bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Cases of Short QT Interval
Authors: MORIYA MANABU , SETO SHINJI , YANO KATSUSUKE , AKAHOSHI MASAZUMI
Published: August 2010

Background:

The epidemiology of short QT interval remains unclear. We attempted to determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of short QT interval in a longitudinal cohort study.

Methods:

A total of 19,153 subjects (7,525 male, 11,628 female) were enrolled in the study and all available electrocardiograms (ECGs) were investigated longitudinally from 1958 through 2003. We defined short QT interval as QTc of less than 350 ms.

Results:

Of the 19,153 subjects, two met the criteria of short QT interval and allowed for prevalence and incidence estimates for short QT interval as 0.01% and 0.39/100,000 person‐years, respectively. Both cases had neither a family history of sudden cardiac death, nor a history of drug use that might have affected for QT interval. Case 1 was a female with history of ischemic heart disease. Case 2 was a 60‐year‐old male who exhibited a short QT interval for the first time when he was 26 years of age. He had sick sinus syndrome as an underlying heart disease.

Conclusions:

Of the 19,153 subjects in this study, none were identified as having the short QT syndrome, with associated high risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, and sudden death. Two subjects were identified as having QTc of less than 350 ms, and allowed prevalence and incidence estimates to be made of short QT interval. There observations were suggestive of clinical relationships between short QT interval and organic or electrophysiological heart disease.
Pseudo Crosstalk Behavior in a Patient with Atrio‐ventricular Block and Implanted Biventricular Defibrillator
Authors: HO REGINALD T. , MARK GEORGE E. , RHIM EUGENE S. , SHORROCK SUSAN M.
Published: August 2010

We present a 59‐year‐old man with a dilated cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction = 20%), congestive heart failure and atrio‐ventricular (AV) block who underwent implantation of a biventricular defibrillator (BiV ICD). While undergoing cardiac transplant evaluation for drug‐refractory ventricular fibrillation, his telemetry recorded findings resembling crosstalk inhibition. Device interrogation was normal. All episodes occurred at 1:00 a.m. suggesting a routine device operation. Left ventricular capture management, a new feature that automatically measures left ventricular pacing thresholds at 1:00 a.m., had been programmed to Monitor. Understanding this sophisticated pacing algorithm might avoid confusion when operative in patients with AV block.
Systemic Sarcoidosis Revealed by Ventricular Tachycardia: Electrocardiography and MRI Correspondence
Authors: LATCU DECEBAL GABRIEL , DUPARC ALEXANDRE , CHABBERT VALERIE , LABARRE DAVID , MONDOLY PIERRE , MAURY PHILIPPE , DELAY MARC
Published: August 2010

We describe a case presenting with ventricular tachycardia as the manifestation leading to the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The ventricular tachyacardia's origin is correlated with granuloma localization on magnetic resonance imaging.
IntraCameral Right Coronary Artery: Detection by 64 Slice Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography and Implications for Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Dysrhythmias
Authors: ROSAMOND THOMAS , WETZEL LOUIS H. , LAKKIREDDY DHANUNJAYA , FERRELL RYAN , TADROS PETER
Published: August 2010

An intracameral or intracavitary course for a coronary artery is a rare anomaly. Nevertheless, it carries a significant impact for invasive cardiac procedures that require right atrial catheterization, pacemaker implantation, or electrophysiologic study such as radiofrequency ablation. If a coronary artery were to be damaged within the atrial chamber by catheter manipulation at the time of heart catheterization, serious complications might ensue. We describe the first reported case of an intracameral right coronary artery identified with multidetector 64‐slice coronary computed tomographic angiography performed prior to pulmonary venous antral isolation for atrial fibrillation.
Automatic Verification of Ventricular Stimulation: Fusion Management Algorithm
Authors: BERTINI MATTEO , BIFFI MAURO , ZIACCHI MATTEO , VALZANIA CINZIA , SAPORITO DAVIDE , BORIANI GIUSEPPE
Published: August 2010

Background: Ventricular stimulation with automatic control and back‐up pulse warrants maximum safety for the patient and increases device longevity. Fusion phenomenon may hinder evoked response (ER) detection and cause unnecessary back‐up stimulation. We evaluated an automatic fusion beat management algorithm and its relationship with atrioventricular (AV) interval programming in a DDD/R pacemaker.

Methods: We analyzed 45 Holter registrations of patients implanted with an Insignia Ultra DR. Fusion beat classification, as performed automatically by the Fusion Management Algorithm, was compared to visual inspection by the analyzing physician. Fusions were classified as loss of capture (LOC), true fusions, or fusions classified as captured beats. Patients were divided into two groups according to AV interval programming: long AV delay (AVl)(>150 ms) short AV delay (AVs)(≤150 ms).

Results: Percentage of paced beats was on average 65%. Fusion beats resulted in 26% of the total. No and LOC was detected as a fusion beat by the algorithm. No useless back‐up pulses were delivered because of fusion. Misclassification of fusion beats as captured beats occurred at different rates depending on programmed AV delay. The accuracy in detecting true fusion was greatly improved by programming a long AV delay (P < 0.001 vs AVs).

Conclusions: Performance of fusion management algorithm (FMA) is improved by programming a long AV interval or with automatic search of intrinsic activity. Programming the AV interval to enhance intrinsic conduction does not hinder FMA performance.
The Ischemia‐Modified Albumin in Relation to Pacemaker and Defibrillator Implantation
Authors: SBAROUNI EFTIHIA , GEORGIADOU PANAGIOTA , PANAGIOTAKOS DEMOSTHENES , LIVANIS EFTHIMIOS , THEODORAKIS GEORGE N. , KREMASTINOS DIMITRIOS TH.
Published: August 2010

Background: Ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA) is considered a marker of myocardial ischemia whereas cardiac enzymes are released when cardiac necrosis occurs. It has previously been shown that permanent pacemaker‐defibrillator insertion is associated with myocardial injury expressed as cardiac enzyme rise.

