bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservation of Fertility in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients With Cancer
Authors: Fallat Mary E. , Hutter John ,   the Committee on Bioethics, Section on Hematology/Oncology, and Section on Surgery
Published: May 2008

This Technical Report was revised. See https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-3994.

Many cancers that present in children and adolescents are curable with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Potential adverse consequences of treatment include sterility, infertility, or subfertility as a result of either gonad removal or damage to germ cells from adjuvant therapy. In recent years, treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies has been modified in an attempt to reduce damage to the gonads. Simultaneously, advances in assisted reproductive techniques have led to new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of infertility. This technical report reviews the topic of fertility preservation in pediatric and adolescent patients with cancer, including ethical considerations.
We and our pets: Allergic together?
Authors: Schäfer Torsten , Merkl Jessica , Klemm Eckart , Wichmann Heinz-Erich , Ring Johannes
Published: May 2008

The study of allergies in creatures living together without being relatives can help us understand the impact of environmental influences. We tested the association of allergies in humans and their pets. A nested unmatched case-control study was performed in a random sample of 4261 inhabitants, aged 25–74 years, of the City of Augsburg, Germany and two adjacent counties. Using standardised computer-assisted face-to-face interviews, we determined and compared the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed atopic diseases (hay fever, asthma, atopic dermatitis) in the study subjects and veterinarian-diagnosed allergies in their pets. Pets were kept in 48.0% of the households (cats 26.1%, dogs 20.1%, rodents 9.7%) and a veterinarian had diagnosed an allergy in 3.9% (cats 3.3%, dogs 4.7%, rodents 1.2%). Atopic diseases were diagnosed in 20.2% of the study subjects (asthma 6.1%, hay fever 13.7%, atopic dermatitis 5.1%). After adjustment for age, sex, parental predisposition and social status a significant association between hay fever in the study subjects and allergies in their pets was observed [odds ratio (OR) 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–2.97]. This association was more pronounced when investigating dogs only (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.32–5.77) where in addition an association with the overall prevalence of atopic diseases in the study subjects reached significance (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.16–4.58). We conclude that there is indication for a concomitant occurrence of allergies in humans and pets. Shared environmental factors are the most likely explanation.
Klebsiella oxytoca as a cause of equine abortion—Short communication
Authors: Szeredi Levente , Jánosi Szilárd , Tenk Miklós
Published: May 2008

Klebsiella (K.) oxytocainfection induced the abortion of a female equine fetus in the 10th month of pregnancy. Bacteria were cultured from the liver, lung and stomach content. They were labelled with an anti-Mycobacterium bovisantibody in the thymus, liver and lungs and were stained with Giemsa and Brown-Brenn staining in the thymus and lung. The diffusely consolidated lungs contained numerous grey-whitish foci 2–4 mm in diameter, which corresponded to severe pyogranulomatous pneumonia characterised by numerous intraalveolar neutrophils and macrophages and multinucleated Langhans’ giant cells.K. oxytocawas located in the cytoplasm of these cells, and extracellularly in the lumen of alveoli, bronchioles and bronchi, in the capsule of thymus and in the sinusoids of the liver. The results indicate thatK. oxytocacan cause sporadic equine abortion.
Effect of Various Electric Field Strengths and Current Durations on Stunning and Spinal Injuries of Atlantic Herring
Authors: Nordgreen Andreas Hoel , Slinde Erik , Møller Dag , Roth Bjorn
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of electric field strength and current duration on wild-caught Atlantic herring Clupea harengus stunned with sinusoidal 50-Hz AC in seawater. The fish were exposed to electric field strengths ranging from 16 to 142 V/m and current durations from 1 to 12 s. We recorded the elapsed times between the point at which each fish became unconscious and the points at which it resumed normal behavioral functions. We also investigated injuries such as broken spinal columns and hematomas after the fish were filleted. The threshold electric field strength required to stun all of the fish to unconsciousness was 33 V/m for 1 s. The duration of the unconscious condition increased as both electric field strength and current duration increased. Of a total of 260 Atlantic herring, 60% had broken spinal columns. The proportion of fish with fractured spines was independent of field strength and duration, but the number of fractures per fish increased with field strength. We conclude that electrical stunning would promote the welfare of Atlantic herring that are landed alive but negatively affect fillet quality owing to hematomas associated with the fractures.
Relationships between Floodplain Lake Fish Communities and Environmental Variables in a Large River‐Floodplain Ecosystem
Authors: Lubinski Benjamin J. , Jackson John R. , Eggleton Michael A.
Published: May 2008

Floodplain lakes of large river systems contain fish habitats that are not found elsewhere within the river, and these lakes have a diversity of environmental conditions that vary in space and time. Our objective was to examine relationships between floodplain lake fish communities and environmental variables associated with lake morphology, water chemistry, and river‐floodplain connectivity in a large river‐floodplain ecosystem. Multivariate direct‐gradient analyses indicated that lake surface area, lake depth, water clarity, and (to a lesser extent) dissolved oxygen were the most important factors in the structuring of lake fish communities. Results further suggested that floodplain lakes could be placed into groups that contained distinctive fish communities. Fish community structure was not strongly related to river‐floodplain connectivity, though fish species richness in individual lakes was positively correlated with degree of flooding in those lakes. Fish species diversity in lakes was positively correlated with linear distance between lakes and the main river channel; lakes that were furthest from the main river channel had more diverse fish communities. The diversity of environmental conditions in floodplain lakes is essential for maintaining net ecosystem diversity in large river ecosystems.
Model‐Based Clustering in a Brook Trout Classification Study within the Eastern United States
Authors: Zhang Huizi , Thieling Teresa , Prins Samantha C. Bates , Smith Eric P. , Hudy Mark
Published: May 2008

