bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dentin penetrability evaluation of three different dyes in root-end cavities filled with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)
Authors: Vogt Beatriz Farias , Xavier Cristina Braga , Demarco Flávio Fernando , Padilha Marcio Schüler
Published: August 2006

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the penetration of three dyes in MTA root-end fillings. In 30 single-rooted teeth, cavities for retrofilling were prepared with an ultrasound appliance and filled with MTA. The specimens were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10) and immersed in the following solutions: 2% methylene blue (MET), 50% silver nitrate (NIT) and 0.2% rhodamine B (ROD). Two transversal slices (1 mm) of the retrofilling region were obtained and evaluated using the Image Tool 3.0 software to obtain a quantitative evaluation (in mm²) of the dye penetration around the retrofillings. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using Student’s t-test. The lowest degree of dye penetration was observed for the NIT group, in both slices (p < 0.05). Dye penetration was significantly larger in the ROD group when compared to the NIT group, in both slices (p < 0.05), and to the MET group, only in slice 1 (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the choice of dye could influence the penetration evaluation in root-end filling studies, and that the NIT had the lowest penetration capacity in the apical dentine.
Influence of toothbrushing on enamel softening and abrasive wear of eroded bovine enamel: an in situ study
Authors: Rios Daniela , Honório Heitor Marques , Magalhães Ana Carolina , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo , Palma-Dibb Regina Guenka , Machado Maria Aparecida de Andrade Moreira , Silva Salete Moura Bonifácio da
Published: August 2006

This study assessed the surface softening and abrasive wear of eroded bovine enamel with or without the influence of toothbrushing. Five volunteers took part in this in situ study of 5 days. They wore acrylic palatal appliances containing 6 bovine enamel blocks divided in two rows with 3 blocks, which corresponded to the studied groups: erosion without toothbrushing (GI) and erosion with toothbrushing (GII). The blocks were subjected to erosion by immersion of the appliances in a cola drink for 10 minutes, 4 times a day. After that, no treatment was performed in one row (GI), whereas the other row was brushed (GII). The appliance was then replaced into the mouth. Enamel alterations were determined using profilometry and microhardness tests. Data were tested using paired Student’s t test (p < 0.05). The mean wear values (µm) and percentage of superficial microhardness change (%SMHC) were respectively: GI - 2.77 ± 1.21/91.61 ± 3.68 and GII - 3.80 ± 0.91/58.77 ± 11.47. There was a significant difference in wear (p = 0.001) and %SMHC (p = 0.001) between the groups. It was concluded that the wear was more pronounced when associated to toothbrushing abrasion. However, toothbrushing promoted less %SMHC due to the removal of the altered superficial enamel layer.
Comparison of cephalometric measurements from three radiological clinics
Authors: Gonçalves Fernando Antonio , Schiavon Lígia , Pereira Neto João Sarmento , Nouer Darcy Flávio
Published: August 2006

The orthodontic documentation carried out in radiological clinics is essential for diagnosis, planning and control of the orthodontic treatment. Amongst the diagnosis elements used are the cephalometric measurements, and errors can be incorporated as they are obtained. The objective of this work was to evaluate the values of some cephalometric measurements obtained in three radiological clinics using 30 lateral cephalometric radiographs of the head randomly chosen from the archives of the Department of Child Dentistry (Discipline of Orthodontics), School of Dentistry of Piracicaba, UNICAMP. These values were compared with the measurements obtained manually (control group) using variance analysis and Tukey’s and Friedman’s tests. Of the fourteen cephalometric measurements evaluated, the results demonstrated that only four of them presented statistically significant differences: IMPA, 1-NA, FMA, and H-nose. We concluded that although the majority of the mean cephalometric values did not present statistically significant differences, a great variability in the results was found when all the radiographic values were compared. This variability may influence the interpretation of the cephalometric measurements. Hence, we suggest that when the practitioner receives orthodontic documentation, he/she should redo the cephalometric analysis and compare the measurement values found with those presented to him. In addition, the practitioner should be prepared to use other elements for diagnosis, planning and control of the orthodontic treatment.
A computerized system to conduct the Tweed-Merrifield analysis in orthodontics
Authors: Barreto Maximino Brandão , Fonseca Eduardo Machado , Cunha Antônio José Ledo Alves da
Published: August 2006

Precision in orthodontic diagnosis can increase the chance of therapeutic success. The objective of this study was to describe the development of a computerized system (prototype), created from a printed table of the Cranial Facial Analysis and Total Dentition Space Analysis with Difficulty Index - Tweed-Merrifield Analysis - in order to aid orthodontic diagnosis. The analysis was transposed from the manual format to the digital format. A user-logical and clear interface was sought for the development of the prototype, consisting of tables and graphs, including automatic, fast and accurate calculations. The result was the immediate visualization of the resolution of the analysis after filling out the fields on the computer. This technological innovation can be a helpful instrument for the orthodontist that favors a more accurate dental-cranial-facial analysis, increases patient safety, orients conduct and may contribute to teaching and research.
Effect of environment on giant foxtail (Setaria faberi) leaf wax and fluazifop-P absorption
Authors: Hatterman-Valenti Harlene M. , Pitty Abelino , Owen Micheal D. K.
Published: August 2006

