bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological recruitment of the GABAergic tail of the ventral tegmental area by acute drug exposure
Authors: Kaufling Jennifer , Waltisperger Elisabeth , Bourdy Romain , Valera Antoine , Veinante Pierre , Freund‐Mercier Marie‐José , Barrot Michel
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe tail of the ventral tegmental area (tVTA), also called the rostromedial tegmental nucleus, is a newly defined brain structure and a potential control centre for dopaminergic activity. It was identified by the induction of DeltaFosB following chronic cocaine exposure. In this work, we screened 20 drugs for their ability to induce FosB/DeltaFosB in the tVTA.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHImmunohistochemistry following systemic drug administration was used to study FosB/DeltaFosB induction in the tVTA of adult rats. Double‐staining was used to determine whether dopamine or GABA neurones are involved in this induction.

KEY RESULTSThe acute injection of the psychostimulant drugs cocaine, D‐amphetamine, (+/−)‐3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylphenidate or caffeine, induced the expression of FosB/DeltaFosB in the tVTA GABAergic cells. No induction was observed following exposure to ethanol, diazepam, γ‐hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), morphine, ketamine, phencyclidine (PCP), Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), sodium valproic acid or gabapentin. To evaluate the role of monoamine transporters in the psychostimulant‐induced expression of FosB/DeltaFosB, we tested the antidepressant drugs reboxetine, nortriptyline, fluoxetine and venlafaxine (which target the noradrenaline and/or the 5‐hydroxytryptamine transporters), the 5‐hydroxytryptamine releasing agent dexfenfluramine, and the dopamine transporter inhibitor GBR12909. Only GBR12909 was able to induce FosB/DeltaFosB expression in the tVTA, showing that this induction is mediated by dopamine.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSNewly described brain structures may help to increase our knowledge of brain function, pathology and targets for treatments. FosB/DeltaFosB induction in the tVTA is a common feature of drugs sharing psychostimulant properties but not of drugs sharing risk of abuse.
Cardioprotective effect of a dual acting epoxyeicosatrienoic acid analogue towards ischaemia reperfusion injury
Authors: Batchu SN , Lee SB , Qadhi RS , Chaudhary KR , El‐Sikhry H , Kodela R , Falck JR , Seubert JM
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are cytochrome P450 epoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid that are metabolized into dihydroxyepoxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHET) by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The current investigations were performed to examine the cardioprotective effects of UA‐8 (13‐(3‐propylureido)tridec‐8‐enoic acid), a synthetic compound that possesses both EET‐mimetic and sEH inhibitory properties, against ischaemia‐reperfusion injury.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Hearts from C57BL/6 mice were perfused in Langendorff mode and subjected to ischaemia reperfusion. Mechanistic studies involved co‐perfusing hearts with either 14,15‐EEZE (a putative EET receptor antagonist), wortmannin or PI‐103 (class‐I PI3K inhibitor). H9c2 cells were utilized to investigate the protective effects against mitochondrial injury following anoxia reoxygenation.

KEY RESULTS Perfusion of UA‐8 significantly improved postischaemic left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and reduced infarction following ischaemia reperfusion compared with control and 11,12‐EET. UA‐7 (13‐(2‐(butylamino)‐2‐oxoacetamido)tridec‐8(Z)‐enoic acid), a compound lacking sEH inhibitory properties, also improved postischaemic LVDP, while co‐perfusion with 14,15‐EEZE, wortmannin or PI‐103 attenuated the improved recovery. UA‐8 prevented anoxia‐reoxygenation induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell death in H9c2 cells, which was blocked by co‐treatment of PI‐103.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS UA‐8 provides significant cardioprotection against ischaemia reperfusion injury. The effects are attributed to EETs mimetic properties, which limits mitochondrial dysfunction via class‐I PI3K signalling.
Cholecystectomy increases hepatic triglyceride content and very‐low‐density lipoproteins production in mice
Authors: Amigo Ludwig , Husche Constanze , Zanlungo Silvana , Lütjohann Dieter , Arrese Marco , Miquel Juan Francisco , Rigotti Attilio , Nervi Flavio
Published: October 2010

Background & aims: Bile acid (BA) pool size remains unchanged after cholecystectomy (XGB) but it circulates faster, exposing the enterohepatic system to an increased flux of BA. Triglyceride (TG) and BA metabolisms are functionally inter‐related. We investigated whether ablation of the gallbladder (GB) modifies hepatic TG metabolism.

Methods: Male mice were subjected to XGB and fed a normal diet. In some experiments, mice received a 1% nicotinic acid diet to block lipolysis. Parameters of BA and TG metabolism, and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) activity were measured 1–2 months after XGB. Serum parameters, hepatic lipids and mRNA expression of genes of lipid metabolism were determined.

Results: BA pool size and synthesis were normal, but biliary BA secretion doubled during the diurnal light phase in XGB mice. Serum and hepatic TG concentrations increased 25% (P<0.02), and hepatic very‐low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL)–TG and apoB‐48 productions increased 15% (P<0.03) and 50% (P<0.01), respectively, after XGB. Feeding a 1% nicotinic acid did normalize VLDL production. MTTP activity increased 15% (P<0.005) after XGB. Hepatic free fatty acid (FFA) synthesis and content, and mRNA levels of lipid metabolism‐related genes remained normal in XGD mice.