Data collected on the population status (extirpated or present) of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis at the landscape level across the eastern United States is useful for identifying important stressors and predicting brook trout status at the watershed level. However, when dealing with data compiled over a large region, a single model may not adequately describe relationships between variables. To find models with better classification performance, we used a Monte Carlo model‐based clustering method with logistic regression models to obtain subregions with good predictive performance. To subdivide the eastern United States into subregions, we used Voronoi tessellations with randomly selected centers. The average fraction correctly classified for fit was the criterion used when searching for optimal models within clusters. Logistic regression models were chosen by stepwise selection based on five explanatory variables: Elevation, percentage of forested land, percentage of agricultural land, road density, and an environmental factor (depositional NO3 and SO4). Application of the method to the brook trout status data set resulted in six subregions and improved predictive ability by approximately 20% relative to the single regionwide model. Resulting models were also more interpretable than the single model and reflected effects at a smaller spatial scale. In contrast to results of the single model, the role of elevation in the six subregional models was consistent with expectations and indicated an increased probability of brook trout presence with increased elevation. The resulting models should be useful for identification and prioritizing sites for restoration and recovery programs.
Buoyancy Regulation by Hatchery and Wild Coho Salmon during the Transition from Freshwater to Marine Environments
Authors: Weitkamp Laurie A.
Published: May 2008

One aspect of diadromy that has received little attention is buoyancy regulation in fish moving between freshwater and marine environments. Because of density differences between the two water types, fish must alter their whole‐fish density (WFD) or they will become positively (float) or negatively (sink) buoyant as they change environments. This idea was first suggested over 80 year ago but has been largely overlooked by the scientific community. To explore how fish regulate buoyancy during this important transition, I measured WFD and lipid levels and estimated swim bladder volumes (SBVs) of juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch collected from freshwater and marine environments. These fish exhibited increased WFD with increasingly dense environments, suggesting active buoyancy regulation. Most of the WFD increase was attributable to decreases in SBV, although hatchery coho salmon also exhibited decreased lipid levels with increasing WFD. Hatchery coho salmon had significantly higher lipid levels than wild coho salmon in both freshwater and marine environments. These high lipid levels may impede the ability of hatchery fish to regulate buoyancy and may increase their vulnerability to surface predators. Furthermore, lipid levels that vary with both environmental water density and fish origin clearly complicate the interpretation of this variable during the important transition from freshwater to the ocean.
Harvest and Relative Abundance of Siscowet Lake Trout in Michigan Waters of Lake Superior, 1929‐1961
Authors: Bronte Charles R. , Sitar Shawn P.
Published: May 2008

Siscowet, a deepwater morphotype of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush and the top predator in Lake Superior, currently makes up most of the lake trout biomass in this lake. Anecdotal accounts indicate that siscowets made up some portion of the historical lake trout commercial fishery, but estimates of harvest and relative abundance are lacking. By using the location information provided by historical fishers on monthly catch reports and past and contemporary knowledge of the depth distribution of siscowets, we provide the first estimates of historical siscowet commercial harvest, fishing effort, and changes in relative abundance for Michigan waters of Lake Superior from 1929 to 1961. Siscowets made up about 27% of the historical yield of lake trout in Michigan waters during this period, but the composition varied greatly among management units. The relative abundance of siscowet in its principal habitat (waters deeper than 80 m) generally declined in most management units before the increase in fishing effort in the mid to late 1940s and the invasion of sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus during the 1950s. These factors led to the collapse of nearshore lean lake trout populations by the late 1950s. Modest levels of fishing effort (around 2,000 km annually) before sea lamprey invasion were sufficient to cause declines in siscowet and were probably related to the low production rates associated with the k‐selected life history attributes of this deepwater morphotype.
Specificity of Childhood Learning Experiences in Relation to Anxiety Sensitivity and Illness/Injury Sensitivity: Implications for Health Anxiety and Pain
Authors: Watt Margo C. , O’Connor Roisin M. , Stewart Sherry H. , Moon Erin C. , Terry Lesley
Published: May 2008

Health anxiety refers to the preoccupation with and fear of bodily sensations arising from catastrophic misinterpretations about the significance of these sensations (Hadjistavropoulos, Asmundson, & Kowalyk, 2004). Constructs theoretically relevant to the development of both health anxiety and chronic pain are two of the putative “fundamental fears” identified by Reiss (1991)—anxiety sensitivity (AS) and illness/injury sensitivity (IS) (Cox, Borger, & Enns, 1999; Vancleef, Peters, Roelofs, & Asmundson, 2006). The learning history origins of AS have been examined in a series of studies (Stewart et al., 2001; Watt & Stewart, 2000; Watt, Stewart, & Cox, 1998); however, no studies have examined the learning history antecedents of IS. The present retrospective study compared the relative specificity of learning experiences related to the development of AS and IS in a sample of 192 undergraduates (143 women and 49 men). Structural equation modeling supported nonspecific paths from both anxiety-related and aches/pains-related childhood learning experiences to AS and a more specific path from aches/pain-related childhood learning experiences to IS. Results suggest that the developmental antecedents of IS are more specific to learning experiences around aches and pains, whereas the developmental origins of AS are more broadly related to learning experiences around bodily sensations.
Semianalytical Model for Reservoirs With Forchheimer's Non-Darcy Flow
Authors: Zeng Fanhua , Zhao Gang
Published: May 2008

