bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: value of diffusion‐weighted and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis and treatment control
Authors: Küker W. , Mader I. , Nägele T. , Uhl M. , Adolph C. , Klose U. , Herrlinger U.
Published: May 2006

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is caused by the replication of JC virus in oligodendrocytes of immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis usually relies on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based demonstration of JC virus DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid. As previous reports have suggested that some patients may benefit from antiviral therapy, non‐invasive early diagnosis is highly desirable. Repetitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations (two to nine) were obtained in seven patients (aged 40–67 years, six males, one female) with classical clinical and imaging findings of PML. Five patients had underlying hematological disorders and two acquired immune deficiency syndrome. PCR of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen was positive for JC virus DNA in six patients. MRI sequences included T2‐, T1‐ and diffusion‐weighted (DW) images in all patients and diffusion‐tensor imaging (DTI) in four cases. DTI was once performed at 3T, in the remaining patients at 1.5T. All patients received antiviral treatment with cidofovir in addition to the treatment of the underlying disorder. MRI showed areas of T2 hyperintensity with involvement of the subcortical U‐fibers and restricted diffusion in all patients. Areas of diffusion abnormality correlated with disease progress. Contrast enhancement was encountered once after successful treatment and heralded clinical remission with virus elimination from the CSF. Hence, MRI including DW and contrast‐enhanced images may be used to evaluate disease activity. Contrast enhancement may indicate an inflammatory response and thus herald immunologic virus elimination.
Avascular necrosis of the bones: an overlooked complication of pulse steroid treatment of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ce Pinar , Gedizlioglu Muhtesem , Gelal Fazýl , Coban Pinar , Ozbek Gulriz
Published: May 2006

The most common cause avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) is corticosteroid medication. However, the impact of pulse steroid therapy on AVN development is not known properly. We intended to investigate the effect of this therapy on AVN development in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. MS patients without AVN, chronic alcolism, thrombophilia, sickle cell anemia, inflamatory bowel disease, cytotoxic drug usage history participated in the study. All of the patients were ambulatory (EDSS < 4). Thirty‐three MS patients who received pulse steroid therapy at least 10 g or at least 15 g during the course of the whole disease, were the treatment group and 27 MS patients who did not receive any steroid therapy were the control group. There was no statistical difference between groups for age, sex and disease duration. Bilateral femoral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to the both groups. In the treatment group, five patients (15.5%) had AVN whilst no AVN was found in the control group. In conclusion, it is interesting to find AVN at such a high rate in the MS patients who received pulse steroid therapy without any AVN history or complaint. The neurologists have to be more careful about AVN which early diagnosis is important to prevent the complications.
Idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disorders after acute transverse myelitis
Authors: Chan K. H. , Tsang K. L. , Fong G. C. Y. , Ho S. L. , Cheung R. T. F. , Mak W.
Published: May 2006

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is commonly para‐infectious. Recurrent ATM occurs in connective tissue diseases (CTD), infective myelitis and idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disorders (IIDD) including multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Previous studies might include NMO and idiopathic recurrent transverse myelitis (IRTM) as MS. The aim was to study the outcome of patients after a first attack of idiopathic ATM. Idiopathic ATM patients over a 6‐year period were retrospectively studied. Known causes of myelopathy were excluded. Among 32 patients studied, 20 (63%) had single ATM attack upon follow up for 39–93 months, three developed recurrent ATM related to CTD (two systemic lupus erythematosus and one anti‐Ro antibody positive) and nine (28.1%) developed recurrent neuroinflammation compatible with IIDD. Among IIDD patients, three had NMO, two restricted variant of NMO, three IRTM and one classical MS. NMO, its variant and IRTM had mean spinal MRI abnormality of 3.7, 2.1 and 3.9 vertebral segments respectively while non‐recurrent ATM had 1.6 vertebral segments. Four (80%) of the five patients with NMO or its variant had poor neurological prognosis versus only one (5%) of non‐recurrent ATM patients. IRTM patients had advanced mean onset age, 62 years vs. 43 years for non‐recurrent ATM patients. In IIDD patients presenting with ATM as first attack of neuroinflammation, NMO and its variant (56%) were most frequent, then IRTM (33%), with classical MS (11%) the rarest. As long‐term treatments for NMO are different from MS, early recognition of NMO and its variant is important for prevention of serious neurological deficits.
Hereditary spastic paraparesis and psychosis
Authors: McMonagle P. , Hutchinson M. , Lawlor B.
Published: May 2006

Hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) is characterized by progressive spasticity and weakness of the legs with or without additional abnormalities. Reports of psychiatric disorders in patients with HSP are limited to mood disturbances rather than to psychosis. We had noted significant psychotic illness in several patients recruited to a survey of HSP in Ireland and therefore set about examining the frequency and nature of psychosis in our patients with HSP. Cases with HSP and psychotic illness were identified from a nationwide epidemiological and clinical study. Psychiatric case notes were reviewed and Operational Diagnostic Criteria Checklist (OPCRIT) applied. Six patients from four families with HSP had evidence of psychosis in addition to paraparesis. OPCRIT diagnoses were ‘narrow schizophrenia’ (n = 2), ‘broad schizophrenia’ (n = 2) and ‘schizo‐affective/manic disorder’ (n = 2). Patients were from families with Kjellin's syndrome and SPG4‐HSP but not other kindreds and psychosis was not evident in family members without HSP. We found a higher than expected rate of psychosis in the Irish HSP population. Two groups of HSP patients may have increased risk of developing psychosis: those with Kjellin's syndrome and those with SPG4‐HSP.
Recurrency in transient global amnesia: a retrospective study
Authors: Agosti C. , Akkawi N. M. , Borroni B. , Padovani A.
Published: May 2006

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a well‐defined clinical syndrome of unknown etiology, which often occurs once in life. Several mechanisms have been proposed but only trigger events have been clearly associated with the attack such as physical exertion, emotional stress, sexual intercourse or immersion in cold water. According to our knowledge, this is the first study, which associates trigger events and TGA recurrency. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the risk factors which contribute to TGA recurrency. TGA patients consecutively admitted, performed clinical and neurological evaluation, electroencephalogram and structural brain imaging scan. TGA‐trigger events were evaluated and comorbidities were carefully recorded. The risk factor sum was calculated as the sum of the considered triggers. Eighty‐five TGA patients were grouped according to the presence of single TGA (n = 73) or two episodes of TGA (n = 12). The 14.11% of patients experienced two episodes. A logistic regression analysis showed that the more increased number of TGA the more number of trigger events (P < 0.11; χ2 = 6.38; β = −3.29). These observations claim that TGA may be considered a complex epiphenomenon, and the sum of the trigger factors can be responsible for recurring of this almost unique‐in‐life event.
Transient tinnitus suppression induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation
Authors: Fregni F. , Marcondes R. , Boggio P. S. , Marcolin M. A. , Rigonatti S. P. , Sanchez T. G. , Nitsche M. A. , Pascual‐Leone A.
Published: May 2006

Modulation of activity in the left temporoparietal area (LTA) by 10 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) results in a transient reduction of tinnitus. We aimed to replicate these results and test whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of LTA could yield similar effect. Patients with tinnitus underwent six different types of stimulation in a random order: 10‐Hz rTMS of LTA, 10‐Hz rTMS of mesial parietal cortex, sham rTMS, anodal tDCS of LTA, cathodal tDCS of LTA and sham tDCS. A non‐parametric analysis of variance showed a significant main effect of type of stimulation (P = 0.002) and post hoc tests showed that 10‐Hz rTMS and anodal tDCS of LTA resulted in a significant reduction of tinnitus. These effects were short lasting. These results replicate the findings of the previous study and, in addition, show preliminary evidence that anodal tDCS of LTA induces a similar transient tinnitus reduction as high‐frequency rTMS.
SCIENTIFIC AND RELIGIOUS WORLDVIEWS: ANTAGONISM, NON‐ANTAGONISTIC INCOMMENSURABILITY AND COMPLEMENTARITY
Authors: HARRISON VICTORIA S.
Published: May 2006

This article reviews three basic ways in which the relationship between Abrahamic religion and science has been construed: as fundamentally antagonistic; as non‐antagonistically incommensurable; and as complementary. Unfortunately, while each construal seems to offer benefits to the religious believer, none, as the article demonstrates, is without considerable cost.
UPHOLDING THE HUMANUM: SCIENCE AND THEOLOGY'S FOUNDATIONAL CHARACTER1
Authors: ALLEN PAUL
Published: May 2006

Theologians in the liberal tradition have developed the distinctive method of critically correlating Christian revelation with critical interpretations of history, texts and social realities. Non‐foundationalists react to this stance by developing theological anthropologies for which interdisciplinary correlation is deemed unnecessary. In response, this paper argues for a retrieval of a philosophical anthropology that address the advances made in the fields of genetics and evolutionary biology, though aware of the secularizing failings of theological liberalism. In contrast to the anti‐religious materialism of scientists such as Daniel Dennett and Steven Pinker, human freedom needs to be argued on the basis of complexity science and the emergent systems it explains. Both correlationist and non‐foundationalist theological strategies are unable to respond to the threat to human freedom posed by scientific materialism. The science of emergent complex structures is the most plausible research programme for constructing a viable theological anthropology. To uphold the humanum is to uphold human freedom based on a scature. This leads me to suggest that theology is best characterized as foundationalist in the general sense of its universal scope.
RESCUING RELIGIOUS NON‐REALISM FROM CUPITT
Authors: WALKER RUTH
Published: May 2006

