bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE USE OF MAGNETIC ENDOSCOPE IMAGING FOR COLONOSCOPY
Authors: Suzuki Takayoshi , Matsushima Masashi , Ihara Kenichi , Tokiwa Kayoko , Kanai Takashi , Ito Akemi , Shirai Takayuki , Miwa Takeshi , Mine Tetsuya
Published: September 2004

Background:  A new endoscopic system using low‐density alternating magnetic ﬁelds to visualize loop formation during insertion has been developed and has recently been made available. The present study was designed to assess the usefulness of this new endoscopic system, which is known as magnetic endoscope imaging (MEI), compared with the use of a variable stiffness colonoscope without MEI in the performance of routine colonoscopy.

Methods:  Ten less‐experienced and 11 experienced colonoscopists performed colonoscopy either with or without the assistance of MEI. After each procedure, the colonoscopist assessed the usefulness of MEI, and the patient also assessed the degree of pain experienced while undergoing the procedure with a pain scale. Success rates in reaching the cecum, insertion time, and the rate of manual abdominal counter‐pressure were recorded by endoscopic assistants.

Results:  There were no signiﬁcant differences in the time and cecal insertion rate taken to complete insertion between colonoscopy with and without MEI. However, the level of pain experienced during insertion from the anus to the cecum was signiﬁcantly lower with MEI than without it when less‐experienced colonoscopists performed the colonoscopy. The rates of manual abdominal counter‐pressure used during colonoscopy were higher in groups where MEI was used. Moreover, manual abdominal counter‐pressure was quite easily undertaken with the assistance of MEI.

Conclusion:  In summary, MEI is useful for decreasing the level of patient pain in the less‐experienced colonoscopist group.
A CASE OF TUMOR‐FORMING PANCREATITIS WITH A RAPID AND AGGRESSIVE CHANGE
Authors: Takashima Toshin , Inui Kazuo , Yoshino Junji , Nakamura Yuta , Nakazawa Saburo , Hattori Toshiyuki , Ko Katsuyoshi , Katayama Makoto
Published: September 2004

An asymptomatic 51‐year‐old man was found to have a low echoic mass by ultrasonography, 12 mm in diameter, at the head of the pancreas during mass screening. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed that the mass was hypoechoic with clear margins and without main pancreatic duct dilatation. Therefore, islet cell tumor was suspected, but pancreatic carcinoma could not be excluded. After 3 months, follow‐up ultrasonography revealed that the margin had become more clearly defined and the mass had tended to enlarge. Endoscopic ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed dilatation of the main pancreatic duct. A pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed for the presumed diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. Histological examination revealed prominent fibrosis and destruction of the exocrine parenchyma without evidence of malignancy. The diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma based on tendency of enlargement and dilatation of the main pancreatic duct was difficult in this case.
A MULTICENTER RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL DESIGNED TO EVALUATE FOLLOW‐UP SURVEILLANCE STRATEGIES FOR COLORECTAL CANCER: THE JAPAN POLYP STUDY
Authors: Sano Yasushi , Fujii Takahiro , Oda Yasushi , Matsuda Takahisa , Kozu Takahiro , Kudo Shin‐ei , Igarashi Masahiro , Iishi Hiroyasu , Fu Kuang‐I , Kaneko Kazuhiro , Hotta Kinichi , Yoshino Takayuki , Ishikawa Hideki , Murakami Yoshitaka , Shimoda Tadakazu , Fujimori Takahiro , Ajioka Yoichi , Otani Toru , Saito Hiroshi , Ochiai Atsushi , Yoshida Shigeaki ,   the Japan Polyp Study Workgroup
Published: September 2004

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality, and the incidence of colorectal cancer in Japan is increasing gradually. To reduce colorectal cancer mortality, a higher compliance for colorectal cancer screening and follow‐up programs is needed. Consequently, it is necessary to establish ﬁrm recommendations based on strong evidence from postpolypectomy colonoscopic surveillance. The Japan Polyp Study (JPS) began in 2000, and its objective is to evaluate follow‐up surveillance strategies in patients who have undergone two complete colonoscopies for the control of colorectal cancer, with the removal of all detected polyps by high‐resolution chromoendoscopy, including the removal of ﬂat or superﬁcial depressed (0‐IIc) lesions. The JPS is scheduled to continue until the year 2010, and future data will help to develop recommendations for surveillance guidelines for such patients.
Why Induction Is No Cure For Baldness
Authors: Dolev Yuval
Published: September 2004

The paper aims at establishing that the premises of both the inductive and the multi‐premised versions of the sorites argument are not apparently acceptable and that, therefore, sorites‐type arguments do not constitute logical or conceptual paradoxes. Rather, it is suggested that such arguments are most properly and fruitfully described as skeptical challenges. A secondary goal of the paper is to focus attention to the unduly neglected inductive version of the argument.
Intrauterine nutrition: its importance during critical periods for cardiovascular and endocrine development
Authors: Hoet J. J. , Hanson M. A.
Published: September 2004

