) or T‐wave negative (n = 116, group 2) in aVR based upon the admission ECG. All patients were evaluated with respect to clinical features, primary PCI findings, and in‐hospital clinical results.

Results: T‐wave positive patients who received primary PCI were older, multivessel disease was significantly more frequent and the duration of the patient's hospital stay was longer than T‐wave negative patients. In‐hospital mortality tended to be higher in the group 1 when compared with group 2 (7.5% vs 1.7% respectively, P = 0.05). After adjusting the baseline characteristics, positive T wave remained an independent predictor of in hospital mortality (odds ratio: 4.41; 95% confidence interval 1.2–22.1, P = 0.05).

Conclusions: T‐wave positivity in lead aVR among patients with an anterior wall STEMI treated with primary PCI is associated with an increase in hospital cardiovascular mortality.
QT Interval and Long‐Term Mortality Risk in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Noseworthy Peter A. , Peloso Gina M. , Hwang Shih‐Jen , Larson Martin G. , Levy Daniel , O’Donnell Christopher J. , Newton‐Cheh Christopher
Published: August 2012

Background: The association between QT interval and mortality has been demonstrated in large, prospective population‐based studies, but the strength of the association varies considerably based on the method of heart rate correction. We examined the QT‐mortality relationship in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS).

Methods: Participants in the first (original cohort, n = 2,365) and second generation (offspring cohort, n = 4,530) cohorts were included in this study with a mean follow up of 27.5 years. QT interval measurements were obtained manually using a reproducible digital caliper technique.

Results: Using Cox proportional hazards regression adjusting for age and sex, a 20 millisecond increase in QTc (using Bazett's correction; QT/RR1/2 interval) was associated with a modest increase in risk of all‐cause mortality (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.10–1.18, P < 0.0001), coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.05–1.26, P = 0.003), and sudden cardiac death (SCD, HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.37, P = 0.02). However, adjustment for heart rate using RR interval in linear regression attenuated this association. The association of QT interval with all‐cause mortality persisted after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, but associations with CHD mortality and SCD were no longer significant.

Conclusion: In FHS, there is evidence of a graded relation between QTc and all‐cause mortality, CHD death, and SCD; however, this association is attenuated by adjustment for RR interval. These data confirm that using Bazett's heart rate correction, QTc, overestimates the association with mortality. An association with all‐cause mortality persists despite a more complete adjustment for heart rate and known cardiovascular risk factors.
Determinants of survival in patients receiving dialysis in Libya
Authors: Alashek Wiam A. , McIntyre Christopher W. , Taal Maarten W.
Published: August 2012

Maintenance dialysis is associated with reduced survival when compared with the general population. In Libya, information about outcomes on dialysis is scarce. This study, therefore, aimed to provide the first comprehensive analysis of survival in Libyan dialysis patients. This prospective multicenter study included all patients in Libya who had been receiving dialysis for >90 days in June 2009. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected upon enrolment and survival status after 1 year was determined. Two thousand two hundred seventy‐three patients in 38 dialysis centers were followed up for 1 year. The majority were receiving hemodialysis (98.8%). Sixty‐seven patients were censored due to renal transplantation, and 46 patients were lost to follow‐up. Thus, 2159 patients were followed up for 1 year. Four hundred fifty‐eight deaths occurred, (crude annual mortality rate of 21.2%). Of these, 31% were due to ischemic heart disease, 16% cerebrovascular accidents, and 16% due to infection. Annual mortality rate was 0% to 70% in different dialysis centers. Best survival was in age group 25 to 34 years. Binary logistic regression analysis identified age at onset of dialysis, physical dependency, diabetes, and predialysis urea as independent determinants of increased mortality. Patients receiving dialysis in Libya have a crude 1‐year mortality rate similar to most developed countries, but the mean age of the dialysis population is much lower, and this outcome is thus relatively poor. As in most countries, cardiovascular disease and infection were the most common causes of death. Variation in mortality rates between different centers suggests that survival could be improved by promoting standardization of best practice.
Obstructive sleep apnea in incremental hemodialysis: Determinants, consequences, and impact on survival
Authors: Sivalingam Murugan , Chakravorty Indranil , Mouatt Sarah , Farrington Ken
Published: August 2012