Don Cupitt's version of religious non‐realism based as it is on linguistic constructivism, radical relativism and the view that culture forms human nature has been attacked with devastating effect by realists in the last few years. I argue that there is another strand in Cupitt's thinking, his biological naturalism, that supports a different version of religious non‐realism and that he failed to see this possibility because of his global non‐realism and commitment to the strong programme in the sociology of scientific knowledge. Cupitt's biological naturalism should have led smoothly into evolutionary psychology, which has an account of religious belief that supports a non‐realist interpretation. Evolutionary psychology shows that religious beliefs are natural, normal and about matters of the deepest significance to humans. They gain their character from the operation of evolved structures of the mind and cannot be reduced to other sorts of belief. I argue that the form of religious non‐realism that emerges from taking biological naturalism seriously has a future because it respects the nature of religious belief and seeks to build on its capacity as a unique source of meaning in people's lives. There is also enough common ground with religious realism for there to be genuine dialogue between the two.
Trichotillomania ± trichobezoar: revisited
Authors: Sehgal VN , Srivastava G
Published: May 2006

Trichotillomania is an intriguing psychosomatic entity in which there is an irresistible desire to pull out the hair from the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows and other parts of the body. The process results in an instant release of tension, a sense of relief and security. However, non‐scaring alopecia is its clinical presentation. The development of trichobezoar following ingestion of the pulled hair is its salient complication in a few cases. Subsequently, it may cause symptoms pertaining to the gastrointestinal tract culminating in intestinal obstruction, perforation, pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice. The Rapunzel syndrome (trichobezoar) may occur when gastrointestinal obstruction is produced by a rare manifestation of a trichobezoar with a long tail that extends to or beyond the ileocecal valve. In most cases in children, trichotillomania ± trichobezoar is a habit disorder and thus has a better prognosis. However, in adults the psychopathology is usually deeper and thus entails a poor prognosis. The diagnosis is made after taking a thorough history, noting the clinical features and evaluating a hair‐root examination, where telogen hair is (almost) completely lacking, which distinguish trichotillomania from other hair disorders. Treatment modalities vary in childhood and adult varieties. Apart from psychotherapy, the drug treatment involves several agents including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and domipramine. Trichobezoar/Rapunzel syndrome requires surgical intervention.
Trisection of forces: gender, religion and the state – the case of state‐run religious schools in Israel
Authors: Herzog Hanna
Published: May 2006

This article discusses the theoretical claims that ‘gender’, ‘religion’ and ‘state’ are not universal nor essentialist entities, but rather contingent phenomena embedded in time, place, and changing historical circumstances. Historical analysis of social processes reveals the complex relations between the three categories, as they individually and as a whole are re/constituted as changing co‐tangential and often unpredictable phenomena. One case study presented in this article that of state‐run religious schools in Israel demonstrates how state, religion and gender intersect. Through the analysis presented here, we see examples of the permeable boundaries between these social categories as well as the inter‐relationships and unintended consequences of the interplay between the three. Paradoxically, graduates of these schools, especially women, have evolved from being members of a marginalized – even ignored – social category, to being active participants in the religious and political life of their community and in the political struggle over state policy regarding the future of the Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
How secular is Europe?
Authors: Halman Loek , Draulans Veerle
Published: May 2006

A large body of literature has developed, yielding evidence that religion in general and Churches and Church leaders in particular have lost their once dominant position in contemporary Europe. Evidence is often cited in declining levels of church attendance. Whether Europe should also be qualified as secularized in terms of religious beliefs remains unclear. In this paper we investigate the degree to which European people are secular, focusing not only on religious practices, but also on beliefs. We argue that trajectories of religious change occur all over Europe, but not at similar speeds. We formulate hypotheses regarding the differences in the degree to which individuals and societies are secularized. Data from the recent European Values Study surveys are used to empirically test these hypotheses concerning patterns of variation in religious beliefs and practices. The findings provide evidence in favour of secularization theories and in contradiction to rational choice theories. In Europe, religious pluralism produces not higher levels, but lower levels of religiosity. The findings also reveal that religious denomination as well as cultural and socio‐economic heritages are important factors in explaining the patchwork pattern in levels of religiosity and religious participation in contemporary Europe.
Expression of extracellular matrix molecules typical of articular cartilage in the human scapholunate interosseous ligament
Authors: Milz S. , Aktas T. , Putz R. , Benjamin M.
Published: May 2006

The scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) connects the scaphoid and lunate bones and plays a crucial role in carpal kinematics. Its rupture leads to carpal instability and impairment of radiocarpal joint function. As the ligament is one of the first structures affected in rheumatoid arthritis, we conducted an immunohistochemical study of cadaveric tissue to determine whether it contains known autoantigens for rheumatoid arthritis. We immunolabelled the ligament from one hand in 12 cadavers with monoclonal antibodies directed against a wide range of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules associated with both fibrous and cartilaginous tissues. The labelling profile has also enabled us to comment on how the molecular composition of the ligament relates to its mechanical function. All regions of the ligament labelled for types I, III and VI collagens, chondroitin 4 and 6 sulphates, keratan sulphate, dermatan sulphate, versican, tenascin and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). However, both entheses labelled strongly for type II collagen, aggrecan and link protein and were distinctly fibrocartilaginous. In some regions, the ligament attached to bone via a region of hyaline cartilage that was continuous with articular cartilage. Labelling for cartilage molecules in the midsubstance was most evident dorsally. We conclude that the SLIL has an ECM which is typical of other highly fibrocartilaginous ligaments that experience both tensile load and shear. The presence of aggrecan, link protein, COMP and type II collagen could explain why the ligament may be a target for autoantigenic destruction in some forms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Habitual use of the primate forelimb is reflected in the material properties of subchondral bone in the distal radius
Authors: Carlson Kristian J. , Patel Biren A.
Published: May 2006

