bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential cadmium‐induced embryotoxicity in two inbred mouse strains 1. Analysis of inheritance of the response to cadmium and of the presence of cadmium in fetal and placental tissues
Authors: Wolkowski Rochelle M.
Published: June 2005

NAW‐wa‐2 + /Pr (NAW) mouse embryos and fetuses were relatively resistant to death caused by maternal injection of Cd on days 81–17 of gestation, and C57BL/10ChPr (B10) mouse embryos and fetuses were relatively susceptible, Crosses indicated that sensitivity to Cd‐induced embryotoxicity was inherited by a complex pattern with a possible maternal effect. Studies using maternal injections of 109Cd at 10 days' gestation indicated that Cd crossed the placenta in both the sensitive and resistant strains since 109Cd was detected in embryos and placentas at 1–24 h postinjection. Fractionation of the tissue cytosol preparations by Sephadex gel G‐200 filtration indicated that free Cd was absent from embryos and placentas of both strains. In embryonic cytosol of both strains 109Cd was associated with fractions showing elution characteristics indicative of Cd‐binding protein (metallothionein, MW 10,000). In placental cytosol of both strains 109Cd was predominantly associated with fractions whose characteristics indicated a moiety of approximately 19,000 MW. The two strains differed only in the amount of Cd present in the embryonic cytosol — B10 embryos had more Cd in the binding‐protein fractions than did NAW embryos. To evaluate the placental capacity for transfering Cd throughout gestation females were injected on day 13 and 17 of gestation; l09Cd was detected in embryos, fetuses, and placentas of both strains 4 and 24 h postinjection, In contrast with day‐10 results gel profiles from offspring and placentas were qualitatively similar, i.e., the heavier (dimeric?) Cd‐binding molecule was not present in placental cytosol. B10 embryonic mortality was greater at these later gestational times.
Cardiac malformations and other effects due to insecticides in embryos of the killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus
Authors: Weis Peddrick , Weis Judith S.
Published: June 2005

Exposure of early Fundulus embryos to concentrations of DDT and malathion up to 10 parts/1O6 had no gross developmental effects, Exposure to 10 parts/106 of carbaryl and parathion, however, caused developmental arrest prior to the initiation of heartbeat. When embryos were removed frorn carbaryl after three days of exposure most recovered and developed normally. Exposure for longer periods of time caused most embryos to develop a circulatory failure in which the heart remained a feebly beating thin tube and circulation was absent. In addition, blood pigment did not form. Other tissues, however, apparently continued developing fairly normally. Such embryos did not hatch. A similar syndrome developed in parathion‐treated embryos after somewhat shorter times of exposure.
Some behavioral effects of maternal hypervitaminosis a in rats
Authors: Vorhees Charles V.
Published: June 2005

Gravid Fischet rats were given 100,000, 40,000, 25,000, or 10,000 IU/kg/day vitamin A palmitate (VA) orally on days 8–10 of gestation. The largest dosage produced high prenatal and postnatal mortality rates and marked growth retardation and abnormal gait in the few survivors. The three lower dosages produced no increased mortality, no weight reduction, nor any visible abnormalities in the offspring. The off spring were tested at 70–72 days of age in an open field. Those exposed to 100,000 IU VA showed hypoactivity compared with saline and nontreated controls. At 73–77 days of age the offspring were tested in a Y‐maze avoidance task. All experimental groups showed decreased avoidance and discrimination acquisition, which was most pronounced in the 100,000 IU group.
The effects of moderate hypoxia and moderate hypoxia plus hypercapnea on cardiac development in chick embryos
Authors: Jaffee Oscar C.
Published: June 2005

Moderate hypoxia (5% O2) and moderate hypoxia + hypercapnea (5% O2 + 2% CO2) administered to Hamilton‐Hamburger stage‐17 (60‐h) chick embryos produced significant frequencies of brain, eye, and limb malformations, as observed grossly, and cardiovascular malformations, as found in serial sections. Hypoxia + hypercapnea was more lethal (survival rate, 49%) than hypoxia alone (mean survival rate, 65%) but the frequencies of malformations produced by both procedures were in the same range. When moderate hypoxia + hypercapnea was utilized hemorrhages, heart and blood vessel distention, bradycardia, and the disappearance of blood flow patterns occurred. Such changes were previously found to be produced by moderate hypoxia alone. Since cardiovascular malformations were produced under conditions known to affect hemodynamics, it is postulated that these events are related.
Fetal nerve cell degeneration produced by thalidomide in rabbits
Authors: McBride William C.
Published: June 2005

The dorsal root ganglia of offspring of pregnant New Zealand White rabbits given thalidomide in varying doses were studied histologically. The treated group produced 37 normal offspring, 7 with reduction deformities, and 49 resorptions. The control group produced 22 normal and no deformed offspring. The dorsal root ganglia of the deformed fetuses showed degenerative changes particularly in the cervical and lumbar regions of the cord, exemplined by nuclear karyolysis, and edematous dissociation of the cells with wide inter‐cellular spaces. Neurons with large vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli, features of the sensory ganglia of the control animals, were not prominent in the cervical ganglia of the deformed fetuses. Cell counts on the sixth cervical dorsal root ganglia of a group of five severely deformed fetuses showed fewer neurons than a group of control fetuses or a group of apparently normal experimental fetuses. However it was not possible to show from this experiment whether the reduction in the number of sensory neurons was causative of, or consequent to, the reduction deformities of the forelimbs.
Metal‐salt potentiation of salicylate‐induced teratogenesis and behavioral changes in rats
Authors: Kimmel Carole A. , Butcher Richard E. , Vorhees Charles V. , Schumacher Herbert J.
Published: June 2005

