bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of MIG‐6, WNT‐9A, and WNT‐7B During Osteoarthritis
Authors: VELASQUILLO CRISTINA , GARCIADIEGO‐CÁZARES DAVID , ALMONTE MAYLIN , BUSTAMANTE MARCIA , IBARRA CLEMENTE , KOURI JUAN B. , CHIMAL‐MONROY JESÚS
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Although the molecular mechanisms for initiation of cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis (OA) are unknown, it has been demonstrated that disruption of mitogen‐inducible gene 6 (Mig‐6) in mice leads to the onset of a degenerative joint disease like OA. On this basis, we correlated gene expression of Mig‐6 with Wnt‐9a and Wnt‐7b genes; we showed downregulation of Mig‐6, Wnt‐7b, and Wnt‐9a during OA, while Wnt‐7b was expressed also in osteoblast‐like cells. Here we suggest that Aggrecan degradation occurs before the downregulation of Mig‐6. It remains to be proven whether there is any relation between Wnt signaling and Aggrecan degradation.
Fluid Shear Stress Upregulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Expression in Osteoblasts
Authors: THI MIA M. , IACOBAS DUMITRU A. , IACOBAS SANDA , SPRAY DAVID C.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Fluid‐induced shear stress is widely recognized as an important biophysical signal in cell–cell mechanotransduction. To identify cellular signaling pathways that are regulated by fluid shear stress, we applied the unbiased approach of transcriptional profiling. Our cDNA array analysis detected that 1,165 of the 6,288 sampled unigenes were significantly affected by pulsatile fluid flow. GenMapp 2.1 analysis revealed pathways of genes regulated by shear stress: angiogenesis, blood vessel morphogenesis, regulation of endothelial cell proliferation, and prostaglandin biosynthesis. Individual genes significantly up‐/downregulated by shear stress included vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegf a), cysteine‐rich protein 61 (Cyr61), platelet‐derived growth factor‐alpha (Pdgf a), connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf), Neuropilin 1 (Nrp1), angiotensin II receptor, type 1 a (Agtr1 a) and fibroblast growth factor 1 (Fgf1). Based on these findings, we hypothesize that fluid shear stress‐regulated Vegf most likely stimulates MC3T3‐E1 cells through autocrine/paracrine release and may provide a powerful recruitment signal for osteoclasts, endothelial cells, and/or stem cells during bone remodeling.
Calcitonin Affects Both Bone and Cartilage
Authors: KARSDAL MORTEN A. , SONDERGAARD BODIL C. , ARNOLD MICHEL , CHRISTIANSEN CLAUS
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of degenerative joint diseases and a major cause of disability and impaired quality of life in the elderly. OA is a complex disease involving both bone and cartilage properties, and may therefore require alternative approaches for treatment. Recent lines of evidence suggest that calcitonin acts on both osteoclasts and chondrocytes. The review summarizes emerging observations from cell biology to preliminary clinical trials, describing possible chondroprotective effects of calcitonin. This review summarizes peer‐reviewed articles found using predefined search criteria and published in the PubMed database before June 2007. In addition, abstracts from the OsteoArthritis Research Society International (OARSI) conferences in the time period 2000 to 2006 were included. A range of studies, at the cellular level, in animal models, and in clinical trials, describe positive effects of calcitonin on bone health. Regarding articular cartilage, direct effects of calcitonin on chondrocytes on matrix synthesis, as well as inhibition of cartilage degradation, have been presented. In addition, clinical evidence for a chondroprotective effect of calcitonin is emerging. Several lines of evidence suggest direct anabolic effects of calcitonin on articular chondrocytes, resulting in increased proteoglycan synthesis. The anticatabolic effects of calcitonin may involve induction of cAMP, resulting in attenuation of MMP‐mediated cartilage degradation. Presently there is limited availability of chondroprotective agents. Therefore, the current clinical research on calcitonin is highly anticipated, and may prove calcitonin treatment efficacious for the prevention and treatment of OA.
B Lymphocytes and the Skeleton
Authors: HOROWITZ MARK C. , LORENZO JOSEPH A.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Mesenchymal lineage cells arise from pluripotent stem cells in the bone marrow (BM) and transition through a series of developmental stages resulting in mature functional cells. This specification results in the development of osteoblast, adipocytes, myoblasts, chondroblasts, and stromal cells (part of the recticular network). The osteoblast developmental pathway is well understood particularly at the later stages of development. However, less is known about the very early stages, where cell fate decisions that lead to commitment to the osteoblast lineage occur. Adipocytes, the cells that produce fat, likely share a common early progenitor with osteoblasts, although little is known about the molecular control of this lineage bifurcation. Growing evidence indicates that transcription factors required for B lymphocyte development from hematopoietic stem cells are critical for proper skeletal development although as yet none have been implicated in osteoblast differentiation. We have discovered that O/E‐1, a transcription factor essential for B cell development, is expressed in osteoblasts and plays a critical role in controlling osteoblast development. O/E‐1‐deficient mice are runted, have increased bone formation parameters, and have a striking increase in osteoblasts. Remarkably, these mice also exhibit a dramatic expansion of adipocytes in the medullary canal of long bones.
Rationale for Using Nitric Oxide Donor Therapy for Prevention of Bone Loss and Treatment of Osteoporosis in Humans
Authors: WIMALAWANSA SUNIL J.
Published: December 2007

Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous molecule involved in most cellular functions. While osteocytes communicate between bone cells, diffusible small molecules—H+and NO—are involved in short‐term regulation of bone metabolism. Studies conducted over the past two decades have demonstrated the regulatory role of NO in bone metabolism. Circulating NO products are significantly lower in postmenopausal women, and estrogen supplementation restores this. Skeletal beneficial effects of estrogen are abolished with NO‐synthase enzyme inhibitors, suggesting some estrogenic skeletal effects are mediated through NO/cGMP pathway. Since estrogen/hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has potential adverse effects, supplementing NO directly is sensible. NO is also involved with other cellular functions, such as isoprenylation of the Rho GTPase that stimulates Rho‐PK (the functioning Rho‐PK in turn inactivates something that would otherwise turn on the BMP‐2/Cbfa1‐Runx‐2 cycle), and likely to be the final common pathway of other agents including statins. The first human study using nitroglycerine in the prevention of oophorectomy‐induced bone loss demonstrated an equivalent efficacy to estrogen in the prevention of bone loss. A randomized NIH‐funded NOVEL clinical study is currently assessing the effectiveness of topically administered nitroglycerine in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss. If efficacy of nitroglycerine is confirmed, it may become a highly cost‐effective and safe alternative therapy to treat osteoporosis. Nitroglycerine has beneficial effects in multiple systems, especially the cardiovascular system. If results of this study confirm our hypothesis, it is plausible that nitroglycerine therapy may supplant estrogen replacement and SERMs in preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Hypoxia‐Mediated Mitochondrial Stress in RAW264.7 Cells Induces Osteoclast‐Like TRAP‐Positive Cells
Authors: SRINIVASAN SATISH , AVADHANI NARAYAN G.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Previously we showed that mitochondrial dysfunction induced by mitochondrial DNA depletion or treatment with electron transport chain inhibitors triggers a stress signaling involving activation of calcineurin and Ca2+‐responsive factors. In this study we show that exposure of RAW 264.7 cells to hypoxia, causing increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, also induced a similar stress signaling. Hypoxia caused increased [Ca2+]c, activation of cytosolic calcineurin and induced expression of Ryanodine Receptor 2 (RyR2) gene. Prolonged hypoxia (5% O2 for 5–6 days) also induced the expression of calcitonin receptor at high levels, and those of cathepsin K, and tartarate‐resistant alkaline phosphatase (TRAP) at low‐moderate levels in macrophage cells. Addition of RANKL had an additive effect suggesting different mechanisms of activation. Consistent with this possibility, prolonged hypoxia induced the formation of TRAP‐positive osteoclast‐like cells suggesting the occurrence of an autocrine mechanism for osteoclastogenesis.
Perfusion Abnormalities in Subchondral Bone Associated with Marrow Edema, Osteoarthritis, and Avascular Necrosis
Authors: AARON ROY K. , DYKE JONATHAN P. , CIOMBOR DEBORAH McK. , BALLON DOUGLAS , LEE JONATHAN , JUNG EDWARD , TUNG GLENN A.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Bone marrow edema is seen in osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, and other clinical conditions including the bone marrow edema syndrome. Bone marrow edema is associated with bone pain and may be related to the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. Our hypothesis is that bone marrow edema is associated with a reduction in perfusion in subchondral bone, which contributes to focal and segmental bone necrosis and cartilage breakdown. We further hypothesize that altered fluid dynamics in subchondral bone comprise part of the physicochemical environment to which osteocytes are highly sensitive and alter their cytokine expression profile in response to changes in fluid flow, pressure, and oxygen gradients. We have used contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with Gd‐DTPA to characterize changes in subchondral bone perfusion in two relevant and related models—the Dunkin–Hartley guinea pig model of osteoarthritis and human bone marrow edema associated with osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis. Pharmacokinetic modeling was used to extract dynamic parameters of perfusion. Representative time‐intensity curves are derived, which characterize normal bone and bone with marrow edema. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging may be a useful tool for the early diagnosis of bone perfusion abnormalities and may be used to characterize marrow edema associated with a number of clinical conditions. This technique may also shed light on the pathophysiology of subchondral perfusion in osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis.
Progress, Paradox, and Potential
Authors: POTTS JOHN T. , GARDELLA THOMAS J.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  With the advent of advances in chemical and molecular biology, the structure of parathyroid hormone (PTH); the related protein, parathyroid‐related protein (PTHrP); and their principal receptor (PTH/PTHrP receptor [PTHR1]) were established over recent decades. Tests with purified hormonal peptide in humans led to the surprising, even paradoxical, finding that PTH can be used pharmacologically to build bone, providing a dramatic therapeutic impact on osteoporosis. These developments plus recent insights into previously unappreciated ligand–receptor conformations that cause prolonged biological activation have stimulated the field of calcium and bone biology and posed new questions about the role of PTH and PTHrP as well as possible new directions in the therapy of osteoporosis and calcium‐deficit states.
The Political Ideology of Labour Councillors
Authors: Gordon Ian , Whiteley Paul
Published: December 2007

