bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular analysis of KAL-1, GnRH-R, NELF and EBF2 genes in a series of Kallmann syndrome and normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism patients
Authors: Trarbach Ericka B , Baptista Maria T M , Garmes Heraldo M , Hackel Christine
Published: January 2006

We report the results of molecular analysis in a series of twelve Kallmann syndrome (KS) and five normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nHH) Brazilian patients. Kallman syndrome 1 (KAL-1) gene analysis was performed in all patients and the gonadotrophin releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) gene was investigated in nHH patients using PCR analysis with exon-flanking primers followed by automated sequencing techniques. Two-point mutations at the KAL-1 locus were found in two KS patients. One case exhibited a novel C deletion (del1956C) in exon 12 leading to a premature stop codon at position 617. The second case, a C to T transition at exon 5, showed a stop codon at aminoacid 191 (Arg191X). Renal agenesis and bimanual synkinesis, which are frequently found in patients with the KAL-1 mutation, were observed in these cases. Among the KS patients, two previously reported cases had intragenic deletions of exons 5–10, while a third patient had a KAL-1 gene microdeletion detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. For the nHH patients, no abnormalities were observed at the exonic and flanking sequences of the KAL-1 or GnRH-R genes. Nasal embryonic LHRH factor (NELF) and early B-cell factor 2 (EBF2) exons were evaluated in KAL-1/GnRH-R mutation-negative cases (seven KS and five nHH) by sequence analysis but no mutations were identified in the coding regions in these patients. In conclusion, this report includes the description of a novel point mutation of the KAL-1 gene and suggests that the KAL-1 mutations and deletions might be more prevalent in KS Brazilian patients than previously described in other series. NELF and EBF2 genes have been considered good candidates for HH and a large number of patients need to be studied to assess their contribution to reproductive function.
Change in prostaglandin E synthases (PGESs) in microsomal PGES-1 knockout mice in a preterm delivery model
Authors: Kubota Ken , Kubota Toshiro , Kamei Daisuke , Murakami Makoto , Kudo Ichiro , Aso Takeshi , Morita Ikuo
Published: January 2006

Most preterm deliveries are associated with infection and inflammation. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is one of the most important mediators in the processes of inflammation, and is converted from PGH2 by various kinds of PGE synthases (PGESs). Among PGESs, microsomal PGES-1 (mPGES-1) is known to be the most important subtype in the processes of inflammation. To evaluate the role of PGESs in preterm delivery, we used mPGES-1 knockout mice in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced preterm labor model. Unexpectedly, the duration of labor after LPS treatment was not statistically different between C57BL6 wild-type mice and mPGES-1 knockout mice. In wild-type mice, mPGES-1 mRNA and protein expression increased in the myometrium and fetal membrane after LPS treatment. In contrast, the expression of mPGES-2 or cytosolic PGES was not changed by LPS treatment. On mPGES-1 knockout mice, mPGES-2 increased by LPS treatment in myometrium. The present data indicate that mPGES-1 may be involved in LPS-induced preterm labor, but inhibition of mPGES-1 alone may not prevent preterm delivery, because mPGES-2 might compensate for the role of mPGES-1.
Exogenous expression of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor and human insulin in AtT-20 corticotrophs confers cAMP-mediated gene transcription and insulin secretion
Authors: Sidhu K K , Fowkes R C , Skelly R H , Burrin J M
Published: January 2006

The insulinotrophic effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) are mediated by its seven-transmembrane receptor (GLP-1R) in pancreatic β-cells. We have transiently transfected the GLP-1R and a proopiomelanocortin (POMC) promoter-driven human preproinsulin gene vector (pIRES) into the AtT-20 pituitary corticotrophic cell line, to investigate the possibility of creating a regulated, insulin-expressing cell line. Receptor expression was confirmed by RT-PCR and functionality was demonstrated by measuring changes in cAMP levels in response to GLP-1. Rapid (5 min) stimulation of cAMP production was observed with 100 nM GLP-1, 24 h after transfection of 2 μg GLP-1R DNA. AtT-20 cells co-transfected with GLP-1R and human glycoprotein hormone α-subunit or rat POMC promoters revealed GLP-1-stimulated cAMP activation of transcription. Co-transfection of the pIRES vector with the GLP-1R resulted in GLP-1-stimulated activation of POMC promoter-driven preproinsulin gene transcription but insulin secretion was not detected. However, using an adenoviral expression system to infect AtT-20 cells with GLP-1R and the preproinsulin gene (including 120 bp of its own promoter) resulted in a 6.4 ± 0.6-fold increase in cAMP and a 4.9 ± 0.8-fold increase in insulin secretion in response to 100 nM GLP-1. These results demonstrate, for the first time, functional GLP-1R-mediated preproinsulin gene transcription and secretion in a transplantable cell line.
Hormonology: a genomic perspective on hormonal research
Authors: Hsueh A J W , Bouchard P , Ben-Shlomo I
Published: January 2006

