bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jahrestagung der European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO): Neue Erkenntnisse zum Ovarial- und Endometriumkarzinom
Authors: Reich Bettina
Published: March 2018

Beim alle 2 Jahre stattfindenden ESGO-Kongress in Mailand wurde deutlich, dass insbesondere beim Ovarialkarzinom zwar keine Sprunginnovationen zu erwarten sind, aber es stetig – Schritt für Schritt – voran geht. Obwohl das Abschneiden der zielgerichteten Therapie mit Abagovomab enttäuschend ist, zeigen weitere Ergebnisse, dass dieser Therapieansatz durchaus seinen Stellenwert in dieser Indikation besitzt. Entscheidend scheint beim Rückfall das platinfreie Intervall zu sein. Beim Endometriumkarzinom deutet sich an, dass Everolimus eine Bereicherung des therapeutischen Regimes sein könnte.
Hormontherapie als Risikofaktor für ein Mamma karzinom: Wichtig sind Zeitpunkt, Dauer und Abstand zur Menopause
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: March 2018

Die Hormonersatztherapie in der Menopause erhöht die Wahrscheinlichkeit, an Brustkrebs zu erkranken. Die Daten zum assoziierten Risiko weisen jedoch eine hohe Hetero genität auf. Dies liegt nach einer Analyse der „Million Women Study” nicht nur am Typ der gewählten Behandlung, sonder maßgeblich am Zeitpunkt, der Dauer und dem Abstand zur Menopause.
Tag des Hellen Hautkrebses: Ist der Medien-Hype gerechtfertigt?
Authors: Bubenzer Rainer
Published: March 2018

Aktuelle Ergebnisse einer EU-geförderten Fall-Kontroll-Studie der Europäischen Initiative zur Prävention von Hautkrebserkrankungen – „EPIDERM” (European Prevention Initiative for Dermatological Malignancies; www.epiderm-network.eu) – lassen vermuten, dass die Prävalenz von nichtmelanozytärem, hellem Hautkrebs (Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer – NMSC) in Europa um 30% höher liegt als bisher angenommen wurde, teilte Prof. Eggert Stockfleth, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, am ersten europaweiten „Tag des hellen Hautkrebs” gegenüber der Presse mit. Die Studie läuft seit 2008 in neun europäischen Staaten. Damit ist der helle Hautkrebs die häufigste Krebsart nicht nur bei der weißen Weltbevölkerung, sondern auch in Europa.
Spinozelluläres Karzinom: Hohes Metastasierungsrisiko, wenig Therapieoptionen
Authors: Fessler Beate
Published: March 2018

Das spinozelluläre Karzinom geht mit einem hohen Metastasierungsrisiko einher. Besonders gefährdet sind immunsupprimierte Patienten. Eine effektive Therapie wäre dringend notwendig. Doch die Datenlage ist dünn.
Cancer Nurse: Mehr als die deutsche Krankenschwester
Authors: Henning Peter
Published: March 2018

Eine “Cancer Nurse” verfügt in anderen europäischen Ländern über deutlich mehr Verantwortung und Entscheidungsbefugnis als in Deutschland. Dies zeigten die Vorträge und Diskussionen in Stockholm.
Metastasiertes Kolonkarzinom: Stetiger Anstieg der Lebenserwartung in den vergangenen 10 Jahren
Authors: Henning Peter
Published: March 2018

Das Gesamtüberleben von Patienten mit mCRC ist in der vergangenen Dekade von 12,6–17,4 Monaten im Jahr 2000 auf 22,8-23,9 Monate im Jahr 2011 gestiegen und hat sich somit sukzessive verdoppelt, erläuterte Prof. Jean-Yves Douillard, Saint-Herblain, Frankreich.
Kosten-Effektivitäts-Analyse: Radioiod oder thyreostatische Medikation bei der Primärbehandlung der Immunhyperthyreose
Authors: Moka D. , Dederichs Birgit , Hunsche Elke , Lauterbach K. W. , Schicha H. , Dietlein M.
Published: March 2018

Ziel: Die Erstmanifestation einer Immunhyperthyreose wird in Europa überwiegend thyreostatisch, in den USA mehrheitlich mit Radioiod definitiv behandelt. Diese beiden Alternativen wurden auf dem Hintergrund neuer nationaler Entlassungsrichtwerte nach einer Radioiodtherapie (RITh) verglichen. Methode: Aus Sicht der Gesellschaft entscheiden einerseits die langfristigen Rezidivraten, andererseits die Menge medizinischer Leistungen, der Versicherungsstatus und der Produktivitätsausfall des Patienten (Fehlzeiten, Einkommen) sowie die zeitliche Verteilung der Kosten (Diskontierung) über die Kosten-Effektivität. Lebenszeitbezogen wurden die medizinischen Leistungen auf 30 Patientenjahre hochgerechnet. Die Kosten der RITh basierten auf 300 Patienten, deren Entlassung bei 250 MBq lod-131-Restaktivität angenommen wurde. Ergebnis: Kosteneffektivität der konservativen Behandlung war bei einer Rezidivrate von 50% oder günstiger, bei einem Leistungsumfang gemäß den Empfehlungen der Fachgesellschaften und bei einem Zeiteinsatz des Patienten für eine ambulante Untersuchung von einem Viertel seines Arbeitstages oder kürzer zu erwarten. Sofern diese Annahmen nicht vorlagen, wurde die primäre RITh in 1593 von 1944 durchgeführten Modellrechnungen zur kosteneffektiven Entscheidung. Konservative Therapieversuche der Rezidivhyperthyreose besaßen eine stark kostenhebende Wirkung. Schlußfolgerung: Für die Patienten mit erhöhter Rezidivwahrscheinlichkeit im Falle der konservativen Behandlung (Struma, jüngeres Lebensalter, persistierend erhöhte TSH-Rezeptor-Antikörper beziehungsweise erhöhter Technetium-Uptake) bedeutet die primäre RITH eine kosteneffektive Entscheidung.
Transmissionsmessung zur Schwächungskorrektur der PET nach Applikation von 18FDG: Einfluß auf die Bestimmung der regionalen myokardialen Speicherwerte
Authors: Ostwald E. , Schreckenberger M. , Sabri O. , Müller B. , Dahl J. vom , Büll U. , Schulz G.
Published: March 2018