The effects of parenteral metal supplements on salicylate teratogenicity were studied in rats. Ferrous gluconate (16 mg/kg), manganous sulfate (10 mg/kg), cuprous sulfate (6 mg/kg), or deionized water were given ip on days 8, 9, and 10 of gestation, Sodium salicylate (250 or 500 mg/kg) or deionized water was administered po on day 9, l h after the metal‐salt treatment. Mn significantly enhanced the teratogenic effects of salicylate, Fe potentiated the salicylate effect but to a lesser extent than Mn, and Cu had little or no effect on salicylate teratogenicity. Mn and Fe significantly increased total salicylate concentration in both embryos and maternal plasma at 6 h after salicylate treatment, with Mn having the greater effect. No interference with plasma‐protem binding of salicylate could be detected. Posrnatal effects of possible salicylatemetal interactions were studied in 40‐day‐old offspring of animals treated with 125 mg/kg aspirin po and 16 mg/kg ferrous gluconate ip on days 8, 9, and 10. Increased exploratory activity and mean body weight were observed in both the aspirin‐Fe and aspirin groups relative to vehicle controls, but maze learning was impaired only in animals exposed to both aspirin and Fe. The potentiation of the pre‐ and postnatal effects of salicylate by parenteral metal‐salt treatment implies a salicylate‐metal interaction in the maternal circulation and suggests chelation as a mechanism of the teratogenic action of salicylate.
Teratogenesis of acetazolamide in the CBA/J and SWV strains of mice. I. Teratology
Authors: Biddle Fred G.
Published: June 2005

SWV mice were totally resistant to the teratogenic and embryolethal actions of acetazolamide. The time of maximal sensitivity to acetazolamide induced ectrodactyly in the CBA/J strain was the middle of day 10; the dose response at this time was studied. Comparison of the responses of the two strains and reciprocal hybrids indicated that sensitivity is a property of the embryo and is not maternally mediated. SWV mice were also resistant to dichlorphenamide which suggests they may be resistant to many or even all teratogenic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Fetal cardiovascular and other defects induced by thalidomide in cats
Authors: Khera K. S.
Published: June 2005

Timed pregnancies were induced in cats by synchronizing gonadotropin‐stimulated estrus and ovulation with natural mating. The cats were given daily oral doses of thalidomide as follows: 10 mg/kg on days 10‐20 of pregnancy, 240 mg/kg on days : 10–14, and 120, 240, and 480 mg/kg on days 15–17 or 18–20 of pregnancy. Feruses were delivered by cesarean section on day 44 or 45 or earlier if threatened abortion was considered imminent. A wide variety of cardiovascular anomalies was observed on gross and microscopic examination including the following: ventricular septal defect, right atrial distension primarily involving the coronary sinus, malpositioned great vessels, and narrowed left ventricular chamber with hypertrophied walls. The overall incidence of these anomalies appeared related to dose and treatment period.
Teratogenic effects in early chick embryos of solanine and glycoalkaloids from potatoes infected with late‐blight, Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Mun A. M. , Barden E. S. , Wilson J. M. , Hogan J. M.
Published: June 2005

Solanine or a preparation of mixed glycoalkaloids from potatoes naturally infected with the late‐blight fungus, Phytophthora infestans, was injected into fertile chicken eggs between 0 and 26 h of incubation, before formation of the neural tube. The embryos were examined after a total of 72 h of incubation. Various abnormalities were found, the most conspicuous being absence of the tail or trunk below the wing bud (rumplessness). A statistically significant proportion of the abnormal embryos showed malformations that seemed to be related to this condition; these included fluid‐ or blood‐filled vesicles in the lower trunk or tail region on one or both sides of the neural tube. Such abnormalities were not observed in control embryos.
Teratogenesis in cats associated with griseofulvin therapy
Authors: Scott F. W. , de Lahunta A. , Schultz R. D. , Bistner S. I. , Riis R. C.
Published: June 2005

Multiple congenital malformations occurred in kittens of three cats treated orally at weekly intervals with 500–1000 mg of the antifungal drug griseofulvin. Malformations of the brain included exencephaly, malformed prosencephalon, caudal displacement, and hydrocephalus. Skeletal malformations included cranium bifidium, spina bifida (C1 through C4, and sacral), abnormal atlantooccipital articulation, cleft palate, absence of maxillae, and lack of tail vertebrae. Cyclopia and anophthalmia with absence of optic nerves and rudimentary optic tracts were also observed. Atresia ani, atresia coli, lack of atrioventricular valves in the heart, and absence of external nares and soft palate were other abnormalities present.
Surface defects in ventricular cells of brains of mouse embryos homozygous for the Loop‐tail gene: Scanning electron microscopic study
Authors: Wilson Doris Burda , Michael Sandra Dale
Published: June 2005

Luminal surfaces in the mesencephalon and rhombencephalon in normal mouse embryos and those homozygous for Loop‐tail were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy. Ventricular cells in the ventrolateral regions of normal day‐10 and ‐11 brains showed single apical cilia and microvilli, whereas those in ventromedial regions showed a dense network of microvilli and bulbous projections which tended to obscure the apical cilia and cellular outlines. Similar regional differences occurred in the Loop‐tail brains, although there was a marked decrease in the number and density of microvilli and bulbous projections. At days 12–14 of gestation the latter brains also showed a flattening of cell surfaces, shallow depressions, and craterlike ruptures in the plasma membrane.
Cryptorchism and related defects in dogs: Epidemiologic comparisons with man
Authors: Pendergrass Thomas W. , Hayes Howard M.
Published: June 2005

