bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contributions of mitochondria to animal physiology: from homeostatic sensor to calcium signalling and cell death
Authors: Duchen Michael R.
Published: September 2004

Over recent years, it has become clear that mitochondria play a central role in many key aspects of animal physiology and pathophysiology. Their central and ubiquitous task is clearly the production of ATP. Nevertheless, they also play subtle roles in glucose homeostasis, acting as the sensor for substrate supply in the transduction pathway that promotes insulin secretion by the pancreatic β‐cell and that modulates the excitability of the hypothalamic glucose‐sensitive neurons involved in appetite control. Mitochondria may also act as sensors of availability of oxygen, the other major mitochondrial substrate, in the regulation of respiration. Mitochondria take up calcium, and the high capacity mitochondrial calcium uptake pathway provides a mechanism that couples energy demand to increased ATP production through the calcium‐dependent upregulation of mitochondrial enzyme activity. Mitochondrial calcium accumulation may also have a substantial impact on the spatiotemporal dynamics of cellular calcium signals, with subtle differences of detail in different cell types. Recent work has also revealed the centrality of mitochondrial dysfunction as an irreversible step in the pathway to both necrotic and apoptotic cell death. This review looks at recent developments in these rapidly evolving areas of cell physiology in an attempt to draw together disparate areas of research into a common theme.
Topical Review
Authors: Dockray G. J.
Published: September 2004

Transepithelial transducing cells, particularly the gastrin (G) cell, co‐ordinate gastric acid secretion with the arrival of food in the stomach. Recent work suggests that multiple active products are generated from the gastrin precursor, and that there are multiple control points in gastrin biosynthesis. Biosynthetic precursors and intermediates (progastrin and Gly‐gastrins) are putative growth factors; their products, the amidated gastrins, regulate epithelial cell proliferation, the differentiation of acid‐producing parietal cells and histamine‐secreting enterochromaffin‐like (ECL) cells, and the expression of genes associated with histamine synthesis and storage in ECL cells, as well as acutely stimulating acid secretion. Gastrin also stimulates the production of members of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, which in turn inhibit parietal cell function but stimulate the growth of surface epithelial cells. Plasma gastrin concentrations are elevated in subjects with Helicobacter pylori, who are known to have increased risk of duodenal ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Studies of the physiology of gastrin may therefore contribute to an understanding of the mechanisms relevant to major upper gastrointestinal tract disease.
Aquaporin water channels in gastrointestinal physiology
Authors: Ma Tonghui , Verkman A. S.
Published: September 2004

Fluid transport is a major function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with more than 9 litres of fluid being absorbed or secreted across epithelia in human salivary gland, stomach, the hepatobiliary tract, pancreas, small intestine and colon. This review evaluates the evidence that aquaporin‐type water channels are involved in GI fluid transport. The aquaporins are a family of small (≈30 kDa) integral membrane proteins that function as water channels. At least seven aquaporins are expressed in various tissues in the GI tract: AQP1 in intrahepatic cholangiocytes, AQP4 in gastric parietal cells, AQP3 and AQP4 in colonic surface epithelium, AQP5 in salivary gland, AQP7 in small intestine, AQP8 in liver, pancreas and colon, and AQP9 in liver. There are functional data suggesting that some GI cell types expressing aquaporins have high or regulated water permeability; however, there has been no direct evidence for a role of aquaporins in GI physiology. Recently, transgenic mice have been generated with selective deletions of various aquaporins. Preliminary evaluation of GI function suggests a role for AQP1 in dietary fat processing and AQP4 in colonic fluid absorption. Further study of aquaporin function in the GI tract should provide new insights into normal GI physiology and disease mechanisms, and may yield novel therapies to regulate fluid movement in GI diseases.
Lactate transport in skeletal muscle — role and regulation of the monocarboxylate transporter
Authors: Juel Carsten , Halestrap Andrew P.
Published: September 2004

Skeletal muscle is the major producer of lactic acid in the body, but its oxidative fibres also use lactic acid as a respiratory fuel. The stereoselective transport of L‐lactic acid across the plasma membrane of muscle fibres has been shown to involve a proton‐linked monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) similar to that described in erythrocytes and other cells. This transporter plays an important role in the pH regulation of skeletal muscle. A family of eight MCTs has now been cloned and sequenced, and the tissue distribution of each isoform varies. Skeletal muscle contains both MCT1 (the only isoform found in erythrocytes but also present in most other cells) and MCT4. The latter is found in all fibre types, although least in more oxidative red muscles such as soleus, whereas expression of MCT1 is highest in the more oxidative muscles and very low in white muscles that are almost entirely glycolytic. The properties of MCT1 and MCT2 have been described in some detail and the latter shown to have a higher affinity for substrates. MCT4 has been less well characterized but has a lower affinity for L‐lactate (i.e. a higher Km of 20 mM) than does MCT1 (Km of 5 mM). MCT1 expression is increased in response to chronic stimulation and either endurance or explosive exercise training in rats and humans, whereas denervation decreases expression of both MCT1 and MCT4. The mechanism of regulation is not established, but does not appear to be accompanied by changes in mRNA concentrations. However, in other cells MCT1 and MCT4 are intimately associated with an ancillary protein OX‐47 (also known as CD147). This protein is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily with a single transmembrane helix, whose expression is known to be increased in a range of cells when their metabolic activity is increased.
A preliminary assessment of whole‐body radiotherapy interposed within a chemotherapy protocol for canine lymphoma
Authors: Gustafson N. R. , Lana S. E. , Mayer M. N. , LaRue S. M.
Published: September 2004