Recent advances in comparative genomics allow a new paradigm for hormonal research. At the centennial of the first use of the term hormone by Ernest Starling, we reflected on the changing approaches in elucidating hormonal signaling mechanisms and highlighted the inadequacy of the term endocrinology, implying remote activation, to describe the diverse modes of hormone actions. Several examples were presented to underscore the power of comparative genomics in the identification of new polypeptide hormones, receptors, and signaling pathways. We propose the use of the term hormonology to more accurately reflect the expanding boundaries of the discipline.
Altered Glut-2 accumulation and β-cell function in mice lacking the exocrine-specific transcription factor, Mist1
Authors: Fazio E N , Everest M , Colman R , Wang R , Pin C L
Published: January 2006

Mist1 is an exocrine-specific transcription factor that is necessary for the establishment of cell organization and function of pancreatic acinar cells. While Mist1 is not expressed in the endocrine pancreas, the disorganized phenotype of the exocrine component may affect endocrine function. Therefore, we examined endocrine tissue morphology and function in Mist1-knockout (Mist1KO) mice. Endocrine function was evaluated using a glucose-tolerance test on 2–10-month-old female mice and revealed a significant reduction in glucose-clearing ability in 10-month-old Mist1KO mice compared with wild-type mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of islet hormone expression indicated that the decreased endocrine function was not due to a decrease in insulin-, glucagon- or somatostatin-expressing cells. However, a decrease in the size of islets in 10-month-old Mist1KO mice was observed along with a decrease in Glut-2 protein accumulation. These results suggest that the islets in Mist1KO mice are functionally compromised, likely accounting for the decreased glucose tolerance. Based on these findings, we have identified that the loss of a regulatory gene in the exocrine compartment can affect the endocrine component, providing a possible link between susceptibility for various pancreatic diseases.
MicroRNAs and endocrine biology
Authors: Cuellar Trinna L , McManus Michael T
Published: January 2006

microRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved, non-coding RNAs that powerfully regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. These fascinating molecules play essential roles in many biological processes in mammals, including insulin secretion, B-cell development, and adipocyte differentiation. This review provides a general background regarding current knowledge about miRNA biogenesis and the potential contributions of these RNAs to endocrine function.
Foundation design for a large arch bridge on alluvial soils
Authors: Monnet J. , Allagnat D. , Teston J. , Billet P. , Baguelin F.
Published: January 2006

The Crozet bridge is located on the Grenoble–Col du Fau motorway, on the Grenoble–Sisteron route, 15 km south of Grenoble, France. It crosses a 350 m wide valley and the RN75 national road. The adaptation of the bridge into the landscape has involved an arch design with three bays (in the Grenoble–Sisteron direction) and one bay (in the Sisteron–Grenoble direction). The supports of the structure were difficult to build because of the huge horizontal force and the low displacement tolerance. The low stiffness and strength characteristics foreseen led to a geotechnical investigation by cyclic pressuremeter tests with a friction angle and cohesion interpretation. The foundation calculations were carried out by a finite element calculation using the CESAR-LCPC program to determine the support rigidity. The complete computation of the bridge was done with the calculated support rigidity, which showed that displacements of the arches were lower than the tolerance. The bridge is located in a low seismic area of France, and the design takes into account the maximum foreseeable magnitude, and analysis of the soil liquefaction risk. Monitoring carried out for completion of the bridge in 1999 and along the surveying shows displacements lower than tolerance values. Since 1999, the bridge has withstood huge service weights without any difficulty.
Eurocode design of underground metro structures
Authors: Beadman D. R.
Published: January 2006