Studies of local politics in the UK have paid increasing attention to policy-making but have virtually ignored the role of ‘ideology’. This is rather unfortunate since the literature abounds with the implicit assumption that it has a part to play. The majority of studies have examined the political attitudes of party activists in terms of partisan attachment and social class. Forms of political leadership and their impact upon decision-making have also been examined in terms of community values. Building upon the American literature policy output studies have identified partisanship as being of importance while several other writers have attached different values to the role types found on local councils. Finally, John Dearlove has used ‘ideology’ in a rather restrictive fashion as the ‘proper scope of government’ to explain policy-making in Kensington and Chelsea.

The absence of any serious consideration given to political ideology may be due to several reasons. In the first place the characterization of local government as being highly centralized by some writers would deny local political ideology any meaningful role. Secondly, the view held by some practitioners and academics that local services provision is over and above party politics.
Consumer Response to Public Transport Improvements and Car Restraint: Some Practical Findings
Authors: Heggie Ian G.
Published: December 2007

Most local authorities in Britain are trying to help public transport. Priority use of the road system, fare subsidies and new innovatory services are all being used to encourage increased patronage. Positive discrimination, in the form of car restraint, is also being used to discourage car use. All this is being done with the blessing and encouragement of central government.

Local authorities must belp buses to operate reliably and economically in the face of competing demands for road space. Comprehensive measures of traffic management … should give proper priority for the movement of buses and for restraining private car movements. Some initiatives have been and are being tried in urban areas with novel forms of transport, such as dial-abus….

These measures stand in stark contrast to the policies of the late 1960s. At that time the declared aim of most local authorities was to improve and extend the road system to achieve free-flow traffic conditions, although this was tempered by the thought that ‘… the measures required to deal with the full potential amounts of motor traffic in big cities are so formidable that society will have to ask itself seriously how far it is prepared to go with the motor vehicle….’
Politics and Public Bureaucracies: A Reconsideration
Authors: Greenwood Royston
Published: December 2007

In a recent paper an attempt was made to trace the impact of political pressures upon the structural arrangements of public bureaucracies. The existence of political pressures, it was hypothesized, would result in greater control of administrative activities and decisions through use of rules, procedures, formal systems of communication and a highly centralized form of personal supervision. The results of the study reported in the paper failed to support the hypothesis.

It is tempting in the face of discrepant empirical observations to discard the theory as formulated. That has not been the procedure here, although in re-examining the original theory a number of unneccessary flaws were detected and (we hope) duly recitified, Discrepant observations however, may also be the product of deficiencies in research methods and it is wise to seek there for explanation. The postmortem represented here includes re-examination of the methods used. Let us begin, nevertheless, with the logic of the hypothesis. Is it flawed, or worthy of further consideration?

The hypothesis emanated from a disturbing omission within the literature of organization theory. There is a lengthy programme of researche’s which has cumulatively added to what is now popularly referred to as ‘contingency theory’.
Transport Forecasting: Fixing the Future
Authors: Gershuny Jonathan
Published: December 2007

There is no one single future to be forecast. The future is, to a greater or lesser extent, determined by our own actions; to the extent that we have discretion in our activities we must think, not of the future but of alternative possible futures. This is particularly important in the case of transport, which has been seen over the last century to be a major causal variable in the pattern of social change; in choosing a future transport system we are also choosing the much wider system of social relations that will be dependent on the particular transport provisions. The choice of transport system is thus an especially important part of public policymaking, and forecasting must playa significant role in choice. This paper will look at two particular examples – motor vehicle forecasting, and airport demand and capacity forecasting – in order to throw some light on the nature of this role.

The concept of rational policymaking is helpful in formulating a view of the appropriate form for forecasting. Rationality is an attribute, not of some particular policy, but of a particular process of choosing a policy.
Misbehaviour Among School Children: The Role of the School in Strategies for Prevention
Authors: Heal Kevin
Published: December 2007

On the purely pragmatic grounds that it may be easier to change the child’s school than his home, the proposal that policy should give the school a central part to play in the prevention of crime must be taken seriously. What remains a matter of debate is whether the school is capable of fulfilling this role.

A review of the research literature reveals general agreement that secondary schools can exert an independent influence over the behaviour of pupils. One exception to this consensus of opinion – and, in particular, to the conclusions of Power et al. – is presented by the Cambridge Study of Delinquent Development conducted by West and Farrington. On the basis of their findings, the authors concluded that ‘attendance at different secondary schools made no substantial difference to boys’ pre-existing delinquency potentials’.

