bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Milk and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Program on dairy farm drug management practices
Authors: Gibbons-Burgener Suzanne N. , Kaneene John B. , Lloyd James W. , Erskine Ronald J.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To test the hypothesis that dairy farms certified in the Milk and Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Program (QAP) were more likely to use prudent drug management practices than farms that were not certified.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Sample Population—141 Michigan dairy farms of which 74 were not certified in the QAP, 30 were involuntarily certified, and 37 were voluntarily certified.

Procedure—Dairy producers completed a self-administered questionnaire that focused on herd health management, drug use, record keeping, personnel management, and descriptive characteristics of their farm during 1993. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were developed to determine the association of QAP certification with each of the management practices.

Results—Results suggested that farms adopted specific management practices irrespective of certification. Many farms used visible identification and nonemergency veterinary services and discussed residue prevention with employees. Involuntary certification was associated with maintenance of good written treatment records and performance of on-farm drug residue testing. Voluntary certification was weakly associated with use of refrigerated drug storage.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—QAP certification appeared to have been associated with the adoption of only a few prudent drug use practices, although QAP materials and framework were developed to assist veterinarians in the promotion of disease prevention, client communication, and residue prevention practices on farms. Veterinary care would benefit from the development and encouragement of better record keeping on farms. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;216:1960–1964)
Evaluation of five portable blood glucose meters for use in dogs
Authors: Wess Gerhard , Reusch Claudia
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate clinical and analytical accuracy
of 5 portable blood glucose meters (PBGM) used
to measure blood glucose concentrations in dogs and
to determine potential sources of error.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—221 dogs.

Procedure—Venous blood samples were obtained,
and results of the 5 PBGM were compared with
results of a hexokinase reference method. Agreement
among methods was determined by use of
error grid analysis and statistical methods.

Results—Accuracy of the PBGM varied with glucose
concentration of the sample. The largest differences
between results of the PBGM and results of the reference
method were obtained with samples with
high glucose concentrations; 4 PBGM tended to
underestimate and 1 PBGM tended to overestimate
the true glucose concentration. Absolute differences
between results of the PBGM and results of the reference
method were small for samples with low glucose
concentrations and samples with concentrations
in the reference range. None of the PBGM yielded
measurements that would result in clinically unacceptable
errors. Within-run and between-day precision
was good for all PBGM, and results were not
affected by use of EDTA or heparin to anticoagulate
blood. Readings of the PBGM were significantly higher
for blood samples with low Hct than for samples
with normal Hct. For 3 PBGM, samples < 3 μl resulted
in inaccurate measurements.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest
that currently available PBGM are sufficiently
accurate for use in clinical practice to determine blood
glucose concentrations in dogs. ( J Am Vet Med Assoc
2000;216:203–209)
Bacteria associated with pyothorax of dogs and cats: 98 cases (1989–1998)
Authors: Walker Amy L. , Jang Spencer S. , Hirsh Dwight C.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the organisms most commonly isolated from pleural fluid from dogs and cats with pyothorax.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—51 dogs and 47 cats.

Procedure—Results of bacteriologic culture of pleural fluid samples obtained by means of thoracentesis were obtained from medical records. To obtain information on in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of organisms commonly isolated from dogs and cats, records of all dogs and cats examined during 1998 were reviewed, and information was obtained on identity and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of aerobic organisms isolated from samples other than urine or urinary tract samples.

Results—Median ages of dogs and cats were 4 years. Bacteria were isolated from pleural fluid samples from 47 of 51 (92%) dogs and 45 of 47 (96%) cats. Obligate anaerobic bacteria were isolated from 28 dogs and 40 cats. A mixture of obligate anaerobic and facultative bacteria was isolated from 17 dogs and 20 cats. Samples from cats most often yielded a member of the nonenteric group (most commonly members of the genusPasteurella), whereas those from dogs more often yielded a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae (most commonlyE coli).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that antimicrobial agents chosen for the initial treatment of dogs and cats with pyothorax should be active against a mixture of obligate anaerobic and facultative bacteria. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;216: 359–363)
Cytogenetic survey of Holstein bulls at a commercial artificial insemination company to determine prevalence of bulls with centric fusion and chimeric anomalies
Authors: Seguin Brad E. , Zhang Ting Q. , Buoen Lance C. , Weber Alvin F. , Ruth George R.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine prevalence of Holstein bulls with chromosomal anomalies, particularly the 1/21 centric fusion (CF), at a commercial artificial insemination (AI) company in the United States.

Design—Cross-sectional cytogenetic prevalence study.

Animals—All 606 Holstein bulls at a commercial AI company were cytogenetically screened to detect CF, chimerism, and other chromosomal abnormalities.

Procedure—Lymphocytes from heparinized blood samples were cultured by standard cytogenetic techniques, and chromosome spreads were prepared for microscopic examination. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected by examining 10 chromosome spreads per bull. Pedigree analysis was performed.

