bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population‐based epidemiologic study of Wilson’s disease in Taiwan
Authors: Lai C.‐H. , Tseng H.‐F.
Published: January 2010

Background:  The purpose of the study is to investigate the epidemiology and medical expenses of Wilson’s disease in Taiwan.

Methods:  Cases of Wilson’s disease were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database with corresponding International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) code 275.1 from January 2000 to December 2005. Age and sex‐specific incidences were estimated by dividing the incidence number by population data obtained from the Department of Statistics, Ministry of the Interior.

Results:  During the study period, 495 cases of Wilson’s disease were identified. The male to female ratio was 1.28. The average annual incidence rate was 0.27 per 100 000, and the incidence rate peaked in the age group of 15–19 years. Most cases were juvenile and young adults. The prevalence increased steadily during the study period. Cirrhosis of the liver was the most common co‐existing condition.

Conclusions:  This is the first population‐based epidemiologic study of Wilson’s disease in Taiwan. Because of the effective and affordable treatment, the prevalence of Wilson’s disease in Taiwan is expected to increase continuously.
Identification and characterization of a novel endogenous murine parkin mutation
Authors: Ramsey Chenere P. , Giasson Benoit I.
Published: January 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 402–417.

Various mutations in the PARK2 gene which encodes the protein, parkin, are causal of a disease entity‐termed autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism. Parkin can function as an E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase, mediating the ubiquitination of specific targeted proteins and resulting in proteasomal degradation. Parkin is thought to lead to parkinsonism as a consequence of a loss in its function. In this study, immunoblot analyses of brain extracts from Balb/c, C57BL/6, C3H, and 129S mouse strains demonstrated significant variations in immunoreactivity with anti‐parkin monoclonal antibodies (PRK8, PRK28, and PRK109). This resulted partly from differences in the steady‐state levels of parkin protein across mouse strains. There was also a complete loss of immunoreactivity for PRK8 and PRK28 antibodies in C3H mice due to was because of a homologous nucleotide mutation resulting in an E398Q amino acid substitution. In cultured cells, parkin harboring this mutation had a greater tendency to aggregate, exhibited reduced interaction with the E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzymes, UbcH7 and UbcH8, and demonstrated loss‐of‐function in promoting the proteosomal degradation of a specific putative substrate, synphilin‐1. In situ, C3H mice displayed age‐dependent increased levels of brain cortical synphilin‐1 compared with C57BL/6, suggesting that E398Q parkin in these mice is functionally impaired and that C3H mice may be a suitable model of parkin loss‐of‐function similar to patients with missense mutations.
Roles of nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide in the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis
Authors: Mancuso Cesare , Navarra Pierluigi , Preziosi Paolo
Published: January 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 563–575.

The importance of stress in modifying human behavior and lifestyle is no longer a matter of debate. Although mild stress enhances the immune response and prevents infections, prolonged stress seems to play pathogenic roles in depression and neurodegenerative disorders. The body has developed an adaptive stress response consisting of cardiovascular, metabolic, and psychological changes, which act in concert to eliminate stressors. One of the major components of this response is the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, also known as the stress axis. Over the last 30 years, many studies have documented the integrated stress‐axis regulation by neurotransmitters. They have also demonstrated that gaseous neuromodulators, such as NO, CO, and H2S, regulate the hypothalamic release of neuropeptides. The specific effects (stimulatory vs. inhibitory) of these gases on the stress axis varies, depending on the type of stress (neurogenic or immuno‐inflammatory), its intensity (low or high), and the species studied (rodents or humans). This review examines the complex roles of NO, CO, and H2S in modulation of stress‐axis activity, with particular emphasis on the regulatory effects they exert at the hypothalamic level.
Investigation of enhancement effects of nicotine on cholinergic neurotransmission in isolated rabbit gastric fundus: role of antioxidants
Authors: Anuvarbekova A. , Fincan G. S. O. , Vural I. M. , Ozger S. I. , Ercan Z. S. , Utkan T. , Sarioglu Y.
Published: January 2010

1 Nicotine, which is tobacco alkaloid, still induces interests for researchers because of smokers addiction to nicotine. Nicotine having influence on the neuronal acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) increases release of most certain neurotransmitters from the nerve endings. Also, nicotine, affecting the mitochondrial respiratory chains, contributes to the formation of reactive oxygen species.

2 In the present study, we investigated the effects of nicotine on smooth muscles of gastric fundus on the electrical field stimulation (EFS) that induces transition contraction via stimulation nAChRs. In addition, we aimed to investigate the interaction between release of acetylcholine, induced by nicotine, and the effects of reactive oxygen species.

3 Therefore, the effects of allopurinol (10−6–10−5 m), deferoxamine (10−4 m) and mannitol (10−4–5 × 10−3 m) were tested on the transient contraction induced by nicotine.