This paper presents a semianalytical model to investigate the effect of Forchheimer's non-Darcy flow on the transient pressure behavior of a vertical well in an infinite homogeneous reservoir. The model uses the Forchheimer number to accurately quantify the non-Darcy flow in the reservoir through differentiating it from sandface-flow-rate-dependent skin factor, which is used to model the inertial-factor variation around the wellbore caused by perforation or formation damage/stimulation.

Type curves are documented for both drawdown and buildup tests for the first time by use of the semianalytical model proposed. It is observed that when non-Darcy flow in reservoirs and/or across completions is considered, the dimensionless pressure-derivative curves of drawdown tests have a wider transition region with gentler slopes, while those of buildup tests exhibit a shorter transition region with steeper slopes, similar to the observations of Kim and Kang (1994), Spivey et al. (2004) and Camacho-V et al. (1996). In the radial-flow period, compared with the cases of non-Darcy flow only across completions, the cases with non-Darcy flow in reservoirs for drawdown and buildup tests possess dimensionless pressure derivatives moving downward more gradually and smoothly to approach 0.5 at decreasing gradients. In general, the pressure derivatives of drawdown tests are larger than those of buildup tests before they converge to 0.5.

With this model, the skin factor for non-Darcy flow across the completion and the dimensionless Forchheimer number for non-Darcy flow in the reservoir can be estimated from a common drawdown or buildup test. Guidelines for interpreting field test data are presented. Several typical cases from the literature are analyzed, and better type-curve matches and more-reliable results are obtained.
Focused Sampling of Reservoir Fluids Achieves Undetectable Levels of Contamination
Authors: O'Keefe Michael , Eriksen Kåre Otto , Williams Stephen , Stensland Dag , Vasques Ricardo
Published: May 2008

A new generation of sampling technology is introduced that allows a wireline formation tester (WFT) to sample reservoir fluids in open hole with levels of filtrate contamination that are, in many cases, below measurable limits. Also, the time required on station to clean up before sampling is significantly reduced in comparison to conventional sampling methods.

Formation-fluid sampling has always been adversely affected by mud-filtrate contamination, which introduces errors into the laboratory measurements of fluid properties and requires analytical methods to back-calculate the measured properties to approximate the uncontaminated reservoir fluid. The ability to secure a totally clean sample of formation fluid at reservoir conditions is a significant advance that provides accurate fluid information for characterization of the reservoir, flow assurance, facility design, production strategies, and defining reserves.

The application of this new focused sampling technology is presented in four case studies from wells drilled on the Norwegian continental shelf. A wide range of formation fluids and permeabilities are examined, in both oil-based and water-based drilling fluids. Results from focused sampling are compared directly with conventional sampling in the same reservoir zones. This study also gives insight into the cleanup dynamics of invaded filtrate and explores the different factors that affect performance of the focused sampling technique.

An important consequence of achieving negligible contamination is the ability to accurately measure fluid properties in-situ. Reduced cleanup time allows for efficient reservoir fluid profiling, whereby multiple zones can be scanned sequentially in real time to quantify the fluid properties at a much higher resolution than traditional sampling methods. Downhole fluid analysis (DFA) can thus provide an additional source of information in the process of revealing complex reservoir architectures.
Estimation of Storativity Ratio in a Layered Reservoir With Crossflow
Authors: Al-Ajmi N. M. , Kazemi H. , Ozkan E.
Published: May 2008

This paper presents a practical method to estimate the storativity ratio of a dual-permeability layered reservoir with crossflow from pressure-transient data. The method uses an analytical formula for the storativity ratio in terms of the separation between the two semilog straight lines on the pressure vs. log-time plot, similar to the method used for dual-porosity systems. Knowing the storativity ratio from a well test allows individual-layer properties to be estimated if the layer flow rates are available from production logs. Demonstrations of the method to estimate the storativity ratio and individual-layer properties are presented by examples. Comparison of the results with those obtained from the existing techniques is also provided to highlight the accuracy of the proposed technique.
Real and Accrual-Based Earnings Management in the Pre- and Post-Sarbanes-Oxley Periods
Authors: Cohen Daniel A. , Dey Aiyesha , Lys Thomas Z.
Published: May 2008