Sleep disorders are common in hemodialysis patients, although causes and consequences remain unclear. We sought to establish prevalence, determinants, and outcomes of sleep disturbances in patients receiving incremental dialysis. One hundred two unselected patients undergoing incremental high‐flux hemodialysis or hemodiafiltration underwent limited overnight sleep study. Large subsets underwent echocardiography, interdialytic ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and brain natriuretic peptide measurements. Patients were followed up to 44 months. Full sleep data were obtained in 91 patients. All had sleep disturbance as evidenced by an apnea–hypopnea index >5/min. We defined major obstructive sleep apnea (MOSA) as an apnea–hypopnea index ≥15, together with either significant oxygen desaturation or symptoms of daytime sleepiness. Forty patients met these criteria. Significant independent predictors of MOSA were age <65 years, male gender, has diabetes, and has a brain natriuretic peptide >2500 pg/mL. Mean ambulatory blood pressure and left ventricular mass index were significantly higher in these patients. In a model controlling for body mass index, high C‐reactive protein, and the presence of cancer, MOSA was associated with a twofold increased risk of mortality, although this did not reach statistical significance. MOSA was common, and was associated with hypertension and high left ventricular mass index. Whether obstructive sleep apnea contributes to the high mortality remains to be firmly established.
Characterization of Selenaion koniopes n. gen., n. sp., an Amoeba that Represents a New Major Lineage within Heterolobosea, Isolated from the Wieliczka Salt Mine
Authors: Park Jong Soo , De Jonckheere Johan F. , Simpson Alastair G. B.
Published: August 2012

A new heterolobosean amoeba, Selenaion koniopes n. gen., n. sp., was isolated from 73‰ saline water in the Wieliczka salt mine, Poland. The amoeba had eruptive pseudopodia, a prominent uroid, and a nucleus without central nucleolus. Cysts had multiple crater‐like pore plugs. No flagellates were observed. Transmission electron microscopy revealed several typical heterolobosean features: flattened mitochondrial cristae, mitochondria associated with endoplasmic reticulum, and an absence of obvious Golgi dictyosomes. Two types of larger and smaller granules were sometimes abundant in the cytoplasm—these may be involved in cyst formation. Mature cysts had a fibrous endocyst that could be thick, plus an ectocyst that was covered with small granules. Pore plugs had a flattened dome shape, were bipartite, and penetrated only the endocyst. Phylogenies based on the 18S rRNA gene and the presence of 18S rRNA helix 17_1 strongly confirmed assignment to Heterolobosea. The organism was not closely related to any described genus, and instead formed the deepest branch within the Heterolobosea clade after Pharyngomonas, with support for this deep‐branching position being moderate (i.e. maximum likelihood bootstrap support—67%; posterior probability—0.98). Cells grew at 15–150‰ salinity. Thus, S. koniopes is a halotolerant, probably moderately halophilic heterolobosean, with a potentially pivotal evolutionary position within this large eukaryote group.
Coordinate Synthesis but Discrete Localization of Homologous N‐Glycosylated Proteins, CLP and CLB, in Naegleria pringsheimi Flagellates
Authors: Baek In keol , Chung Sunglan , Suh Mi Ra , Hwang Deog Su , Kang Dongmin , Lee Joohun
Published: August 2012

The synchronous amoebae‐to‐flagellates differentiation of Naegleria pringsheimi has been used as a model system to study the formation of eukaryotic flagella. We cloned two novel genes, Clp, Class I on plasma membrane and Clb, Class I at basal bodies, which are transiently expressed during differentiation and characterized their respective protein products. CLP (2,087 amino acids) and CLB (1,952 amino acids) have 82.9% identity in their amino acid sequences and are heavily N‐glycosylated, leading to an ~ 100 × 103 increase in the relative molecular mass of the native proteins. In spite of these similarities, CLP and CLB were localized to distinct regions: CLP was present on the outer surface of the plasma membrane, whereas CLB was concentrated at a site where the basal bodies are assembled and remained associated with the basal bodies. Oryzalin, a microtubule toxin, inhibited the appearance of CLP on the plasma membrane, but had no effect on the concentration of CLB at its target site. These data suggest that N. pringsheimi uses separate mechanisms to transport CLP and CLB to the plasma membrane and to the site of basal body assembly, respectively.
Resorbable Tricalcium Phosphates for Bone Tissue Engineering: Influence of SrO Doping
Authors: DeVoe Ken , Banerjee Shashwat , Roy Mangal , Bandyopadhyay Amit , Bose Susmita
Published: August 2012

Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) was doped with 0.5, 2.0, and 5.0 mol% Strontium Oxide (SrO) through the wet precipitation process to investigate the influence of SrO on the biological and mechanical properties of TCP. XRD results showed that SrO doping did not change the phase stability of the β‐phase of TCP during sintering at 1120°C. The apparent density of TCP increased from 95.1 ± 2.5% to 99.4 ± 0.5% with the addition of 5.0 mol% SrO doping. SrO doping also increased the compressive strength of pure β‐TCP from 121.1 ± 21.4 MPa to 185.9 ± 16.7 MPa with 5 mol% SrO addition. Initially, the addition of 0.5 and 2.0 mol% SrO had a statistically insignificant impact on the as‐processed samples' compressive strength. When the samples were immersed in a simulated body fluid for 12 weeks, the addition of SrO improved the compressive strength from 109.4 ± 22.9 MPa for pure TCP to 208.8 ± 34.6 MPa with 5.0 mol% SrO addition. An improvement in hFOB cell attachment and proliferation was observed for all dopant concentrations using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) imaging and MTT assay studies, indicating excellent biocompatibility of all the samples. 2.0 mol% SrO doping showed the best cell differentiation and proliferation results. It was shown that SrO simultaneously improved mechanical properties of TCP such as compressive strength as well as biological properties via enhanced cell attachment and proliferation.
Shape Anisotropy, Exchange‐Coupling Interaction and Microwave Absorption of Hard/Soft Nanocomposite Ferrite Microfibers
Authors: Shen Xiangqian , Song Fuzhan , Xiang Jun , Liu Mingquan , Zhu Yongwei , Wang Yingde
Published: August 2012

The nanocomposite BaFe12O19 (BFO)/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 (NZFO)‐aligned microfibers with diameters 0.8–2 μm and high aspect ratios have been prepared by the gel precursor transformation process, where BFO is the hard magnetic phase and NZFO the soft magnetic phase. The nanocomposite binary ferrites are formed after the gel precursor calcined at 1000°C for 3 h. These nanocomposite aligned microfibers exhibit a clear shape anisotropy. Their magnetic difference observed at 297 and 77 K largely arises from the competition of exchange‐coupling interaction and thermal fluctuation on dipolar interaction. Consequently, their microwave absorption performance is largely influenced by the mass ratio of BFO/NZFO and specimen thickness. When the mass ratio (BFO:NZFO) is 7:3 and the specimen thickness is 3 mm, the minimum reflection loss (RL) reaches the optimized RL value of −35.5 dB at 12.4 GHz, with a wide absorption bandwidth (the RL value over −20 dB) from 9.1 to 15.7 GHz, which covers 80% of X‐band (8.2–12.4 GHz) and 59% of Ku‐band (12.4–18.0 GHz). This improvement in microwave absorption can be attributed to the exchange‐coupling interaction, shape anisotropy, interfacial polarization, and small size effect in nanocomposite microfibers.
Effect of Cation Doping on Mechanical Properties of Yttria Prepared by an Optimized Two‐Step Sintering Process
Authors: Khosroshahi Hadi Razavi , Ikeda Hiroyuki , Yamada Kazuhiro , Saito Noritaka , Kaneko Kenji , Hayashi Koichi , Nakashima Kunihiko
Published: August 2012

Undoped Y2O3 and Y2O3 doped with either Si4+, Er3+, Yb3+, Al3+ or Ti4+ were fabricated by a two‐step sintering method. The concentration of each dopant cation (Si4+, Er3+, Yb3+, Al3+, and Ti4+) was adjusted so that the dopant:yttria molar ratio was 0.01 and the mechanical properties and the microstructures of each were characterized. The Vickers hardness and the bending strength of cation‐doped Y2O3 increased in the order Si4+, Er3+, Yb3+, Al3+, and Ti4+ paralleling increases in the relative density. Ti‐doped‐Y2O3 had the highest density and the highest strength. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that Ti segregated to the grain boundaries of Y2O3. The two‐step sintering method was optimized to enhance the mechanical properties of Y2O3. As a consequence, Ti‐doped Y2O3 with the Ti4+:yttria molar ratio of 0.01 sintered at the optimized heating schedule was found to have a Vickers hardness and three‐point bending strength as high as 874 Hv and 307.0 MPa, respectively.
The correlation of cortactin and fascin‐1 expression with clinicopathological parameters in pancreatic and ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tsai Wen‐Chiuan , Lin Chih‐Kung , Lee Herng‐Sheng , Gao Hong‐Wei , Nieh Shin , Chan De‐Chuan , Jin Jong‐Shiaw
Published: August 2012