Bone mineral density is directly proportional to compressive strength, which affords an opportunity to estimate in vivo joint load history from the subchondral cortical plate of articular surfaces in isolated skeletal elements. Subchondral bone experiencing greater compressive loads should be of relatively greater density than subchondral bone experiencing less compressive loading. Distribution of the densest areas, either concentrated or diffuse, also may be influenced by the extent of habitual compressive loading. We evaluated subchondral bone in the distal radius of several primates whose locomotion could be characterized in one of three general ways (quadrupedal, suspensory or bipedal), each exemplifying a different manner of habitual forelimb loading (i.e. compression, tension or non‐weight‐bearing, respectively). We employed computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry (CT‐OAM) to acquire optical densities from which false‐colour maps were constructed. The false‐colour maps were used to evaluate patterns in subchondral density (i.e. apparent density). Suspensory apes and bipedal humans had both smaller percentage areas and less well‐defined concentrations of regions of high apparent density relative to quadrupedal primates. Quadrupedal primates exhibited a positive allometric effect of articular surface size on high‐density area, whereas suspensory primates exhibited an isometric effect and bipedal humans exhibited no significant relationship between the two. A significant difference between groups characterized by predominantly compressive forelimb loading regimes vs. tensile or non‐weight‐bearing regimes indicates that subchondral apparent density in the distal radial articular surface distinguishes modes of habitually supporting of body mass.
An allometric analysis of the number of muscle spindles in mammalian skeletal muscles
Authors: Banks R. W.
Published: May 2006

An allometric analysis of the number of muscle spindles in relation to muscle mass in mammalian (mouse, rat, guinea‐pig, cat, human) skeletal muscles is presented. It is shown that the trend to increasing number as muscle mass increases follows an isometric (length) relationship between species, whereas within a species, at least for the only essentially complete sample (human), the number of spindles scales, on average, with the square root rather than the cube root of muscle mass. An attempt is made to reconcile these apparently discrepant relationships. Use of the widely accepted spindle density (number of spindles g−1 of muscle) as a measure of relative abundance of spindles in different muscles is shown to be grossly misleading. It is replaced with the residuals of the linear regression of ln spindle number against ln muscle mass. Significant differences in relative spindle abundance as measured by residuals were found between regional groups of muscles: the greatest abundance is in axial muscles, including those concerned with head position, whereas the least is in muscles of the shoulder girdle. No differences were found between large and small muscles operating in parallel, or between antigravity and non‐antigravity muscles. For proximal vs. distal muscles, spindles were significantly less abundant in the hand than the arm, but there was no difference between the foot and the leg.
Allometric studies on growth and development of the human placenta: growth of tissue compartments and diffusive conductances in relation to placental volume and fetal mass
Authors: Mayhew Terry M.
Published: May 2006

Correlations between placental size and fetal mass during gestation fail to account for changes in composition that accompany placental growth and maturation. This study uses stereological data on the sizes of different tissue compartments in human placentas from 10 weeks of gestation to term and relates them to placental volume and to fetal mass by means of allometric analysis. In addition, tissue dimensions are used to calculate a physiological transport measure (diffusive conductance) for the villous membrane. Histological sections randomly sampled from placentas and analysed stereologically provided estimates of structural quantities (volumes, exchange surface areas, lengths, numbers of nuclei, diffusion distances). These data were combined with a physicochemical quantity (Krogh's diffusion coefficient) in order to estimate oxygen diffusive conductances for the villous membrane and its two components (trophoblast and stroma). Allometric relationships between these quantities and placental volume or fetal mass were obtained by linear regression analyses after log‐transformation. Placental tissues had different growth trajectories: most grew more rapidly than placental volume and all grew more slowly than fetal mass. Diffusion distances were inversely related to placental and fetal size. Differential growth impacted on diffusive conductances, which, again, did not improve commensurately with placental volume but did match exactly growth of the fetus. Findings show that successful integration between supply and demand can be achieved by differential tissue growth. Allometric analysis of results from recent studies on the murine placenta suggest further that diffusive conductances may also be matched to fetal mass during gestation and to fetal mass at term across species.
Differences between sliding semi‐landmark methods in geometric morphometrics, with an application to human craniofacial and dental variation
Authors: Perez S. Ivan , Bernal Valeria , Gonzalez Paula N.
Published: May 2006

