bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Health Insurance Estimates for Low‐Income and Demographic Groups by State
Authors: O'Hara Brett
Published: May 2008

Objective. To assess the quality of new modeled estimates of health insurance based on a federal survey.

Data Sources/Study Setting. The study uses data from the Annual Social and Economic Supplements to the Current Population Survey (CPS ASEC), calendar years 2001–2003. Health insurance estimates for low‐income populations are analyzed.

Study Design. To assess a method for making estimates for uninsured low‐income persons, survey estimates of low‐income children are compared with modeled estimates. Inferences can be drawn from this comparison and the method is extended to account for demographic groups.

Data Collection. Data for 2001–2002 CPS ASEC were self‐tabulated for low‐income children aged 0–17. A special tabulation of the CPS ASEC was used to categorize the numbers of uninsured by age, race, sex, and Hispanic origin by low income at the state level. This special tabulation was the underlying data for the model.

Principal Findings. The modeled estimates reduce the variance and margin of error substantially compared with the survey estimates.

Conclusions. These health insurance estimates are credible and increase the precision for the low‐income uninsured population. They have broad uses for policy makers and program administrators who focus on the uninsured in special populations.
Reputation and Managerial Truth‐Telling as Self‐Insurance
Authors: Fisher Adlai , Heinkel Robert
Published: May 2008

We investigate truth‐telling by an informed insider, or manager, who repeatedly forecasts cash flows to competitive investors in a standard message game. The insider cannot trade on or sell private information, but faces imperfectly hedgeable nonwage income shocks. When compensation depends on the current stock price, a partially revealing equilibrium may exist in which the manager manipulates his reports, and hence the stock price, to reduce consumption variance. Intuitively, the manager builds reputation in good times when honesty is affordable, and exploits reputation in times of need. Endogenous reputation for honesty thus follows from a self‐insurance motive.
But Is It Myopia? Risk Aversion and the Efficiency of Stock‐Based Managerial Incentives
Authors: Carmel Jonathan
Published: May 2008

This paper points out that stock incentives do not lead to myopia unless they result in more emphasis on the short‐term than would occur under an optimal contract. It shows that myopia findings relative to the standard used throughout the literature (first‐best efficiency) are often reversed when evaluated relative to the relevant standard of optimal contracting. Results reported by the previous literature to be myopia often in fact have excessive emphasis on the long‐term. The paper solves in closed‐form for the region in parameter space which gives rise to these reversals and shows that it can be arbitrarily large.
Feasibility of routine individual donation testing for West Nile virus RNA during epidemic season using the investigational Roche cobas TaqScreen West Nile virus test and cobas s 201 system prototype
Authors: Galel Susan A. , Webster Jan , Roa Lurimer
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: Minipool (MP) screening for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA may fail to detect presumptive viremic donations (PVDs) detectable by individual donation screening (IDS). Most blood centers switch collection regions to IDS when PVD detection by MP screening reaches a certain frequency. Use of IDS for all donations during WNV season was assessed during a clinical trial of the Roche cobas TaqScreen WNV test. Also evaluated was whether PVD detection reliably identifies regions that should be targeted for IDS.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Test results, deviation reports, and service records were reviewed for 13.5 weeks of IDS in 2006 and 11.5 weeks of IDS in 2007. Numbers of PVDs and clinical WNV cases were obtained from public health and AABB Web sites and regional donor centers.

RESULTS: Approximately 1000 donations were tested per week divided in six test runs. Each run required 1.2 shifts of technologists plus volunteers. A total of 7.2 percent of samples were initially unreportable in 2006 and 4.8 percent in 2007. Of 26,952 donations screened by IDS, none were reactive for WNV. A comparison of PVD and clinical case reports indicates that PVD detection in areas with intermediate or high clinical case prevalence may not reach commonly used criteria for triggering testing to IDS.

CONCLUSION: Seasonal IDS was feasible using the cobas TaqScreen WNV test on the s 201, although staffing was impacted and a relatively high number of samples required retesting because of error messages. Seasonal IDS utilizing this highly specific assay may be a reasonable alternative to IDS triggered by regional PVD detection.
Detection of bacteria in stored red cell products using a culture‐based bacterial detection system
Authors: Chen Cyndi L. , Yu Jing‐Chen , Holme Stein , Jacobs Michael R. , Yomtovian Roslyn , McDonald Carl P.
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: The Pall eBDS uses oxygen consumption as a surrogate marker for bacterial detection in platelet (PLT) products. This article describes the evaluation of eBDS to detect bacterial contamination in inoculated fresh and stored leukoreduced red cell (RBC) units.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Field studies were conducted at three sites to establish eBDS pouch incubation time and the pass/fail threshold. RBC units were inoculated with each of 12 bacterial species known to cause sepsis at target inocula of either 1 to 15 or 100 colony‐forming units (CFUs) per mL. Units were mixed and stored at 2 to 6°C. Samples were taken for culture and eBDS testing weekly from 0 hour to 42 days and incubated for 35°C for 24 to 30, 48, and 72 hours, followed by measurement of percent oxygen content.

RESULTS: The studies showed growth of five bacterial species (including Yersinia enterocolitica) in RBC units, while seven bacterial species showed no growth or autosterilized. A pass/fail oxygen threshold of 14.4 percent was determined based on results from noninoculated controls (n = 633) and from inoculated samples (n = 884) after 48 hours of incubation. Detection was 100 percent at all sampling times during refrigerated storage with both 48 and 72 hours of pouch incubation.