Six dogs with spontaneously occurring, previously untreated lymphoma were treated with half‐body radiation therapy (RT) doses interposed in a CHOP‐based 25‐week chemotherapy regimen. Chemotherapy‐related toxicities were as expected and were mildly increased in severity post‐RT compared with pre‐RT. Treatment was delayed by 1–2 weeks per delay in four dogs due to chemotherapy‐related neutropenia. Radiation therapy was administered in two consecutive day fractions of 4 Gray to the cranial and caudal halves of the body 4 weeks apart. Radiation‐related toxicities consisted of lethargy, alopecia, diarrhoea of less than 2‐day duration and average decreases in neutrophil counts of 50%. Late effects from RT were not evident. Median remission and survival times for the six dogs were 455 and 560 days, respectively. The protocol was well tolerated and should be studied further to evaluate the potential therapeutic gain of the addition of RT to chemotherapy for the treatment of canine lymphoma.
Non‐coherent light for photodynamic therapy of superficial tumours in animals
Authors: Reeds K. B. , Ridgway T. D. , Higbee R. G. , Lucroy M. D.
Published: September 2004

Cultured 9L cells were incubated with varying concentrations of pheophorbide‐a‐hexyl ether (HPPH) and then exposed to 665‐nm red light from a non‐coherent light source or a dye laser. Cell death was produced by both light sources, with the non‐coherent light being most effective at the highest HPPH concentrations. To assess the feasibility of using the non‐coherent light source for clinical photodynamic therapy (PDT), four dogs and three cats presenting with spontaneous superficial tumours were injected intravenously with 0.15 mg kg−1of HPPH, 1 h before their tumours were irradiated with 665‐nm non‐coherent light (50 mW cm−2, 100 J cm−2). Of the nine tumours treated, there were eight complete responses, all occurring in animals with squamous cell carcinoma. After 68 weeks of follow‐up, the median initial disease‐free interval had not been reached. These data suggest that non‐coherent light sources may be efficacious for photodynamic therapy of spontaneous superficial tumours in animals, representing a cost‐effective alternative to medical lasers in both veterinary and human oncology.
Water, women and community in Trinidad, West Indies
Authors: Schneiderman Jill S. , Reddock Rhoda
Published: September 2004

This article examines the history and character of the water supply in Trinidad and Tobago and the nature of problems associated with the procurement of water by Trinidadians. The article reports on case studies of two rural communities in which women have taken the lead to solve water problems. It reflects on the importance of small‐scale, community‐managed water systems for the possibility of achieving water democracy.
Women and biodiversity: The long journey from users to policy‐makers
Authors: Deda Paola , Rubian Renata
Published: September 2004

Although there has been a broad acknowledgment that women's local and traditional knowledge is fundamental to guarantee food security and conserve biological diversity, few women are represented at the managerial and decision‐making level of environmental movements and organizations. The United Nations, its agencies and agreements have long promoted the full and effective participation of women in decision‐making processes. So how can commitments contained in international agreements be translated into concrete actions? By using the case of the Convention on Biological Diversity, one of the key agreements adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, this article analyses how gender‐equitable initiatives tend to assume an ad hoc character with few governments effectively involving women in their sustainable development strategies.

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the United Nations or its subsidiary bodies.
Prospects for the co‐management of mangrove ecosystems on the North Brazilian coast: Whose rights, whose duties and whose priorities?
Authors: Glaser Marion , Da Silva Oliveira Rosete
Published: September 2004

This article describes the co‐management approach in situations of open access to and of increasing pressure on resources, using a mangrove coastal zone in North Brazil as an example. Co‐management clearly has the potential to turn nonviable, de facto open access to mangroves into effective common property management. Alliances of different political and ideological groups have been formed under the RESEX (reservas extrativistas — natural resource user reserve) model of coastal co‐management. Local economic interests have been mobilized as client constituencies. The RESEX system of co‐management assigns additional duties to both co‐managing parties, i.e., the state administration and the local users, in exchange for new rights. The authors argue that local support for the RESEX model has been gained on partially distorted premises. As the public authority passes on responsibility for management to local users under the RESEX model, this entails a number of duties for the local users. Thus local users assume the duty to implement and monitor resource management; they also appear to gain the right to take local decisions, such as excluding outsiders from resource access, and designing local resource management rules. However, as this article shows with two examples, some important new rights for local users under the RESEX co‐management concept are contrary to environmental legislation in force. This conflict is at present unresolved. It is argued that increased transparency about their precise rights for local resource co‐managers will considerably improve the prospects of coastal co‐management in Brazil.
Building disaster‐resilient communities: The road to the second World Conference on Disaster Reduction, January 2005, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
Authors: Briceño Sálvano
Published: September 2004