Experimental investigations in animals have highlighted the role of early reduced calorie and protein nutrition on fetal cardiovascular development, and the occurrence of a transition from a low fetal arterial blood pressure in late gestation to a high arterial blood pressure postnatally. These observations may explain the correlation between health, including appropriate nutrition, in pregnant women and the outcome of their pregnancies. Emphasis has been placed on low birth weight infants who have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, coronary heart disease and stroke in adulthood. Vascular pathology in adults is not always associated with low birth weight and animal experiments indicate that substantial changes in cardiovascular and endocrine function can result from maternal or fetal undernutrition without impairing fetal growth. Experimental investigation on organogenesis shows the pivotal role of adequate protein availability as well as total caloric intake. Amino acid metabolism in the feto‐maternal unit appears to have a key influence on the development of organs involved in chronic degenerative disease in the adult. Experimental investigation has also highlighted the role of carbohydrate metabolism and its effect on the fetus in this respect. Either restriction of protein intake or diabetes in pregnant rats has intergenerational effects at least on the endocrine pancreas and the brain. Further investigation is needed to clarify the mechanisms involved and lead to a new understanding of the importance of nutrition during pregnancy. This will provide an important approach to the primary prevention of diabetes and chronic degenerative diseases.
Treatment of canine mast cell tumours with prednisolone and radiotherapy
Authors: Dobson J. , Cohen S. , Gould S.
Published: September 2004

This retrospective study describes 35 dogs with non‐resectable, grade I–III mast cell tumours on the head or limb treated with prednisolone (40 mg m−2daily) for 10–14 days prior to radiotherapy (4 × 800 cGy fractions at 7‐day intervals) from a 4 MV linear accelerator. Prednisolone was continued at a reduced dose rate (20 mg m−2) during radiotherapy and for 2 months or longer afterwards. Eighteen of 24 tumours (75%) decreased in size in response to prednisolone treatment. By 6–8 weeks following radiotherapy, 12 dogs had achieved a complete remission and 19 a partial response. Two tumours remained static and two progressed during the course of treatment. The overall response rate was 88.5%. With long‐term follow‐up, 11 dogs experienced local recurrence (n = 4), metastasis (n = 5) or both (n = 2). The median progression‐free interval was 1031 days (95% CI 277.44–1784.56, Kaplan–Meier), with 1‐ and 2‐year progression‐free rates of 60 and 52%, respectively. Tumour grade did not predict the prognosis for this group of dogs, but tumour location did affect the outcome. Dogs with tumours located on the limb survived longer than those with tumours on the head. The combination of prednisolone with radiotherapy appears to have a useful role in the management of measurable mast cell tumours sited on the head and distal extremities.
Cardiac troponin I in canine patients with lymphoma and osteosarcoma receiving doxorubicin: comparison with clinical heart disease in a retrospective analysis
Authors: Selting K. A. , Lana S. E. , Ogilvie G. K. , Olmstead A. , Mykles D. L. , Bright J. , Richardson K. L. , Walton J. A. , Monnet E. , Fettman M. J.
Published: September 2004

The cumulative cardiotoxicity that occurs as a result of doxorubicin chemotherapy is irreversible and can affect both quality and quantity of life for the cancer patient. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a sensitive and specific marker of cardiomyocyte death. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate serum concentrations of cTnI in dogs with lymphoma or osteosarcoma given doxorubicin chemotherapy, and with known cardiac outcome, based on a minimum assessment by physical examination and thoracic radiography. Serum samples were also available for cTnI measurement from seven healthy dogs given intracoronary doxorubicin. Serial serum samples obtained before, during and after doxorubicin chemotherapy showed increased cTnI concentrations in some clinical patients following chemotherapy (P = 0.0083 compared to baseline), but this did not correlate with clinical signs of cardiomyopathy. In dogs that subsequently developed cardiomyopathy however, serum cTnI concentrations were elevated before clinical signs became evident (confirmed with echocardiography).
The practice of participatory research and gender analysis in natural resource management
Authors: Johnson Nancy , Lilja Nina , Ashby Jacqueline A. , Garcia James A.
Published: September 2004

Stakeholder participation is expected to improve the efficiency, equity, and sustainability of natural resource management research and development (R&D) projects by ensuring that research reflects users’ priorities, needs, capabilities, and constraints. Use of participatory methods and tools is growing rapidly; however, there is little systematic evidence about what participation actually means in practice, or about what difference it makes. Based on an inventory of 59 self‐described participatory R&D projects in the area of natural resource management, this article characterizes the typical project and analyzes how stakeholders are selected, how they participate in the research process, and what their involvement means for project costs and impacts. The results suggest that, while projects are generating a range of direct and indirect benefits for participants, more careful attention needs to be paid to achieving equitable impacts. Current practices may lag behind best practices in key areas, such as power sharing and participant selection, and may therefore be missing important contributions from women and other marginalized groups.
Functional wildlife parks: The views of Kenyan children who live with them
Authors: Ali Ibrahim M. , Maskill Roger
Published: September 2004

This study reports on Kenyan school children's ideas about wildlife parks in their country. A comparison is made between the responses of school children in primary school, before they receive any science education, and those of secondary school pupils at the end of the secondary cycle. The findings show little difference between the two groups of students in terms of their ideas about wildlife parks. This has serious implications for science and environmental education in Kenya. Parks are understood by these pupils in terms of real life issues, as derived from social consequences. The children's ideas are all based on the role that parks play in society, but the function of parks to support biodiversity conservation does not seem to be important to the students. While it is satisfying to note that the school children have a good understanding of parks in their social context, it is essential to address fully the scientific and ecological role of parks in order that biodiversity becomes more valued in our society.
Randomized double‐blind clinical drug trials of meloxicam in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis knees: an Indian experience
Authors: CHOPRA Arvind , BICHILE L. , RAJADHYAKSHA A. G. , GADGIL D. , MAROLI S. , GOREGAONKAR A. B. , DHAON B. K.
Published: September 2004

Background:  Indian data from controlled drug trials on the use of meloxicam (a new preferential COX‐2 inhibitor) and other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in arthritis is sparse.