In a study of 1266 dogs with cryptorchism from a large clinic/ hospital series 8 breeds were found to be at excess risk of the defect and 3 breeds at significantly low risk. Review of the medical histories revealed that hip dysplasia, patellar dislocation, defects of the penis and prepuce, and umbilical hernia were excessively associated with cryptorchism. Testicular tumors were diagnosed 10.9 times more commonly among cryptorchid dogs. The epidemiologic features of canine cryptorchism were compared with those in man. Cryptorchid dogs could be used as models for etiologic research.
Analysis of limb anomalies induced in vitro by vitamin A (retinol) in mice
Authors: Nakamura Harukazu
Published: June 2005

Forelimb buds of day 11 ICR‐JCL mouse embryos were cultured on liquid medium consisting of 90% Eagle's MEM and 10% fetal calf serum. Experimental medium contained 10 iu/ml vitamin A alcohol (retinol). In controls four or five metacarpals chondrified and the epidermis began to keratinize after 3–4 days of culturing. In experimental explants many pycnotic cells were observed in the peripheral mesenchyme in the hand plate, especially in pre‐ and postaxial regions. Only 2–3 metacarpals chondrified, and keratinization was inhibited in the experimental explants. Uptake of labeled sulfate was suppressed by vitamin A. Excess vitamin A is thus thought (1) to act directly on limb buds, and thereby to induce limb anomalies, (2) to induce cell death in the mesenchyme, (3) to suppress the formation of chondroitin sulfate, and (4) to inhibit keratinization.
Mitigation of caffeine‐induced teratogenicity in mice by prior chronic caffeine ingestion
Authors: Terada Mitsuyo , Nishimura Hideo
Published: June 2005

Pregnant A/J female mice, which had drunk tap water or a 0.05% caffeine solution for 8‐19 weeks after weaning, were each injected sc with 150 or 250 mg/kg caffeine once on day 13 of gestation. After 150 mg/kg caffeine the frequencies at term of fetal death, external malformation, and subcutaneous hematomas were significantly lower in the caffeine‐ than water‐drinking group. After 250 mg/kg caffeine the frequency of fetal death but not of malformations and hematomas was lower in the group with caffeine pretreatment. These findings were explained by assuming that long‐term ingestion of caffeine induced an increased rate of degradation of caffeine administered during pregnancy.
Evaluation of the teratological potential of hexachlorophene in rabbits and rats
Authors: Kennedy Gerald L. , Smith Sandra H. , Keplinger M. L. , Calandra J. C.
Published: June 2005

Hexachlorophene was given orally on days 6–15 of gestation to CD rats (15 or 30 mg/kg/day) and on days 6–18 to NZW rabbits (3 or 6 mg/ kg/day). The weight gain of pregnant animals receiving the higher dosages was reduced. There was no increase in prenatal death. The lower dosages produced no detectable teratogenic response. Rat fetuses exposed to 30 mg/kg had a low frequency of eye defects (4/219 microphthalmia and anophthalmia) and skeletal defects (10/209 angulated ribs). Rabbit fetuses exposed to 6 mg/kg showed no increase in soft‐tissue anomalies but skeletal changes (ribs) occurred in 3/175 fetuses. The teratological response to hexachlorophene, at oral dosages approaching those resulting in maternal death, was therefore minimal.
The relation between maternal restraint and food deprivation, plasma corticosterone, and induction of cleft palate in the offspring of mice
Authors: Barlow Susan M. , McElhatton Patricia R. , Sullivan Frank M.
Published: June 2005

The blood level of corticosterone was measured in mice following the injection on day 14 of pregnancy of a dose of corticosterone sufficient to cause a low frequency of cleft palate in the fetuses. This was compared with the blood levels present during maternal restraint and food deprivation that produced a similar frequency of cleft palate. The mean blood level over the 24 h following injection of corticosterone was 660 μg/100 ml, and during a similar period of restraint was 485 μg/100 ml. Other mice were subjected either to restraint or food deprivation for 24 h beginning day 14 of pregnancy, the plasma corticosterone levels measured during that time, and the frequency of cleft palate in late fetuses compared with the individual plasma corticosterone levels during treatment. There was a significant (P < 0,025) correlation between high maternal corticosteroid levels and the frequency of cleft palate in the offspring of the restrained mice but not in the food‐deprived animals. It is suggested that in some stressed mice endogenous plasma corticosterone can reach levels sufficient to account for the development of cleft palate.
Pre‐ and postnatal toxicity induced in guinea pigs by N‐nitrosomethylurea
Authors: Hasumi K. , Wilber J. H. , Berkowitz J. , Wilber R. G. , Epstein S. S.
Published: June 2005

Oral administration of N‐nitrosorn ethyl urea at maximally tolerated doses to guinea pigs on alternate days from days 34–58 of pregnancy induced prenatal toxicity, as evidenced by a high frequency of stillbirths and intrauterine growth retardation, and postnatal toxicity, as evidenced by stunting and progressive mortality. Similar administration of N‐nitrosomethylurethane at maximally tolerated doses did not induce such toxic effects.
The effects of exogenous cortisone acetate on development (especially skeletal development) and on circulating levels of corticosteroids in chick embryos
Authors: Hall B. K. , Kalliecharan R.
Published: June 2005