Controlled-environment experiments were conducted to determine giant foxtail epicuticular wax (ECW) deposition and fluazifop-P absorption under different environmental conditions and with two adjuvants. Drought stress and low temperature increased leaf ECW content, whereas low light intensity decreased ECW content compared with medium light intensity. Drought stress conditions decreased the fatty acid and primary alcohol content of ECW and increased the hydrocarbon content compared with field capacity. Compositional changes would make the ECW more hydrophobic and reduce leaf wetting by herbicide spray. Increasing air temperature decreased the aldehyde content of ECW, whereas decreasing light intensity increased ECW fatty acid and aldehyde content while decreasing primary alcohols and esters. Compositional changes under low light intensity would make the ECW more hydrophilic and increase leaf wetting by a herbicide spray. Drought stress reduced fluazifop-P absorption regardless of the temperature but could not further reduce fluazifop-P absorption under low light intensity. Fluazifop-P absorption by plants under low light and drought stress conditions was similar to plants under low or medium light intensity and field capacity conditions. Similarly, the rate of fluazifop-P absorption was less under drought stress and low light conditions. Fluazifop-P absorption was greater when crop oil concentrate was added compared with 28% urea ammonium nitrate or no additive. Crop oil concentrate, added to the herbicide solution, overcame reduced fluazifop-P absorption under the low light conditions and in one of the two drought stress regimes but could not overcome reduced fluazifop-P absorption with the high temperature regime.
Rotation length, canola variety and herbicide resistance system affect weed populations and yield
Authors: Cathcart R. Jason , Topinka A. Keith , Kharbanda Prem , Lange Ralph , Yang Rong-Cai , Hall Linda M.
Published: August 2006

A 4-year study was initiated in 1997 to provide canola producers with information on the consequences of various rotational intervals with the use of new disease and herbicide-resistant canola varieties. The study was conducted at three locations in Alberta, Canada (Ellerslie, Strathmore, and Warburg). At each location, four canola rotations were established: continuous canola, and canola seeded in 1 of 2, 3, or 4 years. Canola varieties included the conventional varieties ‘AC Excel’ and ‘Quantum’, the glyphosate-resistant variety ‘Quest’, imidazolinone-resistant ‘45A71’, and a glufosinate-resistant hybrid, ‘Invigor 2153’. In the fourth year of the study, when canola was grown in all treatments, weed densities, weed species diversity, and evenness were determined preseeding and before and after in-crop herbicide application. Canola yield was greatest in the northern ecoregions of the Boreal Transition (Warburg) and Aspen Parkland (Ellerslie), and lowest in the Moist Mixed Grassland ecoregion (Strathmore). Weed populations increased and population diversity decreased and became less even where rotations were less diverse; in continuous canola and in the 1-in-4–year rotation. As expected, weed densities increased in poorly competitive, conventional canola varieties compared to herbicide-resistant varieties sprayed with their broader-spectrum herbicides. Where weed densities were high, variety/herbicide system became a critical factor affecting crop yield. Under these conditions, the herbicide-resistant varieties ‘Quest’ and ‘Invigor 2153’ typically outyielded the conventional varieties of ‘AC Excel’ and ‘Quantum’. Canola yield was highest when grown in a 1-in-3– or a 1-in-4–year rotation, although the 1-in-3–year rotation generally had lower weed densities, and allowed high-value canola to be grown more frequently in rotation.
Influence of leaf surface micromorphology, wax content, and surfactant on primisulfuron droplet spread on barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) and green foxtail (Setaria viridis)
Authors: Sanyal Debanjan , Bhowmik Prasanta C. , Reddy Krishna N.
Published: August 2006

Laboratory studies were conducted to examine the leaf surface, epicuticular wax content, and spread area of primisulfuron spray droplet with and without surfactant on leaf surface of barnyardgrass and green foxtail. Adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy and leaf wax was extracted and quantified. The spread of 1-μl droplets of distilled water, primisulfuron solution (without surfactant), primisulfuron solution with a nonionic low foam wetter/spreader adjuvant (0.25% v/v), and with an organosilicone wetting agent (0.1% v/v) was determined on the adaxial leaf surfaces of each of the weed species. Stomata and trichomes were present on adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces in both species. Green foxtail had more stomata per unit area on the adaxial as compared to the abaxial leaf surface. Barnyardgrass had more stomata on the abaxial than on the adaxial leaf surface. There was no significant variation in the number of trichomes per unit leaf area of green foxtail, and the number of prickles per unit area of leaf was significantly higher in adaxial than the abaxial leaf surface, in both young and old leaves. In barnyardgrass, there were more trichomes on abaxial than adaxial leaf surface. The mean value of the wax content per unit of leaf area in barnyardgrass and green foxtail was 35.9 μg cm−2and 19.1 μg cm−2, respectively. On both species primisulfuron with a nonionic surfactant had more spread area than that without a surfactant, and the spread was even greater with organosilicone wetting agent. The spread area of primisulfuron droplet was higher on the leaf surface of barnyardgrass than on green foxtail when surfactant was added.
Simulated insect defoliation and duration of weed interference affected soybean growth
Authors: Gustafson Travis C. , Knezevic Stevan Z. , Hunt Thomas E. , Lindquist John L.
Published: August 2006

