bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Side‐to‐side linking of myocardial cells in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Whole heart microscopic observation with tangential sections
Authors: Masuda Hirotake , Yamauchi Misa , Yoshida Makoto , Takahashi Masato , Nanjo Hiroshi , Asari Yasushi , Sugita Akihiro
Published: October 2005

By cross‐section or longitudinal section, it is difficult to investigate longitudinal features of myocardial cells in the whole heart. Here, introducing the use of tangential sections to obtain longitudinal aspect of myocardial cells in any part of myocardium, the authors evaluated myocardium in the left ventricle in 10 normal hearts and four hearts with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Tangential sections were obtained by peeling the superficial layer of myocardium. After peeling the whole surface, secondary deep layer was peeled. These procedures were repeated more than five times through the wall. Intercalated discs (ICD) were observed immunohistochemically with anti‐N‐cadherin and antidesmoplakin. In normal hearts, myocardial cells were cut longitudinally and ran parallel in tangential sections. They linked end‐to‐end with simple and regular ICD with average lengths of 120–130 µm and average sarcomere numbers of 56–65. In HCM hearts, many myocardial cells were cut almost longitudinally running approximately parallel in tangential sections. Myocardial cells frequently showed side‐to‐side linking characterized by skewed ICD, indistinct ICD counterparts, and longitudinally arranged ICD. Two young HCM hearts had circle‐shaped ICD and vacuole‐like structures highlighted by immunostaining for N‐cadherin, which were actually extracellular structures comparable with irregular side‐to‐side linking. It is considered that side‐to‐side linking of myocardial cells is a characteristic microscopic feature in HCM rather than myocardial disarray.
Increasing 14‐3‐3 sigma expression with declining estrogen receptor α and estrogen‐responsive finger protein expression defines malignant progression of endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Nakayama Hiroko , Sano Takaaki , Motegi Atsushi , Oyama Tetsunari , Nakajima Takashi
Published: October 2005

14‐3‐3 sigma (σ) is a negative regulator of the cell cycle and contributes to G2 arrest. Lack of its expression due to hypermethylation of CpG islands has been reported in some carcinomas. A recent study showed that 14‐3‐3 σ was down‐regulated through proteolysis by estrogen‐responsive finger protein (Efp). Here, we investigated the expression of 14‐3‐3 σ, hormone receptors, Efp and p53 in 86 cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma and 46 cases of normal or non‐neoplastic endometria by means of immunohistochemistry and methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction. In normal endometrium, 14‐3‐3 σ was overexpressed in the mid‐ to late‐secretory phase due to hypomethylation. In endometrial adenocarcinoma, 14‐3‐3 σ expression was low in low grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma due to hypermethylation, and increased significantly with increasing histological grade due to hypomethylation. 14‐3‐3 σ expression inversely correlated with estrogen receptor α, progesterone receptor and Efp, and positively correlated with myometrial invasion and lymph node metastasis. These results suggest that 14‐3‐3 σ was one of the menstrual cycle‐related proteins regulated by epigenetic methylation, and its expression was influenced by epigenetic methylation or hormone receptors in progression of endometrial adenocarcinoma, and therefore was more than just a cell‐cycle regulator.
Preoperative diagnosis of gastric cancer using 2‐D magnetic resonance imaging with 3‐D reconstruction techniques
Authors: ZHONG Liang , LI Lei , SUN Jian Hua , XU Jian Rong
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the clinical value of 2‐D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with 3‐D reconstruction techniques for the preoperative diagnosis and TNM‐staging of gastric cancer.

METHODS:  Using a Philips Gyroscan NT 1.0T superconductive unit, MRI using the water‐filling method was performed in 15 patients with suspected gastric cancers. The 2‐D MRI sequences included TSE‐T1WI, TSE‐T2WI and fat suppression (SPIR). The source images of magnetic resonance hydrography (heavily TSE‐T2WI sequence) were reconstructed using the Philips EasyVision viewing workstation. Four 3‐D postprocessing algorithms, including maximum intensity projection, surface shaded viewing, volume rendering and virtual endoscopy, were performed and compared with the results of a barium study and endoscopy. All 15 patients with 16 gastric cancers had their diagnosis confirmed by postoperative pathological findings.

RESULTS:  2‐D MRI and 3‐D reconstruction images were successfully obtained for all 15 patients. The maximum intensity projection, surface shaded viewing, and volume rendering images corresponded to the upper gastrointestinal series findings, and the virtual endoscopy images corresponded to the gastroscopic views. In 16 gastric lesions, MRI correctly diagnosed 14 (87.5%) advanced gastric cancers, and the tumor location, size and classification were also accurately identified. The accuracy of MRI for determining the preoperative TNM stage was 64.3% (9/14), and there was significant correlation between these results and those from the histopathological studies (P < 0.01). Based on T, N and M factors, the staging accuracy of MRI was 71.4% (10/14), 57.1% (8/14) and 85.7% (12/14), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:  2‐D MRI with 3‐D reconstruction is an effective method for the preoperative diagnosis and TNM staging of gastric cancer. However, the detection of early cancers or benign lesions and N‐staging should be further studied.
Correlation between a gene polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: SONG Ying , WU Kai Chun , ZHANG Li , HAO Zhi Ming , LI Hong Tao , ZHANG Ling Xia , QIAO Tai Dong , LI Cai Ning , FAN Dai Ming
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVES:  To analyze polymorphism of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients from the Han Chinese ethnic group, and to investigate the role of polymorphism in the pathogenesis of IBD.