Results—None of the bulls had any type of CF. However, 6 bulls were identified as chimeras (ie, contained lymphocytes with male [XY] and female [XX] chromosomes). One bull was sire or maternal grandsire to 85 of the bulls tested, and 739 of 1,212 (61%) sire and maternal-grandsire possibilities were accounted for by just 18 bulls.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Analysis of these results supports previous indications that CF is extremely rare in Holstein bloodlines available commercially via AI in the United States. However, chimeric bulls are more common, and they reportedly have decreased reproductive performance. Therefore, identification of chimeric sires in the AI facility reported here and the possibility of de novo onset of CF at any time indicates that early cytogenetic screening should be encouraged for prospective bulls intended for use in AI programs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;216:65–67)
Cerebellar degeneration in Old English Sheepdogs
Authors: Steinberg H. Steven , Winkle Thomas Van , Bell Jerold S. , Lahunta Alexander de
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate related and unrelated Old English Sheepdogs (OESD) by clinical examination, histologic evaluation, and pedigree analysis to determine whether cerebellar degeneration develops in this breed and whether there are genetic implications.

Design—Case study and pedigree analysis.

Animals—24 clinically normal or affected OESD; brain tissue specimens from 25 unaffected or affected OESD.

Procedure—Twenty-four OESD that were chosen because of a family history of gait abnormalities were given physical and neurologic examinations to determine whether they had clinical signs of cerebellar degeneration. Tissue specimens from 25 brains of OESD were examined histologically. Nine OESD that were determined to have cerebellar degeneration histologically as well as 2 clinically affected littermates of the histologically confirmed affected OESD were included in the pedigree analysis. Standard statistical evaluation of pedigrees for hereditary conclusions was used.

Results—Twelve of the 24 OESD evaluated by neurologic examination had a progressive gait abnormality. Clinical signs of cerebellar degeneration typically started later in life in OESD, compared with description for other dog breeds, and progressed ore slowly. Results of pedigree analysis revealed that 11 of 49 dogs were affected in 9 litters, providing an affected-to-total ratio of 22.49%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of our study indicate that a slowly progressing late-onset form of cerebellar degeneration develops in OESD, and the mode of inheritance is by an autosomal recessive gene. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;217:1162–1165)
Concurrent disorders in dogs with diabetes mellitus: 221 cases (1993–1998)
Authors: Hess Rebecka S. , Saunders H. Mark , Winkle Thomas J. Van , Ward Cynthia R.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To characterize concurrent disorders in dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—221 dogs with DM.

Procedure—Medical records were reviewed, and clinical signs, physical examination findings, and results of clinicopathologic testing, urinalysis, aerobic bacterial culture of urine samples, coagulation testing, endocrine testing, histologic evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and necropsy were recorded.

Results—For most dogs, CBC results were normal. Common serum biochemical abnormalities included hypochloremia (127 dogs, 60%) and high alanine aminotransferase (163, 78%), aspartate aminotransferase (78, 71%), and alkaline phosphatase (188, 90%) activities. Venous pH and serum ionized calcium concentration were measured in 121 and 87 dogs, respectively, and were low in 56 (46%) and 41 (47%) dogs. Lipemia was observed in 92 (42%) dogs. Urine samples from 159 (72%) dogs were submitted for aerobic bacterial culture, and 34 (21%) yielded bacterial growth.Escherichia coliwas the most commonly isolated organism. Thirty-six (16%) dogs had dermatitis or otitis. Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 51 (23%) dogs on the basis of clinical signs and results of a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (41 dogs), an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test (5), both tests (4), or histologic evaluation of necropsy specimens (1). Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed in 28 (13%) dogs. Eleven (5%) dogs had tumors for which a histologic diagnosis was obtained. Eight (4%) dogs were hypothyroid.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that dogs with diabetes mellitus may have many concurrent disorders. The most commonly identified concurrent disorders included hyperadrenocorticism, urinary tract infection, dermatitis, otitis, acute pancreatitis, neoplasia, and hypothyroidism. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;217:1166–1173)
Long-term outcome of gonadectomy performed at an early age or traditional age in cats
Authors: Howe Lisa M. , Slater Margaret R. , Boothe Harry W. , Hobson H. Phil , Fossum Theresa W. , Spann Angela C. , Wilkie W. Scott
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine long-term results and complications of gonadectomy performed at an early age (prepubertal) or at the traditional age in cats.

Design—Cohort study.

Animals—263 cats from animal shelters.

Procedure—Cats that underwent gonadectomy were allotted to 2 groups on the basis of estimated age at surgery (traditional age, ≥ 24 weeks old; prepubertal, < 24 weeks old). Adoptive owner information was obtained from shelter records, and telephone interviews were conducted with owners to determine physical or behavioral problems observed in the cats after adoption. Follow-up information was obtained from attending veterinarians for cats with complex problems or when owners were uncertain regarding the exact nature of their cat's problem.

Results—Compared with traditional-age gonadectomy, prepubertal gonadectomy did not result in an increased incidence of infectious disease, behavioral problems, or problems associated with any body system during a median follow-up period of 37 months. Additionally, the rate of retention in the original adoptive household was the same for cats that underwent prepubertal gonadectomy as those that underwent traditional-age gonadectomy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Prepubertal gonadectomy may be performed safely in cats without concern for increased incidence of physical or behavioral problems for at least a 3-year period after gonadectomy. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;217: 1661–1665)
Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection among shelter cats
Authors: Hermesmeyer Michael , Limberg-Child Robyn K. , Murphy Alice J. , Mansfield Linda S.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine prevalence ofDirofilaria immitisinfection among shelter cats.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—239 cats euthanatized at an animal shelter in southeastern Michigan.

