bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TAKING PRAGMATISM SERIOUSLY: A REVIEW OF WILLIAM BAUM'S UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIORISM: BEHAVIOR, CULTURE, AND EVOLUTION (SECOND EDITION)
Authors: Rachlin Howard , Frankel Marvin
Published: February 2010

This important book has two main purposes. The first is to present, in a non‐technical way, accessible to intelligent laypeople, a scientific, behavioral approach to all aspects of human activity including choice, rule‐governed behavior, self control, religious belief, linguistic interaction, ethics, and culture. Its scope equals that of Skinner's nontechnical writings, but Baum's approach is more molar and more pragmatic than Skinner's. The book's second purpose is to embed behavioral science firmly in the context of Darwinian evolution. Baum is generally successful, we believe, in both of these ambitious purposes.
EFFECTS OF POINT‐LOSS PUNISHERS ON HUMAN SIGNAL‐DETECTION PERFORMANCE
Authors: Lie Celia , Alsop Brent
Published: February 2010

Three experiments using human participants varied the distribution of point‐gain reinforcers or point‐loss punishers in two‐alternative signal‐detection procedures. Experiment 1 varied the distribution of point‐gain reinforcers for correct responses (Group A) and point‐loss punishers for errors (Group B) across conditions. Response bias varied systematically as a function of the relative reinforcer or punisher frequencies. Experiment 2 arranged two conditions — one where an unequal ratio of reinforcement (5:1 or 1:5) was presented without punishment (R‐only), and another where the same reinforcer ratio was presented with an equal distribution of point‐loss punishers (R+P). Response bias was significantly greater in the R‐only condition than the R+P condition, supporting a subtractive model of punishment. Experiment 3 varied the distribution of point‐gain reinforcers for correct responses across four unequal reinforcer ratios (5:1, 2:1, 1:2, 1:5) both without (R‐only) and with (R+P) an equal distribution of point‐loss punishers for errors. Response bias varied systematically with changes in relative reinforcer frequency for both R‐only and R+P conditions, with 5 out of 8 participants showing increases in sensitivity estimates from R‐only to R+P conditions. Overall, the results indicated that punishers have similar but opposite effects to reinforcers in detection procedures and that combined reinforcer and punisher effects might be better modeled by a subtractive punishment model than an additive punishment model, consistent with research using concurrent‐schedule choice procedures.
STIMULUS—FOOD PAIRINGS PRODUCE STIMULUS‐DIRECTED TOUCH‐SCREEN RESPONDING IN CYNOMOLGUS MONKEYS (MACACA FASCICULARIS) WITH OR WITHOUT A POSITIVE RESPONSE CONTINGENCY
Authors: Bullock Christopher E. , Myers Todd M.
Published: February 2010

Acquisition and maintenance of touch‐screen responding was examined in naïve cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) under automaintenance and classical conditioning arrangements. In the first condition of Experiment 1, we compared acquisition of screen touching to a randomly positioned stimulus (a gray square) that was either stationary or moving under automaintenance (i.e., banana pellet delivery followed an 8‐s stimulus presentation or immediately upon a stimulus touch). For all subjects stimulus touching occurred within the first session and increased to at least 50% of trials by the end of four sessions (320 trials). In the subsequent condition, stimulus touching further increased under a similar procedure in which pellets were only delivered if a stimulus touch occurred (fixed ratio 1 with 8‐s limited hold). In Experiment 2, 6 naive subjects were initially exposed to a classical conditioning procedure (8‐s stimulus preceded pellet delivery). Despite the absence of a programmed response contingency, all subjects touched the stimulus within the first session and responded on about 50% or more of trials by the second session. Responding was also sensitive to negative, neutral, and positive response contingencies introduced in subsequent conditions. Similar to other species, monkeys engaged in stimulus‐directed behavior when stimulus presentations were paired with food delivery. However, stimulus‐directed behavior quickly conformed to response contingencies upon subsequent introduction. Video recordings of sessions showed topographies of stimulus‐directed behavior that resembled food acquisition and consumption.
EQUIVALENCE CLASS FORMATION IN A TRACE STIMULUS PAIRING TWO‐RESPONSE FORMAT: EFFECTS OF RESPONSE LABELS AND PRIOR PROGRAMMED TRANSITIVITY INDUCTION
Authors: Fields Lanny , Doran Erica , Marroquin Michael
Published: February 2010