METHODS:  Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques were used to analyze gene polymorphisms in the TNF‐α and TNF‐β genes in 131 patients with IBD.

RESULTS:  The genotype frequency and allelic frequency of TNF‐α−308 in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were 15.5% and 8.7%, respectively, significantly higher than the control population (4.1% and 2.0%, respectively; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and the normal population with regard to the genotype frequency and allelic frequency of TNF‐α−308, and neither were there any differences with regard to TNF‐β+252 in patients with IBD (UC and CD) and the normal population. The TNF‐α−308 polymorphism and the TNF‐β+252 loci did not correlate with age, gender, disease activity or lesion site for IBD patients.

CONCLUSIONS:  The TNF‐α−308 allele may be related to susceptibility to UC. The TNF‐α−308 gene polymorphism is not involved in pathogenesis of CD. No correlation was found between the TNF‐β+252 polymorphism and IBD. Polymorphisms of the TNF‐α−308 and TNF‐β+252 loci do not correlate with age, gender, disease activity or lesion site.
Epidemiology and genotypes of HEV in Wuhan
Authors: CHEN Yan , TIAN De Ying , XIA Ning Shao
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND:  Understanding the genotype and clinical features of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) are important for understanding its characteristics, for evaluating region‐specific diagnostic assays, and producing vaccines.

OBJECTIVES:  To investigate the epidemiology and the genotypes of HEV among outpatients and inpatients in the Department of Infectious Diseases of Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China.

METHODS:  Clinical data were elicited from the hospital records of patients who were clinically diagnosed with acute hepatitis between January 2000 and August 2004 (4920 patients). Of these cases, 120 patients with anti‐HEV‐IgM, IgG‐positive were selected to analysis. Conserved genomic sequences of open reading frame 2 (345 bp) in the HEV gene were detected using polymerase chain reaction, 25 of which were cloned and sequenced. Clustal X and Mega software were used for phylogenetic analysis of genotypes strains.

RESULTS:  The HEV infection rate is gradually increasing in Wuhan. The number of male patients was 3.3‐fold greater than the number of female patients found in clinical investigations. People aged 30–59 years are more susceptible to infection, and people are more susceptible in March–June. Twenty‐five isolates shared the same genotype, genotype IV, with 82.61–98.55% nucleotide identity. This genotype had 76.52–81.74%, 70.43–73.04%, 76.52–81.16%, and 84.35–88.70% homology with the nucleotide sequence of HEV genotypes I–IV, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that these 25 isolates represented at least three different subtypes, but there were no significant differences found in the epidemiological features or liver function of patients with the three subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS:  HEV sequences isolated from patients in Wuhan belong to different subtypes of HEV genotype IV.
Flaking failure originating from a single surface crack in silicon nitride under rolling contact fatigue
Authors: KIDA K. , SAITO M. , KITAMURA K.
Published: October 2005

Flaking failure caused by surface cracks of silicon nitride ceramic bearings has been investigated from the viewpoint of the ring crack model. However, the relation between surface and subsurface cracks under rolling contact fatigue is not fully understood. In this investigation subsurface cracks branching from an initial surface crack were observed in detail, and the process of flaking failure was investigated. The specimens were observed prior to the separation of the surface layers and it was found that the initial surface cracks grew vertically to the surfaces and did not curve as predicted by the ring crack model. Subsurface cracks branched from the single surface cracks and grew in a direction parallel to the surface. They grew in both the same and the opposite directions to the ball movement, with small upward and downward branches. These subsurface cracks grew prior to the semi‐circular surface cracks. From these observations it was concluded that the flaking failures are not caused directly by the surface cracks, but by the subsurface cracks that branch from them.
A refined CLNA model in fretting fatigue using asymptotic characterization of the contact stress fields
Authors: CIAVARELLA M. , DINI D.
Published: October 2005

Using the Atzori–Lazzarin criterion, the first author has recently proposed a unified model for fretting fatigue (FF), called the crack‐like notch analogue (CLNA) model. Two possible types of behaviour were suggested: either ‘crack‐like’ or ‘large blunt notch,’ and these are immediately studied in the typical condition of constant normal load and in phase oscillating tangential and bulk loads. The former condition (‘crack‐like’) was treated by approximating the geometry to the perfectly flat one of the crack analogue (CA), improved in some details, reducing all possible geometries to a single contact problem. The latter (‘large blunt notch’), with a simple peak stress condition i.e. a simple notch analogue model. In the present paper, the calculation of the ‘crack‐like’ behaviour is improved using the recent asymptotic characterisation developed by Dini, Hills and Sackfield, which extracts the asymptotic singular stress field of the fretting contact. A significant difference is found in the ‘equivalent’ geometric factor obtained for the Hertzian geometry, particularly near full sliding, where the new criterion is more conservative, but still not large enough to permit to find, for example in Nowell's FF experimental data, if the refinement is an improvement of predictive capabilities. In flatter geometries, the difference is expected to be even smaller than in the case of the Hertzian geometry, and in this case, the original CLNA model, for its simplicity, remains a very convenient simple closed form criterion.
Cigarette smoking is related to a decrease in semen volume in a population of fertile men
Authors: PASQUALOTTO FÁBIO F. , SOBREIRO BERNARDO P. , HALLAK JORGE , PASQUALOTTO ELEONORA B. , LUCON ANTÔNIO M.
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the semen quality and hormonal levels in fertile men according to their level of cigarette smoking.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We evaluated 889 fertile men who came for a vasectomy for sterilization purposes. The men included 522 non‐smokers, 143 mild smokers (<10 cigarettes/day), 154 moderate smokers (11–20/day), and 70 heavy smokers (>20/day). We evaluated sperm concentration, motility, motion variables and hormonal levels in these men.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences among the groups in sperm concentration or motility, or in levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or serum total testosterone. Also, sperm motion characteristics did not differ across the groups. Semen volume was the only semen variable which tended to decrease according to the number of cigarettes smoked.