Eurocodes were used for the design of a new metro, for which the contractor's design was undertaken largely between 1996 and 1999, when the Eurocodes were in their infancy. This paper discusses the experience, the difficulties encountered and the benefits gained by the project, with particular reference to the geotechnical design of the underground stations. Eurocodes 1, 2 and 7 were used for the design of the retaining walls for the deep stations. Two design parameters created challenges for the structural design of the reinforced concrete embedded retaining walls: a restriction on the maximum allowable crack width, and a large cover to the reinforcement, required by the construction method. Benefits were gained by using the observational method.
Discrete element modelling of geogrid-reinforced aggregates
Authors: McDowell G. R. , Harireche O. , Konietzky H. , Brown S. F. , Thom N. H.
Published: January 2006

A discrete element model has been developed for geogrid-reinforced ballast. A model for unreinforced ballast has first been developed and evaluated using simulations of large-scale triaxial experiments and comparing with available data. A model for the geogrid has also been developed by bonding many small balls together to form the desired geometry and evaluated by simulating standard tests. The discrete element method (DEM) has then been used to model the interaction between ballast and geogrid by simulating pull-out tests and comparing with experimental data. The DEM simulations have been shown to predict well the peak mobilised resistance and the displacement necessary to mobilise peak pull-out force. The effect of the ratio of the geogrid aperture size to ballast particle diameter on pull-out resistance has also been investigated. The zone of influence of the geogrid has also been examined by simulating larger-scale pull-out tests in addition to cyclic triaxial tests. The method holds much promise as a tool for investigating aggregate–geogrid composite systems with a view to choosing appropriate geometries to optimise performance.
A new approach for modelling circulation in secondary schools
Authors: Brocklehurst D. , Bouchlaghem D. , Pitfield D. , Green M. , Still K.
Published: January 2006

Even though there have been many reports of circulation routes that are overcrowded and difficult to manage in secondary schools, there are still very few quantitative means used within the design industry for assessing circulation provisions. Arguably, school circulation design remains based on a combination of architect/stakeholder experience and minimum width/area recommendations contained within guidance documents. To make advances in this area, this paper proposes a valuable new modelling approach for school circulation using a combination of school survey data and computational modelling. The approach is successfully applied to predicting peak flow rates and congestion levels within an existing secondary school and is also shown to be a practical method for application on new-build projects.
Identification of case clusters and counties with high infective connectivity in the 2001 epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease in Uruguay
Authors: Chowell Gerardo , Rivas Ariel L. , Smith Stephen D. , Hyman James M.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate the influence of individual spatial units (ie, counties) on the epidemic spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus.

Sample Population—163 counties in Uruguay where there was an outbreak of FMD between April 23 and July 11, 2001.

Procedure—A geographically referenced database was created, and the distance between counties (13,203 county pairs), road density of counties (163 counties), and time when cases were reported in those counties (11 weeks of the epidemic) were considered to assess global spatial and spatial-temporal autocorrelation, determine the contribution of links connecting pairs of counties with infected animals, and allow us to hypothesize the influence for spread during the epidemic for counties with greater than the mean infective link contributions.

Results—Case clusters were indicated by the Moran Iand Mantel tests during the first 6 weeks of the epidemic. Spatial lags between pairs of counties with infected animals revealed case clustering before and after vaccination was implemented. Temporal lags predicted autocorrelation for up to 3 weeks. Link indices identified counties expected to facilitate epidemic spread. If control measures had been implemented in counties with a high index link (identifiable as early as week 1 of the epidemic), they could have prevented (by week 11 of the epidemic) at least 2.5 times as many cases per square kilometer than the same measures implemented in counties with average link indices.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Analysis of spatial autocorrelation and infective link indices may identify network conditions that facilitate (or prevent) disease spread.
Comparison of the use of new handheld tonometers and established applanation tonometers in dogs
Authors: Görig Christiane , Coenen Roel T. I. , Stades Frans C. , Djajadiningrat-Laanen Sylvia C. , Boevé Michael H.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To examine the practical aspects, accuracy, and reproducibility of 2 new automatic handheld tonometers in dogs and compare them with results for 2 established applanation tonometers.

Animals—15 freshly enucleated canine eyes for manometric evaluation and 20 conscious research dogs, 20 client-owned dogs, and 12 dogs with acute glaucoma for clinical tonometry.