Ziel: Mit rotierenden Stabquellen ist die zur Schwächungskorrektur der PET notwendige Transmissionsmessung auch nach Injektion der 18FDG technisch möglich (PIT). Die Arbeit untersucht die regionalen Schwächungskoeffizienten, Zählratendichten und relativen regionalen Uptake-Werte der PIT-korrigierten Myokard-PET verglichen mit der herkömmlichen Transmission vor der Radionuklidapplikation (RT), die mit einer Repositionierung des Patienten verbunden ist. Methodik: Ein Thorax-Phantom mit homogener Myokardfüllung, mit simulierten Myo- kard-Defekten und sechs Patienten mit fortgeschrittener koronarer Herzkrankheit und zurückliegenden Myokardinfarkten wurden in einem Tomographen ECAT Exact (Siemens CTI), bestückt mit drei rotierenden 68Ge/68Ga Stabquellen von je 120 MBq, untersucht. Die Transmissionsdaten (PIT, RT) einerseits und zum anderen die Emissionsdaten wurden unkorrigiert (Ε-UK) sowie schwächungskorrigiert mit der PIT (Ε-PIT) und der RT (E-RT) regional quantifiziert (lineare Schwächungskoeffizienten, Zählratendichten, standardisierte [SUV] und relative Speicherwerte bezogen auf das Maximum). Ergebnisse: Sowohl in den Phantomsimulationen als auch in den Patientenmessungen differierten die Schwächungskoeffizienten signifikant zwischen der PIT und RT. Im Vergleich zwischen Ε-PIT und E-RT konnten Auswirkungen auf die regionalen Speicherwerte nur bei myokardialen Aktivitätskonzentrationen größer als 10 kBq × ml−1 im Phantom gesichert werden. Die relativen Speicherwerte des simulierten Defektes im Phantom oder die SUV bzw. relativen Speicherwerte in den Patientenmessungen variierten nicht signifikant zwischen Ε-PIT und E-RT. Schlußfolgerung: Bei den für die klinische Myokard-PET eingesetzten FDG-Aktivitäten bis 300 MBq und einer Aktivität der Transmissionsquellen von je 120 MBq konnte eine relevante Beeinflussung der regionalen relativen Speicherwerte nicht nachgewiesen werden, wenn die Transmission nach der FDG-Appli- kation erfolgte.
Diagnostik des »Sentinel Lymph Node« bei malignem Melanom: präoperative Lymphszintigraphie und intraoperative Sondenmessung
Authors: Dresel S. , Weiss M. , Heckmann M. , Roßmüller B. , Konz B. , Hahn K. , Tatsch K.
Published: March 2018

Ziel: Der »sentinel lymph node« (SLN) reflektiert den Befall der nachfolgenden Lymphknoten-Stationen bei Patienten mit malignem Melanom und hat damit eine erhebliche prognostische Bedeutung. Ziel der Studie war die prä- und intraoperative Lokalisierung dieses Lymphknotens mittels Lymphszintigraphie und Sondenmessung. Methoden: 38 Patienten mit malignem Melanom (Tiefenausdehnung >0,75 mm) wurden nach Injektion von 40 MBq 99Tc-Nanocoll szintigraphisch untersucht. Die Position des ersten im Abflußgebiet dargestellten Lymphknotens wurde an der Haut markiert. Unmittelbar danach wurde intraoperativ mittels einer kollimierten Sonde dieser Lymphknoten aufgesucht und nach Ex- stirpation die Aktivität des Knotens und die Restaktivität im Operations- situs gemessen. Ergebnisse: Bei allen Patienten konnte der SLN szintigraphisch lokalisiert und markiert werden. Vor und nach Exstirpation wurde die höchste Aktivität mit der Sonde im markierten Lymphknoten bestimmt. Makroskopisch und im Ultraschall und CT waren alle Lymphknoten unauffällig. Histologisch zeigten acht Patienten eine Metastasierung im lokalisierten Lymphknoten, die bei sieben Patienten eine großzügige Ausräumung des gesamten nachfolgenden Lymphgebietes nach sich zog. Schlußfolgerungen: Die vorgestellte Methode bietet die Möglichkeit, den morphologisch unauffälligen SLN sicher aufzufinden. Die operative Entfernung des diagnostisch erkannten SLN kann eine grundlegende Zäsur in der Therapie des malignen Melanoms bedeuten, da nur bei positivem Befund eine großzügige Lymphknoten-Ausräumung durchgeführt wird. Die kombinierte Lymphszintigraphie mit Sondenmessung beeinflußt entscheidend das therapeutische Vorgehen aufgrund der sicheren Lokalisation des Lymphknotens und ermöglicht hierdurch eine individuelle Therapieplanung.
Jodmangelstruma mit und ohne funktionelle Autonomie in der euthyreoten Phase: Ein Vergleich
Authors: Hillenhinrichs H. , Emrich D.
Published: March 2018