An improved understanding of crop stress from multiple pests is needed for better implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Field studies were conducted in 2003 and 2004 at two locations in eastern Nebraska to describe the effects of simulated early-season insect defoliation of soybean and duration of weed interference on soybean growth. Three levels of simulated defoliation (undefoliated, 30, and 60%) and seven durations of weed interference (weedy and weed free; weed removal at V2, V4, V6, R3, and R5) were evaluated in a split-plot design. Defoliation significantly reduced soybean leaf-area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), and crop height in season-long weedy treatments only. Biomass partitioning during vegetative and reproductive growth was affected by both defoliation and weed interference. Increase in soybean relative growth rate (RGR) and biomass production soon after defoliation occurred (e.g., V5 stage) indicated potential defense mechanism by which soybean is able to adjust its physiology in response to the loss of leaf area. Weed interference combined with defoliation caused the greatest yield losses up to 97%. Results from this study indicate the need for monitoring early-season insect density and weed growth to determine if simultaneous control of both pests may be needed.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Glu298Asp Gene Polymorphism in Periodontal Diseases
Authors: Berdeli Afig , Gürkan Ali , Emingil Gülnur , Atilla Gül , Köse Timur
Published: August 2006

Background: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is involved in key steps of immune response. The aim of the present study was to evaluate genotype distribution and genotype‐phenotype association in periodontal disease regarding Glu298Asp polymorphism of the eNOS gene.

Methods: A total of 272 subjects were included into the study. Genomic DNA was obtained from the peripheral blood of 51 chronic periodontitis (CP) patients, 48 generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), and 173 reference controls. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and subsequent BanII restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis were used to detect eNOS Glu298Asp polymorphism. Probing depth, clinical attachment loss, plaque accumulation, and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. The data were analyzed by the χ2 test, logistic regression, and Mann‐Whitney U test.

Results: The distributions of eNOS Glu298Asp genotypes and alleles were similar among study groups. Subjects with the Asp allele (Asp+) were statistically higher in the CP group compared to the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.957; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.038 to 3.689). In the GAgP group, BOP (%) was significantly higher in patients with the 298Asp allele (Asp+) compared to patients without the Asp allele (Asp−) (P = 0.015).

Conclusions: The present study showed that eNOS Glu298Asp polymorphism is associated with BOP in GAgP patients. Moreover, the 298Asp allele of the eNOS gene might be related to CP in the Turkish population.
Significance of Keratinized Mucosa in Maintenance of Dental Implants With Different Surfaces
Authors: Chung Dyeus M. , Oh Tae‐Ju , Shotwell Jeffrey L. , Misch Carl E. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: August 2006

Background: The need for keratinized mucosa (KM) or immobile keratinized mucosa (i.e., attached mucosa [AM]) for the maintenance of osseointegrated endosseous dental implants has been controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of KM in the maintenance of root‐form dental implants with different surfaces.

Methods: A total of 339 endosseous dental implants in place for at least 3 years in 69 patients were evaluated. The width of KM and AM, modified plaque index (mPI), gingival index (GI), modified bleeding index (mBI), probing depth (PD), and average annual bone loss (ABL) were measured clinically and radiographically by a masked examiner. Based on the amounts of KM or AM, implants were categorized as follows: 1) KM <2 mm (KL); 2) KM ≥2 mm (KU); 3) AM <1 mm (AL); and 4) AM ≥1 mm (AU). Implants were further subdivided into the following four subgroups based on their surface configurations: 1) smooth surface implants (SI) with KM <2 mm (SKL); 2) SI with KM ≥2 mm (SKM); 3) rough surface implants (RI) with KM <2 mm (RKL); or 4) RI with KM ≥2 mm (RKM); or 1) SI with AM <1 mm (SAL); 2) SI with AM ≥1 mm (SAM); 3) RI with AM <1 mm (RAL); or 4) RI with AM ≥1 mm (RAM). The effect of KM or AM on clinical parameters was evaluated by comparing the different KM/AM groups. In addition, the significance of the presence of KM on implant prostheses types (i.e., fixed versus removable) and on implant locations (i.e., anterior versus posterior) was evaluated.

Results: Comparison of ABL among the four subgroups in KM or AM failed to reveal statistically significant differences (P >0.05); however, statistically significantly higher GI and mPI were present in SKL or SAL compared to the other three subgroups (P <0.05). GI and mPI were significantly higher in KL (0.94 and 1.51) than KU (0.76 and 1.26) and higher in AL (0.95 and 1.50) than AU (0.70 and 1.19) (P <0.05), respectively. The difference in GI between posterior implants with or without an adequate amount of KM was also significant (P <0.05).