Cortactin and fascin‐1 are important factors affecting progression and metastasis of carcinomas. We tested the hypothesis that cortactin and fascin expression has significant correlation with clinicopathological parameters in pancreatic and ampulla of Vater adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemical analysis of cortactin and fascin‐1 was performed in 50 pancreatic and 40 ampulla of Vater adenocarcinomas. The specimens were from 29 R0, 8 R1, and 13 palliative resections of pancreatic adenocarcinomas and 18 R0, 14 R1, and 8 palliative resections of ampulla of Vater adenocarcinomas. ‘R0’ resection is defined by complete removal of the tumor and histologically negative surgical margins and ‘R1’ resection indicates the presence of microscopically residual disease at the surgical margins. The level of expression was assessed by scoring the intensity of cytoplasmic or membranous immunostaining on a 4‐point scale. Higher immunostaining scores of cortactin and fascin‐1 were both significantly correlated with histological grade, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, and survival rate in all patients. In conclusion, overexpression of cortactin and fascin‐1 implies poorer tumor differentiation, advanced AJCC stage, and shorter survival rate in pancreatic and ampulla of Vater adenocarcinomas.
Piracetam‐induced changes on the brainstem auditory response in anesthetized juvenile rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Report of two clinical cases
Authors: Durand‐Rivera A. , Gonzalez‐Pina R. , Hernandez‐Godinez B. , Ibanez‐Contreras A. , Bueno‐Nava A. , Alfaro‐Rodriguez A.
Published: August 2012

Background

We describe two clinical cases and examine the effects of piracetam on the brainstem auditory response in infantile female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Results

We found that the interwave intervals show a greater reduction in a 3‐year‐old rhesus monkey compared to a 1‐year‐old rhesus monkey.

Discussion

In this report, we discuss the significance of these observations.
Phacoemulsification considerations in nonhuman primates
Authors: Leiva Marta , Peña Teresa , Bayón Alejandro , de León Mónica , Morales Inmaculada
Published: August 2012

Purpose

To describe the pre‐surgical, surgical, and post‐surgical considerations for phacoemulsification in non‐human primates.

Methods

Records of non‐human primates that underwent phacoemulsification by the Ophthalmology Services ofFHCV‐UABandHCV‐UM, between 2003 and 2009 were reviewed.

Results

Five primates were represented: one gorilla, one chimpanzee, one pygmy marmoset, one orangutan, and one chacma baboon. Three were males and two females, of a median age of 16.8 years. Four primates presented bilateral cataracts and one unilateral (n = 9 eyes). Cataracts were immature in two eyes, mature in four and hypermature in 3. One‐handed phacoemulsification was used in seven eyes and a two‐handed technique in 2. Intraocular lenses (IOLs), with optic powers between +19.0 and +21.5D, were implanted in the four large‐sized primates. All the primates were more active and social after the surgery.

Conclusion

Phacoemulsification in non‐human primates is highly successful and associated with an overall good visual outcome. Nevertheless, specific considerations should be applied in these species.
Facilitation of quadriceps activation is impaired following eccentric exercise
Authors: Hedayatpour N. , Arendt‐Nielsen L. , Falla D.
Published: August 2012

Contracting the knee flexor muscles immediately before a maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of knee extension increases the maximal force that the extensor muscles can exert. It is hypothesized that this phenomenon can be impaired by muscle fiber damage following eccentric exercise [delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)]. This study investigates the effect of eccentric exercise and DOMS on knee extension MVC immediately following a reciprocal‐resisted knee flexion contraction. Electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the knee extensors and flexors of 12 healthy men during knee extension MVCs performed in a reciprocal (maximal knee extension preceded by resisted knee flexion), and nonreciprocal condition (preceded by relaxation of the knee flexors). At baseline, knee extension MVC force was greater during the reciprocal condition (P < 0.001), whereas immediately after, 24 and 48 h after eccentric exercise, the MVC force was not different between conditions. Similarly, at baseline, the EMG amplitude of the quadriceps during the MVC was larger for the reciprocal condition (P < 0.001). However, immediately after, 24 and 48 h postexercise the EMG amplitude was similar between conditions. In conclusion, eccentric exercise abolished the facilitation of force production for the knee extensors, which normally occurs when maximum knee extension is preceded by activation of the knee flexors.
“Assessment of chronic sclerodermoid Graft‐versus‐Host Disease patients, using 20MHz high‐frequency ultrasonography and cutometer methods”
Authors: Osmola‐Mańkowska Agnieszka , Silny Wojciech , Dańczak‐Pazdrowska Aleksandra , Polańska Adriana , Olek‐Hrab Karolina , Sadowska‐Przytocka Anna , Żaba Ryszard , Jenerowicz Dorota
Published: August 2012