Procedure—A gross necropsy focusing on the thoracic cavity, heart, lungs, and pulmonary vessels was performed within 5 hours after cats were euthanatized. Blood was collected directly from the heart of cats found to be infected and tested, using a filter test for microfilariae. Serum was tested forD immitisantigens by use of 2 antigen detection kits and forD immitis-specific antibodies by use of 2 antibody detection kits.

Results—Cats ranged from approximately 4 months to 15 years old. AdultD immitiswere found in 6 (2.5%) cats. Blood could not be recovered from 1 of the cats with heartworm infection. For the 5 other cats, results of the filter test were negative, and results of both antigen and both antibody tests were positive.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that cats living in an urban area in the northern part of the United States have a low prevalence of adultD immitisinfection. However, this is likely to be an underestimate of the true prevalence of infection, because no attempts were made to identify cats infected with larval or juvenile stages ofD immitis. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;217:211–212)
Antibiotic residues in milk following bulbar subconjunctival injection of procaine penicillin G in dairy cows
Authors: Liljebjelke Karen A. , Warnick Lorin D. , Witt Michael F.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine whether, and at what time, penicillin enters milk at a concentration that is detectable following bulbar subconjunctival injection in lactating dairy cows.

Design—Randomized clinical trial.

Animals—66 Holstein cows that were at least 2 weeks past calving and had not been treated with antibiotics in the preceding 30 days.

Procedure—Cows were randomly assigned to receive a treatment of 1 ml (300,000 units) procaine penicillin G by bulbar subconjunctival injection or remain untreated. Composite milk samples were collected immediately before treatment and 4, 10, 16, 22, 28, and 40 hours after treatment. Milk samples were tested by use of a commercial test for β-lactam antibiotics.

Results—Among penicillin-treated cows, the first positive test results were observed 4 hours after treatment, and the last positive result was observed 22 hours after treatment. The percentages of positive test results before treatment and at 4, 10, 16, 22, 28, and 40 hours after treatment were 0, 9, 87, 42, 8, 0, and 0%, respectively. None of the untreated cows had positive test results for β-lactam antibiotics at any sampling time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Penicillin was detected in milk for up to 22 hours after a single subconjunctival injection of procaine penicillin G in cows. This result should be considered when recommending milk withholding periods following the administration of penicillin by this route in lactating dairy cows. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;217:369–371)
Effect of dam and sire qualitative hip conformation scores on progeny hip conformation
Authors: Reed Ann L. , Keller G. Greg , Vogt Dale W. , Ellersieck Mark R. , Corley E. A.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine in dogs what effect using hip conformation scores assigned by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) as a criterion for breeding selections would have on hip conformation scores of the progeny.

Design—Longitudinal study.

Animals—English Setters, Portuguese Water Dogs, Chinese Shar-peis, and Bernese Mountain Dogs for which OFA hip conformation scores were known.

Procedure—Pedigree data were obtained from the national breed clubs and the American Kennel Club and merged with data from the OFA hip conformation score database. An ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of sex, age at the time of radiographic evaluation, and year of birth on the variation in hip conformation scores among the progeny. Heritability was estimated by use of within-year midparent offspring regression analyses.

Results—Significant differences in progeny hip conformation scores between sexes were not detected, but age at the time of radiographic evaluation and year of birth had a significant effect on hip joint conformation of the progeny. Estimated heritability (mean ± SE) was 0.26 ± 0.03, and dam and sire hip conformation scores had a significant effect on progeny hip conformation scores. Annual decreases in percentage of dysplastic progeny and increases in percentages of progeny and breeding dogs with phenotypically normal hip joint conformation were detected.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that hip conformation scores have moderate heritability in dogs and selection of breeding stock with better hip conformation scores will increase the percentage of progeny with phenotypically normal hip joint conformation. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000; 217:675–680)
Subjective and objective measurements of postoperative pain in cats
Authors: Cambridge Anthony J. , Tobias Karen M. , Newberry Ruth C. , Sarkar Dipak K.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate the ability of various subjective and objective measurements to determine the presence and degree of postoperative pain in cats.

Design—Randomized controlled prospective clinical study.

Animals—18 healthy client-owned cats.

Procedure—Cats were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 6: control, tenectomy, and onychectomy. Jugular catheters were placed the day prior to surgery. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon, and all observations were made by the same blinded trained observer. One hour prior to surgery and at assigned intervals for 36 hours after surgery, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were measured. Scores were assigned for 3 interaction responses, including response to palpation, by use of simple descriptive scales, and to 2 pain assessments by use of visual analogue scales. Blood was collected to measure plasma β-endorphin and cortisol concentrations. Butorphanol was administered to all cats before surgery and to any cat subjectively assessed to be experiencing pain after surgery.