Three experiments identified factors that did and did not enhance the formation of two‐node four‐member equivalence classes when training and testing were conducted with trials presented in a trace stimulus pairing two‐response (SP2R) format. All trials contained two separately presented stimuli. Half of the trials, called within‐class trials, contained stimuli from the same class while the other half, called cross class trials, contained stimuli from different classes. On within class trials, making a YES response was correct and making a NO response was wrong. On cross class trials, making a NO response was correct and making a YES response was wrong. In Experiment 1, similar intermediate percentages of participants (about 50%) formed classes, regardless of whether the responses were labeled YES and NO or SAME and DIFF. Response labeling thus did not influence class formation. Regardless of response labels, failures of class formation were primarily due to failure of class‐indicative responding produced by within‐class transitivity probes. In Experiment 2, only 50% of participants formed classes without prior training, as in Experiment 1, but 100% of participants formed equivalence classes after the establishment of a generalized transitivity repertoire by use of a programmed transitivity induction protocol. Experiment 3 examined two components of the programmed transitivity induction protocol and found that the exclusion of AC trials had no effect on the percentage of participants who formed equivalence classes, while presenting the stimulus sets in randomized order interfered with equivalence class formation. A further analysis found that a number of stimulus control topographies differentiated between individuals who did and did not form equivalence classes. In general, then, these experiments demonstrate that equivalence classes can be formed reliably when training and testing are conducted in an SP2R format, supporting the view that equivalence class formation can account for the development of conceptual categories in natural settings.
Editorial - TiO?2-Based Materials for Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Lale Juan Matos
Published: February 2010

From the data of the Worldwatch Institute, a foundation annualy publish a report “The Condition of Earth”. Each year the
country members of the European Economic Community, produce about 2200 millions metric tons of residues (close to 18 Kg.
by person, daily). From this quantity, 150 millions metric tons are listed as industrial residues. In addition, from these between
20 and 30 millions metric tons are residues catalogued as toxics and dangerous. According to the data of the Environment
Protection Agency (EPA), in the United States of America, the quantity of toxics and dangerous remainders has increased upto
275 millions metric tons each year. These residues cause a great problem because most of them are directly casting out to
public river beds through industry residual waters, with the concomitant contamination of such waters. Other part of the
residues goes to weirs, which, is the storage problem. Different methodologies have been employed for the treatment of
polluted water and air, such as biodegradation,chloration, ozone with UV-activation, and several combinations of these with
activated carbon and other kinds of adsorbents and filters. However, in addition to some operative problems, all these
methodologies have very important limitations, principally the type of pollutant and its concentration in the water or gaseous
phases, and therefore, all them separately show relatively moderate efficiency. Therefore, it is very important to develop
appopriate systems for the control and depuration of the great diversity of compounds in polluted waters and air. This problem
has been satisfactory resolved by one of the most remarkable applications of the materials sciences, Heterogeneous
Photocatalysis, particularly by using photoactive semiconductors as TiO2 because it has been shown, up to now, the best
photoactivity under UV-irradiation in the photodegradation reactions of organic pollutants, mainly aromatics molecules with
cancerous a and mutagenic characteristics. This is the main objective of this special issue, to show some approaches of TiO2-based materials in heterogeneous photocatalytic applications regarding water and air pollution.
Coronary Artery Disease in an Asymptomatic Population Undergoing a Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Coronary Angiography
Authors: Zaid Ghassan , Yehudai Dana , Rosenschein Uri , Zeina Abdel-Rauf
Published: February 2010

Aim:

To assess the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in asymptomatic subjects using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and its relationships to demographic and clinical risk factors.

Material and method:

We enrolled consecutive asymptomatic volunteers with no evidence of ischemic heart disease that underwent MDCT for the early detection of CAD. All MDCT findings were correlated with demographic and risk factors. A total of 2820 coro-nary segments were analyzed in 188 asymptomatic subjects (150 males and 38 females), aged 54.4 ± 7.4 years.

Results:

A total of 128 (68%) demonstrated MDCT findings compatible with CAD; of these 111 (86.7%) had non-significant (diameter stenosis ≤ 50%) and 17 (13.3%) had significant CAD (diameter stenosis ≥ 50%). Compared with older subjects (mean age 56±8 years), younger subjects had a lower prevalence of MDCT findings of CAD 55.5% vs. 12.5%, respectively (P<0.001), regardless of risk factors. Males had more CAD (mostly non-significant) compared with females (109 [72.7%] vs. 19 [50.3%], respectively; P= 0.007). Subjects with ≥ 2 risk factors had a higher prevalence of CAD in general and significant CAD in particular (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

CAD in asymptomatic population seems to be not uncommon. Using MDCT a high prevalence of non-significant and low prevalence of significant CAD was discovered in middle age asymptomatic population.
Regional Model Nesting within GFS Daily Forecasts Over West Africa
Authors: Druyan Leonard M. , Fulakeza Matthew , Lonergan Patrick , Worrell Ruben
Published: February 2010