CONCLUSIONS

Cigarette smoking had no apparent effect on sperm concentration, motility or reproductive hormonal levels, but tended to reduce semen volume.
L6‐S1 spinal nerve stimulation reduces micturition frequency in anaesthetized rats with cyclophosphamide‐induced cystitis
Authors: GIULIANO FRANÇOIS A. , DENYS PIERRE , CHARTIER‐KASTLER EMMANUEL , ALEXANDRE LAURENT , BERNABE JACQUES
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVE

To further investigate the rationale for using spinal nerve stimulation (SNS) for treating bladder overactivity associated with cystitis in a rat model of cyclophosphamide‐induced cystitis, as several studies suggested that symptoms associated with chronic cystitis could be treated using stimulation of sacral spinal nerves, but the mechanisms by which it works are unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cystitis was induced by i.p. injection of cyclophosphamide 48 h before the experiments in anaesthetized male rats. Neurograms were taken by placing a recording electrode onto the pelvic nerve and a stimulating electrode on either the L6 or S1 ipsilateral spinal nerves. Two selected intensities were then evaluated for SNS in control and cyclophosphamide‐treated rats during cystometry.

RESULTS

Cyclophosphamide resulted in significant bladder overactivity. There was no apparent difference in the neurograms generated in response to SNS of the S1 and L6 spinal nerves, and between cyclophosphamide and control rats. Intensities of 200 µA (Aδ‐fibre‐specific) and 2 mA (Aδ+ C‐fibres) were chosen for SNS. Continuous SNS at 200 µA significantly reduced the frequency of voiding and non‐voiding contractions in cyclophosphamide‐treated rats. SNS at 2 mA resulted in the abolition of voiding contractions, accompanied by continuous leakage of urine.

CONCLUSION

SNS recruiting only Aδ‐fibre produced fewer voiding contractions in cyclophosphamide‐treated rats, to a level similar to that from the control rats. These results support the ability of SNS to decrease bladder overactivity in a pathophysiological model of chemical irritation of the bladder.
Fast mapping between a phrasal form and meaning
Authors: Casenhiser Devin , Goldberg Adele E.
Published: October 2005

This is the first study to investigate experimentally how children come to learn mappings between novel phrasal forms and novel meanings: a central task in learning a language. Two experiments are reported. In both studies 5‐ to 7‐year‐old children watched a short set of video clips depicting objects appearing in various ways. Each scene was described using a novel verb embedded in a novel construction. Children who watched the videos and heard the accompanying description were able to match new descriptions that used the novel construction with new scenes of appearance. Moreover, our results suggest a facilitative effect for the disproportionately high frequency of occurrence of a single verb in a particular construction (such as has been found to exist in naturalistic input to children). While the fast mapping might be taken as an indication of innate knowledge that is specific to language, analogous effects in non‐linguistic categorization tasks suggest that children are acquiring the new phrasal form with general cognitive skills.
Visual Field Loss After Attacks of Migraine With Aura
Authors: Drummond Peter D , Anderson Matthew
Published: October 2005

Visual fields were mapped with kinetic arc perimetry in 23 migraine with aura subjects and, for comparison, in 20 migraine without aura subjects and in 21 non-headache controls. Central vision on the Amsler eye chart and visual perception threshold on a computer task were also investigated. Measures were obtained at least seven days after an episode of migraine. In addition, 10 of the migraine with aura subjects and 10 migraine without aura subjects were studied the day after an attack. The day after migraine with aura, visual sensitivity in the periphery of the visual fields was depressed, central vision was blurred, and visual perception threshold was elevated. These visual disturbances had resolved 7 to 10 days later. With the exception of a minor increase in visual perception threshold, vision was normal after attacks of migraine without aura. Residual effects of the migraine aura could mediate the subclinical visual disturbances which persist for at least one day after attacks of migraine with aura.
Benign Coital Headache
Authors: Østergaard John R , Kraft Morten
Published: October 2005