Results—Only visual analogue scale scores and response to palpation scores differed significantly between control and surgical groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Determination of the presence of pain in cats can be made on the basis of observation and interaction by a trained observer. Physiologic measurements, including plasma cortisol and β-endorphin concentrations, did not differentiate between control cats and cats that underwent surgery. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000; 217:685–690)
Development of glaucoma after phacoemulsification for removal of cataracts in dogs: 22 cases (1987–1997)
Authors: Lannek Eva B. , Miller Paul E.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine factors contributing to glaucoma after lens extraction via phacoemulsification in dogs.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—22 dogs (29 eyes) with glaucoma and 21 dogs (30 eyes) without glaucoma after phacoemulsification.

Procedure—Medical record review.

Results—Eyes at increased risk for glaucoma included those of Boston Terriers, those with uveal or retinal abnormalities before surgery, and those with intraoperative intraocular hemorrhage. Significant differences between groups were not detected for incidence of preoperative lens-induced uveitis, presence of an intraocular lens, or frequency of an acute postoperative increase in intraocular pressure. Glaucoma developed (mean ± SD) 12.8 ± 14.1 months (median, 10 months; range, 0.25 to 55 months) after surgery.Eighteen of 29 (62%) eyes with potential for vision after onset of glaucoma retained vision for a mean of 16.5 ± 12.8 months (median, 10.8 months; range, 1.5 to 37 months) after glaucoma was diagnosed. Most of these eyes still had vision at the conclusion of the study period.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Risk factors identified by this study will aid in preoperative counseling of clients and refining selection criteria for candidates for phacoemulsification. Careful follow-up for the remainder of the dog's life after surgery may improve long-term success rates by permitting early intervention before intraocular pressure increases substantially and vision is irreversibly lost. Surgery for cataracts may still be worthwhile in dogs with increased risk of glaucoma, especially if elderly, because of the lengthy period to onset of glaucoma after surgery and the beneficial effects of treatment after glaucoma develops. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001; 218:70–76)
The cold‐shock response in cultured mammalian cells: Harnessing the response for the improvement of recombinant protein production
Authors: Al‐Fageeh Mohamed B , Marchant Rosalyn J , Carden Martin J , Smales C Mark
Published: December 2005

There are a growing number of reports on the sub‐physiological temperature culturing (<37°C) of mammalian cells for increased recombinant protein yield, although the effect is variable between cell lines, expression systems, and the product of interest. What is becoming clear is that exposing mammalian cells to sub‐physiological temperatures invokes a coordinated cellular response involving modulation of the cell cycle, metabolism, transcription, translation, and the cell cytoskeleton. Opportunities currently exist for further enhancement of the cold‐shock effect on recombinant protein production in mammalian cells through advancements in our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the cold‐shock response. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fermentative hydrogen production and bacterial community structure in high‐rate anaerobic bioreactors containing silicone‐immobilized and self‐flocculated sludge
Authors: Wu Shu‐Yii , Hung Chun‐Hsiung , Lin Chi‐Neng , Chen Hsin‐Wei , Lee An‐Sheng , Chang Jo‐Shu
Published: December 2005

A novel continuously stirred anaerobic bioreactor (CSABR) seeded with silicone‐immobilized sludge was developed for high‐rate fermentative H2 production using sucrose as the limiting substrate. The CSABR system was operated at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 0.5–6 h and an influent sucrose concentration of 10–40 g COD/L. With a high feeding sucrose concentration (i.e., 30–40 g COD/L) and a short HRT (0.5 h), the CSABR reactor produced H2 more efficiently with the highest volumetric rate (${\nu}_{{\rm H}_2}$) of 15 L/h/L (i.e., 14.7 mol/d/L) and an optimal yield of ca. 3.5 mol H2/mol sucrose. The maximum ${\nu}_{{\rm H}_2}$ value obtained from this work is much higher than any other ${\nu}_{{\rm H}_2}$ values ever documented. Formation of self‐flocculated granular sludge occurred during operation at a short HRT. The granule formation is thought to play a pivotal role in the dramatic enhancement of H2 production rate, because it led to more efficient biomass retention. A high biomass concentration of up to 35.4 g VSS/L was achieved even though the reactor was operated at an extremely low HRT (i.e., 0.5 h). In addition to gaining high biomass concentrations, formation of granular sludge also triggered a transition in bacterial community structure, resulting in a nearly twofold increase in the specific H2 production rate. According to denatured‐gradient‐gel‐electrophoresis analysis, operations at a progressively decreasing HRT resulted in a decrease in bacterial population diversity. The culture with the best H2 production performance (at HRT = 0.5 h and sucrose concentration = 30 g COD/L) was eventually dominated by a presumably excellent H2‐producing bacterial species identified as Clostridium pasteurianum. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is lobular carcinoma in situ as a component of breast carcinoma a risk factor for local failure after breast‐conserving therapy?
Authors: Ben‐David Merav A. , Kleer Celina G. , Paramagul Chintana , Griffith Kent A. , Pierce Lori J.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

The goals of the current study were to compare the clinicopathologic presentations of patients with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) as a component of breast carcinoma who were treated with breast conserving surgery (BCS) and radiation therapy (RT) with those of patients without LCIS as part of their primary tumor and to report rates of local control by overall cohort and specifically in patients with positive margins for LCIS and multifocal LCIS.