Over the last decade, geometric morphometric methods have been applied increasingly to the study of human form. When too few landmarks are available, outlines can be digitized as series of discrete points. The individual points must be slid along a tangential direction so as to remove tangential variation, because contours should be homologous from subject to subject whereas their individual points need not. This variation can be removed by minimizing either bending energy (BE) or Procrustes distance (D) with respect to a mean reference form. Because these two criteria make different assumptions, it becomes necessary to study how these differences modify the results obtained. We performed bootstrapped‐based Goodall'sF‐test, Foote's measurement, principal component (PC) and discriminant function analyses on human molars and craniometric data to compare the results obtained by the two criteria. Results show that: (1)F‐scores andP‐values were similar for both criteria; (2) results of Foote's measurement show that both criteria yield different estimates of within‐ and between‐sample variation; (3) there is low correlation between the first PC axes obtained by D and BE; (4) the percentage of correct classification is similar for BE and D, but the ordination of groups along discriminant scores differs between them. The differences between criteria can alter the results when morphological variation in the sample is small, as in the analysis of modern human populations.
Mature pig oligodendrocytes rapidly process human recombinant pro‐nerve growth factor and do not undergo cell death
Authors: Althaus Hans H. , Klöppner Sabine
Published: May 2006

The neurotrophin family with its first member, nerve growth factor (NGF), binds two classes of receptors, more specifically to Trk receptors and to a shared p75NTR receptor. It has been shown that proNGF rather than NGF is predominant in the mature central nervous system. A recent finding indicated that a furin‐resistant proNGF preferentially binds to p75NTR, initiating a pro‐apoptotic cascade even in the presence of TrkA. In this context, rodent oligodendrocytes were reported to undergo cell death when exposed to proNGF. We have investigated the effect of a non‐mutated 32 kDa human recombinant proNGF (rhproNGF) on cultured pig oligodendrocytes which express TrkA, p75NTR and sortilin. Pig oligodendrocytes respond to rhproNGF (50 ng/mL) with an enhanced regeneration of their processes as already observed for NGF. Activity of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), which plays an important role in oligodendroglial process formation, was increased even when rhproNGF processing was inhibited by the furin inhibitor Decanoyl‐RVKR‐CMK. Similarly, a cleavage‐resistant proNGF (R‐1G) activated MAPK and promoted oligodendroglial process regeneration. High concentrations of rhproNGF (300 ng/mL) did not induce cell death. Sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting revealed that oligodendrocytes process rhproNGF to NGF. NGF was detected in Western blots of oligodendroglial lysates already 10 min after rhproNGF exposure, followed by a release of NGF into the culture medium. Indirect evidence indicates that rhproNGF processing occurs via an endocytotic route.
Structural stabilization of CNS synapses during postnatal development in rat cortex
Authors: Khaing Zin Z. , Fidler Lazar , Nandy Nina , Phillips Greg R.
Published: May 2006

CNS synapses are produced rapidly upon pre‐ and post‐synaptic recruitment. However, their composition is known to change during development and we reasoned that this may be reflected in the gross biochemical properties of synapses. We found synaptic structure in adult cortical synaptosomes to be resistant to digestion with trypsin in the presence and absence of calcium ions, contrasting with previous observations. We evaluated the divalent cation dependence and trypsin sensitivities of synapses using synaptosomes from different developmental stages. In contrast to adult synapses, at postnatal day (P) 10 EDTA treatment eliminated ∼60% of the synapses, and trypsin and EDTA, together, eliminated all junctions. Trypsinization in the presence of calcium eliminated ∼60% of the junctions at P10. By P35, all synapses were calcium independent, whereas full trypsin resistance was not attained until P49. To compare the calcium dependence and trypsin sensitivity of synapses in another region of the adult brain, we examined synapses from adult (P50) hippocampus. Adult hippocampus maintained a population of synapses that resembled that of P35 cortex. Our results show that synapses are modified over a long time period in the developing cortex. We propose a model in which the addition of synergistic calcium‐dependent and ‐independent adhesive systems stabilize synapses.
Dopamine receptor regulation of Ca2+ levels in individual isolated nerve terminals from rat striatum: comparison of presynaptic D1‐like and D2‐like receptors
Authors: Wu Jianlin , Dougherty John. J. , Nichols Robert A.
Published: May 2006

We have directly observed the effects of activating presynaptic D1‐like and D2‐like dopamine receptors on Ca2+ levels in isolated nerve terminals (synaptosomes) from rat striatum. R‐(+)‐SKF81297, a selective D1‐like receptor agonist, and (–)‐quinpirole, a selective D2‐like receptor agonist, induced increases in Ca2+ levels in different subsets of individual striatal synaptosomes. The SKF81297‐ and quinpirole‐induced effects were blocked by R‐(+)‐SCH23390, a D1‐like receptor antagonist, and (–)‐sulpiride, a D2‐like receptor antagonist, respectively. SKF81297‐ or quinpirole‐induced Ca2+ increases were inhibited following blockade of voltage‐gated calcium channels or sodium channels. In a larger subset of synaptosomes, quinpirole decreased baseline Ca2+. Quinpirole also inhibited veratridine‐induced increases in intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ level. Immunostaining confirmed the presynaptic expression of D1, D5, D2 and D3 receptors, but not D4 receptors. The array of neurotransmitter phenotypes of the striatal nerve endings expressing D1, D5, D2 or D3 varied for each receptor subtype. These results suggest that presynaptic D1‐like and D2‐like receptors induce increases in Ca2+ levels in different subsets of nerve terminals via Na+ channel‐mediated membrane depolarization, which, in turn, induces the opening of voltage‐gated calcium channels. D2‐like receptors also reduce nerve terminal Ca2+ in a different but larger subset of synaptosomes, consistent with the predominant presynaptic action of dopamine in the striatum being inhibitory.
Neurotrophin‐induced preprotachykinin‐A gene promoter modulation in organotypic rat spinal cord culture
Authors: Hilton Kathryn J. , Bateson Alan N. , King Anne E.
Published: May 2006