Procedure—Calibration curves were determined for all 4 tonometers on 15 enucleated canine eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with each tonometer consecutively in conscious dogs, with the MacKay-Marg applanation tonometer as the reference device. Measurements were repeated in 20 sedated dogs. An induction-impact tonometer was evaluated clinically on dogs with acute glaucoma. Additionally, measurements obtained by an experienced and an inexperienced examiner and with or without use of topical anesthesia were compared.

Results—The portable pneumatonometer was cumbersome and time-consuming. Compared with results for the reference applanation tonometer, and confirmed by manometry, the portable pneumatonometer increasingly underestimated actual IOP values with increasing IOP. The induction-impact tonometer provided accurate and reproducible measurement values. There was a significant strong correlation between the IOP values obtained by the 2 examiners (r2, 0.82) and also with or without topical anesthesia (r2, 0.86). In dogs with glaucoma, the fitted line comparing values for the reference applanation tonometer and induction-impact tonometer closely resembled an ideal 1:1 relationship.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Use of the portable pneumatonometer in dogs appears to have disadvantages. The induction-impact tonometer appears to provide a promising alternative to the use of applanation tonometers in dogs.
Effects of intravenous administration of lidocaine on the thermal threshold in cats
Authors: Pypendop Bruno H. , Ilkiw Jan E. , Robertson Sheilah A.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine the effects of IV administration of lidocaine on thermal antinociception in conscious cats. Animals—6 cats.

Procedure—2 experiments were performed in each cat (interval of at least 2 months). In experiment 1, lidocaine pharmacokinetics were determined for each conscious cat following IV administration of a bolus of lidocaine (2 mg/kg). In experiment 2, data from experiment 1 were used to calculate appropriate doses of lidocaine that would achieve predetermined plasma lidocaine concentrations in the cats; lidocaine (or an equivalent volume of saline [0.9% NaCl] solution as the control treatment) was administered IV to target pseudo–steady-state plasma concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 8 μg/mL. Skin temperature and thermal threshold were determined at the start of the experiment (baseline) and at each concentration. Samples of venous blood were obtained at each target concentration for plasma lidocaine concentration determination.

Results—In experiment 2, actual plasma lidocaine concentrations were 0.00 ± 0.00 μg/mL, 0.25 ± 0.18 μg/mL, 0.57 ± 0.20 μg/mL, 1.39 ± 0.13 μg/mL, 2.33 ± 0.45 μg/mL, and 4.32 ± 0.66 μg/mL for target plasma concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 8 μg/mL, respectively. Compared with baseline values, no significant change in skin temperature or thermal threshold was detected at any lidocaine plasma concentration (or saline solution equivalent). Skin temperature or thermal threshold values did not differ between lidocaine or control treatments.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that these moderate plasma concentrations of lidocaine did not affect thermal antinociception in cats.
Measurement of urinary glycosaminoglycans in dogs
Authors: Grant David C. , Forrester S. Dru , Panciera David L. , Meldrum J. Blair
Published: January 2006

Objectives—To measure urine concentrations of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), determine optimal storage conditions for urine samples, establish a reference range, and determine whether there is correlation between 24-hour total urine GAG excretion and the GAG-to-creatinine ratio (GCR).

Animals—14 healthy adult dogs.

Procedure—Single urine sample GAG concentrations and GCRs were measured in samples collected from 14 healthy dogs at the start of the 24-hour collection period. Twenty-four–hour total urine GAG excretions were determined from urine collected during a 24-hour period in the same 14 dogs. Total sulfated GAG concentrations were also measured in urine from these dogs after the urine had been stored at 4°C and -20°C for 1, 7, and 30 days.

Results—Urine GAG concentrations were not significantly different from baseline values after urine was stored at 4°C for up to 1 day and -20°C for up to 30 days. Neither single urine sample GAG concentration (R2, 0.422) nor GCR (R2, 0.084) was an adequate predictor of 24-hour total urine GAG excretion.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study provide data that can be used to establish a reference range for 24-hour total urine GAG excretion in dogs and adequate conditions for sample storage. Contrary to findings in humans, there was no significant linear correlation between 24-hour total urine GAG excretion and single urine sample GCR in dogs, limiting clinical use of the single urine sample test.
Detection of activated platelets in canine blood by use of flow cytometry
Authors: Wills Tamara B. , Wardrop K. Jane , Meyers Ken M.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate whether markers of platelet activation, including P-selectin expression, phosphatidylserine exposure, platelet-leukocyte aggregates, and microparticle formation, could be measured in nonstimulated and stimulated canine blood samples and develop a standardized protocol for detection of activated platelet markers in canine blood.

