bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple scoring system for the diagnosis of palmo‐plantar pigmented skin lesions by digital dermoscopy analysis
Authors: Rubegni P. , Cevenini G. , Nami N. , Argenziano G. , Saida T. , Burroni M. , Quaglino P. , Bono R. , Hofmann‐Wellenhof R. , Fimiani M.
Published: July 2012

Background  Many research groups have recently developed equipments and statistical methods enabling pattern classification of pigmented skin lesions. To differentiate between benign and malignant ones, the mathematical extraction of digital patterns together with the use of appropriate statistical approaches is a challenging task.

Objective  To design a simple scoring model that provides accurate classification of benign and malignant palmo‐plantar pigmented skin lesions, by evaluation of parameters obtained by digital dermoscopy analysis (DDA).

Patients and Methods  In the present study we used a digital dermoscopy analyser to evaluate a series of 445 palmo‐plantar melanocytic skin lesion images (25 melanomas 420 nevi). Area under the receiver operator curve, sensitivity and specificity were calculated to evaluate the diagnostic performance of our scoring model for the differentiation of benign and malignant palmo‐plantar melanocytic lesions.

Results  Model performance reached a very high value (0.983). The DDA parameters selected by the model that proved statistically significant were: area, peripheral dark regions, total imbalance of colours, entropy, dark area and red and blue multicomponent. When all seven model variables were used in a multivariate mode, setting sensitivity at 100% to avoid false negatives, we estimated a minimum specificity of about 80%.

Conclusions  Simplicity of use and effectiveness of implementation are important requirements for the success of quantitative methods in routine clinical practice. Scoring systems meet these requirements. Their outcomes are accessible in real time without the use of any data processing system, thus allowing decisions to be made quickly and effectively.
Postnatal alteration of collapsin response mediator protein 4 mRNA expression in the mouse brain
Authors: Tsutiya Atsuhiro , Ohtani‐Kaneko Ritsuko
Published: July 2012

Collapsin response mediator protein 4 (CRMP4) is a molecular marker for immature neurons but only limited information is available on the spatiotemporal gene expression changes of Crmp4 in the developing rodent. In the present study, the variation of CRMP4 mRNA expression in the mouse brain was investigated from postnatal day (PD) 0 (the day of birth) to adulthood by in situ hybridization. The hybridization signals were broadly detected on PD0 and regional changes in expression during development were noted. Expression patterns of CRMP4 mRNA were classified into the following three types: (i) signals that were strongest on PD0 or PD7, weak or undetectable on PD14, and absent in adulthood: this pattern was observed in most brain areas; (ii) signals that were first detected on PD0 or PD7 and persisted into adulthood: this pattern was seen in the dentate gyrus and subventricular zone of the olfactory bulb (OB); and (iii) signals that were strongest on PD0 and decreased gradually with age but were still detectable in adulthood: this pattern was identified for the first time in the mitral cell layer of the OB. Analysis using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR confirmed higher expression of CRMP4 mRNA in the OB than in other adult brain regions. The persistence of CRMP4 mRNA in the adult OB, including the mitral cell layer, suggests the possibility of both neurogenetic and non‐neurogenetic functional roles of CRMP4 in this region.
Low‐temperature perception leading to gene expression and cold tolerance in higher plants
Authors: Knight Marc R. , Knight Heather
Published: July 2012

Plant species exhibit a range of tolerances to low temperatures, and these constitute a major determinant of their geographical distribution and use as crops. When tolerance is insufficient, either chilling or freezing injuries result. A variety of mechanisms are employed to evade the ravages of extreme or sub‐optimal temperatures. Many of these involve cold‐responsive gene expression and require that the drop in temperature is first sensed by the plant. Despite intensive research over the last 100 yr or longer, we still cannot easily answer the question of how plants sense low temperature. Over recent years, genomic and post‐genomic approaches have produced a wealth of information relating to the sequence of events leading from cold perception to appropriate and useful responses. However, there are also crucial and significant gaps in the pathways constructed from these data. We describe the literature pertaining to the current understanding of cold perception, signalling and regulation of low‐temperature‐responsive gene expression in higher plants, raising some of the key questions that still intrigue plant biologists today and that could be targets for future work. Our review focuses on the control of gene expression in the pathways leading from cold perception to chilling and freezing tolerance.

Contents

Summary
737

I.
Chilling and freezing: two different stresses requiring different solutions
738

II.
Identification of a major cis‐element in the control of cold gene expression
739

III.
The CBF transcription factors (TFs) and their regulation
739

IV.
Events downstream of CBFs
740

V.
A post‐genomic view on global transcript changes in response to low temperature
741

VI.
The effect of light and circadian signals on cold gene expression
742

VII.
Post‐transcriptional regulation
742

VIII.
A receptor for cold?
742

IX.
What are the characteristics of plant cell thermometer(s)?
744

X.
Low‐temperature signalling downstream of perception
744

XI.
Unresolved questions
747

Acknowledgements
748

References
748
Seizure outcome after extratemporal epilepsy surgery in childhood
Authors: D’ARGENZIO LUIGI , COLONNELLI M CHIARA , HARRISON SUE , JACQUES THOMAS S , HARKNESS WILLIAM , SCOTT ROD C , CROSS J HELEN
Published: July 2012

Aim  The aim of the study was to describe seizure outcome following surgery for focal extratemporal epilepsy and identify factors associated with prolonged postsurgical freedom from seizures.