CONCLUSION: With incubation of eBDS pouches for 48 and 72 hours, 100 percent detection was obtained in 884 samples with bacterial levels of at least 1 CFU per mL, and no false‐positive samples were obtained. Based on the bacterial growth patterns, RBC units may be sampled 1 to 3 days after collection for optimal efficacy and read after 48 to 72 hours of incubation of the eBDS sample pouches at 35°C. The Pall eBDS is suited for detection of typical bacterial contaminants in fresh and stored RBCs.
Recovery of hemoglobin mass after blood donation
Authors: Pottgiesser Torben , Specker Wolfgang , Umhau Markus , Dickhuth Hans‐Hermann , Roecker Kai , Schumacher Yorck O.
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: Blood donation plays an important role in every health care system. Measurement of hemoglobin (Hb) concentration or hematocrit to assess hematologic recovery after donation may not adequately reflect the true amount of blood as they are affected by plasma volume fluctuations. Instead, total Hb mass (tHb) is the variable of choice and can be determined in routine clinical practice. Therefore, the purpose was to investigate the recovery of tHb after standard blood donation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The optimized CO rebreathing method was used for evaluation of tHb before and after 1‐unit (erythrocyte concentrate) standard blood donation in 29 male volunteers (30 ± 10 years, 181 ± 7 cm, 76.6 ± 11.2 kg). Subsequently, tHb measurements were performed in regular intervals until one of two termination criteria was met.

RESULTS: After donation of approximately 550 mL of whole blood, the lost amount of tHb of 75 ± 15 g (8.8 ± 1.9%) was recovered after a mean of 36 ± 11 days (range, 20‐59 days).

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm the minimal, recommended donation intervals (56 days for men) as adequate when, for the first time, judged upon by tHb as a direct marker of hematologic recovery.
CAPM and Option Pricing With Elliptically Contoured Distributions
Authors: Hamada Mahmoud , Valdez Emiliano A.
Published: May 2008

Abstract

This article offers an alternative proof of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) when asset returns follow a multivariate elliptical distribution. Empirical studies continue to demonstrate the inappropriateness of the normality assumption for modeling asset returns. The class of elliptically contoured distributions, which includes the more familiar Normal distribution, provides flexibility in modeling the thickness of tails associated with the possibility that asset returns take extreme values with nonnegligible probabilities. As summarized in this article, this class preserves several properties of the Normal distribution. Within this framework, we prove a new version of Stein's lemma for this class of distributions and use this result to derive the CAPM when returns are elliptical. Furthermore, using the probability distortion function approach based on the dual utility theory of choice under uncertainty, we also derive an explicit form solution to call option prices when the underlying is log‐elliptically distributed. The Black–Scholes call option price is a special case of this general result when the underlying is log‐normally distributed.
Risk Measurement Performance of Alternative Distribution Functions
Authors: Bali Turan G. , Theodossiou Panayiotis
Published: May 2008

Abstract

This paper evaluates the performance of three extreme value distributions, i.e., generalized Pareto distribution (GPD), generalized extreme value distribution (GEV), and Box‐Cox‐GEV, and four skewed fat‐tailed distributions, i.e., skewed generalized error distribution (SGED), skewed generalizedt(SGT), exponential generalized beta of the second kind (EGB2), and inverse hyperbolic sign (IHS) in estimating conditional and unconditional value at risk (VaR) thresholds. The results provide strong evidence that the SGT, EGB2, and IHS distributions perform as well as the more specialized extreme value distributions in modeling the tail behavior of portfolio returns. All three distributions produce similar VaR thresholds and perform better than the SGED and the normal distribution in approximating the extreme tails of the return distribution. The conditional coverage and the out‐of‐sample performance tests show that the actual VaR thresholds are time varying to a degree not captured by unconditional VaR measures. In light of the fact that VaR type measures are employed in many different types of financial and insurance applications including the determination of capital requirements, capital reserves, the setting of insurance deductibles, the setting of reinsurance cedance levels, as well as the estimation of expected claims and expected losses, these results are important to financial managers, actuaries, and insurance practitioners.
Foreign Affiliates of the Largest Insurance Groups: Location‐Specific Advantages
Authors: Outreville J. François
Published: May 2008

Abstract

This article has two objectives. The first is the documentation of the relative importance of the largest insurance or reinsurance companies in the world and changes that may have occurred in the past 15 years. The second objective is to identify some of the factors that may explain the increased internationalization and most‐favored locations of the world's largest insurance groups in transition and developing economies. The results of this study have important implications. First, they indicate that as expected, location‐specific factors such as the size of a market, human capital, and good governance do provide an explication of the internationalization of insurance groups. Second, they also show that other factors, such as cultural distance, regulatory barriers, and competitiveness have a significant impact on the choice of countries.
A Remark on “A Shortcut Way of Pricing Default Risk Through Zero‐Utility Principle”
Authors: Li Jingyuan
Published: May 2008