Chick embryos were treated with cortisone acetate on day 8 of incubation and the subsequent growth of the whole embryo and the development of the tibia studied to day 18 of incubation. Cortisone, at 10 ng to 2 mg/embryo decreased general body growth; above 0.5 mg/embryo it also retarded morphogenesis by as much as 3 Hamilton‐Hamburger stages; and above 1 mg/embryo gross abnormalities were produced. The growth and differentiation of the tibia were affected to a greater extent than was the whole body. The reductions in tibial and total body weight were not linearly related to dose of cortisone injected. The exogenous cortisone acetate resulted in drastic alterations in the circulating levels of cortisone, cortisol, corticosterone, and progesterone, but plasma progesterone level was most readily correlated with the growth retardation. This study emphasizes that avian embryos can readily compensate for exogenous corticosteroids and that caution must be exercised when attributing causality to the substance administered.
An unusual two‐tailed mouse
Authors: Nash Donald J.
Published: June 2005

A malformation that resulted in the formation of 2 complete tails is described in a mouse that was heterozygous for the sex‐linked gene Bent‐tail (Bn). One of the tails appeared normal and contained 29 vertebrae, whereas the other tail consisted of 27 vertebrae and bad several bends or kinks in it and also had malformed vertebrae similar to those described for the Bn gene. A comparison of the malformation with previously described bifurcated tail conditions in the mouse is presented. It is possible that this 2‐tailed mouse represents a special case of X‐chromosome inactivation.
Influence of low‐intensity ultrasonic irradiation on prenatal development of two inbred mouse strains
Authors: Shoji Ryujiro , Murakami Ujihiro , Shimizu Tetsuya
Published: June 2005

Effects of low‐intensity ultrasonic Irradiation on prenatal development of DHS and A/HeMk mice were studied. On day 8 of gestation(VP day = 0) pregnant females were exposed to ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 2.25 MHz and power of 40 mW/cm2 for 5 h, A low Frequency of severe cranial and facial anomalies occurred that was attributable to the irradiation in both strains, The differencc in frequency of malformed fetuses was marked betweetn irradiated and untreated control A/HeMk mice, but not DHS mice. Fetal growth inhibition and death were also produced in both strains, although the possible effect of binding the pregnant mice for irradiation cannot be discounted.
Prenatal exposure to oral contraceptives and transposition of the great vessels in man
Authors: Yasuda Mineo , Miller James R.
Published: June 2005

The hypothesis that female sex hormones in the first trimester of pregnancy are causally related to transposition of the great vessels (TGV) was tested by a retrospective study of 135 cases of TGV ascertained through the British Colunnbia Health Surveillance Registry. During 1962‐1972 there was no increase in the annual incidence rates of TGV. Analysis of questionnaires completed on 58 cases revealed no definite association between inadvertent use of oral contraceptives or other sex hormones during early pregnancy and TGV.
Prenatal epidemiology of spontaneous cleft lip and palate, open eyelid, and embryonic death in A/J mice
Authors: Kalter Harold
Published: June 2005

Nongenetic bases of variability in the frequencies of spontaneous cleft lip and palate (CLP), open eyelid (OL), and fetal resorption were searched for in A/J mouse litters of prenatal ages 17‐21 days post‐VP and parities 1‐7. The malformation rates did not decrease with advancing fetal age, and hence prenatal elimination does not account for the lower rates seen in newborns. Multivariate analysis indicated that the frequencies of CLP and resorption were inversely related to maternal age and directly related to litter size, and that the frequency of OL was related, directly, only to litter size; but that none were associated with maternal weight, parity, and several other variables. Regarding uterine location, the frequency of CLP was higher at the ovarian and cervical sites, OL higher at the cervical site, and resorption lower at the ovarian site, than elsewhere. CLP was significantly commoner in females, and OL commoner in males; also, since the percentage of males increased with parity, the frequency of CLP in males relative to that in females decreased with parity, and that of OL increased. Malformed offspring weighed less than normal ones; and the sex with the lower frequency of CLP or OL had the greater weight reduction. The results are discussed in relation to the frequency of malformations in human fetuses and newborns.
Cellular and biochemical aspects of growth retardation in rat fetuses induced by maternal administration of selected anticancer agents
Authors: Chaube Shakuntala , Swinyard Chester A.
Published: June 2005

Single ip injections of 600 mg/kg 5‐(3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐triazeno)‐imidazole‐4‐carboxamide (DIC) and 900 mg/kg 5‐ [3,3‐bis(2‐chlorethyl)‐1‐tria‐zeno] ‐imidazole‐4‐carboxamide (BIC) were given to pregnant Wistar rats at day 12 and the animals were killed 4 hafter injection and at days 13–17 of gestation. Fetal tissues were used to determine total DNA, RNA, and protein and the data used to derive cell number and cell weight, RNA, and protein/ cell, Both compounds reduced total fetal body weight, DNA, RNA, and protein But reduction of RNA by BIC was not statistically significant These effects were observed 4 h after injection, increased with age (days 13‐17X and were 3‐4 times greater for DIC than BIC. By using the value of 6.2 μμg DNA/ cell, cell number and percell values for weight, RNA, and protein, and weight: DNA, RNA: DNA, and protein: DNA ratios were coinputed. The percell values and ratios in the DIC‐exposed animals were 8–44% greater and in BIC‐treated animals 0–11% greater than control animals of the same gestational age. Percentage of body water was the same in the experimental and control animals. The differences in DNA, RNA, and protein are believed to be related to drug‐induced growth retardation incident to total fetal DNA reduction resulting in diminished cell number.
Cholinomimetic teratogens. II. Interaction with inorganic ions
Authors: Landauer Walter
Published: June 2005