We document that accrual-based earnings management increased steadily from 1987 until the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) in 2002, followed by a significant decline after the passage of SOX. Conversely, the level of real earnings management activities declined prior to SOX and increased significantly after the passage of SOX, suggesting that firms switched from accrual-based to real earnings management methods after the passage of SOX. We also document that the accrual-based earnings management activities were particularly high in the period immediately preceding SOX. Consistent with these results, we find that firms that just achieved important earnings benchmarks used less accruals and more real earnings management after SOX when compared to similar firms before SOX. In addition, our analysis provides evidence that the increases in accrual-based earnings management in the period preceding SOX were concurrent with increases in equity-based compensation. Our results suggest that stock-option components provide a differential set of incentives with regard to accrual-based earnings management. We document that while new options granted during the current period are negatively associated with income-increasing accrual-based earnings management, unexercised options are positively associated with income-increasing accrual-based earnings management.
Results of cytologic and microbiologic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in New Zealand White rabbits
Authors: Hawkins Michelle G. , Vernau William , Drazenovich Tracy L. , Griffey Stephen M. , Johnson Lynelle R.
Published: May 2008

Objective—To determine cytologic and microbiologic findings in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and SpO2 values obtained during BAL in healthy rabbits.

Animals—9 rabbits.

Procedures—Bronchoscopic BAL of left and right caudal lobar bronchi (LB2 and RB4) was performed with 3 mL of sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) solution; SpO2 was measured before, during, and after BAL. Percentage fluid recovered, total leukocyte counts, and differential cell counts were determined. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial, mycoplasmal, and fungal cultures were performed from combined LB2 and RB4 samples.

Results—Mean ± SD percentage fluid volumes recovered from LB2 and RB4 were 53 ± 13% and 63 ± 13%, respectively. Mean ± SD total leukocyte counts from LB2 and RB4 were 422 ± 199 cells/μL and 378 ± 97 cells/μL, respectively. Macrophages were most frequently identified. There were no significant differences in volumes retrieved, total leukocyte counts, or differential cell percentages between LB2 and RB4. Microbial culture results were negative for 3 rabbits and positive for mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacterial growth in 6 and 2 rabbits, respectively. The SpO2 was ≥ 95% in 7 of 9 rabbits after anesthetic induction, < 95% in 5 of 6 rabbits 1 minute after BAL, and ≥ 95% in 5 of 9 rabbits and > 90% in 4 of 9 rabbits 3 minutes after BAL.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Bronchoscopic BAL with 3 mL of saline solution provided adequate fluid recovery for microbiologic and cytologic examination from the caudal lung lobes. Transient low SpO2 was detected immediately after BAL.
Effect of acepromazine, butorphanol, or N-butylscopolammonium bromide on visceral and somatic nociception and duodenal motility in conscious horses
Authors: Sanchez L. Chris , Elfenbein Johanna R. , Robertson Sheilah A.
Published: May 2008

Objective—To evaluate effects of butorphanol, acepromazine, and N-butylscopolammonium bromide (NBB) on visceral and somatic nociception and duodenal motility in conscious, healthy horses.

Animals—6 adult horses.

Procedures—Visceral nociception was evaluated by use of colorectal distention (CRD) and duodenal distention (DD) threshold. Somatic nociception was evaluated via thermal threshold (TT). Nose-to-ground height, heart rate, and respiratory rate were also measured. Each horse received each treatment in randomized order; investigators were not aware of treatments. Butorphanol was administered IV as a bolus (18 μg/kg) followed by constant rate infusion at 13 μg/kg/h for 2 hours, whereas acepromazine (0.04 mg/kg), NBB (0.3 mg/kg), and saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (2 mL) were administered IV as a bolus followed by constant rate infusion with saline solution (10 mL/h) for 2 hours. Variables were measured before and for 3 hours after treatment. Data were analyzed by use of a 3-factor ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni t test for multiple comparisons.

Results—Nose-to-ground height decreased after acepromazine. Respiratory rate decreased after acepromazine and increased after butorphanol. Heart rate increased briefly after NBB. Some horses had an increase in TT after butorphanol and acepromazine, but there was not a significant treatment effect over time. Drug effect on DD or motility was not evident. The CRD threshold increased significantly at 5, 65, 155, and 185 minutes after acepromazine and from 5 to 65 minutes after NBB.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Each drug caused predictable changes in sedation and vital signs, but consistent anti-nociceptive effects were not evident.
Cardiopulmonary effects of anesthetic induction with thiopental, propofol, or a combination of ketamine hydrochloride and diazepam in dogs sedated with a combination of medetomidine and hydromorphone
Authors: Enouri Saad S. , Kerr Carolyn L. , McDonell Wayne N. , Dyson Doris H.
Published: May 2008

Objective—To evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of anesthetic induction with thiopental, propofol, or ketamine hydrochloride and diazepam in dogs sedated with medetomidine and hydromorphone.

Animals—6 healthy adult dogs.

Procedures—Dogs received 3 induction regimens in a randomized crossover study. Twenty minutes after sedation with medetomidine (10 μg/kg, IV) and hydromorphone (0.05 mg/kg, IV), anesthesia was induced with ketamine-diazepam, propofol, or thiopental and then maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Measurements were obtained prior to sedation (baseline), 10 minutes after administration of preanesthetic medications, after induction before receiving oxygen, and after the start of isoflurane-oxygen administration.