Abstract

This remark studies Tibiletti's bargaining condition and shows that, for risk neutral buyers or the default loss are small relative to the buyer's size, there exists a more shortcut bargaining condition.
Morphology, Molecular Phylogeny, and Ecology of Binucleata daphniae n. g., n. sp. (Fungi: Microsporidia), a Parasite of Daphnia magna Straus, 1820 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda)
Authors: REFARDT DOMINIK , DECAESTECKER ELLEN , JOHNSON PIETER T. J. , VÁVRA JIŘÍ
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT. We describe a new microsporidian species Binucleata daphniae, n. g., n. sp., that infects the integument cells lining the hemocoele cavity of the carapace and the postabdomen of the cladoceran Daphnia magna Straus. Infected cells filled with spores accumulate as large clusters in the carapace cavity and heavily infected hosts are detected by their opaque appearance. Despite the parasite's presence, infected Daphnia grow and molt, but have a reduced fecundity. During the parasite's life cycle, chain‐like meronts with isolated nuclei are formed, giving rise to binucleate presporonts, the most frequently observed, characteristic developmental stage. In sporogony, the nuclei of the presporont separate, divide, and eight spores enclosed in a thin‐walled sporophorous vesicle are formed. Spores are 4.9 × 2.5 μm in size (fresh) and have an anisofilar polar filament with eight coils. DNA sequence analysis places B. daphniae in a clade of microsporidians that parasitize crustaceans and mosquitoes and have assumed complex life cycles. Binucleata daphniae, however, has a simple and direct life cycle and can be transferred to naïve hosts and maintained as persistent infections in populations of its host D. magna. We propose that B. daphniae has simplified its life cycle by losing its secondary host, rendering it unique in this clade.
Adfluvial and fluvial life history variations and migratory patterns of a relict charr, Salvelinus confluentus, stock in west‐central Idaho, USA
Authors: Watry C. B. , Scarnecchia D. L.
Published: May 2008

Abstract –  Life history strategies and migratory patterns of 71 adult radio‐tagged bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, were studied in the Secesh River watershed within the South Fork Salmon River (SFSR) sub‐basin in west‐central Idaho, USA during 2003 and 2004. In both years, upstream migrations occurred during late June and early July, migrations into two spawning tributaries during late July and early August, spawning from mid‐August through mid‐September, and rapid downstream (postspawning) migrations from late August to mid‐September. Primary over‐wintering areas were Loon Lake, the lower Secesh River (downstream of Loon Creek), and the lower SFSR (downstream of the confluence with the Secesh River). Loon Lake evidently provides sufficient production to allow the adfluvial life history strategy to persist and predominate in the Secesh River, while the fluvial life history strategy was previously found to predominate in the nearby East Fork SFSR. Adfluvial, nonconsecutive‐year migrations were the predominant life history strategy. Only seven fish made consecutive‐year migrations to Lake Creek; however, only one of these fish, a female, utilised a spawning tributary in both years and showed spawning tributary fidelity. Three consecutive‐year migrants and three in‐season migrants showed over‐wintering site fidelity by returning to Loon Lake in September, 2004. The life history variations observed for bull trout in the Secesh River watershed are similar to those observed for bull trout throughout their range and to those of other charr species worldwide, yet the development of distinct migration patterns demonstrate the adaptability of the species to a range of available habitats.
Sense of coherence and psychosocial factors among adolescents
Authors: Myrin B , Lagerström M
Published: May 2008

Aim: The overall aim of the present study was to investigate whether there was a relationship between sense of coherence and psychosocial factors among adolescents.

Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a sample of pupils in year eight from comprehensive schools in Stockholm city, selected with regard to socioeconomic area. In the final sample of the study there were 383 pupils: 196 girls and 187 boys. Two questionnaires, the Sense of Coherence Scale and the Health Profile Scale measuring health behaviour, were used to collect data.

Results: Girls showed a significantly more negative outcome compared with boys, in eight psychosocial factors. The most pronounced difference between boys and girls was seen in feeling depressed: 17% and 54% respectively. Five factors proved to be associated with low SOC in the multivariate analysis: life dissatisfaction, feeling depressed, worries about family members, poor psychosomatic health and being a girl.

Conclusion: The findings reveal domains where adolescents, especially girls, seem to be more vulnerable. Psychosomatic health and mental health are related to low sense of coherence.
Age at menarche in contemporary Greek girls: evidence for levelling‐off of the secular trend
Authors: Papadimitriou Anastasios , Fytanidis Grigorios , Douros Konstandinos , Bakoula Chryssa , Nicolaidou Polyxeni , Fretzayas Andreas
Published: May 2008

Aim: To examine the secular trend of menarcheal age in Greek girls during the last decade.

Methods: Seven hundred and fifty senior high schoolgirls were asked through a questionnaire to report their date of menarche, participation in physical activities and their weight status at menarche. The data were compared with those of a study of 1996.

Results: Mean age at menarche (±SD) in 2006 was 12.29 (1.19) and in 1996 it was 12.27 (1.13) years, p = 0.73. Maternal menarcheal age was 13.02 (1.32). There was a significant correlation between age at menarche of the schoolgirls and their mothers, p < 0.0001. There was a significant difference in the age at menarche according to the schoolgirls' perceived weight status. Menarcheal age of obese girls (n = 56) was 11.73 (1.21) years, of normal weight girls (n = 474) was 12.29 (1.21) years and of lean girls (n = 220) was 12.42 (1.14) years, p < 0.001. There was no significant difference in the age at menarche between the girls that participated, 12.23 (1.19), and those that did not participate in sporting activities, 12.32 (1.19), p = 0.31.