Objective: We assessed whether pacemaker‐defibrillator implantation also induces changes in IMA plasma levels and whether, therefore, myocardial ischemia precedes necrosis.

Methods: We studied 64 consecutive patients undergoing pacemaker or defibrillator implantation; 43 were men and 21 women and their age was 70 ± 11 years (range 23–84 years). Blood samples were collected at baseline, six hours and 48 hours following the procedure. IMA measured by the albumin cobalt binding test (ACB, Integra 800 analyzer), as well as creatine kinase (CK), the MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK‐MB) and cardiac troponin I (Tn‐I) were evaluated.

Results: Data analysis showed that compared to baseline measurements, IMA increased at six hours (P = 0.015) and at 48 hours (P = 0.003)[97.6 ± 10.2 vs 101.4 ± 10.7 vs 102.1 ± 9.2 U/mL at baseline, six hours and 48 hours, respectively]; similarly, CK increased at six hours (P = 0.0001) and remained high at 48 hours (P = 0.0001) [74.9 ± 49.9 vs 136.1±186.7 vs 115.2 ± 63.9 mIU/mL], while CK‐MB increased at six hours (P = 0.0001), but returned to baseline values at 48 hours (P = 0.05) [0.90 ± 0.89 vs 1.27 ± 134 vs 0.71 ± 0.63 ng/mL] and Tn‐I increased at six hours (P = 0.0001) and returned to baseline levels at 48 hours (P = 0.32) [0.057 ± 0.23 vs 0.16 ± 0.36 vs 0.03 ± 0.045 ng/mL].

Conclusion: Permanent pacemaker‐defibrillator insertion is associated with myocardial ischemia and necrosis.
Electrophysiologic Characteristics of the Sinus Venosa in Patients with Typical Atrial Flutter
Authors: TAI CHING‐TAI , GERTRUDE ONG MARY , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: August 2010

Background: The sinus venosa is a posterior barrier of typical atrial flutter. However, its electrophysiology has not been studied.

Methods and Results: The study population included 20 patients with typical atrial flutter (Group 1) and 20 patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (Group 2). The noncontact mapping system was used to evaluate the electrophysiology of the sinus venosa (SV) during coronary sinus (CS) and low right atrial (LRA) pacing and atrial activation during typical atrial flutter. The results showed 12 of Group 1 patients (60%) had two lines of block, one in the CT and the other in the SV. The virtual electrograms in the CT and SV showed double potentials. Eight patients (40%) had only one line of block in the CT. During atrial pacing at the cycle length of 500 ms, nine of Group 1 patients had a line of block on the SV. None of the Group 2 patients had a line of block. During atrial pacing at the CL of 300 ms, 12 of Group 1 patients had a line of block on the SV. Eight of Group 1 patients had transverse conduction through the SV during atrial pacing. None of the Group 2 had a line of block.

Conclusions: This study showed that the SV formed the posterior line of block in 60% of the patients with typical atrial flutter. Fixed conduction block and rate‐dependent conduction block in the SV may be involved in the pathogenesis of typical AFL.
Collateral Approach for Biventricular Pacing of Coronary Sinus Ostium Obstruction
Authors: SOGA YOSHIMITSU , ANDO KENJI , NOBUYOSHI MASAKIYO
Published: August 2010

A 71‐year‐old man with dilated cardiomyopathy and complete atrioventricular block underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) due to chronic heart failure that was not improved by conventional medical treatment. But we found the coronary vein ostium was completely obstructed by coronary venography. The contrast medium flowed out from the right atrium via a collateral pathway. Thus a left ventricular lead was placed via a collateral pathway and was successfully implanted without complications. The postoperative threshold was 2.7 V at 0.4 ms. The subjective symptom improved after CRT. The safety of this procedure was not clear.
Laser Lead Extraction and Baffle Stenting to Facilitate Dual Chamber Implantable Defibrillator Upgrade in a Patient with L‐Transposition of the Great Arteries Status‐Post Senning/Rastelli Repair: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: UNDAVIA MANISH , LOVE BARRY , GOMES J. ANTHONY , EPSTEIN LAWRENCE M. , MEHTA DAVENDRA , FISCHER AVI
Published: August 2010

A case of successful laser extraction of a defibrillator lead with baffle stenting in a 15‐year‐old boy with dextrocardia, L‐transposition, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonic stenosis status‐post Senning/Rastelli repair is presented. Six‐month follow‐up revealed a significant increase in exercise tolerance and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max)
Comparison of Two Strategies to Reduce Ventricular Pacing in Pacemaker Patients
Authors: PÜRERFELLNER HELMUT , BRANDT JOHAN , ISRAEL CARSTEN , SHELDON TODD , JOHNSON JAMES , TSCHELIESSNIGG KARLHEINZ , SPERZEL JOHANNES , BORIANI GIUSEPPE , PUGLISI ANDREA , MILASINOVIC GORAN
Published: August 2010

Background:

Managed Ventricular Pacing (MVP) and Search AV+ (SAV+) are two pacing algorithms designed to reduce ventricular pacing. MVP promotes conduction by operating in AAI/R mode with backup ventricular pacing during atrioventricular block (AVB). SAV+ operates in DDD/R mode with a nominal AV extension of 290 ms during atrial sensing and 320 ms during atrial pacing. The reduction in ventricular pacing was compared with these two algorithms in pacemaker patients.