To study regulation of the preprotachykinin‐A gene promoter, we utilised a biolistic gene transfer protocol to deliver a DNA construct that incorporates a portion of the preprotachykinin‐A gene promoter and an enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter gene into neonatal rat spinal cord organotypic slices. The ability of the neurokinin‐1 receptor agonist [Sar9,Met(O2)11]‐substance P, nerve growth factor and brain derived neurotrophic factor to modulate positively preprotachykinin‐A gene promoter construct activity, as indicated by de novo enhanced green fluorescent protein expression, was determined. Treatment of organotypic slices with [Sar9, Met(O2)11]‐substance P (10 μm, P < 0.05), nerve growth factor (200 ng/mL, P < 0.001) or brain derived neurotrophic factor (200 ng/mL, P < 0.02) significantly increased the proportion of cytomegaloviral promoter‐DsRed transfected cells (used to visualise total transfected cells) that co‐expressed enhanced green fluorescent protein. The distribution of enhanced green fluorescent protein/DsRed‐positive neurones across spinal laminae was broadly in line with the known distribution of spinal Trk and neurokinin‐1 receptors. These data suggest a modulated activity of the preprotachykinin‐A gene promoter in spinal neurones in vitro by substance P and/or neurotrophins. The functional consequences of such transcriptional changes within central peptidergic circuitry and their relevance to chronic pain are considered.
Temporal effects of paraquat/maneb on microglial activation and dopamine neuronal loss in older rats
Authors: Saint‐Pierre Martine , Tremblay Marie‐Ève , Sik Attila , Gross Robert E. , Cicchetti Francesca
Published: May 2006

We investigated the effects of combined systemic exposure to the herbicide paraquat (PQ) and the fungicide maneb (MB) in 6‐month‐old rats, an animal model of Parkinson's disease resulting from environmental toxin exposure. Following two doses of PQ (10 mg/kg) and MB (30 mg/kg), 52% of animals developed fatal lung injury. Examination of the remaining animals showed degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta 6 weeks, but not 4 weeks, following PQ/MB. In contrast, microglial activation was observed at 4 weeks, but had abated by 6 weeks. Compared with our previous findings in younger rats, these results suggest increased susceptibility of older animals to lung and brain toxicity from PQ/MB exposure. Microglial activation preceded, and therefore likely contributed to, DA neurodegeneration. Further, electron microscopy revealed an abnormal appearance of the Golgi apparatus at 4 weeks that was confirmed using double immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase and Golgi. This suggests that PQ/MB causes protein processing dysfunction in nigral DA neurons that may be either a direct effect of PQ/MB or the result of microglial activation.
Investigation of the percentage of prescribed enteral nutrition actually delivered to hospitalized companion animals
Authors: Michel Kathryn E. , Higgins Charlotte
Published: May 2006

Objective:To investigate the percentage of prescribed enteral nutrition that is actually delivered; the percentage of goal feeds [defined in terms of the animal's estimated resting energy requirement (RER)] that are delivered; and the reasons animals are under or overfed in a small animal teaching hospital.

Design:Prospective investigation.

Setting:Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Animals:All dogs and cats that received tube feeding while admitted to the Ryan Veterinary Hospital during the months of August–December 2003.

Interventions:The medical record for each animal was reviewed to determine the feeding prescription, the amount of tube feeds actually delivered, and any reasons why the amount delivered differed from the amount prescribed. The amount prescribed was also compared with the animal's goal feeds which were defined for a patient as 50% RER/day on the first day of feeding and 100% RER/day for the remaining days of hospitalization.

Main results:Twenty‐five animals (23 cats and 2 dogs) were enrolled in the study. Animals received a median of 91% (range: 68–100%) of their prescribed feeds/day and a median of 90% (range: 36–133%) of goal feeds/day. Nausea or vomiting and conflict with other treatments were the most common recorded reasons for incomplete feeds.

Conclusions:Both prescribed and goal feeds were delivered to the animals in this investigation with a good rate of success. Consultation with the Nutrition Support Service improved the likelihood that prescribed feeds would meet the animal's estimated RER.
Diuretic effects of fenoldopam in healthy cats
Authors: Simmons Jeffery P. , Wohl James S. , Schwartz Dean D. , Edwards Heather G. , Wright James C.
Published: May 2006

Objective: To determine the effect of fenoldopam infusion on urine output, sodium excretion, creatinine clearance, and indirect blood pressure in healthy cats.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Veterinary medical teaching hospital.