Conclusion: Levelling‐off of the age at menarche over the last 10 years occurred in Greek girls living in Athens. Menarcheal age is influenced by the weight status and maternal menarcheal age.
Turned Brånemark System® Implants in Wide and Narrow Edentulous Maxillae: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Friberg Bertil , Jemt Torsten
Published: May 2008

Background: The available jawbone volume is regarded as one of the most important factors when assessing the prognosis of oral implants in the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla.

Purpose: The aim of the current investigation was to retrospectively evaluate and compare the outcome of implants placed in edentulous maxillae with either wide or narrow jaw shapes. The marginal bone loss and implant cumulative survival rates (CSRs) were calculated and analyzed with special reference to smoking habits.

Materials and Methods: The study included 75 individuals with edentulous maxillae, of which 33 patients exhibited wide (group A) and 42 patients exhibited narrow jaw shapes (group B). A total of 506 turned Brånemark System® (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) implants were inserted (226 in group A and 279 in group B) and followed clinically up to 7 years. Smoking habits were recorded. Radiographs were obtained at connection of prostheses, and at the 1‐ and 5‐year follow‐up visit. The marginal bone loss was calculated for the groups and analyzed using t‐test.

Results: Twenty‐eight implants were lost during the study period, revealing implant CSRs at 7 years of 94.6% (11/226) and 93.6% (17/279) for wide and narrow crests, respectively. No difference in marginal bone loss was seen between the two groups, although a trend toward more bone loss was recorded for patients with wide crests. Smoking habits were more common in group A (45%) than in group B (31%). During the first year of function, smokers lost significantly more marginal bone than nonsmokers (p = .0447), albeit this difference did not prevail (p > .05) at the end of the study period.

Conclusions: The implant CSRs at 7 years were equally good for the two groups of patients with various jaw shapes. Initially, smokers showed significantly more marginal bone loss than nonsmokers.
Patient Satisfaction with Implant‐Retained Mandibular Overdentures: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Siadat Hakimeh , Alikhasi Marzieh , Mirfazaelian Ali , Geramipanah Farideh , Zaery Farid
Published: May 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study was evaluation of the effect of age, gender, and past prosthetic history (duration of edentulism, number of complete dentures before implant treatment, and number of adjustment appointments) on patients' ratings of satisfaction (comfort, hygiene, retention, appearance, speech, mastication, and overall satisfaction).

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 55 patients who were treated with mandibular overdentures retained by splinted implants from 1998 to 2004 and met the inclusion criteria of the study were selected. Each patient was asked to fill out a questionnaire to evaluate his/her general satisfaction with the implant prostheses and other aspects of satisfaction such as comfort, aesthetic, function, and hygiene. Data were analyzed using a marginal model and the generalized estimating equations methodology to assess the relationship between the scores and the patients’ demographic and past prosthetic histories. Significance was accepted at 5% and expressed as p values and odds ratio (OR).

Results: Gender had significant correlation with comfort (p < .0001). Years of being edentulous prior to implant/prosthetic treatment had direct effects on the general satisfaction and satisfaction of comfort (p < .01). One extra denture used before implant treatment resulted in less comfort (p < .01) and poorer function (p < .001). Elders were more satisfied with aesthetic (OR = 0.96) and comfort (OR = 2.96). Number of adjustment appointments had a positive correlation with comfort (p < .001) and a negative correlation with satisfaction of aesthetic (p < .001).

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that satisfaction was correlated with age, gender, and past prosthetic history in the patients rehabilitated with the implant‐supported overdentures.
Effect of Solely Applied Platelet‐Rich Plasma on Osseous Regeneration Compared to Bio‐Oss®: A Morphometric and Densitometric Study on Rabbit Calvaria
Authors: Torres Jesús , Tamimi Faleh M. , Tresguerres Isabel F. , Alkhraisat Mohammad H. , Khraisat Ameen , Lopez‐Cabarcos Enrique , Blanco Luis
Published: May 2008

Background: The use of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in bone augmentation procedures is well documented; however, the exact benefit of this material is not yet established.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of using PRP, when only used, and compare it to Bio‐Oss® (Geistlich Biomaterials, Wolhusen, Switzerland) in vertical bone augmentation capacity.

Materials and Methods: The study was performed in calvaria of eight adult female New Zealand rabbits using titanium bone conduction cylinder. Two titanium cylinders were fixed into perforated slits made on the parietal bone of each rabbit. On each rabbit, one chamber was grafted with Bio‐Oss, and the contralateral was filled with PRP. Animals were sacrificed 4 weeks after intervention and biopsies were taken. Densitometric, histological, and histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate bone mineral density, vertical bone augmentation, and remaining graft volume, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed with Mann–Whitney test, using a significance level of p < .05.

Results: Densitometric and histomorphometric data analysis revealed that mean bone mineral densities and bone augmentation were significantly lower in the cylinders treated with PRP (p < .0001) 4 weeks after implantation.

