bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite markers in Aphanius fasciatus (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae)
Authors: BABBUCCI MASSIMILIANO , PAPPALARDO ANNA MARIA , FERRITO VENERA , BARBISAN FEDERICA , PATARNELLO TOMASO , TIGANO CONCETTA
Published: November 2006

The first set of eight polymorphic microsatellites markers was successfully optimized from a partial genomic library enriched for an AC motif of the killifish Aphanius fasciatus Nardo, 1827 (Teleostei, Cyprinodontidae), a brackish‐water fish widely distributed along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. The developed loci proved to be polymorphic, displaying from two to six alleles per locus with expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.277 to 0.752. All loci were under Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, except Af8 that showed significant heterozygotes deficiency, and there was no evidence of linkage associations between any pair of loci. Markers reported here will be potentially useful in monitoring of genetic population structure in this species.
Isolation and characterization of 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the marine gastropod Concholepas concholepas (Brugière, 1789)
Authors: CÁRDENAS LEYLA , DAGUIN CLAIRE , CASTILLA JUAN CARLOS , VIARD FRÉDÉRIQUE
Published: November 2006

Because of its long‐lived planktonic stage, the marine gastropod Concholepas concholepas is expected to exchange larvae over large distances. However, discrepancies between expected and realized dispersal have been documented in marine invertebrates. To investigate relationships between potential and effective (i.e. gene flow) dispersal, we developed 11 microsatellite markers and investigate their usefulness by analysing two populations distant by c. 4000 km. The 11 loci were found to be highly polymorphic in both populations, with 12–51 alleles according to the locus. This polymorphism is strong enough to allow fine‐scale population analyses including larval studies and paternity analyses.
MODELING INTERNATIONAL CONSUMPTION PATTERNS
Authors: Seale James L. , Regmi Anita
Published: November 2006

This article addresses a number of key problems commonly confronted in the literature on international demand analysis. These include data issues and requirements, multistage budgeting, outliers, group heteroskedasticity, and model selection. A two‐stage demand system is fit to International Comparison Programme data for 114 countries for nine aggregate categories and eight food sub‐categories of goods. Outliers are identified and omitted from the sample. Parameter estimates for the two stages are obtained with a maximum‐likelihood procedure that corrects for group heteroskedasticity. Country‐specific income and own‐price elasticities are calculated and indicate that poor countries are more responsive to changes in income and prices than rich countries. We also find evidence for the strong version of Engel's law; when income doubles, the budget share of food declines by approximately 0.10.
THE IT REVOLUTION ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Daveri Francesco , Mascotto Andrea
Published: November 2006

In this paper we study the geography of the IT revolution in the U.S. economy. By relating the intensity of IT production and diffusion to labor productivity growth for the United States, we find three main results. First, states with above‐average production intensity of IT manufacturing show more growth acceleration than other states. Second, the same applies to states with above‐average IT diffusion. Yet, while the result for IT‐producing states is strong, the result for IT‐using states is somewhat smaller and less robust across specifications. Third, we also reconcile our state‐wide pieces of evidence with previous industry and aggregate evidence. Accelerating productivity growth in IT‐producing states stems from both IT‐producing and IT‐using industries in those states and is not a manifestation of the exclusive importance of IT production. Moreover, the less robust evidence for IT‐using states is due to lower growth contributions from IT‐producing and other industries in these states, not a symptom of a missing effect of IT usage.
STUDYING INEQUALITY IN INCOME DISTRIBUTION OF SINGLE‐PERSON HOUSEHOLDS IN FOUR DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
Authors: Quintano Claudio , D'Agostino Antonella
Published: November 2006

The increasing frequency of single‐person households has become a major economic phenomenon, and is likely to become an important political force. This paper focuses on differences related to inequality of income distribution among single‐person households in Europe's four largest economies, i.e. France, Germany, Italy and the U.K. Income distribution was modeled in terms of individual characteristics using a parametric model with heterogeneous model parameters. Poverty differences were also broken down using the results of Biewen and Jenkins (2005) in order to understand the relationship between poverty and individual characteristics among countries.
Pregnancy Folklore Revisited: The Case of Heartburn and Hair
Authors: Costigan Kathleen A. , Sipsma Heather L. , DiPietro Janet A.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  Background:
Folklore can originate by detection of actual associations between seemingly unrelated events and perpetuated through oral tradition. The objective of this study was to determine whether a common pregnancy belief that women who experience a lot of heartburn give birth to newborns with a lot of hair is accurate. Methods: Sixty‐four pregnant women ranked the severity of their degree of heartburn during pregnancy. Independent coders rated newborn hair volume using 2 photographs of the infant’s head, taken shortly after birth. Results: Most (78%) women reported some degree of heartburn. Symptom severity was unrelated to fetal sex and maternal characteristics including parity, age, or weight. The simple linear relationship between heartburn severity and hair volume was significant rs(62) = 0.40, p < 0.001. Categorical analysis by severity score and hair ranking revealed a similar association (χ2= 23.93, p < 0.05). Most (23/28) women who reported moderate or severe heartburn gave birth to babies with average or above average amounts of hair, and conversely, most (10/12) women reporting no heartburn had babies with less than average or no hair. Conclusions: Contrary to expectations, it appears that an association between heartburn severity during pregnancy and newborn hair does exist. We propose a shared biologic mechanism involving a dual role of pregnancy hormones in both the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and the modulation of fetal hair growth. (BIRTH 33:4 December 2006)
Prolonged Second Stage of Labor and Risk of Adverse Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Altman Molly R. , Lydon‐Rochelle Mona T.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  Background:
Safe and effective management of the second stage of labor presents a clinical challenge for laboring women and practitioners of obstetric care. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate evidence for the influence of prolonged second stage of labor on the risk of selected adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods:
Articles were searched using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from 1980 until 2005. Studies were included according to 3 criteria: if they reported duration of the second stage of labor, if they reported maternal and/or neonatal outcomes in relation to prolonged second stage, and if they reported original research.
Results:
Our systematic review found evidence of a strong association between prolonged second stage and operative delivery. Although significant associations with maternal outcomes such as postpartum hemorrhage, infection, and severe obstetric lacerations were reported, inherent limitations in methodology were evident in the studies. Recurrent limitations included oversimplified categorization of second stage, inconsistency in study population characteristics, and lack of control of confounding factors. No associations between prolonged second stage and adverse neonatal outcomes were reported.
Conclusions:
The primary findings of our review indicated that most of the studies are flawed and do not answer the important questions for maternity caregivers to safely manage prolonged second stage. Meanwhile, approaches for promoting a normal second stage of labor are available to caregivers, such as maternal positioning and pain relief measures and also promoting effective pushing technique. (BIRTH 33:4 December 2006)
Migrainous Visual Auras: A Life History
Authors: Reinecke Robert D. , Silberstein Stephen D.
Published: November 2006