Animals: Eight purpose‐bred cats, 2–4 years old.

Interventions: None.

Measurements: Urine output was measured hourly for 12 hours before and after fenoldopam administration. Sodium excretion, modified creatinine clearance, and fractional sodium excretion were measured before and following fenoldopam administration. Urine specific gravity, central venous pressure, and systolic blood pressure were measured every 4 hours during the experiment.

Main results: Compared with pre‐infusion values, urine output, sodium excretion, and fractional excretion of sodium increased significantly 6 hours after initiation of fenoldopam infusion. This increase was sustained throughout the observation period. The modified creatinine clearance decreased significantly following 2 hours of fenoldopam infusion, but increased significantly by 6 hours after infusion, the time of peak urine output. Changes in urine specific gravity mirrored changes in fractional sodium excretion, whereas the central venous pressure mirrored changes in modified creatinine clearance. The diuretic effect in cats was prevented when a dopamine receptor blocking agent was administered before fenoldopam infusion.

Conclusion: Fenoldopam at a dose of 0.5 μg/kg/min induces diuresis in cats in a delayed manner. This increase appears to be due, in part, to dopamine receptor‐induced natriuresis. Changes in glomerular filtration rate may also occur.
Clodronate treatment of vitamin D‐induced hypercalcemia in dogs
Authors: Ulutas Bulent , Voyvoda Huseyin , Pasa Serdar , Alingan Mustafa Kemal
Published: May 2006

Objective:To determine the effects of clodronate on vitamin D3‐induced hypercalcemia in dogs.

Design:Prospective experimental study.

Settings:University research laboratory.

Animals:Fourteen healthy intact adult male and female mixed breed dogs.

Interventions:Dogs received 7.5 mg of vitamin D3/kg of body weight once orally and were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 7 dogs each. Dogs in the saline control group were given intravenous infusions of 150 mL 0.9% NaCl solution 24 hours after vitamin D3administration. Dogs in the clodronate group were given an infusion of 4 mg/kg of clodronate in 150 mL 0.9% NaCl solution 24 hours after vitamin D3administration.

Measurements and main results:Clinical signs of vitamin D3toxicosis were evaluated 48 hours after ingestion of vitamin D3. Dogs that were given clodronate had significantly lower serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), urea, and Ca × P values than dogs in the control group on days 4, 7, and 12 after administration. Additionally, alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly lower in the clodronate group compared with dogs in the control group on days 4 and 7.

Conclusions:Parenteral administration of clodronate, a biphosphonate compound and osteoclastic activity inhibitor, may be a useful therapy when administered within the first 24 hours after ingestion of toxic doses of vitamin D3.
Heatstroke in small animal medicine: a clinical practice review
Authors: Johnson Scott I. , McMichael Maureen , White George
Published: May 2006

Objective: To review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, current treatment, and prognosis of heatstroke.

Etiology: Heatstroke can be a life‐threatening condition occurring because of an imbalance of heat dissipation and production. Certain factors may predispose some animals to heatstroke. The pathophysiology and sequelae of heatstroke share similarities with that of sepsis; thus, multiple organ dysfunction often ensues. The pathophysiological derangements that occur with heatstroke result from a complex series of events associated with direct cytotoxicity of heat and initiation of the acute‐phase response by endotoxin, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Activation of endothelial cells, coagulation factors, and fibrinolysis (with ensuing microvascular thrombosis) leads to hypoxia and organ dysfunction. Heat shock proteins produced secondary to sudden heating act as protein chaperones or molecular guardians to provide protection against future heatstroke and may be implicated as a possible genetic component of heatstroke.

Diagnosis: A history of recent exercise or being confined in a hot and/or humid environment, combined with clinical signs such as body temperature above 40°C (104°F), panting, tachycardia, hyperemia, dry mucous membranes, and depression to prostration is consistent with a diagnosis of heatstroke. A complete blood count performed during the initial examination of dogs with suspected heatstroke often includes nucleated red blood cells.

Therapy: The mainstays for treating heatstroke include rapid evaporative cooling, volume replacement to provide cardiovascular support, and management of secondary complications.