The study uses the RM3, the regional climate model at the Center for Climate Systems Research of Columbia University and the NASA/Goddard Institute for Space Studies (CCSR/GISS). The paper evaluates 30 48-hour RM3 weather forecasts over West Africa during September 2006 made on a 0.5° grid nested within 1° Global Forecast System (GFS) global forecasts. September 2006 was the Special Observing Period # 3 of the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA). Archived GFS initial conditions and lateral boundary conditions for the simulations from the US National Weather Service, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration were interpolated four times daily. Results for precipitation forecasts are validated against Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) satellite estimates and data from the Famine Early Warning System (FEWS), which includes rain gauge measurements, and forecasts of circulation are compared to reanalysis 2. Performance statistics for the precipitation forecasts include bias, root-mean-square errors and spatial correlation coefficients. The nested regional model forecasts are compared to GFS forecasts to gauge whether nesting provides additional realistic information. They are also compared to RM3 simulations driven by reanalysis 2, representing “high potential skill” forecasts, to gauge the sensitivity of results to lateral boundary conditions. Nested RM3/GFS forecasts generate excessive moisture advection toward West Africa, which in turn causes prodigious amounts of model precipitation. This problem is corrected by empirical adjustments in the preparation of lateral boundary conditions and initial conditions. The resulting modified simulations improve on the GFS precipitation forecasts, achieving time-space correlations with TRMM of 0.77 on the first day and 0.63 on the second day. One realtime RM3/GFS precipitation forecast made at and posted by the African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD) in Niamey, Niger is shown.
Alcohol-Related Deaths and Hospitalizations by Race, Gender, and Age in California
Authors: Stahre Mandy , Simon Michele
Published: February 2010

Introduction:

Excessive alcohol use is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States each
year and responsible for about 10,000 deaths in California alone. In addition, excessive alcohol use is responsible for
many hospitalizations due to injuries and illnesses. Alcohol consumption is known to differ by age, sex, and race/ethnicity
and these consumption patterns can lead to differences in alcohol-related outcomes.

Methods:

Using data from a variety of sources, alcohol-attributable deaths and nonfatal hospitalizations for illnesses and
injuries were calculated for California for the year 2006.

Results:

Excessive alcohol use resulted in over 10,000 deaths and 72,000 nonfatal hospitalizations in California. The
majority of consequences (51%) were due to chronic illnesses associated with long-term excessive use of alcohol. Overall,
males reported more deaths and nonfatal hospitalizations due to excessive alcohol use than women. Alcohol-attributable
deaths and hospitalizations are more likely to occur among individuals aged 50-64 years for illnesses and individuals aged
20-34 years for injuries. Older individuals suffered from more chronic conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, while
younger individuals were more likely to suffer from injuries, the most common being motor-vehicle traffic crashes.
Significant differences in the rate of deaths and nonfatal hospitalizations by race/ethnicity were more common due to
injuries and violence than chronic diseases.

Conclusions:

This study highlighted key findings of demographic differences in consequences suffered by excessive
alcohol use in California. Continued efforts to better evaluate the contribution of alcohol to morbidity and mortality by
demographic factors, especially by race and ethnicity, is warranted to prevent and reduce the harm associated with this
behavior.
Treatment of Unstable Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures by Indirect Reduction and Posterior Stabilization: Short-Segment Versus Long-Segment Stabilization
Authors: Sapkas George , Kateros Konstantinos , Papadakis Stamatios A , Brilakis Emmanouel , Macheras George , Katonis Pavlos
Published: February 2010

In order to compare short-segment stabilization with long-segment stabilization for treating unstable thoracolumbar fractures, we studied fifty patients suffered from unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures. Thirty of them were managed with long-segment posterior transpedicular instrumentation and twenty patients with short- segment stabilization. The mean follow up period was 5.2 years. Pre-operative and post-operative radiological parameters, like the Cobb angle, the kyphotic deformation and the Beck index were evaluated. A statistically significant difference between the two under study groups was noted for the Cobb angle and the kyphotic deformation, while, as far as the Beck index is concerned, no significant difference was noted. In conclusion, either the long-segment or the short-segment stabilization is able for reducing the segmental kyphosis and the vertebral body deformation postoperatively. However, as time goes by, the long-segment stabilization is associated with better results as far as the radiological parameters, the indexes and the patient’s satisfaction are concerned.
Spanish Experience in Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Pérez-Cachafeiro Santiago , Ruano-Raviña Alberto , Couceiro-Follente José , Benedí-Alcaine Jose Antonio , Nebot-Sanchis Ignacio , Casquete-Román Ciriaco , Bello-Prats Santiago , Couceiro-Sánchez Gonzalo , J. Blanco Francisco
Published: February 2010

Introduction:

The Spanish Ministry of Health commissioned the Galician Agency for Health Technology Assessment to monitor and follow-up Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) used to treat chondral lesions of the knee in Spain. The objective of this monitoring was to assess efficacy and safety of the technique.

Design:

One-hundred and eleven consecutive patients with knee chondral lesions were included in a multi-center study between January 2001 and January 2005. ACI was used in these patients as a second-line treatment option (or a first-line treatment option if the cause was Osteocondritis dissecans). The Cincinnati score and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire were used to assess the patients’ self-reported satisfaction with the outcomes of ACI. A descriptive analysis was performed and non-parametric tests were used to establish correlations and compare results among subgroups. A multivariate analysis was also performed to measure the effect of different variables on changes in the condition of the knee.