We document, as an autobiographical case report, a 72‐year history of migraine and its changing nature. Minor neurological events have waxed and waned, causing repeated searches for pathology, but instead reconfirming an intact central nervous system. In this case it appears that visual migraine auras do not reflect severity of pathology. Visual auras of migraine are cyclical in frequency and intensity and may have remissions as long as 15 years.
Multimorbidity and Survival in Older Persons with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gross Cary P. , Guo Zhenchao , McAvay Gail J. , Allore Heather G. , Young Mary , Tinetti Mary E.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the effect of common chronic conditions on mortality in older persons with colorectal cancer.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING: Population‐based cancer registry.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results–Medicare linked database who were aged 67 and older and had a primary diagnosis of Stage 1 to 3 colorectal cancer during 1993 through 1999.

MEASUREMENTS: Chronic conditions were identified using claims data, and vital status was determined from the Medicare enrollment files. After estimating the adjusted hazard ratios for mortality associated with each condition using a Cox model, the population attributable risk (PAR) was calculated for the full sample and by age subgroup.

RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 29,733 patients, 88% of whom were white and 55% were female. Approximately 9% of deaths were attributable to congestive heart failure (CHF; PAR =9.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI) =8.4–10.5%), more than 5% were attributable to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; PAR =5.3%, 95% CI=4.7–6.6%), and nearly 4% were attributable to diabetes mellitus (PAR =3.9%, 95% CI=3.1–4.8%). The PAR associated with CHF increased with age, from 6.3% (95% CI=4.4–8.8%) in patients aged 67 to 70 to 14.5% (95% CI=12.0–17.5%) in patients aged 81 to 85. Multiple conditions were common. More than half of the patients who had CHF also had diabetes mellitus or COPD. The PAR associated with CHF alone (4.29%, 95% CI=3.68–4.94%) was similar to the PAR for CHF in combination with diabetes mellitus (3.08, 95% CI=2.60–3.61%) or COPD (3.93, 95% CI=3.41–4.54%).

CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of deaths in older persons with colorectal cancer can be attributed to CHF, diabetes mellitus, and COPD. Multimorbidity is common and exerts a substantial effect on colorectal cancer survival.
Management of Noncancer Pain in Community‐Dwelling Persons with Dementia
Authors: Shega Joseph W. , Hougham Gavin W. , Stocking Carol B. , Cox‐Hayley Deon , Sachs Greg A.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES: To explore the pharmacological treatment of noncancer pain in persons with dementia and identify predictors associated with insufficient analgesia.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional analysis of an observational cohort study.

SETTING: Academic outpatient geriatric clinic in Chicago, Illinois.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 115 dyads, mostly African American, consisting of community‐dwelling persons with dementia and their caregivers.

MEASUREMENTS: Patient report of demographics, noncancer pain, function, cognition, and depression. Caregiver report of patient agitation and over‐the‐counter and prescription medications.

RESULTS: Sixty‐two of 115 (54%) patients reported pain “on an average day.” The caregivers of more than half of persons with dementia who reported pain “on an average day” did not report analgesic use. The majority of caregivers who reported analgesic use reported that patients took a World Health Organization Class I medication. No patients had been prescribed a Class III (strong opioid) drug. Fifty‐three of 115 (46%) patients had potentially insufficient analgesia. In the logistic regression, insufficient analgesia was associated with greater age, Mini‐Mental State Examination score of less than 10, and impairment in daily functioning. Insufficient analgesia was 1.07 times as likely (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01–1.14) for each additional year of age, 3.0 times as likely (95% CI=1.05–9.10) if the subject had advanced dementia, and 2.5 times as likely (95% CI=1.01–6.25) if the patient had any impairment in activities of daily living.