Conclusion: This study showed no beneficial effect of using PRP on osseous regeneration. In addition, it was emphasized that Bio‐Oss presents good osteoconductive properties by achieving suitable bone volume values.
EFFECT OF CONTRAST MEDIA FORMULATION ON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHIC CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT
Authors: KISHIMOTO MIORI , YAMADA KAZUTAKA , TSUNEDA RYO , SHIMIZU JUNICHIRO , IWASAKI TOSHIROH , MIYAKE YOH‐ICHI
Published: May 2008

The characteristics of contrast media formulation (mgI/ml, osmolarity, and viscosity) are generally not considered important in computed tomography (CT) angiography in animals. The purpose of this study was to assess the contrast effect in CT angiography as a function of contrast media formulation, with a constant iodine dose. The contrast effects of three contrast media with different iodine concentrations were compared by administering identical iodine dosages (mgI/kg). The contrast effects of the three contrast media differed, and the area under the time–attenuation curve of iohexol 350 mgI/ml, which had the highest iodine concentration, was the lowest. It was hypothesized that the contrast effect of a contrast medium decreases with higher iodine concentration because of the high amount of residual iodine present in the circulatory system from the injection site to the portion immediately before the great vessels. In addition, the influence of osmotic dilution on contrast media with high osmolarity was also considered. In conclusion, the contrast effect varies with different contrast media formulations, even when the same iodine dosage is administered.
RADIOGRAPHIC, COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC, AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS WITH MIGRATING INTRATHORACIC GRASS AWNS IN DOGS AND CATS
Authors: SCHULTZ RYAN M. , ZWINGENBERGER ALLISON
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical, radiographic, and computed tomographic findings in dogs and cats with migrating intrathoracic grass awns. Thirty‐five dogs and five cats with visual confirmation of a grass awn following surgery, endoscopy or necropsy, and histology were assessed. The medical records and all diagnostic imaging studies were reviewed retrospectively. Labrador Retrievers or English Pointers <5 years of age, with a history of coughing and hyperthermia, were the most common presentations. Seventeen animals had an inflammatory leukogram of which 14 had a left shift or toxic neutrophils. Radiographs were performed in 38 animals and computed tomography (CT) in 14. Thoracic radiographs were characterized by focal pulmonary interstitial to alveolar opacities (n=26) that occurred most commonly in the caudal (n=19) or accessory lobes (n=8). Additional findings included pneumothorax (n=9), pleural effusion (n=8), and pleural thickening (n=7). Pulmonary opacities identified on radiographs correlated to areas of pneumonia and foreign body location. CT findings included focal interstitial to alveolar pulmonary opacities (n=12) most commonly in the right caudal lung lobe (n=9), pleural thickening (n=11), mildly enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes (n=10), soft tissue tracking (n=7) with enhancing margins (n=4), pneumothorax (n=6), pleural effusion (n=4), and foreign body visualization (n=4). Histologic diagnoses included pulmonary and mediastinal granulomas or abscesses, bronchopneumonia, and pleuritis. Migrating intrathoracic grass awns should be considered as a differential diagnosis in coughing, febrile animals with focal interstitial to alveolar pulmonary opacities, pleural effusion, pleural thickening, and/or pneumothorax on radiographs or CT.
IMAGING FEATURES OF ORBITAL MYXOSARCOMA IN DOGS
Authors: DENNIS RUTH
Published: May 2008

Myxomas and myxosarcomas are infiltrative connective tissue tumors of fibroblastic origin that can be distinguished by the presence of abundant mucinous stroma. This paper describes the clinical and imaging features of orbital myxosarcoma in five dogs and suggests a predilection for the orbit. The main clinical signs were slowly progressive exophthalmos with soft swelling of the pterygopalatine fossa, and in two dogs, of the periorbital area. No pain was associated with the eye or orbit but one dog had pain on opening the mouth. The dogs were imaged using combinations of ultrasonography, radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging. In four dogs, extensive fluid‐filled cavities in the orbit and fascial planes were seen and in the fifth dog, the tumor appeared more solid with small, peripheral cystic areas. In all dogs, the lesion extended along fascial planes to involve the temporomandibular joint, with osteolysis demonstrable in two dogs. Fluid aspirated from the cystic areas was viscous and sticky, mimicking that from a salivary mucocoele. Myxomas and myxosarcomas are known to be infiltrative and not readily amenable to surgical removal but their clinical course seems to be slow, with a reasonable survival time with palliative treatment. In humans, a juxta‐articular form is recognized in which a prominent feature is the presence of dilated, cyst‐like spaces filled with mucinous material. It is postulated that orbital myxosarcoma in dogs may be similar to the juxta‐articular form in man, and may arise from the temporomandibular joint.
QUANTIFICATION OF THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS PATIENT AND IMAGE FACTORS ON ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DETECTION OF SELECT CANINE ABDOMINAL ORGANS
Authors: BARBERET VIRGINIE , SCHREURS ELKE , RADEMACHER NATHALIE , NITZL DAGMAR , TAEYMANS OLIVIER , DUCHATEAU LUC , SAUNDERS JIMMY H.
Published: May 2008

We assessed factors that affected ultrasonographic visualization of the pylorus, duodenal papilla, pancreas, adrenal glands, and jejunal and medial iliac lymph nodes in the dog. An abdominal ultrasonographic examination was performed on 100 canine patients, equally divided between two facilities. The pylorus was visible in 64% of the dogs, the major duodenal papilla in 42%, the left pancreatic lobe in 56%, the body of the pancreas in 60%, the right pancreatic lobe in 87%, the left adrenal gland in 91%, the right adrenal gland in 86%, the medial iliac lymph nodes in 54%, and the jejunal lymph nodes in 51%. The parameters that negatively influenced the visibility of these organs were the presence of air or food in the gastrointestinal tract (pancreas, duodenal papilla), age (lymph nodes), and body weight (pancreas, duodenal papilla). The parameters that positively influenced their visibility were the presence of air or food in the gastrointestinal tract (lymph nodes), body weight (lymph nodes), body condition score (right adrenal gland), and inherent image quality (left pancreatic lobe). There was a significant difference between the two institutes for the visualization of the pylorus, pancreas, and lymph nodes, which was probably related to different body positions used for scanning in each institution.
RELATION BETWEEN AGE, BODY WEIGHT, AND MEDIAL RETROPHARYNGEAL LYMPH NODE SIZE IN APPARENTLY HEALTHY DOGS
Authors: BURNS GRAHAM O. , SCRIVANI PETER V. , THOMPSON MARGRET S. , ERB HOLLIS N.
Published: May 2008