Results:

Eighty men (72%) and 31 women (21%) with an age range from 16 to 49 years, underwent ACI surgery. Among these subjects, the most common previous first-line treatment was debridement (64 individuals, 74.4%). The mean size of the lesion treated with ACI was 3.82 cm2, and the most frequent location of the lesion was the inner femoral condyle (53.6%). The patient satisfaction was high or very high in 36 subjects (66.7%). Overall knee joint assessment improved from 4.32 points to 6.78. All SF-36 questionnaire categories improved, notably those related to physical condition.

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicate that ACI is safe; however, further studies are mandated to assess the efficacy of ACI compared to alternative treatment options.
Outcomes of Operatively Treated Acute Knee Dislocations
Authors: Eranki Vivek , Begg Collie , Wallace Brian
Published: February 2010

Knee dislocation is a complex and rare injury often presenting in the context of high velocity trauma. The aim of this study is to establish the subjective outcomes of surgically treated knee dislocations. A total of 20 knees dislocations treated by open repair were reviewed. Their progress and outcomes were assessed by using a modified Lysholm score questionnaire. Data was obtained on patient demographics, details of injury, investigation, treatment, rehabilitation, 24 months objective outcome and subjective outcomes. Six patients had a vascular deficit and six had neurological deficits. The median range of motion was 0°-100°. Patients with an initially lower pre-injury level of function were able to return an activity level comparable to their pre-injury status. 22% of competitive athletes retuned to competitive sports. 38% of patients undertaking heavy activity returned to comparable pre-injury level of activity and 67% of patients undertaking moderate level of activity before injury returned to a comparable level after repair. 68% regularly had problems running, 70% problem squatting, 40% swelling and 42% problem with stairs. Most patients however did not have locking of the knee or problems with knees giving way. Patients pain scores decreased over time to an acceptable level. Despite the severity of the injury, majority of patients achieved a satisfactory outcome, although none of the patients reached the same level of function as before the injury. 80% of the patients were satisfied with their outcome. All dissatisfied patients suffered postoperative complications.
Surgical Management of Cervical Spondyloarthropathy in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Spinos Panayiotis , Matzaroglou Charalambos , Partheni Meni , Angeliki Deli , Karanikolas Menelaos , Konstantinou Dimitrios
Published: February 2010

Dialysis-related spondyloarthropathy is a rare cause of spinal deformity and cervical myelopathy. Optimal management of cervical spine spondyloarthropathy often requires circumferential reconstructive surgery, because affected patients typically have both the anterior column and the facet joints compromised. The occasional presence of noncontiguous or "skip lesions" adds an additional level of complexity to surgical management, because decompression and fusion in an isolated segment of neural compression can worsen spine deformity by applying increased stress to adjacent cervical spine segments. We report two cases of hemodialysis patients who presented with cervical myelopathy and initially had anterior cervical discectomy or corpectomy. Because symptoms recurred due to hardware failure, both patients required posterior spine fusion as well. In retrospect, because of the hardware failure, both of these patients might have benefited from a circumferential (combined anterior and posterior) cervical spine reconstruction as their initial treatment.
A Typology of Intellectual Property Management for Public Health Innovation and Access: Design Considerations for Policymakers§
Authors: Taubman Antony
Published: February 2010

This paper seeks to set the practical discipline of public interest intellectual property (IP) management in public health into its broader policy context. The most immediate and direct impact of IP systems on public welfare results not from international standards nor from national legislation – though these norms are fundamentally important - but rather from the accumulated impact of numerous practical choices whether or not to seek IP protection; where and where not; and how any exclusive rights are deployed, by whom, and to what end. IP management is the essentially practical exercise of limited exclusive rights over protected subject matter, the judicious use of those rights to leverage outcomes that advance an institution's or a firm's objectives. Exclusive rights are used to construct and define knowledge-based relationships, to leverage access to technology and other necessary resources, and to enhance market-based incentives. IP management choices range across a broad spectrum, spanning public domain strategies, open or exclusive licensing, and strong exclusivity. The idea of ‘exclusive rights’, as a specific legal mechanism, can run counter to expectations of greater openness and accessibility, but actual outcomes will depend very much on how these mechanisms are used in practice. For public interest or public sector institutions concerned with health research and development, particularly the development of new medicines, IP management choices can be just as critical as they are for private firms, although a predominant institutional concentration on advancing direct public interest objectives may lead to significantly different approaches in weighing and exercising practical choices for IP management: even so, a private sector approach should not be conflated with exclusivity as an end in itself, nor need public interest IP management eschew all leverage over IP. This paper offers a tentative framework for a richer typology of those choices, to give a sense of practical options available and the factors that might guide their application, but without advocating any particular approach.
The UNITAID Patent Pool Initiative: Bringing Patents Together for the Common Good
Authors: Bermudez Jorge , Hoen Ellen 't
Published: February 2010