We studied the natural history of patients with a diagnosis of benign coital headache who presented to a private neurological clinic between the years 1978 and 1991. Thirty-two patients (24M, 8F) were invited to participate and 26 patients (83%) responded. The period of follow-up ranged from six months to 14 years (median 6 years). Thirteen patients (50%) had recurrent attacks of coital headache epochs separated by intervals of up to 10 years. Eleven of these patients suffered a concomitant primary headache whereas this was present in only one of those patients without recurrent attacks of coital headache ( p < 0.001). In all but one patient, who had a transient blurred vision, the headache was not accompanied by nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, sensory/motor disturbances, or unconsciousness. We concluded that benign coital headache can be clearly distinguished from headaches due to cerebral aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation rupture. The presence of a concomitant primary headache syndrome is a risk-factor for recurrence of coital headache.
Evaluation of Chronic Daily Headache—Comparison to Criteria for Chronic Tension-Type Headache
Authors: Solomon Seymour , Lipton Richard B , Newman Lawrence C
Published: October 2005

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria for chronic tension-type headache and, if appropriate, suggest modifications of the IHS classification. We evaluated 100 consecutive patients with chronic daily headache. Approximately two-thirds of our patients fulfilled the criteria for chronic tension-type headache. Most of the patients who failed to meet the criteria did so because they had more than one migrainous feature. Approximately 50% of patients took excessive amounts of analgesic medication. We conclude that the IHS criteria should be modified to include chronic daily headache evolving from migraine; subtypes with and without medication overuse should be distinguished.
Right‐sided cardiac function in healthy volunteers measured by first‐pass radionuclide ventriculography and gated blood‐pool SPECT: comparison with cine MRI
Authors: Kjær Andreas , Lebech Anne‐Mette , Hesse Birger , Petersen Claus Leth
Published: October 2005

Background:  Right ventricular (RV) function is of interest in an array of cardiopulmonary diseases. First‐pass radionuclide ventriculography (FP), gated blood‐pool single photon emission tomography (GBPS) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are three currently used non‐invasive methods for evaluation of right‐sided cardiac function. The aim of our study was to compare the agreement between these methods when measuring right‐sided cardiac function.

Methods:  Twenty‐four healthy volunteers were included. Mean age was 44 years (range: 25–60) and 29% were females. All participants had FP, GBPS and breath‐hold cine MRI performed according to standard protocols.

Results:  Normal ranges for RV ejection fraction (RVEF) defined as mean ± 2SD were 0·49–0·72, 0·44–0·66 and 0·40–0·69 when measured by MRI, FP and GBPS respectively. Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean difference (bias) between MRI and FP of 0·05 (95% CI: 0·03–0·08) and of 0·06 (95% CI: 0·02–0·10) between MRI and GBPS. No systematic bias was found between FP and GBPS. Normal values for RV end‐diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) were 37–95 and 29–91 ml m−2 when measured by MRI and GBPS respectively. The mean difference between RVEDVI was 6 ml m−2 (95% CI: 0–11).

Conclusions:  (i) Normal values of RVEF differ between MRI, FP and GBPS with wide limits of agreement, accordingly it is difficult to evaluate changes over time if measured by different methods, (ii) RV volumes are in the same range when measured by MRI or GBPS but with wide limits of agreement, and (iii) if MRI is considered gold standard then FP is more accurate than GBPS for RVEF measurements.
Modulation of the inflammatory response to histamine by terbutaline and sodium nitroprusside in guinea‐pig skin
Authors: Evilevitch Vladimir , Norrgren Kristina , Greiff Lennart , Wollmer Per
Published: October 2005

We measured the microvascular response (vasodilatation and plasma exudation) to skin prick provocations with histamine, terbutaline, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and the combinations of terbutaline and histamine as well as SNP and histamine in guinea‐pig skin. The response was measured by external detection of beta radiation from transferrin labelled with 113mIn. Histamine induced a moderate microvascular response. Terbutaline alone induced a smaller response, probably reflecting vasodilatation. When added to histamine, terbutaline significantly reduced the microvascular response to histamine. The response to histamine, SNP and the combination of histamine and SNP were all similar. We conclude that the anti‐inflammatory effect of terbutaline can be readily measured with this technique. We found no indication of a pro‐inflammatory effect of SNP when combined with histamine. Rather, the lack of additive effect may suggest an anti‐inflammatory effect of SNP on the response to histamine.
IS THE BOOK‐TO‐MARKET RATIO A MEASURE OF RISK?
Authors: Peterkort Robert F. , Nielsen James F.
Published: October 2005

We develop a leverage‐based alternative to traditional asset pricing models to investigate whether the book‐to‐market ratio acts as a proxy for risk. We argue that the book‐to‐market ratio should act as a proxy because of the expected relations between (1) financial risk and measures of capital structure based on the market value of equity and (2) asset risk and measures of capital structure based on the book value of equity. We find no relation between average stock returns and the book‐to‐market ratio in all‐equity firms after controlling for firm size, and an inverse relation between average stock returns and the book‐to‐market ratio in firms with a negative book value of equity.
DO FOREIGN INVESTORS PRICE FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK DIFFERENTLY?
Authors: Kwon Taek Ho , Bae Sung C. , Chung Jay M.
Published: October 2005