Conclusions: XGB increased serum and hepatic TG levels, and VLDL production, which were restored to normal by nicotinic acid. The results suggest that FFA flux from adipose tissue to the liver is increased in XGB mice. They support the hypothesis that the GB has a role in the regulation of hepatic TG metabolism and that XGB may favour the accumulation of fat in the liver.
Effects of insulin‐like growth factor‐I administration on in vivo regulation of urea synthesis in normal subjects and patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Sandahl Thomas D. , Aagaard Niels K. , Thomsen Karen L. , Grøfte Thorbjørn , Greisen Jacob , Christiansen Jens S. , Vilstrup Hendrik
Published: October 2010

Background: The anabolic effects of insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) may involve a decrease of hepatic nitrogen (N) clearance, but this has never been studied in humans. Patients with cirrhosis have low levels of IGF‐I and might benefit from IGF‐I therapy. Conversely, a possible decrease in hepatic N clearance by IGF‐I could increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy.

Aims: To examine the effects of 1‐week IGF‐I administration on the functional hepatic N clearance (FHNC), viz. the linear slope of the relationship between blood‐α‐amino‐N concentration and urea‐N synthesis rate as controlled by an infusion of alanine.

Methods: A randomized sequence‐crossover placebo‐controlled study. Eight healthy volunteers and eight patients with alcoholic cirrhosis received injections of saline or IGF‐I twice daily (50 μg/kg) for 7 days.

Results: IGF‐I levels at baseline were lower in the patients than those in the controls. The IGF‐I treatment normalized patient levels and caused an increase in the controls to supra‐physiological levels. FHNC was lower in patients compared with healthy subjects (23.0 vs 36.5 L/h, P=0.03). IGF‐I treatment reduced FHNC by 30% in healthy subjects (from 36.5 to 25.7 L/h, P=0.02), whereas no effect was found in the patients.

Conclusion: IGF‐I downregulates urea synthesis in normal subjects. This may be part of the explanation behind the anabolic effects of IGF‐I. The normalization of IGF‐I in cirrhosis patients without an effect on urea synthesis implies that the patients were resistant to IGF‐I with regard to reduction of hepatic amino‐N elimination. IGF‐I treatment of cirrhosis patients evidently carries no risk of N accumulation.
Heterochronic phenotypic plasticity with lack of genetic differentiation in the southeastern Pacific squat lobster Pleuroncodes monodon
Authors: Haye Pilar A. , Salinas Pilar , Acuña Enzo , Poulin Elie
Published: October 2010

SUMMARY
Two forms of the squat lobster Pleuroncodes monodon can be found along the Pacific coast of South America: a smaller pelagic and a larger benthic form that live respectively in the northern and southern areas of the geographic distribution of the species. The morphological and life history differences between the pelagic and benthic forms could be explained either by genetic differentiation or phenotypic plasticity. In the latter case it would correspond to a heterochronic phenotypic plasticity that is fixed in different environments (phenotype fixation). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the two forms are genetically differentiated or not; and thus to infer the underlying basis—heritable or plastic—of the existence of the two forms. Based on barcoding data of mitochondrial DNA (the COI gene), we show that haplotypes from individuals of the pelagic and benthic forms comprise a single genetic unit without genetic differentiation. Moreover, the data suggest that all studied individuals share a common demographic history of recent and sudden population expansion. These results strongly suggest that the differences between the two forms are due to phenotypic plasticity.
A fossil record of developmental events: variation and evolution in epidermal cell divisions in ostracodes
Authors: Hunt Gene , Yasuhara Moriaki
Published: October 2010

SUMMARYThe carapaces of some ostracode taxa bear reticulate skeletal ridges that outline underlying epidermal cells. This anatomy allows one to identify homologous cells across individuals, to infer the modal sequence of cell divisions that occurs over ontogeny, and to identify individuals with variant cell patterns (e.g., additional or missing cell divisions), even in fossils. Here we explore the variational properties and evolutionary history of this developmental system in the deep‐sea ostracode genusPoseidonamicus. Using a sample of over 2000 specimens to capture variation in cell division sequence, we show that phenotypic variation in this system is highly structured: some variants, regions of the carapace, and lineages are much more variable than others. Much of the differences in variation among cells can be attributed to the molt stage in which cells take their final form—cell divisions occurring later in ontogeny are more variable than those earlier. Despite ample variation, only two evolutionary changes in the sequence of cell divisions occur over the 40 Myr history of this clade. The evolutionary changes that do occur parallel the two most common intraspecific variants, suggesting that developmental structuring of variation can have long‐term evolutionary consequences. Analysis of the most common variant over the last two molt stages suggests that it suffers a fitness disadvantage relative to the modal form. Such normalizing selection may contribute to the evolutionary conservativeness of this developmental system in the Ostracoda.
Inflammatory pseudotumor of nerve: clinicopathological characteristics and a potential therapy
Authors: Mauermann Michelle L. , Scheithauer Bernd W. , Spinner Robert J. , Amrami Kimberly K. , Nance Christopher S. , Kline David G. , O’Connor Mary I. , Dyck Peter J. , Engelstad JaNean , Dyck P. James B.
Published: October 2010