Aim:  To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of meloxicam.

Patients and methods:  One hundred and twenty‐one patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 133 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) knees were randomized into two different multicentric, double‐blind, drug trials of four‐weeks duration each. Meloxicam 7.5 mg (OA study) and 15 mg (RA study) was compared to diclofenac 100 mg and piroxicam 20 mg in daily dosages, respectively. Strict eligibility criteria ensured active symptomatic disease. Standard ACR efficacy measures of pain and function (including validated Indian versions of HAQ & WOMAC) were used. Protocol‐driven evaluations were carried out throughout the study. An intent‐to‐treat efficacy analysis (significance at P < 0.05) was carried out to test the hypothesis of equal efficacy between meloxicam and comparator.

Results:  (i) There were no significant differences between meloxicam and piroxicam in the RA study. (ii) While joint count for pain/tenderness was improved (P < 0.05) by both meloxicam and piroxicam, only meloxicam showed significant improvement (95% CI ≈ 0.7,5.6) in swollen joint count. (iii) In the OA study, though painVAS reduction was marginally better (95% CI ≈ −15,−0.6) with diclofenac, both meloxicam and diclofenac were equally effective (95% CI ≈ −10,2.0) in improving WOMAC‐physical function. (iv) Overall, meloxicam demonstrated a superior safety and gut tolerability profile as compared to piroxicam (maximum adverse events, 29.3%) and diclofenac. (iv) Maximum dyspepsia (6.2%) was reported by the diclofenac group. (v) Overall, the drug toxicity seen in the trials was mild, and only one patient (on diclofenac) was withdrawn due to haematuria. (vi) All treatment groups consumed paracetamol (P > 0.05) as a rescue analgesic.

Conclusions:  When compared to piroxicam and diclofenac, meloxicam has equal clinical efficacy and a better safety profile. Multicentric control drug trials are feasible in our population.
Avascular necrosis in rheumatology practice
Authors: BISWAS Tamal Kumar , BISWAS Sobhan
Published: September 2004

Avascular necrosis (AVN) refers to the death of the cellular component of bone (osteocytes) and contiguous bone marrow, resulting from ischaemia. Sites which are particularly vulnerable to ischaemic necrosis are the femoral head, the femoral condyles, the head of the humerus, the capitulum and the proximal parts of the scaphoid and talus. These subarticular regions lie at the most distant parts of the bone's vascular territory and they are largely enclosed by cartilage, giving restricted access to local blood vessels. The whole process of AVN can be initiated in at least four different ways – severance of the local blood supply, venous stasis and retrograde arteriolar stoppage, intra‐vascular thrombosis and compression of capillaries and sinusoids by marrow swelling. Ischaemia in the majority of cases is due to a combination of several of these factors. Various clinical conditions are associated with AVN. They include corticosteroid administration, alcohol abuse, Cushing's syndrome, SLE, systemic vasculitis, RA, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, renal transplantation, sickle‐cell anaemia, haemoglobinopathies, caisson disease, radiotheraphy and fractured neck of femur.

Clinical features include pain at the groin, medial thigh and medial aspect of the knee in AVN of hip joint. Diagnosis is at the early stage. The staging system for AVN of the femoral head has been advocated, which is helpful for its treatment. Medical management includes avoidance of weight‐bearing and use of analgesics in early stages. In moderate and severe cases surgical treatment in the form of core decompression, bone grafting and total hip arthroplasty are usually done.
A new diagnostic sign for rheumatoid arthritis: Avicenna sign
Authors: BARZEGAR‐JALALI Shahriar , HATAMI‐SADABADI Farhad
Published: September 2004

Aim:  The status of a new sign for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis is discussed for the first time in this study. It is defined as marked tenderness on the anterior surface of leg (shin) on pressure of about 4 kg by thumb. The sign has been denoted as ‘Avicenna sign’.

Methods:  All cases were selected by convenient sampling from patients who were referred to two rheumatology clinics in Tabriz, Iran. Sample size was calculated as 618 using Cochran's sampling equation.

Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was made according to American Rheumatism Association criteria. Two physicians were asked to examine the sign on all of the selected patients separately. One of them (a general physician) was not informed about methodology and objectives of the study, whereas a rheumatologist was well informed and he collected data using a written questionnaire.

Test–retest method and discriminant analysis were used to test reliability and validity of the sign for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. The effects of intervening variables including osteoporosis and consumption of some medications were controlled employing Chi‐square test.

Results:  When the general physician examined patients with Avicenna sign to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, sensitivity and specificity of the sign were reported as 77.1% and 98.4%, respectively. The corresponding values were 81.3% and 98.4%, respectively, when the rheumatologist examined the patients.