CONCLUSION: In this convenience sample from a geriatric clinic, many persons with dementia and noncancer pain were not receiving pharmacological treatment. Those at greatest risk for insufficient analgesia were older, had moderate to severe dementia, and experienced impairments in activities of daily living.
Isolated Urinary, Fecal, and Double Incontinence: Prevalence and Degree of Soiling in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Brittain Katherine , Perry Sarah , Shaw Chris , Matthews Ruth , Jagger Carol , Potter John
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of isolated urinary and fecal incontinence and double incontinence in community‐living stroke survivors and to assess the degree of soiling.

DESIGN: Community‐based postal survey.

SETTING: Leicestershire, United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS: Sixty‐four thousand seven hundred forty‐nine community‐dwelling residents (aged≥40) were randomly selected from the Leicestershire Health Authority register. Residents living in institutional settings were excluded.

MEASUREMENTS: Respondents were asked about previous stroke, urinary and bowel symptoms, and general health and demographic details including age, sex, and ethnicity. Urinary incontinence was defined as leakage several times a month or more often. Major fecal incontinence was defined as soiling of underwear, outer clothing, furnishings, or bedding several times a month or more often.

RESULTS: A 65% response rate to the postal survey was obtained, with the return of 39,519 eligible questionnaires; 4% (n=1,483) reported stroke. Five percent of stroke survivors reported major fecal incontinence, with 4.3% reporting fecal and urinary incontinence and 0.8% reporting isolated fecal incontinence. Major fecal incontinence was four and a half times as prevalent in stroke survivors as in the nonstroke population, and stroke survivors were also twice as likely to report soiling of furnishings or bedding. Functional limitations influence the presence of fecal incontinence in the stroke and nonstroke population.

CONCLUSION: Fecal incontinence is common in stroke survivors, and the degree of soiling can be considerable. Future research needs to explore the effect fecal incontinence can have on the lives of stroke survivors and on how it can best be managed in those living in the community.
Sensitivity of hepatitis B virus DNA transcription‐mediated amplification testing in hepatitis B surface antigen–positive blood donations
Authors: Bouchardeau Françoise , Girault Annie , Razer Annie , Servant‐Delmas Annabelle , Mercier Mélanie , Laperche Syria
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the performance of nucleic acid testing (NAT) in the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive blood donations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 253 HBsAg‐ and anti‐hepatitis B core antigen (HBc)‐positive samples (50 hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]‐positive and 203 anti‐HBe–positive) from blood donations collected in France were studied. The samples were investigated with a blood screening assay (Procleix Ultrio, Chiron/Gen‐Probe) in minipool (MP; ×8) and in individual‐donation (ID) testing. All nonreactive samples were retested once, and nonreactive MP samples were assayed for viral load (VL).

RESULTS: All 50 HBeAg‐positive samples were reactive in MP‐NAT and ID‐NAT. Of the 203 anti‐HBe–positive donations, 80.3 percent were MP‐ and ID‐reactive, 17.2 percent were MP‐nonreactive and ID‐reactive, and 2.5 percent were nonreactive in ID‐NAT. Overall the sensitivity of ID‐NAT was 98 percent versus 84 percent for MP‐NAT. After retesting, 16 of the 35 MP‐nonreactive and/or ID‐reactive donations became MP‐reactive and 2 of the ID‐nonreactive donations became NAT‐reactive. The capacity of Procleix Ultrio to detect HBV DNA was not related to HBsAg subtype, but correlated with the VL: the mean VL in the group of MP‐nonreactive samples was 1,420 copies per mL vs. 17,000 copies per mL in the group of 40 MP‐reactive samples.

CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that HBV‐NAT in ID format is far more effective in detecting viremia in chronic HBsAg carriers than in MP‐NAT. The sensitivity of the NAT assay needs to be improved to be considered for replacing the current HBsAg assays, especially when anti‐HBc testing is not performed.
A novel source of viable peripheral blood mononuclear cells from leukoreduction system chambers
Authors: Dietz Allan B. , Bulur Peggy A. , Emery Richard L. , Winters Jeffrey L. , Epps Dennis E. , Zubair Abba C. , Vuk‐Pavlović Stanimir
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND: Buffy coats are becoming less available as a source of research‐grade peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs). Therefore, alternative sources of these cells were investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PBMNCs isolated from the cells retained in leukoreduction system chambers (LRSCs) and those eluted from white blood cell filters were compared. From LRSCs (1.88 ± 0.40) × 109 PBMNCs (n = 13) versus (0.43 ± 0.15) × 109 PBMNCs were isolated from leukofilter eluates (LFEs, n = 8; p < 0.0001).

RESULTS: Cells from LRSCs and LFEs produced similar numbers of burst‐forming unit–erythroid, colony‐forming unit (CFU)–granulocyte‐macrophage, and CFU–granulocyte‐erythrocyte‐monocyte‐macrophage‐megakaryocyte colonies. The percentages of cells positive for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD19, and CD56 in the PBMNCs isolated from LRSCs and LFEs were indistinguishable. Cells isolated from LRSCs expressed higher levels of CD69 and CD25 in reaction to staphylococcal enterotoxin B than the cells isolated from LFEs. The source of cells affected neither the yield and purity of immunomagnetically isolated CD3+ cells, CD14+ cells, and CD56+ cells nor the function of T cells, natural killer cells, and in vitro matured dendritic cells (DCs). DC yield from LRSC‐derived CD14+ cells, however, was higher.