Conclusions: The absence of adequate KM or AM in endosseous dental implants, especially in posterior implants, was associated with higher plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation but not with more ABL, regardless of their surface configurations. Randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the results obtained in this retrospective clinical study.
Protective Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins Against Oxidative Stress Induced by Lipopolysaccharides of Periodontopathogens
Authors: Houde Vanessa , Grenier Daniel , Chandad Fatiha
Published: August 2006

Background: During phagocytosis or stimulation with bacterial components, macrophages activate various cell processes, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which are critical for successful defense against invading organisms. Increased levels of ROS/RNS create oxidative stress that results in tissue and bone destruction. Grape seed proanthocyanidins have been reported to possess a wide range of biologic properties against oxidative stress. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSE) and commercial polyphenols on the production of ROS and RNS and on the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of periodontopathogens.

Methods: Macrophages (RAW 264.7) were treated with non‐toxic concentrations of either GSE or commercial polyphenols (gallic acid [GA] and [−]‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate [EGCG]) and stimulated with LPS of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans or Fusobacterium nucleatum, and iNOS expression was evaluated by immunoblotting. Nitric oxide (NO) production was quantified using the colorimetric Griess assay, whereas ROS production was measured with the fluorescent 123‐dihydrorhodamine dye.

Results: GSE strongly decreased NO and ROS production and iNOS expression by LPS‐stimulated macrophages. GA also revealed a strong inhibitory effect on NO production without affecting iNOS expression but slightly increasing ROS production. EGCG showed an inhibitory effect on NO and ROS production and on iNOS expression by macrophages.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that proanthocyanidins have potent antioxidant properties and should be considered a potential agent in the prevention of periodontal diseases.
The Effect of Periodontitis on Biting Abilities
Authors: Alkan Arzu , Keskiner Ilker , Arici Selim , Sato Shuichi
Published: August 2006

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the biting abilities (bite force [BF] and occlusal contact area [OCA]) of chronic periodontitis patients with those of control patients with healthy periodontia by using pressure‐sensitive sheets.

Methods: The study population consisted of 20 patients with chronic periodontitis whose initial periodontal therapy was completed and 20 control subjects with healthy periodontia. Periodontitis was diagnosed by radiographs and measurements of probing depth and clinical attachment level. Pressure‐sensitive sheets were used for the quantitative analysis of BF and OCA.

Results: Both mean BF and OCA values were greater in the healthy control group compared to those of the study group. The differences between the groups were statistically significant at the 95% confidence level.

Conclusion: Reduced periodontal support in the absence of inflammation negatively affected biting abilities.
Comparison of techniques for determination of chondrocyte viability after thermal injury
Authors: Rauch Beth , Edwards Ryland B. , Lu Yan , Hao Zhengling , Muir Peter , Markel Mark D.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To compare 2 methods of quantitating chondrocyte viability and to determine chondrocyte response to thermal injury over time.

Sample Population—108 stifle joints from 54 adult rats.

Procedures—Cartilage from the distal aspect of the femur was treated ex vivo with radiofrequency energy at a probe setting that would result in immediate partial-thickness chondrocyte death; untreated sections served as controls. Explants were cultured, and cell viability was compared by use of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) histochemical staining and calcein AM and ethidium homodimer-1 confocal laser microscopy (CLM) cell viability staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated X-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis. All labeling studies were performed 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment.

Results—In the treated tissues, a greater percentage of viable cells were found with CLM, compared with LDH staining. This result contrasted that of control tissues in which LDH staining indicated a greater percentage of live cells than CLM. The greatest number of TUNEL-positive chondrocytes was present at day 3, declining at later time intervals.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—CLM and LDH histochemistry techniques yield different absolute numbers of live and dead cells, resulting in differing percentages of live or dead cells with each technique. These differences may be related to the enzymes responsible for activation in each technique and the susceptibility of these enzymes to thermal injury. Results of TUNEL indicate that apoptosis contributes to chondrocyte death after thermal injury, with a peak signal identified 3 days after insult.
Use of infrared spectroscopy for diagnosis of traumatic arthritis in horses
Authors: Vijarnsorn Monchanok , Riley Christopher B. , Shaw R. Anthony , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Ryan Daniel A. J. , Rose Patricia L. , Spangler Elizabeth
Published: August 2006

Objective—To evaluate use of infrared spectroscopy for diagnosis of traumatic arthritis in horses.

Animals—48 horses with traumatic arthritis and 5 clinically and radiographically normal horses.

Procedures—Synovial fluid samples were collected from 77 joints in 48 horses with traumatic arthritis. Paired samples (affected and control joints) from 29 horses and independent samples from an affected (n = 12) or control (7) joint from 19 horses were collected for model calibration. A second set of 20 normal validation samples was collected from 5 clinically and radiographically normal horses. Fourier transform infrared spectra of synovial fluids were acquired and manipulated, and data from affected joints were compared with controls to identify spectroscopic features that differed significantly between groups. A classification model that used linear discriminant analysis was developed. Performance of the model was determined by use of the 2 validation datasets.

Results—A classification model based on 3 infrared regions classified spectra from the calibration dataset with overall accuracy of 97% (sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 100%). The model, with cost-adjusted prior probabilities of 0.60:0.40, yielded overall accuracy of 89% (sensitivity, 83%; specificity, 100%) for the first validation sample dataset and 100% correct classification of the second set of independent normal control joints.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The infrared spectroscopic patterns of fluid from joints with traumatic arthritis differed significantly from the corresponding patterns for controls. These alterations in absorption patterns may be used via an appropriate classification algorithm to differentiate the spectra of affected joints from those of controls.
Genomic expression patterns of mitral valve tissues from dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease
Authors: Oyama Mark A. , Chittur Sridar V.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To evaluate global genome expression patterns of mitral valve tissues from dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD).