METHODS

Sixty‐four patients with Stages 0–II breast carcinoma with LCIS (LCIS‐containing tumor group, LCTG) that had received BCS+RT treatment at the University of Michigan between 1989 and 2003 were identified. These patients were matched to 121 patients without LCIS (control group) in a 1:2 ratio.

RESULTS

The median follow‐up time was 3.9 years (range, 0.3–18.9 yrs). There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to clinical, pathologic, or treatment‐related variables or in mammographic presentation, with the exception of a higher proportion of the LCTG patients who received adjuvant hormonal therapy (P = 0.01). The rates of local control at 5 years were 100% in the LCTG group and 99.1% in the control group (P = 0.86). The presence of LCIS at the margins and the size and presence of multifocal LCIS did not alter the rate of local control.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of LCIS and its presence at the margins did not reduce the excellent rates of local control after BCS+RT. The data suggest that LCIS in the tumor specimen, even when multifocal, should not affect selection of patients for BCS and whole‐breast RT. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
A retrospective evaluation of second‐line chemotherapy response in hormone‐refractory prostate carcinoma
Authors: Rosenberg Jonathan E. , Galsky Matthew D. , Rohs Nicholas C. , Weinberg Vivian K. , Oh William K. , Kelly W. Kevin , Small Eric J.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

Epothilones and taxanes interfere with microtubule function. Ixabepilone, which is an epothilone‐B analog, has activity against taxane‐resistant cell lines and as first‐line therapy for men with hormone‐refractory prostate carcinoma (HRPC). Clinical cross‐resistance of ixabepilone and taxanes in HRPC is unknown.

METHODS

Records were evaluated retrospectively from patients with HRPC who were treated on a randomized Phase II trial of ixabepilone with or without estramustine and who subsequently received taxane chemotherapy. Posttherapy declines in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and time to PSA progression were defined by consensus criteria. The median survival was evaluated by using the Kaplan–Meier method.

RESULTS

Forty‐nine patients who received ixabepilone with estramustine (28 patients) or without estramustine (21 patients) subsequently received second‐line taxane therapy. Second‐line PSA declines ≥ 50% were achieved by 51% of patients (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 33–66%). Second‐line PSA declines ≥ 50% were achieved by 61% of patients (95% CI, 42–78%) who achieved a first‐line PSA decline ≥ 50% with ixabepilone, compared with 33% of patients (95% CI, 13–59%) who did not (P = 0.08). Patients who discontinued first‐line ixabepilone treatment for disease progression were less likely to achieve a PSA decline ≥ 50% in response to second‐line, taxane‐based therapy compared with patients who discontinued for toxicity or patient preference (36% vs. 71%; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Second‐line taxane chemotherapy after ixabepilone resulted in a substantial frequency of PSA declines. Although patients with ixabepilone‐refractory disease were less likely to respond to second‐line taxane chemotherapy, 36% did achieve a PSA response. These findings were consistent with incomplete clinical cross‐resistance between the taxanes and the epothilones. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy in early‐stage breast carcinoma
Authors: Kim Theodore , Giuliano Armando E. , Lyman Gary H.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

Lymphatic mapping with sentinel lymph node biopsy has the potential for reducing the morbidity associated with breast carcinoma staging. It has become a widely used technology despite limited data from controlled clinical trials.

METHODS

A systematic review of the world's literature of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in patients with early‐stage breast carcinoma was undertaken by using electronic and hand searching techniques. Only studies that incorporated full axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), regardless of SLN results, were included. Individual study results along with weighted summary measures were estimated using the Mantel–Haenszel method. The correlations of outcomes with the study size, the proportion of positive lymph nodes, the technique used, and the study quality were evaluated.

RESULTS

Between 1970 and 2003, 69 trials were reported that met eligibility criteria. Of the 8059 patients who were studied, 7765 patients (96%) had successfully mapped SLNs. The proportion of patients who had successfully mapped SLNs ranged from 41% to 100%, with > 50% of studies reporting a rate < 90%. Lymph node involvement was found in 3132 patients (42%) and ranged from 17% to 74% across studies. The false‐negative rate (FNR) ranged from 0% to 29%, averaging 7.3% overall. Eleven trials (15.9%) reported an FNR of 0.0, whereas 26 trials (37.7%) reported an FNR > 10%. Significant inverse correlations were observed between the FNR and both the number of patients studied (r = − 0.42; P < 0.01) and the proportion of patients who had successfully mapped SLNs nodes (r = − 0.32; P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphatic mapping with SLN biopsy is used widely to reduce the complications associated with ALND in patients with low‐risk breast carcinoma. This systematic review revealed a wide variation in test performance. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Weekly docetaxel in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Hitt Ricardo , Amador Maria L. , Quintela‐Fandino Miguel , Jimeno Antonio , del Val Olga , Hernando Susana , Cortes‐Funes Hernan
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to assess the antitumor activity and toxicity profile of weekly docetaxel in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

METHODS

Patients with recurrent, metastatic, incurable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were enrolled. Weekly docetaxel (30 mg/m2) was administered for 4 weeks every 5 weeks for a maximum of 6 cycles.