The aims of this study were to determine the size of the medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes in apparently healthy dogs using ultrasonography and to investigate relationships between body weight (1.8–59 kg), age (1.0–15 years), and medial retropharyngeal lymph node sizes (width, height, and length). The sample population consisted of 100 apparently healthy, volunteered, adult dogs. The data were normally distributed, thus mean, SD, and Pearson's correlation were used. Repeatability of ultrasound measures was assessed as the percentage of differences between duplicate measures that were within 2 SDs of the differences: all measures were at least 93% repeatable (differences typically were ≤0.25 cm and always <1 cm). No difference between sexes was observed. The medial retropharyngeal lymph node increased in size with increased body weight (r=0.46 to 0.59) and decreased in size with increased age (r=−0.30 to −0.50). Although statistically significant, the actual variation is not likely clinically important due to the small range of sizes, measurement error, and various combinations of age and body weight. Therefore, regardless of body weight or age, the average width is 1.0 cm, height is 0.5 cm, and length is 2.5 cm and maximum width is 2 cm, height is 1 cm, and length is 5 cm. Based on the maximal difference between duplicate measures (with some exception), any change ≥0.4 cm with width or height, or ≥1.0 cm in length, in a follow up measurement probably represents a true biological change rather than measurement error.
Thymic Hypoplasia due to a Bis‐diamine
Authors: MATSUO Takeshi , IKEDA Takayoshi
Published: May 2008

Bis(dichloroacetyl)diamine is capable of producing characteristic congenital malformations in high incidence. Wistar rats were given 200 mg/day of bis‐diamine via a gastric tube on gestation days 9, 10 and 11. The fetuses of 14, 16, 18, 20 days and new born rats were examined using light and electron microscopes as well as rat T‐cell surface markers. The thymus rudiment in rats treated with bis‐diamine has been compared to the normal at each stages.

A high incidence of aplasia or hypoplasia of the thymus was observed in treated groups. Histological studies of those revealed a short delay in appearance of lymphocytic cells in the thymus, which initially were blast like and later small lymphocytes, and also a delay in cortical and medullary differentiation of the thymus. Immunohistological studies using anti rat T‐cell monoclonal antibodies confirmed the histological findings which show a delay of the development of the thymus.

Bis‐diamine induced anomalies were similar to those of the human primary immunodeficiency syndrome, particularly the DiGeorge syndrome.
Twenty‐five Years' History of the Japanese Teratology Society*
Authors: TANIMURA Takashi
Published: May 2008

Abstract The Japanese Teratology Society (Nihon Senten Ijo Gakkai in Japanese, Congenital Anomalies Research Association of Japan in English until 1980) was founded in Tokyo on August 3, 1961, and in 1985, the 25th Anniversary of the Society was celebrated under the Presidency of Dr. Takashi Tanimura, who has served in the general affairs in the office since the beginning of the Society. Taking the opportunity to give the Presidential lecture at the 25th Annual Meeting held on July 11‐13, 1985, the past of the Society was looked back upon hoping to make it the foundation for the advance toward the 21st Century. Teratological researches before the establishment of the Society were reviewed and how the Society was officially formed was presented. Main events of activities of the Society were listed and data on general affairs, publication and papers presented at the Annual Meetings were summarized. The Japanese Teratology Society has been developed by the multidisciplinary cooperation of scientists in clinical and basic medicines as well as other natural sciences. It is stressed that we should more strengthen the international collaboration with Teratology Society in USA, European Teratology Society and other organizations through the International Federation of Teratology Societies to achieve the prevention of congenital anomalies.
Pathogenesis of Ochratoxin A‐ and Concanavalin A‐Induced Exencephalies in Mice
Authors: HAYASAKA Ikuo , HOSHINO Kiyoshi , KAMEYAMA Yoshiro
Published: May 2008

Abstract Early morphogenetic changes of exencephaly induced by ochratoxin A (OA) were compared with those induced by concanavalin A (Con A) in mice in order to examine possible differences in the pathogenesis of neural tube defect. OA and Con A were administered to pregnant mice on day 7 of gestation, and the process of neural tube closure of embryos was observed at different times from 6 to 72 hours after treatment by SEM and light microscopy. In OA‐treated embryos, the cranial neural folds in the fore‐ and midbrains did not elevate and remained in the biconvex shape. The cellular changes were found in the neuroepithelium and surface ectoderm. Neural crest cells, which appeared at the lateral edges of the neural folds, were also involved in degeneration. In Con A‐treated embryos, the neural folds in the mid‐ and hindbrains elevated to assume the V shape, but remained wide open. The main cellular change was a degeneration of the primary mesenchyme underlying the neuroepithelium, resulting in a paucity of the supporting mesenchymal tissue.