Method  In this retrospective cohort study, children with drug‐resistant focal extratemporal epilepsy were treated surgically and followed up in a single tertiary care centre between 1997 and 2008.

Results  Eighty children were identified for inclusion in the study (42 males, 38 females; median age 9y 1mo, range 3mo–18y 7mo). The aetiology was identified as focal cortical dysplasia (n=37), low‐grade tumour (n=22), tuberous sclerosis (n=9), or non‐specific (n=12). Children were followed for a median of 3 years 1 month (range 8mo–10y 7mo) after surgery. Overall, at last follow‐up, 50% of the children had been completely seizure free since surgery (Engel class Ia); of these 40 individuals, 15 had discontinued all antiepileptic drugs. Several presurgical factors were associated with a favourable outcome. However, after controlling for confounding factors, aetiology appeared to be the only determinant of long‐term seizure outcome as non‐specific lesion pathology was associated with seizure recurrence (hazard ratio 10.43; 95% confidence interval 3.26–33.39).

Interpretation  In 50% of cases, children with surgically treated drug‐resistant extratemporal epilepsies have an excellent long‐term outcome. The aetiology of the epileptogenic lesion appears to be the only significant determinant of surgical outcome in this population of children. It is difficult to correctly identify non‐specific pathology on presurgical magnetic resonance imaging.
Effects of premature lure stimuli on 2nd‐target identification in rapid serial visual presentation: Inhibition induced by lures or by 1st target?
Authors: Verleger Rolf , Śmigasiewicz Kamila , Michael Lars , Niedeggen Michael
Published: July 2012

In many rapid serial presentation tasks, two targets (“T1” and “T2”) have to be distinguished from background stimuli. Here, digits (“lures”) were interspersed among the background letters, differing from the T2 digit by occurring before rather than after T1. The resulting inhibitory effects on T2 identification may either be evoked directly by the lures or be triggered by T1, interfering with positive priming of lures on T2. To distinguish between these two alternatives, lures, T1, and T2 were presented in two different simultaneously running streams, T2 was or was not the same digit as a lure, and EEG potentials related to lures, T1, and T2 were recorded. Effects on T2 identification better fit the view that lures exerted positive priming interrupted by T1. Recurrence of lures in the trial led to abridged duration of the lure‐evoked N2pc, and T2‐evoked N2pc was reduced after lures. Also these N2pc effects may reflect positive priming.
Living with polio and postpolio syndrome in the United Kingdom
Authors: Atwal Anita , Giles Amy , Spiliotopoulou Georgia , Plastow Nicola , Wilson Lesley
Published: July 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 238–245

Living with polio and postpolio syndrome in the United Kingdom

The term Postpolio Syndrome (PPS) is used to describe new and late manifestations of poliomyelitis that occur later in life in polio survivors. Polio had been eradicated in the United Kingdom (UK) and most of Europe, although this is not the case in all countries. Research in this area has tended to focus upon the impact of polio and PPS on health status and functional health rather than its overall effect on people’s lives. This study’s two main aims were to explore the ways in which polio and PPS in the UK has affected the respondents’ lives and to ascertain their views about how the quality of life could be improved. The two questions were as follows: (1) How has the health of people with polio and PPS affected their quality of life? (2) What would people with polio and PPS change to improve their quality of life? Deductive content analysis using existing qualitative data from a cross‐sectional survey of 336 returned questionnaires from persons with polio and PPS was carried out. The average age of the participants was 54 years. Our research found that polio survivors valued social occupations and participation in family life. Our research has also shown that healthcare professionals still do not understand polio and PPS and this lack of understanding influences their clients’ quality of life. Finances and accessibility of environments also influence participation in chosen occupations. Rehabilitation programmes for people with polio and PPS need to be targeted towards maintaining and improving accessible environments and participation in chosen occupations, and healthcare professionals need to ensure that persons with polio and PPS are referred to persons with specific expertise in this area.
Chromosome cohesion decreases in human eggs with advanced maternal age
Authors: Duncan Francesca E. , Hornick Jessica E. , Lampson Michael A. , Schultz Richard M. , Shea Lonnie D. , Woodruff Teresa K.
Published: July 2012

Aneuploidy in human eggs increases with maternal age and can result in infertility, miscarriages, and birth defects. The molecular mechanisms leading to aneuploidy, however, are largely unknown especially in the human where eggs are exceedingly rare and precious. We obtained human eggs from subjects ranging from 16.4 to 49.7 years old following in vitro maturation of oocyte‐cumulus complexes isolated directly from surgically removed ovarian tissue. A subset of these eggs was used to investigate how age‐associated aneuploidy occurs in the human. The inter‐kinetochore distance between sister chromatids increased significantly with maternal age, indicating weakened cohesion. Moreover, we observed unpaired sister chromatids from females of advanced age. We conclude that loss of cohesion with increasing maternal age likely contributes to the well‐documented increased incidence of aneuploidy.
A new way to please you: Helen of Troy in early modern comedy
Authors: Heavey Katherine
Published: July 2012