We test whether foreign investors price foreign exchange risk differently from local investors. Drawing from the closed‐end country fund literature, we argue that both differential access to information by foreign versus local investors and different sources of exchange risk that investors face (economic or translation exposure) will lead to different pricing of the exchange risk associated with American Depositary Receipt (ADR) investments. We apply a two‐step method to country portfolios of ADRs of Australia, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Our results show that foreign investors generally price exchange risk differently from local investors, and that the source and magnitude of differences in exchange risk pricing vary significantly across countries. Although significant differences in pricing exchange risk between foreign and local investors are observed for Australia, France, and Japan, no such pricing difference is noticed for the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the pricing differences observed for Australian and French ADRs are mainly attributed to the exchange risk of underlying share returns (economic exposure), whereas the pricing differences for Japanese ADRs are mainly attributed to the exchange risk associated with currency translation (translation exposure). We offer some explanations for our findings.
B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide Is Associated with Mortality in Older Functionally Impaired Patients
Authors: Witham Miles D. , Gillespie Neil D. , Hutcheon Stuart D. , Struthers Allan D. , McMurdo Marion E. T.
Published: October 2005

Objectives: To determine the predictive power of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) regarding death in older, functionally impaired patients with multiple comorbidity.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Specialist geriatric assessment clinic and day hospital.

Participants: Two hundred ninety‐nine older, functionally impaired patients, mean age 79 at enrollment.

Measurements: Full clinical history and examination, baseline BNP, and echocardiography. Date and cause of death were ascertained from Scottish death records. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were constructed for quartiles of log (BNP), and the contribution of BNP to prediction of death was investigated.

Results: The follow‐up period ranged from 3.9 to 5.2 years (mean 4.4 years). BNP was a powerful independent predictor of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. BNP was a more powerful predictor than blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, smoking, echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or age. BNP predicted death in those with and without a previous cardiovascular event at baseline.

Conclusion: BNP has significant predictive power for death in older, functionally impaired patients.
Geriatrics in Brazil: A Big Country with Big Opportunities
Authors: Garcez‐Leme Luiz E. , Deckers Leme Mariana , Espino David V.
Published: October 2005

Brazil has approximately 180 million inhabitants, of whom 15.2 million are aged 60 and older and 1.9 million are aged 80 and older. By 2025, the Brazilian elderly population is expected to grow to more than 32 million. Brazil has many problems related to its geographic and population size. Great distances between major cities, marked cultural and racial heterogeneity between the various geographic regions, high poverty levels, and decreasing family size all combine to put pressure on the medical and social services that can be made available to the elder population. Less than 500 Brazilian physicians are certified as geriatricians, translating into one geriatrician for every 37,000 elderly Brazilians. Beside 15 geriatric medicine residencies a larger number of fellowship programs exist, and these programs are in high demand, with more than 20 candidates per position, indicating new opportunities for growth in elder care. In addition, geriatric initiatives such as the annual elder vaccination program and the elder statute, recently approved by the Brazilian Congress, indicate that geriatric care in Brazil is entering a new era of growth and development. Although the challenges remain great, there are opportunities for Brazilian geriatrics and gerontology.
Prognostic Factors in Treating Antebrachial Growth Deformities with a Lengthening Procedure Using a Circular External Skeletal Fixation System in Dogs
Authors: Theyse Lars F.H. , Voorhout George , Hazewinkel Herman A.W.
Published: October 2005

Objective—To evaluate treatment of antebrachial growth deformities (AGD) with a lengthening procedure using a circular external skeletal fixation (CESF) system and to determine prognostic factors.

Study Design—Prospective clinical study.

Animals—Thirty‐four dogs with unilateral AGD.

Methods—Length deficits, angular and rotational deformities, elbow incongruity (EI), osteoarthritis (OA) of the elbow and carpal joint, function, and cosmesis were determined before and after a CESF lengthening procedure.

Results—On admission, EI (21 dogs; 62%), OA of the elbow joint (17 dogs; 50%), carpal OA (12 dogs; 35%), and concomitant elbow and carpal OA (5 dogs; 7%) were common findings. Treatment significantly improved function (normal, 20 dogs; 60%) and cosmesis (normal, 22 dogs; 65%). Angular and rotational deformities were almost completely corrected with small remaining length deficits. Elbow and carpal OA increased significantly during the follow‐up period. Significant correlations were demonstrated between initial elbow OA and final function (R=0.42,P=.02), initial function and final function (R=0.41,P=.02), and initial ulnar and radial deficit and final cosmesis (R=0.58,P=.0001 and R=0.45,P=.008).

Conclusions—Treatment of AGD by a CESF lengthening procedure was successful despite small remaining length deficits. Initial elbow OA, function, and ulnar and radial length deficits are prognostic factors in the treatment of AGD.

Clinical Relevance—Initial elbow OA and initial function are prognostic factors in predicting the functional outcome of treatment of AGD with a CESF lengthening procedure in the dog.
A Modified Lateral Approach to the Canine Cervical Spine: Procedural Description and Clinical Application in 16 Dogs with Lateralized Compressive Myelopathy or Radiculopathy
Authors: Rossmeisl John H. , Lanz Otto I. , Inzana Karen D. , Bergman Robert L.
Published: October 2005

Objective— To describe a modified lateral surgical approach to the cervical spine in dogs and evaluate clinical outcomes of dogs with neurologic disorders treated with this technique.