4 In conclusion, mannitol (5 × 10−3 m) significantly reduced contractile response to nicotine on EFS only in high concentration. Whereas in small concentrations mannitol (10−4 m) statistically did not cause any results. Deferoxamine and allopurinol also did not have any significant response.
Dietary restriction and aging, 2009
Authors: Katewa Subhash D. , Kapahi Pankaj
Published: January 2010

Dietary restriction (DR) is a robust nongenetic, nonpharmacological intervention that is known to increase active and healthy lifespan in a variety of species. Despite a variety of differences in the protocols and the way DR is carried out in different species, conserved relationships are emerging among multiple species. 2009 saw the field of DR mature with important mechanistic insights from multiple species. A report of lifespan extension in rapamycin‐treated mice suggested that the TOR pathway, a conserved mediator of DR in invertebrates, may also be critical to DR effects in mammals. 2009 also saw exciting discoveries related to DR in various organisms including yeast, worms, flies, mice, monkeys and humans. These studies complement each other and together aim to deliver the promise of postponing aging and age‐related diseases by revealing the underlying mechanisms of the protective effects of DR. Here, we summarize a few of the reports published in 2009 that we believe provide novel directions and an improved understanding of dietary restriction.
Restoration of Species‐Rich, Nutrient‐Limited Mountain Grassland by Mowing and Fertilization
Authors: Pecháčková Sylvie , Hadincová Věra , Münzbergová Zuzana , Herben Tomáš , Krahulec František
Published: January 2010

Mowing and management to reduce nutrient levels have often been successfully used to restore species‐rich grasslands in various parts of Europe. However, such treatments have failed to restore the species‐rich Central European mountain grasslands dominated by Polygonum bistorta. P. bistorta builds an extensive underground rhizome system that monopolizes available nutrients in these nutrient‐poor grasslands, enabling this species to persist at high densities even in the presence of mowing. Therefore, we tested a restoration approach using a factorial combination of fertilization and mowing, as well as a litter removal treatment. The experiment was run over 5 years and species composition response to these treatments was recorded at two spatial scales.

Mowing suppressed flowering and cover of P. bistorta and promoted target grassland species and richness. Fertilization prevented nutrient impoverishment and increased height and dominance of the broad‐leaved grasses with which many species‐rich grassland herbs could coexist. The additive effect of the mowing/fertilization treatments was strong enough to act as a driver of P. bistorta suppression and associated community change. The litter removal treatment, however, had little effect on plant composition.

The experiment demonstrates that in nutrient‐limited grasslands, increasing nutrient levels in addition to mowing to manage competition for light can be used to control dominants. This contrasts with restoration of systems where after abandonment increased nutrient levels lead to the establishment of tall dominants that suppress other species by competition for light.
Successional Models as Guides for Restoration of Riparian Forest Understory
Authors: McClain Charles D. , Holl Karen D. , Wood David M.
Published: January 2010

We compare two successional models as guides for restoring native riparian understory species along a 160‐km stretch of the Sacramento River in California. In 2001 and 2007, we surveyed cover, frequency, and richness of native and exotic understory species in 15 sites planted (1989–1996) with overstory species to determine whether native understory species colonized naturally (passive relay floristics model). In 2007, we surveyed 20 additional sites (planted 1997–2003) in 14 of which understory species were planted (initial floristics model) to evaluate whether planting accelerated community recovery. We surveyed 10 remnant forests as references for successional trajectories. Mean cover and frequency of natives changed little over time in sites where they were not planted initially; increases in native cover in a few sites were primarily due to a single common species (Galium aparine). Species composition shifted from light‐demanding to shade‐adapted species, both exotic and native, in response to a doubling of overstory cover. Sites with high intensity understory plantings had greater cover and frequency of native understory species than unplanted sites, but were still low relative to reference forests. Light‐demanding natives (e.g.,Artemisia douglasiana,Rubus ursinus, and grasses) established in sites where they were planted; however, a shade‐adapted species (Carex barbarae) did not survive well. Our research indicates that the passive relay floristics and the initial floristic composition approaches serve to restore a few common native understory species, but that planting species as site conditions become appropriate (active relay floristics model) will be needed to restore entire native understory communities.
Migraine, Migraine Features, and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Schürks Markus , Buring Julie E. , Kurth Tobias
Published: January 2010

(Headache 2010;50:1031‐1040)

Background.— Many studies support an association between migraine and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This association appears particularly in migraine with aura and is also modified by additional factors.

Objective.— We sought to investigate whether the association between migraine and CVD in addition to aura status is affected by certain migraine features.

Methods.— Cohort study among 27,840 women, participating in the Women's Health Study. We had detailed self‐reported information on migraine and migraine features among women with active migraine (migraine during the year prior to baseline). Incident CVD events were confirmed after medical record review. We used Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the association between migraine and incident CVD. The results have been presented in part before. We ran additional analyses according to migraine features.

Results.— At baseline, 5125 (18.4%) women reported history of migraine; 39.7% of the 3610 women with active migraine indicated aura. During a mean of 11.9 years of follow‐up, 708 CVD events occurred. Migraine with aura doubled the risk for CVD, ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction. With regard to ischemic stroke, this association seemed stronger in the absence than in the presence of migraine features. This was most pronounced in the absence (hazard ratio = 3.27; 95% CI = 1.93‐5.51; P < .0001) than in the presence of nausea/vomiting (hazard ratio = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.43‐1.93; P = .80). In contrast, the association with myocardial infarction did not reveal a certain pattern.