We sought to determine the clinical, electrophysiological, neuroimaging, and pathological features of inflammatory pseudotumor of nerve. Five patients were identified. All cases presented with a gradually progressive mononeuropathy with symptoms of weakness, sensory loss, and prominent neuropathic pain. The median duration of symptoms was 7 months (range 3–36 months). Electrophysiological results were in keeping with chronic axonal mononeuropathies with variable findings of active denervation and reinnervation. MRI demonstrated irregular, large masses involving and surrounding nerve with heterogenous signal characteristics on T1‐ and T2‐weighted and post‐contrast sequences. Histopathological features of the nerve slightly varied but shared commonalities including chronic inflammatory infiltrates, increased collagen, and increased numbers of microvessels. Axonal degeneration and decreased density of myelinated fibers were also noted. Three patients were treated with weekly courses of intravenous steroids for 3 months. All reported improvement in pain and weakness. Inflammatory pseudotumor of nerve is not a neoplasm and has reactive features of inflammation, increased vascularity, and marked fibrosis. It presents as a progressive axonal mononeuropathy with weakness, sensory loss, and pain that may be episodic. The primary pathophysiology is unknown but the inflammation and response to treatment suggests that there may be an immune component.
Peripheral Nerve Society Guideline on processing and evaluation of nerve biopsies
Authors: Sommer Claudia L. , Brandner Sebastian , Dyck Peter J. , Harati Yadollah , LaCroix Catherine , Lammens Martin , Magy Laurent , Mellgren Svein I. , Morbin Michela , Navarro Carmen , Powell Henry C. , Schenone Angelo E. , Tan Ersin , Urtizberea Andoni , Weis Joachim
Published: October 2010

Nerve biopsy is often the final step in the diagnostic work‐up of neuropathies of unknown origin. The aim of this guideline was to prepare an evidence‐based guideline on the methods for performing and evaluating nerve biopsy. The panel performed a search of MEDLINE, hand search of bibliographies of the references retrieved, review of the evidence, and reached agreement by consensus. There were not enough formal studies of diagnostic test accuracy to allow evidence‐based recommendations of levels A–C for most questions. The panel summarized the class IV evidence and reached agreement by consensus on the following recommendations: (1) Nerve biopsy should not be performed before adequate clinical, electrophysiological, and laboratory investigation and only be performed with appropriate informed consent. (2) An interactive working relationship with the relevant disciplines involved and the provision of sufficient clinical information is encouraged. (3) Biopsies should be processed and read by professionals with adequate training and experience. (4) Optimal analysis of nerve biopsy is best performed by laboratories that have the facilities and expertise to prepare and evaluate frozen and fixed sections (cryostat, paraffin, and epoxy sections). (5) Immunohistochemistry, teased fiber analysis, electron microscopy, and morphometry may help clarify the diagnosis in some conditions and should be considered as additional studies.
European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society Guideline* on management of paraproteinemic demyelinating neuropathies. Report of a Joint Task Force of the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society – first revision
Authors:   Joint Task Force of the EFNS and the PNS
Published: October 2010

The aim of this guideline is to update the 2006 EFNS/PNS guideline on management of patients with a demyelinating neuropathy and a paraprotein (paraproteinemic demyelinating neuropathy [PDN]) by review of evidence and expert consensus. In the absence of adequate evidence, the panel agreed on good practice points: (1) patients with PDN should be investigated for a malignant plasma cell dyscrasia; (2) a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is more likely to be causing the neuropathy if it is immunoglobulin (Ig)M, anti‐neural antibodies are present, and the clinical phenotype is chronic distal sensory neuropathy; (3) patients with IgM PDN usually have predominantly distal sensory impairment, prolonged distal motor latencies, and often anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein antibodies; (4) IgM PDN may respond to immunomodulatory therapies. Their potential benefit should be balanced against possible side effects and the usually slow disease progression; (5) IgG and IgA PDN may be indistinguishable from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy; and (6) Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal gammopathy, and Skin changes syndrome is a multi‐system malignant PDN.
A Review of Failure Modes in Teeth Restored with Adhesively Luted Endodontic Dowels
Authors: Rasimick Brian J. , Wan Jeffrey , Musikant Barry L. , Deutsch Allan S.
Published: October 2010

Purpose: Previous clinical studies indicated loss of retention between dowel and tooth was a major cause of failure for passive endodontic dowels. Advances in luting cement technology may have improved the retention of dowels. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the clinical failure modes for dowel/core/crown restorations luted using resin‐based cements that are either self‐etching or used in conjunction with a bonding agent.

Materials and Methods: PubMed was searched for English language, peer‐reviewed clinical research following restorations for 2 years or longer. For inclusion, a study group must have followed more than 50 permanent teeth restored using a dowel luted with resin cement and a bonding agent. Furthermore, more than 80% of the restorations must have received a nonresin crown.

Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and reported a total of 187 failures from 3046 restorations. The commonly reported causes of failure were dowel debonding (37% of all failures and primary cause in 8 of the 17 reporting study groups) and endodontic lesions (37% of all failures and primary cause in 6 of the 11 reporting study groups).

Conclusions: Loss of retention remains a major mode of failure even for passive, nonmetal dowels luted by resin cements with a bonding agent. The exact nature and underlying causes of debonding have not been adequately investigated.
Interpersonal Amplification of Risk? Citizen Discussions and Their Impact on Perceptions of Risks and Benefits of a Biological Research Facility
Authors: Binder Andrew R. , Scheufele Dietram A. , Brossard Dominique , Gunther Albert C.
Published: October 2010

Much risk communication research has demonstrated how mass media can influence individual risk perceptions, but lacks a comprehensive conceptual understanding of another key channel of communication: interpersonal discussion. Using the social amplification of risk as a theoretical framework, we consider the potential for discussions to function as amplification stations. We explore this possibility using data from a public opinion survey of residents living in potential locations for a new biological research facility in the United States. Controlling for a variety of key information variables, our results show that two dimensions of discussion—frequency and valence—have impacts on residents’ perceptions of the facility's benefits and its risks. We also explore the possibility that an individual's overall attitude moderates the effect of discussion on their perceptions of risks and benefits. Our results demonstrate the potential for discussions to operate as amplifiers or attenuators of perceptions of both risks and benefits.
Assessment of Interindividual and Geographic Variability in Human Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter in Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Cao Ye , Frey H. Christopher
Published: October 2010

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a major contributor to indoor human exposures to fine particulate matter of 2.5 μm or smaller (PM2.5). The Stochastic Human Exposure and Dose Simulation for Particulate Matter (SHEDS‐PM) Model developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates distributions of outdoor and indoor PM2.5 exposure for a specified population based on ambient concentrations and indoor emissions sources. A critical assessment was conducted of the methodology and data used in SHEDS‐PM for estimation of indoor exposure to ETS. For the residential microenvironment, SHEDS uses a mass‐balance approach, which is comparable to best practices. The default inputs in SHEDS‐PM were reviewed and more recent and extensive data sources were identified. Sensitivity analysis was used to determine which inputs should be prioritized for updating. Data regarding the proportion of smokers and “other smokers” and cigarette emission rate were found to be important. SHEDS‐PM does not currently account for in‐vehicle ETS exposure; however, in‐vehicle ETS‐related PM2.5 levels can exceed those in residential microenvironments by a factor of 10 or more. Therefore, a mass‐balance‐based methodology for estimating in‐vehicle ETS PM2.5 concentration is evaluated. Recommendations are made regarding updating of input data and algorithms related to ETS exposure in the SHEDS‐PM model. Interindividual variability for ETS exposure was quantified. Geographic variability in ETS exposure was quantified based on the varying prevalence of smokers in five selected locations in the United States.
Use of Risk Assessment and Likelihood Estimation to Analyze Spatial Distribution Pattern of Respiratory Infection Cases
Authors: Sze‐To Gin Nam , Chao Christopher Y. H.
Published: October 2010

Obvious spatial infection patterns are often observed in cases associated with airborne transmissible diseases. Existing quantitative infection risk assessment models analyze the observed cases by assuming a homogeneous infectious particle concentration and ignore the spatial infection pattern, which may cause errors. This study aims at developing an approach to analyze spatial infection patterns associated with infectious respiratory diseases or other airborne transmissible diseases using infection risk assessment and likelihood estimation. Mathematical likelihood, based on binomial probability, was used to formulate the retrospective component with some additional mathematical treatments. Together with an infection risk assessment model that can address spatial heterogeneity, the method can be used to analyze the spatial infection pattern and retrospectively estimate the influencing parameters causing the cases, such as the infectious source strength of the pathogen. A Varicella outbreak was selected to demonstrate the use of the new approach. The infectious source strength estimated by the Wells‐Riley concept using the likelihood estimation was compared with the estimation using the existing method. It was found that the maximum likelihood estimation matches the epidemiological observation of the outbreak case much better than the estimation under the assumption of homogeneous infectious particle concentration. Influencing parameters retrospectively estimated using the new approach can be used as input parameters in quantitative infection risk assessment of the disease under other scenarios. The approach developed in this study can also serve as an epidemiological tool in outbreak investigation. Limitations and further developments are also discussed.
As China Hits No. 2, Opportunity Is Shrinking in America
Authors: SPENCE MICHAEL
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.

Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
China's Economy Is in Balance
Authors: GANG FAN
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.

Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
How Public Opinion Constrains the U.S. Supreme Court
Authors: Casillas Christopher J. , Enns Peter K. , Wohlfarth Patrick C.
Published: October 2010

Although scholars increasingly acknowledge a contemporaneous relationship between public opinion and Supreme Court decisions, debate continues as to why this relationship exists. Does public opinion directly influence decisions or do justices simply respond to the same social forces that simultaneously shape the public mood? To answer this question, we first develop a strategy to control for the justices' attitudinal change that stems from the social forces that influence public opinion. We then propose a theoretical argument that predicts strategic justices should be mindful of public opinion even in cases when the public is unlikely to be aware of the Court's activities. The results suggest that the influence of public opinion on Supreme Court decisions is real, substantively important, and most pronounced in nonsalient cases.
High Mid‐Term Mortality Following Successful Lead Extraction for Infection
Authors: HENRIKSON CHARLES A. , ZHANG KARL , BRINKER JEFFREY A.
Published: October 2010

Background: Transvenous lead extraction patients tend to have multiple medical problems complicated by prolonged infections that may result in high‐mortality rates following a successful procedure.

Methods: All adult patients referred for lead extraction for infection over a 4‐year period were included in this study. Mortality following the procedure was assessed using hospital records and the Social Security Death Index.

Results: Indications for extraction were systemic infection (n = 34) and isolated pocket infection (n = 33). Of the 67 patients, 47 (70%) were still alive at follow‐up (6–55 months). No patient died during or within 24 hours of the procedure, and two were sent to emergent surgery and did well. However, five died during prolonged hospitalizations, and two were discharged to hospice care and died shortly thereafter. The remaining 13 deaths occurred after discharge from the hospital at a mean interval of 15 months (range, 24 days to 35 months) following the procedure. Notably, six of seven patients who died in the hospital, and nine of 13 who died after discharge, had bacteremia as their indication for extraction, for an overall mortality risk of 44% in patients with systemic infection.

Conclusions: True risk assessment for lead extraction patients is underestimated and may be related to the focus on the procedural risks, while the underlying illness and physiologic state may account for the excess mortality following a successful extraction. In most cases, the infected hardware contributed to the length and severity of the illness, and thus earlier consideration for extraction may be warranted. (PACE 2011; 32–36)
Rotational Mechanics of the Left Ventricle in AL Amyloidosis
Authors: Porciani Maria Cristina , Cappelli Francesco , Perfetto Federico , Ciaccheri Mauro , Castelli Gabriele , Ricceri Ilaria , Chiostri Marco , Franco Bergesio , Padeletti Luigi
Published: October 2010

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate whether alterations in left ventricular (LV) twisting and untwisting motion could be induced by cardiac involvement in patients with immunoglobulin light‐chain (AL) systemic amyloidosis. Methods and Results: Forty‐five patients with AL amyloidosis and 26 control subjects were evaluated. After standard echocardiographic measurement and two‐dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography, LV rotation at both basal and apical planes, twisting, twisting rate, and longitudinal strain were measured. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) derived early diastolic peak velocity at septal mitral annulus (E′) was also evaluated. Twenty‐six of 45 patients with systemic amyloidosis were classified as having cardiac amyloidosis (CA) if the mean value of the LV wall thickness was ≥ 12 mm or not (NCA) if this value was not reached. In NCA patients, both LV twist and untwisting rate were increased while they were decreased in CA patients making them similar to the control group. Longitudinal strain was reduced only in CA patients. Impaired relaxation as indicated by E′ values was progressively reduced in the course of the disease. Conclusions: Both twisting and untwisting motions are increased in patients with AL systemic amyloidosis with no evidence of cardiac involvement while they are reduced in patients with evident amyloidosis cardiac involvement. This finding suggests that impaired LV relaxation induces a compensatory mechanism in the early phase of the disease, which fails in more advanced stage when both twisting and untwisting rates are reduced. The increase in LV rotational mechanics could be a marker of subclinical cardiac involvement. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1061‐1068)
Moderate Exercise Does Not Increase the Severity of Mitral Regurgitation Due to Mitral Valve Prolapse
Authors: Pecini Redi , Dalsgaard Morten , Møller Daniel V. , Jensen Morten S. , Kofoed Klaus F. , Nielsen Walter , Nielsen Olav W. , Høst Nis , Elming Hanne , Goetze Jens Peter , Hassager Christian , Køber Lars
Published: October 2010

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) secondary to ischemic heart disease (IHD) increases during exercise. We tested the hypothesis that the same is also true for MR due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Methods: Consecutive patients with asymptomatic MR of varying severity underwent exercise test on a supine bicycle with workload up to a maximum of 100 W. Echocardiographic measurements were performed at rest and at peak exercise. The study was designed to detect an effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) change of at least 10 mm2 during exercise. Results: Twenty‐six patients (21 male, age 56 ± 12 years (mean ± SD)) were included. Patients had an ERO of 35 ± 23 mm2 (mean ± SD) and regurgitation volume of 48 ± 38 mL (mean ± SD). In these patients, ERO remained unchanged (an increase of 2 ± 15 mm2 during exercise, P = 0.6). The regurgitation volume (RVol) decreased with 11 ± 16 mL (mean ± SD), P = 0.003. When calculated for 1 minute, RVol increased during exercise (P = 0.01), but in relation to the total cardiac output it decreased significantly (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Exercise does not increase the severity of MR due to MVP, in contrast to MR secondary to IHD. Different disease mechanisms behind these two types of MR could explain this difference. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1031‐1037)
Morphologic Features of Carcinoid Heart Disease as Assessed by Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Nalawadi Smruti S. , Siegel Robert J. , Wolin Edward , Yu Run , Trento Alfredo , Shiota Takahiro , Tolstrup Kirsten , Luthringer Daniel , Gurudevan Swaminatha
Published: October 2010