These findings suggest that the exencephalies produced by either OA or Con A are primarily due to non‐closure of the neural tube, but that the pathogenesis differs with each agent. Failure of neural tube closure in OA‐treated embryos appears to result from damage of the neuroepithelium and neural crest cells, whereas that in Con A‐treated embryos from damage of the primary mesenchyme.
The Role of Fibronectin in the Interstitial Migration of Primordial Germ Cells in Amniotes*
Authors: FUJIMOTO Toyoaki , YOSHINAGA Kazuya
Published: May 2008

Abstract Primordial germ cells (PGCs) in amniotes separate from the endoderm of the early embryo and finally migrate through the dorsal mesentery (DM), which is the last portion of the migratory pathway, into the gonadal anlage, while in birds and some reptiles, the cells temporarily circulate via the blood vascular system before undergoing this migration. To understand the role of extracellular matrix in the migration of PGCs, the distribution and localization of fibronectin (FN) were examined using direct immunoperoxidase staining in embryos of mice, chicks and man. In mouse embryos of 10.0 to 11.0 days of gestation, the DM was rich in FN, at which time the PGCs were at the peak of their migration. FN was localized at the sites of interaction between cytoplasmic processes of PGCs and the neighboring somatic cells. In man, a positive reaction to FN was found in the DM of 5‐week old embryos, in which most of PGCs were migrating. In chick embryos at 2.5 days of incubation, the splanchnic mesoderm (SPM), into which the PGCs were passing from the blood vessels, was rich in FN. In 3.0‐day‐embryos, the DM, which was derived from the SPM, was rich in FN. FN was localized at the sites of interaction between pseudopodia of PGCs and the adjacent somatic cells. After the completion of PGC migration into the gonad, FN reaction was weakened or disappeared in every species examined.

These results indicate that fibronectin plays a significant role in the interstitial migration of PGCs.
Protective Effects of Glutathione on the Teratogenicity of 5‐Fluorouracil in Mice and Rats
Authors: NAYA Masato , TANAKA Kazumi , DEGUCHI Takashi , TAKAHIRA Hiroshi
Published: May 2008

Abstract The influence of endogenous or exogenous glutathione (GSH) on the teratogenicity of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) was studied after a single intraperitoneal injection of 5‐FU at a teratogenic dose (20 or 30 mg/kg) to ICR mice on day 11 of gestation. Pretreatment with intravenous GSH at 300 mg/kg, 5 minutes before 5‐FU administration, decreased the incidence of oligodactyly induced with 5‐FU and lowered the fetal mortality, but it did not prevent the decrease in body weight of fetuses. Pretreatment with intraperitoneal diethylmaleate, which decreases the level of endogenous GSH, at 350 mg/kg 6 hours before 5‐FU administration increased the incidence of oligodactyly. Pretreatment orally with GSH at a dose of 300 mg/kg 30 minutes before intraperitoneal injection of 5‐FU at 30 mg/kg to Wistar rats on day 13 of gestation decreased the frequency of limb malformations, but it did not prevent the decrease in body weight of fetuses.
Effects of Maternal Hyperphenylalaninemia on Postnatal Myelination in Mice
Authors: SASAHARA Akiko , OHYA Noriaki , SHIMADA Morimi
Published: May 2008

Abstract The effects of maternal hyperphenylalaninemia induced by phenylalanine and p‐chlorophenylalanine loading diets on brain growth and myelination were studied in mice. The wet weights, protein contents and activities of 2', 3'‐cyclic nucleotide 3'‐phosphodiesterase (CNP) of the cerebrum, brain stem and cerebellum were estimated on 7, 14, 21, 28 and 56 days after the birth. Protein and lipid contents in the myelin fraction of the whole brain were also examined on days 28 and 56. In the experimental groups, the activities of CNP, a marker enzyme of myelin, were lower than those in the control in each part of the brain. The protein contents in the light myelin subfraction, which is regarded as a mature type of myelin, were also decreased in the experimental group after 28 days of age, while those in the heavy myelin subfraction, which is regarded as an immature type of myelin, showed no significant reduction even after 28 days of age. These results suggest that maternal hyperphenylalaninemia has a potential effect on postnatal myelination of the brain, and also that impaired myelination may play some role in the pathogenesis of mental retardation of maternal phenylketonuria. The proportions of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids in phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin were decreased significantly on day 56 in the heavy myelin subfraction in comparison to the controls. These changes may have some correlation with interference in the formation of matured myelin.
The Development of Laboratory Animal Science for the Study of Human Muscular and Nervous Diseases in Japan*
Authors: KIKUCHI Tateki , MORIYA Hiromi , MATSUZAKI Tetsuya , KATOH Masami , TAKEDA Shinichi
Published: May 2008

Abstract Investigations by using animal models offer a useful tool to study the pathogenesis and cure of several incurable human diseases. The laboratory animal science in this field was established about 20 years ago in Japan. This paper describes the outline of its history and the characteristics of each animal model which has been studied extensively and will also be studied in the future in Japan. Some results on dystrophic chicken and gracile axonal dystrophic (gad) mouse which were recently obtained in our laboratory are discussed.
Copper Contents and Pathological Changes in Various Organs of Macular Mouse
Authors: KATSURA Tadahiko , KAWASAKI Hisaki , YAMANO Tsunekazu , SHIMADA Morimi
Published: May 2008