Conclusions:  This study suggested considerable diagnostic value of the sign for rheumatoid arthritis. Consumption of acetaminophen or NSAIDs had no effect on the status of Avicenna sign while taking gluccocorticoids made it unreliable for diagnostic purposes.
Infliximab‐induced systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: John RUSSO Paul Anthony , TYMMS Kathleen Elizabeth , SMITH George Richard
Published: September 2004

Only six cases of clinical drug‐induced lupus (DIL) following infliximab initiation for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease are documented dispite studies indicating many patients develop asymptomatic antinuclear ANA (62%) and anti‐dsDNA (15%) antibodies. Our 43‐year‐old female patient with 25 years of RA had active synovitis despite combination sulfasalazine, leflunomide and methotrexate. She received infliximab (3 mg/kg) infusion with rapid resolution of synovitis and then again 2, 6 and 14 weeks later. At 21 weeks she developed acute DIL with typical clinical features and laboratory findings which resolved after 8 weeks of prednisolone treatment. New biologic therapies can not only suppress RA but potentiate clinical DIL.
The Family Re‐Union Initiative: A Springboard for Family‐Centered Community Building, Locally and Nationally
Authors: Erickson Martha Farrell , Louv Richard
Published: September 2004

Family Re‐Union is an ongoing conference series and family policy initiative launched in 1992 by Al and Tipper Gore. It has been the springboard for a new wave of family‐centered community building efforts, including the development of an educational program to prepare a new generation of community builders. We summarize the history of this family‐centered community building movement and discuss how it builds upon and differs from earlier approaches to community development. We describe Family Re‐Union and some of the ongoing work it has fueled. And we suggest ways family professionals can take part in this work.
Communication, Conflict, and Commitment: Insights on the Foundations of Relationship Success from a National Survey
Authors: Stanley Scott M. , Markman Howard J. , Whitton Sarah W.
Published: September 2004

The key relationship dynamics of communication, conflict, and commitment were investigated using data from a randomly sampled, nationwide phone survey of adults in married, engaged, and cohabiting relationships. Findings on communication and conflict generally replicated those of studies using more in depth or objective measurement strategies. Negative interaction between partners was negatively associated with numerous measures of relationship quality and positively correlated with divorce potential (thinking or talking about divorce). Withdrawal during conflict by either or both partners, thought quite common, was associated with more negativity and less positive connection in relationships. The most frequently reported issue that couples argue about in first marriages was money, and in re‐marriages it was conflict about children. Overall, how couples argue was more related to divorce potential than was what they argue about, although couples who argue most about money tended to have higher levels of negative communication and conflict than other couples. Further, while the male divorce potential was more strongly linked to levels of negative interaction, the female was more strongly linked to lower positive connection in the relationship. Consistent with the commitment literature, higher reported commitment was associated with less alternative monitoring, less feeling trapped in the relationship, and greater relationship satisfaction.
A Hereditary Disorder In the Family and the Family Life Cycle: Huntington Disease as a Paradigm
Authors: Brouwer‐DudokdeWit A. Christine , Savenije Anke , Zoeteweij Moniek W. , Maat‐Kievit Anneke , Tibben Aad
Published: September 2004

The implications of predictive DNA‐testing for Huntington's Disease (HD) for the transitions in the family life cycle are described. HD is a hereditary disorder leading to personality changes, uncontrollable movements, cognitive impairment, and ultimately death in mostly adults, People at risk have the possibility to detect whether or not they carry the disease provoking‐gene, but no treatment is available. In this article, we will highlight the complex implications of pre‐symptomatic testing by describing six different cases, interpreted by following the theoretical framework of Carter and McGoldrick (see pp. 684).

HD interferes strongly with the “normal” transitions in the life cycle. It is not so much the test result itself that may be disrupting, but the changed expectations and possibilities for the future. As a family disease, HD forces its members to cope, one way or another, with disturbing events and untimely deaths. Some families are able to make some transitions, while becoming blocked at other transition points; this may differ between families. Being able to cope with HD in the family for a certain time does not necessarily imply that problems will never occur. Because any family member may eventually need help, it is important to then help the family discover what hinders them from making the transition to the next life stage and to resolve these issues so that they can move on.
PACHIQ‐R: The Parent‐Child Interaction Questionnaire—Revised
Authors: Lange Alfred , Evers Anouk , Jansen Hedi , Dolan Conor
Published: September 2004

The PACHIQ (Parent‐Child Interaction Questionnaire) is designed to help clinicians and researchers assess how parents view relationship with their children (PACHIQ‐Parent version), and how children evaluate their relationship with their parents (PACHIQ‐Child version). The items in this questionnaire refer to both interpersonal behavior and feelings. Conceptually, the PACHIQ is based on learning theory and structural systems theory. The development of the PACHIQ was described by Lange, Blonk and Wiers (1998). The present article reports additional psychometric data obtained in the development and validation of a revised, shorter version of the questionnaire (PACHIQ‐R). We present norm tables for families with children who are referred for psychological treatment, and norm tables for families in the normal Dutch population. The PACHIQ‐R displays a two factor structure with factors interpreted as Conflict Resolution and Acceptance. The parent version of the PACHIQ‐R contains 21 items, the child version 25 items.
Titanium release from implants prepared with different surface roughness
Authors: Wennerberg Ann , Ide‐Ektessabi Ari , Hatkamata Shino , Sawase Takashi , Johansson Carina , Albrektsson Tomas , Martinelli Anna , Södervall Ulf , Odelius Hans
Published: September 2004

Objectives: There may be a risk of greater ion release for surface‐enlarged implants than conventionally turned components. The major aim of the present paper was to investigate whether a correlation exists between ion release and a surface roughness relevant for today's commercial implants. Other aims were to compare ion release after two insertion times and concentration in bone tissue as a function of distance from the implant surface.