A more detailed discussion of the same data, however, had earlier led Farrington to a rather different conclusion: having noted that differences in the delinquency rates between schools were primarily due to differences among the boys entering them, Farrington commented that ‘it should not be assumed that secondary schools have no influence at all on the development of juvenile delinquency’.
‘Values’ in the Policy Process
Authors: Young Ken
Published: December 2007

This paper is addressed to some of the problems of using the concept values as an explanatory factor in the analysis of public policy-making. An obvious justification for a focus upon values is the presence within the field of policy output studies of implicit or partly explicated value or predisposition variables. The attention given to party control or Labour strength as intervening variables in the papers by Newton and Sharpe and Alt testify to the assumed importance of values, for party identification and control are clearly surrogates for a constellation of values which, though rarely discussed, are thought to inhere in the party. A broad range of studies conducted on both sides of the Atlantic suggest that such dimensions as ‘the scope of government’, ‘attitude to deviance’, ‘tolerance of ambiguity’, as well as more general aspects of actor roles, class cultures, or organizational ideologies, playa major part in the determination of policy decisions.

Value analysis is without doubt a theoretical and methodological minefield. It is clear that different dimensions of belief and evaluation bear upon different policy areas; that levels of analysis problems arise in the identification of whose values are potent for policy;
Subjective Social Indicators and Urban Political Analysis: Or, What Do We Need to Know About Who’s Happy?
Authors: Gordon Ian
Published: December 2007

One consequence of an interest by social scientists in the policy process is, or ought to be, a tendency towards subversion of the established boundaries of their disciplines, involving both a more pragmatic choice of conceptual approaches or techniques and a questioning of the boundaries of the ‘systems’ with which they are concerned. The argument of this paper is that recent work in the field of subjective social indicators has both implications and potential for students of urban policy-making – but it lies outside the mainstream political science traditions in its generally psychological orientation and its concern for the non-political feelings or attitudes of non-élite actors. Compared with other attitudinal approaches which some political scientists have adopted, its distinguishing features are an emphasis on the affective rather than the cognitive dimensions and a central concern for the measurement of overall states of happiness or quality of life enjoyed by individuals. Its interest for normative analyses of community performance is obvious, as is its potential as a general framework for organizing attitudinal data. However, it is less clear that the areas of experience (domains) or the dimensions of attitudes which are emphasized are particularly suited to the needs of urban political scientists.
The Decomposition of Differences in Two-Party Alignment: A Note on the Method Suggested by Butler and Stokes
Authors: Knapp Martin R.J.
Published: December 2007

The association between major-party alignment and social class has been of central interest to political scientists for some time, stimulating statistical investigations of varying degrees of sophistication. A particulary appealing approach has been suggested by Butler and Stokes allowing decomposition of a party’s share of the vote into what they term class composition, class support, and interaction effects. The appeal of this method derives not least from the fact that it may be applied to a comparison of only two regions or constituencies, whereas the multiple regression analyses, of for example, Crewe and Payne, and Miller, require many more observations. Closer examination of the Butler and Stokes procedure, however, reveals two unfortunate phenomena – an algebraic error in the derivation of the decomposition equation and, of rather more consequence, a lack of symmetry in the definition of the support, composition, and interaction effects. This asymmetry serves to cast doubt on the practical usefulness of the suggested approach.
Policy Innovation in the Yugoslav Commune: The Search for a Pattern
Authors: Seroka James
Published: December 2007

In recent years the study of innovation in public policy decision-making has become an important research subject, Many scholars have searched for a common model of policy innovation but, in general, their results have been contradictory. One factor leading to the paucity of theoretically generalizeable findings may be that innovation is too broad a concept for simple empirical examination. In other words, ‘innovation’ may mean all things to all men. This research note suggests that there are various conceptual dimensions to the innovation process, and determines that it is premature to apply a single predictive model to the entire range of innovation decisions without examining the various stages and foci of the innovation process.

There are at least two distinct conceptual dimensions to the innovation process: one is the type of decision and the other is the policy arena for the decision. First, the entire process of innovation within an organization is very complex and can embrace a large number of different independent decisions. Even though all of the decisions of an organization concerning an innovation process are heavily interconnected and dependent upon each other, each decision may be implemented and excecuted in a different manner.
Factors Affecting the Location of Voluntary Organization Branches
Authors: Hatch Stephen , Mocroft Ian
Published: December 2007

The contribution that voluntary organizations can make to social welfare is affected by the fact that the branches of most national organizations are not distributed evenly over the country. The study reported here was carried out for the Wolfenden Committee on Voluntary Organizations in order to examine the extent of this unevenness and to see whether the distribution was random or followed a pattern.

The study was confined to the towns in England and Wales with a population in 1971 of over 50,000. London and the London boroughs were omitted. For each town the following information was obtained: 1) whether each of 22 national voluntary organizations had a branch located in the town; and 2) 26 indicators of economic and social conditions mostly drawn from the 1971 census. The 22 voluntary organizations and the 26 indicators are listed in Appendix 1.