Methods:

The EnRhythm and EnPulse clinical studies assessed the percentage of ventricular pacing (%VP) after 1 month. Each patient's AVB status was assigned using the following hierarchical categories: persistent third‐degree AVB (p3AVB), episodic third‐degree AVB (e3AVB), second‐degree AVB (2AVB), first‐degree AVB (1AVB), and no AVB (nAVB). The%VP was tabulated for each AVB status category.

Results:

Data were available from 322 patients of whom 129 received DDD(R) pacing with the MVP algorithm activated and 193 patients with DDD(R) pacing and the SAV+ function activated, each for a month period. MVP resulted in a significantly lower median%VP than SAV+ in all AVB categories except for p3AVB: nAVB (0.3 vs 2.9, P < 0.0001), 1AVB (0.9% vs 80.6%, P < 0.0001), 2AVB (37.6 vs 99.3, P< 0.002), e3AVB (1.2 vs 42.2, P = 0.02), p3AVB (98.9 vs 100, P = 1.00).

Conclusion:

MVP resulted in a greater reduction in%VP than SAV+ across all patient groups except persistent third‐degree AV block. The greatest reduction in%VP was observed in patients with mildly impaired AV conduction.
Variance of Peptidic Nerve Innervation in a Canine Model of Atrial Fibrillation Produced by Prolonged Atrial Pacing
Authors: QU XIUFEN , YU YANG , JIANG JIUYANG , BAI BING , GUO HONG , SONG YING
Published: August 2010

Background:Long‐term rapid atrial pacing may result in nerve sprouting and sympathetic hyperinnervation in atrial fibrillation (AF) in dogs. Whether peptidic nerve is involved in neural remodeling is unclear.

Method and Results:We performed rapid left atrial pacing in six dogs to induce sustained AF. Tissues from six healthy dogs were used as controls. Nerve was identified by immunocytochemical techniques. The degree of nerve innervation was quantified by measuring the amount of staining area for each antibody and the heterogeneity of nerve distribution was qualitatively studied. In dogs with AF, the density of growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP43) immunopositivenerve fibers in the left atrium (LA), atrial septum (AS), and right atrium (RA) was significantly (19,454.31 ± 1,592.81 μm2/mm2vs 1,673.41 ± 142.62 μm2/mm2P < 0.001, 3,931.26 ± 361.78 μm2/mm2vs 1,614.20 ± 140. 41 μm2/mm2P < 0.05 and 2,324.15 ± 1,123.77 μm2/mm2vs 1,620.47 ± 189.05 μm2/mm2P < 0.05, respectively) higher than the nerve density in control tissues. The density of (neuropeptide Y) NPY‐positive nerves in the, AS, and RA was (13,547.62 ± 2,983.37 μm2/mm2vs 703.72 ± 287.52 μm2/mm2P < 0.01, 2,689.22 ± 340.93 μm2/mm2vs 651.7 ± 283.02 μm2/mm2P < 0.01 and 1,574.70 ± 424.37 μm2/mm2vs 580.42 ± 188.12 μm2/mm2P < 0.001, respectively) higher than the nerve density in control tissues. At the same time, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) positive nerve innervation shrank in dogs with AF. The density of VIP positive in LA, AS, and RA was statistically lower than the nerve density in control tissues, respectively. (110.48 ± 45.63μm2/mm2vs 1679.32 ± 1020.34μm2/mm2P < 0.01, 265.92 ± 52.51 μm2/mm2vs 2602.68 ± 1257.16μm2/mm2P < 0.001 and 609.56 ± 139.75μm2/mm2vs 2771.68 ± 779.08μm2/mm2P < 0.01, respectively)

Conclusions:Combined with VIP‐ergic nerve denervation, significant nerve sprouting and NPY‐ergic nerve hyperinnervation are present in a canine model of sustained AF produced by prolonged atrial pacing.
Autonomic Response to Cardiac Dysfunction in Chronic Heart Failure: A Risk Predictor Based on Autonomic Information Flow
Authors: HOYER DIRK , MAESTRI ROBERTO , TERESA LA ROVERE MARIA , DOMENICO PINNA GIAN
Published: August 2010

Background:

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with a complex dysfunction of cardiac, cardiovascular, autonomic, and other mechanisms. Autonomic information flow (AIF) characteristics calculated from heart rate patterns were recently found as promising predictors of outcome in several cardiovascular diseases.

Aim:

To assess the prognostic value of AIF indices in CHF patients.

Methods:

We analyzed 24‐hour Holter recordings from 200 consecutive CHF patients in sinus rhythm and computed AIF over the shortest possible interval of an interbeat series, namely over one heart beat interval (BDnn), and over longer intervals (12.5–166.7 seconds, PDmVLF), which reflect slower heart rate modulations. End‐point for survival analysis over three years (Cox model) was total cardiac death. A prognostic model was built (backward elimination) considering known clinical and functional risk factors, and the ability of AIF indices to add prognostic information to this model assessed.

Results:

Out of candidate predictors, New York Heart Association class, left ventricular ejection fraction, peak VO2, and systolic pressure were selected as the variables with the highest joint predictive value. When entered into this model, both BDnn and PDmVLF added prognostic information (HR (95%CI): 1.76 (1.00–3.09), P = 0.05, 1.73 (1.05–2.85), P = 0.031 respectively). High risk was associated with reduced fast AIF and increased slower AIF.