CONCLUSION: LRSCs are a novel source of fully functional PBMNCs that can replace the more traditional sources of research‐grade cellular products.
Identification of six new alleles at theFUT1andFUT2loci in ethnically diverse individuals with Bombay and Para‐Bombay phenotypes
Authors: Storry Jill R. , Johannesson Jannica S. , Poole Joyce , Strindberg Johanna , Rodrigues Maria J. , Yahalom Vered , Levene Cyril , Fujita Claudia , Castilho Lilian , Hustinx Hein , Olsson Martin L.
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND:The Bombay and para‐Bombay phenotypes arise from mutations of theFUT1gene that silence the gene or affect the efficiency of the encoded 2‐α‐fucosyltransferase. Samples from seven individuals of different geographic backgrounds whose red blood cells had an apparent Bombay or para‐Bombay phenotype were investigated. Among these, novelFUT1andFUT2alleles were identified.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:Standard serologic techniques were used. Genomic DNA was sequenced with primers that amplified the coding sequence ofFUT1and the related secretor gene,FUT2. RoutineABOgenotyping analysis was performed.

RESULTS:Five newFUT1alleles were identified that silencedFUT1or weakened α2FucT1 activity. These were 35C>T, 269G>T (Ala11Val, Gly89Val); 421A>G (Trp140Stop); 538C>T, 1089T>G (Gln180Stop, Ala363Ala); 689A>C (Gln230Pro); and 917C>T (Thr305Ile). In addition, both homozygosity and heterozygosity for the previously reported mutation, 826C>T (Gln276Stop), were observed. Four of seven samples were homozygous for the silencing mutation 428A inFUT2. One newFUT2allele was identified: 278C>T, 357C>T (Ala93Val, Asn119Asn).

CONCLUSIONS:These results add to the growing database of apparently sporadic and random mutations in theFUT1gene and confirm previous reports regarding the lack of ethnic bias. In contrast, our data reinforce the apparent maintenance of the common nonsecretorFUT2alleles in the population.
Selection of whole‐blood donors for hemoglobin testing by use of historical hemoglobin values
Authors: Ziemann Malte , Steppat Dagmar , Brockmann Christian , Washington Gesa , Kirchner Holger , Schlenke Peter
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND: Usually, a predonation hemoglobin (Hb) measurement must precede blood donation. Hb values of a donor’s previous donation might be used for selecting a subgroup in which predonation Hb measurements are unnecessary.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Only donors with historical Hb values below 129 or 139 g per L for female and male donors, respectively, underwent venous Hb measurement before phlebotomy with an automated hematology analyzer. All other donor phlebotomies were collected without initial Hb testing. Hb values from diversion samples from 81,913 consecutive donors between May 2003 and November 2005 were subsequently analyzed as representing their present values. Donors were grouped according to interdonation intervals of less than 6, 6 to 11, 12 to 23, and 24 months or more.

RESULTS: The arithmetic mean deviation between historical and present Hb values was between −0.3 and +1.8 g per L for each group (mean deviation, 5.2‐6.7 g/L). Not testing selected donors spared 77.7 percent from a prephlebotomy Hb measurement and showed a specificity of 29 percent. Sensitivities for detection of donors below Hb limits (between 56% and 67% for the different subgroups) and donors with Hb values below 110 g per L (82%‐88%) were at least comparable to capillary Hb screening. A total of 4.8 percent of donors were phlebotomized with values below 125 and 135 g per L, whereas only 0.016 percent of donors were bled despite Hb levels below 110 g per L.

CONCLUSION: Selecting donors for a current Hb measurement based upon their last whole‐blood predonation Hb value is a useful method, even after prolonged interdonation intervals.
Impact of the Main Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Trials for Primary and Secondary Prevention in Italy: A Survey of the National Activity During the Years 2001–2004
Authors: PROCLEMER ALESSANDRO , GHIDINA MARCO , CICUTTINI GLORIA , GREGORI DARIO , FIORETTI PAOLO MARIA
Published: November 2006

Background: Several trials demonstrated the lifesaving role of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) in high‐risk groups of patients. Aim of this review was to report the clinical characteristics of patients enrolled in the ICD Registry of the Italian Association of Arrhythmology (AIAC) in the years 2001–2004.

Methods: The Registry collects prospectively 85% of national ICD implantation activity on the basis of European ICD form (EURID).

Results: The number of implanted ICDs in Italy was 2,418 in the year 2001, 3,992 in the year 2002, 5,595 in the year 2003, and 7,190 in the year 2004. The number of ICDs per million of inhabitants was 42.1 in the year 2001 (+11.8% respect to 2000), 70.0 in the year 2002 (+65.1% respect to 2001), 98.3 in the year 2003 (+40.4% respect to 2002), and 125.0 in the year 2004 (+27.2% respect to 2003). The median age was 67 years in the years 2001–2002, 68 years in the years 2003–2004. The main indications during the study were syncope (24.2–14.9%) and cardiac arrest (28.5–17.3%), followed by palpitations and dizzy spells (15.5–17.2%, and 9.4–6.9% of patients, respectively). The use of prophylactic ICD had a fourfold increase in the examined period (5.8% in 2001, 22.9% in 2004). Ventricular tachycardia was the main arrhythmic indication in 44.4–54.6% of cases, ventricular fibrillation in 11.8–18.0%, both in 3.5–6.5%. In the years 2002, 2003, and 2004 single chamber ICDs were implanted in 45.5%, 38.8%, and 33.7% of patients, dual chamber ICDs in 35.1%, 32.3%, and 30.5%, biventricular ICDs in 19.4%, 28.9%, and 34.7%, respectively.