Ziel: Analyse der funktionellen Autonomie in der euthyreoten Phase. Methoden: Es wurden 163 klinisch euthyreote Patienten mit Jodmangelstruma ohne und 179 mit funktioneller Autonomie anhand von Geschlechtsverhältnis, Lebensalter, Beschwerden, Symptomen, sonographischem Befund, qualitativer und quantitativer Szintigraphie ohne und mit Suppression, TRH-Test, Hormonkonzentrationen und Jodausscheidung im Urin verglichen. Ergebnisse: Lebensalter, Beschwerden und Symptome, Schilddrüsenvolumen und Echomuster lieferten keinen ausreichend sicheren Beitrag zur Diagnose. Die quantitative Szintigraphie war dem TRH-Test überlegen. Erhöhte Hormonkonzentrationen ergaben sich bei 15% der Patienten mit funktioneller Autonomie. Als Grenzwert für ein erhöhtes spontanes Hyperthyreoserisiko wurde eine globale thyreoidale 99mTc-Aufnahme unter Suppression von ≥3% ermittelt, die in 20% der Patienten mit funktioneller Autonomie vorlag. Schlußfolgerung: Zur Erkennung und Therapiestrategie einer funktionellen Autonomie in der euthyreoten Phase sind quantitative Szintigraphie unter Suppression sowie TSH- und Hormonbestimmungen unerläßlich.
Cartilage Changes in Dogs with Surgically Treated Medial Patellar Luxations
Authors: Powers Barbara E. , Schwarz P. D. , Wander Kathy W.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the stifle joint articular cartilage changes in dogs with clinically significant patellar luxation and determine if this cartilage is significantly different from that of dogs without patellar luxation. Osteochondral slices were obtained from dogs during recession sulcoplasty. Osteochondral sections were submitted for histological analysis and histochemical staining. Articular cartilage was blindly evaluated using a modified Mankin score. Cartilage histological scores were significantly different between controls and dogs with patellar luxation. There was not any correlation between grade of luxation, age or length of clinical signs and histological score. Neither was there any significant difference between controls and dogs with patellar luxation, with respect to glycosaminoglycan content, as estimated by Safranin-O staining. Most changes in the articular cartilage were seen in the top two zones and consisted of cell loss and minor surface fibrillation. Even with a statistically significant difference, the changes in the cartilage were minor. In the authors’ opinion, this study further supports the use of the recession sulcoplasty technique in treating patellar luxations in dogs. Surgical techniques that preserve hyaline cartilage should be recommended where possible.

Articular cartilage from dogs with surgically treated medial patellar luxation was examined histologically and biochemically. Changes in the cartilage were superficial and considered to be minor.
Mechanical Evaluation of Soft Cast (Scotchcast, 3M) and Conventional Rigid and Semi-rigid Coaptation Methods
Authors: Aron D. N. , Foutz T. L. , Thompson S. A. , Rytz U.
Published: March 2018

A clinically relevant model was created to mechanically evaluate different rigid and semi-rigid coaptation methods. Modulus of elasticity, yield stress, resilience and stiffness was measured to describe material strength and structure stiffness. Rigid Vetcast Plus, 3 M (VCP), new semi-rigid Softcast Scotchcast, 3 M (SC), conventional semi-rigid fibreglass slab reinforced modified Rober t Jone s (SMRJ ) bandages, and modified Robert Jones (MRJ ) bandages were tested with different thicknesses or configurations. Rigid (VCP) was the strongest and stiffest coaptation method. The reason for this was a strong bond between fibres and resin and between layers. New semi-rigid (SC) was the strongest of the semi-rigid coaptation methods followed by (SMRJ ) bandages and (MRJ ) bandages. With semi-rigid (SC) imperfections and voids in bond allowed some shear movement between fibres and resin and between layers giving cylindrical structures some resilience. Stiffness of semi-rigid (SMRJ ) was influenced by the position of the slab relative to the bending plane. Compressed cotton with semi-rigid (MRJ ) had very limited resistance to a bending force.

New semi-rigid Softcast Scotch-cat, 3M (SC) was mechanically evaluated in an in vitro external coaptation model and compared to rigid Vetcast Plus, 3M (VCP), semi-rigid fibreglass slab reinforced modified Robert Jones (SMRJ) bandages, and modified Robert Jones (MRJ) bandages. Vetcast Plus (VCP) was overall the strongest, Scotchcast (SC) was the strongest of the semi-rigid coaptation methods.
Effects of a Bone Inducing Agent Derived from a Cultured Human Osteosarcoma Cell Line after Orthotopic and Heterotopic Implantation in the Dog
Authors: McLaughlin R. , Hoskinson J. , Griffon Dominique
Published: March 2018

BIA, a Bone Inducing Agent extracted from a cultured human osteosarcoma cell line (Saos–2), is highly osteoinductive in the skeletal muscle of athymic mice and promotes early osseous union of stabilized femoral non-unions in rats. To evaluate its effect in dogs, ten milligrams of BIA mixed with an equal amount of pure bovine collagen type I was compared with 20 mg of bovine collagen alone, a gelatin capsule alone, and fresh autogenous cancellous graft, after orthotopic and heterotopic implantation in Beagles.