The statistics paint a shocking picture: Over the past ten years around 7,000 ‘natural’ disasters have occurred, killing more than 300,000 people and resulting in over US$800 billion in economic losses (Munich Re, 2003). Increasing interest in global warming has provoked intense debate on the issue of climate change and its implications for more frequent and intense extreme weather events, placing more people at risk than ever. While all countries may be threatened by natural hazards, experience shows that developing countries are disproportionately affected, with losses sometimes exceeding years of hard‐won and desperately needed economic development. The World Conference on Disaster Reduction,1 to be held in Japan in 2005, aims to address these and other crucial issues that are posing an unprecedented challenge to the international community.
Clinical and radiological profile of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in Malaysia
Authors: VEERAPEN Kiran , ASOKAN Raman N. , RATHAKRISHNAN Vimalah
Published: September 2004

Aims:  To create a clinical and radiological profile of patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee in Malaysia.

Methods:  One hundred consecutive patients presenting with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis at a private rheumatology clinic were profiled for demographic and clinical features. Anteroposterior weight‐bearing, skyline and lateral knee X‐rays were taken. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for data analysis.

Results:  Women predominated (93%). Fifty‐eight percent of the patients reported bilateral knee pain. Difficulty in walking, climbing and squatting was high (85%, 97% and 93% respectively). Patients with knee pain had a higher BMI than controls. Radiological abnormality, related to osteoarthritis was present in 97%. Osteophytes were generally tricompartmental while joint space narrowing was less evident in the lateral tibiofemoral joint than in the medial tibiofemoral joint and the patellofemoral joint. Almost half (49%) the patients manifested radiological varus deformity The severity of radiological abnormality increased with age. Although patients with unilateral pain had milder radiological abnormality, it tended to be bilateral. Clinically detectable hip abnormality and nodal osteoarthritis were uncommon, as was radiological chondrocalcinosis.

Conclusions:  Patients presenting with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis to a rheumatology service had a high degree of disability, radiological abnormality and varus deformity. Radiological abnormalities were essentially bilateral and tricompartmental.
Inhibition of synoviocytes proliferation by two types of c‐myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotides
Authors: ZHAO Xinxin , ZHAO Lijuan , YANG Pinting , XIAO Weiguo
Published: September 2004

Aim:  The c‐myc proto‐oncogene is over‐expressed in synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For improving the inhibition of c‐myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS ODN) on RA synoviocytes proliferation, we used two antisense sequences: one (antimyc‐AUG AS ODN) targeting the initiation codon (AUG) and the next four codons on c‐myc mRNA; another (antimyc‐CRD AS ODN) targeting the coding region determinant (CRD) on c‐myc mRNA to investigate if there was a difference on inhibiting synoviocytes proliferation.

Methods:  Cultured human synoviocytes from patients with RA. The sequences were modified by phosphorothioates. Lipofectin was used as carrier. MTT assay was used to examine the inhibition of cell proliferation.

Results:  Antimyc‐AUG AS ODN and antimyc‐CRD AS ODN both can inhibit synoviocytes proliferation dose‐dependently. The maximum decrement of cell number was 40% at 2.5 µM and 48 h, 41.4% at 5 µM and 48 h, respectively. The action time of antimyc‐AUG AS ODN inhibiting synoviocytes proliferation was earlier than that of antimyc‐CRD AS ODN. ODN at high levels had non‐sequence‐specific cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:  Both c‐myc AS ODN are useful in inhibiting synoviocytes proliferation.
Disease assessment in systemic vasculitis
Authors: LUQMANI R. A.
Published: September 2004

The vasculitides represent a set of uncommon but chronic persistent relapsing disorders which were previously fatal without the advent of effective immunosuppressive therapy. In the absence of a cure for most forms of vasculitis, we need to use accurate tools to measure disease status in order to establish an appropriate therapeutic regimen in every case. Accurate serological markers of disease activity remain elusive. Therefore, the clinician must use the quantitative and qualitative information available from careful clinical evaluation of these patients. Effective measurement of disease activity, disease damage and function are the current gold standards of evaluation of patient status. In this paper, we review the evidence for the usefulness of serological markers of disease activity and discuss the role of the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, the Vasculitis Damage Index and the Short Form 36 in the comprehensive evaluation of systemic vasculitis.
Making Up For Lost Time: The Experience of Separation and Reunification Among Immigrant Families
Authors: Suårez‐Orozco Cerola , Todorova Irina L.G. , Louie Josephine
Published: September 2004