Results—Doses required for induction were 1.25 mg of ketamine/kg with 0.0625 mg of diazepam/kg, 1 mg of propofol/kg, and 2.5 mg of thiopental/kg. After administration of preanesthetic medications, heart rate (HR), cardiac index, and PaO2 values were significantly lower and mean arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, and PaCO2 values were significantly higher than baseline values for all regimens. After induction of anesthesia, compared with postsedation values, HR was greater for ketamine-diazepam and thiopental regimens, whereas PaCO2 tension was greater and stroke index values were lower for all regimens. After induction, PaO2 values were significantly lower and HR and cardiac index values significantly higher for the ketamine-diazepam regimen, compared with values for the propofol and thiopental regimens.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Medetomidine and hydromorphone caused dramatic hemodynamic alterations, and at the doses used, the 3 induction regimens did not induce important additional cardiovascular alterations. However, administration of supplemental oxygen is recommended.
Evaluation of the diffusion of corticosteroids between the distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa in horses
Authors: Pauwels Frederik E. , Schumacher James , Castro Fernando A. , Holder Troy E. , Carroll Roger C. , Sega Gary A. , Rogers Chris W.
Published: May 2008

Objective—To determine whether clinically effective concentrations of methylprednisolone or triamcinolone can be achieved in the navicular bursa after injection of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) or triamcinolone acetonide (TA) into the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and whether clinically effective concentrations of these drugs can be achieved in the DIPJ after injecting the navicular bursa with the same doses of MPA or TA.

Animals—32 healthy horses.

Procedures—Horses in groups 1 through 4 received 40 mg of MPA in the DIPJ, 10 mg of TA in the DIPJ, 40 mg of MPA in the navicular bursa, and 10 mg of TA in the navicular bursa, respectively. Concentrations of corticosteroids that diffused into the adjacent synovial structure were determined.

Results—For group 1, injection of MPA into the DIPJ yielded a mean ± SD concentration of 0.24 ± 0.072 μg of methylprednisolone/mL in the navicular bursa. For group 2, injection of TA into the DIPJ yielded 0.124 ± 0.075 μg of triamcinolone/mL in the navicular bursa. For group 3, injection of MPA into the navicular bursa yielded 0.05 ± 0.012 μg of methylprednisolone/mL in the DIPJ. For group 4, injection of TA into the navicular bursa yielded 0.091 ± 0.026 μg of triamcinolone/mL in the DIPJ.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A clinically effective concentration of methylprednisolone or triamcinolone diffused between the DIPJ and navicular bursa after intra-articular or intrabursal injection, which would justify injection of the DIPJ with MPA or TA to ameliorate inflammation of the navicular bursa.
Evaluation of computed tomographic anatomy of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint
Authors: Vanderperren Katrien , Ghaye Benoit , Snaps Frédéric R. , Saunders Jimmy H.
Published: May 2008

Objective—To determine the detailed computed tomography (CT) anatomy of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in healthy horses.

Sample Population—10 cadaveric forelimbs from 10 adult horses without orthopedic disease.

Procedures—CT of the MCP joint was performed on 4 forelimbs. In 1 of the limbs, CT was also performed after intra-articular injection of 30 mL of contrast medium (40 mg of iodine/mL). Transverse slices 1-mm thick were obtained, and sagittal and dorsal planes were reformatted with a slice thickness of 2 mm. The CT images were matched with corresponding anatomic slices from 6 additional forelimbs.

Results—The third metacarpal bone, proximal sesamoid bones, and proximal phalanx could be clearly visualized. Common digital extensor tendon; accessory digital extensor tendon; lateral digital extensor tendon; superficial digital flexor tendon (including manica flexoria); deep digital flexor tendon; branches of the suspensory ligament (including its attachment); extensor branches of the suspensory ligament; collateral ligaments; straight, oblique, and cruciate distal sesamoidean ligaments; intersesamoidean ligament; annular ligament; and joint capsule could be seen. Collateral sesamoidean ligaments and short distal sesamoidean ligaments could be localized but not at all times clearly identified, whereas the metacarpointersesamoidean ligament could not be identified. The cartilage of the MCP joint could be assessed on the postcontrast sequence.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—CT of the equine MCP joint can be of great value when results of radiography and ultrasonography are inconclusive. Images obtained in this study may serve as reference for CT of the equine MCP joint.
Assessment of serum thyroid hormone concentrations in lambs with selenium deficiency myopathy
Authors: Dalir-Naghadeh Bahram , Rezaei Siamak Asri
Published: May 2008

Objective—To assess changes in serum concentrations of thyroid hormones associated with selenium deficiency myopathy in lambs.

Animals—35 lambs with selenium deficiency myopathy and 30 healthy lambs.

Procedures—Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture from lambs with selenium deficiency myopathy and healthy lambs. Activities of markers of selenium deficiency myopathy (erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] and plasma creatine kinase [CK]) and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and total thyroxine (tT4) and total triiodothyronine (tT3) concentrations were assessed; values in affected lambs were compared with those in healthy lambs. Correlations of erythrocyte GSH-Px and plasma CK activities with serum concentrations of TSH, tT4, and tT3 were investigated, and the tT3:tT4 concentration ratio was evaluated.