The development of an adverse graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) is a major complication of stem cell transplantations, which are widely used to cure increasing number of hematologic malignancies. Patients with chronic GvHD are at risk of joint contractures secondary to sclerodermatous skin changes. Several clinical scores or serologic markers have been used to assess skin sclerosis in scleroderma patients. Evaluation of sclerotic skin changes using biometric tools remains to be challenging. The purpose of this study was to illustrate and exemplify ultrasound measurement and measurement of skin elasticity of five chronic sclerodermoid GvHD patients. There is still a substantial lack of studies using objective and non‐invasive methods helpful in assessment of patients with skin involvement of GvHD. Although ultrasound is not the ideal method, it is worth emphasizing that it is still useful, non‐invasive, and repeatable device in monitoring patients suffering from GvHD. It should also be added, that it seems to be advisable to repeat USG examination at an interval of 3 months after the treatment. In addition, skin echogenicity may be a more sensitive parameter than skin thickness in assessment of cGvHD patients.
In vitro prediction of in vivo skin damage associated with the wiping of dry tissue against skin
Authors: Koenig David W. , Dvoracek Barb , Vongsa Rebecca
Published: August 2012

Background

The ideal gentle cleansing product is one that effectively removes soils while minimizing damage to the skin. Thus, measuring physical abrasion caused by cleansing tissues is critical to the continued development of gentle cleansing products. Current analysis of cleansing materials for skin gentleness is time consuming and requires expensive human subject testing. This report describes the development of a rapid and inexpensive bench assay for the assessment of skin abrasion caused by wiping.

Methods

Coefficient of friction (COF) evaluations using bench methods were compared with results from clinical studies of repeated wiping and with confocal visualizations of excised skin. A Monitor/Slip and Friction™ instrument (model 32‐06; TMI, Amityville, NY, USA) was used to measure tissue friction on simulated skin (Vitro‐Skin®, N19‐5X; IMS, Milford, CT, USA). Clinical data from a 4‐day repetitive forearm wiping study measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in 30 subjects was compared with results from the bench top assay. In addition, excised skin samples were also treated using the COF bench assay and examined using confocal microscopy to visualize stratum corneum damage caused by wiping.

Results

Using the bench COF assay, we were able to distinguish between bath tissue codes by comparing average static friction value (ASFV) for the test codes, where lower ASFV indicated less abrasive tissue. The ASFV followed the same gentleness trend observed in the clinical study. Confocal microscopy of excised skin wiped with the same materials indicated stratum corneum damage consistent with the bench COF and clinical TEWL observations.

Conclusion

We observed significant correlation between bench and clinical methods for measuring skin damage caused by wiping of skin with tissue. The bench method will facilitate rapid and inexpensive skin gentleness assessment of cleansing materials.
Cholesterol Accumulation Increases Insulin Granule Size and Impairs Membrane Trafficking
Authors: Bogan Jonathan S. , Xu Yingke , Hao Mingming
Published: August 2012

The formation of mature secretory granules is essential for proper storage and regulated release of hormones and neuropeptides. In pancreatic β cells, cholesterol accumulation causes defects in insulin secretion and may participate in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Using a novel cholesterol analog, we show for the first time that insulin granules are the major sites of intracellular cholesterol accumulation in live β cells. This is distinct from other, non‐secretory cell types, in which cholesterol is concentrated in the recycling endosomes and the trans‐Golgi network. Excess cholesterol was delivered specifically to insulin granules, which caused granule enlargement and retention of syntaxin 6 and VAMP4 in granule membranes, with concurrent depletion of these proteins from the trans‐Golgi network. Clathrin also accumulated in the granules of cholesterol‐overloaded cells, consistent with a possible defect in the last stage of granule maturation, during which clathrin‐coated vesicles bud from the immature granules. Excess cholesterol also reduced the docking and fusion of insulin granules at the plasma membrane. Together, the data support a model in which cholesterol accumulation in insulin secretory granules impairs the ability of these vesicles to respond to stimuli, and thus reduces insulin secretion.