In the United States today, one‐fifth of the nation's children are growing up in immigrant homes. In the process of migration, families undergo profound transformations that are often complicated by extended periods of separation between loved ones—not only from extended family members, but also from the nuclear family. Though many families are involved in these transnational formulations, there has heretofore been little sense of the prevalence of these forms of family seprations, nor of the effects on family relations. Further, such research has generally been conducted with clinical populations using Western theroretical frameworks and perspectives of families, limiting its applicability to immigrant families. The data presented in this article are derived from a bicoastal, interdisciplinary study of 385 early adolescents originating from China, Central America, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Mexico. Findings from this study indicate that fully 85% of the participants had been separated from one or both parents for extended periods. While family separations are common to all country‐of‐origin groups, there are clear differences between groups in lenghts of separations as well as people from whom the youth are separated. Descriptive statistics of country‐of‐origin prevalence, patterns, and outcomes are presented. Results of analyses of variance indicate that children who were separated from their parents were more likely to report depressive symptoms than children who had not been separated. Further, qualitative data from youth, parent, and teacher perspectives of the experience of separation and reunification provide evidence that the circumstances and contexts of the separations lead to a variety of outcomes. We conclude with a discussion of attenuating and complicating factors family therapists should consider in the assessment and treatment of immigrant families.
Expressed Emotion Attitudes and Individual Psychopathology Among the Relatives of Bipolar Patients
Authors: Goldstein Tina R. , Miklowitz David J. , Richards Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2004

This study investigated the relationships between expressed emotion (EE) and individual psychopathology among 82 biological and non‐biological relatives of 66 patients with bipolar I disorder. Relatives' psychopathology was assessed via the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐III‐R, Patient Version (SCID‐P) and the General Behavior Inventory (GBI), a self‐report measure of lifetime subsyndromal mood disturbances. We hypothesized that relatives who held high‐EE critical, hostile, and/or overinvolved attitudes toward their bipolar family member, as measured via the Camberwell Family Interview, would be more likely to have DSM‐III‐R Axis I diagnoses on the SCID, as well as more mood and temperamental disturbances on the GBI, than those who held low‐EE attitudes. The findings did not support a significant relationship between overall EE status and psychopathology in family members. However, relatives without significant Axis I pathology scored significantly higher than those with Axis I pathology on one measure of EE, emotional overinuolvement. The findings are discussed with reference to explanations for the genesis of high‐EE attitudes.
Effects of Family Interaction on the Child's Behavior In Single‐Parent or Reconstructed Families
Authors: Taanila Anja , Laitinen Elina , Moilanen Irma , Järvelin Marjo‐Ritta
Published: September 2004

The effects of the family interaction on children's behavior were studied in singleparent or reconstructed families (N=63) in a white population in Finland. The focus was on the spousal and the parent‐child interaction. Teachers assessed children's behavior and parents were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed qualitatively using the grounded‐theory method. The boundary ambiguity theory developed by Pauline Boss was used to examine the interaction in the families. About two fifths of the parents reported that their spousal interaction was good, family boundaries were clear, and the children were taken care of together. Another two fifths interacted only because of the child and family boundaries were ambiguous. In 14 families the involvement of the noncustodial parent was both physically and psychologically low. The physically close but psychologically distant parent‐child interaction seemed to affect the child's behavior detrimentally, whereas children with physically and psychologically close interaction with their parents showed less behavioral problems. The children with behavioral problems were more likely to have problems with both parents. They were also more likely to have a stepparent with whom they had conflicts. In conclusion, a good interaction between the parents and clarified family boundaries protect children's mental health after their parents' divorce or separation.
Histological evidence of osseointegration in human retrieved fractured hydroxyapatite‐coated screw‐type implants: a case report
Authors: Uehara Toshio , Takaoka Katsunori , Ito Koichi
Published: September 2004

Abstract: Histological evidence of clinically successful dental implants is very rare. This case report presents histological evidence of osseointegration in human implants retrieved because of fractures at the connected portion between the abutments and fixtures due to a car accident. The duration of functional loading of the implants was 18 months. Two hydroxyapatite (HA)‐coated screw‐type implants were removed with part of the healthy bone from the mandibular left molar region. A block was prepared using cutting and grinding equipment to obtain a central section approximately 50 μm thick, which was stained with basic fuchsin and methylene blue. Histological examination revealed that the bone was dense and in close relation with the HA coating of the implants. The interspaces of each thread of the implant were filled with mineralized bone. Peri‐implant soft tissue was not observed in the section. A high degree of osseointegration was noted, with a bone‐to‐implant contact of 87.5% (implant corresponding to tooth 36) and 97.4% (implant corresponding to tooth 37). The connection between the 30 and 50 μm HA coating and the metal was uniformly tight and constant. In conclusion, the histological evidence showed a high degree of osseointegration in two HA‐coated screw‐type dental implants retrieved after functional loading for 18 months.
Implant stability measurement of delayed and immediately loaded implants during healing.
Authors: Bischof Mark , Nedir Rabah , Szmukler‐Moncler Serge , Bernard Jean‐Pierre , Samson Jacky
Published: September 2004