Sample population—Blood samples from 10 dogs.

Procedure—Platelet activation was determined by flow cytometric measurement of platelets with P-selectin expression, platelet-leukocyte aggregates, platelet microparticles, and platelets with phosphatidylserine exposure. Changes in specific markers of platelet activation in nonstimulated versus stimulated samples were assessed by use of varying concentrations of 2 platelet agonists, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and adenosine diphosphate. Flow cytometry was used to detect platelet CD61 (glycoprotein IIIa), CD62P (P-selectin), and the leukocyte marker CD45. Annexin V was used to identify exposed phosphatidylserine.

Results—A significant difference was detected in the percentages of platelets with P-selectin, plateletleukocyte aggregates, microparticles, and platelets with annexin V exposure (phosphatidylserine) in samples stimulated with 10nM PAF versus the nonstimulated samples, with platelet-leukocyte aggregates having the greatest difference.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Platelet activation is essential for thrombus formation and hemostasis and may be potentially useful for evaluation of dogs with suspected thromboembolic disease. Prior to development of a thrombotic state, a prothrombotic state may exist in which only a small number of platelets is activated. Identification of a prothrombotic state by use of activated platelets may help direct medical intervention to prevent a thromboembolic episode.
Distribution of mRNA coding for 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtypes in the intestines of healthy dairy cows and dairy cows with cecal dilatation-dislocation
Authors: Engel Ladina , Kobel Barbara , Ontsouka Edgar C. , Graber Hans U. , Blum Jürg W. , Steiner Adrian , Meylan Mireille
Published: January 2006

Objective—To investigate the distribution of mRNA coding for 7 subtypes of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HTRs) in the intestines of healthy dairy cows and dairy cows with cecal dilatation-dislocation (CDD).

Sample Population—Full-thickness intestinal wall biopsy specimens were obtained from the ileum, cecum, proximal loop of the ascending colon, and external loop of the spiral colon (ELSC) of 15 cows with CDD (group 1) and 15 healthy dairy cows allocated to 2 control groups (specimens collected during routine laparotomy [group 2] or after cows were slaughtered [group 3]).

Procedure—Amounts of mRNA coding for 7 subtypes of 5-HTRs (5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D, 5-HT1F, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT4) were measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase–PCR assay. Results were expressed as the percentage of mRNA expression of a housekeeping gene.

Results—Expression of mRNA coding for 5-HTR1B, 5-HTR2B, and 5-HTR4 was significantly lower in cows with CDD than in healthy cows. For 5-HTR2B and 5-HTR4, significant differences between cows with CDD and control cows were most pronounced for the ELSC. Expression of mRNA for 5-HTR1D, 5-HTR1F, and 5-HTR2A was extremely low in all groups, and mRNA for 5-HTR1A was not detected.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Relative concentrations of mRNA coding for 5-HTR1B, 5-HT2B, and 5-HTR4 were significantly lower in the intestines of cows with CDD than in the intestines of healthy dairy cows, especially for 5-HT2B and 5-HTR4 in the ELSC. This supports the hypothesis that serotonergic mechanisms, primarily in the spiral colon, are implicated in the pathogenesis of CDD.
Resection and use of a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor for treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a cockatiel
Authors: Chen Sue , Bartick Tracy
Published: January 2006

Case Description—A 5-year-old sexually intact male cockatiel was examined because of progressive dyspnea of 1 week's duration.

Clinical Findings—On auscultation of the lungs and air sacs, crackles were detected; the abdomen was distended and fluctuant on palpation. Eleven milliliters of clear yellow fluid was collected via abdominocentesis. Radiography (with and without contrast medium) and ultrasonography revealed a soft tissue mass in the caudoventral portion of the coelom.

Treatment and Outcome—Exploratory surgery of the coelomic cavity was performed and the neoplasm was excised. Histologic examination of the neoplasm was consistent with a high-grade pancreatic exocrine adenocarcinoma. Celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, was administered for pain management and for potential antineoplastic activity. For 4.5 months after surgery, the bird had no recurrence of clinical signs; however, dyspnea recurred and during evaluation, the bird died. Necropsy findings indicated that the pancreatic adenocarcinoma had metastasized to surrounding tissues and vessels, which was not unexpected given the high grade assigned to the neoplasm during histologic analysis.