For osteoinductive bioassays, each implant was placed in the latissimus dorsi muscle of five Beagles for six weeks. Bone formation was evaluated by thoracic radiographs every two weeks and by high detail radiographs and histology six weeks after implantation. To evaluate the effects of BIA after orthotopic implantation, four cortical defects were created in each left femur of four Beagles. One defect on each femur was randomly filled with BIA plus collagen, collagen alone, a gelatin capsule alone, or autogenous cancellous graft. Radiographic evaluation of the femurs was performed every two weeks for eight weeks. Healing of the defects was assessed with high detail radiographs, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, histology and histomorphometry eight weeks after implantation.

Ten mg of BIA did not induce bone formation six weeks after heterotopic implantation and did not promote bone healing after orthotopic implantation in the dogs. The discrepancy between these results and those obtained in rodents may be related to immunogenic factors or to the dose of BIA used in this study.

BIA, a Bone Inducing Agent extracted from a cultured osteosarcoma cell line is highly osteoinductive in rodents. BIA was evaluated and compared with autogenous cancellous bone graft and bovine collagen after orthotopic and heterotopic implantation in Beagles. Each implant was placed in the latissimus dorsi muscle of five Beagles and in femoral cortical defects of four Beagles. Bone formation was evaluated by radiography, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, histology and histo-morphometry. BIA did not induce bone formation after heterotopic implantation and did not promote bone healing after orthotopic implantation in dogs.
Holding Power of Orthopaedic Screws in Bovine Femoral Heads. A Comparison of Three Cannulated Screws
Authors: McCabe R. P. , Wilson D. G.
Published: March 2018

Femoral capital physeal fractures have been successfully repaired with 7.0 mm stainless steel cannulated screws. The holding power of 7.0 mm stainless steel cannulated screws, 8.0 mm stainless steel cannulated screws and 8.0 mm titanium cannulated screws was compared. The 8.0 mm titanium cannulated screw had the highest holding power, the 7.0 mm stainless steel cannulated screw was intermediate and the 8.0 mm stainless steel cannulated screw had the lowest holding power.

When placed in the bovine femoral head, 8.0 mm titanium cannulated screws have holding power greater than 8.0 mm stainless steel cannulated screws. A 7.0 mm stainless steel cannulated screw has intermediate holding power.
A Review of 30 Tumours Affecting Joints
Authors: Dyce J. , Houlton J. E. F. , Jefferies A. R. , Whitelock R. G.
Published: March 2018

The records and radiographs of 30 dogs with histopathologically confirmed tumours affecting joints were reviewed. The previously most commonly reported primary joint tumour, the synovial sarcoma, only represented eight of the 30 cases (27%). However, the radiological appearance of this tumour was very similar to others such as the fibrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, fibromyxosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, liposarcoma and undifferentiated sarcoma. Other tumours recorded were a mast cell tumour, haemangiopericytoma, osteosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma and amelanotic melanoma.

This study shows that there are joint tumours that have a similar radiographic appearance to synovial sarcomata, and confirms the importance of histopathological diagnosis.

This study shows that there are a number of different joint tumours which radiologically resemble synovial sarcoma, and underlines the importance of accurate histopathological diagnosis.
The Microvascular Carpal Foot Pad Flap: Vascular Anatomy and Surgical Technique
Authors: Fowler J. D. , Moens N. M. M.
Published: March 2018

The objectives of the study are to describe the vascular anatomy of the carpal foot pad and to describe the surgical technique for its dissection as a free microvascular flap.

Sixteen front legs from ten different dogs weighing from 20 to 30 kg were used for the study. All of the dogs were euthanatized for reason unrelated to the study. Dissection of the carpal foot pad with its dominant arterial and venous pedicle was performed and angiographic studies were performed by injection of barium sulphate and “high detailed” radiography.

The vascular anatomy of the carpal foot pad was consistent in all of the dogs. The arterial pedicle arises from the caudal interosseous artery and venous drainage is provided by the cephalic vein. A branch of the ulnar nerve parallels the arterial blood supply and may be included in flap dissection. Surgical dissection of the carpal foot pad flap is relatively straight forward. The length and diameter of the arterial and venous pedicle are appropriate for microvascular anastomosis.

The carpal foot pad in the dog represents a viable option for microvascular transfer and reconstruction of weight bearing surfaces.

Cadaveric dissection was used to study the vascular anatomy of the carpal foot pad in dogs and to assess its potential use as a free microvascular flap.
Unusual Case of a Fractured Anconeal Process in a Boxer
Authors: Kehnscherper G. , Flegel T.
Published: March 2018

An acute weight-bearing lameness in the left front limb following a slight trauma happened in a male, one-year-old Boxer. Clinical and radiographic findings suggested a fractured anconeal process.

Such a fracture after mild trauma is uncommon and indicates the possibility of a disorder in the area of the growth plate between anconeal process and ulna. Therefore this case could be related to the complex of the ununited anconeal process, too.