Conclusions.— These data suggest that the association between migraine with aura and ischemic stroke may differ by absence or presence of migraine features.
What Shapes Public Reactions to Climate Change? Overview of Research and Policy Implications
Authors: Patchen Martin
Published: January 2010

This article first briefly reviews some theoretical perspectives that have been applied to environmental behavior. Next, a theoretical model is proposed to help organize the broad range of research findings. The effects of specific variables in this model on psychological and behavioral outcomes are then discussed. Research indicates that environmental messages need to be framed in the context of the characteristics, values, and loyalties of the audience, as well as in the context of their interests. Programs to combat climate change should be structured so that individuals see their actions as part of a shared social effort.
Evolutionary Change and Marshall's Abandoned Second Volume
Authors: Moss L. S.
Published: January 2010

Abstract

It is well known how in his later years, Alfred Marshall became less enamored with equilibrium methods of reasoning in economics and advocated instead the study of [evolutionary] biology. Some have alleged that Marshall's change of heart is what led him to abandon the project of preparing the second volume of his Principles of Economics. In this paper I deny that it was Marshall's commitment to evolutionary biology that held back volume 2. Rather, it may have been his stubborn commitment to a particular variant of evolutionary biology (that is, Spencer's version of evolutionary biology) that blinded him to the way a more far reaching synthesis of Darwinian and equilibrium notions might have been accomplished. The application of the modern biological synthesis might have enriched some of Marshall's earlier equilibrium notions such as the “representative firm”.

Résumé.  Il est bien connu que, dans ses vieux jours, Alfred Marshall devint moins amouraché des méthodes de raisonnement de l'équilibre en économique et préconisait à la place 1'étude de la biologie (évolutionniste). Certains ont allégué que c'est ce changement de noyau qui a conduit Marshall à abandonner son projet de préparation d'un second volume de ses Principes. Cet article dénie que ce soit son engagement dans la biologie évolutionniste qui empêcha le volume 2. Il se pourrait bien plutôt que ce soit son engagement têtu dans une variante particulière de la biologie évolutionniste (c'est‐à‐dire, la version de Spencer) qui lui ait bouché la voie d'une synthèse de plus longue portée entre les notions de l'équilibre et de Darwin. L'application de la synthèse biologique moderne aurait pu enrichir certaines des notions de l'équilibre initial de Marshall telles que celle de “firme représentative”.
Price Theory and the Study of Deception in the Exchange Process
Authors: Moss Laurence S.
Published: January 2010

Abstract

The general equilibrium approach in orthodox economics largely abstracted from the passing of time. In a timeless world, strategy and deception are difficult to define. The mainstream analysis of the second half of the twentieth century was mostly about establishing the limits within which price ratios might profitably vary in a world where people keep promises and are honest. Curiously, another group of milestones (some of which date back to the 1920s and 1930s) exist that, when taken together, may spark a renewed interest in the economics of fraud and deception.
Richard Whately and the Gospel of Transparency
Authors: Levy David , Peart Sandra J.
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Whately is a difficult thinker, partly because he is competent in so many disciplines. Joseph Schumpeter, who struggled with Whatley's “elusive” greatness, saw a systematic core in Whately: the force behind Nassau Senior's axiomatics. Whately's contemporaries did not talk of axiomatics, but they did point out that his work depended upon an unusually small number of authorities, that is, Aristotle, Bacon, and Smith. In our interpretation, these foundational sources gave Whately three guiding principles to characterizeallhuman activity: innate sociability, innate self‐love, and costly mental activity. Self‐love includes a desire to know and a desire to share knowledge. These principles, coupled with a normative principle of fairness, constitute the basis for his science of reciprocal exchange, or catallactics. Violations of fairness motivate his multidimensional reform proposals. For Whately, fairness requires transparency, and the demands of transparency for tractions is literally Gospel.
Laurence Steven Moss, 1944–2009
Authors: Ahiakpor James C. W.
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Larry Moss lived a busy life as an academic, a professor, an attorney, a journal editor, and a skilled magician. He was a prolific publisher of scholarly articles and books, and an editor of scholarly volumes. With friendly charm and humor, he sought to encourage others in their scholarly pursuits. He employed his magical skills to enliven his courses and to illustrate certain economic phenomena. Larry served the History of Economics Society in important capacities, including its presidency. He sought “methodological tolerance” and interacted with scholars of different philosophical persuasions. He organized memorials for numerous other economists; it thus is fitting that we do so here for him.
Image Integration Using Intracardiac Ultrasound and 3D Reconstruction for Scar Mapping and Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: BUNCH T. JARED , WEISS J. PETER , CRANDALL BRIAN G. , DAY JOHN D. , DIMARCO JOHN P. , FERGUSON JOHN D. , MASON PAMELA K. , McDANIEL GEORGE , OSBORN JEFFREY S. , WIGGINS DAVE , MAHAPATRA SRIJOY
Published: January 2010

Background:
Ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) reduces implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks. Intracardiac ultrasound (ICE) can visualize and quantify the function of all left ventricular wall segments. We thus hypothesized that ICE could identify scar tissue and provide a guide to facilitate substrate‐guided VT ablation.

Methods:
Eighteen patients underwent VT ablation with real time ICE mapping from the right atrium and ventricle with online 3D‐image reconstruction of scar segments. The left ventricle was also scar mapped by traditional electroanatomic mapping (CARTO) for comparison. Images from these 2 scar mapping techniques were compared to each other as well as to a preprocedure transthoracic echocardiogram.