Sample Population—Anterior mitral valve leaflets of 4 dogs with severe DMVD and 4 healthy control dogs.

Procedures—Transcriptional activities of 23,851 canine DNA sequences were determined by use of an oligonucleotide microarray. Genome expression patterns of tissue from dogs with DMVD were evaluated by measuring the relative amount of complementary RNA hybridization to the microarray probes and by comparing it with gene expression from healthy control dogs.

Results—229 transcripts were differentially expressed (≥ 2-fold change). In dogs with DMVD, expression of 159 transcripts was upregulated and expression of 70 transcripts was downregulated. Of the 229 transcripts, 152 genes could be specifically identified. These genes were grouped into 1 of 9 categories on the basis of their primary physiologic function. Grouping revealed that pathways involving cell signaling, inflammation, extracellular matrix, immune function, cell defense, and metabolism were generally upregulated. Inflammatory cytokines and the serotonin-transforming growth factor-β pathway were identified as contributory to the pathophysiologic aspects of DMVD.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Evaluation of global expression patterns provides a molecular portrait of mitral valve disease, yields insight into the pathophysiologic aspects of DMVD, and identifies intriguing genes and pathways for further study.
Serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and calciotropic hormones in donkeys
Authors: Lopez Ignacio , Estepa Jose C. , Mendoza Francisco J. , Rodriguez Mariano , Aguilera-Tejero Escolastico
Published: August 2006

Objective—To provide reference values for serum biochemical variables that are used for evaluation of mineral metabolism in donkeys and compare values with those in horses.

Animals—18 donkeys and 18 horses.

Procedures—Total calcium (tCa), total magnesium (tMg), and inorganic phosphorus (P) concentrations were measured in serum samples via spectrophotometry. Ionized calcium (iCa) and magnesium (iMg) concentrations were quantified with selective electrodes. By use of a micropartition system, tCa and tMg were fractionated to separate protein-bound (pCa, pMg) and ultrafiltrable fractions. Complexed calcium (cCa) and magnesium (cMg) concentrations were calculated by substracting ionized fractions from ultrafiltrable fractions. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitriol (CTR) concentrations were measured via radioimmunoassay.

Results—Serum tCa concentration in donkeys (3.37 ± 0.21 mmol/L) was composed of pCa (1.59 ± 0.21 mmol/L [47.0 ± 4.2%]), iCa (1.69 ± 0.04 mmol/L [50.4 ± 3.0%]), and cCa (0.09 ± 0.08 mmol/L [2.6 ± 2.9%]). Serum tMg concentration (1.00 ± 0.08 mmol/L) was fractioned in pMg (0.23 ± 0.08 mmol/L [23.4 ± 8.1%]), iMg (0.59 ± 0.04 mmol/L [58.8 ± 5.1%]), and cMg (0.18 ± 0.08 mmol/L [17.8 ± 7.2%]). Serum concentrations of P (1.14 ± 0.30 mmol/L), PTH (20.4 ± 21.2 pg/mL), and CTR (13.4 ± 5.9 pg/mL) were determined.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Serum variables of mineral metabolism in donkeys were within reference ranges for horses. However, when compared with horses, donkeys had higher iCa, cMg, and CTR and lower pMg and PTH concentrations.
Genotypic relatedness of staphylococcal strains isolated from pustules and carriage sites in dogs with superficial bacterial folliculitis
Authors: Pinchbeck Lauren R. , Cole Lynette K. , Hillier Andrew , Kowalski Joseph J. , Rajala-Schultz Päivi J. , Bannerman Tammy L. , York Steven
Published: August 2006

Objective—To determine whether staphylococcal isolates cultured from pustules and carriage sites in dogs with superficial bacterial folliculitis were genotypically the same strain by use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Animals—40 dogs with superficial bacterial folliculitis.

Procedures—Samples were obtained from 3 pustules and 3 carriage sites (anus, axillary skin, and nasal mucosa). Bacterial culture, morphologic identification, Gram staining, catalase and coagulase tests, speciation, and PFGE were performed.

Results—Of 246 isolates, 203 were Staphylococcus intermedius, 5 were Staphylococcus aureus, 15 were Staphylococcusspp, and 22 were coagulase-negative staphylococcal isolates. No dog had an isolate with the same PFGE pattern as an isolate from another dog. Coagulase-positive isolates from multiple pustules and multiple carriage sites had the same PFGE pattern in 37 of 39 (94.9%) and 22 of 39 (56.4%) dogs, respectively. Coagulase-positive staphylococcal isolates from at least 1 pustule had the same PFGE pattern as an isolate from at least 1 carriage site in 34 of 36 (94.4%) dogs. Ninety-seven of 116 (83.6%) coagulase-positive staphylococcal isolates from pustules had the same PFGE pattern as an isolate from at least 1 carriage site. Sixty-nine of 91 (75.8%) coagulase-positive staphylococcal isolates from carriage sites had the same PFGE pattern as an isolate from at least 1 pustule.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Coagulasepositive staphylococcal strains were heterogeneous among dogs with superficial bacterial folliculitis. In individual dogs, strains from multiple pustules were genotypically the same, and strains from pustules were genotypically the same as strains from carriage sites.
Antemortem detection of latent infection with neuropathogenic strains of equine herpesvirus-1 in horses
Authors: Allen George P.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To evaluate a technique for identifying horses latently infected with neuropathogenic strains of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).