A one-year-old Boxer sustained a fracture of the anconeal process following a mild trauma. This case might be related to the complex of the ununited anconeal process.
Arthroscopy of the Elbow in Clinically Normal Dog Using the Caudal Portals
Authors: Bartlet J.F.
Published: March 2018

The technique of arthroscopy of the elbow joint using the caudal portals is described. It was developed on six cadavers and six experimental dogs and allows a direct visualization of the olecranon fossa, caudolateral, caudo-medial and cranial compartments of the elbow joint. Arthroscopy of the caudal aspect of the elbow joint appears safe and reliable. None of anatomical structures are at risk on the caudal aspect of the elbow joint.
Lumbosacral Degenerative Stenosis in the Dog
Authors: Moens Y. , Coppens P. , Peremans Kathelijne , Vinck H. , Janssens L. A. A.
Published: March 2018

A total of thirtyfive dogs with a Hansen type two disc protrusion of the lumbosacral region were operated upon with a technique consisting of dorsal decompression, dorsal anulectomy and disc curettage. The presurgical signs existed for 14 months (mean) and 97% of the animals had been treated unsuccessfully with antiinflammatory drugs. The mean age at the time of surgery was 7,2 years and the mean weight 28 kg. Seventyone percent of the animals were males. A postsurgical questionnaire was mailed to the owners – mean 30 months – after surgery. The results of the surgery were such that 69% of the owners reported that their dog ameliorated after surgery of which 53% found their dog to be completely cured. Comparing the surgical results of this group with a comparable group of animals operated with a dorsal decompression technique alone (without anulectomy), and of which the owners were questioned with the same questionnaire, yielded identical clinical results. Our conclusion therefore is, that the more aggressive and invasive surgery which is neither suitable nor appropriate in that subgroup of patients with lumbosacral degenerative stenosis, plus a type II Hansen disc protrusion and without any, neurological deficit.

The results of the surgical treatment of Hansen type II disc protrusion are described. Owners reported that 69% of the patients improved following the operation and that 53% were cured.
Guided bone regeneration in the treatment of a compound odontoma in a dog
Authors: Nalley W. S. , Wallace D. R. , Marti J. M.
Published: March 2018

This case report describes the successful surgical treatment of a canine compound odontoma using guided bone regeneration. A five-month-old male Labrador cross dog was diagnosed with a compound mandibular odontoma. After surgical removal of the denticles and curettage of the lining of the bony cavity, a combination of autogenous cortico-cancellous bone graft and a bovine-derived, purified bone mineral matrix was packed into the defect. A resorbable collagen membrane was then secured over the graft and the gingival tissues sutured. Radiographs taken four months later revealed advanced graft incorporation and bony healing of the mandibular defect. A second surgery was necessary to remove redundant gingival tissue dorsal to the lesion. Eight months after the first operation, radiographs revealed complete bony union and remodeling of the mandibular ramus. It is concluded that grafting of compound mandibular odontomas can be a viable surgical alternative to other more aggressive procedures such as a partial mandibulectomy in the dog.

A large mandibular compound odontoma was treated by curettage of the bony cavity, removal of denticles and placement of a combination of autogenous corticocancellous graft and demineralised bone matrix under a resorbable collagen membrane. A second operation was carried out to resect some exhuberant gingival tissue. This treatment restored the integrity of the mandibular bone and avoided aggresive surgical resection.
Ununited anconeal process: lag-screw fixation with proximal ulnar osteotomy
Authors: Hulse D. A. , Bahr A. , Jerram R. M. , Krotscheck U.
Published: March 2018

Controversy exists as to the clinical outcome in dogs undergoing treatment of an ununited anconeal process. This is particularly true if the dog is seven months of age or more at the time of surgery. Long-term outcome of four cases having undergone lag screw fixation in combination with a proximal ulnar osteotomy as treatment for ununited anconeal process is presented. Age at the time of initial surgery ranged from six to 8.5 months. Time from surgery to final clinical and radiographic evaluation ranged from 23 months to 40 months. Clinical outcome was excellent in all cases with each dog showing an excellent return of limb function and no evidence of pain, crepitus, or joint effusion. Radiographic evaluation showed fusion of the anconeal process with minimal to no progression of osteoarthritis. Results in these cases support the use of lagscrew fixation in concert with an ulnar osteotomy as a treatment method for ununited anconeal process in dogs.

Long-term outcome (23 to 40 months) of surgical treatment of ununited anconeal processes with a proximal ulnar osteotomy and lag screw fixation is evaluated in four cases. Clinical outcome was excellent in all cases; there was no evidence of pain, crepitus, or joint effusion. Final radiographic evaluation showed fusion of the anconeal process with minimal to no progression of osteoarthritis.
In vitro comparison of the locking loop and continuous cruciate suture patterns
Authors: Radlinsky M. G. , Renberg W. C.
Published: March 2018

This study was undertaken to test anew suture pattern. Tenorrhaphy wasperformed on 23 pairs of canine deepgluteal tendons. One tendon in eachpair was repaired using a locking loopsuture pattern while the other wasrepaired using a novel continuouscruciate pattern. The tendons weredistracted in a mechanical testing apparatusat a rate of 50 cm/min. Strength atfailure, energy absorbed at failure, andmode of failure were recorded andcompared. The continuous cruciatepattern was stronger at failure andabsorbed greater energy at failure thanthe locking loop pattern. This studyindicated that the continuous cruciatepattern can be used clinically with theknowledge that its strength characteristicsexceed those of the locking looppattern.