Results:
The average age was 65 ± 12 years and 12 (67%) were male (15 [83%] had ischemic cardiomyopathy). Two patients (12%) had recurrence of their clinical VT (1 remained on an antiarrhythmic medication, the other had a repeat ablation) over a follow‐up of 127 ± 33 days. No periprocedural or long‐term adverse events occurred. A total of 248 wall segments were analyzed. All 3 modalities were concordant in scar identification in 193 (78%) segments. The ICE segments correlated with the electroanatomic map in 213 (86%) segments versus 198 (80%), which correlated with transthoracic echocardiography and electroanatomic mapping (P = 0.046). Specifically, the ICE wall motion scores were closer to the electroanatomic mapping in the basal segments and showed a higher accuracy in ischemic heart disease.

Conclusion:
These data demonstrate that real time ICE images provide accurate chamber geometries and scar boundaries of the left ventricle. These scar borders were more accurate than transthoracic echocardiography and illustrate the feasibility of ICE for substrate‐based ablation for VT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 678‐684, June 2010)
Circadian and Gender Effects on Repolarization in Healthy Adults: A Study Using Harmonic Regression Analysis
Authors: Mayuga Kenneth A. , Thattassery Emil , Taneja Taresh , Karha Juhana , Subacius Haris , Goldberger Jeffrey , Kadish Alan
Published: January 2010

Background: Sudden cardiac death and myocardial infarction have a circadian variation with a peak incidence in the early morning hours. Increased dispersion of repolarization facilitates the development of conduction delay necessary to induce sustained arrhythmia. Both QT‐dispersion and T‐wave peak to T‐wave end (TpTe) have been proposed as markers of dispersion of myocardial repolarization.

Methods: Forty healthy adults (20 women), age 35–67 years old, with normal EKGs, echocardiograms, stress tests, and tilt‐table tests were analyzed during a 27‐hour hospital stay. EKGs were done at eight different time points. QT‐intervals, QT‐dispersion, and TpTe were measured at each time point. Harmonic regression was used to model circadian periodicity, P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The composite QT‐interval was longer in women than in men (416 ± 17 msec vs 411 ± 20 msec, respectively, P = 0.006). The QT‐dispersion among all leads was greater in men than women (37 ± 13 msec vs 30 ± 11 msec, respectively, P < 0.0001); a similar difference was found in the precordial leads. Harmonic regression showed that QT‐dispersion had a significant circadian variation, primarily in men. In men, the maximum QT‐dispersion occurred at 6 AM (45 ± 15 msec). TpTe also had a significant circadian variation that was not affected by gender in the majority of leads.

Conclusions: A circadian variation exists in the dispersion of myocardial repolarization, as measured by both TpTe and QT‐dispersion. Men and women have a different circadian variation pattern. Further studies regarding the mechanisms and clinical implications are needed.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):3–10
Prevalence of Interatrial Block in Healthy School‐Aged Children: Definition by P‐Wave Duration or Morphological Analysis
Authors: Dilaveris Polychronis , Raftopoulos Leonidas , Giannopoulos Georgios , Katinakis Stylianos , Maragiannis Dimitrios , Roussos Dimitrios , Gatzoulis Konstantinos , Michaelides Andreas , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: January 2010

Background: P waves ≥110 ms in adults and ≥90 ms in children are considered abnormal, signifying interatrial block, particularly in the first case.

Methods: To evaluate the prevalence of interatrial block in healthy school‐aged children, we obtained 12‐lead digital ECGs (Cardioperfect 1.1, CardioControl NV, Delft, The Netherlands) of 664 healthy children (349 males/315 females, age range 6–14 years old). P‐wave analysis indices [mean, maximum and minimum (in the 12 leads) P‐wave duration, P‐wave dispersion, P‐wave morphology in the derived orthogonal (X, Y, Z) leads, as well the amplitude of the maximum spatial P‐wave vector] were calculated in all study participants.

Results: P‐wave descriptor values were: mean P‐wave duration 84.9 ± 9.5 ms, maximum P‐wave duration 99.0 ± 9.8 ms, P dispersion 32.2 ± 12.5 ms, spatial P amplitude 182.7 ± 69.0 μV. P‐wave morphology distribution in the orthogonal leads were: Type I 478 (72.0%), Type II 178 (26.8%), Type III 1 (0.2%), indeterminate 7 (1%). Maximum P‐wave duration was positively correlated to age (P < 0.001) and did not differ between sexes (P = 0.339). Using the 90‐ms value as cutoff for P‐wave duration, 502 (75.6%) children would be classified as having maximum P‐wave duration above reference range. The 95th and the 99th percentiles were in the overall population 117 ms and 125 ms, respectively. P‐wave morphology type was not in any way correlated to P‐wave duration (P = 0.715).

Conclusions: Abnormal P‐wave morphology signifying the presence of interatrial block is very rare in a healthy pediatric population, while widened P waves are quite common, although currently classified as abnormal.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):17–25
The Time Course of New T‐Wave ECG Descriptors Following Single‐ and Double‐Dose Administration of Sotalol in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Extramiana Fabrice , Dubois Rémi , Vaglio Martino , Roussel Pierre , Dreyfus Gerard , Badilini Fabio , Leenhardt Antoine , Maison‐Blanche Pierre
Published: January 2010

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the time course effect of IKr blockade on ECG biomarkers of ventricular repolarization and to evaluate the accuracy of a fully automatic approach for QT duration evaluation.