Helen of Troy most commonly featured in early modern English literature as an example of unsurpassed beauty, or as an unfaithful and sexually voracious woman. Inextricably linked to the fall of Troy, Helen was associated with feminine unreliability, the deaths of worthy men, and the fall of a great city. This article explores a less common use of Helen's myth, demonstrating how early modern playwrights including Shakespeare, Heywood and Shirley found comic potential in her story, and repackaged a well‐worn story of betrayal in new and innovative ways, making sport of Helen's reputation, of Helen‐like women, and of the men infatuated by this icon.
Balanced Ultrafiltration: Inflammatory Mediator Removal Capacity
Authors: Guan Yulong , Wan Caihong , Wang Shigang , Sun Peng , Long Cun
Published: July 2012

Ultrafiltration with a hemoconcentrator may remove excess fluid load and alleviate tissue edema and has been universally adopted in extracorporeal circulation protocols during pediatric cardiac surgery. Balanced ultrafiltration is advocated to remove inflammatory mediators generated during surgery. However, whether balanced ultrafiltration can remove all or a portion of the inflammatory mediator load remains unclear. The inflammatory mediator removal capacity of zero‐balanced ultrafiltration was measured during pediatric extracorporeal circulation in vitro. Extracorporeal circulation was composed of cardiotomy reservoir, D902 Lilliput 2 membrane oxygenator, and Capiox AF02 pediatric arterial line filter. The Hemoconcentrator BC 20 plus was placed between arterial purge line and oxygenator venous reservoir. Fresh donor human whole blood was added into the circuit and mixed with Ringer's solution to obtain a final hematocrit of 24–28%. After 2 h of extracorporeal circulation, zero‐balanced ultrafiltration was initiated and arterial line pressure was maintained at approximately 100 mm Hg with Hoffman clamp. The rate of ultrafiltration (12 mL/min) was controlled by ultrafiltrate outlet pressure. Identical volume of plasmaslyte A was dripped into the circuit to maintain stable hematocrit during the 45 min of the experiment. Plasma and ultrafiltrate samples were drawn every 5 min, and concentrations of inflammatory mediators including interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, IL‐10, neutrophil elastase (NE), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were measured. All assayed inflammatory mediators were detected in the ultrafiltrate, demonstrating that the ultrafiltrator may remove inflammatory mediators. However, dynamic observations suggested that the concentration of NE was highest among the five inflammatory mediators in both plasma and ultrafiltrate (P < 0.001). IL‐1β had the lowest concentration in plasma, whereas the concentration of TNF‐α was the lowest in ultrafiltrate (P < 0.001). Concentrations of all inflammatory mediators in the ultrafiltrate did not increase linearly compared with those in plasma. The respective ultrafiltrate to plasma concentration and amount ratios indicated that the total removal effect of hemoconcentrator on the inflammatory mediators was 4.17 ± 2.68% for IL‐1β, 0.64 ± 0.69% for IL‐6, 0.24 ±  0.18% for IL‐10, 2.84 ± 1.65% for NE, and 0.51 ± 0.81% for TNF‐α, respectively. Balanced ultrafiltration may selectively remove inflammatory mediators from serum. Respective ratios of inflammatory mediators in ultrafiltrate compared with plasma, as well as total amount of inflammatory mediators in the ultrafiltrate suggest that balanced ultrafiltration removes a limited portion of the total inflammatory mediator load.
Cerebral and Lower Limb Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy in Adults on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Wong Joshua K. , Smith Thomas N. , Pitcher Harrison T. , Hirose Hitoshi , Cavarocchi Nicholas C.
Published: July 2012

Percutaneous femoral venoarterial (VA) or jugular venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can result in delivery of hypoxic blood to the brain, coronaries, and upper extremities. Additionally, VA‐ECMO by percutaneous femoral artery cannulation may compromise perfusion to the lower limbs. Use of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) detects regional ischemia and warns of impending hypoxic damage. We report the first known series with standardized monitoring of this parameter in adults on ECMO. This is an institutional review board‐approved single institution retrospective review of patients with NIRS monitoring on ECMO from July 2010 until June 2011. Patients were analyzed for drops in NIRS tracings below 40 or >25% from baseline. VA‐ECMO and VV‐ECMO were initiated by percutaneous cannulation of the femoral vessels and the internal jugular vein, respectively. Sensors were placed on the patients' foreheads and on the lower limbs. NIRS tracings were recorded, analyzed, and correlated with clinical events. Twenty patients were analyzed (median age: 47.5 years): 17 patients were placed on VA‐ECMO, and three patients on VV‐ECMO. The median duration on ECMO was 7 days (range 2–26). One hundred percent of patients had a significant drop in bilateral cerebral oximetry tracings resulting in hemodynamic interventions, which involved increasing pressure, oxygenation, and/or ECMO flow. In 16 patients (80%), these interventions corrected the underlying ischemia. Four patients (20%) required further diagnostic intervention for persistent decreased bilateral and/or unilateral cerebral oximetry tracings, and were found to have a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Six (30%) patients had persistent unilateral lower limb oximetry events, which resolved upon placement or replacement of a distal perfusion cannula. No patient was found to have either lower limb ischemia or a CVA with normal NIRS tracings. Use of NIRS with ECMO is important in detecting ischemic cerebral and peripheral vascular events. This allows for potential correction of the underlying process, thus preventing permanent ischemic damage.
GRACILARIA VERMICULOPHYLLA (RHODOPHYTA, GRACILARIALES) IN THE VIRGINIA COASTAL BAYS, USA: COX1 ANALYSIS REVEALS HIGH GENETIC RICHNESS OF AN INTRODUCED MACROALGA
Authors: Gulbransen Dana J. , McGlathery Karen J. , Marklund Maria , Norris James N. , Gurgel Carlos Frederico D.
Published: July 2012

Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Ohmi) Papenfuss is an invasive alga that is native to Southeast Asia and has invaded many estuaries in North America and Europe. It is difficult to differentiate G. vermiculophylla from native forms using morphology and therefore molecular techniques are needed. In this study, we used three molecular markers (rbcL, cox2‐cox3 spacer, cox1) to identify G. vermiculophylla at several locations in the western Atlantic. RbcL and cox2‐cox3 spacer markers confirmed the presence of G. vermiculophylla on the east coast of the USA from Massachusetts to South Carolina. We used a 507 base pair region of cox1 mtDNA to (i) verify the widespread distribution of G. vermiculophylla in the Virginia (VA) coastal bays and (ii) determine the intraspecific diversity of these algae. Cox1 haplotype richness in the VA coastal bays was much higher than that previously found in other invaded locations, as well as some native locations. This difference is likely attributed to the more intensive sampling design used in this study, which was able to detect richness created by multiple, diverse introductions. On the basis of our results, we recommend that future studies take differences in sampling design into account when comparing haplotype richness and diversity between native and non‐native studies in the literature.
Impact of a Randomized Campus/Community Trial to Prevent High‐Risk Drinking Among College Students
Authors: Wolfson Mark , Champion Heather , McCoy Thomas P. , Rhodes Scott D. , Ip Edward H. , Blocker Jill N. , Martin Barbara Alvarez , Wagoner Kimberly G. , O'Brien Mary Claire , Sutfin Erin L. , Mitra Ananda , DuRant Robert H.
Published: July 2012

Background

High‐risk drinking by college students continues to pose a significant threat to public health. Despite increasing evidence of the contribution of community‐level and campus‐level environmental factors to high‐risk drinking, there have been few rigorous tests of interventions that focus on changing these interlinked environments. The Study to Prevent Alcohol Related Consequences (SPARC) assessed the efficacy of a comprehensive intervention using a community organizing approach to implement environmental strategies in and around college campuses. The goal of SPARC was to reduce high‐risk drinking and alcohol‐related consequences among college students.

Methods

Ten universities in North Carolina were randomized to an Intervention or Comparison condition. Each Intervention school was assigned a campus/community organizer. The organizer worked to form a campus–community coalition, which developed and implemented a strategic plan to use environmental strategies to reduce high‐risk drinking and its consequences. The intervention was implemented over a period of 3 years. Primary outcome measures were assessed using a web‐based survey of students. Measures of high‐risk drinking included number of days alcohol was consumed, number of days of binge drinking, and greatest number of drinks consumed (all in the past 30 days); and number of days one gets drunk in a typical week. Measures of alcohol‐related consequences included indices of moderate consequences due to one's own drinking, severe consequences due to one's own drinking, interpersonal consequences due to others' drinking, and community consequences due to others' drinking (all using a past 30‐day time frame). Measure of alcohol‐related injuries included (i) experiencing alcohol‐related injuries and (ii) alcohol‐related injuries caused to others.

Results

We found significant decreases in the Intervention group compared with the Comparison group in severe consequences due to students' own drinking and alcohol‐related injuries caused to others. In secondary analyses, higher levels of implementation of the intervention were associated with reductions in interpersonal consequences due to others' drinking and alcohol‐related injuries caused to others.

Conclusions

A community organizing approach promoting implementation of environmental interventions can significantly affect high‐risk drinking and its consequences among college students.
Differential Effect of Alcoholism and HIV Infection on Visuomotor Procedural Learning and Retention
Authors: Fama Rosemary , Rosenbloom Margaret J. , Sassoon Stephanie A. , Pfefferbaum Adolf , Sullivan Edith V.
Published: July 2012

Background

Selective declarative memory processes are differentially compromised in chronic alcoholism (ALC) and HIV infection (HIV) and likely reflect neuropathology associated with each condition: frontocerebellar dysfunction in ALC and frontostriatal dysfunction in HIV infection. Evidence for disease overlap derives from observed exacerbated impairments in these declarative memory processes in ALC‐HIV comorbidity. Less is known about nondeclarative memory processes in these disease conditions. Examination of visuomotor learning in chronic ALC and HIV infection could provide insight into the differential and combined contribution of selective disease‐related injury to visuomotor procedural memory processes.

Methods

We examined component processes of visuomotor learning and retention on the rotary pursuit task in 29 ALC, 23 HIV, 28 ALC + HIV, and 20 control subjects. Participants were given 4 rotary pursuit learning sessions over 2 testing days, typically separated by 1 week, to assess visuomotor learning and retention patterns. Ancillary measures of simple motor, psychomotor, explicit memory, and balance abilities were administered to test which component processes independently predicted visuomotor learning.

Results

All clinical groups showed visuomotor learning across rotary pursuit testing sessions, despite impairment in visuomotor speed in the HIV groups and impairment in explicit memory and psychomotor speed in the alcohol groups. The 2 alcoholic groups showed retention and consolidation over time (i.e., improved performance without further training), whereas the HIV‐infected group showed learning and retention but no consolidation effect. The comorbid group shared impairments associated with the ALC‐only group (explicit memory and psychomotor speed) and the HIV‐only group (visuomotor speed), although there was no clear compounded effect of alcohol and HIV infection on visuomotor learning performance.