RESULTS

The activity and toxicity of docetaxel were assessed in all 38 patients who were entered on the study. No Grade 3–4 toxicities were recorded. No treatment delays were required because of toxicity or dose reductions. Responses were observed in 42% of patients (95% confidence interval, 26–58%). The median duration of response was 8.39 months, the estimated median overall survival was 11.3 months, and the 1‐year survival rate was 39%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggested that weekly docetaxel was an active agent for patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Tumor suppressive maspin and epithelial homeostasis
Authors: Lockett Jaron , Yin Shuping , Li Xiaohua , Meng Yonghong , Sheng Shijie
Published: December 2005

Maspin is a 42‐kDa novel serine protease inhibitor (serpin) with multifaceted tumor suppressive activities. To date, the consensus that maspin expression predicts a better prognosis still largely holds for breast, prostate, colon, and oral squamous cancers. Interestingly, however, more detailed analyses revealed a biphasic expression pattern of maspin in early steps of tumorigenesity and re‐expression of maspin in dormant cancer metastastic revertants. These data suggest a sensitivity of maspin expression to changes of epithelial microenvironments, and a role of maspin in epithelial homeostasis. Experimental evidence consistently showed that maspin suppresses tumor growth, invasion and metastasis, induces tumor redifferentiation, and enhances tumor cell sensitivity to apoptosis. Maspin protein isolated from biological sources is a monomer, which is present as a secreted, a cytoplasmic, a nuclear, as well as a cell surface‐associated protein. Nuclear maspin is associated with better prognoses of cancer. It is further noted that extracellular maspin is sufficient to block tumor induced extracellular matrix degradation, tumor cell motility and invasion, whereas intracellular maspin is responsible for the increased cellular sensitivity to apoptosis. Despite these exciting developments, the mechanistic studies of maspin have proven challenging primarily due to the lack of a prototype molecular model. Although the maspin sequence has overall homologies with other members in the serpin superfamily, it does not behave like a typical serpin, that is, non‐inhibitory toward active serine proteases in solution. This novel feature is in line with the X‐ray crystallographic evidence. Several recent studies dedicated to finding the maspin partners support a paradigm shift. The current review is intended to summarize these recent findings and discuss a new perspective of maspin in epithelial homeostasis. J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 651–660, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Migration of F9 parietal endoderm cells is regulated by the ERK pathway
Authors: Hong Tao , Grabel Laura B.
Published: December 2005

Cell migration is regulated by the action of many signaling pathways that are activated in specific regions of migrating cells. Extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) signaling can modulate the migration of cells by controlling the turnover of focal adhesions and the dynamics of actin polymerization. Focal adhesion turnover is necessary for cell migration, and the formation of strong actin stress fibers and mature focal adhesions puts the brakes on cell migration. We used F9 wild‐type and vinculin null (vin−/−) parietal endoderm (PE) outgrowth to study the role of the ERK signaling pathway in cell migration. Upon plating of F9 embryoid bodies (EBs) onto laminin‐coated dishes, PE cells migrate away from the EBs, providing an in vitro model for studying directed migration of this embryonic cell type. Our results suggest that the ERK pathway regulates PE cell migration by affecting the formation of focal adhesions and lamellipodia through the action of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 1339–1349, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear control of respiratory gene expression in mammalian cells
Authors: Scarpulla Richard C.
Published: December 2005

The mitochondrial respiratory apparatus is the product of both nuclear and mitochondrial genes. The protein coding capacity of mtDNA is restricted to the expression of 13 respiratory subunits and thus nuclear genes play a predominant role in the biosynthesis of the respiratory chain and in the expression of the mitochondrial genome. Transcriptional regulators that act on both nuclear and mitochondrial genes have been implicated in the bi‐genomic expression of the respiratory chain. Mitochondrial transcription is directed by a small number of nucleus‐encoded factors (Tfam, TFB1M, TFB2M, mTERF). The expression of these factors is coordinated with that of nuclear respiratory proteins through the action of transcriptional activators and coactivators. In particular, environmental signals induce the expression of PGC‐1 family coactivators (PGC‐1α, PGC‐1β, and PRC), which in turn target specific transcription factors (NRF‐1, NRF‐2, and ERRα) in the expression of respiratory genes. This system provides a mechanism for linking respiratory chain expression to environmental conditions and for integrating it with other functions related to cellular energetics. J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 673–683, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time course of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels after cessation of long‐term luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone agonist treatment in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Kaku Haruki , Saika Takashi , Tsushima Tomoyasu , Ebara Shin , Senoh Takashi , Yamato Toyoko , Nasu Yasutomo , Kumon Hiromi
Published: December 2005

Introduction

In order to elucidate the influence of hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH) agonist therapy cessation on pituitary/testicular function and its clinical implications, we investigated prospectively hormonal (luteinizing hormone: LH; testosterone: T) responses in patients with prostate cancer who received long‐term LH‐RH 10 agonist therapy.