Conclusion:

In CHF patients, AIF indices provide prognostic information independent of known risk factors.
Campylobacter Fetus Infection of an Internal Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: AHMAR WALID , JOHNSON DOUGLAS , RICHARDS MICHAEL , STRATHMORE NEIL
Published: August 2010

Infection is a serious complication post implantation of an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). We report a case of a 77‐year‐old man who had an ICD generator change complicated by a hematoma. The generator became infected at the time of Campylobacter fetus bacteremia. The ICD was removed and a new device was implanted without complication.
Significance of Postoperative Arrhythmias in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: ROOS‐HESSELINK JOLIEN W. , KARAMERMER YUSUF
Published: August 2010

The survival of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased immensely and nowadays, most children reach adulthood. The long‐term outcome is hampered by the occurrence of late complications such as arrhythmias. Supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias have an impact notably not only on morbidity but also on mortality in patients with congenital heart disease. Therefore, life‐long follow‐up in most of these patients is required.
Role of Catheter Ablation in Postoperative Arrhythmias
Authors: SAUL J. PHILIP
Published: August 2010

Background: Patients who have undergone repair of congenital heart disease are at risk for atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden death, both because of altered substrate for arrhythmias and an altered hemodynamic response. Despite an armamentarium of arrhythmia management tools, including drug therapy, antibradycardia, pacing, antitachycardia pacing, surgical ablation and catheter ablation, management of these arrhythmias remains a challenge. Conclusions: This report provides an overview of the successes and failures of catheter ablation for treating and preventing these postoperative arrhythmias, and discusses ongoing developments, which may improve early and late outcome.
The Role of Concomitant Arrhythmia Surgery in Patients Undergoing Repair of Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: DEAL BARBARA J. , MAVROUDIS CONSTANTINE , BACKER CARL L.
Published: August 2010

Long‐term survival after repair of complex congenital heart lesions is associated with the late development of arrhythmias as well as residual hemodynamic abnormalities. Understanding arrhythmias as electromechanical problems provides the basis for surgical intervention to correct the arrhythmia as well as anatomical disturbances. Operative techniques are highly effective in treating atrial reentry tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. Surgery for ventricular tachycardia is less effective: the arrhythmia may be reduced by improving hemodynamics, but a defibrillator may be required. Integration of device therapy into surgery may improve outcomes by preventing bradycardia as a precursor to tachycardia, and optimizing ventricular synchrony.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: JANOUŠEK JAN , GEBAUER ROMAN A.
Published: August 2010

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an emerging option for treating dyssynchrony‐associated heart failure in patients with pediatric or congenital heart disease. CRT has proved beneficial for both the acute manipulation of cardiac output after surgery for congenital heart defects and for the management of chronic systemic ventricular failure. Although there are no prospective and randomized trial data, retrospective series show that CRT is similarly effective for managing dyssynchrony‐associated heart failure in this younger population as it is for treating adults with ischemic and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The heterogeneity of anatomical and functional substrates in which CRT shows efficacy calls for further studies defining the usefulness of CRT in specific subgroups of patients.
Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators in Children
Authors: BLOM NICO A.
Published: August 2010

Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICD) in adults have shown to be safe and effective for both primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). In children and patients with congenital heart disease prospective trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these devices are still lacking. This review will discuss the different aspects of ICD therapy in children with regard to current indications, effectiveness, problems related to size and growth, inappropriate shock therapy, and quality of life.
Practical Aspects of Implantable Defibrillator Therapy in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: WALSH EDWARD P.
Published: August 2010

Improved awareness of the risk for malignant ventricular arrhythmias in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), together with dramatic advances in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) technology, have led to a rapid increase in device therapy for this population. Clinical challenges remain surrounding patient selection and difficulties with lead positioning that arise in response to the anatomic and physiologic complexities of CHD. This article will attempt to review contemporary data on ICD use in the CHD population with particular attention to the novel implant methodology required for many of these patients.
Channelopathies in Children and Adults
Authors: WILDE ARTHUR A.M.
Published: August 2010

In the last decade, pediatric cardiologists have witnessed a revolution in the knowledge of the pathophysiology of rare arrhythmias. The identification of the molecular basis of several hereditary arrhythmia syndromes has been instrumental in this development. Within 12 years the number of causal genes has increased from two in 1995 to at least 24 early 2007 (Table I). Based on this knowledge, established treatment strategies in the 1990s have been modified during the most recent years. This leads to timely and tailored treatment of (asymptomatic) gene carriers, both through personalized lifestyle advices and pharmacologically. At the same time and of equal importance, unaffected family members (noncarriers) can be reassured.

 Number of Identified Genes Causal to Inherited Arrhythmia Syndromes in 1995 and Early 2007

1995
2007

Long QT syndrome(s)
 2
10

Short QT syndrome
–
 3

ST elevation right precordium, “RBBB,” SCD
–
 4

Catecholamine‐induced PMVT/VF
–
 3

Short‐coupled Torsades de Pointes
–
–

Isolated conduction disorders (AVN, BB)
–
 1

Sinus node disease, atrial standstill
–
 2
DNA Analysis in Inherited Cardiomyopathies: Current Status and Clinical Relevance
Authors: VAN SPAENDONCK‐ZWARTS KARIN Y. , VAN DEN BERG MAARTEN P. , VAN TINTELEN J. PETER
Published: August 2010