A new suture pattern was tested in deep gluteal tendons from cadaver dogs. The continuous cruciate suture pattern was found to be significantly stronger than the locking loop pattern in maximum strength and energy absorbed at failure in canine deep gluteal tendons.
Trochlear femoral fractures in cats: results of seven cases
Authors: Font J. , Marti M. J. , Chico C. A.
Published: March 2018

Seven cases of intra-articular fractures of the femoral condyles in cats were reviewed retrospectively. All of the cases involved the trochlea in a pattern that was different from the standard “T” or “L” fracture. Three of the cats were under one year of age. Surgical stabilization involved the use of plates and screws (five cases), crossed screws (one case), and multiple K-wires (one case). Radiographic bony union was demonstrable in all of the cases within 10 weeks. Six (85%) of the cats had a good functional outcome, and one (15%) had a fair outcome (minimum follow-up: four months). Major complications were not observed after post-operative physical and radiological examination.

A retrospective study of seven cats with intra-articular fractures of the femoral trochlea was performed. These fractures were different than the standard “T” or L” fracture, and six of the fractures were comminuted.

Functional outcome of the surgical repair was graded as good, fair or poor. Six of the cats had a good outcome, and one had a fair outcome.
The equine nuchal ligament 1: structural and material properties
Authors: Bertram J. E. A. , Gellman K. S.
Published: March 2018

The nuchal ligament, a large elastic structure in the dorsal cervical region, helps support the head and neck in the horse. During locomotion, the caudal funicular and cranial lamellar regions make the largest contribution to elastic strain energy storage. By storing and returning strain energy, the nuchal ligament reduces the amount of oscillatory head movements. These conclusions are derived from examination of the functional morphology of the equine nuchal ligament, its deformation during head movements, and the measurements of the mechanical properties of the tissue using a loading frame. The modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) was found to be similar to published values for bovine nuchal ligament: 8.4 × 105 (0.2 × 105 S. E.). The measured material properties can be combined with an analysis of tissue strain, and structural organization, to provide detailed estimates of the passive contribution of the nuchal ligament to locomotory motions of the head and neck.
Current concepts in fracture reduction
Authors: Johnson A. L.
Published: March 2018

Fracture management includes preoperative planning, implant selection, fracture reduction, implant application, and postoperative patient management. Fracture reduction can be one of the most challenging parts of the process. Time honoured principles, of gradual progressive traction and counter-traction, to anatomically restore the bone contour are still effective methods of fracture reduction (2). However, new concepts have emerged that incorporate: balanced anaesthesia techniques, image guided minimally invasive implant placement, bone alignment (rather than anatomical reconstruction) for comminuted fractures, and additional methods of achieving mechanical leverage (1, 3, 4, 16). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the decision making process for selecting fracture reduction techniques; and to describe those techniques for achieving and maintaining reduction for specific fractures.
Will the Cranial Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Caprine Stifle Joint Develop Degenerative Joint Disease?
Authors: Thomson L. A. , Houlton J. E. F. , Rushton N. , Allen M.J.
Published: March 2018

Unilateral cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) resection was performed in six goats. Controls for this procedure included the contralateral (non-operated) joints and six normal joints. All CCL-deficient joints had a positive cranial drawer movement throughout the study, whereas all other joints were stable.

None of the joints showed gross evidence of degenerative joint disease at necropsy 52 weeks after the operation. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences between either the frequency or severity of radiographic abnormalities in the two groups of joints.

Despite long-term joint instability, degenerative joint disease did not develop in the CCL-deficient caprine stifle joint. When the goat is used as a model for anterior cruciate ligament-deficiency in man, the significance of any results should be assessed in the light of these findings.

The long-term effects of experi-mentally induced cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency were studied in goats. All CCL-deficient joints had a positive cranial drawer movement, both immediately after surgery and at the end of the 52 week study. However, there was no evidence of cartilage or meniscal damage at postmortem examination, and stifle radiographs did not reveal evidence of degenerative joint disease.
The Cranial Superficial Epigastric Skin Flap in the Dog
Authors: Bauer M. S. , Steyn P. F. , Toombs Wanda , Orton E.C. , Degner D. A.
Published: March 2018

This study evaluated the angiosome of the cranial superficial epigastric artery and perfusion of the cranial superficial epigastric skin flap using scintigraphy. The results from this study indicate the cranial superficial epigastric skin flap may remain viable in a chronic model.

Anastomoses were noted between the cranial and caudal superficial epigastric arterial beds of all skin flaps. The scintigraphic study demonstrated that perfusion of the entire skin flap was maintained, with only the cranial superficial artery and vein intact.
The Use of Computed Tomography in Fragmented Coronoid Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Stickle R. L. , Dejardin L. M. , Mostosky U. V. , Braden T. D.
Published: March 2018

A 13-month-old Rottweiler was presented with a lameness on the left front leg. The CT scan revealed a large fragmented coronoid process in the elbow joint which was not demonstrable on regular radiographs.
The Effects of Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (Adeqtiail®) on Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, Prothrombin Time, Complete Blood Count, Biochemical Profile and Urinalysis in Cats
Authors: Beale B. S. , Clemmons R. M. , Clark Laura , de Haan J. J.
Published: March 2018

The effects of a single intramuscular administration of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG, Adequan®a) on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile and urinalysis were determined in six adult cats. An injection of 5 mg/kg of PSGAG was given to three of the cats, and an injection of 25 mg/kg was given to the other three cats. Following a seven-day crossover interval, the doses were reversed. Serial blood and urine samples were collected over a 48-hour period after each injection. Administration of PSGAG resulted in a transient, dose-dependent increase of APTT and PT. Prolonged bleeding from the venipuncture sites in the 25 mg/kg group was observed. Some of the CBC, biochemical profile, and urinalysis values changed following treatment, but clinically significant adverse reactions were not noticed.

Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Adequan®) is a heparin analogue with chondroprotective and anticoagulant properties. A single intramuscular injection of 5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan in six healthy adult cats resulted in a transient, dose-dependent increase of activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. Minor changes were seen on complete blood count, biochemical profile and urinalysis.
The Preparation and Draping of Orthopaedic and Trauma Cases, Using Plastic Sheeting
Authors: Bruese Sabine , Prieur W. D.
Published: March 2018

An effective, practical and economic method of surgical preparation and draping for orthopaedic procedures with plastic sheet is described that provides an effective barrier between the aseptic operative field and the patients’ body. The technique is also economical and will diminish working time for washing, packing and autoclaving of draping material.
Classification of Fractures of Long Bones in the Dog and Cat: Introduction and Clinical Application
Authors: Unger M. , Montavon P. M. , Heim U. F. A.
Published: March 2018

A computer filing system for the classification of fractured long bones in dogs and cats is described. It includes definitions of terms and a method of classification, based on fracture criteria seen on radiographs. This fracture classification was adapted from the AO/ASIF classification in man, to accomodate the special requirements of small animals. The localization and morphology of fractures were characterized with defined conventional terms, in order to assign an alpha-numeric code to each fracture. This coding system may also be used for computer filing of the data. With this classification system, the fractures are ranked in increasing severity and complexity for the various anatomical locations. This provides some prognostic and therapeutic informations. The system was used to code 1038 radiographically documented long bone fractures in dogs and cats. The distribution of fractures, with regard to their localization and morphology, was recorded. The system was easy to apply and proved to be able to supply valuable and reliable data.

A computer filing system for the classification of fractured long bones in dogs and cats is described.
Thermographic Evaluation of the Effect of Three Bandage Products and Two Bandage Application Methods on Perfusion of the Equine Distal Extremity
Authors: Kobluk C. N. , Walter Patricia , Trent A. Michelle , Libbey C. , Salazar R. , McCarville Sally
Published: March 2018

Thermography was used to evaluate the effects of the circulation on the distal equine limb of three wrapping materials (Vetrap® Tape, Equisport™ Equine Support Bandage (ESB) and 1680 denier experimental bandage). The wraps were applied at 100% stretch in a spiral or figure 8 technique. The Vetrap Tape and the ESB applied in a figure 8 technique were not statistically different from the control suggesting no circulatory impairment; however, the ESB and 1680 denier bandage wrapped in a spiral technique had a statistically significant effect suggesting circulatory impairment.

Thermography was used to evaluate the effects of the circulation on the distal equine limb of three wrapping materials and two methods of application.
Herniation of the Bladder into the Rectum in a Dog
Authors: Lambrechts N. E.
Published: March 2018

In the dog, the pelvis is frequently injured following motor vehicle accidents (1). Injuries to the lower urinary and intestinal tracts may accompany pelvic fractures in man (2, 3, 4, 5) and the dog (1, 6, 7). This paper describes an unsual case of bladder retroflexion and herniation through a tear, into the rectum of a dog, following traumatic fracture of the pelvis. The successful management and repair is outlined and a biomechanical sequence leading to the abnormal bladder position is proposed.

An unusual case of bladder retroflexion and herniation through a tear, into the rectum of a dog, following traumatic fracture of the pelvis is described. Repair was accomplished by manipulation of the bladder into its normal position through a coeliotomy incision and suturing of the rectal tear after prolapsing the rectum through the anus. The proposed biomechanical sequence leading to this injury is tearing by the inwardly rotated, fractured left hemipelvis as well as or alternatively, shearing forces along lines of excessive tension.
Averaging Signals with Random Time Shift and Time Scale Fluctuations
Authors: Meste O. , Muhammad W. , Rix H.
Published: March 2018

Objectives:
Our main objective was to propose an alternative to the technique of signal averaging (SA) to avoid shape distortions due to jittering and scale fluctuations, leading to a mean shape signal rather than to an average one.

Methods:
In case of both time shift and time scale fluctuations of the individual signals, the first point was to show what model makes it possible to interpret their expected action as a linear shift invariant filter followed by a scale invariant one. So, even in the case of equal shape signals, the average is clearly not the same shape. The second point was to propose another averaging process, using the normalized integrals and called Shape Averaging (ShA) which provides, in this case, a mean signal preserving the common shape.

Results:
The performances of ShA were firstly shown by simulation. Shifted and scaled versions of a given signal, without and with additive noise, have been generated at random. The mean shape signal obtained by ShA was compared to the shifted and scaled signal using the exact average values of the shifts and scale factors. A very good reconstruction of the mean shape signal is obtained for SNR = 20 dB and quite good for 8 dB, especially compared to SA. The method was then applied to a series of M-waves coming from surface EMG signals. In this case, the comparison of ShA with SA makes it possible to appreciate the validity of equal shape signal hypothesis.
Automatic Decomposition of Wigner Distribution and its Application to Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Montano N. , Cerutti S. , Mainardi L. T.
Published: March 2018

Objective:
We introduce an algorithm for the automatic decomposition of Wigner Distribution (WD) and we applied it for the quantitative extraction of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) spectral parameters during non-stationary events. Early response to tilt was investigated.

Methods:
Quantitative analysis of multi-components non-stationary signals is obtained through an automatic decomposition of WD based on least square (LS) fitting of the instantaneous autocorrelation function (ACF). Through this approach the different signal and interference terms which contributes to the ACF may be separated and their parameters (instantaneous frequency and amplitude) quantified. A beat-to-beat monitoring of HRV spectral components is obtained.