Methods: Twelve‐lead digital ECG Holter was recorded in 38 healthy subjects (27 males, mean age = 27.4 ± 8.0 years) on baseline conditions (day 0) and after administration of 160 mg (day 1) and 320 mg (day 2) of d‐l sotalol. For each 24‐hour period and each subject, ECGs were extracted every 10 minutes during the 4‐hour period following drug dosage. Ventricular repolarization was characterized using three biomarker categories: conventional ECG time intervals, principal component analysis (PCA) analysis on the T wave, and fully automatic biomarkers computed from a mathematical model of the T wave.

Results: QT interval was significantly prolonged starting 1 hour 20 minutes after drug dosing with 160 mg and 1 hour 10 minutes after drug dosing with 320 mg. PCA ventricular repolarization parameters sotalol‐induced changes were delayed (>3 hours). After sotalol dosing, the early phase of the T wave changed earlier than the late phase prolongation. Globally, the modeled surrogate QT paralleled manual QT changes.

The duration of manual QT and automatic surrogate QT were strongly correlated (R2= 0.92, P < 0.001). The Bland and Altman plot revealed a nonstationary systematic bias (bias = 26.5 ms ± 1.96*SD = 16 ms).

Conclusions: Changes in different ECG biomarkers of ventricular repolarization display different kinetics after administration of a potent potassium channel blocker. These differences need to be taken into account when designing ventricular repolarization ECG studies.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):26–35
Optimization of Repolarization during Biventricular Pacing: A New Target in Patients with Biventricular Devices?
Authors: Türkoğlu Cengizhan , Aliyev Farid , Çeliker Cengiz , Çetin Gökhan , Alici Gökhan , Uzunhasan Işil , Firatli Inci
Published: January 2010

Background: Evaluation of repolarization during sequentional biventricular pacing.

Methods: Patients with biventricular devices, and left ventricular leads placed to the basal part of lateral left ventricular wall were enrolled. QRS, QTc, JTc, and corrected Tpeak‐Tend intervals were compared during sequentional biventricular, left ventricular, and right ventricular pacing.

Results: Five patients with nonischemic and five with ischemic cardiomyopathy due to anterior myocardial infarction were enrolled. No correlation was observed between values of repolarization among patients. The optimal values of repolarization were significantly different from values of echocardiographically guided hemodynamic optimization. Two patients with biventricular pacing‐induced ventricular fibrillation were successfully treated by reprogramming of V‐V delay according to interventricular delay resulting in shorter Tpeak‐Tend interval, although delayed effect of amiodarone in one of these patients cannot be ruled out.

Conclusions: Patients with biventricular devices may be prone to development of ventricular arrhythmias depending on programmed V‐V interval. We suggest that optimization of repolarization may be performed in patients with biventricular pacemakers in the absence of backup ICD and those with frequent episodes of ventricular tachyarrhythmias, although this finding deserves further study.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):36–42
Influence of the Maximum Heart Rate Attained during Exercise Testing on Subsequent Heart Rate Recovery
Authors: Zaim Sina , Schesser Joel , Hirsch Linda S. , Rockland Ronald
Published: January 2010

Background: Abnormal heart rate recovery (HRR) following exercise testing has been shown to be a predictor for adverse cardiovascular events. The actual maximum heart rate (MHR) attained during the exercise test does not however have a distinct significance in traditional HRR assessment. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of MHR in HRR.

Methods: This prospective study consisted of 164 patients (62% male, mean age 53.7 ± 11.7 years) who were referred for a symptom‐limited standard Bruce Protocol treadmill exercise test, based on clinical indications. The patients were seated immediately at test completion and the heart rate (HR) recorded at one and two minutes postexercise. A normal HRR was defined as a HR drop of 18 beats per minute or more at the end of the first minute of recovery. The HRR profile of patients who reached ≥85% of their maximum predicted heart rate (MPHR) during peak exercise were then compared to HRR profile of those who could not.

Results: One hundred twelve patients (Group A) achieved a MHR ≥ 85% of MPHR during peak exercise whereas 52 patients (Group B) did not. Chi‐square analysis showed a higher incidence of normal HRR in Group A compared to Group B (p = 0.029). Analysis of variance with repeated measures showed that group A had a greater HRR at the first minute F1,162= 6.98, p = <0.01) but not the second minute (F1,162=1.83, p = .18) postexercise.

Conclusion: There is a relation between the peak heart rate attained during exercise and the subsequent HRR. A low peak heart rate increases the likelihood of a less than normal HRR. Assessment of the entire heart‐rate response seems warranted for more thorough risk‐stratification.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):43–48
Autonomic Nervous System Modulation before the Onset of Sustained Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia
Authors: Nigro Gerardo , Russo Vincenzo , De Chiara Annabella , Rago Anna , Cioppa Nadia Della , Chianese Raffaele , Manfredi Donatella , Calabrò Raffaele
Published: January 2010

Introduction: Our study was designed to analyze dynamic changes in autonomic tone before the onset of typical sustained atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) in a large group of patients without structural heart disease.