Most hypertrophic cardiomyopathies and a subset of dilated and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathies are familial diseases. They generally show an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and have underlying mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric, cytoskeletal, nuclear envelope, and desmosomal proteins. DNA analysis in cardiomyopathies can help diagnose borderline cases, and cascade screening of family members can identify individuals at risk. Genotype‐phenotype relations are complex, but some associations, such as septal morphology, electrocardiogram parameters, and additional cardiac and other manifestations, point toward certain genes. Such features help target DNA testing and the results of DNA analysis can be used in making clinical decisions.
Diagnosis and Management of Fetal Bradyarrhythmias
Authors: JAEGGI EDGAR T. , FRIEDBERG MARK K.
Published: August 2010

Complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) is the most common cause of persistent fetal bradycardia. In the presence of a structurally normal heart, it develops primarily in anti‐Ro and anti‐La positive antibody pregnancies after 20 weeks of gestation. There is a significant risk of perinatal demise, particularly in association with fetal hydrops, poor ventricular function, and heart rates < 55 beats/min. Transplacental treatment strategies are aimed at preventing or modulating these risk factors. Maternal administration of dexamethasone to mitigate or prevent concomitant myocardial inflammation, in combination with β‐stimulation for persistent fetal bradycardia < 55 beats/min to increase fetal cardiac output, has resulted in significantly improved fetal and neonatal outcomes without reversing CAVB.
Research in Food Science Education: Simple Laboratory Exercise for Induction of β‐Mannanase from Aspergillus niger
Authors: Mulimani V.H. , Naganagouda K.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT:  This laboratory experiment was designed for Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, and Food Technology students of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The experiment shows the advantages of using agricultural waste, copra mannan as potent inducer of β‐mannanase. The students were able to compare the enzyme induction by commercial mannans (locust bean gum, and guar gum), copra meal, defatted copra meal, and monosaccharides (glucose, galactose, mannose, and xylose). The students appreciated the use of cheap, locally available copra meal for the enhanced production of enzyme.
Research in Food Science Education: Measuring Gains in Critical Thinking in Food Science and Human Nutrition Courses: The Cornell Critical Thinking Test, Problem‐Based Learning Activities, and Student Journal Entries
Authors: Iwaoka Wayne T. , Li Yong , Rhee Walter Y.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The Cornell Critical Thinking Test (CCTT) is one of the many multiple‐choice tests with validated questions that have been reported to measure general critical thinking (CT) ability. One of the IFT Education Standards for undergraduate degrees in Food Science is the emphasis on the development of critical thinking. While this skill is easy to list as a student‐learning objective, measuring gains in CT is relatively difficult. If the majority of the class time is spent discussing and solving ill‐defined problems, then will students become actively and meaningfully involved in their own learning and will there be any gains in CT skills? To measure gains using this format, the CCTT was administered as a pre‐ and posttest to Food Science and Human Nutrition students in an Experimental Foods class taught every fall over an 8 y period (2001–2008). Statistical analysis indicated that in 2 of the years (2002 and 2004), there were significant gains (P values 0.036 and 0.045, respectively) in CT scores. Furthermore, in both years, there were significant gains in the same 2 aspects of CT (deduction and assumption) and not in the other aspects. However, we suggest that completing several take‐home exams with many open‐ended questions, writing detailed laboratory reports, and documenting unsolicited student reflections in journal entries that comment on apparent gains in CT skills may be a better indication of actual gains in CT skills compared to the actual CCTT test scores.
Total Protein Methods and Their Potential Utility to Reduce the Risk of Food Protein Adulteration
Authors: Moore Jeffrey C. , DeVries Jonathan W. , Lipp Markus , Griffiths James C. , Abernethy Darrell R.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Kjeldahl and combustion (Dumas) methods are widely accepted for total protein determination but lack analytical selectivity for protein because they measure protein on the basis of sample nitrogen content. Adulteration incidents exploiting this analytical vulnerability (for example, melamine) demonstrate that these methods are no longer sufficient to protect the public health. This article explores the challenges and opportunities to move beyond total nitrogen based methods for total protein measurement. First, it explores the early history of protein measurement science, complexities of current global protein measurement activities, and ideal analytical performance characteristics for new methods. Second, it comprehensively reviews the pros and cons of current and emerging approaches for protein measurement, including their selectivity for protein, ability to detect adulteration, and practicality for routine use throughout the supply chain. It concludes that some existing highly selective methods for food protein measurement have potential for routine quality control. It also concludes that their successful implementation will require matrix‐specific validation and the use of supporting reference materials. These methods may be suitable only for food ingredients that have a low degree of compositional variability and are not complex finished food products.
Functional Biopolymer Particles: Design, Fabrication, and Applications
Authors: Jones Owen Griffith , McClements David Julian
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Biopolymer nano‐ and micro‐particles, fabricated from either proteins and/or polysaccharides, can be utilized as delivery systems or to modulate the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of food products. This article reviews the principles underlying the design, fabrication, and application of biopolymer particles fabricated from globular proteins, used either alone or in combination with polysaccharides, within the food industry. The properties of biopolymer particles and their impact on the physicochemical and functional properties of foods are described. The molecular characteristics and interactions of the building blocks (proteins and polysaccharides) used to assemble these particles are briefly reviewed. The major structural design principles that can be used to fabricate biopolymer particles from food‐grade proteins and polysaccharides are outlined. Finally, some of the potential applications of functional biopolymer particles within foods are highlighted.
Rumen Ciliates of Musk‐Oxen (Ovibos moschatus Z.) from the Canadian Arctic1
Authors: Dehority Burk A.
Published: August 2010