The towns were classified on the basis of the 26 indicators, employing a technique derived from Moser and Scott’s British Towns. A computer analysis was used to identify the main underlying factors that seemed to account for most variations in the 26 indicators.
Cell-Cell Signaling Through NOTCH Regulates Human Embryonic Stem Cell Proliferation
Authors: Fox Victoria , Gokhale Paul J. , Walsh James R. , Matin Maryam , Jones Mark , Andrews Peter W.
Published: December 2007

Unlike pluripotent mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, human ES cells and their malignant equivalents, embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, require close cell-cell contact for efficient growth. Signaling through the NOTCH receptor, initiated by interaction with ligands of the DELTA/JAGGED family expressed on neighboring cells, plays a role in regulating the self-renewal of several stem cell systems. Members of the NOTCH and DELTA/JAGGED families are expressed by human EC and ES cells, and we have therefore investigated the possible role of NOTCH in the maintenance of these cells. Cleavage of both NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 to yield the intracellular domain responsible for the canonical signaling pathway of NOTCH was detected in several human EC and ES cell lines, suggesting that NOTCH signaling is active. Furthermore, the proliferation of human EC cells, as well as the expression of several downstream NOTCH target genes, was markedly reduced after small interfering RNA knockdown of NOTCH1, NOTCH2, and the canonical effector CBF-1 or after blocking NOTCH signaling with the γ-secretase inhibitor L-685,458. The inhibitor also caused a reduction in the growth of human ES cells, although without evidence of differentiation. The results indicate that cell-cell signaling through the NOTCH system provides a critical cue for the proliferation of human EC and ES cell in vitro.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Assessment of three automated assays for C-reactive protein determination in dogs
Authors: Fransson Boel A. , Bergström Annika , Wardrop K. Jane , Hagman Ragnvi
Published: December 2007

Objective—To determine the characteristics of an automated canine C-reactive protein (CRP) assay and evaluate 2 human CRP assays for use in dogs.

Animals—56 client-owned dogs with pyometra and 11 healthy control dogs.

Procedures—Samples from 11 dogs with high (> 100 mg/L) or low (< 10 mg/L) CRP concentrations (determined by use of a canine ELISA) were evaluated by use of the automated canine CRP assay. Intra- and interassay imprecision was determined (by use of those 2 plasma pools), and assay inaccuracy was assessed by use of logistic regression analysis of results obtained via ELISA and the automated canine CRP assay. Two automated human CRP assays were used to measure plasma CRP concentration in 10 dogs.

Results—By use of the ELISA, mean ± SD plasma CRP concentration was 96.1 ± 38.5 mg/L and 10.1 ± 23.2 mg/L in dogs with pyometra and control dogs, respectively. The automated canine assay had intra-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) of 7.8% and 7.9%, respectively, and interassay CVs of 11.1% and 13.1%, respectively. Results from the automated assay were highly correlated with results obtained via ELISA. The human assay results did not exceed 0.4 mg/L in any dog.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The automated canine CRP assay had less interassay imprecision, compared with the ELISA. The 2 human CRP assays were not suitable for analysis of canine plasma samples. The automated canine CRP assay was more precise than the ELISA for serial evaluations of plasma CRP concentration in dogs.
Effects of perzinfotel on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in dogs
Authors: Kushiro Tokiko , Wiese Ashley J. , Eppler Mark C. , Muir William W.
Published: December 2007

Objective—To determine the effect of IV administration of perzinfotel on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in dogs.

Animals—6 healthy sexually intact male Beagles.

Procedures—Dogs were instrumented with a telemetry device that permitted continuous monitoring of heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and body temperature. Dogs were anesthetized with propofol (4 to 6 mg/kg, IV) and isoflurane for 30 minutes before determination of MAC of isoflurane. Isoflurane MAC values were determined 4 times, separated by a minimum of 7 days, before and after IV administration of perzinfotel (0 [control], 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg). Bispectral index and percentage hemoglobin saturation with oxygen (SpO2) were monitored throughout anesthesia.

Results—Isoflurane MAC was 1.32 ± 0.14%. Intravenous administration of perzinfotel at 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg decreased isoflurane MAC by 0%, 24%, 30%, and 47%, respectively. Perzinfotel significantly decreased isoflurane MAC values, compared with baseline and control values. The bispectral index typically increased with higher doses of perzinfotel and lower isoflurane concentrations, but not significantly. Heart rate, body temperature, and SpO2 did not change, but systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial blood pressures significantly increased with decreases in isoflurane MAC after administration of perzinfotel at 10 and 20 mg/kg, compared with 0 and 5 mg/kg.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—IV administration of perzinfotel decreased isoflurane MAC values. Improved hemodynamics were associated with decreases in isoflurane concentration.
Use of bispectral index to monitor depth of anesthesia in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs
Authors: Campagnol Daniela , Teixeira Neto Francisco J. , Monteiro Eduardo R. , Beier Suzane L. , Aguiar Antônio J. A.
Published: December 2007

Objective—To evaluate the correlation between the bispectral index (BIS) and end-tidal isoflurane (ETISO) concentration and compare the use of 3 BIS sensor positions in dogs.