Materials and Methods: Twenty‐four‐hour Holter tapes from 42 consecutive patients (27 men and 15 women; aged 30 ± 21 years) with several episodes of sustained typical AVNRT were analyzed. The diagnosis was validated by transesophageal electrophysiological study. The time‐domain calculated parameters were SDNN, SDANN, rMSSD, pNN50; the frequency‐domain parameters were low‐frequency power (LF, 0.04–0.15 Hz), high‐frequency power (HF, 0.15–0.40 Hz), very low‐frequency power (VLF, 0.008 to 0.04 Hz) and LF/HF. The mean values in the hour before the onset of sustained AVNRT were compared with the mean values of 2 hours before and 1 hour after the onset of sustained AVNRT.

Results: The mean SDNN, rMSSD, pNN50, HF were significantly decreased during the hour preceding the onset of AVNRT, when compared to the mean values observed during the time periods selected. Instead, the LF values and LF/HF were increased before the onset of sustained AVNRT. No significant change in the VLF and atrial ectopic beats were observed.

Conclusion: This study suggests that sustained typical AVNRT episodes are preceded by increase in adrenergic drive.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):49–55
Long QT Syndrome in African‐Americans
Authors: Fugate II Thomas , Moss Arthur J. , Jons Christian , McNitt Scott , Mullally Jamie , Ouellet Gregory , Goldenberg Ilan , Zareba Wojciech , Robinson Jennifer L. ,   for the U.S. portion of International Long QT Syndrome Registry Investigators
Published: January 2010

Background:We evaluated the risk factors and clinical course of Long QT syndrome (LQTS) in African‐American patients.

Methods:The study involved 41 African‐Americans and 3456 Caucasians with a QTc ≥ 450 ms from the U.S. portion of the International LQTS Registry. Data included information about the medical history and clinical course of the LQTS patients with end points relating to the occurrence of syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, or LQTS‐related sudden cardiac death from birth through age 40 years. The statistical analyses involved Kaplan‐Meier time to event graphs and Cox regression models for multivariable risk factor evaluation.

Results:The QTc was 29 ms longer in African‐Americans than Caucasians. Multivarite Cox analyses with adjustment for decade of birth revealed that the cardiac event rate was similar in African‐Americans and Caucasians with LQTS and that beta‐blockers were equally effective in reducing cardiac events in the two racial groups.

Conclusions:The clinical course of LQTS in African‐Americans is similar to that of Caucasians with comparable risk factors and benefit from beta‐blocker therapy in the two racial groups.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):73–76
P‐Wave Indices, Distribution and Quality Control Assessment (from the Framingham Heart Study)
Authors: Magnani Jared W. , Mazzini Michael J. , Sullivan Lisa M. , Williamson MaryAnn , Ellinor Patrick T. , Benjamin Emelia J.
Published: January 2010

Background: P‐wave indices of maximum P‐wave duration and P‐wave dispersion have been examined in a broad array of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular disease states. The P‐wave indices literature has been highly heterogeneous in measurement methodologies, described quality control metrics, and distribution of values. We therefore sought to determine the reproducibility of P‐wave indices in a community‐based cohort.

Methods: P‐wave indices were measured in sequential subjects enrolled in the Framingham Heart Study. Electrocardiograms were obtained at the 11th biennial visit of the Original Cohort (n = 250) and the initial visit of the Offspring Cohort (n = 252). We determined the mean P‐wave durations, interlead correlations, and P‐wave indices. We then chose 20 ECGs, 10 from each cohort, and assessed intrarater and interrater variability.

Results: The maximum P‐wave duration ranged from 71 to 162 ms with mean of 112 ± 12 ms. The minimum P‐wave duration ranged from 35 to 103 ms with mean of 65 ± 10 ms. P‐wave dispersion ranged from 12 to 82 ms. The mean P‐wave dispersion was 48 ± 12 ms (40–56). The intrarater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was r = 0.80 for maximum P‐wave duration and r = 0.82 for P‐wave dispersion. The interrater ICC was 0.56 for maximum P‐wave duration and 0.70 for P‐wave dispersion.

Conclusions: We demonstrated excellent intrarater reproducibility and fair interrater reproducibility for calculating P‐wave indices. Reproducibility is frequently lacking in studies of P‐wave indices, but is an essential component for the field's growth and epidemiologic contribution.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(1):77–84
Alopecia in Rhesus macaques correlates with immunophenotypic alterations in dermal inflammatory infiltrates consistent with hypersensitivity etiology
Authors: Kramer Joshua , Fahey Michele , Santos Rosemary , Carville Angela , Wachtman Lynn , Mansfield Keith
Published: January 2010

Background  Although alopecia is a commonly recognized problem affecting many captive Rhesus macaque colonies, there is no consensus as to the underlying etiology or appropriate course of management.

Methods  We performed skin biopsies to assess underlying pathology in alopecic Rhesus macaques and performed immunohistochemical and metachromatic staining of these biopsies to assess the cellular infiltrates.

Results  Alopecia is associated with superficial dermal perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrates and skin pathology consistent with chronic hypersensitivity dermatitis. The inflammation is primarily composed of CD4+ cells admixed with histiocytes and mast cells. Inflammation is correlated with degree of alopecia. Further analysis in different groups of macaques revealed that animals born outdoors or infected with lung mites had reduced dermal inflammatory cell infiltrates and a lower incidence of alopecia.