Developing and delivering appropriate, affordable, well-adapted medicines for HIV/AIDS remains an urgent challenge: as first-line therapies fail, increasing numbers of people require costly second-line therapy; one-third of ARVs are not available in pediatric formulations; and certain key first- and second-line triple fixed-dose combinations do not exist or sufficient suppliers are lacking. UNITAID aims to help solve these problems through an innovative initiative for the collective management of intellectual property (IP) rights – a patent pool for HIV medicines. The idea behind a patent pool is that patent holders - companies, governments, researchers or universities - voluntarily offer, under certain conditions, the IP related to their inventions to the patent pool. Any company that wants to use the IP to produce or develop medicines can seek a license from the pool against the payment of royalties, and may then produce the medicines for use in developing countries (conditional upon meeting agreed quality standards). The patent pool will be a voluntary mechanism, meaning its success will largely depend on the willingness of pharmaceutical companies to participate and commit their IP to the pool. Generic producers must also be willing to cooperate. The pool has the potential to provide benefits to all.
Technology Development Through Pooling ARV Drug Patents: A Vision from China
Authors: Liu Li , Lu Hongzhou
Published: February 2010

Unaffordable prices still bar the end-users in China from accessing ARV drugs. Patent protection of ARV drugs has dramatically limited the availability of these lifesaving drugs to AIDS patients in China.

The way Chinese government can go to breakthrough the ARV drug patents are suggested as:

-  Make more generic drugs available through compulsory licensing, impartment from other countries or building ARVs plants by partnerships between governments or generic drug companies.

-  Do a thorough and detailed research on the patent application of ARV drugs to find out the loophole.

-  Try patent pool to make AIDS medicines more affordable and appropriate for patients.
Implications of Patent Pools on Innovation Regarding Antiretrovirals§
Authors: Noehrenberg Eric
Published: February 2010

Patent pools have been promoted as an innovative means of promoting the production of fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medicines (ARVs), which can be particularly appropriate for resource-poor settings. An important question, however, is what are the implications of patent pools on innovation for creating new and improved antiretrovirals. Indeed, given the continuing mutation of HIV and growing resistance to existing treatments, continued innovation in ARV development is vital for addressing these challenges. Would patent pools be a hindrance or rather a stimulus for further innovation? This question is particularly relevant in light of UNITAID’s initiative to create a patent pool for ARV development, focusing on pediatric formulations and new combinations, by the end of 2009.

In this article, the author argues that a voluntary and well-designed patent pool, involving both innovative and generic manufacturers, focused on developing fixed-dose combinations for resource-poor markets with the greatest need, could actually stimulate increased innovation to meet these needs. Indeed, by bringing together the major ARV producers worldwide to collaborate on developing products which will meet the needs of the poorest, an ARV patent pool could create significant public health benefits. UNITAID has taken the lead in designing and implementing such a pool and UNITAID’s experience will have important lessons for policy-makers in the future.
Identification of Serum Biomarkers in End Stage Liver Disease
Authors: Koutsogiannis D. , Summers K. , George B. , Adams P. , Marotta P. , Chakrabarti S.
Published: February 2010

Background:

Progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis, clinically presenting as end-stage liver disease are common
outcomes in alcoholic hepatitis as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). In these processes, a series of
changes occurs in liver tissues leading to cell death, remodeling, fibrosis and regeneration. The aim of this study is to
identify potential novel biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis of cirrhosis due to alcoholic etiology or NAFLD.

Methods:

Serum from patients with biopsy proven end-stage liver disease of various etiologies, namely NAFLD(n=9), alcohol(
n=5), and other end-stage liver diseases(n=6), who underwent liver transplant during the first six months of 2007
were utilized for retrospective analysis. Serum samples were also collected from a group of healthy volunteers (n=7). The
samples were analysed using Luminex technology or ELISA for 27 biomarkers that are known to be involved in pathologic
processes such as cell death, regeneration and fibrosis.

Results:

Of the 27 serum markers examined, 16 were elevated in the serum in all groups with end-stage liver diseases
compared with the control group. They include adipokines, apoptosis and inflammatory mediators and growth factors. Interestingly,
the serum of NAFLD patients showed significantly elevated HGF levels and trend towards increase in sFAS,
TGF􀀁1, TNFR-1, TNFR-2 and leptin. The level of serum markers showed excellent correlation with each other indicating
a complex interdependent pathogenetic mechanism.

Conclusions:

The data from this study indicate that a large number of serum markers are altered in end-stage liver diseases.
A panel of such markers may potentially be useful in assessing advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with
chronic end stage liver diseases.
Computed tomographic and cross-sectional anatomic characterization of myofascial compartments and soft tissue spaces in the manus in cadavers of dogs without forelimb disease
Authors: Ober Christopher P. , Jones Jeryl C. , Larson Martha M. , Lanz Otto I.
Published: February 2010

Objective—To characterize the computed tomographic (CT) and cross-sectional anatomic features of myofascial compartments and soft tissue spaces in the manus of cadavers of dogs without forelimb disease.

Animals—33 cadavers of adult medium- to large-breed dogs without forelimb disease.