Clinical Relevance—Pancreatic neoplasms are associated with a poor prognosis, regardless of treatment modality. Celecoxib can be administered as palliative treatment to affected birds, but as with any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, COX-2 inhibitors should be used cautiously because they can adversely affect renal function by decreasing renal prostaglandin synthesis.
Long-term complications after phacoemulsification for cataract removal in dogs: 172 cases (1995–2002)
Authors: Sigle Kelly J. , Nasisse Mark P.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine common postoperative complications and risk factors for development of postoperative glaucoma or failure to preserve vision after phacoemulsification for cataract removal in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—172 dogs (290 eyes) that underwent phacoemulsification surgery for cataract removal.

Procedure—Medical records were reviewed for postoperative complications; prevalence rates for each complication were calculated for follow-up periods of 3 months, > 3 to 6 months, > 6 months to 1 year, > 1 to 2 years, > 2 to 3 years, > 3 to 4 years, and > 4 years. Odds ratios for breed, age, sex, cataract hypermaturity, lens-induced uveitis, and diabetes mellitus were determined with respect to glaucoma and failure (ie, blindness, enucleation, or evisceration).

Results—The most common complication was mild posterior capsule opacification. Retinal detachment was uncommon (1% to 2%) for all time periods. Prevalence of glaucoma increased with time, although it remained < 10% until after the 1-year follow-up period. Boston Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Cocker Spaniel–Poodle crosses, and Shih Tzus had increased risk of developing glaucoma. Eyes with hypermature cataracts were more likely to develop glaucoma. Prevalence of failure increased with time, although it remained < 10% until after the 3-year follow-up period. Cocker Spaniel–Poodle cross and Shih Tzus were more likely to have failure.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Evaluation of breed and cataract hypermaturity may aid in the selection of patients. The increasing prevalence of postoperative complications with time indicated that longterm monitoring is warranted.
Evaluation of lung lobe torsion in Pugs: 7 cases (1991–2004)
Authors: Murphy Kimberly A. , Brisson Brigitte A.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine whether there is a predis-position for lung lobe torsion (LLT) in Pugs and describe clinical findings associated with LLT in that breed, compared with findings in other breeds.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—7 Pugs and 16 dogs of other breeds.

Procedure—Information collected from records included signalment, history, lung lobe affected, results of clinicopathologic testing, histologic findings, diagnostic imaging results, surgical treatment, and outcome.

Results—23 dogs were diagnosed with LLT, 10 of which were large-breed dogs and 13 of which were small-breed dogs. Seven of the small-breed dogs were Pugs. Pugs with LLT were significantly overrepresented, compared with the general hospital population. Affected Pugs ranged in age from 4.5 months to 4 years (median, 1.5 years). Six of the 7 Pugs had no predisposing conditions, and 6 were male. Six Pugs survived to discharge. Of the other small- and large-breed dogs, 3 of 6 and 5 of 10 survived to discharge, respectively. None of the Pugs were readmitted for complications or recurrence.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that young male Pugs may be predisposed to developing spontaneous LLT. The prognosis for survival and resolution of clinical signs in Pugs with LLT appeared to be excellent. Factors contributing to the development of LLT in Pugs are not known.
Evaluation of prognostic factors associated with outcome in dogs with multiple cutaneous mast cell tumors treated with surgery with and without adjuvant treatment: 54 cases (1998–2004)
Authors: Mullins Marie N. , Dernell William S. , Withrow Stephen J. , Ehrhart Eugene J. , Thamm Douglas H. , Lana Susan E.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate prognostic factors associated with outcome of dogs with multiple cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) treated with surgery with or without adjuvant treatment.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—54 dogs with a minimum of 2 simultaneous, histologically confirmed cutaneous MCTs that had been excised and had adequate staging and follow-up data.

Procedure—Medical records from 1998 to 2004 were examined. Outcome was assessed with the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and log-rank analysis. Prognostic factors evaluated included signalment; number, histologic grade, location, size, local recurrence, and de novo development of MCTs; quality of surgical margins; clinical signs at the time of diagnosis; and use of adjuvant treatment.