Animals—6 adult dogs.

Procedures—Mechanically ventilated dogs received pancuronium, and depth of anesthesia was altered by increasing ETISO concentration from 1.5% to 2.3% and 3.0%. The BIS, suppression ratio (relative percentage of isoelectric electroencephalographic waveforms), and signal quality index (SQI) were recorded at each ETISO concentration for each of 3 BIS sensor positions (frontal-occipital, bifrontal, and frontal-temporal positions).

Results—The BIS and ETISO concentration were poorly correlated; regardless of sensor positioning, mean BIS values did not change significantly as ETISO was increased. At 3% isoflurane, regardless of sensor positioning, there was an increase in suppression ratio coincident with BIS < 40 in some dogs, whereas paradoxic increases in BIS (> 60) were recorded in others. Furthermore, at 3.0% isoflurane, the SQI was significantly lower for the bifrontal sensor position (compared with values for the other positions), but low SQI values prevented recording of BIS values from the frontal-occipital sensor position in 2 dogs. Overall, BIS values derived from the 3 sensor positions did not differ.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In dogs, BIS values may not reflect changes in depth of isoflurane anesthesia in the absence of noxious stimulation. Of the 3 sensor positions, frontal-temporal positioning provided better correlation with changes in depth of anesthesia induced via changes in isoflurane concentrations. However, the sensor placements yielded similar results at SQI values > 50.
Evaluation of the influences of exercise, birth date, and osteochondrosis on plasma bone marker concentrations in Hanoverian Warmblood foals
Authors: Vervuert Ingrid , Winkelsett Sarah , Christmann Ludwig , Bruns Erich , Hoppen Hans-Otto , Distl Ottmar , Hertsch Bodo , Coenen Manfred
Published: December 2007

Objective—To determine whether plasma concentrations of bone turnover markers in growing Hanoverian foals are influenced by age, housing conditions, or osteochondrosis.

Animals—165 healthy foals and 119 foals with osteochondrosis.

Procedures—Foals were allocated according to birth date and housing management into groups of early-born (born before March 31, 2001; n = 154 foals, 88 of which were healthy and 66 of which had osteochondrosis) and late-born (born after March 31, 2001; 130 foals, 77 of which were healthy and 53 of which had osteochondrosis) foals. Plasma osteocalcin and carboxyterminal propeptide of type I collagen concentrations were analyzed as markers of bone formation, and carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen concentration was analyzed as a marker of bone resorption. Foals underwent radiographic evaluation to screen for osteochondrosis.

Results—Plasma concentrations of osteocalcin, carboxyterminal propeptide of type I collagen, and carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen decreased with age, but these changes were more distinct in late-born foals than in early-born foals. Neither sex nor predisposition to develop osteochondrosis affected the pattern of bone marker changes in either group.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—An age-related decrease in concentrations of bone markers was seen during the first 200 days of life. Changes in bone marker concentrations were similar for foals with osteochondrosis and healthy foals. The correlation between the decrease in bone marker concentration and date of birth indicates that there are differences in skeletal development between early- and late-born foals.
Effect of conformation of the distal portion of the femur and proximal portion of the tibia on the pathogenesis of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs
Authors: Guerrero Tomás G. , Geyer Hans , Hässig Michael , Montavon Pierre M.
Published: December 2007

Objective—To evaluate mediolateral radiographic views of stifle joints to identify conforma-tional differences between athletically sound dogs and dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD).

Sample Population—Radiographic images of 50 stifle joints of 43 dogs with surgically confirmed CCLD and 50 stifle joints of 38 dogs without clinical signs of stifle joint disease.

Procedures—Mediolateral radiographic views of stifle joints were obtained, and long axes of the femur, tibia, and femoral condyles were measured. Angles between long axes of the femur and femoral condyle and between long axes of the femur and tibia were measured. Circles were drawn representing the joint surface of femoral condyles (circle 1), area of contact on the tibial plateau (circle 2), and femoral trochlea (circle 3). Radii of circles 1, 2 (line F), and 3 were measured. Distances between midpoints of circles 1 and 2 (line K) and between midpoint of circle 2 and most cranial aspect of the tibial tuberosity (line G) were measured. To evaluate differences in conformation that could lead to CCLD, quotients derived from measurements were created for comparison; angles were compared between dog groups.

Results—Significant differences were found in the quotients created by the lengths of lines G and F and lines G and K between dogs with and without CCLD.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—No anatomic differences were detected in the distal portion of the femur between dogs with and without CCLD. Development of the tibial tuberosity and shape (convexity) of tibial condyles may be relevant in the pathogenesis of CCLD.
Alteration of release and role of adenosine diphosphate and thromboxane A2 during collagen-induced aggregation of platelets from cattle with Chediak-Higashi syndrome
Authors: Honda Naofumi , Ohnishi Katsuyuki , Fujishiro Tsuyoshi , Ikeda Masahiro , Ito Katsuaki
Published: December 2007

Objective—To compare the interaction of endogenous ADP with collagen and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) during collagen-induced platelet aggregation between platelets from healthy cattle and those with Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS).