Procedures—Forelimbs were removed from the cadavers within 4 hours after euthanasia or within 6 hours after thawing from initial freezing. Specimens were then frozen for variable periods and thawed for approximately 16 hours before use. Each manus of 60 forelimbs underwent CT before and after injection of a radiopaque, blue-staining contrast medium into locations where soft tissue spaces and myofascial compartments were predicted (on the basis of pilot study data [6 forelimbs]). Two veterinary radiologists reviewed CT images and recorded the presence or absence of a discrete space or compartment at each injection site. Each manus was subsequently dissected or sectioned transversely. Locations of blue-staining contrast medium accumulation were compared with locations of contrast enhancement in CT images. Anatomic structures within each soft tissue space or myofascial compartment were described.

Results—13 soft tissue spaces and 5 myofascial compartments were identified in the manus. Three myofascial structures that were examined were determined not to be compartments.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Knowledge of soft tissue spaces and myofascial compartments are used to map the likely spread of disease in the hands and feet of humans. Thus, understanding the locations and extent of similar structures in the canine manus may improve the effectiveness of surgical interventions in dogs with injury or inflammation of this region of the forelimb.
Evaluation of diffusion of triamcinolone acetonide from the distal interphalangeal joint into the navicular bursa in horses
Authors: Boyce Mary , Malone Erin D. , Anderson Lorraine B. , Park Seijin , Godden Sandra M. , Jenner Florien , Trumble Troy N.
Published: February 2010

Objective—To determine whether triamcinolone acetonide diffuses from the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) to the navicular bursa, diffusion is direct or systemic, and addition of sodium hyaluronan has an effect on diffusion in horses.

Animals—11 adult horses without forelimb lameness.

Procedures—1 randomly chosen forelimb DIPJ of each horse received an injection of 10 mg of triamcinolone acetonide plus 20 mg of sodium hyaluronan (group 1), and the contralateral forelimb DIPJ received an injection of 10 mg of triamcinolone acetonide plus 2 mL of lactated Ringer's solution (group 2). Synovial fluid samples were taken from both forelimb navicular bursae and 1 hind limb navicular bursa (systemic control group) at 6 hours. Triamcinolone acetonide concentrations in synovial fluid were quantified by use of high-performance liquid chromatography plus tandem mass spectrometry. Data were logarithmically transformed, and contrast analysis was performed on the 3 groups.

Results—Triamcinolone acetonide was detected in navicular bursal samples in all groups. Groups 1 and 2 had significantly greater concentrations of triamcinolone acetonide than the systemic control group. There was no significant difference between groups 1 and 2.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Triamcinolone acetonide diffused directly from the DIPJ into the navicular bursa in clinically normal horses, and diffusion was not affected by addition of hyaluronan. Injection into the DIPJ with triamcinolone acetonide or a triamcinolone acetonide–hyaluronan combination can potentially be used for treatment of navicular syndrome, but further studies are needed to determine whether triamcinolone acetonide diffuses similarly in horses with navicular syndrome.
Effects of glucocorticoids and interleukin-1β on expression and activity of aggrecanases in equine chondrocytes
Authors: Busschers Evita , Holt Jeff P. , Richardson Dean W.
Published: February 2010

Objective—To determine effects of interleukin (IL)-1β and glucocorticoids on total glycosaminoglycan (GAG) loss and aggrecanase-mediated matrix degradation in equine cartilage.

Sample Population—Cartilage from 24 equine cadavers free of sepsis and musculoskeletal disease.

Procedures—Effects of IL-1β, IL-1β with glucocorticoids (dexamethasone and triamcinolone, 10−6 and 10−7M), and glucocorticoids alone on degradation of equine articular and nasal cartilage explants were assessed by measuring GAG release in media and GAG content in cartilage. Aggrecanase-mediated cleavage within the interglobular domain at Glu373-Ala374 was evaluated via western blot analysis and ELISAs. Steady-state mRNA concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)4, and ADAMTS5 were assessed by use of real-time reverse transcriptase PCR assay (cartilage explants) and northern blot analysis (cell culture).

Results—IL-1β increased GAG release and aggrecanase activity (11-fold). The MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS4 mRNA were upregulated with IL-1β, whereas ADAMTS5 mRNA was increased (13-fold), but significantly less than ADAMTS4 mRNA (27-fold), suggesting a role for both ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 in degradation of cytokine-stimulated cartilage. Despite downregulation of MMP-3 and MMP-13 mRNA, glucocorticoids did not alter GAG degradation. A further increase in aggrecanase activity was detected with ELISAs and western blot analysis, whereas ADAMTS4 mRNA was downregulated and ADAMTS5 mRNA was maintained or upregulated.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS4 were regulated differently than ADAMTS5. Glucocorticoids increased aggrecanase activity despite down-regulation of ADAMTS4 mRNA, suggesting a major role of ADAMTS5. Effects of glucocorticoids on aggrecanase activity have important implications in terms of treatment.
Evaluation of the possible role of prostaglandin F2α in laminitis induced in horses by nasogastric administration of black walnut heartwood extract
Authors: Noschka Erik , Moore James N. , Peroni John F. , Lewis Tristan H. , Lewis Stephen J. , Robertson Tom P.
Published: February 2010

Objective—To provide insights into the role of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in the developmental stages of laminitis induced in horses by ingestion of black walnut heartwood extract (BWHE).