Animals—36 adult mares, 24 of which were experimentally infected as weanlings with neuropathogenic or nonneuropathogenic EHV-1.

Procedures—Mandibular lymph node (MLN) tissue was obtained from each horse via biopsy during general anesthesia. Purified DNA from MLNs was tested for EHV-1 DNA by use of a magnetic bead, sequencecapture, nested PCR assay. For MLNs that contained EHV-1 DNA, the 256-bp DNA fragments amplified via sequence-capture nested PCR were sequenced to determine the nucleotide at the polymorphic site that determines pathotype (ie, neuropathotype [G2254] or non-neuropathotype [A2254]).

Results—Latent viral DNA was detected in 26 of the 36 (72%) mares tested. Neuropathogenic and nonneuropathogenic EHV-1 genotypes were detected in the latently infected horses. In each mare previously infected with known EHV-1 pathotypes, the open reading frame 30 genotype of latent EHV-1 was identical to that of the strain that had been inoculated 4 to 5 years earlier. Latent viral DNA was detected in 10 of the 12 mares that were inoculated as weanlings with neuropathogenic strains of EHV-1. The detection rate of the sequence-capture PCR method for EHV-1 latency was double that of conventional nested or realtime PCR assays performed on the same MLN DNA preparations.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The magnetic bead, sequence-capture, nested PCR technique enabled low-threshold detection of DNA from latent neuropathogenic strains of EHV-1 in MLN specimens from live horses. The technique may be used to screen horses for latent neuropathogenic EHV-1 infection.
Classification of Actinobacillus spp isolates from horses involved in mare reproductive loss syndrome
Authors: Donahue James M. , Sells Stephen F. , Bolin David C.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To identify Actinobacillus spp isolates recovered from fetuses and pericardial fluid from horses affected with mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) and determine whether these bacterial species are the same as those isolated from clinically normal horses.

Sample Population—Isolates of actinobacilli recovered from 18 horses with pericarditis and 109 fetuses aborted by mares affected by MRLS.

Procedures—Actinobacillus spp isolates were identified to the level of species or subspecies by use of conventional phenotypic tests and biochemical and enzyme test kits. The 16S rRNA gene from selected isolates was amplified, purified, and sequenced. Sequence data were compared with sequence data for actinobacilli in GenBank.

Results—Of the 109 isolates obtained from fetuses, 14 were Actinobacillus equuli subsp equuli, 65 were A equuli subsp haemolyticus, 28 were Bisgaard taxon 10–like bacterium, and 2 were Actinobacillus genomospecies 1. Of the 18 isolates from horses with pericarditis, 4 were A equuli subsp equuli, 13 were A equuli subsp haemolyticus, and 1 was Bisgaard taxon 10–like bacterium. Comparisons with published data and GenBank data revealed that the isolates recovered from horses with MRLS were the same as those isolated from the oral cavity or alimentary tract of healthy horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Actinobacillus spp isolates recovered from fetuses and pericardial fluid samples of horses affected by MRLS in 2001 to 2003 were identical to Actinobacillus spp found in the oral cavity and alimentary tracts of healthy horses.
Corneal ulceration associated with naturally occurring canine herpesvirus-1 infection in two adult dogs
Authors: Ledbetter Eric C. , Riis Ronald C. , Kern Thomas J. , Haley Nicholas J. , Schatzberg Scott J.
Published: August 2006

Case Description—An 8-year-old Labrador Retriever with diabetes mellitus in which bilateral phacoemulsification had been performed 3 weeks earlier was evaluated for acute onset of blepharospasm, and a 7-year-old Miniature Schnauzer with chronic immune-mediated thrombocytopenia was reevaluated for keratoconjunctivitis sicca that had been diagnosed 4 weeks earlier.

Clinical Findings—Dendritic corneal ulcerations were detected in both dogs. Canine herpesvirus-1 (CHV-1) was isolated from corneal swab specimens obtained during the initial evaluation of each dog and during recheck examinations performed until the ulcerations were healed. Canine herpesvirus-1 serum neutralization titers were detected in both dogs. Results of virus isolation from oropharyngeal and genital swab specimens were negative for both dogs. The isolated viruses were identified as CHV-1 via immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, PCR assay, and gene sequencing. Negative controls for PCR assay and virus isolation included conjunctival swab specimens from 50 dogs without extraocular disease and corneal swab specimens from 50 dogs with corneal ulcers, respectively.

Treatment and Outcome—Lesions resolved in both dogs after topical administration of idoxuridine or trifluridine and discontinuation of topically administered immunosuppressive medications.