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was (1) to measure the primary stability of ITI implants placed in both jaws and determine the factors that affect the implant stability quotient (ISQ) determined by the resonance frequency method and (2) to monitor implant stability during the first 3 months of healing and evaluate any difference between immediately loaded (IL) implants and standard delayed loaded (DL) implants. The IL and DL groups consisted of 18 patients/63 implants and 18 patients/43 implants. IL implants were loaded after 2 days; DL implants were left to heal according to the one‐stage procedure. The ISQ was recorded with an Osstell® apparatus (Integration Diagnostics AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) at implant placement, after 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks. Primary stability was affected by the jaw and the bone type. The ISQ was higher in the mandible (59.8±6.7) than the maxilla (55.0±6.8). The ISQ was significantly higher in type I bone (62.8±7.2) than in type III bone (56.0±7.8). The implant position, implant length, implant diameter and implant deepening (esthetic plus implants) did not affect primary stability. After 3 months, the gain in stability was higher in the mandible than in the maxilla. The influence of bone type was leveled off and bone quality did not affect implant stability. The resonance‐frequency analysis method did not reveal any difference in implant stability between the IL and DL implants over the healing period. Implant stability remained constant or increased slightly during the first 4–6 weeks and then increased more markedly. One DL and IL implant failed; both were 8 mm long placed in type III bone. At the 1‐year control, the survival rate of the IL and the DL implants was 98.4% and 97.7%, respectively. This study showed no difference in implant stability between the IL and DL procedures over the first 3 months. IL short‐span bridges placed in the posterior region and full arch rehabilitation of the maxilla with ITI sandblasted‐and‐etched implants were highly predictable.
Extensive augmentation of the alveolar ridge using autogenous calvarial split bone grafts for dental rehabilitation
Authors: Iizuka Tateyuki , Smolka Wenko , Hallermann Wock , Mericske‐Stern Regina
Published: September 2004

Abstract: Free autogenous iliac bone is the most commonly used graft material for an extensive alveolar ridge reconstruction. The application of iliac bone, however, is associated with problems, such as transplant loss resulting from postoperative infection and late bone resorption. A bone‐graft material more suitable than iliac bone is therefore still needed. This paper describes a concept for alveolar‐ridge reconstruction using calvarial split bone, and the related surgical techniques. Clinical and radiological follow‐up examinations were undertaken to evaluate the potential benefit of calvarial split bone in alveolar‐ridge reconstruction. Between 1999 and 2002, 13 patients with a mean age of 54 years (range 31–70 years) underwent surgery, seven patients in the maxilla and six in the mandible. In four cases, wound dehiscence occurred postoperatively. In one of these cases, the dehiscence was associated with a local infection. However, no bone transplants were lost. After a mean follow‐up time of 19.6 months, bone resorption, measured radiologically, was minimal. Endosseous dental implants were successfully installed and maintained. Satisfactory prosthetic rehabilitation was achieved in all patients. Our preliminary experience suggests that calvarial split bone may be regarded as a promising alternative to autogenous iliac bone in connection with extensive augmentation of the alveolar ridge.
Anterior tooth replacement with implants in grafted alveolar cleft sites: a case series
Authors: Cune M. S. , Meijer G. J. , Koole R.
Published: September 2004

Abstract: When a residual edentulous space in the anterior region remains after surgical and orthodontic treatment of alveolar cleft patients, implant placement with or without additional grafting is a treatment option. We placed a total of 10 implants in nine consecutive alveolar cleft patients (five females, four males) with residual anterior edentulous spaces and non‐restored neighbouring teeth. Patient age generally varied from 18 to 22 years. Additional (tertiary) bone grafting, implant placement after 3 months of graft consolidation and implant uncover after no less than 6 months was the favoured surgical protocol in the five most recent cases. Ample time was allowed to evaluate and guide the development of soft tissues, following second‐stage surgery. For this purpose, temporary crowns were fabricated, adjusted and left in place for over 3–4 months in seven out of nine cases. No implants were lost after a mean observation period of 3.4 years and all implants function without objective (radiographic) or subjective problems. Aesthetics were considered acceptable in seven out of nine cases. Unsatisfactory aesthetic results originated from poor implant positioning or alignment in two patients who did not undergo tertiary bone grafting. We conclude that implant placement in alveolar cleft sites is a comprehensive but viable treatment option. Tertiary grafting of the site is recommended to achieve better ridge contour and bone height. This allows optimal implant placement and alignment.
Reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular defects using prefabricated microvascular fibular grafts and osseointegrated dental implants – a prospective study
Authors: Jaquiéry Claude , Rohner Dennis , Kunz Christoph , Bucher Peter , Peters Françoise , Schenk Robert K. , Hammer Beat
Published: September 2004

Abstract: The fibular flap can be used for a variety of indications. Recently, the treatment of four patients with severely atrophied upper jaws using a method to prefabricate the vascularized fibular graft has been published. This technique consists of a two‐stage operation procedure that allows simultaneous prosthodontic rehabilitation and immediate placement of dental implants. In this paper eight patients with 29 ITI implants (Straumann AG, Waldenburg, Switzerland) who had reconstruction of either the upper or lower jaw are presented. The aim of the study was (i) to evaluate the behavior of the newly formed soft tissue around implants inserted in the fibula by applying periodontal parameters, (ii) to monitor prospectively the integration of the implants in the fibular graft, and (iii) to assess the osseous integration of the fibular graft used for reconstruction of the upper or lower jaw. Two implants failed during the observation time because of avascular bone at the distal end of the fibular graft. Stabilization of the graft, however, was never compromised. Due to the prefabrication firmly attached gingiva‐like soft tissue could be provided preventing periimplant soft tissue inflammation and facilitating oral hygiene. After 1 year of observation the mean attachment level was similar to implants placed in original bone whereas vertical bone loss measured radiographically was lower in the present study. This may indicate that the remodeling of a bicortical bone requires a longer period of time compared with the bone of the alveolar crest. The prospective 1‐year results are promising but long‐term evaluation of periodontal and radiological parameters are required.
Comparison of carcass composition among Japanese Black, Holstein and their crossbred steers fattening on farm
Authors: MUKAI Fumio , SADAHIRA Masayuki , YOSHIMURA Toyonobu
Published: September 2004