Patients and Methods

A consecutive 32 patients who had received LH‐RH agonist therapy over 24 months were enrolled. As a baseline, T and LH were measured at the time of LH‐RH agonist therapy cessation, monthly for 3 months, and subsequently, every 3 months.

Results

The median duration of LH‐RH agonist therapy was 30 months (24–87 months) with median follow‐up duration of 24 months following cessation. All patients had castrated T levels and suppressed LH levels at baseline. Median duration of castrated T levels following cessation was 6 months. Median time to normalization of T levels was 24 months. LH levels returned to normal within 3 months in all cases. Patients who received androgen deprivation therapy for 30 months or longer required a longer time for recovery of T levels. Patients over 65 years of age showed a statistically significant longer time for recovery of T levels (P = 0.0167).

Conclusions

Long‐term LH‐RH agonist therapy has remarkable effects on serum T level that last for a significant time after cessation, a fact that should be applied to the interpretation of both PSA and serum T levels after cessation of androgen deprivation therapy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the topology of solenoidal attractors of the cylinder
Authors: Kiwi Jan , Rivera-Letelier Juan , Urzúa Richard , Bamón Rodrigo
Published: December 2005

We study the dynamics of skew product endomorphisms acting on the cylinder

\mathbb{R}/ \mathbb{Z} \times \mathbb{R}

, of the form

(\theta ,t)\mapsto \left(ℓ\theta ,\lambda t + \tau (\theta )\right),

where

ℓ⩾2

is an integer,

\lambda \in (0,1)

and

\tau \::\mathbb{R}/ \mathbb{Z}\rightarrow \mathbb{R}

is a continuous function. We are interested in
topological
properties of the global attractor

\Omega _{\lambda ,\tau }

of this map. Given

ℓ

and a Lipschitz function

τ

, we show that the attractor set

\Omega _{\lambda ,\tau }

is homeomorphic to a closed topological annulus for all

λ

sufficiently close to

1

. Moreover, we prove that

\Omega _{\lambda ,\tau }

is a Jordan curve for at most finitely many

\lambda \in (0,1)

.

These results rely on a detailed study of iterated “cohomological” equations of the form

\tau = \mathcal{L}_{\lambda _{1}}\mu _{1}

,

\mu _{1} = \mathcal{L}_{\lambda _{2}}\mu _{2},…\:

, where

\mathcal{L}_{\lambda }\mu = \mu ○\mathbf{m}_{ℓ}−\lambda \mu

and

\mathbf{m}_{ℓ}\::\mathbb{R}/ \mathbb{Z}\rightarrow \mathbb{R}/ \mathbb{Z}

denotes the multiplication by

ℓ

map. We show the following finiteness result: each Lipschitz function

τ

can be written in a canonical way as,

\tau = \mathcal{L}_{\lambda _{1}}○⋯○\mathcal{L}_{\lambda _{m}}\mu ,

where

m⩾0

,

\lambda _{1},…,\lambda _{m} \in (0,1]

and the Lipschitz function

μ

satisfies

\mu \neq \mathcal{L}_{\lambda }\rho

for every continuous function

ρ

and every

\lambda \in (0,1]

.

On étudie la dynamique des produits croisés agissant sur le cylindre

\mathbb{R}/ \mathbb{Z} \times \mathbb{R}

, de la forme

(\theta ,t)\mapsto \left(ℓ\theta ,\lambda t + \tau (\theta )\right),

où

ℓ⩾2

est un entier,

\lambda \in (0,1)

et

\tau \::\mathbb{R}/ \mathbb{Z}\rightarrow \mathbb{R}

est une fonction continue. On s'intéresse aux propriétés
topologiques
de l'attracteur global

\Omega _{\lambda ,\tau }

de cet endomorphisme. Étant donné

ℓ

et une fonction lipschitzienne

τ

, on démontre que l'attracteur

\Omega _{\lambda ,\tau }

est homéomorphe à un anneau topologique pour tout

λ

suffisamment proche de 1. D'autre part, on démontre qu'il existe au plus un nombre fini de

\lambda \in (0,1)

tels que l'attracteur

\Omega _{\lambda ,\tau }

soit une courbe de Jordan.

Ces résultats s'appuient sur une analyse détaillée des équations “cohomologiques” itérées :

\tau = \mathcal{L}_{\lambda _{1}}\mu _{1}

,

\mu _{1} = \mathcal{L}_{\lambda _{2}}\mu _{2},…\:

, où

\mathcal{L}_{\lambda }\mu = \mu ○\mathbf{m}_{ℓ}−\lambda \mu

et

\mathbf{m}_{ℓ}

est l'application de multiplication par

ℓ

sur le cercle

\mathbb{R}/ \mathbb{Z}

. On démontre le résultat de finitude suivant : toute fonction lipschitizenne

τ

s'écrit de façon canonique sous la forme

\tau = \mathcal{L}_{\lambda _{1}}○⋯○\mathcal{L}_{\lambda _{m}}\mu ,

m⩾0

,

\lambda _{1},…,\lambda _{m} \in (0,1]

et la fonction lispchitzienne

μ

satisfait

\mu \neq \mathcal{L}_{\lambda }\rho

pour toute fonction continue

ρ

et tout

\lambda \in (0,1]