Samples of rumen contents were obtained from 13 musk‐oxen living on Banks Island, N.W.T., Canada. Total protozoan numbers ranged from 38.5 to 124.6 times 104 per ml of rumen contents with a mean generic distribution of 52.4%Entodinium, 45.9%Diplodinium, and 1.7%Epidinium. A total of 18 protozoan species were found, six of which have not previously been observed in this host, i.e. D. (Diplodinium) costatum, D. (Ostracodinium) gracile, D. (Ostracodinium) trivesiculatum. D. (Eudiplodinium) medium, Epidinium quadricaudatum, and Epidinium parvicaudatum. Two new species of protozoa are described, Entodinium ovibos n. sp. and Diplodinium (Eudiplodinium) banksi n. sp.
PKX, the Causative Agent of Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD) in Pacific Salmonid Fishes and Its Affinities with the Myxozoa1
Authors: Kent Michael L. , Hedrick Ronald P.
Published: August 2010

Proliferative kidney disease (PKD), caused by an unclassified protozoan (PKX), is reported from Pacific salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum) and O. kisutch (Walbaum), and steelhead trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, held at the Mad River Hatchery in California, USA. The cumulative mortality attributed to the disease was 95, 13, and 18% respectively. The mortalities were greatest at mean water temperatures of 12‐14°C during July 1983. The ultrastructure of the PKX organism and its associated pathology during clinical disease in all three species were consistent with those of the parasite in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) as described in European outbreaks. Significant mortalities did not occur after August, at which time the parasite could no longer be detected in the salmon species. The steelhead continued to exhibit parasites in the kidney interstitium and epithelium and lumens of the tubules. Myxosporidan trophozoites and developing spores were also observed in the lumens of the kidney tubules of these fish. Although a mixed infection with another parasite may have occurred, evidence suggests that the myxosporidans are later stages of PKX. They were only observed in fish exposed to water with the infective stage and were particularly prominent in recovering fish. The PKX organism is similar to UBO, an unclassified protozoan of carp suspected to be an early stage of Sphaerospora renicola Dyková & Lom. Both parasites infect the blood and kidney, divide by endogeny, and are released by disintegration of the primary mother cell. The intraluminal myxosporean forms show similarities to Sphaerospora spp. in that they are monosporous and sporoblasts are formed within pseudoplasmodia. It is possible that PKX migrates to the lumen of the kidney tubule and subsequently sporulates. If the myxosporean forms are later stages of PKX, then it would belong to the phlyum Myxozoa.
Early Morphogenesis of Glugea‐lnduced Xenomas in Laboratory‐Reared Flounder
Authors: Weidner Earl
Published: August 2010

Glugea stephani‐infecled submucosal cells of laboratory‐reared winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, change to unique giant cell xenomas. These cells hypertrophy while the intracellular Glugea propagate to high numbers in the cytoplasm and eventually overrun the host cell. The xenomas slowly reach 20‐25 muml;m (at 17°C) by day 10 after parasite invasion. These xenomas (eight often examined by electron microscopy) are coated with a mucus‐like envelope onto which is attached a layer of endothelial ceils. The 10‐day xenomas display (a) host cell endonuclear polyploidization and amitosis, (b) limited parasite growth and reproduction, and (c) a host cell cytoplasm structure similar to that seen in undifferentiated phagocytes. Glugea parasites do not induce obvious cell degenerative effects in 10‐day xenomas; the 20‐day xenomas are hypertrophied to 70‐100 m̈m. These cells are characterized by (a) a host cell component denuded of endoplasmic reticulum and phagosome membrane, (b) a reduction in host cell ribosomes and the disappearance of host cell cytoskeletal assemblages, including microtubules, and (c) a significant increase in vegetative Glugea within xenomas. Evidence indicates cytoplasmic calcium of the host cell xenoma is perturbed by the intracellular Glugea; the alterations in the host cell calcium domains may be a big factor in the induction of the block of mitosis in the host cell and in the disruption in its cytoskeletal controls.
Some Properties of Discharged Glugea hertwigi (Microsporida) Sporoplasms
Authors: Scarborough‐Bull Ann , Weidner Earl
Published: August 2010

Glugea hertwigi spores were activated to discharge sporoplasms in Medium 199 with 3% gelatin at pH 9.0; the liberated sporoplasms were transferred to a maintenance medium with 6% gelatin (pH 7.0) supplemented with 2 mM ATP and 10% (v/v) fetal calf scrum. The spherical sporoplasms (measuring 3.5‐4 m̈m in diameter) had single nuclei and had a cytoplasm rich in free ribosomes. Each G. hertwigi sporoplasm was initially bounded by an external (0.1‐0.2 m̈m) satellite body adjoining the plasma membrane. The satellites displayed ordered membrane and appeared to merge with the sporoplasm 15‐30 min after spore discharge. The external location of the satellite (in reference to the discharged sporoplasm) seems to be part of the normal sequence of events under the in vitro conditions provided. The surface of G. hertwigi sporoplasms does not bear an obvious surface coat; however, our cytochemical observations indicate the plasma membrane of the sporoplasm was somewhat responsive to concanavalin A‐peroxidase, colloidal iron, and native ferritin. During the short term incubations of sporoplasms with ferritin, the particles permeated membrane channels extending into the sporoplasm cytoplasm.
Trypanosoma cruzi: Histochemical Characterization of Parasitized Skeletal Muscle Fibers1
Authors: Teixeira M. Lucia , Dvorak James A.
Published: August 2010

C57B1/6 mice were infected with Brasil strain Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes. The leg muscles of the mice were serial‐sectioned with a cryostat, and individual fibers were classified histochemically as type I or type II on the basis of succinic dehydrogenase or adenosine triphosphatase activity. Although markedly more type II fibers were present in the leg muscles, the percentage of infected type I fibers was nearly five‐fold higher than type II. This is the first demonstration of a preferential in vivo distribution of T. cruzi in muscle fibers based upon muscle type.
Lipid and Lipopolysaccharide‐Like Antigens of Leishmania Promastigotes1
Authors: Slutzky Gerald M. , Londner Mauricio V. , Greenblatt Charles L.
Published: August 2010

Extraction of whole promastigotes of Leishmania tropica major and L. donovani with a mixture of hexane and isopropanol (3:2) yielded three fractions containing immunological activity: 1) lipids, where the activity was determined by radioimmunoassay; 2) a lipopolysaccharide‐like (LPS‐like), water‐soluble precipitate, where activity was determined both by radioimmunoassay and double gel diffusion, and 3) the phenol: water extract of the lipid‐free promastigotes, where activity was followed by double gel diffusion.