Results:
Analysis of simulated signals demonstrated the capability of the proposed approach to track and separate the signal components. Analysis of HRV data evidenced different dynamics in the early Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) response to tilt.

Conclusions:
The novel approach to the quantification of the beat-to-beat HRV spectral parameters obtained from decomposition of Wigner distribution was demonstrated to be effective in the analysis of HRV data. Relevant physiological information about the dynamics of the early sympathetic response to tilt were obtained. The method is a general approach which may be employed for a quantitative time-frequency analysis of non-stationary biological signals.
Estimating Respiratory Pattern Variability by Symbolic Dynamics
Authors: Mateu J. , Vallverdú M. , Giraldo B. , Benito S. , Voss A. , Caminal P.
Published: March 2018

Objectives:
The traditional techniques of data analysis are often not sufficient to characterize the complex dynamics of respiration. In this study the respiratory pattern variability was analyzed using symbolic dynamics.

Methods:
A group of 20 patients on weaning trials from mechanical ventilation were studied at two different pressure support ventilation levels. Breath duration (TTOT) time series and the relation TI/TTOT, that contains the influence of inspiratory time (TI), were considered. Length-3 words and 3 different symbols were proposed. The incidence of the overlapping τ and the parameter α were analyzed.

Results:
From the breath duration time series, the distribution of words with probability of occurrence higher than 6% was concentrated on one word for low respiratory variability, whereas high variability was characterized by 4 words, presenting a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.0005). The probability occurrence of words “110” and “111” was also significantly different (p ≤ .0005) when comparing both variabilities.

Conclusion:
The analysis carried out obtained discriminant functions able to correctly classify all the testing set series. These results permit the consideration of symbolic dynamics as a promising methodology to study the respiratory pattern variability.
Assessment of Cardiovascular Autonomic Control by the Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Neto E. P. , Custaud M. A. , Cejka J. C. , Abry P. , Frutoso J. , Gharib C. , Flandrin P.
Published: March 2018

Objectives:
Heart-rate variability (HRV) is an interesting tool for assessing cardiac autonomic system control, but nonstationarities raise problematic issues. The objective of this paper is to show that adapted signal processing tools may cope with nonstationary situations and improve the analysis of HRV.

Methods:
We propose to use the recent method of Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), so as to analyze the cardiac sympatho-vagal balance on automatically extracted modes. The method, which is fully data-adaptive, consists in an iterative decomposition based on the idea that any signal can be locally represented as an oscillation superimposed to a more regular trend. When a signal is composed of distinct nonstationary components, EMD therefore achieves a time-varying filtering which effectively separates them.

Results:
The method has been applied to situations where postural changes occur, provoking instantaneous changes in heart rate as a result of autonomic modifications. In the considered application where the sympatho-vagal balance is quantified by comparing the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components of RR intervals, EMD automatically achieves a separation of these components upon which further processing can be carried. Visualizing the decomposition in the time-frequency plane, we can identify local events due to the postural changes, and we can assess a (time-varying) HF vs. LF discrimination without resorting to some fixed high-pass/low-pass filtering.

Conclusion:
Assessing cardiovascular autonomic control by resorting to LF/HF measurements may prove difficult in nonstationary situations where the use of a priori fixed filters can be questioned. Because it is both local and fully data-adaptive, EMD appears as an appealing and versatile pre-processing technique for overcoming some of the limitations that conventional spectral methods are faced with in nonstationary situations.
Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk in Hemodialysis Patients by Data Mining
Authors: Weller K. , Woetzel D. , Guthke R. , Schroeder K. , Stein G. , Pohlmeier R. , Vienken J. , Pfaff M.
Published: March 2018

Objectives:
The objective of this work was to contribute to the development, validation and application of data mining methods for prediction in decision support systems in medicine. The particular focus was on the prediction of cardiovascular risk factors in hemodialysis patients, specifically the interventricular septum (IVS) thickness of the heart of individual patients as an important quantitative indicator to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy. The work was based on data from 63 long-term hemodialysis patients of the KfH Dialysis Centre in Jena, Germany.

Methods:
The approach applied is based on data mining methods and involves four major steps: data based clustering, cluster based rule extraction, rulebase construction and cluster and rule based prediction. The methods employed include crisp and fuzzy algorithms. At each step, logical and medical validation of results was carried out. Different sets of randomly selected patient data were used to train, test and optimize the clusterbases and rulebases for prediction.

Results:
Using the best clusterbase/rulebase combination designed, the IVS thickness cluster (‘small’ or ‘large’) was predicted correctly for 30 of the 35 patients with known IVS values in the training data set; no patient was predicted incorrectly and 5 were parity predicted. For the test data set, 4 of the 6 patients with known IVS values were predicted correctly, no patient incorrectly and 2 parity. These results did not substantially differ from those obtained using the second best clusterbase/rulebase combination which was finally recommended for use based on further performance criteria. The prediction of the IVS thickness clusters of the 22 patients with unknown IVS values also yielded good results that were (and could only be) validated by a medical individual risk assessment of these patients.

Conclusions:
The approach applied proved successful for the cluster and rule based prediction of a quantitative variable, such as IVS thickness, for individual patients from other variables relevant to the problem. The results obtained demonstrate the high potential of the approach and the methods developed and validated to support decision-making in hemodialysis and other fields of medicine by individual risk prediction.