Results—Compared with findings in healthy lambs, erythrocyte GSH-Px activity, serum tT3 concentration, and tT3:tT4 concentration ratio were significantly decreased and serum concentrations of tT4 and TSH and the activity of plasma CK were significantly increased in affected lambs. Analysis revealed a significant negative correlation in the affected group between erythrocyte GSH-Px activity and each of the following: plasma CK activity (r = −0.443), serum TSH concentration (r = −0.599), serum tT4 concentration (r = −0.577), and serum tT3 concentration (r = −0.621).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that notable changes in circulating amounts of thyroid hormones develop in association with selenium deficiency in lambs. Such alterations in thyroid hormone metabolism may be involved in the high incidence of disorders, such as stillbirths and neonatal deaths, in selenium-deficient flocks.
Pharmacokinetics of cetirizine in healthy cats
Authors: Papich Mark G. , Schooley Elizabeth K. , Reinero Carol R.
Published: May 2008

Objective—To develop a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay for cetirizine in feline plasma and determine the pharmacokinetics of cetirizine in healthy cats after oral administration of a single dose (5 mg) of cetirizine dihydrochloride.

Animals—9 healthy cats.

Procedures—Heparinized blood samples were collected prior to and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 hours after oral administration of 5 mg of cetirizine dihydrochloride to each cat (dosage range, 0.6 to 1.4 mg/kg). Plasma was harvested and analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC. Plasma concentrations of cetirizine were analyzed with a compartmental pharmacokinetic model. Protein binding was measured by ultrafiltration with a microcentrifugation system.

Results—No adverse effects were detected after drug administration in the cats. Mean ± SD terminal half-life was 10.06 ± 4.05 hours, and mean peak plasma concentration was 3.30 ± 1.55 μg/mL. Mean volume of distribution and clearance (per fraction absorbed) were 0.24 ± 0.09 L/kg and 0.30 ± 0.09 mL/kg/min, respectively. Mean plasma concentrations were approximately 2.0 μg/mL or higher for 10 hours and were maintained at > 0.72 μg/mL for 24 hours. Protein binding was approximately 88%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A single dose of cetirizine dihydrochloride (approx 1 mg/kg, which corresponded to approximately 0.87 mg of cetirizine base/kg) was administered orally to cats. It was tolerated well and maintained plasma concentrations higher than those considered effective in humans for 24 hours after dosing. The half-life of cetirizine in cats is compatible with once-daily dosing, and the extent of protein binding is high.
Pharmacokinetics and effects of aminorex in horses
Authors: Soma Lawrence R. , Rudy Jeffrey A. , Uboh Cornelius E. , Xu Fran , Snapp Heidi M.
Published: May 2008

Objective—To investigate the pharmacokinetics and behavioral effects of aminorex administered IV and PO in horses.

Animals—7 Thoroughbreds.

Procedures—In a cross-over design, aminorex (0.03 mg/kg) was administered IV or PO. Plasma and urinary aminorex concentrations were determined via liquid chromatography– mass spectrometry.

Results—Decrease of aminorex from plasma following IV administration was described by a 3-compartment pharmacokinetic model. Median (range) values of α, β, and γ half-lives were 0.04 (0.01 to 0.28), 2.30 (1.23 to 3.09), and 18.82 (8.13 to 46.64) hours, respectively. Total body and renal clearance, the area under the plasma time curve, and initial volume of distribution were 37.26 (28.61 to 56.24) mL·min/kg, 1.25 (0.85 to 2.05) mL·min/kg, 13.39 (8.82 to 17.37) ng·h/mL, and 1.44 (0.10 to 3.64) L/kg, respectively. Oral administration was described by a 2-compartment model with first-order absorption, elimination from the central compartment, and distribution into peripheral compartments. The absorption half-life was 0.29 (0.12 to 1.07) hours, whereas the β and γ elimination phases were 1.93 (1.01 to 3.17) and 23.57 (15.16 to 47.45) hours, respectively. The area under the curve for PO administration was 10.38 (4.85 to 13.40) ng·h/mL and the fractional absorption was 81.8% (33.8% to 86.9%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Aminorex administered IV had a large volume of distribution, initial rapid decrease, and an extended terminal elimination. Following PO administration, there was rapid absorption, rapid initial decrease, and an extended terminal elimination. At a dose of 0.03 mg/kg, the only effects detected were transient and central in origin and were observed only following IV administration.
Effects of warm-up intensity on oxygen transport during supramaximal exercise in horses
Authors: Mukai Kazutaka , Hiraga Atsushi , Eto Daisuke , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Hada Tetsuro , Tsubone Hirokazu , Jones James H.
Published: May 2008

Objective—To determine whether warm-up exercise at different intensities alters kinetics and total contribution of aerobic power to total metabolic power in subsequent supramaximal exercise in horses.

Animals—11 horses.

Procedures—Horses ran at a sprint until fatigued at 115% of maximal oxygen consumption rate (O2max), beginning at 10 minutes following each of 3 warm-up protocols: no warmup (NoWU), 1 minute at 70% O2max (moderate-intensity warm-up [MoWU]), or 1 minute at 115% O2max (high-intensity warm-up [HiWU]). Cardiopulmonary and blood gas variables were measured during exercise.