Population Sample—Platelets harvested from blood samples from healthy Japanese Black cattle and those with CHS.

Procedures—Aggregation of gel-filtered platelets; release of ATP-ADP; and generation of thromboxane B2 (TXB2), a metabolite of TXA2, were measured.

Results—The potency of collagen to induce aggregation in platelets of cattle with CHS (ie, CHS platelets) was less than a tenth of that in platelets of healthy cattle (ie, control platelets). Platelet aggregation induced by collagen at an intermediate concentration depended on the coexistence of ADP and TXA2, suggesting that released ADP cannot cause platelet aggregation by itself. Collagen-induced ADP release was markedly decreased, whereas TXB2 production was slightly low in CHS platelets, compared with that in control platelets. A combination of subthreshold amounts of ADP and 9,11-dideoxy-9α, 11α-methano-epoxy-prostaglandin F2α (U46619), a TXA2 analogue, caused platelet aggregation. Similarly, a combination of subthreshold amounts of collagen and ADP caused platelet aggregation, whereas collagen and U46619 were not synergistic.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Deficient ADP release ensuing from the δ-storage pool deficiency in platelets from cattle with CHS resulted in reduction of collagen-induced platelet aggregation, through attenuation of synergism between TXA2 and ADP and between ADP and collagen. Furthermore, results of the study reported here indicated that TXA2 was important for aggregation of bovine platelets.
The Long‐term Prognosis of Bacteriuria in Pregnancy
Authors: Birch Carsten D. , Fischer‐Rasmussen Wiggo , Vejlsgaard René
Published: December 2007

An investigation made in 1966‐67 of 2 122 pregnant women revealed 182 (8.6%) with significant asymptomatic bacteriuria, of whom 127 could be located in 1983. In 182 non‐bacteriuric controls from the same investigation 105 could be located. Eight bacteriuric and 1 non‐bacteriuric patient had died, all from causes of death unrelated to urinary tract infections. Data were collected by questionnaires, together with a urine specimen from approximately 73% of the survivors. No differences could be found between the initial bacteriuric and non‐bacteriuric group concerning the number and complications of later pregnancies, urinary tract infections requiring hospitalization, or recognized arterial hypertension. In 1983, more of the initially bacteriuric women had experienced urinary tract infections not demanding hospitalization and more were bacteriuric (≥105 col/ml), compared with the controls: 36.5% and 28.8%, respectively. These high rates probably indicate some contamination due to self‐sampling. B. anitratum was a new bacteria emerging, compared with the original study.
Serum Concentrations of Immunoglobulins and Complement Components in Women Using An Intra‐uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD)
Authors: Sandvei Roar , Matre Roald
Published: December 2007

Immunoglobulins A, G and M and the complement components C3, C4 and CI‐INH were quantified in sera from 59 women using an intra‐uterine contraceptive device (IUCD). Most of the women were using a Cu IUCD, and the mean duration of use was 7.3 years. No differences in the concentrations were detected compared with control subjects. Our data, however, do not exclude a possible temporary change in the concentrations of immunoglobulins and complement components.
Placental Compliance—Inferences from Doppler Studies of Umbilical Blood Flow During Cardiac Arrhythymia
Authors: Erskine Lawrence
Published: December 2007

Pulsed Doppler ultrasound was used to investigate human umbilical artery blood flow patterns in three fetuses where cardiac arrythymias were present, viz., congenital bradycardia, multiple extrasystoles and ‘dropped beats’. The impedance to blood flow along these arteries was assessed by the pulsatility index. The results suggest that the placental vascular bed on the fetal side has a high compliance.
Repeat Curettage After Evacuation of Hydatidiform Mole
Authors: Lao T. T. H. , Lee F. H. C. , Yeung S. S. L.
Published: December 2007

In the management of patients with molar pregnancy, a repeat uterine curettage is generally advocated after evacuation of the hydatidiform mole. To assess the usefulness of a repeat curettage, we reviewed our experience with this procedure over an 8‐year period. We found that it was unnecessary in 90% of the cases and did not predict or influence the outcome in all but one case of invasive mole. We feel that the procedure is not cost‐effective and should be reserved for patients with specific indications such as incomplete evacuation and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Feedback of Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Nishi Takenori , Yagi Shigeo , Nakano Ryosuke
Published: December 2007

The effect of exogenous estrogen on gonadotropin secretion was studied in postmenopausal women. Twelve postmenopausal Japanese women were administered 40 µg/day of ethinyl estradiol (EE) orally throughout the study. The ages of the volunteers ranged between 51 and 86 years. In the fourth week of the study, a daily dose of 200 µg of EE was also given orally to each subject for 4 days. The original administration of 40 µg/day of EE resulted in a gradual decline in both FSH and LH during the treatment. The degree of change in percent in decrease of FSH release was greater than that of LH release. When EE 200 µg/day was also given for 4 consecutive days a positive feedback action in both the FSH and LH levels was evident. The duration to the peak of the positive feedback action in LH and FSH was 5.3 and 4.4 days, respectively. These results suggest that the negative and positive feedback actions of estrogen on FSH and LH release are preserved in postmenopausal women.
Is the Fibrinolytic Activity Involved in the Mechanism of Fetal Membrane Rupture?
Authors: Evaldson George R. , Larsson Bertil
Published: December 2007