Conclusions

This study supports the hypothesis that ALC and HIV infection exert differential effects on components of visuomotor procedural learning. Further, the results provide behavioral evidence for dissociable influences of frontocerebellar and frontostriatal disruption to visuomotor procedural learning and retention.
Chronic Ethanol Feeding Alters miRNA Expression Dynamics During Liver Regeneration
Authors: Dippold Rachael P. , Vadigepalli Rajanikanth , Gonye Gregory E. , Patra Biswanath , Hoek Jan B.
Published: July 2012

Background

Adaptation to chronic ethanol (EtOH) treatment of rats results in a changed functional state of the liver and greatly inhibits its regenerative ability, which may contribute to the progression of alcoholic liver disease.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic EtOH intake on hepatic microRNA (miRNA) expression in male Sprague–Dawley rats during the initial 24 hours of liver regeneration following 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx) using miRNA microarrays. miRNA expression during adaptation to EtOH was investigated using RT‐qPCR. Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) binding at target miRNA promoters was investigated with chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results

Unsupervised clustering of miRNA expression profiles suggested that miRNA expression was more affected by chronic EtOH feeding than by the acute challenge of liver regeneration after PHx. Several miRNAs that were significantly altered by chronic EtOH feeding, including miR‐34a, miR‐103, miR‐107, and miR‐122 have been reported to play a role in regulating hepatic metabolism and the onset of these miRNA changes occurred gradually during the time course of EtOH feeding. Chronic EtOH feeding also altered the dynamic miRNA profile during liver regeneration. Promoter analysis predicted a role for NFκB in the immediate‐early miRNA response to PHx. NFκB binding at target miRNA promoters in the chronic EtOH‐fed group was significantly altered and these changes directly correlated with the observed expression dynamics of the target miRNA.

Conclusions

Chronic EtOH consumption alters the hepatic miRNA expression profile such that the response of the metabolism‐associated miRNAs occurs during long‐term adaptation to EtOH rather than as an acute transient response to EtOH metabolism. Additionally, the dynamic miRNA program during liver regeneration in response to PHx is altered in the chronically EtOH‐fed liver and these differences reflect, in part, differences in miRNA expression between the EtOH‐adapted and control livers at the baseline state prior to PHx.
Glutamatergic Input to the Lateral Hypothalamus Stimulates Ethanol Intake: Role of Orexin and Melanin‐Concentrating Hormone
Authors: Chen Yu‐Wei , Barson Jessica R. , Chen Aimee , Hoebel Bartley G. , Leibowitz Sarah F.
Published: July 2012

Background

Glutamate (GLUT) in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) has been suggested to mediate reward behaviors and may promote the ingestion of drugs of abuse. This study tested the hypothesis that GLUT in the LH stimulates consumption of ethanol (
EtOH
) and that this effect occurs, in part, via its interaction with local peptides, hypocretin/orexin (OX), and melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH).

Methods

In Experiments 1 and 2, male Sprague‐Dawley rats, after being trained to drink 9%
EtOH
, were microinjected in the LH with N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) or its antagonist, D‐AP5, or with alpha‐amino‐5‐methyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) or its antagonist, CNQX‐ds. Consumption of
EtOH
, chow, and water was then measured. To provide an anatomical control, a separate set of rats was injected 2 mm dorsal to the LH. In Experiment 3, the effect of LH injection of NMDA and AMPA on the expression of OX and MCH was measured using radiolabeled in situ hybridization (ISH) and also using digoxigenin‐labeled ISH, to distinguish effects on OX and MCH cells in the LH and the nearby perifornical area (PF) and zona incerta (ZI).

Results

When injected into the LH, NMDA and AMPA both significantly increased
EtOH
intake while having no effect on chow or water intake. The GLUT receptor antagonists had the opposite effect, significantly reducing
EtOH
consumption. No effects were observed with injections 2 mm dorsal to the LH. In addition to these behavioral effects, LH injection of NMDA significantly stimulated expression of OX in both the LH and PF while reducing MCH in the ZI, whereas AMPA increased OX only in the LH and had no effect on MCH.

Conclusions

Glutamatergic inputs to the LH, acting through NMDA and AMPA receptors, appear to have a stimulatory effect on
EtOH
consumption, mediated in part by increased OX in LH and PF and reduced MCH in ZI.
Microglia Play a Role in Ethanol‐Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Developing Hypothalamic Neurons
Authors: Boyadjieva Nadka I. , Sarkar Dipak K.
Published: July 2012

Background

Animals exposed to alcohol during the developmental period develop many physiological and behavioral problems because of neuronal loss in various brain areas including the hypothalamus. Because alcohol exposure is known to induce oxidative stress in developing neurons, we tested whether hypothalamic cells from the fetal brain exposed to ethanol (EtOH) may alter the cell–cell communication between neurons and microglia, thereby leading to increased oxidative stress and the activation of apoptotic processes in the neuronal population in the hypothalamus.