Carcass composition among Japanese Black, Holstein and their crossbreed (F1), by Holstein mated with Japanese Black sires, was compared by using carcass components of fattening steers collected at eight carcass processing factories. The least squares means of 14 retail cuts, total weights of retail cuts, trimmed fat and bones, and six carcass traits measured at 6th−7th rib section were used for the comparison and examined the expression of heterosis. The comparison was performed at the same level of left‐side carcass weight and under 10 mm fat cover on each retail cut. Japanese Black had the heaviest total weight of retail cuts, followed by F1 and then Holstein. By contrast, non‐edible parts, trimmed fat and bones, were heavier in the order of Holstein, F1 and Japanese Black. Of the retail cuts, so called higher‐priced cuts, such as Shoulder‐Chuck‐Roll, Tender‐Loin, Rib‐Chuck‐Roll, Strip‐Loin and Sirloin‐Butt surrounding the spinal column, were heavier in Japanese Black than Holstein. Although F1 showed intermediate values for almost all traits, Tender‐Loin, Rib‐Chuck‐Roll and Strip‐Loin of F1 were similar to those of Japanese Black rather than the mid‐parent averages. It reflects that at least the average parent heterosis of 2.3–4.3% might be expressed in these higher‐priced cuts. The classification of breeds was carried out by the canonical discriminant analysis using 20 carcass measurements. By the canonical variates, breeds can be effectively discriminated with misdiscrimination rate of 11.6%. When the comparison is made at the carcass weight constant, Japanese Black has characteristics for producing superior carcass quality as well as meat quality.
Performance of sheep offered ammonia, or urea‐calcium hydroxide treated rice straw as an only feed
Authors: FADEL ELSEED Abdel Nasir M. A.
Published: September 2004

The effect of ammonia (AS) and urea‐calcium hydroxide (US) treated rice straw as a sole diet on the voluntary intake, digestibility of feed components, nitrogen retention, rumen parameters and microbial nitrogen yield of Suffolk ewes, were compared in a double 2 × 2 latin square design. The digestibility of feed components was not differed in sheep offered either AS or US. Dry matter intake was higher in AS (28 g/kg BW0.75) than US (22 g/kg BW0.75). Although there was high nitrogen intake in sheep given AS diet, this did not result in higher nitrogen retention compared with US diet. No difference was observed in purine derivatives or microbial nitrogen supply between the two groups. The rumen ammonia‐N of sheep offered AS or US exhibited a similar trend in diurnal change with the peak at 1.5–2.5 h after feeding and decline gradually thereafter. However, volatile fatty acid production peaked at approximately 8 h after evening feed and then steadily declined. AS and US diets led sheep to lose weight. In conclusion, urea‐calcium hydroxide treated straw can be used for sheep as an alternative to ammonia treated straw. Without supplementation, ammonia or urea‐calcium hydroxide treated straw was not sufficient even for the maintenance of sheep.
Initiatives and behavioral sequence of maternal behavior in Japanese Black and Japanese Shorthorn cattle (Bos taurus)
Authors: KOHARI Daisuke , SATO Shusuke , SUGAWARA Kazuo
Published: September 2004

Maternal grooming (MG), nursing (NS) and mother‐infant behavior 5 min before (IB5) and immediately before (LIB) maternal behavior were observed in Japanese Black (JB) and Japanese Shorthorn (JS) cow‐calf pairs. During MG of the JB, the number of calf's IB5 was more than that of cows, but the duration of the MG positively correlated with the number of cow's IB5. During MG of the JS, the duration positively correlated with the number of calf's IB5. The number of the NS with calf's LIB and the number of calf's IB5 in the NS were more than those of cows in both breeds. The duration of the NS tended to correlate with the number of calf's IB5 in the JS. Main behavior sequence was observed like cow's approach, MG, calf's contact and NS, in this order, in both breeds. It is thought that the MG is released by cow's and calf's activities in both breeds and accelerated by the cow's activeness in the JB and by the calf's activeness in the JS, and that the NS is released and accelerated by the calf's activeness in JS.
Effects of feeding methods on eating frustration in stabled horses
Authors: NINOMIYA Shigeru , KUSUNOSE Ryo , SATO Shusuke , TERADA Misao , SUGAWARA Kazuo
Published: September 2004