Treatment of chieken embryos after 96 h of incubation showed that the teratogenie activity of the cholinomimetic compounds carbachol, neo‐stigmine, decamethonium, and tetramethylammonium is reduced in the presence of calcium acetate. Similarly, supplementation with potassium acetate reduced the teratogenicity of carbachol and tetramethylammonium.
Pattern of anomalies following single oral doses of ethylenethiourea to pregnant rats
Authors: Ruddick Joseph A. , Khera K. S.
Published: June 2005

Single oral administration to rats of 240 mg/kg ethylenethiourea on days 10–21 of gestation produced viseer al anomalies involving the nervous, urogenitalt and ocular systems. and osseous anomalies affecting the axial and appendicular skeletons. The types of anomalies and organs affected were dependent on the stage of prenatal devolopment at the time of treatment.
Successive spontaneous abortions with diverse chromosomal aberrations in human translocation heterozygote
Authors: Kohn G. , Ornoy A. , Ben‐Tsur Z. , Sadovsky E. , Cohen M. M.
Published: June 2005

A patient who had 3 first‐trimester spontaneous abortions (blighted ova) was found to be carrying a balanced 13/14 Robertsonian translocation. In the 2 cases cytogenetically analyzed, different chromosomal aberrations were found (trisomy 16 and supernumerary D elements). Histologic examination of the placentas of all 3 abortions revealed hypovascular or avas‐cular villi, hydropic degeneration, and occasional atypical stromal (Hofbaucr‐like) cells. In 2 cases the decidua was examined by light microscopy and was diffusely inflamed with a plasmolymphocytic infiltrate. The relation of the maternal translocation to the repeated abortions with chromosome anomalies is discussed.
Studies of the development of congenital anomalies in rats. III. Effects of inhibition of mitochondrial energy systems on embryonic development
Authors: Mackler Bruce , Grace Richard , Tippit Doris F. , Lemire Ronald J. , Shepard Thomas H. , Kelley Vincent C.
Published: June 2005

Pregnant rats were treated with various Inhibitors of mitochondrial oxidative energy metabolisrn and with lowered oxygen tension, and the embryo fetuses examined for the occurrence of congenitaj malformations and for changes in enzymatic activities. Treatmcnt with all agents tested resuhed in the production of skeietal anomalies. Sodium phenobarbital was tbe most teratogenic of the drugs tested and produced a high incidence of malformations which included cleft palate tail anomalies, spinal retroflexion, domed head, and facial hypoplasia. Diphenylhydantoin produced a low incidence of syndactyly and oligodactyly. In addition to its effects on fetal growth and development chloramphenicol appeared to interfere with implantation. Tissue preparations from embryos exposed to sodium phenobarbital and chloramphenicol showed markedly lowered levels of DPNH oxidase activky. Cytochrome oxidase activjty was also markedly lowered in the preparations from chlorainphenicol‐exposed embryos. Enzyme activities in preparations from embryos exposed to malonate and diphenylhydantoin appeared unaffected, although the drugs are strong inhibitors of electron transport in vitro; the lack of apparent effect may be due to the fact tbat both drugs do not bind to the enzyme preparations and were diluted 100‐ to 200‐fold during preparation and assay of the tissue homogenates.
The teratogenic effects in rabbits of doxycycline, dissolved in polyvinylpyrrolidone, injected into the yolk sac
Authors: Claussen Uwe , Breuer Hans‐Willi
Published: June 2005

A technique was developed for injecting agents into the yolk sac of rabbits to study their teratogenic effects, On the 9th day of gestation the rabbits were laparotomized during ether‐oxygen narcosis, The test substance was injected into the yolk sacs in one horn of the uterus, and as control the corresponding solvent was iryected into the other horn. On the 28th day of gestation the rabbits were killed, resorptions coumcd, and fetuses examined for maliormations. Three series of studies were made; physioiogical saline; polyvinylpyrrolidone; and doxycycline dissolved in Polyvinylpyrrolidone (DIP). The rate of resorptions and malformations significantly increased after injection of Vibravenos, As polyvinylpyrrolidone was not teratogenic it is concluded that the teratogenic effects of DIP were probablily caused by doxycycline.
Diagnosis of human fetal abnormalities by fetography
Authors: Suzumori Kaoru , Yagami Yoshiaki
Published: June 2005

Being able to detect fetal abnormalities that may be associated with hydramnios would be extremely useful, especially when diabetes mellitus, Rh isoimmunization, and multiple pregnancy are ruled out. For this purpose the new technique of fetography, consisting of injecting a small amount of 2 radioque media (liposoluble and hydrosoluble), was used. Four out of 6 fetuses were correctly predicted to be abnormal. They were 1 case of esophageal atresia, 1 of suspicious chromosomal abnormality (after birth it was confirmed as having the Smith‐Lemli‐Opitz syndrome), and 2 of trisomy 18. It is felt that this simple technique should be used as an aid to the obstetrician faced with the problem of determining the basis of unexplained hydramnios.
Some sources of nongenetic variability in steroid‐induced cleft palate in mice
Authors: Kalter Harold
Published: June 2005