Clinical Relevance—To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of corneal ulcerations associated with naturally occurring CHV-1 infection and may represent local ocular recrudescence of latent CHV-1 infection. The viruses isolated were identified as CHV-1, and the morphology, antigenicity, and genotype were similar to those for CHV-1 isolates obtained from a puppy that died from systemic CHV-1 infection.
Comparison of two surgical techniques for management of intramural ureteral ectopia in dogs: 36 cases (1994–2004)
Authors: Mayhew Philipp D. , Lee Karla C. L. , Gregory Susan P. , Brockman Daniel J.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To determine outcome associated with intramural ureteral ectopia treated with 1 of 2 surgical techniques (neoureterostomy with ligation of the distal ureteral segment vs neoureterostomy with resection of the distal ureteral segment) and compare results of these 2 techniques in dogs.

Design—Multicenter retrospective case series.

Animals—36 dogs (15 treated with the ligation technique and 21 treated with the resection technique).

Procedures—Information was obtained from medical records. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by owner questionnaire.

Results—15 of 21 (71%) dogs in the resection group and 7 of 14 (50%) dogs in the ligation group still had urinary incontinence after surgery. Three of 20 (15%) dogs in the resection group and 4 of 14 (29%) dogs in the ligation group reportedly had multiple episodes of urinary tract infection following surgery. The outcome of surgery was judged to be excellent by the owners of 10 of 18 (56%) dogs in the resection group and 9 of 14 (64%) dogs in the ligation group. No significant differences were found between surgery treatment groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the present study suggest that although most owners of dogs that undergo surgery for treatment of intramural ureteral ectopia consider the outcome of surgery to be excellent, substantial proportions of dogs will continue to have urinary incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infections after surgery. Findings do not provide any support to the hypothesis that the resection technique is superior to the ligation technique for management of dogs with intramural ureteral ectopia.
Digeneans from deep-sea marine teleosts off the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, including the description of Brachyenteron helicoleni sp. nov. (Zoogonidae)
Authors: Bray Rodney , Kuchta Roman
Published: August 2006

Fifteen species of digeneans are reported from the waters off the islands of the Outer Hebrides, off north-western Scotland. Trifoliovarium allocytti comb. nov. from Neocyttus helgae is described, figured, and reported for the first time in the northern hemisphere. Brachyenteron helicoleni sp. nov. from Helicolenus dactylopterus is described and considered distinct from other species in the genital pore being at the level of the pharynx, the relatively narrow caeca, the vitellarium being mainly at the level of the ventral sucker and the anterior hindbody, the posteriorly situated, oblique testes, the small amount of post-testicular uterus, the small, delicate cirrus-sac and the large eggs. Derogenes varicus and Lepidapedon arlenae are reported from Caelorhinchus labiatus and Paralepidapedon williamsi is reported from Cottunculus thomsoni for the first time. Steringovermes notacanthi and Prodistomum priedei are reported from off Scotland for the first time. The reports of Derogenes varicus at 1,800 m depth and Zoogonoides viviparus at 1,000 m are deeper records than have previously been published.
Trematodes from Red Sea fishes: Pachycreadium lethrini sp. nov. (Opecoelidae Ozaki, 1925) and Pseudometadena aegyptensis sp. nov. (Cryptogonimidae Ward, 1917), with a review of their genera
Authors: Hassanine Reda
Published: August 2006

Specimens of the fishes Lethrinus nebulosus Forsskål (Lethrinidae) and Diplodus noct Valenciennes (Sparidae) were caught in the Red Sea off the coast of Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt. Ten (33%) and 12 (24%) of these fishes, respectively, were found to harbour intestinal trematodes. L. nebulosus was parasitised by Pachycreadium lethrini sp. nov. (Opecoelidae) and D. noct by Pseudometadena aegyptensis sp. nov. (Cryptogonimidae). P. lethrini sp. nov. is unique in having distinctly unequal testes, contiguous gonads arranged obliquely in the right side of hindbody and a small egg size. However, it differs from each of the other three species of the genus in several other features: from P. gastrocotylum (Manter, 1940) Manter, 1954 in having a smaller sucker ratio and vitelline follicles terminating anteriorly at the level of intestinal bifurcation; from P. carnosum (Rudolphi, 1819) Cortini et Ferretti, 1959 in having a smaller body, a smaller sucker ratio, a genital pore situated ventrally to the anterior border of pharynx, a pretesticular ovary and vitelline follicles extending anteriorly to the level of intestinal bifurcation; and from P. lerneri Sogandares-Bernal, 1959 in having a larger body, a smaller sucker ratio and an unlobed ovary. P. angolensis Aleshkina et Gaevskaya, 1985 is considered an invalid species in Pachycreadium. P. aegyptensis sp. nov. is similar to P. celebesensis Yamaguti, 1952, but mainly differs in having a larger pharynx, a much shorter oesophagus, extensive vitelline acini and a shorter seminal vesicle. Pachycreadium Manter, 1954 and Pseudometadena Yamaguti, 1952 are briefly reviewed.
Ultrastructure of vitellocytes in the cestode Progrillotia pastinacae Dollfus, 1946 (Trypanorhyncha, Progrillotiidae)
Authors: Świderski Zdzisław , Miquel Jordi , Młocicki Daniel , Neifar Lassad , Grytner-Zięcina Barbara , Mackiewicz John
Published: August 2006