Prognosis: The prognosis is multifactorial. There is a significant negative correlation between comatose mental status, decreased temperature, and hypoglycemia with mortality.
Fabrication of Myomucosal Flap Using Tissue‐engineered Bioartificial Mucosa Constructed With Oral Keratinocytes Cultured on Amniotic Membrane
Authors: Ahn Kang‐Min , Lee Jong‐Ho , Hwang Soon‐Jung , Choung Pill‐Hoon , Kim Myung‐Jin , Park Hee‐Jung , Park Jung‐Keug , Jahng Jeongwon , Yang Eun‐Kyung
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to fabricate bioartificial mucosa using cultured oral keratinocytes (OKCs) on an amniotic membrane (AM), and to evaluate the possibility of developing a prelaminated myomucosal flap using the fabricated bioartificial mucosa and local muscle flap. Buccal mucosa was harvested from male New Zealand rabbits (n = 40, 2.5–3.0 kg) and primary cultivation was performed. The cultured OKCs were seeded on the AM and a submerged culture was performed. Prelamination of the bioartificial mucosa was performed on the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of rabbits. Survival rate, layer of OKCs, and Cinamon’s score (CS) based on macroscopic and microscopic examinations were evaluated 7, 10, 14, and 21 days after prelamination (n = 10 per day). The OKCs cultured on AM showed multiple layers (3.85 ± 1.32) and cells were tightly adhered with desmosomes. Basal layer cells adhered to the AM with hemidesmosomes. In addition, the AM played an excellent role as a substrate for the OKCs and simplified handling during prelamination. A myomucosal flap with OKCs cultured on AM was fabricated within 2 weeks (CS: 11.05 ± 2.63). The basement component of laminin was observed 2 weeks after prelamination and showed enough strength to adhere to the underlying fascia. A myomucosal flap was successfully developed using prelamination of bioartificial mucosa on the LD muscle between 10 and 14 days.
Hydrodynamic Evaluation of Kangaroo Aortic Valve Matrices for Tissue Valve Engineering
Authors: Narine Kishan K. , Kramm Katarzyna , Dumont Kris , Jalali Homayoun , Sparks Lisa , Segers Patrick , Verdonck Pascal , Van Nooten Guido J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  We evaluated the hydrodynamic performance of kangaroo aortic valve matrices (KMs) (19, 21, and 23 mm), as potential scaffolds in tissue valve engineering using a pulsatile left heart model at low and high cardiac outputs (COs) and heart rates (HRs) of 60 and 90 beats/min. Data were measured in two samples of each type, pooled in two CO levels (2.1 ± 0.7 and 4.2 ± 0.6 L/min; mean ± standard errors on the mean), and analyzed using analysis of variance with CO level, HR, and valve type as fixed factors and compared to similar porcine matrices (PMs). Transvalvular pressure gradient (ΔP) was a function of HR (P < 0.001) and CO (P < 0.001) but not of valve type (P = 0.39). ΔP was consistently lower in KMs but not significantly different from PMs. The effective orifice area and performance index of kangaroo matrices was statistically larger for all sizes at both COs and HRs.
Quantitative Electroencephalography Values of Neonates During and After Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Permanent Ligation of Right Common Carotid Artery
Authors: Trittenwein Gerhard , Plenk Sandra , Mach Elisabeth , Mostafa Gehan , Boigner Harald , Burda Gudrun , Hermon Michael , Golej Johann , Pollak Arnold
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in neonates commonly needs neck vessel cannulation leading to ligation of right common carotid artery (RCCA) in some cases. Quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) measurements provide reproducible data of cerebral function. The aim of this case‐control study was to test whether ligation of the RCCA results in EEG changes after ECMO weaning. Ten mechanically ventilated neonates not treated with ECMO were eligible as control patients. Seven ECMO patients receiving similar sedoanalgesia were investigated during and after ECMO and RCCA ligation. Dominant frequency, absolute alpha, theta, delta, and total powers of right and left frontocentral and temporooccipital derivations were calculated. Dominant frequency did not differ among groups. Power was found to be significantly decreased in all frequency bands during ECMO. After weaning from ECMO, EEG differences between the ECMO and control groups disappeared in spite of permanent RCCA ligation. It is concluded that ligation of the RCCA per se does not result in quantitative EEG changes.
Clinical Efficacy and Biocompatibility of Three Different Leukocyte and Fat Removal Filters During Cardiac Surgery
Authors: De Vries Adrianus J. , Vermeijden Wytze J. , Gu Y. John , Hagenaars J. Ans M. , Van Oeveren Willem
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Activated leukocytes and fat particles are associated with organ injury after a cardiac surgery. Filters are currently used to remove either leukocytes or fat particles. A novel approach with a filter that combines leukocyte and fat removal might be clinically useful. As it is not known which type of filter has a good and safe performance in both leukocyte and fat removal, we measured in this study the leukocyte and fat removal properties and the biocompatibility of three different filters. We used six Pall RS1 (Pall, Portsmouth, England) leukocyte removal filters, six Pall LipiGuard fat removal filters, and six Fresenius Biofil 02 (Fresenius, Emmer‐Compascuum, The Netherlands) leukocyte removal filters and measured the passage times of 500 and 1000 mL of residual heart–lung machine blood. We determined the circulating leukocyte and platelet counts, and total hemoglobin, triglyceride, and free fatty acid concentration after the filters. In addition, we measured free hemoglobin, plasma elastase (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany), and complement C5–9 (Quidel, San Diego, CA, U.S.A.) to assess the biocompatibility of the filters. The circulating fat particles were calculated with an automated hematology analyzer. The passage time for the blood was shortest for the Biofil filter (P = 0.02, analysis of variance). The total leukocyte counts (P = 0.04) and fat particles (P = 0.02) were higher after the LipiGuard filter. This filter also had a higher increase in free hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.03). We conclude that the leukocyte removal filters were superior to the fat removal filter both in leukocyte and fat removal.