C57BL/6JKt female mice mated to A/JKt males were each injected im with 50 mg/kg triamcinolone 13 days post‐VP, and the roles of a number of nongenetic factors underlying variability in the frequency of cleft palate (CP) induced in the fetuses were analyzed. Litter size and number of young per uterine horn, overall, were not significantly related to the CP rate. But nearly one‐quarter of litters (almost all larger‐sized ones) contained CP rates deviating from — mostly less than — expected on a random basis. Analysis of litters with deviant CP distribution, as well as of all suitable litters, indicated that only maternal treatment‐day weight was significantly associated, inversely, with CP frequency — in spite of the treatment dosage having been weight‐based. There was no clear relation between the CP and resorption rates; but litters with deviant CP distribution had a significantly greater resorption rate than the others. Fetal weight was inversely related to CP rate even in litters of uniform size. Fetuses occupying uterine positions immediately caudal to those with CP had a significantly higher CP rate than those next to normals, and conceptuses caudal to resorptuses a significantly higher resorption rate than those next to surviving fetuses; but the reverse was not true: CP and resorption rates were not greater in those next to resorptuses and surviving fetuses, respectively.
A 94‐mm human fetus with the VACTERL association of anomalies
Authors: Paradice B. A. , Poland B. J.
Published: June 2005

A spontaneously aborted human male fetus of 94 mm crown‐rump length had multiple malformations including atresia of the esophagus with tracheoesophageal fistula, anorectal agenesis, anomalies of the heart and great vessels, kidneys, bladder, and left testis, and a single umbilical artery. This association of defects has not previously been described in a fetus at this immature stage of development.
Association of congenital heart defects with season and population density
Authors: Rothman Kenneth J. , Fyler Donald C.
Published: June 2005

Infants born in New England with congenital heart defects were examined for association with time of year or population density. Moderate seasonal peaks in births were noted for complex ventricular septal defect, malposition defects, and transposition of the great arteries. Positive associations with population density were found for pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, ventricular septal defect with secondary anomalies, and tricuspid atresia.
[14C]Ethylenethiourea: Distribution, excretion, and metabolism in pregnant rats
Authors: Ruddick Joseph A. , Williams David T. , Hierlihy L. , Khera K. S.
Published: June 2005

Following administration of single oral doses of [14C] ethylenethiourea (ETU) to pregnant rats maternal blood maintained peak radioactivity for 2 h, and the radioactivity was dispersed uniformly between the red blood cells and plasma. The level of radioactivity was distributed equally among several maternal tissues but was present in lower amounts in embryos. Twenty‐four hours after treatment all tissues examined, except blood, were relatively clear of radioactivity and 72.8% of the total radioactivity given had been excreted in the urine. Elution patterns of metabolites from Sephadex separation suggested that ethylenethiourea was degraded very little. The teratological mechanism is discussed.
Cholinomimetic teratogens. III. Interaction with amino acids known as neurotransmitters
Authors: Landauer Walter
Published: June 2005

The amino acids γ‐aminobutyric acid, taurocholate, guanidine, glycine, and β‐alanine, known to have putative functions as neurotransmitters, when given as supplement to carbachol or decamethonium, greatly reduced the incidence of malformations produced in chicken embryos by these depolarizing cholinomimetic teratogens. In combination with the nondepolarizing teratogens neostigmine and pyridostigmine similarly beneficial effects occurred only by supplementation with γ‐aminobutyric acid.
Cytogenetics of postimplantation rabbit conceptuses following delayed fertilization
Authors: Ekins John G. , Shaver Evelyn L.
Published: June 2005

The chromosome complement and anatomical development of 10–16‐gday rabbit embryos were studied following delayed fertilization. Preimplantation loss was 40% in the experimental group compared with 17% in control animals. Also, a greater number of embryos retarded in growth or with structural anomalies was seen in the delayed‐mated group. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a trisomy for a small metacentric chromosome in 104 control embryos. Only 1 triploid embryo was found in 84 implantation sites from rabbits that had been delayed mated. The incidence of triploidy postimplantation was much less than the 13% found previously in 6‐day blastocysts. Increased embryonic loss at the time of or shortly after implantation may be responsible for the discrepancy.
Morphogenesis of the secondary palate in normal and hydrocortisone‐treated hamsters
Authors: Shah Ravindra M. , Travill Anthony A.
Published: June 2005

Fetal palate morphogenesis was studied in normal and hydrocortisone‐treated hamsters. Formation of the normal palate was completed between day 12:00 and 13:00 of gestation, and during this period 8 distinct developmental stages were recognized. Following hydrocortisone administration the early stages, during which vertical‐to‐horizontal shelf reorientation occurs, appeared to be unaffected, but subsequent fusion between opposing shelves was inhibited. Both chronological age and fetal weight provided reliable criteria for stages of normal palatal development. Following hydrocortisone administration, however, fetal weight was a poorer indicator of stage of palate organogenesis than chronological age.
Comprehensive community building initiatives—ten years later: What we have learned about the principles guiding the work
Authors: Kubisch Anne C.
Published: June 2005

Most of the older community initiatives have documented some improvement in outcomes for children, families, and neighborhoods. Most also can show that organizations have been strengthened, new relationships have been developed, new leadership has emerged in the neighborhood, and new resources have been brought to the neighborhood.
Using the coproduction principle: No more throwaway kids
Authors: Cahn Edgar S. , Gray Christine
Published: June 2005