Study Design— Retrospective study.

Sample Population— Sixteen dogs with lesions involving the cervical spine.

Methods— Medical records (1998–2002) of dogs that had a modified lateral approach to the cervical spine were reviewed. To reduce procedural morbidity, the surgical approach was modified from original descriptions of the technique by minimizing disruption of epaxial and extrinsic thoracic limb musculature and limiting the size of the operative field to the affected vertebral segment. Signalment, neurologic status on admission; onset, progression, and duration of clinical signs; diagnostic testing, etiologic diagnosis, surgical site(s), intra‐ and postoperative complications, hospitalization, time to optimum recovery, neurologic status at discharge, final neurologic status, and outcome were recorded. Neurologic status (0–5) was scored preoperatively, 1 day postoperatively, at discharge, and at recheck examination (8 dogs). Telephone interviews were used to obtain additional follow‐up information.

Results— None of the dogs had postoperative deterioration in neurologic status. Outcomes were good or excellent in dogs with intervertebral disc disease, 3/4 dogs with caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, 1/2 dogs with spinal neoplasia, and in 1 dog with the vascular anomaly; long‐term outcomes were unknown in 2 dogs. Intraoperative complications occurred in 3 dogs and included controllable venous plexus hemorrhage (2) and incorrect lesion localization (1). One dog was euthanatized because of postoperative complications. Hospitalization, time to optimal recovery, and overall outcome were not different from previously reported results using other surgical approaches to treat analogous neurologic conditions.

Conclusions— A modified lateral approach to the cervical spine is viable for surgical treatment of cervical myelopathic or radiculopathic lesions when exposure to foraminal and lateralized lesions of the vertebral canal involving the C2–C7 vertebral articulations is desirable.

Clinical Relevance— A modified lateral approach to the cervical spine can be successfully used in dogs of all sizes to treat caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, other anomalous conditions of the cervical spine, intervertebral disc disease, and spinal neoplasms. Although long‐term follow‐up was not available for all patients, outcomes were generally favorable.
Measurement of Angles of Abduction for Diagnosis of Shoulder Instability in Dogs Using Goniometry and Digital Image Analysis
Authors: Cook James L. , Renfro Daniel C. , Tomlinson James L. , Sorensen Jill E.
Published: October 2005

Objective— To compare abduction angles of shoulders with medial instability and unaffected shoulders in the same dogs and in age‐ and breed‐matched dogs.

Study Design— Case–control study.

Animals— Dogs with medial instability of the shoulder (n=33) and 26 control dogs.

Methods— Dogs were sedated and positioned in lateral recumbency with both scapulas parallel to the table. With the elbow and shoulder in extension, the non‐recumbent limb was maximally abducted and the angle between the scapular spine and lateral aspect of the brachium measured with a goniometer; a digital image was taken from the cranial aspect. Both techniques were performed in triplicate by 2 examiners. Mean abduction angles for each shoulder were determined from goniometric measurements and image analysis. Data were analyzed for significant differences between affected and unaffected shoulders, measurement techniques, and examiners. Strength of correlation between measurement techniques was determined.

Results— Mean abduction angles for shoulders with instability (53.7±4.7° goniometric, 51.2±4.9° image) were significantly (P<.001) larger than for all unaffected shoulders (32.6±2.0° goniometric, 30.9±2.3° image). In dogs diagnosed with instability, affected shoulders had significantly (P<.001) larger abduction angles than the contralateral (unaffected) shoulders. No significant differences were identified between right and left shoulders for control dogs, measurement techniques, or examiners. A strong (r=0.90) significant (P<.001) positive correlation between measurement techniques was noted.

Conclusions— Shoulder abduction angles measured under sedation provide objective data for diagnosis of shoulder instability in dogs. Shoulders with clinical and arthroscopic evidence of medial instability have significantly higher abduction angles than shoulders that are considered normal.

Clinical Relevance— Determination of shoulder abduction angles should be included in the diagnostic protocol for forelimb lameness assessment in dogs.
Treatment of Dogs Diagnosed with Medial Shoulder Instability Using Radiofrequency‐Induced Thermal Capsulorrhaphy
Authors: Cook James L. , Tomlinson James L. , Fox Derek B. , Kenter Keith , Cook Cristi R.
Published: October 2005

Objective— To report clinical findings and outcome in dogs diagnosed with medial shoulder instability (MSI) treated with radiofrequency‐induced thermal capsulorrhaphy (RITC).

Study Design— Retrospective study.

Animals— Dogs (n=43) with MSI.

Methods— Medical records from consecutive cases with MSI based on orthopedic examination, palpation of shoulder abduction angles, and arthroscopic findings were used to determine clinical findings and long‐term (≥1 year) outcome of RITC.

Results— Forty‐three dogs met the criteria for inclusion; 2 dogs had bilateral MSI. The most common clinical findings were chronic unilateral weight‐bearing lameness, large (>45°) shoulder abduction angles, and spinatus muscle atrophy in the affected limb. Mean preoperative abduction angle (50.7°±4.8°) in affected shoulders was significantly larger than in the unaffected shoulders (32.5°±2.1°). Mean postoperative abduction angle in affected shoulders was not significantly different from unaffected shoulders when measured immediately, 8, 16–20 weeks, and ∼1 year after surgery. Follow‐up evaluation ranged from 1 to 6.2 years. RITC treatment resulted in improved clinical function in 40 cases (93%) with 34 cases (79%) considered excellent; 3 cases (7%) were considered failures.