Methods

Using enriched neuronal and microglial cells from fetal rat hypothalami, we measured cellular levels of various oxidants (, reactive oxygen species, nitrite), antioxidants (glutathione [GSH]), antioxidative enzymes (glutathione peroxidase [GSH‐Px], catalase, superoxide dismutase) and apoptotic death in neurons in the presence and absence of EtOH or EtOH‐treated microglial culture medium. Additionally, we tested the effectiveness of antioxidative agents in preventing EtOH or EtOH‐treated microglial conditioned medium actions on oxidative stress and apoptosis in neuronal cell cultures.

Results

Neuronal cell cultures showed increased oxidative stress, as demonstrated by higher cellular levels of oxidants but lower levels of antioxidant and antioxidative enzymes, as well as, increased apoptotic death following treatment with EtOH. These effects of EtOH on oxidative stress and cell death were enhanced by the presence of microglia. Antioxidative agents protected developing hypothalamic neurons from oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis which is caused by EtOH or EtOH‐treated microglial culture medium.

Conclusions

These data suggest that exposure of developing hypothalamic neurons to EtOH increases cellular apoptosis via the effects on oxidative stress of neurons directly and via increasing production of microglial‐derived factor(s).
Levetiracetam in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: Toward the End of the Story?
Authors: Le Strat Yann
Published: July 2012

Background

Levetiracetam exhibited 2 promising results in preclinical studies as well as in treating alcohol withdrawal in humans. Two open‐label trials suggested that levetiracetam may be efficient in alcohol‐related disorder.

Methods

The study by Fertig and colleagues (2012) examines the effects of levetiracetam using a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled design including 130 participants. Fertig and colleagues' study included alcohol‐dependent participants drinking heavily. Double‐blind medication was dispensed for 16 weeks, with a target dose of 2,000 mg per day from week 5 to week 14, and then tapered.

Results

The results are negative both on the primary and on the secondary outcomes, except from lower alcohol‐related consequences in the levetiracetam extended‐release (XR) group, and a trend for a lower quality of life in the levetiracetam XR group. These last 2 results would have been nonsignificant after controlling for multiple testing.

Conclusions

By conducting a state‐of‐the‐art randomized‐controlled clinical trial with negative results, Fertig and colleagues have filled an important gap in the existing literature.
The Carbon Footprint of Norwegian Seafood Products on the Global Seafood Market
Authors: Ziegler Friederike , Winther Ulf , Hognes Erik Skontorp , Emanuelsson Andreas , Sund Veronica , Ellingsen Harald
Published: July 2012

Greenhouse gas emissions caused by food production are receiving increased attention worldwide. A problem with many studies is that they only consider one product; methodological differences also make it difficult to compare results across studies. Using a consistent methodology to ensure comparability, we quantified the carbon footprint of more than 20 Norwegian seafood products, including fresh and frozen, processed and unprocessed cod, haddock, saithe, herring, mackerel, farmed salmon, and farmed blue mussels. The previous finding that fuel use in fishing and feed production in aquaculture are key inputs was confirmed. Additional key aspects identified were refrigerants used on fishing vessels, product yield, and by‐product use. Results also include that product form (fresh or frozen) only matters when freezing makes slower transportation possible. Processing before export was favorable due to the greater potential to use by‐products and the reduced need for transportation. The most efficient seafood product was herring shipped frozen in bulk to Moscow at 0.7 kilograms CO2 equivalents per kilogram (kg CO2‐eq/kg) edible product. At the other end we found fresh gutted salmon airfreighted to Tokyo at 14 kg CO2‐eq/kg edible product. This wide range points to major differences between seafood products and room for considerable improvement within supply chains and in product choices. In fisheries, we found considerable variability between fishing methods used to land the same species, which indicates the importance of fisheries management favoring the most resource‐efficient ways of fishing. Both production and consumption patterns matter, and a range of improvements could benefit the carbon performance of Norwegian seafood products.
Carbon and Materials Embodied in the International Trade of Emerging Economies
Authors: Wiebe Kirsten S. , Bruckner Martin , Giljum Stefan , Lutz Christian , Polzin Christine
Published: July 2012

Production in emerging economies, such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Argentina (BRICSA), increased substantially over the past two decades. This is, on the one hand, due to growing domestic demand within these countries, and, on the other hand, due to a deepened international division of work. Global trade linkages have become denser and production chains are no longer restricted to only one or two countries. The volume of international trade in intermediate inputs as well as final consumption goods has tripled in the past two decades. With this, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and materials embodied in traded goods have increased, making it increasingly difficult to identify the actual causes of emissions and material extractions, as producing and extracting countries are not necessarily consuming the resulting goods. Using the multiregional input‐output Global Resource Accounting Model (GRAM), this article shows how global carbon emissions and materials requirements are allocated from producing/extracting countries to consuming countries. It thereby contributes to the rapidly growing body of literature on environmental factors embodied in international trade by bringing two key environmental categories—CO2 emissions and materials—into one consistent and global framework of analysis for the first time. The results show that part of the increase in carbon emissions and materials extraction in BRICSA is caused by increasing amounts of trade with countries in the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development as well as a growing demand for goods and services produced within BRICSA.
The Influence of Different Convergence Angles and Resin Cements on the Retention of Zirconia Copings
Authors: Ali Ala O. , Kelly J. Robert , Zandparsa Roya
Published: July 2012

Purpose: This in vitro study aimed to determine the ability of three resin cements to retain zirconia copings under two clinically simulated conditions.