Conclusions  These findings support a hypothesis that an altered housing status resulting in decreased pathogen burden in Rhesus macaque colonies may contribute to dermal immunophenotypic alterations and subsequent development of dermatitis with resultant alopecia.
Effect of delayed‐onset muscle soreness on muscle recovery after a fatiguing isometric contraction
Authors: Hedayatpour N. , Falla D. , Arendt‐Nielsen L. , Farina D.
Published: January 2010

An increase to above‐baseline levels of electromyography (EMG) mean power spectral frequency (MPF) has been observed previously during muscle recovery following fatiguing contractions and has been explained by membrane hyperpolarization due to increased activation of the Na+–K+ pump. It is hypothesized that this membrane mechanism is impaired by muscle fiber damage following eccentric exercise. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate surface EMG signal characteristics during recovery from fatigue after eccentric exercise. Ten healthy subjects performed sustained isometric knee extensions at 40% of the maximal torque (MVC) until task failure before, immediately after and 24 and 48 h after eccentric exercise. Bipolar surface EMG signals were recorded from six locations over the quadriceps during the sustained isometric contraction and during 3‐s long contractions at 40% MVC separated by 1‐min intervals for 15 min (recovery). Before the eccentric exercise, MPF of EMG signals increased to values above baseline during recovery from the fatiguing isometric contraction (P<0.001), whereas immediately after and 24 and 48 h after the eccentric task, MPF was lower than baseline during the entire recovery period (P<0.01). In conclusion, delayed‐onset muscle soreness abolished the supranormal increase in EMG MPF following recovery from fatigue.
Mouth rinse but not ingestion of a carbohydrate solution improves 1‐h cycle time trial performance
Authors: Pottier A. , Bouckaert J. , Gilis W. , Roels T. , Derave W.
Published: January 2010

The aim of the present study was to further explore the influence of ingestion and mouth rinse with a carbohydrate‐electrolyte solution (CES) on the performance during a ∼1 h high‐intensity time trial on trained subjects. Subjects rinsed around the mouth or ingested a 6% isotonic CES or placebo (14 mL/kg body weight) before and throughout a time trial in which they had to accomplish a set amount of work (975±85 kJ) as quickly as possible. In the mouth rinse conditions, time to complete the test was shorter (P=0.02) with CES (61.7±5.1 min) than with placebo (64.1±6.5 min), whereas in the ingestion conditions, there was no difference between placebo (62.5±6.9 min) and CES (63.2±6.9 min). Although power output and lactate concentration during exercise were significantly higher when subjects rinsed their mouth with CES compared with placebo, the rating of perceived exertion values did not differ. Blood glucose concentration increased after ingestion of but not after mouth rinse with CES. The interesting finding of the present study is that rinsing the mouth with but not ingestion of CES resulted in improved performance.
Exercising impressive impressions: the exercise stereotype in male targets
Authors: Lindwall M. , Ginis K. A. M.
Published: January 2010

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the exercise stereotype and the non‐exerciser stereotype on male targets, and the moderating effects of impression motivation in 184 female and 73 male Swedish undergraduate students. The participants read a description of one of the following male targets: a typical exerciser, an active living target, an excessive exerciser, a non‐exerciser, or a control target, and then rated these targets on 12 personality (e.g. lazy–hard worker, dependent–independent) and eight physical (e.g. scrawny–muscular, sick–healthy) dimensions. They also completed the Impression Motivation scale of the Self‐Presentation in Exercise Questionnaire, measuring motivation to self‐present as an exerciser. MANCOVAs demonstrated a significant main effect for both personality and physical attributes (P<0.05). Overall, the typical exerciser, the active living target, and the excessive targets received more positive ratings than, in particular the non‐exerciser target but also the control target. The non‐exerciser target was rated less favorably compared with the control target. The impression motivation of the participants moderated the exercise status/rating relationship for the physical but not the personality attributes. The results of the study are discussed in the context of gender and cultural aspects of the exercise stereotype phenomenon.
Parental and childhood overweight in sedentary and active adolescents
Authors: Pahkala K. , Heinonen O. J. , Lagström H. , Hakala P. , Sillanmäki L. , Kaitosaari T. , Viikari J. , Aromaa M. , Simell O.
Published: January 2010

We studied whether the prevalence of overweight since age 2 years differed in sedentary and active adolescents (N=346). Further, we analyzed the energy intake of sedentary and active adolescents across 12 years. BMI was assessed annually since birth, energy intake since age 13 months and parents' BMI from the time their child was 7 months old in a longitudinal atherosclerosis prevention study. Data on physical activity were collected at age 13 years (N=560). Sedentary and Active groups were formed by upper and lower physical activity tertile cut‐points. Girls Sedentary at 13 years were more often overweight than Active peers already since age 2 years (P=0.048). Activity habits were not associated with energy intake. Conversely, among boys, activity habits in adolescence were not associated with childhood overweight, while the energy intake of Active boys was higher than that of Sedentary boys (P=0.008). Parental overweight was not associated with the physical activity of children; however, Sedentary girls more often had an overweight mother than Active girls (P=0.021). In conclusion, overweight during early years of life is more common among girls who are Sedentary as adolescents than in Active peers. Overweight mothers more often have Sedentary daughters than normal‐weight mothers. A healthy lifestyle right from early childhood requires active support.
Abnormal landing strategies after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Gokeler A. , Hof A. L. , Arnold M. P. , Dijkstra P. U. , Postema K. , Otten E.
Published: January 2010