Results—The O2 was significantly higher in HiWU and MoWU than in NoWU throughout the sprint exercise period. Blood lactate accumulation rate in the first 60 seconds was significantly lower in MoWU and HiWU than in NoWU. Specific cardiac output after 60 seconds of sprint exercise was not significantly different among the 3 protocols; however, the arterial mixed-venous oxygen concentration difference was significantly higher in HiWU than in NoWU primarily because of decreased mixed-venous saturation and tension. Run time to fatigue following MoWU was significantly greater than that with NoWU, and there was no difference in time to fatigue between MoWU and HiWU.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—HiWU and MoWU increased peak values for O2 and decreased blood lactate accumulation rate during the first minute of intense exercise, suggesting a greater use of aerobic than net anaerobic power during this period.
Evaluation of twice-daily, low-dose trilostane treatment administered orally in dogs with naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Vaughan Matthew A. , Feldman Edward C. , Hoar Bruce R. , Nelson Richard W.
Published: May 2008

Objective—To evaluate the effects of twice-daily oral administration of a low-dose of trilostane treatment and assess the duration of effects after once-daily trilostane administration in dogs with naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism (NOH).

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—28 dogs with NOH.

Procedures—22 dogs received 0.5 to 2.5 mg of trilostane/kg (0.23 to 1.14 mg/lb) orally every 12 hours initially. At intervals, dogs were reevaluated; owner assessment of treatment response was recorded. To assess drug effect duration, 16 of the 22 dogs and 6 additional dogs underwent 2 ACTH stimulation tests 3 to 4 hours and 8 to 9 hours after once-daily trilostane administration.

Results—After 1 to 2 weeks, mean trilostane dosage was 1.4 mg/kg (0.64 mg/lb) every 12 hours (n = 22 dogs; good response [resolution of signs], 8; poor response, 14). Four to 8 weeks later, mean dosage was 1.8 mg/kg (0.82 mg/lb) every 12 or 8 hours (n = 21 and 1 dogs, respectively; good response, 15; poor response, 5; 2 dogs were ill). Eight to 16 weeks after the second reevaluation, remaining dogs had good responses (mean dosages, 1.9 mg/kg [0.86 mg/lb], q 12 h [n = 13 dogs] and 1.3 mg/kg [0.59 mg/lb], q 8 h [3]). At 3 to 4 hours and 8 to 9 hours after once-daily dosing, mean post-ACTH stimulation serum cortisol concentrations were 2.60 and 8.09 μg/dL, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In dogs with NOH, administration of trilostane at low doses every 12 hours was effective, although 2 dogs became ill during treatment. Drug effects diminished within 8 to 9 hours. Because of potential adverse effects, lower doses should be evaluated.
Registration of Drought‐Tolerant, Rust‐Resistant, High‐Yielding Pinto Bean Germplasm Line CO46348
Authors: Brick Mark A. , Ogg James B. , Singh Shree P. , Schwartz Howard F. , Johnson Jerry J. , Pastor-Corrales M.A.
Published: May 2008

Drought stress reduces dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield in more than 60% of the production regions worldwide. Pinto bean germplasm line CO46348 (Reg. No. GP‐275, PI 651500) was developed by the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station in cooperation with the University of Idaho and USDA‐ARS and released 1 Apr. 2007. CO46348 is a drought‐tolerant pinto bean germplasm with a 95 to 98 d growing season, high yield potential, excellent pinto seed quality, and resistance to rust caused by Uromyces appendiculatus. The complete pedigree of CO46348 is unknown; however, it was derived from a single cross made in 1989 with the pinto cultivar Othello as the female parent. Othello is a short‐season pinto cultivar released in 1987 that combines excellent pinto seed color and resistance to some strains of bean common mosaic caused by Bean common mosaic virus (a potyvirus).
Registration of ‘Tifguard’ Peanut
Authors: Holbrook C. Corley , Timper Patricia , Culbreath Albert K. , Kvien Craig K.
Published: May 2008

‘Tifguard’ (Reg. No. CV‐101, PI 651853) is a runner‐type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. subsp. hypogaea var. hypogaea) cultivar released by the USDA‐ARS and the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations in 2007. Tifguard was developed at the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, GA. Peanut cultivars are available that have high resistance to the peanut root‐knot nematode [Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal) Chitwood race 1] or spotted wilt caused by tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV). However, no cultivars exist that have resistance to both pathogens. Our research objective was to combine resistance to both pathogens in a single cultivar. Breeding populations were developed by hybridizing the TSWV‐resistant ‘C‐99R’ with the nematode‐resistant ‘COAN’. Selection for nematode resistance was conducted using standard greenhouse screening techniques. Selection for TSWV resistance was conducted in the field with natural virus infection. A breeding line (C724‐19‐15) was selected that had high resistance to both pathogens. Tifguard exhibited higher resistance to TSWV and higher yield than standard check cultivars when grown in fields with little or no nematode pressure. Because of its high level of resistance to both TSWV and M. arenaria, Tifguard had significantly higher yield than all others entries when grown in two locations with high pressure from both pathogens. This cultivar should be valuable for peanut growers who have to deal with both pathogens.
Early‐phase ERK activation as a biomarker for metabolic status in fragile X syndrome
Authors: Weng Ning , Weiler Ivan Jeanne , Sumis Allison , Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth , Greenough William T.
Published: May 2008