The use of a solid state, lipid‐based radioimmunoassay for detection of leishmanial antigens provided a sensitive measure of their activity with a considerable degree of species and serotype specificity. We found antibodies to leishmanial lipids in sera from immunized rabbits, convalescent mice, and human patients with confirmed cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis or kala azar. There was very little activity in normal human or animal sera. Analysis by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of fractions from promastigotes surface‐labeled with galactose oxidase and sodium borotritiate and preliminary immunochemical characterization of the LPS‐like antigen showed that it contained galactose, but otherwise differed immunologically and chemically from excreted factor (EF), the best characterized leishmanial antigen.
Novobiocin‐Induced Ultrastructural Changes and Antagonism of DNA Synthesis in Trypanosoma cruzi Amastigotes Growing in Cell‐Free Medium
Authors: KERSCHMANN RUSSELL L. , WOLFSON JOHN S. , McHUGH GAIL L. , DICKERSIN G. RICHARD , HOOPER DAVID C. , SWARTZ MORTON N.
Published: August 2010

The antimicrobial agent novobiocin, an inhibitor of the bacterial enzyme topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase), is known to antagonize Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes growing in cell‐free medium. To determine sites of antagonism of novobiocin, the effects of drug on parasite ultrastructure and incorporation of radiolabeled precursors of DNA, RNA and protein into macromolecules were determined. The predominant ultrastructural abnormality seen after exposure to 0.40 mM novobiocin for 24 h was the presence of electron‐dense clumps in the mitochondrion‐kinetoplast organelle in 95 of 257 (37%) of cells, in comparison to no clumps seen in 110 drug‐free cells. In addition, in the nucleus, the karyosome was less distinct than in control cells and appeared to merge with the chromatin. In the radiolabcling studies, incorporation of thymidine was inhibited in a dose‐dependent fashion by novobiocin (0.16–0.80 mM) in a range of drug concentrations that also inhibited parasite growth. For 0.16 and 0.24 mM novobiocin, incorporation of thymidine was inhibited up to 65% relative to drug‐free control cells while uptake of uridine and leucine was unaltered. We interpret these ultrastructure and precursor‐incorporation studies as suggesting that (i) the mitochondrion‐kinetoplast and possibly the nucleus are sites of novobiocin antagonism of T. cruzi amastigotes and (ii) that novobiocin appears to antagonize DNA synthesis within these organisms. Whether the drug target is topoisomerase II, however, is as yet unknown.
5S Ribosomal RNA Sequence of Pneumocystis carinii and its Phylogenetic Association with “Rhizopoda/Myxomycota/Zygomycota Group”
Authors: WATANABFA JUN‐ICHI , HORI HIROSHI , TANABE KIYOKATSU , NAKAMURA YOSHIKAZU
Published: August 2010

The cytoplasmic 58 ribosomal RNA sequence from Pneumocystis carinii was determined and compared with those of 382 eukaryotes and an evolutionary tree was constructed to establish the phylogenetic position of Pneumocystis. The data suggest that Pneumocystis is associated with the RhizopodaAlyxomycota/ Zygomycota group but not with common fungi, such as Ascomycota or Basidiomycoia, nor with other protozoa.
Yeast Glucan in the Cyst Wall of Pneumocystis carinii
Authors: MATSUMOTO YOSHITSUGU , MATSUDA SHIN.II , TEGOSHI TATSUYA
Published: August 2010

Ultrastructurally, the cyst wall of Pneumocystis carinii consists of an electron‐dense outer layer, an electron‐lucent middle layer, and an innermost plasmalemma. This is similar in appearance to the cell wall of some yeasts, e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which consists of an outer dense layer of mannan, a middle lucent layer of β−1,3‐glucan (yeast glucan) and an innermost plasmalemma. The cyst wall P. carinii, as well as the cell wall of S. cerevisiae, can be labeled by a variety of methods which stain polysaccharides, such as Gomori's methenamine silver (GMS) and by Aniline blue, a dye which selectively stains β‐1,3‐glucan. The treatment of P. carinii cysts with Zymolyase, which the key enzyme is β,3‐gIucan laminari‐pentaohydrolase, results in lysis of the outer 2 layers of the cyst wall and the loss of positive staining by both GMS and Aniline blue. The lysis of elements of the cyst wall of P. carinii is achieved under the same conditions and concentration at which Zymolyase lyses the outer 2 layers of the cell wall of viable cells of S. cerevisiae. These observations indicate that a major component of the cyst wall of P. carinii is β‐1,3‐glucan.
Some New Phenomena in Macronuclear Development of Euplotes patella Exconjugants
Authors: SATO KATSUYUKI
Published: August 2010