Coproduction provides an approach to youth development that advocates enabling youth to use the skills they have to help others, honoring that contribution with rewards, and using the process of helping others as an opportunity for youth to gain skills that are critical to the realization of their potential.
Youth using research: Learning through social practice, community building, and social change
Authors: Lynn Alexander
Published: June 2005

Students, teachers, and staff are learning how to develop an educational philosophy and practice that is predicated on serving the community.
Teen empowerment: Youth, police, and neighbors in partnership
Authors: Fusoni Mary
Published: June 2005

Teen Empowerment youth and staff worked over a four‐year period in one Boston neighborhood to build community between youth and police and between youth and adult community members.
Hand‐drumming to build community: The story of the Whittier Drum Project
Authors: Stone Nathan Neil
Published: June 2005

The Whittier Drum Project has brought the community together through the talents of youth and their dedication to drumming and has used drumming to link professionals to their own communities.
Ischemic Preconditioning versus Intermittent Vascular Inflow Control during Major Liver Resection in Pigs
Authors: Smyrniotis Vassilios , Kostopanagiotou Georgia , Theodoraki Kassiani , Farantos Charalampos , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos , Gamaletsos Evangelos , Condi‐Paphitis Agathi , Fotopoulos Alexis , Dimakakos Panagiotis
Published: June 2005

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and intermittent vascular control (IVC) have been shown to reduce the number of ischemia/reperfusion injuries during liver resections with the Pringle maneuver. Our study aimed to compare the beneficial effect of these two modalities in relation to the duration of normothermic liver ischemia. A group of 24 Landrace pigs with a mean body weight of 25 to 30 kg were subjected to extended liver resection of more than 65%. Although, 12 animals underwent IPC (10 minutes of ischemia and 10 minutes of reperfusion), and subsequently the Pringle maneuver was applied for 90 minutes (n= 6) or 120 minutes (n= 6). Another 12 animals underwent liver resection by IVC (20 minutes of ischemia alternated with 5 minutes of reperfusion) for 60 minutes (n = 6) or 120 minutes (n = 6) of inflow vascular control. At 90 minutes of liver ischemia, the IPC group demonstrated lower levels of asportate aminotransferase (AST) (173 ± 53 vs. 265 ± 106 IU; p =0.089) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (2.60 ± 1.03 vs. 5.33 ± 2.25 μmol/L; p =0.022) and higher liver tissue cAMP (200 ± 42 vs. 146 ± 40 pmol/g wet wt, p = 0.04) compared to the IVC group. However, no pathologic differences were observed between the two groups. By contrast, at 120 minutes of liver ischemia, IVC proved to be more beneficial, reflected by lower levels of AST (448 ± 135 vs. 857 ± 268 IU; p = 0.006) and MDA (8.33 ± 1.75 vs. 12.7 ± 4.31 μmol/L; (p = 0.045), a higher cAMP level (127 ± 10 vs. 97 ± 31 pmol/g wet wt p = 0.045), and eventually less cellular necrosis (necrosis score 1.66 ± 0.51 vs. 2.85 ± 1.16; p = 0.04) compared to the IPC group. It appears that IPC should be employed when liver ischemia is anticipated to last less than 90 minutes, followed by IVC when the liver ischemia is expected to last 120 minutes.
Giant Liver Hemangioma: Therapy by Enucleation or Liver Resection
Authors: Hamaloglu Erhan , Altun Hasan , Ozdemir Arif , Ozenc Ahmet
Published: June 2005

Hemangioma is the most common primary tumor of the liver. The widespread use of ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) has made the diagnosis more common. Although the vast majority of hemangiomas are diagnosed incidentally and are asymptomatic, treatment is still controversial. Surgery is the treatment of choice, especially in giant, symptomatic hemangiomas and uncertainty of diagnosis. Twenty‐two patients (median age: 46 years) underwent resection (n = 12) or enucleation (n = 10) for liver hemangioma from 1989 to 2002. The primary indication for surgery was abdominal pain. Ten patients who were treated by enucleation were compared with twelve patients who were treated by liver resection. Mean tumor size was 90 mm with a range of 40–270 mm. There were no statistically significant differences in tumor size, preoperative liver function tests, hemoglobin levels, and platelet counts between the two groups. Operative time was longer in the resection group, and statistically significant the difference was (p = 0.048). Blood transfusion requirement and blood loss during intraoperative period were higher in the resection group (p = 0.025, p = 0.01, respectively). There were three postoperative complications, 1 in the enucleation group (plevral effusion), 2 in the resection group (liver abscess and wound infection). There was no surgery‐related mortality in either group. Although most hemangiomas can be removed by enucleation or liver resection with low morbidity and mortality, if the location and number of hemangiomas are appropriate, enucleation is the choice of the therapy. Hospital stay, blood transfusion requirement, and blood loss can be kept minimal by the selection of enucleation.
Prospective Randomized Study of T‐Tube versus Biliary Stent for Common Bile duct decompression after Open Choledocotomy
Authors: Pérez Gustavo , Escalona Alex , Jarufe Nicolás , Ibáñez Luis , Viviani Paola , García Carlos , Benavides Carlos , Salvadó José
Published: June 2005