Conclusion: The ICD implantation rate in Italy increased significantly in the period 2001–2004, similarly to the trend in other western countries. The Registry showed an important increase of prophylactic and dual or triple chamber ICDs use.
Physiologic Pacing: New Modalities and Pacing Sites
Authors: PADELETTI LUIGI , LIEBERMAN RANDY , VALSECCHI SERGIO , HETTRICK DOUGLAS A.
Published: November 2006

Right ventricular (RV) apical pacing impairs left ventricular function by inducing dyssynchronous contraction and relaxation. Chronic RV apical pacing is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, morbidity, and even mortality. These observations have raised questions regarding the appropriate pacing mode and site, leading to the introduction of algorithms and new pacing modes to reduce the ventricular pacing burden in dual chamber devices, and a shift of the pacing site away from the RV apex. However, further investigations are required to assess the long‐term results of pacing from alternative sites in the right ventricle, because long‐term results so far are equivocal. The potential benefit of prophylactic biventricular, monochamber left ventricular, and bifocal RV pacing should be explored in selected patients with a narrow QRS complex, especially those with impaired left ventricular function. His bundle pacing is a promising and evolving technique that requires improvements in lead technology.
Gradients of Atrial Refractoriness and Inducibility of Atrial Fibrillation due to Stimulation of Ganglionated Plexi
Authors: ZHOU JING , SCHERLAG BENJAMIN J. , EDWARDS JEFFERY , JACKMAN WARREN M. , LAZZARA RALPH , PO SUNNY S.
Published: November 2006

Introduction. The mechanism(s) whereby atrial ectopy induces atrial fibrillation (AF) is still poorly understood.

Methods and Results. In 12 dogs, we determined the refractory period (RP) along the right atrium (RA) and right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV), and AF inducibility with and without concurrent stimulation of the anterior right ganglionated plexi (ARGP) at the base of the RSPV. Multielectrode catheters were attached to the RSPV and RA with the distal electrodes close to ARGP. The RP and window of vulnerability (WOV), i.e., the longest S1–S2 minus the shortest S1–S2 at which AF was induced, were measured before and during incremental levels of ARGP stimulation. Mapping of the onset of AF was performed using the EnSite® mapping system (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) positioned in the RA.

A single premature depolarization (PD) from the RSPV that did not induce AF without ARGP stimulation could do so with ARGP stimulation. The onset of AF consistently arose at the myocardium subtending the ARGP. With GP stimulation, the average WOV at the RSPV‐atrial junction was significantly wider than at the RA appendage (65 ± 27 vs. 8 ± 17 msec, P < 0.05) or further along the RSPV sleeve (48 ± 39 vs. 10 ± 20 msec, P < 0.05). Even without GP stimulation, high intensity (10–20 mA) premature stimuli delivered at the RA appendage induced AF, originating from atrial tissue subtending the ARGP, presumably due to axonal conduction that activated the ARGP.

Conclusion. GP stimulation, subthreshold for atrial excitation, converts isolated PDs into AF‐inducing PDs, suggesting that autonomic tone may play a critical role in the initiation of paroxysmal AF.
Validation and Clinical Application of Time‐Frequency Analysis of Atrial Fibrillation Electrocardiograms
Authors: HUSSER DANIELA , STRIDH MARTIN , CANNOM DAVID S. , BHANDARI ANIL K. , GIRSKY MARC J. , KANG STEVEN , SÖRNMO LEIF , BERTIL OLSSON S. , BOLLMANN ANDREAS
Published: November 2006

Introduction: Fibrillatory rates can reliably be obtained from surface ECGs during atrial fibrillation (AF) and correspond with right atrial (RA) and coronary sinus (CS) rates, while both the relation with pulmonary venous (PV) rates and determinants of fibrillatory waveform are unknown. Class III antiarrhythmic drugs prolong atrial refractoriness and decrease its dispersion, effects that may be reflected in ECG parameters. Consequently, this study sought (1) to investigate the relation between ECG fibrillatory rate and waveform characteristics with intraatrial/PV fibrillatory activity and (2) to noninvasively monitor class III antiarrhythmic drug effects in patients with AF.

Methods and Results: Thirty‐six patients with drug‐refractory AF who underwent catheter‐based pulmonary vein isolation and had AF at the beginning of the procedure were studied. A positive correlation between V1 rates obtained by time‐frequency analysis and RA (R = 0.97, P < 0.001), CS (R = .71, P < 0.001), and PV rates (R = 0.65, P = 0.001) was found. Exponential decay defined as decay of the curve that connects power maxima of dominant and harmonic frequency components correlated with RA rate dispersion (R = 0.53, P = 0.004). In amiodarone‐treated patients (n = 7), V1 rate (286 ± 64 vs. 371 ± 40 fpm, P < 0.001) and exponential decay (1.06 ± 0.29 vs. 1.38 ± 0.38, P = 0.034) were lower than in patients without amiodarone (n = 29). In 19 additional patients with persistent AF, oral dofetilide treatment decreased mean fibrillatory rate from 377 ± 57 to 294 ± 50 fpm (P < 0.001) and exponential decay from 1.24 ± 0.43 to 0.85 ± 0.22 (P = 0.002).