Background: Carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is a rare cause of valvular heart disease and carries a poor prognosis. CHD has a unique morphology and echocardiographic features that predominantly involve right‐sided valvular structures. The diagnosis of CHD is usually made by two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). With the superior spatial resolution of real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE), structural changes that occur in patients with CHD‐associated valvular heart disease can be examined in greater detail. We undertook this study to examine the incremental value of 3DTEE in the diagnosis of CHD. Methods: A total of four patients with CHD underwent TTE, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and 3DTEE as part of their routine clinical evaluation. Results: TTE and TEE for all four patients revealed thickened, fibrosed, retracted, and malcoapted tricuspid leaflets with wide‐open tricuspid valve regurgitation. 3DTEE en face imaging of the tricuspid valve demonstrated the characteristic morphologic features of CHD more clearly in all four patients. Conclusions: 3DTEE provides substantial incremental value over TTE in the assessment of characteristic CHD pathology and thus enhances the echocardiographic diagnosis of CHD. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1098‐1105)
Left Atrial Thrombus Masquerading as a Myxoma in a Patient with Mitral Stenosis
Authors: Kodali Sobhan , Yamrozik June , Biederman Robert W.W.
Published: October 2010

The preoperative differentiation of a thrombus from a myxoma is important but not always easy. Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of myxoma and thrombi are not diverse enough to always reliably distinguish the two. We report the case of a patient who was found to have a left atrial appendage thrombus that was misdiagnosed as a myxoma on the basis of its imaging characteristics on cardiac magnetic resonance in addition to the detection of dense neovascularization on coronary angiography. This case highlights the unusual features of an organized thrombus that can mimic many of the distinguishing characteristics of a myxoma. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E98‐E101)
The Contribution of Intramyocardial Hemorrhage to the “No‐Reflow Phenomenon”: A Study Performed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Marra Martina Perazzolo , Cacciavillani Luisa , Corbetti Francesco , Tarantini Giuseppe , Ramondo Angelo Bruno , Napodano Massimo , Basso Cristina , Lacognata Carmelo , Marzari Armando , Maddalena Francesco , Iliceto Sabino
Published: October 2010

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is sometimes complicated by microvascular damage and hemorrhage. Hemoglobin degradation products have magnetic susceptibility effects which help in detecting hemorrhagic AMI by T2‐weighted cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images. Objectives: To investigate the possibility to detect intramyocardial hemorrhage after AMI and to assess its contribution to the delayed hypoenhanced core on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) CMR, a feature traditionally referred to as microvascular obstruction. Methods: Consecutive patients with AMI who underwent PCI and CMR were investigated. Hypointense zones T2‐weighted images were labelled as “hemorrhagic” AMI. Areas of late hypoenhancement on LGE CMR were considered as regions of persistent microvascular damage (PMD). Only transmural AMI were considered. Results: A total number of 108 transmural AMI patients were eventually enrolled and divided into two groups according to the presence of hypoenhancement on T2 images. Thirty‐two patients showed an hypointense stria within the high signal intensity zone on T2‐weighted images; all these patients showed midmural PMD on LGE. Among the remaining 76 patients, only 14 (18.4%) showed PMD in the subendocardial region. The angiographic outcome was worse in patients with hemorrhagic AMI, with a lower prevalence of TIMI 3 (65.6% vs. 96.1%, P = 0.017) and higher prevalence of myocardial blush grade 0 (84.4% vs. 13.2%, P < 0.001) post‐PCI. Conclusions: T2‐weighted CMR in reperfused AMI allows identification of hemorrhage, related to PMD areas on LGE images and to a worse reperfusion profile on angiography. These features open new avenues of investigation for prognostic assessment of reperfused AMI. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1120‐1129)
Correlation between LV Regional Strain and LV Dyssynchrony Assessed by 2D STE in Patients with Different Levels of Diastolic Dysfunction
Authors: Park Sung‐Ji , Oh Jae K
Published: October 2010