Results—Medical records of 54 dogs with 153 tumors were included. Median follow-up time was 658 days. Median disease-free interval (1,917 days; range, 11 to 1,917 days) and median survival time (1,917 days; range, 14 to 1,917 days) were not yet reached. The 1- year and 2- to 5-year survival rates were 87% and 85%, respectively. The overall rate of metastasis was 15%. Factors that negatively influenced survival time in the univariate analysis included incomplete excision, local recurrence, size > 3 cm, clinical signs at the time of diagnosis, and use of adjuvant treatment. Presence of clinical signs at the time of diagnosis was the only negative prognostic factor for disease-free interval detected in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that multiple cutaneous MCTs in dogs are associated with a low rate of metastasis and a good prognosis for long-term survival with adequate excision of all MCTs.
Liver lobe torsion in dogs: 13 cases (1995–2004)
Authors: Schwartz Susanna G. Hinkle , Mitchell Susan L. , Keating John H. , Chan Daniel L.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine history, results of diagnostic testing, surgical findings, complications, and outcome for dogs with liver lobe torsion (LLT).

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—12 dogs (1 with 2 episodes).

Procedure—Signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings, surgical and histologic findings, complications, and hospitalization time were evaluated.

Results—The most common clinical signs were nonspecific abnormalities (eg, vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia) of acute or chronic duration. All dogs were large-breed dogs (median body weight, 37.2 kg [82 lb]). Biochemical abnormalities included high alanine amino-transferase (n = 12) and aspartate aminotransferase (11) activities. Results of abdominal ultrasonography were supportive of the diagnosis in 5 of 8 cases. Affected lobes included the left medial lobe (n = 4), left lateral lobe (3), papillary process of the caudate lobe (2), caudate lobe (1), and right lateral lobe (1). Exploratory celiotomy and liver lobectomy were performed in 12 of 13 cases, and in 11 of those 12 cases, the dog survived.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that development of nonspecific clinical signs of vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia in conjunction with high serum hepatic enzyme activities and mature neutrophilia in a medium-sized or large-breed dog should increase the index of suspicion for LLT. Abdominal ultrasonography with Doppler assessment may be useful in establishing the diagnosis. The long-term outcome for dogs that survive the hospitalization period is excellent.
Effect of repeated transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration on fertility in mares
Authors: Vanderwall Dirk K. , Hyde Kevin J. , Woods Gordon L.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine whether performance of transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration (TVUFA) repeatedly in mares adversely affects their fertility.

Design—Historical prospective study.

Animals—23 mares that had never undergone TVUFA and 59 mares that had undergone TVUFA on 1 to 11 occasions.

Procedure—Mares were classified into 4 groups according to the number of TVUFA procedures previously performed on the ovary in which ovulation occurred at the time of insemination as follows: group 1, 0 TVUFAs (control group, n = 23 mares); group 2, 1 or 2 TVUFAs (40 mare-cycles); group 3, 3 or 4 TVUFAs (21 mare-cycles); and group 4, 5 to 11 TVUFAs (13 mare-cycles). Each ovary and its associated number of TVUFAs were considered separately; therefore, some of the mares that underwent TVUFA were represented in > 1 group (1 mare was included in group 2 twice [once for each ovary]), and the sample size in groups 2, 3, and 4 was denoted as mare-cycles. Fertility was assessed as pregnancy rates in cycles in which mares were inseminated with fresh or cooled semen from 1 fertile stallion.

Results—There were no significant differences in pregnancy rates among groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 (83%, 90%, 81%, and 85%, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that repeated performance of TVUFA (as many as 11 times) had no detectable adverse effect on fertility in mares. This finding is clinically important for situations when TVUFA is performed on fertile mares, whether for oocyte collection or other purposes.
Mixology
Authors: Caples Sara , Johnson Everardo
Published: January 2006

What is the New Mix in architecture? Why is it emerging now? Is there a direct correlation between the widening of the ethnic origins of practitioners and diversity in design? What are the impacts on the formal language of architecture? Sara Caples and Everardo Jefferson consider issues related to mixology, defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as ‘the study or skill of preparing mixed drinks’. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Masala City Urban Stories from South Asia
Authors: Ashraf Kazi K
Published: January 2006