Sample Population—10 adult mixed-breed horses.

Procedures—Horses were separated into 2 groups and were euthanatized at 12 hours after placebo (water) administration (control horses) or after BWHE administration and development of Obel grade 1 laminitis. Blood samples were obtained to determine plasma PGF2α concentrations hourly for the first 4 hours and subsequently every 2 hours after substance administration. Laminar arteries and veins were isolated, and responses to increasing concentrations of PGF2α were measured before and after preincubation of blood vessels with prostanoid and thromboxane receptor antagonists SQ 29,548, SC-19220, and AH 6809.

Results—Plasma PGF2α concentrations increased in horses given BWHE; the WBC count decreased concurrently. In control horses, PGF2α was a potent contractile agonist for laminar veins but not for laminar arteries. In horses given BWHE, PGF2α was similarly selective for laminar veins; however, the magnitude of PGF2α-induced venoconstriction was less than that in control horses. After preincubation with SQ 29,548, laminar veins from control horses responded to PGF2α with a small degree of dilation, whereas laminar veins from horses given BWHE did not.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—PGF2α may play a role in the inflammatory and vascular dysfunction associated with the prodromal stages of laminitis. Prostanoids such as PGF2α may be viable targets for the prevention of acute laminitis in horses.
Evaluation of innervation of the mitral valves and the effects of myxomatous degeneration in dogs
Authors: Culshaw Geoff J. , French Anne T. , Han Richard I. , Black Alexander , Pearson Geoff T. , Corcoran Brendan M.
Published: February 2010

Objective—To map aspects of the innervation of the mitral valve complex and determine any association with the development or progression of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs.

Sample Population—Septal mitral valve leaflets from 11 dogs aged 6 months to > 10 years.

Procedures—Expression of protein gene product 9.5 (general neuronal marker), tyrosine hydroxylase (adrenergic innervation marker), vasoactive intestinal peptide (parasympathetic innervation marker), and calcitonin gene–related peptide (sensory innervation marker) was assessed by use of a standard immunohistochemical technique. Innervation was assessed qualitatively and semiquantitatively. Differences between valvular zones and between groups were analyzed statistically.

Results—MMVD was present in leaflets of all dogs ≥ 5 years of age. Innervation was confirmed in all leaflets but was markedly reduced in leaflets of dogs > 10 years of age. Innervation was most dense at the base of valves and mainly associated with the epimysial, perimysial, and endomysial layers of the muscle and blood vessels within the valve. Innervation was reduced within the middle zone of the valve and lacking at the free edge. Innervation was not identified at the tip of the leaflet, the free edge, or the chordae. Nerve fibers were mostly sympathetic, with the remainder being parasympathetic or sensory. Existence of MMVD did not alter the pattern or density of innervation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Mitral valve leaflets in the study dogs were innervated, with most of the nerve fibers associated with the myocardium in the valve base. Development of MMVD appeared to precede the reduction of innervation associated with advancing age.
Evaluation of the analgesic effect of intracameral lidocaine hydrochloride injection on intraoperative and postoperative pain in healthy dogs undergoing phacoemulsification
Authors: Park Shin Ae , Park Young Woo , Son Won Gyun , Kim Tae Hyun , Ahn Jae Sang , Ahn Jeong Taek , Kim Se Eun , Lee Inhyung , Seo Kangmoon
Published: February 2010

Objective—To evaluate the intraoperative and postoperative analgesic effects of intracameral lidocaine hydrochloride injection in dogs undergoing phacoemulsification.

Animals—12 healthy Beagles with healthy eyes.

Procedures—Dogs were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 2 intracameral injections: 2% lidocaine hydrochloride solution (0.3 mL) or an equivalent amount of balanced salt solution (BSS). All dogs were treated with acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg, IV) and cefazolin (30 mg/kg, IV), and tropicamide drops were topically applied to the eyes. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. The initial end-tidal isoflurane concentration was maintained at 1.2%. Heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressure, esophageal temperature, inspired and end-tidal isoflurane concentrations, and oxygen saturation were recorded every 5 minutes. The allocated agent was injected intracamerally after aspiration of the same volume of aqueous humor. Ten minutes after injection, phacoemulsification was performed. After surgery began, the isoflurane concentration was adjusted according to heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. Pain scores were recorded before surgery and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 6, 8, 16, and 24 hours after extubation.

Results—Isoflurane requirements were significantly higher in the BSS group than in the lidocaine group. Mean ± SD time to administration of supplementary analgesia was significantly shorter in the BSS group (1.4 ± 1.2 hours) than in the lidocaine group (4.9 ± 1.2 hours).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Intracameral lidocaine injection had significant analgesic effects in dogs undergoing cataract surgery. Results of this study suggest the value of intracameral lidocaine injection as an analgesic for intraocular surgery in dogs.
Effect of treatment with a topical ophthalmic preparation of 1% nalbuphine solution on corneal sensitivity in clinically normal horses
Authors: Wotman Kathryn L. , Utter Mary E.
Published: February 2010

Objective—To assess the effect of treatment with a topical ophthalmic preparation of 1.2% nalbuphine solution on corneal sensitivity in clinically normal horses.