Backgrounds: Little is known about left ventricular (LV) circumferential, radial, and longitudinal functions in patients with diastolic dysfunction (DD). The aims of this study were: (1) to characterize circumferential, radial, and longitudinal strain and (2) to use 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) to evaluate LV dyssynchrony in different DD grades. Methods and results: We studied 128 subjects (90 with DD, 38 healthy controls). DD was divided into three groups according to grade (group 1; mild, group 2; moderate, and group 3; severe). Regional strains were measured by 2D STE. Global LV CS was significantly lower in group 3 (−17.4 ± 5.2) compared with healthy controls (−21.2 ± 3.6), group 1 (−20.7 ± 3.9), and group 2 (−20.2 ± 4.0) (P < 0.0001 for each comparison). Global LV RS and LS were significantly lower in all three groups than in controls. Conclusion: LV, LS, and RS were lower in patients with mild to severe DD than in healthy controls. However, LV CS was similar to normal control values in patients with mild to moderate DD but was lower in patients with severe DD. Circumferential segmental LV motion is likely to compensate for impaired longitudinal and radial LV motion in patients with DD. LV dyssynchrony also occurred significantly more frequently in patients with DD with normal EF than in healthy controls. These results suggest that, in patients with DD and normal EF, contraction of the myocardium is not synchronized and that LV dyssynchrony plays a role in producing diastolic heart failure. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1194‐1204)
Unusual Right‐Sided Cardiac Masses
Authors: Leitman Marina , Rahanani Ehud , Wassermann Ilan , Rosenblatt Simha , Peleg Eli , Krakover Ricardo , Zuckermann Benny , Fuchs Therese , Theodorovich Nick , Vered Zvi
Published: October 2010

(Echocardiography 2010;27:1151‐1155)
Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Sharma Vijay K.
Published: October 2010

(Echocardiography 2010;27:1156‐1157)
Continuing Medical Education Program in Echocardiography
Authors: Fan Pohoey , Chu John W. , Picard Michael H. , Agnihotri Arvind K. , Fitzsimons Michael G.
Published: October 2010

Article Title: Diagnosis of Congenital Unicuspid Aortic Valve in Adult Population: The Value and Limitation of Transesophageal Echocardiography (Echocardiography 2010;27:1106)
Variations in resistance against Phthorimaea operculella in wild potato tubers
Authors: Horgan Finbarr G. , Quiring Dan T. , Lagnaoui Aziz , Salas Alberto R. , Pelletier Yvan
Published: October 2010

Tuber resistance can contribute to current management strategies against the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in field and stored potatoes. Wild potatoes represent a potential source of novel resistance traits against the moth. We assessed resistance in three wild potato species, Solanum multiinterruptum Bitt., Solanum sparsipilum (Bitt.) Juz. & Buk., and Solanum wittmackii Bitt. against neonate and developing tuber moth larvae. All three species had high levels of resistance but accessions of S. sparsipilum and S. wittmackii were significantly more resistant. Resistance in S. multiinterruptum was generally concentrated in the tuber periderm, whereas in S. sparsipilum and S. wittmackii resistance was mainly cortex‐based. Unidentified cortex‐resistance factors in all three species reduced survival and increased larval and pupal development times, but had no apparent effects on the pupal weights of survivors. A high proportion of larvae abandoned or died within tubers of S. wittmackii, which has particularly high levels of unidentified cortex‐based defenses. Resistance decreased in S. multiinterruptum and S. sparsipilum as tubers sprouted but was more stable in S. wittmackii. Periderm‐based resistance was more stable than cortex‐based resistance in S. multiinterruptum during sprouting. In contrast, cortex‐based resistance was stable in tubers of S. wittmackii as these sprouted, and resistance may have increased on some older sprouting tubers. Solanum multiinterruptum and S. sparsipilum are proposed as potential sources of resistance against the potato tuber moth.
Transaction costs in milk marketing: a comparison between Canada and Great Britain
Authors: Royer Annie
Published: October 2010

This study measures the magnitude of transaction costs incurred by milk producers in their contractual relations with dairy processors in two different coordination mechanisms: centralized contracting through a marketing board and decentralized bilateral contracting. Interviews and surveys were conducted to estimate transaction costs faced by producers marketing through the Québec milk marketing board in Canada and bilateral contracts in England and Wales in the United Kingdom using the measurement methodology of the cost of exchange. Our results show that the relative magnitude of transaction costs incurred by producers across both settings is quite low, which indicates that both hybrid coordination mechanisms minimize transaction costs in the dairy sector. However, results from the bilateral contracting setting indicate a strong heterogeneity of transaction costs levels among farmers. In that respect, the milk marketing board and its institutional setting would act as a collective insurance, pooling transaction costs and sharing them among producers. Our analysis leads to recommendations on bilateral contracting.
Shifting cultivation and forest pressure in Cameroon
Authors: Ickowitz Amy
Published: October 2010

Shifting cultivation is often blamed as a principal cause of deforestation in tropical Africa. It is claimed that the practice is unsustainable because shortened fallow lengths result in soils too degraded to support forest vegetation. The decline in fallow lengths is often attributed to increases in population density and greater market participation. The conventional wisdom makes several claims that are as yet unsubstantiated. This article investigates whether there is evidence to support two of these claims in southern Cameroon. First, using both cross‐sectional and panel data, I find that there is indeed a robust negative association between fallow lengths and population density in the study area and weaker evidence for a negative relationship between fallow lengths and market participation. Second, a stochastic frontier production function approach is used to investigate the marginal contribution of fallow to output. Results indicate that fallow lengths are not low enough to be affecting yields and therefore do not appear to be resulting in declines in soil fertility. Thus overall, while some of the assumptions of the conventional wisdom appear to be true, there is little evidence to support its dramatic conclusion that shifting cultivators are causing deforestation in the forested region of Cameroon.
Influence of varying levels of dietary cation anion difference on ruminal characteristics, nitrogen metabolism and in situ digestion kinetics in buffalo bulls
Authors: SHARIF Muhammad , SHAHZAD Muhammad A. , Mahr‐un‐Nisa  , SARWAR Muhammad
Published: October 2010