Five feeding methods were tested in stabled horses: (i) cutting hay (hay was cut into 5 cm lengths), (ii) delaying feeding time (feeding was delayed until 1 h after the usual time), (iii) increasing the feeding frequency (hay was divided into two portions; one half was given at the normal time and the other 1 h later), (iv) increasing the feeding locations (hay was available at three locations), and (v) increasing the hay varieties (three species of hay were used). The behavioral durations in the 2 h after the experimental feedings were compared with those after usual feeding. In the cutting hay treatment, hay‐eating time decreased (P < 0.05), whereas bedding‐eating time and resting time tended to increase. In the delaying feeding time treatment, bedding investigation time increased (P < 0.01) and hay‐eating time tended to increase. In the increasing the feeding frequency treatment, hay‐eating time tended to increase. In the increasing the feeding locations treatment, bedding investigation time tended to decrease. In the increasing the hay varieties treatment, resting time tended to decrease and hay‐eating time tended to increase. It was suggested that the former two feeding methods might stimulate and the latter three feeding methods might suppress eating frustration in terms of increasing consummatory behavior (eating) and decreasing appetitive (investigating) and displacement behavior (resting).
Fetal heart rate monitoring from maternal body surface potentials using independent component analysis
Authors: CHEN Wenxi , ZHU Xin , NEMOTO Tetsu , KOBAYASHI Toshio , SAITO Toshiyuki
Published: September 2004

The fetal heart rate is indispensable for monitoring the health of unborn cattle fetuses. To monitor the fetal heart rate, a method employing independent component analysis (ICA) to extract the fetal electrocardiogram (fECG) from potentials measured on the maternal body surface and composed of a mixture of the maternal ECG (mECG), fECG, baseline drift and noise is described. A mixing of the raw data was simplified using a linear time‐invariant model. To separate the fECG from the mECG, baseline drift, and noise, an ICA strategy was applied, using a hyperbolic tangent as the contrast function and treating mutual information with the minimization principle to find the optimum demixing matrix to derive the fECG from the measured signals. After the feasibility of this method was shown on simulated signals obtained by randomly mixing pure fECG, pure mECG, low frequency sinusoidal drift and noise, real signals from three cloned pregnant Holstein cows with 157, 177 and 224‐day gestation periods were used to verify the separation method. The results show that the fECG, mECG, low‐frequency sinusoidal drift and noise can be clearly segregated in simulations, and that the fECG, mECG, baseline drift and noise can be successfully derived from real signals. The ICA approach has great potential in effectively detecting the fECG from maternal body surface potentials.
RADIOGRAPHIC, ULTRASONOGRAPHIC, AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF ALVEOLAR ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN DOGS
Authors: Scharf Gernot , Deplazes Peter , Kaser‐Hotz Barbara , Borer Luc , Hasler Andreas , Haller Markus , Flückiger Mark
Published: September 2004

Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare metacestodal infection of humans and domestic animals with Echinococcus multilocularis and predominantly affects the liver. In humans, diagnosis is based on serology, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), techniques that have not yet been validated for the diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis in dogs. Therefore, the purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the radiographic, ultrasonographic, and CT appearance of canine alveolar echinococcosis. Eleven dogs with confirmed alveolar echinococcosis (PCR or histology from biopsy material of metacestode tissue) diagnosed between 1995 and 2003 were included in the study. The age of the dogs at initial presentation ranged from 7 months to 10.5 years. Abdominal radiographs were made in nine animals, abdominal ultrasonography was performed in 10 dogs, and two CT studies in one dog, respectively. The history, clinical presentation, and laboratory findings for the 11 dogs were unspecific, the most frequent clinical finding being nonpainful progressive abdominal distention. All radiographed dogs had large liver masses; they contained small mineralizations in five. The most frequent ultrasonographic finding was multiple large cavitary masses with or without wall mineralizations. Seven animals received surgical and subsequent medical therapy with albendazole (10 mg/kg) and all went into clinical remission. This study reviewed for the first time imaging findings associated with alveolar echinococcosis. The disease has to be included in the list of differential diagnoses in dogs with large, cavitary liver masses, particularly when mineralization is noted.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNTING IN DOGS AND CATS
Authors: D'Anjou Marc‐André , Penninck Dominique , Cornejo Lilian , Pibarot Philippe
Published: September 2004

The value of ultrasonography was evaluated in 85 dogs and 17 cats presented with a clinically suspected portosystemic shunt (PSS). A PSS was confirmed in 50 dogs and nine cats (single congenital extrahepatic in 42, single congenital intrahepatic in 11, and multiple acquired in six). Six dogs and one cat had hepatic microvascular dysplasia, and 29 dogs and seven cats had a normal portal system. Ultrasonography was 92% sensitive, 98% specific, and had positive and negative predictive values of 98% and 89%, respectively, in identifying PSS, with an overall accuracy of 95%. When a PSS was identified with ultrasonography, extrahepatic, intrahepatic, and multiple acquired PSS could be correctly differentiated in 53/54 patients (98%). The combination of a small liver, large kidneys, and uroliths had positive and negative predictive values of 100% and 51% for the presence of a congenital PSS in dogs. The portal vein/aorta (PV/Ao) and portal vein/caudal vena cava (PV/CVC) ratios were smaller in animals with extrahepatic PSSs compared with animals with microvascular dysplasia, intrahepatic PSSs and those without portal venous anomalies (P<0.001). All dogs and cats with a PV/Ao ratio of ≤0.65 had an extrahepatic PSS or idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension. Dogs and cats with PV/Ao and PV/CVC ratios of ≥0.8 and ≥0.75, respectively, did not have an extrahepatic PSS. Reduced or reversed portal flow was seen in four of four patients with multiple acquired PSSs secondary to portal hypertension. The presence of turbulence in the caudal vena cava of dogs had positive and negative predictive values of 91% and 84%, respectively, for the presence of any PSS terminating into that vein.
A REVIEW OF THE SONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF TUMOR METASTASES IN LIVER AND SUPERFICIAL LYMPH NODES
Authors: Nyman Helena T. , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Flagstad Annette , McEvoy Fintan J.
Published: September 2004