Materials and Methods: Extracted human molars (72) were collected, cleaned, and divided into two groups. All teeth were prepared with a 15° total convergence angle for group 1 and a 30° total convergence angle for group 2, a flat occlusal surface, and approximately 4‐mm axial length. Each group was divided by surface area into three subgroups (n = 12). All zirconia copings were abraded with 50‐μm Al2O3, then cemented using Panavia F 2.0 (PAN‐1) (PAN‐2) Rely X Unicem (RXU‐1) (RXU‐2), and Clearfil SA (CSA‐1) (CSA‐2). After cementation, the copings were thermocycled for 5000 cycles between 5°C and 55°C with a 15‐second dwell time. Then the copings were subjected to dislodgment force in a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. The force of removal was recorded, and the dislodgement stress was calculated. A Kruskal‐Wallis test (nonparametric ANOVA) was used to analyze the data (α= 0.05), and the nature of failure was also recorded.

Results: The mean (SD) coping removal stresses (MPa) were as follows: PAN‐1: 6.0 (1.3), CSA‐1: 4.8 (1.4), RXU‐1: 5.5 (2.3), PAN‐2: 2.8 (1.1), CSA‐2: 3.0 (1.25), and RXU‐2: 2.6 (1.2). The Kruskal‐Wallis test was significant. Mann‐Whitney pairwise comparisons of the subgroups were significant (p < 0.05) for the comparisons between subgroups of group 1 and group 2. Mode of failure was mixed, with cement remaining principally on the tooth for PAN. For CSA and RXU, mode of failure was mixed with cement remaining principally on the zirconia copings.

Conclusions: Retention values of zirconia copings with three different resin cements were not significantly different. Retention of zirconia copings cemented on the teeth with adequate resistance and retention form was higher than that cemented on teeth lacking these forms. The cement remained mostly on the tooth with the adhesive resin cement with a dentin bonding system. The cement remained mostly on the coping with the self‐adhesive resin cement.
Evaluation of Blind Thoracoscopic‐Assisted Placement of Three Double‐Lumen Endobronchial Tube Designs for One‐Lung Ventilation in Dogs
Authors: Mayhew Philipp D. , Culp William T. N. , Pascoe Peter J. , Kass Philip H. , Johnson Lynelle R.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To describe a technique for blind thoracoscopic‐assisted double‐lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) placement for achieving one‐lung ventilation (OLV) using 3 different DLT designs and to evaluate whether thoracic auscultation could reliably confirm OLV in dogs.

Study Design

Prospective randomized study.

Animals

Mature female hound dogs (n = 6).

Methods

Physical examination, baseline blood work and thoracic radiography confirmed the absence of preexisting disease in all dogs. Thoracoscopic observation was established through a subxiphoid portal and used for evaluation of differential lung lobe ventilation. Each dog was sequentially intubated using 1 of 3 DLT designs in random order; Robertshaw left‐sided tube (RS‐L), Carlens left‐sided tube (C‐L), Dr. White right‐sided tube (DW‐R). Incidence of initial and overall (after a maximum of 3 DLT manipulations) correct and complete OLV (CC‐OLV) was recorded. After each blind thoracoscopic‐assisted DLT placement, bronchoscopic evaluation was performed to document correct DLT position.

Result

Blind DLT placement achieved overall CC‐OLV in all dogs using RS‐L, 66% using C‐L, and all using DW‐R. Successful initial left‐sided OLV (L‐OLV) was statistically more likely when RS‐L DLTs were used compared to C‐L or DW‐R. Of cases where overall CC‐OLV was achieved, correct DLT position was present in only 44% of intubations.

Conclusions

Blind DLT placement produced successful CC‐OLV in all dogs using at least one DLT design evaluated. Use of thoracoscopic assistance may obviate the need for bronchoscopic observation during DLT placement in dogs. However, bronchoscopic observation may still refine DLT positioning in dogs after blind thoracoscopic‐assisted DLT placement.
Implant Removal Rate from Infection after Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy in Dogs
Authors: Gallagher Alissa D. , Mertens W. Daniel
Published: July 2012

Objective

To determine implant removal rate associated with infection after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs and to report antimicrobial susceptibility patterns for isolates.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 255; 282 TPLO).

Methods

Medical records (April 2006–April 2008) for dogs that had TPLO with ≥ 18 month follow‐up were reviewed. Dogs that had implant removal with confirmed bacterial isolation from the implant were studied. Cefazolin (22 mg/kg intravenously) was administered before anesthesia induction for TPLO, every 2 hours intraoperatively, and every 6 or 8 hours until the next morning. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on isolates.

Results

Twenty‐one (7.4%) of 282 TPLO required implant removal because of infection. Bacterial species isolated were Actinomyces spp. (1), Corynebacterium spp. (1), Enterococcus spp. (3), hemolytic Staphylococcus coagulase negative (2), nonhemolytic Staphylococcus coagulase negative (3), Staphylococcus spp. coagulase positive (7), methicillin–oxacillin‐resistant Staphylococcus coagulase positive (2), and Serratia marcesens (2). Of the antibiotics that had ≥10 isolates tested against them, gentamicin had the highest susceptibility rate (94%), followed by tribrissen (71%), and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (67%).