Conclusions: Fibrillatory waves of surface ECG lead V1 closely reflect right atrial, and, to a lesser degree, left atrial activity. Time‐frequency analysis allows noninvasive monitoring of antiarrhythmic drug effects on fibrillatory rate and waveform.
Bradykinin is a Mediator, but Unlikely a Trigger, of Antiarrhythmic Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning
Authors: DRIAMOV SERGEY V. , BELLAHCENE MOHAMED , BUTZ SILVIA , BUSER PETER T. , ZAUGG CHRISTIAN E.
Published: November 2006

Objective: Brief reversible ischemic episodes (ischemic preconditioning, IPC) protect the heart against arrhythmias during a subsequent prolonged low‐flow ischemia. We have recently shown that this protection involves release of bradykinin, activation of bradykinin B2 receptors followed by opening of sarcolemmal, but not mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive K+ channels. The goal of this study was to clarify a trigger and/or mediator role of bradykinin in the antiarrhythmic effects of IPC during low‐flow ischemia.

Methods: Isolated perfused rat hearts underwent 60 minutes of low‐flow ischemia induced by reducing perfusion pressure followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. Preconditioning was induced by 2 × 5 minutes episodes of zero‐flow ischemia. In yet other groups, preconditioned or nonpreconditioned hearts were treated either with bradykinin (10 nmol/L) or with HOE 140 (bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, 100 nmol/L).

Results: IPC reduced the number of ventricular premature beats, as well as the incidence of ventricular tachycardia and of ventricular fibrillation during low‐flow ischemia. In addition, this protection was abolished by HOE 140 given during low‐flow ischemia. Pharmacological preconditioning using short bradykinin perfusion instead of IPC did not show antiarrhythmic effects. However, bradykinin administered during low‐flow ischemia and reperfusion reduced the number of ventricular premature beats and the incidence of ventricular tachycardia and of ventricular fibrillation during low‐flow ischemia.

Conclusion: Bradykinin is a mediator, but unlikely a trigger, of antiarrhythmic effects of IPC during low‐flow ischemia.
Effect of Preload Alterations by Hemodialysis on the Time Interval between the Onsets of Early Diastolic Mitral Inflow and Annular Waveforms
Authors: Su Ho‐Ming , Lin Tsung‐Hsien , Voon Wen‐Chol , Chen Hung‐Chun , Lee Kun‐Tai , Lu Ye‐Hsu , Lai Wen‐Ter , Sheu Sheng‐Hsiung
Published: November 2006

Background: The TEa‐E, which is defined as the time interval between the peak of the R‐wave and the onset of early diastolic mitral annular waveform (TEa) minus the time interval between the peak of the R‐wave and the onset of early diastolic mitral inflow waveform (TE), is recently proposed as a useful index of left ventricular (LV) relaxation. The aim of this study is to determine whether the TEa‐E is preload‐independent. Methods: Twenty hemodialysis (HD) patients (9 men; age 64 ± 9 years) underwent echocardiography 1 hour before and 1 hour after HD was studied. Results: After HD, the body weight (P < 0.001), early transmitral filling wave peak velocity (E) (P < 0.001), the ratio of E to late transmitral filling wave peak velocity (P = 0.011), the early diastolic mitral anuular velocity (Ea) (P = 0.002), E/Ea (P = 0.026), and TEa‐E (P < 0.001) decreased significantly, and the TEa (P = 0.047) and TE (P = 0.005) increased significantly. In addition, TEa‐E had a significant negative correlation with Ea either before (r =–0.457, P = 0.043) or after HD (r =–0.637, P = 0.003). Conclusions: TEa‐E, as well as Ea, was a preload‐dependent relaxation index. The preload dependence of this newer Doppler parameter limited its utility in evaluating LV diastolic function in HD patients.
Myocardial Tissue Velocities in Neonates
Authors: Ekici Filiz , Atalay Semra , Ozcelik Nazire , Uçar Tayfun , Yılmaz Erdal , Tutar Ercan
Published: November 2006

Background: Tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) has been applied to the children age group; however, myocardial tissue velocities of neonates have been reported by few researchers. Methods: Myocardial velocities along the longitudinal axis of the left ventricle were measured in two groups: 50 term neonates within 5 days after birth and 54 healthy children by TDE. Sample volumes were placed in mitral lateral annulus (MLA), mitral medial annulus (MMA), and in the basal and middle parts of the left ventricular lateral wall (LVLW) and interventricular septum (IVS). Results: The highest myocardial velocities were obtained from MLA. In all segments, the mean systolic velocity (Sw) was found significantly lower than the mean early diastolic (Ew) and atrial systolic velocities (Aw) (P < 0.0001). The mean Aw was the dominant component in the MMA and were significantly higher than Ew (P < 0.001). The mean Ew/Aw in the MMA and MLA increased significantly while replacing the Doppler beam from base to apex. TDE indexes of neonates, except Aw obtained from MLA and MMA, were significantly lower than that of children group (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The mean E/Ew ratio of the left ventricle in neonates was found to be significantly higher than that found in children group (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: In neonates, the diastolic and systolic myocardial velocities of the left ventricle were significantly lower than those measured in the children group. Decreased myocardial tissue values of neonates might be reflecting the immaturity of neonatal myocardium.
C‐Reactive Protein and Aortic Stiffness in Patients with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kosar Feridun , Aksoy Yüksel , Ozguntekin Gulacan , Yetkin Ertan , Gunen Hakan
Published: November 2006