The T‐tube has been the alternative of choice for decompression following common bile duct (CBD) exploration. The development of laparoscopic surgery has suggested using a biliary stent as an alternative to the T‐tube following choledochotomy. The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to compare clinical results obtained from patients who underwent open CBD exploration using a biliary stent versus those from patients with a T‐tube for decompression. Between September 2000 and June 2002 a total of 81 patients were randomly assigned to a biliary stent or a T‐tube as the decompression method following choledochotomy. An open CBD exploration was performed when CBD stones were suspected, in both elective and emergency settings. The length of the postoperative hospital stay was 6.8 ± 4.7 days for patients with the T‐tube and of 5.2 ± 3.3 days for, patients with the biliary stent (p= 0.19). Postoperative complications were observed in 13 patients (30 %) with the T‐tube and in 4 patients (11% ) with the biliary stent (p= 0.03). One patient with a biliary stent was reoperated because of an intraabdominal abscess, and another patient was reoperated because of biliary peritonitis following T‐tube removal. Three patients (7%) with a biliary stent and one patient (3%) with a T‐tube were rehospitalized. There were no deaths. The T‐tube and biliary stent were removed 27.1 ± 10.8 days and 34.9 ± 12.9 days after surgery, respectively (p= 0.24). The biliary stent is a safe alternative to the T‐tube as a biliary decompression method following an open CBD exploration.
Is the Size of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Associated with Coagulopathy?
Authors: Shindo Shunya , Matsumoto Harunobu , Kubota Kenji , Kojima Atsuo , Matsumoto Masahiko , Satoh Kaneo , Ozaki Yukio
Published: June 2005

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) volume and intraluminal thrombi were analyzed with respect to the number and function of platelets, blood cells, and coagulation factors. A group of 43 patients who underwent repair of an AAA were enrolled in this study. The maximum diameter and volume of the AAA, and the volume of intraluminal thrombi and lumen were measured by computed tomography with planimetry. The platelet count and platelet function, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, plasminogen, antithrombin 3, fibrin degradation products (FDP), D‐dimer, and blood cell counts were measured. Spontaneous platelet aggregation and the FDP, and D‐dimer levels were elevated; all other factors remained within the normal range. Intraluminal thrombus volume was strongly correlated with the volume and diameter of the AAA. However, no correlation was observed between the size of the AAA and coagulating factors, including the number and aggregation value of platelets. AAAs are frequently associated with a coagulating disorder. However, its size and thrombus volume are not correlated with coagulation changes. Although an intraluminal thrornbus increases along with fee enlargement of the AAA, the clinical manifestation of bleeding is rarely associated with an AAA. Therefore coagulopathy in patients with an AAA is not fully explained by its morphology.
General Anesthesia for Surgery Influences Melatonin and Cortisol Levels
Authors: Ram Edward , Vishne Tali H , Weinstein Talia , Beilin Benzion , Dreznik Zeev
Published: June 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of general anesthesia and surgery on melatonin production, and to assess the relationship between melatonin secretion and cortisol levels. Twenty (9 males and 11 females) consecutive otherwise healthy patients aged 27 to 52 years were included in this study. The patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy or laparoscopic hernioplasty. All patients had general anesthesia with the same anesthetic drugs. Serum cortisol levels were measured at several time periods. Urine collections for melatonin were performed from 18:00 to 7:00 the day prior to surgery, on the operation day, and on the first postoperative day. Baseline melatonin metabolites were measured the night prior to surgery, and the level was found to be 1979 ± 1.76 ng. The value decreased to 1802 ± 1.82 ng (NS) on the night of surgery, and it became a significantly higher, reaching 2981 ± 1.55 ng the night after surgery (p =. 003). The baseline daytime cortisol level was significantly lower than the baseline night cortisol level (6.87 ± 1.51 μg/dl, 14.89 ± 1.66 micrograms/dl, respectively, p < 0.0001). Surgery induced a significant increase in both day and night cortisol levels. Daytime cortisol levels increased from 6.89 ± 1.51μg/dl to 16.90 ± 1.27μg/dl (p < 0.0001), whereas right levels increased from 14.89 ± 1.66 μg/dl to 29.20 ± 1.24 μg/dl (p <0.0001). The morning after surgery, cortisol levels decreased to 10.16 ± 1.40 μg/dl, lower than the value obtained on the day of surgery (p < 0.0001). As was true of melatonin, cortisol levels did not reach the pre operative level (p < 0.005). The finding of the current study is that melatonin and cortisol levels show an inverse correlation after surgery.
Myocardial Perfusion Defects and the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Disclosed by Scintigraphy in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Gerlach Øgard Christina , Søndergaard Susanne Bonnichsen , Vestergaard Henrik , Jakobsen Henrik , Nielsen Steen Levin
Published: June 2005

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease. For patients undergoing preoperative parathyroid imaging with 99mTc‐sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), we combined cervical SPECT and gated cardiac SPECT to achieve information about the localization of parathyroid adenomas, myocardial perfusion, and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at rest. A series of 22 patients with PHPT and no history of myocardial infarction or angina pectoris were recruited consecutively. At 60 minutes after injection of 700 MBq 99mTc‐sestamibi, SPECT of the neck and gated myocardial perfusion SPECT were performed at the same time. All of the patients who underwent parathyroidectomy had the parathyroid adenoma localized as predicted from the SPECT. Five patients (23%) had myocardial perfusion defects extending more than 15% (range 15–25%), and they had higher plasma parathyroid hormone levels (p = 0.03), and lower LVEF (p = 0.007) than patients without perfusion defects. We suggest that patients with hyperparathyroidism and suspected cardiovascular disease undergo99m Tc‐sestamibi parathyroid SPECT simultaneously with gated myocardial perfusion SPECT to obtain information about the resting perfusion status and cardiac systolic function. The results from myocardial perfusion SPECT can lead to initiation of cardiovascular treatment and eventually perioperative precautions.