Conclusion

Staphylococcus spp. was reported in 14 of the 21 infections cultured in this study. Based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid would be the best empirical treatment.
Pedicle Screw‐Rod Fixation of the Canine Lumbosacral Junction
Authors: Smolders Lucas A. , Voorhout George , van de Ven Renée , Bergknut Niklas , Grinwis Guy C. M. , Hazewinkel Herman A. W. , Meij Björn P.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To assess pedicle screw‐rod fixation (PSRF) of the canine lumbosacral junction (LSJ) ex vivo and in vivo.

Study Design

Ex vivo cadaver study and in vivo pilot study.

Sample Population

Six canine cadaveric lumbosacral spinal specimens and 3 Greyhound dogs diagnosed with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS).

Methods

Ex vivo study: PSRF of the LSJ was performed in 6 spinal specimens using guidelines and was evaluated by radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. In vivo study: 3 Greyhounds diagnosed with DLSS had dorsal laminectomy and partial discectomy combined with PSRF of the LSJ. Curettage of the endplates with insertion of an autologous cancellous bone graft was performed to promote spinal fusion. During 18‐month follow‐up, dogs were monitored by clinical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and force plate analysis. Dogs were euthanatized for reasons unrelated to PSRF or their lumbosacral disease, and postmortem imaging and histopathologic investigations of the LSJ were performed.

Results

Ex vivo study: Sixteen of 24 inserted screws had an acceptable placement. In vivo study: Ten of 12 inserted screws had acceptable placement. Clinical signs of ``lower'' back pain resolved at 4 weeks after surgery. Diagnostic imaging and histopathology showed no bony spinal fusion of the LSJ. Force plate analysis revealed a trend toward improved pelvic limb function relative to preoperative function.

Conclusions

PSRF of the LSJ of large breed dogs is technically possible. Improvements to the surgical technique to induce spinal fusion and assessment in a larger sample size are required before it can be recommended.
Normograde and Retrograde Pinning of the Distal Fragment in Humeral Fractures of the Dog
Authors: Milgram Joshua , Hod Nitai , Benzioni Hadas
Published: July 2012

Objective

To determine if normograde and retrograde pinning of the distal humeral fragment, to maximize pin purchase in this fragment, would damage vital structures in and around the elbow and shoulder joints in dogs.

Study Design

Anatomic study.

Sample Population

Cadaveric dogs (n = 12; 12 thoracic limb pairs).

Methods

Twelve thoracic limb pairs were harvested from cross‐breed dogs and 1 thoracic limb from each pair was allocated to 1 of 3 groups. A transverse osteotomy was created at the junction of the middle and distal thirds in the diaphyseal fracture group (n = 8) and proximal to the supracondylar foramen in the metaphyseal fracture group (n = 8). The humeri in the normograde group (n = 8) were left intact. In all specimens in the distal and supracondylar fracture groups, retrograde pinning of the distal fragment was performed with the elbow flexed. The pins were driven into the medial epicondyle until they exited the skin caudal to the elbow. Dissection of the soft tissues around the exit tract of the pin was performed. The fracture was then reduced and the pin was advanced until it exited the proximal humeral fragment. In the specimens in the normograde group, pinning was initiated on the distal aspect of the medial epicondyle. The pin was directed parallel to the caudal aspect of the medial epicondyle and driven proximally into the humerus until it exited the proximal humerus.

Results

Pins exiting the distal aspect of the medial epicondyle passed through muscle origins in 7 specimens in the diaphyseal osteotomy group and in all 8 specimens in the metaphyseal group. The ulnar nerve was entrapped in 1 specimen in the metaphyseal osteotomy group; however, it was not entrapped in any of the specimens in the diaphyseal osteotomy group. The articular cartilage of the trochlea was damaged in 2 specimens in each of the retrograde pinned groups. There was no damage to articular or periarticular structures by pins exiting the proximal humerus.

Conclusion

Retrograde pinning of the distal fragment in humeral fractures in the dog may damage the articular cartilage and cannot be recommended.
A Modified Laryngeal Tie‐Forward Procedure Using Metallic Implants for Treatment of Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate in Horses
Authors: Rossignol Fabrice , Ouachée Emilie , Boening Karl Josef
Published: July 2012

Objective

To describe a modified laryngeal tie‐forward procedure (LTFP) using metallic implants.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Population

Twenty‐seven horses (including 24 race horses) with dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) or palatal instability (PI) diagnosed using high‐speed treadmill endoscopy (n = 15), history and resting examination (n = 8), or dynamic endoscopy over ground (n = 4).

Methods

All horses underwent the modified LTFP. Modifications of the surgical procedure consisted in the use of 3 metallic stents called Suture ButtonTM through which the sutures are threaded and in a tying technique that involved a single knot connecting left and right suture loops (versus tying each separately). Lateral radiographs were taken 24 hours after surgery. Follow‐up was obtained by telephone communication with trainers or owners.

Results

Surgery was performed without complications on all horses. The 3 metallic buttons were clearly visible on the postoperative radiographic examination. No evidence of suture breakage was observed 24 hours postoperatively based on radiographs.

Conclusion

In other aspects, this technique is not very different from that originally described by Ducharme et al; it is an innovation that could offer some advantages to the surgeons and increase suture resistance to pullout from the thyroid cartilage. Our technique was used without complication in a small group of horses and return to performance may be similar to the original technique.