Conclusions— RITC was a safe and effective method of treatment of MSI in most dogs studied.

Clinical Relevance— RITC can be considered as a viable option for surgical treatment of selected cases of MSI in dogs.
Trichophytobezoar Duodenal Obstruction in New World Camelids
Authors: Sullivan Eileen K. , Callan Robert J. , Holt Timothy N. , Van Metre David C.
Published: October 2005

Objective—To describe clinical findings, surgical treatment, and outcome associated with trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids.

Study Design—Retrospective study

Animals—Alpacas (7) and 1 llama.

Methods—Historical and clinical data were obtained from the medical records of New World camelids with a diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction confirmed by surgical exploration or necropsy.

Results—Seven camelids were <1 year old. Abnormal clinical findings included anorexia, reduced fecal output, recumbency, colic, abdominal distension, regurgitation, decreased serum chloride concentration, increased serum bicarbonate concentration, and/or elevated first gastric compartment chloride concentration. Survey abdominal radiographs obtained (4 animals) revealed gastric distension (4) and/or visualization of the obstruction (2). Diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy (1) or surgery (7). Right paracostal celiotomy was performed on all animals and duodenotomy (3) or retropulsion of the trichophytobezoar combined with third compartment gastrotomy (4) was used to remove the obstruction. Six animals survived to discharge and 5 were healthy at follow‐up, 8–20 months later. The remaining discharged alpaca was healthy at 12 months but subsequently died of unrelated causes.

Conclusions—Diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction should be considered in juvenile New World camelids with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Right paracostal celiotomy can be used for access to the descending duodenum and third gastric compartment for surgical relief of obstruction.

Clinical Relevance—Duodenal obstruction from bezoars should be considered in New World camelids <1year of age with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Surgical relief of the obstruction by right paracostal celiotomy has a good prognosis.
Thoracoscopic Lung Lobectomy for Treatment of Lung Tumors in Dogs
Authors: Lansdowne Jennifer L. , Monnet Eric , Twedt David C. , Dernell William S.
Published: October 2005

Objective—To report use of thoracoscopic lung lobectomy (TLL) for treatment of lung tumors (LT) in dogs.

Study Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—Nine dogs.

Methods—Dogs that had TLL for tumor removal were included. Using general anesthesia and 1‐lung ventilation, TLL was performed using a 30–60 mm endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler. If the visual field was obscured, lobe resection was completed via thoracotomy.

Results—Metastatic and primary LT were resected by thoracoscopic lobectomy in 9 dogs (6 male, 3 female; mean (±SD) weight, 29±7 kg; mean age, 10.7±1.9 years). Six dogs had a solitary mass and 3 dogs had 2 masses within a single lobe. The left caudal lobe was removed in 3 dogs. In 5 dogs, TLL was used alone whereas conversion to thoracotomy was required in 4 dogs because of poor visibility. There were 7 metastatic LT and 2 primary LT. Mean duration of thoracoscopic surgery was 108.8±30.3 minutes compared with 150.75±55.4 minutes in dogs requiring conversion to thoracotomy. Mean hospitalization was 3.1±1.3 days.

Conclusion—Provided the visual field is not obscured, TLL can be performed effectively in dogs.

Clinical Relevance—Dogs with metastatic or primary LTs should be considered for TLL, particularly for small masses positioned away from the hilus in the left caudal lung lobe.
Risk Management and the Precautionary Principle: A Fuzzy Logic Model
Authors: Cameron Enrico , Peloso Gian Francesco
Published: October 2005

The aim of this article is to illustrate a procedure for applying the precautionary principle within a strategy for reducing the possibility of underestimating the effective risk caused by a phenomenon, product, or process, and of adopting insufficient risk reduction measures or overlooking their need. We start by simply defining risk as the product between the numerical expression of the adverse consequences of an event and the likelihood of its occurrence or the likelihood that such consequences will occur. Uncertainty in likelihood estimates and several key concepts inherent to the precautionary principle, such as sufficient certainty, prevention, and desired level of protection, are represented as fuzzy sets. The strategy described may be viewed as a simplified example of a precautionary decision process that has been chiefly conceived as a theoretical contribution to the debate concerning the precautionary principle, the quantification of its application, and the formal approach to such problems.
Cellular Telephones and Driving Performance: The Effects of Attentional Demands on Motor Vehicle Crash Risk
Authors: Hunton James , Rose Jacob M.
Published: October 2005

This study examines the effects of conversation mode and split‐attention communication training on driving performance. The study is based on an experiment where drivers with and without communication training (pilots vs. nonpilots) completed a simulated driving course while involved in one of three conversation modes: no conversation, conversation with passenger, or conversation on a hands‐free cellular telephone. Results indicate that cellular telephone conversations consume more attention and interfere more with driving than passenger conversations. Cell phone conversations lack the nonverbal cues available during close‐contact conversations and conversation participants expend significant cognitive resources to compensate for the lack of such cues. The results also demonstrate that communication training may reduce the hazardous effects of cell phone conversations on driving performance.
Using Bayesian Networks to Model Expected and Unexpected Operational Losses
Authors: Neil Martin , Fenton Norman , Tailor Manesh
Published: October 2005