The present study describes the ultrastructure of mature vitellocytes of the trypanorhynch cestode Progrillotia pastinacae Dollfus, 1946 (Progrillotiidae), a parasite of the common stingray Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758) (Dasyatidae). The vitelline cells of this species measure about 24 μm in length and about 20 μm in width. They have small, elongated, slightly lobulated nuclei, about 4–5 μm in length, with large dense elongated nucleoli and numerous irregularly-shaped dense clumps of heterochromatin. The extensive cytoplasm is rich in numerous cell organelles and cell inclusions. While the perinuclear cytoplasm contains numerous long parallel cisternae of GER, ribo-and polyribosomes, several Golgi complexes and mitochondria, the peripheral cytoplasm contains predominantly three types of cell inclusions: a great number of large lipid droplets, several shell globule clusters, and a very small amount of glycogen-like particles. The most characteristic features of vitellocytes in P. pastinacae are having almost no traces of glycogen and the great number of large, highly osmiophobic lipid droplets representing saturated fatty acids. The presence of large amounts of lipids also in two other trypanorhynchs, Grillotia erinaceus (Beneden, 1858) Guiart, 1927 and Dollfusiella spinulifera (Beveridge et Jones, 2000) Beveridge, Neifar et Euzet, 2004, is in strong contrast to the condition in the most evolved cestodes, Cyclophyllidea, that usually show no trace of lipids.
South American species of Paragordius Camerano, 1897 (Gordiida, Nematomorpha), with redescription of Paragordius minusculus and a description of a new species
Authors: Zanca Fernanda , Villalobos Cristina
Published: August 2006

Paragordius is a genus of Gordiida with a worldwide distribution, but with a scarce specific diversity. Sixteen species of the genus Paragordius have been described so far. In many cases, as with the other genera of Gordiida, the original descriptions of the species are insufficient due to the limitations of the techniques employed. In this work the holotypes of P. minusculus and P. esavianus are redescribed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a new species of Paragordius is described, the distribution for P. esavianus and P. varius is enlarged and a new host record of P. esavianus is presented.
First record of the Indo-Pacific Cymothoa indica (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cymothoidae), a Lessepsian species in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Trilles Jean-Paul , Bariche Michel
Published: August 2006

Cymothoa indica, a typical Indo-Pacific genus and species, is reported for the first time in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Specimens were found parasitizing mainly barracudas (Sphyraenidae) from Lebanon. Female and male specimens are described on collected materials. To date, the genus Cymothoa has not been reported in the Mediterranean Sea although it is widely represented in other areas of the world. It is suggested that C. indica should be added to the list of exotic species introduced from the Red Sea and known as Lessepsian migrants.
Physicomechanical and hydrophobic properties of starch foams extruded with different biodegradable polymers
Authors: Nabar Yogaraj U. , Draybuck David , Narayan Ramani
Published: July 2006

Blends of hydroxypropylated high amylose starch and various functional aids listed below were extruded into foams using a twin‐screw extruder ZSK ‐ 30. In this study, the hydrophobic character and mechanical properties of starch foams were improved by using other biodegradable polymers, such as poly‐caprolactone (PCL), poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), cellulose acetate (CA), methylated pectin (MP), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and crosslinkers like glyoxal. The hydrophobic character was improved in terms of a reduction in steady state weight gain, and an increase in dimensional stability (reduction in loss of radial and longitudinal dimensions) on moisture sorption. At the same time, efforts were made to maximize the expansion ratios by reduction of unit densities. Formulations of these foams (in terms of additive content and other processing parameters) were optimized. Particular formulations with PVA, polyesters like PCL and PBAT, and glyoxal with PVA gave foams with unit densities lower than 25 kg/m3. The dimensional stability increased with an increase in the polyester content, but the density increased beyond an optimum polyester content, too. The loss in radial and longitudinal dimensions under steady state conditions was 12–20% with polyesters as compared to about 50–55% for control starch. Addition of these processing aids did decrease the water sensitivity of the starch foams. Foams with CA and methylated pectin, in the presence/absence of glyoxal, had marginally lower unit densities and slightly higher expansion ratios, as compared to those of control starch. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 58–68, 2006
Morphology transition of bismaleimide‐modified novolac resin
Authors: Lu Guotao , Huang Ying , Yan Yehai , Zhao Tong , Yu Yunzhao
Published: July 2006

The bismaleimide (BMI)‐modified novolac resin was synthesized by allylation of the novolac resin and its “Ene” reaction with BMI. The reactions were monitored by Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR). The morphology of the BMI‐modified novolac resin changed with degree of allylation (i.e., the amount of BMI used). On the basis of the studies done by dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), it was found that when the degree of allylation increased from 48 to 59%, the resin changed from a single‐phase structure to a two‐phase structure. From the research by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and DMA, it was found that the higher allyl‐content (when > 48%) caused a decrease of the thermal properties and mechanical properties of the resultant resin. The BMI‐modified allyl novolac resin with 48% degree of allylation has the best thermal properties and the highest dynamic modulus in the current research. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 76–83, 2006