Background: Previous studies have shown an association between C‐reactive protein (CRP)
and arterial stiffness in most cardiovascular diseases. Increased CRP levels and arterial stiffness have been considered independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality in cardiovascular disease and even in the general population. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation and aortic stiffness in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP). Methods: Serum CRP levels and aortic stiffness parameters were measured in DCMP patients (n= 37) and age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects (n= 30). High‐sensitivity CRP levels were determined by an immunonephelometry assay. Aortic strain (AS) and aortic distensibility (AD) were calculated from the aortic diameters measured using M‐mode echocardiography and blood pressure obtained by sphygmomanometry. Results: Serum levels of CRP in DCMP patients were higher than in the control subjects (5.47 ± 2.06 mg/L and 2.35 ± 0.47 mg/L, P < 0.001, respectively). AS and AD were significantly decreased in DCMP patients compared to the controls (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). There were positive correlations between CRP, and (r = 0.3.64, P = 0.027) smoking (r = 0.3.56, P = 0.024), and increasing age (r = 0.587, P < 0.001), and negative correlations between CRP, and DBP (r =−0.485, P < 0.001), diameter change (DC; r =−0.493, P < 0.001), AS (r =−0.526, P < 0.001), and AD (r =−0.626, P < 0.001). Conclusion: We have shown that there is a significant relation between high serum CRP levels and impaired aortic stiffness in patients with idiopathic DCMP. These findings may indicate an important role of CRP in the pathogenesis of impaired aortic stiffness in idiopathic DCMP.
Correlation of the Myocardial Performance Index with Conventional Echocardiographic Indices of Systolic and Diastolic Function: A Study in Cardiac Surgical Patients
Authors: Murphy Glenn S. , Marymont Jesse H. , Szokol Joseph W. , Avram Michael J. , Vender Jeffery S.
Published: November 2006

Background: The aim of this investigation was to compare the myocardial performance index (MPI), a Doppler‐derived parameter of global ventricular function, with standard echocardiographic measures of systolic and diastolic function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: Complete two‐dimensional and Doppler examinations were performed on 46 CABG patients after induction of anesthesia (baseline), 15 minutes postcardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and at the end of the surgical procedure. Results: A strong inverse correlation between MPI and both fractional area change (adjusted r2= 0.588–0.802) and ejection fraction (adjusted r2= 0.576–0.656, both P < 0.001) of the left ventricle was observed throughout the intraoperative period. Following CPB, a weaker correlation was observed between MPI and overall diastolic heart function classification (adjusted r2= 0.224–0.268, P <0.001). Weak, though statistically significant, correlations were observed between MPI and deceleration time (P < 0.05), peak atrial reversal (AR) wave velocity (P ≤0.002), and duration of the AR wave (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the MPI correlates well with standard echocardiographic measures of systolic function and modestly well with overall diastolic heart function classification. The MPI may be a useful, complementary marker of global left ventricular function in patients undergoing CABG surgery.
Ultrasonic Integrated Backscatter Discloses Intramyocardial Hemorrhage in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Nishino Masami , Hoshida Shiro , Egami Yasuyuki , Kondo Isao , Shutta Ryu , Tanaka Kenjiro , Adachi Takayoshi , Tanouchi Jun , Hori Masatsugu , Yamada Yoshio
Published: November 2006

Background: It has been reported that intramyocardial hemorrhage (IH) can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and IH correlates with the poor prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We examined whether integrated backscatter (IBS) can disclose IH in patients with AMI. We recorded IBS images in 34 patients with AMI who underwent coronary angioplasty within 12 hours of symptom onset. Methods: We measured calibrated IBS (C‐IB) and cyclic variation (CV) in the center of the risk area on the third day after reperfusion. C‐IB was calculated as: average IBS value of risk area − average IBS value of intraventricular blood. MRI was performed within 3 days after reperfusion. Regional wall motion score index (RWMSI) was calculated as follows: sum of scores (0∼4) in risk area/number of segments of risk area. We evaluated left ventricular function using RWMSI shortly and one month after reperfusion. Results: RWMSI in the IH group (12 cases) was significantly higher than in the non‐IH group (2.3±0.5 vs. 1.8±0.6: P<0.01) one month later, while RWMSI in both groups was almost the same shortly after reperfusion. The IH group showed a significantly higher value of C‐IB than the non‐IH group (18.6±2.0 vs. 16.0±1.4: P<0.01), while there were no significant differences in CV values between two groups. Using 17 as a cutoff value of C‐IB, C‐IB can detect IH with 92% sensitivity and 91% specificity. Using both CV and C‐IB, however, IH can be detected more specifically. Conclusion: Ultrasonic IBS, especially C‐IB, discloses intramyocardial hemorrhage in patients with reperfused AMI.
Infarct Size Assessment in Mice
Authors: Scherrer‐Crosbie Marielle , Rodrigues Ana Clara T. , Hataishi Ryuji , Picard Michael H.
Published: November 2006