This report describes the use of Bayesian networks (BNs) to model statistical loss distributions in financial operational risk scenarios. Its focus is on modeling “long” tail, or unexpected, loss events using mixtures of appropriate loss frequency and severity distributions where these mixtures are conditioned on causal variables that model the capability or effectiveness of the underlying controls process. The use of causal modeling is discussed from the perspective of exploiting local expertise about process reliability and formally connecting this knowledge to actual or hypothetical statistical phenomena resulting from the process. This brings the benefit of supplementing sparse data with expert judgment and transforming qualitative knowledge about the process into quantitative predictions. We conclude that BNs can help combine qualitative data from experts and quantitative data from historical loss databases in a principled way and as such they go some way in meeting the requirements of the draft Basel II Accord (Basel, 2004) for an advanced measurement approach (AMA).
Exposure Reconstruction for the TCDD‐Exposed NIOSH Cohort Using a Concentration‐ and Age‐Dependent Model of Elimination
Authors: Aylward Lesa L. , Brunet Robert C. , Starr Thomas B. , Carrier Gaétan , Delzell Elizabeth , Cheng Hong , Beall Colleen
Published: October 2005

Recent studies demonstrating a concentration dependence of elimination of 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) suggest that previous estimates of exposure for occupationally exposed cohorts may have underestimated actual exposure, resulting in a potential overestimate of the carcinogenic potency of TCDD in humans based on the mortality data for these cohorts. Using a database on U.S. chemical manufacturing workers potentially exposed to TCDD compiled by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), we evaluated the impact of using a concentration‐ and age‐dependent elimination model (CADM) (Aylward et al., 2005) on estimates of serum lipid area under the curve (AUC) for the NIOSH cohort. These data were used previously by Steenland et al. (2001) in combination with a first‐order elimination model with an 8.7‐year half‐life to estimate cumulative serum lipid concentration (equivalent to AUC) for these workers for use in cancer dose‐response assessment. Serum lipid TCDD measurements taken in 1988 for a subset of the cohort were combined with the NIOSH job exposure matrix and work histories to estimate dose rates per unit of exposure score. We evaluated the effect of choices in regression model (regression on untransformed vs. ln‐transformed data and inclusion of a nonzero regression intercept) as well as the impact of choices of elimination models and parameters on estimated AUCs for the cohort. Central estimates for dose rate parameters derived from the serum‐sampled subcohort were applied with the elimination models to time‐specific exposure scores for the entire cohort to generate AUC estimates for all cohort members. Use of the CADM resulted in improved model fits to the serum sampling data compared to the first‐order models. Dose rates varied by a factor of 50 among different combinations of elimination model, parameter sets, and regression models. Use of a CADM results in increases of up to five‐fold in AUC estimates for the more highly exposed members of the cohort compared to estimates obtained using the first‐order model with 8.7‐year half‐life. This degree of variation in the AUC estimates for this cohort would affect substantially the cancer potency estimates derived from the mortality data from this cohort. Such variability and uncertainty in the reconstructed serum lipid AUC estimates for this cohort, depending on elimination model, parameter set, and regression model, have not been described previously and are critical components in evaluating the dose‐response data from the occupationally exposed populations.
Book Reviews
Authors: Smith Preston G.
Published: October 2005

Books reviewed in this issue:

New Product Launch: 10 Proven Strategies

Journey to Lean: Making Operational Change Stick

Resolving the Innovation Paradox: Enhancing Growth in Technology Companies

eXtreme Project Management: Using Leadership, Principles, and Tools to Deliver Value in the Face of Reality
Influence of Xylella fastidiosa infection of citrus on host selection by leafhopper vectors
Authors: Marucci R.C. , Lopes J.R.S. , Vendramim J.D. , Corrente J.E.
Published: October 2005

Infection of plants by pathogens can influence their attractiveness and suitability to insect vectors and other herbivores. Here we examined the effects of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Rutaceae) infection by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC), on the feeding preferences of two sharpshooter vectors, Dilobopterus costalimai Young and Oncometopia facialis (Signoret) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae). Experiments were performed inside observation chambers, in which a healthy plant and an infected one (with or without CVC symptoms) were supplied to a group of 40 sharpshooters. The number of insects that selected each treatment was recorded at several time intervals in 48 h. In another experiment, the ingestion rate on healthy and infected (symptomatic or not) plants was evaluated by measuring the liquid excretion of sharpshooters that were confined on branches of each plant for 72 h. Both sharpshooter species preferred healthy plants to those with CVC symptoms. However, O. facialis did not discriminate between healthy citrus and symptomless infected plants. Feeding by D. costalimai was markedly reduced when confined on CVC‐symptomatic plants, but not on asymptomatic infected ones. The ingestion rate by O. facialis was not affected by the presence of CVC symptoms. The results suggest that citrus trees with early (asymptomatic) infections by X. fastidiosa may be more effective as inoculum sources for CVC spread by insect vectors than those with advanced symptoms.