Abstract The hemizygote of the macular mutant mouse (Ml/y) is considered to be a model of Menkes kinky hair disease (MKHD). It suffers from seizure, ataxia and emaciation, and dies around day 15 after birth. However hemizygotes which were injected with 10, 20, 20 and 30 μg of cupric chloride on days 4, 6, 8 and 10, respectively were freed from these clinical manifestations. Copper contents in the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem and liver from untreated Ml/y were significantly lower than those from normal littermate (+/y); 1.9±0.4, 3.8±1.0, 2.5±0.6 and 9.3±2.5 /μg/g dry weight in Ml/y, and 7.0±0.7, 11.3±3.3, 8.6±1.7 and 29.1±10.4 μg/g dry weight in +/y, respectively, on day 14. On the contrary, copper contents in the kidney and intestine from Ml/y were higher than those from Ml/y 35.5±10.9 and 24.3±7.7 μg/g dry weight from Ml/y, and 9.4±1.2 and 6.1±1.3 Mg/g dry weight from +/y, respectively, on day 14. By electron microscopic observation, although abnormal mitochondria were now and again observed in the neurons of the spinal cord, pathological changes were not seen in the liver, kidney and intestine from Ml/y. In the treated Ml/y, the copper contents of the brain and liver were raised to between those of the Ml/y and of the +/y. The copper contents in the kidney and intestine had increased much more in the treated Ml/y, and were 5.3 and 1.6 times more than those in the Ml/y, respectively, on day 14. These results show that the distribution of copper in various organs of Ml/y is quite similar to that of the patient with MKHD, and that the copper injection raised the level of copper content in the nervous system, thus improving the clinical features of Ml/y.
Congenital Hydrocephalus in Japan I 969–1982: Secular Trends, Geographical and Social Class Variations
Authors: IMAIZUMI Yoko
Published: May 2008

Abstract Nation‐wide data in Japan between 1969–1982 on 3,650 cases of fetal death and 2,397 cases of postnatal death caused by congenital hydrocephalus were analyzed. The prevalence rate of congenital hydrocephalus decreased yearly. This reduction is attributed to prenatal detection and selective abortion among fetal deaths, and surgical correction of hydrocephalus postnatally. The prevalence rate per 1,000 births was 0.22 in urban areas and 0.25 in rural areas between 1969–1982, and the difference was significant. The prevalence rate was slightly higher in the southwest part of Japan than in the northeast. Social class variation in the prevalence rate was present.
Developmental Disturbance of the Cerebral Cortex of Mouse Offspring from Dams Treated with Ochratoxin A during Pregnancy
Authors: HOSHINO Kiyoshi , FUKUI Yoshihiro , HAYASAKA Ikuo , KAMEYAMA Yoshiro
Published: May 2008

Abstract This study was designed to elucidate long‐term pathological effects of ochratoxin A, one of the food contaminating mycotoxins, on the developing brain in mice. A single intraperitoneal injection of ochratoxin A at a dose of 2 or 3 mg/kg was given to pregnant mice on day 10 of gestation. They were allowed to give birth and the offspring were examined 6 weeks after birth. Their body weight, brain weight, brain size, thickness and cell packing density of dorsal neocortex in histological sections were examined. Growth of basal dendrites of pyramidal neurons in the layer V of dorsal neocortex was also examined with Golgi‐Cox specimens in terms of number of dendrites directly arising from the perikaryon, number of endings of dendrites, branching index (No. of endings/No. of arisings), mean distance from the perikaryon to the tips of dendrites, and number of intersections of dendrites with the zonal boundaries.

Significant changes were found in brain weight, anteroposterior length of cerebrum, mean distance from the perikaryon to the tips of dendrites and number of intersections of dendrites with the zonal boundaries. These parameters can be recommended as sensitive ones in order to estimate rather weak effects of cytotoxic chemical agents exposed in utero on the development of cerebral cortex.
The Use of Animal Models in Understanding Human Teratogens
Authors: WEBSTER William S.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  The testing of drags and other chemicals in pregnant animals is required by legislation in a number of countries as a screening procedure for tera‐togenic potential in the human. The testing procedure involves methodology designed in the 1960s which was based on regimens established in the 1940s for toxicity testing. The requirement that animals are dosed to maternally toxic levels, frequently means that the embryos are exposed to inappropriately high concentrations of the test substance. Positive results in this type of experiment may have no relevence to the human situation where the exposure profile is often quite different, with the human embryo being exposed for prolonged periods to much lower drug concentrations. One way of duplicating the anticipated human exposure is to grow rat embryos in serum containing the drag and/or its metabolites at concentrations determined in the human during early clinical testing. It is proposed that mammalian embryos will respond in a similar manner to a particular concentration of a test substance.

In vitro experiments using isotretinoin and its main metabolite 4–oxo‐isotretinoin showed that the metabolite was teratogenic at concentrations which occurred in the human during normal repetitive dosing and hence the metabolite was the likely human teratogen. Similarly, rat embryo culture studies showed that the anticonvulsant drug, valproic acid, was teratogenic at blood concentrations which occurred during normal dosing in the human. Other in vitro studies showed that cadmium is unlikely to be a human teratogen, despite the fact that it is well established as a teratogen in experimental animals in vivo.

It is proposed that embryo culture should be used as an adjunct procedure during teratology testing making use of metabolic and pharmacokinetic data obtained from the human during clinical testing.