.
An evaluation of multi-annual management strategies for ICES roundfish stocks
Authors: Kell L.T. , Pilling G.M. , Kirkwood G.P. , Pastoors M.A. , Mesnil B. , Korsbrekke K. , Abaunza P. , Aps R. , Biseau A. , Kunzlik P. , Needle C.L. , Roel B.A. , Ulrich C.
Published: December 2005

Current scientific management objectives for ICES roundfish stocks are to ensure conservation of the biological resource and do not explicitly consider economic or social objectives. For example, there are currently no objectives to maximize the sustainable yield or to reduce variability in total allowable catches (TACs). This is despite the fact that the current system can result in wide annual fluctuations in TAC, limiting the ability of the fishing industry to plan for the future. Therefore, this study evaluated management strategies that stabilized catches by setting bounds on the interannual variability in TACs. An integrated modelling framework was used, which simulated both the real and observed systems and the interactions between system components. This allowed the evaluation of candidate management strategies with respect to the intrinsic properties of the systems, as well as our ability to observe, monitor, assess, and control them. Strategies were evaluated in terms of risk (measured as the probability of spawning-stock biomass falling below a biomass threshold for the stock) and cumulative yield. In general, bounds on interannual TAC change of 10% and 20% affected the ability to achieve management targets, although the outcome of applying TAC bounds could not have been pre-judged because results were highly dependent on the specific biology of the stock, current status, and the interaction with assessment and management. For example, for North Sea haddock, management became less responsive to fluctuations resulting from large recruitment events. Simulated target fishing mortality levels were rarely achieved, regardless of the TAC bound applied, and actual fishing mortality rates oscillated around the target. In the longer term, more restrictive bounds resulted in oscillations of greater amplitude and wavelength in yield and SSB. Bounds had less effect when a stock was close to the biomass corresponding to the target F. Risk for stocks that are declining or currently at low abundance may be greater, because if bounds restrict the extent to which TACs can be reduced each year, they could lead to collapse of the stock and the loss of all future revenue. However, for a recovered stock or one at high abundance, the loss of yield as a result of bounds would be smaller than that caused by the total collapse of the fishery. At low stock size or if the stock was declining, catches should be changed more rapidly than when the stock was increasing or at a high level, especially high stock sizes acting as an insurance against uncertainty. Therefore, rebuilding strategies, and strategies aimed at maintaining the stock above prescribed limits, should be considered separately.
Identification of an Na
v
1.1 sodium channel (SCN1A) loss-of-function mutation associated with familial simple febrile seizures
Authors: Mantegazza Massimo , Gambardella Antonio , Rusconi Raffaella , Schiavon Emanuele , Annesi Ferdinanda , Cassulini Rita Restano , Labate Angelo , Carrideo Sara , Chifari Rosanna , Canevini Maria Paola , Canger Raffaele , Franceschetti Silvana , Annesi Grazia , Wanke Enzo , Quattrone Aldo
Published: December 2005

Febrile seizures (FS) affect 5–12% of infants and children up to 6 years of age. There is now epidemiological evidence that FS are associated with subsequent afebrile and unprovoked seizures in ≈7% of patients, which is 10 times more than in the general population. Extensive genetic studies have demonstrated that various loci are responsible for familial FS, and the FEB3 autosomal-dominant locus has been identified on chromosome 2q23–24, where the SCN1A gene is mapped. However, gene mutations causing simple FS have not been found yet. Here we show that the M145T mutation of a well conserved amino acid in the first transmembrane segment of domain I of the human Na
v
1.1 channel α-subunit cosegregates in all 12 individuals of a large Italian family affected by simple FS. Functional studies in mammalian cells demonstrate that the mutation causes a 60% reduction of current density and a 10-mV positive shift of the activation curve. Thus, M145T is a loss-of-function mutant. These results show that monogenic FS should also be considered a channelopathy.
Evolution of bird eggs in the absence of cuckoo parasitism
Authors: Lahti David C.
Published: December 2005

Historical introductions of species into new habitats can create rare opportunities to test evolutionary hypotheses, such as the role of natural selection in maintaining traits. This study examines two independent introductions of the African village weaverbird (Ploceus cucullatus) to islands where selection on egg appearance traits is expected to differ markedly from that of the source populations. The color and spotting of village weaver eggs in Africa are highly consistent within clutches, but highly variable between individuals. These two features may be an evolutionary response to brood parasitism. In Africa, weavers are parasitized by each other and by the diederik cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius), an egg mimic. African village weavers were introduced one century ago to Mauritius, and over two centuries ago to Hispaniola. Both islands are devoid of egg-mimicking brood parasites. In these two populations, between-individual variation and within-clutch consistency in egg appearance have both decreased, as has the incidence of spotting, relative to the source populations in Africa. These reductions are more pronounced on Hispaniola, the earlier introduction. Such changes support the hypothesis that egg appearance in the African village weaver has been maintained by natural selection as a counteradaptation to cuckoo brood parasitism. These results illustrate that the removal of an agent of selection can sometimes bring about rapid evolutionary consequences.