Material and methods: Lactic acid aqueous solution (pH=2.3) and phosphate‐buffered saline were used for the in vitro investigation. For the in vivo investigation, synchrotron radiation X‐ray fluorescence (SRXRF) spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) were performed 12 weeks and 1 year after implantation in rabbit tibiae.

Results: The average height deviation (Sa) was 0.7, 1.27, 1.43 and 2.21 μm, respectively, for the four surfaces investigated. No difference in ion release was found in vitro. In vivo, SRXRF demonstrated slightly higher values for the roughest surface up to a distance of 400 μm from the implant surface; thereafter no difference was found. SIMS demonstrated no difference in ion release for the roughest and smoothest surfaces, but slightly more titanium in bone tissue after 1 year than after 12 weeks. Titanium rapidly decreased with distance from the implant surface.

Conclusion: At a level relevant for commercial oral implants, no correlation was found between increasing roughness and ion release, neither in vitro nor in vivo.
Predicting osseointegration by means of implant primary stability
Authors: Nedir Rabah , Bischof Mark , Szmukler‐Moncler Serge , Bernard Jean‐Pierre , Samson Jacky
Published: September 2004

Abstract: The purpose of the present clinical study was (1) to evaluate the Osstell as a diagnostic tool capable of differentiating between stable and mobile ITI implants, (2) to evaluate a cut‐off threshold implant stability quotient (ISQ) value obtained at implant placement (ISQitv) that might be predictive of osseointegration, (3) to compare the predictive ISQitv of immediately loaded (IL) implants and implants loaded after 3 months (DL). Two patient groups were enrolled, 18 patients received 63 IL implants and 18 patients were treated with 43 DL implants. The ISQ was recorded at implant placement, after 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks. All implants passed the 1‐year loading control. Two implants failed, one DL implant with ISQ at placement (ISQi) of 48 and one IL implant with ISQi of 53. The resonance‐frequency analysis (RFA) method was not a reliable diagnostic tool to identify mobile implants. However, implant stability could be reliably determined for implants displaying an ISQ≥47. After 1 year of loading, all DL implants with an ISQi≥49 and all IL implants with an ISQi≥54 achieved and maintained osseointegration. By the end of 3 months, implants with ISQi<60 had an increase of stability. Implants with ISQi 60–69 had their stability decrease during 8 weeks before returning to their initial values. Implants with ISQ>69 had their stability decrease during the first 4 weeks before remaining stable. Although preliminary, these data might orient the practitioner to choose among various loading protocols and to selectively monitor implants during the healing phase.
Morphologic, functional and behavioral effects of titanium dioxide exposure on nerves
Authors: Onur Mehmet Ali , Taş Zeynep , Gürpınar Aylin , Şahin Saime , Çehreli Murat Cavit
Published: September 2004

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore morphologic, functional, and behavioral effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on nerves.

Material and methods: A total of 17 albino rats were used for nerve conduction experiments, hot‐plate tests, and histological evaluation. TiO2 was implanted unilaterally on the sciatic nerves of five rats. Ten days after surgery, test and control nerves were dissected and their signal transduction speeds were quantified by suction electrodes in a bath containing a Tyrode solution. Twelve rats were divided into three equal groups resulting in equal number of nerves (n=8) for TiO2 implantation, surgical exposure of the nerves, and for use as controls. One week after surgery, hot‐plate tests were undertaken for 10 consecutive days to determine response latencies of the nerves. At the termination of the experiments, the nerves were harvested, processed, and examined under a microscope.

Results: The signal transduction speeds of TiO2‐implanted nerves was similar to control specimens (P>0.05). The avoidance responses of TiO2‐implanted, surgically exposed, and control nerves were comparable (P>0.05). At the cellular level, TiO2 did not lead to any signs of adverse reactions on nerves.

Conclusions: TiO2, the main oxide surrounding endosseous titanium implants, does not alter the structure and the function of myelinated nerves.
Porcine sinus mucosa holds cells that respond to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐6 and BMP‐7 with increased osteogenic differentiation in vitro
Authors: Gruber Reinhard , Kandler Barbara , Fuerst Gabor , Fischer Michael B. , Watzek Georg
Published: September 2004