This study was conducted to examine the influence of varying dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) on nutrient intake, digestibility, ruminal characteristics, blood acid base status and in situ digestion kinetics in Nili Ravi buffalo bulls. Four iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐caloric diets having −110, +110, +220 and +330 mEq/kg dry matter (DM) DCAD were formulated which were represented by A (anionic), LC (low cationic), MC (medium cationic) and HC (high cationic), respectively. These diets were used in four ruminally cannulated Nili Ravi buffalo bulls in a 4 × 4 Latin Square Design. Improved nutrient intake was recorded at high DCAD levels while digestibility remained unaffected. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen, rumen pH, acetate and acetate : propionate ratio were higher in buffalo bulls fed MC and HC diets than those fed A and LC diets. Blood pH and HCO3‐ also tended to increase as DCAD level was increased in the diet. Serum Ca and Cl concentrations were higher in bulls fed A and LC diets whereas serum Mg, P and S remained unaffected. Urine pH increased with increasing DCAD level. Nitrogen intake and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were also higher in bulls fed MC and HC diets. There was a consistent increase in ruminal DM and neutral detergent fiber degradability, rate of disappearance and extent of digestion at high DCAD levels in the diet. However, lag time decreased at high DCAD level. This study indicated that buffalo bulls fed MC and HC diets improved feed intake, ruminal characteristics and digestion kinetics.
Partial cDNA sequence of a relaxin‐like factor (RLF) receptor, LGR8 and possible existence of the RLF ligand‐receptor system in goat testes
Authors: SIQIN  , NAKAI Mari , HAGI Tomohiro , KATO Shinichi , PITIA Ali Mohammed , KOTANI Mai , ODANAKA Yuki , SUGAWARA Yasushi , HAMANO Koh‐Ichi , YOGO Keiichiro , NAGURA Yoshio , FUJITA Masaru , SASADA Hiroshi , SATO Eimei , KOHSAKA Tetsuya
Published: October 2010

Relaxin‐like factor (RLF), also known as insulin‐like factor 3 (INSL3), is produced by testicular Leydig cells, but its specific receptor LGR8 (leucine‐rich repeat family of G‐protein‐coupled receptor 8) has not been identified in goats. This study aimed to identify complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences of goat LGR8, and characterize the expression of both RLF and LGR8 in goat testes by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. Testes were collected from immature (3‐month‐old) and mature (24‐month‐old) Saanen goats, and partial cDNA sequences of the goat homologue of human LGR8 were identified. The sequence encoded a reduced peptide sequence of 167 amino acids, which corresponded to transmembrane regions 2 through 5, followed by the beginning of intracellular loop 3 of human LGR8. Expression of both LGR8 and RLF genes was drastically increased in mature testes compared with immature ones. Although RLF protein was restricted to Leydig cells, LGR8 protein was detected in both Leydig cells and seminiferous epithelial cells (possibly germ cells and Sertoli cells). These results reveal a possible existence of the RLF‐LGR8 ligand‐receptor system within the goat testis, suggesting that RLF may play a role in testicular function through LGR8 on Leydig cells and seminiferous epithelial cells in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner.
Gene expression and hormonal regulation of adiponectin and its receptors in bovine mammary gland and mammary epithelial cells
Authors: OHTANI Yoshihisa , YONEZAWA Tomo , SONG Sang‐Houn , TAKAHASHI Tatsuyuki , ARDIYANTI Astrid , SATO Katsuyoshi , HAGINO Akihiko , ROH Sang‐gun , KATOH Kazuo
Published: October 2010

Although the functions of adiponectin, a differentiated adipocyte‐derived hormone, in regulating glucose and fatty acid metabolism are regulated by two subtypes of adiponectin receptors (AdipoRs; AdipoR1 and AdipoR2), those in ruminants remain unclear. Therefore we examined the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of adiponectin and its receptors in various bovine tissues and mammary glands among different lactation stages, and the effects of lactogenic hormones (insulin, dexamethasone and prolactin) and growth hormone (GH) on mRNA expression of the AdipoRs in cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC). AdipoRs mRNAs were widely expressed in various bovine tissues, but adiponectin mRNA expression was significantly higher in adipose tissue than in other tissues. In the mammary gland, although adiponectin mRNA expression was significantly decreased at lactation, AdipoR1 mRNA expression was significantly higher at peak lactation than at the dry‐off stage. In BMEC, lactogenic hormones and GH upregulated AdipoR2 mRNA expression but did not change that of AdipoR1. In conclusion, adiponectin and its receptor mRNA were expressed in various bovine tissues and the adiponectin mRNA level was decreased during lactation. These results suggest that adiponectin and its receptors ware changed in mammary glands by lactation and that AdipoRs mRNA expression was regulated by different pathways in BMEC.