The objective was to analyze muscle activity and movement patterns during landing of a single leg hop for distance after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Nine (six males, three females) ACL‐reconstructed patients 6 months after surgery and 11 (eight males, three females) healthy control subjects performed the hop task. Electromyographic signals from lower limb muscles were analyzed to determine onset time before landing. Biomechanical data were collected using an Optotrak Motion Analysis System and force plate. Matlab was used to calculate kinetics and joint kinematics. Side‐to‐side differences in ACL‐reconstructed patients and healthy subjects as well as differences between the patients and control group were analyzed. In ACL‐reconstructed limbs, significantly earlier onset times were found for all muscles, except vastus medialis, compared with the uninvolved side. The involved limbs had significantly reduced knee flexion during the take‐off and increased plantarflexion at initial contact. The knee extension moment was significantly lower in the involved limb. In the control group, significantly earlier onset times were found for the semitendinosus, vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius of the non‐dominant side compared with the dominant side. Muscle onset times are earlier and movement patterns are altered in the involved limb 6 months after ACL reconstruction.
Scaling concept II rowing ergometer performance for differences in body mass to better reflect rowing in water
Authors: Nevill A. M. , Beech C. , Holder R. L. , Wyon M.
Published: January 2010

We investigated whether the concept II indoor rowing ergometer accurately reflects rowing on water. Forty‐nine junior elite male rowers from a Great Britain training camp completed a 2000 m concept II model C indoor rowing ergometer test and a water‐based 2000 m single‐scull rowing test. Rowing speed in water (3.66 m/s) was significantly slower than laboratory‐based rowing performance (4.96 m/s). The relationship between the two rowing performances was found to beR2=28.9% (r=0.538). We identified that body mass (m) made a positive contribution to concept II rowing ergometer performance (r=0.68,P<0.001) but only a small, non‐significant contribution to single‐scull water rowing performance (r=0.039,P=0.79). The contribution thatmmade to single‐scull rowing in addition to ergometer rowing speed (using allometric modeling) was found to be negative (P<0.001), confirming thatmhas a significant drag effect on water rowing speed. The optimal allometric model to predict single‐scull rowing speed was the ratio (ergometer speed ×m−0.23)1.87that increasedR2from 28.2% to 59.2%. Simply by dividing the concept II rowing ergometer speed by body mass (m0.23), the resulting “power‐to‐weight” ratio (ergometer speed ×m−0.23) improves the ability of the concept II rowing performance to reflect rowing on water.
Nandrolone excretion in sedentary vs physically trained young women
Authors: Enea C. , Boisseau N. , Bayle M. L. , Flament M. M. , Grenier‐Loustalot M. F. , Denjean A. , Diaz V. , Dugué B.
Published: January 2010

We investigated the effects of the menstrual cycle, oral contraception and physical training on exhaustive exercise‐induced changes in the excretion of nandrolone metabolites [19‐norandrosterone (19‐NA), and 19‐noretiocholanolone (19‐NE)] in young women. Twenty‐eight women were allocated to an untrained group (n=16) or a trained group (n=12), depending on their physical training background. The untrained group was composed of nine oral contraceptive users (OC+) and seven eumenorrheic women (OC−), while the trained group was entirely composed of OC+ subjects. Three laboratory sessions were conducted in a randomized order: a prolonged exercise test, a short‐term exercise test and a control session. Urine specimens were collected before and 30, 60 and 90 min after the exercise test and at the same times of the day during the control session. Urinary concentrations of nandrolone metabolites were determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Urinary concentrations of 19‐NA and 19‐NE ranged from undetectable levels to 1.14 and 0.47 ng/mL, respectively. Nandrolone excretion was not affected by the menstrual cycle phase (early follicular vs mid‐luteal), prior physical training, oral contraception or acute physical exercise. Therefore, a urinary concentration of 2 ng/mL of 19‐NA appears to be fair as the upper acceptable limit in doping control tests for female athletes.
Differences in spatiotemporal landing variables during a dynamic stability task in subjects with CAI
Authors: Gribble P. , Robinson R.
Published: January 2010

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) has been previously associated with deficits in dynamic stability and proximal joint neuromuscular alterations separately, but it is unclear how the two factors relate. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the contributions of lower extremity kinematics during an assessment of dynamic stability in subjects with CAI. Thirty‐eight subjects were divided equally into those with and without unilateral CAI. Subjects performed 10 single‐limb jump landings on each limb. Kinematic position 100 ms pre‐impact as well as peak and time‐to‐peak kinematic position post‐impact were recorded for ankle plantar flexion, knee flexion and hip flexion. Ground reaction force data in the A/P and M/L directions were used to calculate the resultant vector time to stabilization (RVTTS). For the RVTTS data, a significant main effect (P=0.03) revealed that the CAI group had significantly reduced dynamic stability. For knee flexion pre‐impact, a significant main effect for group (P=0.005) demonstrated that the CAI group prepared to land with less knee flexion than the Control group. Decreased knee flexion angle in preparation to land was apparent in the CAI group, and may play a role in the diminished dynamic stability in CAI subjects.