Two new phenomena were observed during macronuclear development in E. patella. During the formation of giant chromosomes, the number of chromosomes decreased while individual chromosomes gradually became longer and thicker. Immediately before macronuclear elongation, ring‐like anlagen appeared, which did not contain chromatin at their centers. The course of macronuclear development in Euplotes is reconsidered in light of these findings.
Ultrastructural Observations on Life Cycle Stages of Pneumocystis carinii
Authors: RUFFOLO JOHN J. , CUSHION MELANIET. , WALZER PETER D.
Published: August 2010

An ultrastructural study of life cycle stages of Pneumocystis carinii in infected rat lungs in situ was undertaken utilizing 8 different modes of fixation. Three of the fixatives employed gave good fixation of cysts and intracystic bodies, but for the trophic forms fixation was only fair. Both the trophic forms and intracystic bodies have nuclear pores. The mitochondria of the organism have cristac that appear lamellar. One of the fixation modes revealed a thin, electron‐dense layer on the outer surface of the cell wall, a “fuzzy coat” that had not been described previously. This material appears to mediate tight adhesion of trophic forms with other trophic forms, cysts, and with pneumocytcs of the lung alveolus.
Ultrastructural Study of Pneumocystis carinii in Explant Cultures of Rabbit Lung and in Cultures with and without Feeder Cells
Authors: DEI‐CAS EDUARDO , SOULEZ BENOIT , CAMUS DANIEL , YVATTEZ A. , HERBALT J.
Published: August 2010

Pneumocystis carinii‐parasitizcd lung explains were obtained from corticoid‐lreated rabbits and maintained in vilro. Twenty‐one days after the beginning of explant cultures, the ullrastructura! morphology of trophozoite, precyst and cyst forms was normal as compared to the in vivo ui‐trastrucuirc of P. carinii from infected rabbit. However, after the 36th day, only altered forms of P. carinii were observed. Lung tissue showed only minor alterations. fntracytoplasmic lamellar inclusions were observed in type 2 alveolar cells from which they were released. While the total number of parasites increased approximately 4‐fold from day 0 to day 41, trophozoite counts increased approximately 6 times. Pneumocystis cells from inocula and supcmaics of cultures with and without Vera cells showed important ullrastructural alterations.
Cytidine Analogues and Stomatogenic Recovery in Amicronucleate Paramecium tetraurelia and Paramecium jenningsi
Authors: NG STEPHEN F.
Published: August 2010

Removal of the micronuclei of Paramecium tetraurelia and Paramecium jenningsi by micropipetting generates amicronucleate cell lines. These cell lines go through a period of growth depression for several dozen fissions, but they gradually recover. Amicronucleate cells in the depression period characteristically exhibit abnormal oral development, particularly reduction in the length of the buccal cavity and an abnormal pattern of the oral membranelles. To test the notion that the macronucleus is involved in the recovery of amicronucleate cell lines, DNA demethylation drugs were administered to amicronucleates in the depression period. After at least 4 fissions, the treated amicronucleates were assessed for their progress in recovery by scoring the proportion of cells with normal oral membranelles. Cvtidine analogues which demethylate cytosine specifically at the 5 position, namely 5‐azacytidine, 5‐aza‐2′‐ deoxycytidine and 5‐fluoro‐2′‐deoxycytidine. promoted recovery of the amicronucleates. Cytidine, 6‐azacytidine, 2′‐fluoro‐2′‐deoxy‐cytidine and cytosine‐β‐D‐arabinofuranoside did not. These results suggest that (i) 5‐methylcytosine is present in the macronucleus of these Paramecium species, probably in small amounts and (ii) recovery of amicronucleates involves demethylation of macronuclear DNA. This implies that in normal cells the micronuclei are involved in maintaining the macronuclear DNA in a methylated state and hence the inactivation of the macronuclear sequences that are to be employed for stomatogenic recovery. A general mechanism for the control of gene expression may therefore be employed for the regulation of specific sequences.
Evidence for Hymenostome Affinities in an Apostome Ciliate
Authors: BRADBURY PHYLLIS CLARKE
Published: August 2010

The functional mouth of exuviotrophic apostome ciltates appears only after an elaborate metamorphosis that begins at the onset of the molting of their crustacean hosts. In the tomite. a non‐feeding migratory stage, a mid‐ventrai depression at the origin of kineties x, y and z has been misidentified as the cytostome. Studies of fine structure and morphogenesis identify the true but nonfunctional cytostome—the subapiral lateral canal —and the falciform and ogival fields as the adoral ciliature. The anterior row of barren kinetosomes that parallels on the right the anterior third of the lateral canal is actually the infraciliature of a paroral. 2 rows of barren staggered kinetosomes. The canal itself is a narrow tube, its walls partially lined with microtubules. It begins 2–3 μm from the apex of the body and passes between falciform field 9 and the ogival field to end near the end of the ogival field. The fine structure of the infraciliature of the falciform and ogival fields differs markedly from that of the somatic kineties. In the host's early pre‐molt stages, the paroral migrates across the ventral surface of the encysted phoront and is accompanied by the microtubules of the lateral canal. The anterior end of falciform field 9 disorganizes into scattered kinetosomes, the trophont's anterior field of kinetosomes, but the posterior end migrates in an arc across the anterior ventral surface and remains as kinety a located near the angle where kinety 1 sharply par ra continues posteriad ind dorsad to the posterior limit of the extended cytostome. At the end of metamorphosis it sinks into The cytoplasm and disappears. The completion of the extended cytostome, the functional mouth, marks the termination of the microstome‐macrostome transformation. The fine structure of the infraciliature and microtubular elements making up the macrostome and the evocation of the microstome‐macrostome transformation in the presence of specific foods suggest that apostome ciliates any more properly be a suborder of Hymenostomatida rather than a subclass of Oligohymenophorea.