Abstract: The aim of this in vitro study was to determine whether the sinus mucosa holds cells with an osteogenic potential. Frozen sections of sinus mucosa from three adult pigs were investigated for the expression of STRO‐1, a marker of mesenchymal progenitor cells, and alkaline phosphatase activity, an enzyme expressed by cells committed to the osteogenic lineage and by mature osteoblasts. To determine their osteogenic potential, mucosa‐derived cells were incubated with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐6 and BMP‐7, and alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin expression, and mineralization of the extracellular matrix was measured. We found sinus mucosa cells staining positive for STRO‐1 and alkaline phosphatase activity. When sinus mucosa tissue was placed in culture, alkaline phosphatase positive cells grew out from the explants and further increased alkaline phosphatase activity in response to BMP‐6 and BMP‐7. The expression level of the osteoblast‐specific extracellular matrix protein osteocalcin, and the amount of calcium accumulation within the extracellular matrix was also increased in response to BMPs. We conclude that the sinus mucosa holds mesenchymal progenitor cells and cells committed to the osteogenic lineage that can respond to BMP‐6 and BMP‐7 by an increase of their osteogenic differentiation.
Effects of platelet lysates on select bone cell functions
Authors: Soffer Emmanuel , Ouhayoun Jean‐Pierre , Dosquet Christine , Meunier Alain , Anagnostou Fani
Published: September 2004

Abstract: Although platelet‐rich plasma and platelet concentrates have been used to promote bone healing in orthopaedic and maxillofacial surgery, the underlying cellular‐level mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present in vitro study investigated the effects of human platelet lysate (PL) on selected functions of cultured bone cells. Cells from 18‐day‐old fetal rat calvaria were isolated by a collagenase digestion procedure. PL was added at different concentrations on pre‐ or post‐confluent cell stage. After 1 day, bone cellproliferation was maximal and half‐maximal in the presence of PL from 3 × 108 and 0.5 × 108 platelets/ml, respectively. During 17 h, the number of bone cells traversing the scrape border of a scrape wound model increased by 16‐fold in the presence of PL from 3 × 108 platelets/ml. The presence of PL from 3 × 108 platelets/ml in pre‐confluent bone cellcultures for 48 h resulted in a threefold decrease of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) specificactivity. In the case of confluent bone cells, the presence of PL (from 1 × 106 to 3 × 108 platelets/ml) for 11 days, the ALP specific activity and total calcium content decreased in a PL dose‐dependent manner and reached a minimum in the presence of PL from 3 × 108 platelets/ml. In summary, short‐term PL exposure (up to 24 h) promotes the proliferative and chemotactic bone cell functions while long‐term PL exposure results in adecrease of both ALP activity and mineral formation. These data show that the soluble components contained in PL may affect the bone healing process by modulating differently bone cell functions.
Immunohistochemical analysis of soft tissues in implants with healthy and peri‐implantitis condition, and aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Bullon P. , Fioroni M. , Goteri G. , Rubini C. , Battino M.
Published: September 2004

Abstract: Today, implant‐supported prostheses are widely accepted as a reliable treatment modality, but failures in longitudinal studies have been shown. In some cases, peri‐implantitis with a progressive periodontal bone loss takes place, and mechanical or load factors and biological or plaque‐induced lesions have been claimed as main etiologic factors. We compared five cases of peri‐implantitis, with five cases of healthy peri‐implant tissues and five cases of aggressive periodontitis in order to give new findings on the osseointegration loss process. Biopsy specimens from the peri‐implant tissues including oral (O), sulcular, and junctional epithelium and the underlying and supracrestal connective tissue, were taken in all cases for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. T lymphocytes were the most prominent cell in the peri‐implantitis (PG) and aggressive periodontitis (AG) groups, but not in the peri‐implant healthy group (HG). CD1a‐positive cells (Langerhans and immature dendritic cells) were observed more frequently in the O than in the sulcular–junctional (S–J) epithelium: they were located in the basal and parabasal layers, without any differences between the three groups. Vascular proliferation analysed by immunoreactivity for CD34, Factor VIII, and vascular endothelial growth factor was more prominent in the PG comparing with HG and AG in the S–J area. Apoptosis, analysed by bcl2 and p53 immunoreactivity, was similar in the three groups. In conclusion, we suggest that the osseointegration loss process is due to an inflammatory process similar to that observed in aggressive periodontitis according to the number of T lymphocytes, but not to the vascular proliferation.
Proteome analysis of cashmere
Authors: YOKOHAMA Michinari , MASUDA Takeshi , AMANO Takashi , HIRAYAMA Hiroki , MANABE Takashi
Published: September 2004

As an analysis of the cashmere proteins by Type IV 2‐DE, ten kinds of components, including three components with molecular mass 42–50 kDa whose expression level increased in the winter, were separated. In analyzing nine components of these ten using a mass spectrometer, the three components of molecular mass 70–120 kDa and pI 5.3 were identified as keratin type II microfibrillar (accession no. KRSHL2), keratin 48 k type I microfibrillar component 8c‐1 (accession no. KRSHL1) and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (accession no. O77793), respectively. The three components whose expression level increased in the winter, were identified as keratin type I microfibrillar 48 kDa component 8C‐1 (accession no. P02534) and keratin type I microfibrillar 47.6 kDa (accession no. P25690) (pI 5.2/42 kDa), keratin type II microfibrillar component 7C (accession no. P15241) and keratin typeII‐sheep (accession no. S34165) (pI 5.5/45 kDa), and the keratin type II microfibrillar component 5 (accession no. P25691) (pI 5.8–6.0/45 kDa), respectively. The three components of less than 17 kDa were identified as hair keratin type II intermediate filament (accession no. CAA51836) (pI 5.2) and keratin high‐sulfur matrix protein IIIB2 (accession no. P02447) with a different isoelectric point (pI 5.4 and 5.9), respectively.
Effect of bilateral cecal ligation on use of dietary energy in growing chickens
Authors: SUGAHARA Kunio , MATSUMOTO Mako , YAMADA Motoko , YAOSHIZAWA Fumiaki , KARASAWA Yutaka
Published: September 2004