The fibrinolytic activity (FA) was determined in fetal membrane specimens obtained in 15 cases of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) and from 15 control women who gave birth spontaneously at term. In each case two membrane specimens were obtained, one from the rupture margin and the other from the membranes close to the placental margin. No significant difference in FA was demonstrated between the two groups of patients. Nor could any significant difference be found on comparing the FA within the paired membrane specimens of each group. Furthermore, no obvious change in FA was demonstrated in relation to clinical signs of chorioamnionitis or microbiological findings. However, although the FAs observed in prematurely ruptured membranes were comparable to those found in term specimens, this does not exclude the possibility of an involvement of FA in the mechanism of membrane rupture.
Evidence for the Luteal Source of Circulating Relaxin in Molar Pregnancy
Authors: Sekl K. , Kato K.
Published: December 2007

Serum levels of relaxin rapidly decreased in patients with hydatidiform mole who underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy. However, the disappearance pattern of relaxin in patients with hydatidiform mole who underwent hysterectomy only was delayed and similar to that after evacuation of mole. The findings constitute evidence of the luteal source of circulating relaxin in molar pregnancy.
Microflora of Cervical and Vaginal Secretion in Women Using Copper‐ And Norgestrel‐Releasing IUCDs
Authors: Ulstein Magnar , Steier Arnt Johan , Hofstad Tor , Digranes Asbjörn , Sandvei Roar
Published: December 2007

In 90 women with a norgestrel‐releasing IUCD inserted and 50 women having a copper releasing IUCD, cul‐turing of cervical and vaginal secretion was performed prior to, and 3 and 12 months after insertion of the IUCD. There were no significant changes in the cervical or vaginal microflora, and no significant differences between the groups. According to these findings, locally released progestogens from an IUCD do not affect the microflora of the vagina or of the cervix.
Effects of Three Low‐Dose Oral Contraceptive Formulations on Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Bertolini S. , Elicio N. , Cordera R. , Gapitanio G. L. , Montagna G. , Croce S. , Saturnino M. , Balestreri R. , De Cecco L.
Published: December 2007

Three oral contraceptive preparations were studied in 60 healthy women. This randomized, comparative, baseline controlled study was designed to investigate the effects of the preparations on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. The following formulations were studied: a monophasic preparation containing ethinylestradiol and desogestrel (M‐DSG) and two triphasic formulations containing ethinylestradiol and gestodene or levonorgestrel respectively (T‐GSD and T‐LNG). These preparations were studied for six treatment cycles. Total cholesterol and apoprotein B did not change in any group. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was significantly decreased in the groups of women treated with M‐DSG and T‐GSD respectively. No changes were observed in the T‐LNG group. With M‐DSG, significant increases were observed in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and HDL3 cholesterol, whilst HDL2 cholesterol did not change. With both T‐GSD and T‐LNG, no changes were observed in HDL cholesterol, whilst a significant increase in HDL3 cholesterol together with a trend to decrease in HDL2 cholesterol were observed. Apolipoprotein AI increased with the following ranking M‐DSG > T‐GSD > T‐LNG. The LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio significantly decreased with both M‐DSG and T‐GSD. In the T‐LNG group there was no change in this ratio. Triglycerides increased to the same extent in all treatment groups. As far as concerns the risk of arterial diseases, these three oral contraceptive formulations mostly induced negligible and/or partly favorable changes in plasma lipids and lipoproteins; however, the lipoprotein pattern during M‐DSG treatment resulted better than during T‐GSD, and the latter turned out to be better than during T‐LNG.
Perinatal Outcome in Growth Retarded Pregnancies Dated by Ultrasound
Authors: Laurin Jan , Persson Per‐Håkan , Polberger Staffan
Published: December 2007

To analyse the incidence of fetal growth retardation and its impact on perinatal mortality and neonatal morbidity, pregnancies complicated by intra‐uterine growth retardation (IUGR) were compared with matched non‐IUGR pregnancies. The IUGR group included all infants born in the city of Malmö during the study period and having a birthweight of 2 standard deviations or more below the mean birthweight for gestational age. The gestational age of all pregnancies was assessed with ultrasound in the first half of pregnancy. The IUGR fetuses were more vulnerable during delivery, and emergency cesarean section due to imminent fetal asphyxia was performed more frequently, but Apgar scores were similar in both groups. The frequency of respiratory disorders was lower in the IUGR group than in the non‐IUGR group when corticosteroid‐treated pregnancies were excluded. The IUGR group required slightly longer care on the neonatal ward than the non‐IUGR group, but not more intervention. The IUGR group as a whole had an unexpectedly low neonatal complication rate, such complications as did occur being related to preterm birth rather than to growth retardation.