Diagnostic imaging techniques are an important part of the diagnostic workup and staging of cancer patients. Ultrasound is of particular interest in this respect. In so far as tumor metastases are concerned, ultrasonography of regional lymph nodes and of the liver can provide valuable information. In humans many criteria, some of them objective, have been evaluated as indicators of malignancy. The most diagnostically helpful of these include the short/long axis ratio of the lymph node, the pattern of distribution of the blood vessels within the lymph node, and to some extent the calculated values for resistive and pulsatility indices. Putative objective criteria to improve the specificity of ultrasound for metastases detection in the liver have also been evaluated. These include perfusion indices, primarily using analysis of Doppler frequencies (Doppler perfusion index) and hepatic venography using an ultrasound contrast agent. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography is a new and promising area to help the initial diagnosis and characterization of malignancy, particularly for focal lesions in the liver. This review discusses the use of ultrasound for detection of metastases and presents material from four veterinary cases.
ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE SOLAR ASPECT OF THE DISTAL PHALANX IN THE HORSE
Authors: Olivier‐Carstens Ann
Published: September 2004

Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on the solar aspect of the distal phalanx of 10 feet of five normal live horses (Group 1), 22 feet of seven normal cadavers (Group 2), and nine feet of five horses with pathology of the dorsal solar aspect of the distal phalanx (Group 3). Lateromedial radiographs of the distal phalanx were made in all groups, and in Group 2, digits were sagitally sectioned after imaging. The ultrasonographic and radiographic appearance of the sagittal solar aspect of the distal phalanx was described. Measurements of the distance between the sole and the distal tip of the distal phalanx (A), the solar aspect of the apex of the frog and the distal phalanx (B), and the body of the frog's surface and flexor surface of the distal sesamoid bone (C) were made ultrasonographically, radiographically, and on the sectioned cadaver specimens. There was no statistical difference between the radiographic, ultrasonographic, and direct cadaver measurements in A and C. In B, there was a statistical difference between the radiographic, ultrasonographic, and cadaver measurements—most likely as a result of the difference in trimming of the frog apex. Ultrasonographic and radiographic examination of the nine feet of the five horses in Group 3 were performed and the abnormalities described. Color flow and power Doppler ultrasonography were performed on the normal sagittal solar distal phalanx, on the impar distal sesamoidean ligament, and at the insertion of the deep digital flexor tendon on thefacies flexoriaof the distal phalanx. Power Doppler in these horses showed blood flow at 0.16–0.48 kHz at the tip of the distal phalanx and at 0.16 kHz at the deep digital flexor tendon insertion and in the impar distal sesamoidean ligament. Using color flow Doppler in normal horses mean blood flows ranged from 1.8 to 5.4 cm/s at the tip of the distal phalanx and 1.8–2.0 cm/s at the deep digital flexor tendon insertion and in the impar distal sesamoidean ligament.
ORCHITIS IN TWO DOGS WITH ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER
Authors: Ober Christopher P. , Spaulding Kathy , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Malarkey David E. , Hegarty Barbara C.
Published: September 2004

Two dogs with testicular swelling were sonographically diagnosed with orchitis and were subsequently diagnosed with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). Use of both gray scale and color Doppler sonography allowed for differentiation of orchitis from neoplasia and torsion. While only experimentally induced RMSF is reported to cause orchitis in dogs, it should be considered in any dog with vascular insult to the testes, especially when other signs of systemic illness are involved.
UNEXPECTED TOXICITY FOLLOWING USE OF GEMCITABINE AS A RADIOSENSITIZER IN HEAD AND NECK CARCINOMAS: A VETERINARY RADIATION THERAPY ONCOLOGY GROUP PILOT STUDY
Authors: LeBlanc Amy K. , LaDue Tracy A. , Turrel Jane M. , Klein Mary Kay
Published: September 2004

Gemcitabine (2′,2′‐difluorodeoxycytidine) was given intravenously twice weekly to 10 cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma and 15 dogs with nasal carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy as a radiosensitizing agent. The average total radiation dose was 50 Gy for dogs and 54 Gy for cats given Monday–Friday (planned dose of 54 and 57 Gy, respectively). Dogs received an average of five doses of gemcitabine beginning at 50 mg/m2, and cats received an average of five doses of gemcitabine beginning at 25 mg/m2. Twelve of 15 dogs and five of 10 cats required chemotherapy dose reduction or postponement because of hematologic or normal tissue toxicity. The results herein do not support the use of gemcitabine at the studied dose and schedule, as significant hematologic and local tissue toxicity was observed in the studied patients. Pharmacokinetic data are necessary to best define the efficacy and optimal dose and schedule of gemcitabine in combination with traditional radiotherapy.