Animals—8 horses.

Procedures—Baseline corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured (defined as the mean filament length [mm] at which a consistent blink response was elicited) for both eyes of each horse by use of a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. Subsequently, 0.2 mL of 1.2% nalbuphine solution was instilled in 1 randomly selected eye of each horse, and 0.2 mL of artificial tears solution was instilled in the contralateral eye (control treatment). For all 8 horses, CTT of each eye was measured within 1 minute following nalbuphine or artificial tears administration and every 15 minutes thereafter for 60 minutes. For 5 of the 8 horses, CTT was also measured in both eyes at 120 minutes. Changes in CTT values from baseline over time were assessed, as were differences between treated and control eyes.

Results—At any time point, corneal sensitivity following nalbuphine treatment did not differ significantly from control treatment findings. Mean CTTs for nalbuphine-treated and control eyes were 38.8 and 37.9 mm, respectively. In both groups, CTT was significantly lower than baseline value at 15, 45, 60, and 120 minutes. No tearing or redness developed in any eye treated with nalbuphine.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Topical administration of ophthalmic 1% nalbuphine solution had no effect on corneal sensitivity in clinically normal horses. The topical ocular treatment was not associated with local irritation.
Effects of unfocused extracorporeal shock wave therapy on healing of wounds of the distal portion of the forelimb in horses
Authors: Silveira Andressa , Koenig Judith B. , Arroyo Luis G. , Trout Donald , Moens Noël M. M. , LaMarre Jonathan , Brooks Andrew
Published: February 2010

Objective—To determine effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on healing of wounds in the distal portion of the forelimb in horses.

Animals—6 horses.

Procedures—Five 6.25-cm2 superficial wounds were created over both third metacarpi of 6 horses. Forelimbs were randomly assigned to treatment (ESWT and bandage) or control (bandage only) groups. In treated limbs, each wound was treated with 625 shock wave pulses from an unfocused electrohydraulic shock wave generator. In control limbs, each wound received sham treatment. Wound appearance was recorded weekly as inflamed or healthy and scored for the amount of protruding granulation tissue. Standardized digital photographs were used to determine the area of neoepithelialization and absolute wound area. Biopsy was performed on 1 wound on each limb every week for 6 weeks to evaluate epithelialization, fibroplasia, neovascularization, and inflammation. Immunohistochemical staining for A smooth muscle actin was used to label myofibroblasts.

Results—Control wounds were 1.9 times as likely to appear inflamed, compared with treated wounds. Control wounds had significantly higher scores for exuberant granulation tissue. Treatment did not affect wound size or area of neoepithelialization. No significant difference was found for any of the histologic or immunohistochemical variables between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Treatment with ESWT did not accelerate healing of equine distal limb wounds, but treated wounds had less exuberant granulation tissue and appeared healthier than controls. Therefore, ESWT may be useful to prevent exuberant granulation tissue formation and chronic inflammation of such wounds, but further studies are necessary before recommending ESWT for clinical application.
Evaluation of a urine dipstick test for confirmation or exclusion of proteinuria in dogs
Authors: Zatelli Andrea , Paltrinieri Saverio , Nizi Francesca , Roura Xavier , Zini Eric
Published: February 2010

Objective—To evaluate a urine dipstick test as a possible replacement for urine protein-tocreatinine (UPC) ratio for identifying proteinuria in dogs.

Sample Population—507 urine samples from adult dogs.

Procedures—Urine dipstick, UPC ratio, specific gravity (USG), and sediment testing were performed on 507 samples. With UPC ratio as the reference criterion, diagnostic accuracy of the urine dipstick test was calculated for the entire data set and for urine samples grouped by USG (≤ 1.012 or > 1.012; < 1.030 or ≥ 1.030). A UPC ratio < 0.2 was used to indicate absence of proteinuria.

Results—The sensitivity of the urine dipstick test for detection of proteinuria was > 90% when 0 mg of protein/dL (a 0+ result) was used to indicate a negative test result, and the specificity ranged from 40% to 60%, depending on the USG. Sensitivity decreased to a range of 56% to 81% when 30 mg of protein/dL (a 1+ result) was used as the cutoff, depending on the USG, but the specificity increased to > 90%. The likelihood of correctly identifying nonproteinuric dogs was low when the USG was ≤ 1.012, particularly when samples with a 1+ result were considered negative.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—For dogs with a dipstick-test result of 1+ and USG ≤ 1.012, proteinuria should be assessed by use of the UPC ratio; dogs with a USG value > 1.012 are likely nonproteinuric. When used together, the urine dipstick test and USG measurement were reliable as a rapid alternative to UPC ratio determination in dogs in this study.