In order to determine the role of the cecum on energy use in growing chickens, metabolizability of the dietary energy and energy expenditure were examined in the week following bilateral ligation and washing out of the cecum. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME) values were 14.30 and 13.69 kJ/g air‐dry matter for sham‐operated and cecally ligated chickens, respectively. These values were found to be significantly different (P < 0.05). Although AME intake and fasting heat production were decreased by cecal ligation, the distribution of AME (measured as fasting and feeding heat production, as well as heat increment and energy retention, as a proportion of AME intake) was not affected. These results suggest that the cecum helps chickens extract AME from corn‐soybean type diets with little, if any, effect on AME use, based on the present study of growing chickens in the week following cecal ligation.
Functional indispensability of fibronectin associated on the mesenchymal cell surface during the early period of feather development in the chick embryo in vitro
Authors: KOBAYASHI Ken , FUKUNAGA Shigeharu , TAKENOUCHI Kazuaki , NAKAMURA Fumio
Published: September 2004

To clarify the role of fibronectin (FN) during the early period of feather development, reconstituted skin consisting of intact epithelium and isolated mesenchymal cells from embryonal chick skin was used. In early feather development, FN was localized around mesenchymal cells of the dermal condensation. Isolated mesenchymal cells had associated with FN on their surfaces. FN on the cell surface dissociated following EDTA treatment, and EDTA‐treated cells re‐associated with exogenous FN. The intact epithelium also bound to exogenous FN at the placode. When FN‐associated or FN‐reassociated mesenchymal cells were used, the reconstituted skin formed feather rudiments only at the positions where the epithelial placode existed originally, and the locality of tenascin transferred from the placode to the mesenchyme during the period of feather bud formation. However, in reconstituted skin using FN‐dissociated mesenchymal cells, feather rudiments did not form. Additionally, the epithelial placodes disappeared, and tenascin was distributed uniformly on the surface of the epithelium and not localized in the mesenchyme. These findings suggest that FN associated on the surfaces of mesenchymal cells maintains the functions of mesenchymal cells as dermal condensation and mediates epithelial‐mesenchymal interactions during the early period of feather development. The results also suggest that reconstituted skin is a useful tool for functional studies on the extracellular matrix.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF SUSPECTED TRAUMATIC INJURY TO THE ILIOPSOAS AND PELVIC LIMB MUSCULATURE OF A DOG
Authors: Rossmeisl John H. , Rohleder Jacob J. , Hancock Robert , Lanz Otto I.
Published: September 2004

Computed tomographic (CT) findings in a dog with acute suspected traumatic injury to the iliopsoas and neighboring pelvic musculature include enlargement of the affected muscles, multifocal intramuscular hypoattenuating areas, and nonuniform contrast enhancement of injured musculature. The CT features are postulated to be the result of intramuscular edema and inflammation, and correspond well to previously described ultrasonographic findings in dogs. Because of the close anatomic association between the femoral nerve and iliopsoas muscle, dogs with suspected iliopsoas injuries should be carefully evaluated for evidence of femoral nerve dysfunction. CT imaging may provide useful information regarding the nature and extent of iliopsoas muscular damage, as well as concurrent injuries in the actuely traumatized patient.
LOW‐FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF BONE MARROW IN THE LUMBAR SPINE, PELVIS, AND FEMUR IN THE ADULT DOG
Authors: Armbrust Laura J. , Hoskinson James J. , Biller David S. , Wilkerson Melinda
Published: September 2004

The purpose of this study was to describe the appearance of normal bone marrow in seven adult dogs using low‐field (0.3 T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The areas imaged included the lumbar spine, pelvis, and femur. T1‐weighted, fast spin‐echo T2‐weighted, and short tau (T1) inversion recovery (STIR) sequences were obtained at all locations. Histopathology was performed on sections from the sixth lumbar vertebral body, the wing of the ilium, and the femur (head and neck, mid‐diaphysis, and condyle) for evaluation of cellularity and fat content. The lumbar spine and pelvic marrow MR images were similar in all dogs. The lumbar vertebral bone marrow was uniform, intermediate signal intensity, and isointense to muscle on all sequences. There was variation between dogs in the bone marrow distribution with MR imaging of the femur. In the proximal and mid‐diaphysis of the femur there was patchy high‐signal intensity on T1‐ and T2‐weighted images, and hypointense foci on the STIR images. The distal femoral metaphysis had a variable pattern ranging from intermediate‐to‐high signal on T1‐ and T2‐weighted images and intermediate‐to‐low signal on STIR images. The femoral condyles were uniformly high signal on T1‐ and T2‐weighted images and hypointense on STIR images. Histopathologically there was a normal variation in the bone marrow cellularity. The marrow was normocellular (25–75% cellularity) for all sites examined except the femoral condyles, which were hypocellular (<25% cellularity).
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ARTHROGRAPHY OF THE NORMAL CANINE STIFLE
Authors: Samii Valerie F. , Dyce Jonathan
Published: September 2004