Genetically modified mice are used extensively in models of ischemia reperfusion (I/R) and nonreperfused myocardial infarction (MI) to gain insights into pathways involved in these pathologies. Echocardiography is an ideal noninvasive tool to serially monitor the cardiac murine phenotype. The present review details the surgical aspects of I/R and MI models and the measurement of MI size by pathology techniques and the input of echocardiographic techniques including the extent of wall motion abnormality and of perfusion defects using myocardial contrast echocardiography in the assessment of murine area at risk and MI size.
Identification of marker genes distinguishing human periodontal ligament cells from human mesenchymal stem cells and human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Fujita T. , Iwata T. , Shiba H. , Igarashi A. , Hirata R. , Takeda K. , Mizuno N. , Tsuji K. , Kawaguchi H. , Kato Y. , Kurihara H.
Published: November 2006

Background and Objective:  Molecular gene markers, which can distinguish human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from human fibroblasts, have recently been reported. Messenger RNA levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor‐2, major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐α, major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐β, and neuroserpin are higher in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells than in human fibroblasts. However, human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells express less apolipoprotein D mRNA than human fibroblasts. Periodontal ligament cells are a heterogeneous cell population including fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and progenitor cells of osteoblasts or cementoblasts. The use of molecular markers that distinguish human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from human fibroblasts may provide insight into the characteristics of human periodontal ligament cells. In this study, we compared the molecular markers of human periodontal ligament cells with those of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and human gingival fibroblasts.

Material and Methods:  The mRNA expression of the molecular gene markers was analyzed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical differences were determined with the two‐sided Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results:  Messenger RNA levels of major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐α and major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐β were lower and higher, respectively, in human periodontal ligament cells than in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells or human gingival fibroblasts. Human periodontal ligament cells showed the lowest apolipoprotein D mRNA levels among the three types of cells.

Conclusion:  Human periodontal ligament cells may be distinguished from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and human gingival fibroblasts by the genes for apolipoprotein D, major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐α, and major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐β.
Altered behavioural adaptation in mice with neural corticotrophin‐releasing factor overexpression
Authors: Kasahara M. , Groenink L. , Breuer M. , Olivier B. , Sarnyai Z.
Published: November 2006

Overproduction of corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF), the major mediator of the stress response, has been linked to anxiety, depression and addiction. CRF excess results in increased arousal, anxiety and altered cognition in rodents. The ability to adapt to a potentially threatening stimulus is crucial for survival, and impaired adaptation may underlie stress‐related psychiatric disorders. Therefore, we examined the effects of chronic transgenic neural CRF overproduction on behavioural adaptation to repeated exposure to a non‐home cage environment. We report that CRF transgenic mice show impaired adaptation in locomotor response to the novel open field. In contrast to wild‐type (WT) mice, anxiety‐related behaviour of CRF transgenic mice does not change during repeated exposure to the same environment over the period of 7 days or at retest 1 week later. We found that locomotor response to novelty correlates significantly with total locomotor activity and activity in the centre at the last day of testing and at retest in WT but not in CRF transgenic mice. Mice were divided into low responders and high responders on the basis of their initial locomotor response to novelty. We found that differences in habituation and re‐exposure response are related to individual differences in locomotor response to novelty. In summary, these results show that CRF transgenic mice are fundamentally different from WT in their ability to adapt to an environmental stressor. This may be related to individual differences in stress reactivity. These findings have implications for our understanding of the role of CRF overproduction in behavioural maladaptation and stress‐related psychiatric disorders.
Increased cerebral activity in Parkinson’s disease patients carrying the DRD2 TaqIA A1 allele during a demanding motor task: a compensatory mechanism?
Authors: Bartrés‐Faz D. , Martí M. J. , Junqué C. , Solé‐Padullés C. , Ezquerra M. , Bralten L. B. C. , Gaig C. , Campdelacreu J. , Mercader J. M.a , Tolosa E.
Published: November 2006

Previous studies suggest that neuroimaging techniques are useful for detecting the effects of functional genetic polymorphisms on brain function in healthy subjects or in patients presenting with psychiatric or neurodegenerative conditions. Former evidence showed that individuals carrying risk alleles displayed broader patterns of brain activity during behavioural and cognitive tasks, despite being clinically comparable to non‐carriers. This suggests the presence of compensatory brain mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated this effect in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients carrying the DRD2 TaqIA A1 allelic variant. This variant may confer an increased risk of developing the disease and/or influence the clinical presentation. During a complex sequential motor task, we evidenced by functional magnetic resonance imaging that A1 allele carriers activated a larger network of bilateral cerebral areas than non‐carriers, including cerebellar and premotor regions. Both groups had similar clinical and demographic measures. In addition, their motor performance during the functional magnetic resonance experiment was comparable. Therefore, our conclusions, pending replication in a larger sample, seem to reflect the recruitment of compensatory cerebral resources during motor processing in PD patients carrying the A1 allele.