Lack of production of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) leads to changes in dendritic morphology and resultant cognitive and behavioral manifestations characteristic of individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). FMRP is an RNA‐binding protein that is believed to regulate the translation of a large number (probably over 100) of other proteins, leading to a complex and variable set of symptoms in FXS. In a mouse model of FXS, we previously observed delayed initiation of synaptically localized protein synthesis in response to neurotransmitter stimulation, as compared to wild‐type mice. We now likewise have observed delayed early‐phase phosphorylation of extracellular‐signal regulated kinase (ERK), a nodal point for cell signaling cascades, in both neurons and thymocytes of fmr‐1 KO mice. We further report that early‐phase kinetics of ERK activation in lymphocytes from human peripheral blood is delayed in a cohort of individuals with FXS, relative to normlal controls, suggesting a potential biomarker to measure metabolic status of disease for individuals with FXS. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association analysis of dynamin‐binding protein (DNMBP) on chromosome 10q with late onset Alzheimer's disease in a large caucasian UK sample
Authors: Morgan A.R. , Hollingworth P. , Abraham R. , Lovestone S. , Brayne C. , Rubinsztein D.C. , Lynch A. , Lawlor B. , Gill M. , O'Donovan M.C. , Owen M.J. , Williams J.
Published: May 2008

A recent scan of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the region 40–107 Mb on chromosome 10q in a large Japanese case–control cohort identified six SNPs in or near the dynamin‐binding protein gene (DNMBP) that were associated with late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) in individuals lacking the APOE ε4 allele [Kuwano et al. (2006); Hum Mol Genet 15:2170–2182]. We genotyped these six SNPs in 1,212 unrelated Caucasian patients of UK origin with LOAD and 1,389 ethnically, gender and age matched control subjects. We did not observe a statistically significant association with the risk of LOAD for any of the six SNPs in the sample as a whole. When stratifying the sample by APOE one SNP (intergenic SNP rs11190302) was associated with LOAD in individuals lacking the ε4 allele (genotypic P = 0.027, allelic P = 0.066). However this association was in the opposite direction to that detected in the Japanese population. It remains to be determined whether DNMBP is associated with LOAD. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal urinary tract infections and selected cardiovascular malformations
Authors: Cleves Mario A. , Malik Sadia , Yang Shengping , Carter Tonia C. , Hobbs Charlotte A.
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: In a population‐based case‐control study, we investigated the association between congenital cardiovascular malformations (CVMs) and maternal urinary tract infections (UTIs). METHODS: Within the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 3,690 women who had singleton livebirths with nonsyndromic CVMs, and 4,760 women who had infants without birth defects were identified. Affected infants had: conotruncal, septal, anomalous pulmonary venous return, atrioventricular septal defects, or left‐ or right‐sided obstructive heart defects. Mothers had a UTI if they reported having at least one infection during the first trimester. Adjusted ORs and 95% CIs were computed to determine the association between CVMs and UTIs. Stratified analyses were conducted to investigate if sulfonamide use and/or fever modified the effect between CVMs and UTIs. RESULTS: Women who had offspring with either left ventricular outflow tract obstructive defects or atrioventricular septal defects were more likely than controls to report a UTI. These associations remained among women who did not have fever or used sulfonamides. Maternal use of sulfonamides during the UTI did not appear to modify the relationship between CVM subtypes and maternal UTIs. CONCLUSIONS: In the National Birth Defects Prevention Study there was little evidence to support an association between CVMs and UTIs during the first trimester of pregnancy. Associations between left ventricular outflow tract obstructive defects and maternal UTI as well as between atrioventricular septal defects and maternal UTI were found. Our findings, while not conclusive, suggest that the possible association between maternal UTI and CVMs should be investigated further. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two MTHFR polymorphisms, maternal B‐vitamin intake, and CHDs
Authors: van Driel Lydi M.J.W. , Verkleij‐Hagoort Anna C. , de Jonge Robert , Uitterlinden André G. , Steegers Eric A.P. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Steegers‐Theunissen Régine P.M.
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C polymorphisms are associated with complex congenital malformations. Whether these polymorphisms are associated with CHDs is not clear. We studied both MTHFR polymorphisms, folate and vitamin B2 by maternal food intake and supplements, and CHD risk. METHODS: A case‐control family study was conducted in a European population in the Netherlands including 230 case and 251 control children with both parents. Approximately 17 months after the index pregnancy, mothers filled out standardized questionnaires on periconception use of folic acid supplements and a validated food frequency questionnaire on current dietary folate and vitamin B2 intake. All subjects were genotyped for the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms. Data were analyzed by logistic regression analysis and ORs and 95% CIs were calculated. For the interaction analysis the dominant model was used. RESULTS: The risk estimates for the MTHFR 677 CT genotypes were 1.4 (0.9–2.0) in mothers, 1.1 (0.8–1.6) in fathers, and 1.2 (0.8–1.7) in children, and for the MTHFR 677 TT genotypes 0.9 (0.6–1.2), 1.4 (1.0–1.9), and 1.0 (0.7–1.3), respectively. The MTHFR 1298 CC genotype in fathers and the MTHFR 1298 AC genotype in children significantly reduced CHD risk, 0.6 (0.5–0.9) and 0.6 (0.4–0.9), respectively. Of interest is the significant interaction (p = .008) towards a nearly twofold increased risk in mothers carrying the MTHFR 1298C allele and using a periconception folic acid supplement. CONCLUSIONS: The MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms are not strong risk factors for CHDs. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.