Computed tomographic (CT) imaging of eight normal cadaveric canine stifles was performed before and after intra‐articular administration of iodinated contrast medium. Transverse CT images were reconstructed in dorsal, parasagittal, and oblique planes. The following ligamentous structures were identified on transverse CT images in all stifles: cranial cruciate ligament, caudal cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, lateral meniscus, and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments. The following ligamentous structures were identified on transverse computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) images in all stifles: cranial cruciate ligament, caudal cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, lateral meniscus, meniscofemoral ligament, cranial meniscotibial ligaments, caudal meniscotibial ligaments, intermeniscal (transverse) ligament, and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments. The patellar tendon was identified on transverse and reconstructed dorsal and sagittal CT and CTA images in all stifles. Multiplanar reconstructions enabled further evaluation of the continuity of the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments and menisci. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments were not clearly identified on CT or CTA multiplanar reconstructed images.
STRESS FRACTURE OF THE SCAPULA IN TWO HORSES
Authors: Davidson Elizabeth J. , Martin Benson B.
Published: September 2004

Stress fracture of the scapula in two horses is described. Both horses had a history of acute lameness after strenuous exercise. Using elective nuclear scintigraphy focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the affected scapula consistent with a fracture was identified. Standing radiography was nondiagnostic in both horses. Ultrasonographic findings in one horse were consistent with a minimally displaced incomplete fracture. Both horses were treated conservatively and returned to train and race successfully postinjury.
CLARIFYING SOME ASPECTS OF DIAGNOSTIC‐ACCURACY RESEARCH
Authors: Scrivani Peter V. , Dykes Nathan L. , Erb Hollis N.
Published: September 2004

Evidence‐based medicine is an approach to improved patient care that integrates clinical experience with basic science and clinical research in diagnostic accuracy, prognostic indicators, efficacy, and safety of treatments. Both clinical experience and methodical research assessments are essential components in this type of medical practice and underscore the importance of providing residents the opportunity to gain clinical experience as well as training them in how to perform, apply, and interpret clinical research in diagnostic imaging. The challenge for researchers is to design a study so that the data are valid and may be generalized to clinical situations where the test will be used. When assisting residents in the design of a research project for accuracy assessment of an imaging test, we consistently have observed three problem areas that if uncorrected would preclude the study results from being generalized to clinical situations where the test will be used: (1) understanding what is being measured, (2) appropriate selection of the sample population, and (3) the impact of the variability of the decision criterion. In this paper, we review these issues and suggest some solutions.
USE OF PHOTON FIELDS WITH NONCOINCIDENT ISOCENTERS TO IMPROVE HOMOGENEITY OF DOSE DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Pruitt Amy F. , Thrall Donald E.
Published: September 2004

To compare changes in dose distribution in irregularly shaped volumes treated using fields with noncoincident isocenters compared with fields with coincident isocenters. The hypothesis was that use of fields with noncoincident isocenters would result in improved homogeneity of dose distribution. We chose to test the hypothesis in canine nasal tumors because of the increased dorsoventral thickness of the caudal compared with the rostral nasal cavity. Computed tomography images from eight dogs with nasal tumors were selected. A tissue‐contouring program was used to outline contours, including the mandible as a normal tissue structure and the planning target volume (PTV), divided into a rostral and caudal volume. A traditional computerized treatment plan consisting of two parallel‐opposed fields was constructed for each dog. A second treatment plan using a third caudally located field having a different isocenter was constructed for comparison. Dose–volume histograms were generated and compared for each contoured structure in both plans. In all dogs the use of noncoincident fields resulted in increased dose to the ethmoid region through the caudal field. Minimum dose in the caudal tumor PTV increased as well. At the same time, dose delivered to the mandible, prone to develop significant side effects, was lower in all dogs with the use of noncoincident fields, as it was possible to reduce the dose delivered from the ventral field. Use of photon fields with noncoincident isocenters can improve the dose distribution in irregularly shaped volumes in comparison with fields with coincident isocenters. Improved tumor dose distribution was achieved with the addition of a smaller field having a different isocenter.
Function of opioids in the enteric nervous system
Authors: Wood J. D. , Galligan J. J.
Published: September 2004

Alterations in gastrointestinal motility and secretion underlie the constipating action of therapeutically administered opiates. The prototype opiate is morphine, which acts to delay gastric emptying and intestinal transit, to suppress intestinal secretion of water and electrolytes and to suppress transport of bile into the duodenum. The effects of opiates, synthetic opioids and endogenously released opioid peptides on these organ‐level gastrointestinal functions reflect actions on electrical and synaptic behaviour of neurones in the enteric nervous system. Adverse effects and positive therapeutic effects of administration of opioid‐receptor‐blocking drugs on the digestive tract must be understood in the context of the neurophysiology of the enteric nervous system and mechanisms of neural control of gastrointestinal smooth muscle, secretory glands and blood–lymphatic vasculature. We review here the integrated systems of physiology and cellular neurobiology that are basic to understanding the actions of opioid agonists and antagonists in the digestive tract.