‘Fusion and remix are now the cultural engines from Mumbai to Macao.’ Kazi K Ashraf ruminates on the distinct masala, with its ‘potent, spicy content’, that is emerging from India. Fuelled by transnational forces and consumerism, it departs from any mix the subcontinent has previously experienced in homespun form. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Australasia
Authors: van Schaik Leon
Published: January 2006

Does a notion of unfolding Modernism, enriched by a broadening of the cultural mix, stand up in contemporary Australia? Leon van Schaik cuts to the quick and questions Modernism's relevance for the antipodean itinerant condition. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Turning Japanes
Authors: Kellogg Craig
Published: January 2006

Sin City looked East for inspiration and started getting real. Craig Kellogg stops for sushi in Las Vegas. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Senior Common Room Extension St John's College, Oxford
Authors: Melvin Jeremy
Published: January 2006

From the stone walls of St Giles in the centre of Oxford, St John's College presents a historic facade. Jeremy Melvin takes a tour of the college's quads and takes in some of its modern gems, the most recent of which is MacCormac Jamieson Prichard's senior common room ‐ a space that demonstrates MJP's enduring ‘capacity to surprise’. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
18q deletions: Clinical, molecular, and brain MRI findings of 14 individuals
Authors: Linnankivi Tarja , Tienari Pentti , Somer Mirja , Kähkönen Marketta , Lönnqvist Tuula , Valanne Leena , Pihko Helena
Published: January 2006

We studied 14 individuals with partial deletions of the long arm of chromosome 18, including terminal and interstitial de novo and inherited deletions. Study participants were examined clinically and by brain MRI. The size of the deletion was determined by segregation analysis using microsatellite markers. We observed that the phenotype was highly variable, even in two families with three 1st degree relatives. Among the 14 individuals, general intelligence varied from normal to severe mental retardation. The more common features of 18q‐deletions (e.g., foot deformities, aural atresia, palatal abnormalities, dysmyelination, and nystagmus) were present in individuals lacking only the distal portion 18q22.3‐qtel. Interstitial deletions exerted very heterogeneous effects on phenotype. In individuals with distal 18q22.3‐q23 deletions, brain MRI was very distinctive with poor differentiation of gray and white matter on T2‐weighted images. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Etiologic yield of autistic spectrum disorders: A prospective study
Authors: Battaglia Agatino , Carey John C.
Published: January 2006

Studies addressing etiologic yield in childhood developmental disabilities have mainly looked at individuals with developmental delay/mental retardation. The few studies addressing the question of etiologic yield in patients with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) had a major drawback, in that the enrolled subjects were diagnosed as having the autistic spectrum disorders based only on history and clinical examination, and/or on unspecified instruments. In addition, only some of these patients underwent a complete laboratory evaluation. To investigate the etiologic yield of PDDs, we undertook a large prospective study on subjects selected according to very strict criteria and diagnosed as having PDD based on the present “gold standard” (ADI‐R and ADOS‐G), and a clinical diagnosis made by a child psychiatrist. Eighty‐five (85) patients with PDD and their first degree relatives participated in this study. These patients were selected from a sample of 236 subjects who had received a clinical diagnosis of PDD at the Stella Maris Institute between March 2002 and 2005. Selection criteria for entering the study were: (1) a diagnosis of PDD (with exclusion of the Rett syndrome) confirmed after the administration of the ADI‐R (autism diagnostic interview‐revised) and the ADOS‐G (autism diagnostic observation schedule‐generic). In addition, a clinical diagnosis was made by the child psychiatrist, on the basis of presence or absence of DSM‐IV symptoms of autism; (2) chronological age between 4 and 18 years; (3) IQ>30; (4) availability of both biologic parents. Patients, 65/85 (76.5%), had autism, 18/85 (21.2%) had PDD‐NOS, and the remaining 2/85 (2.3%) had Asperger syndrome. Ages varied between 4 years 2 months and 12 years 5 months (mean 7.6 years), and there was a marked male preponderance (68/85). All subjects underwent various laboratory studies and neuroimaging. With respect to possible etiologic determination, a detailed history and physical examination in this group of patients with PDD was informative in 10.5% (9/85). HRB karyotype was diagnostic in one, and molecular fragile X studies in one child. Brain MRI was informative in two children (2.3%) with relative macrocrania but no neurological features; and EEG was helpful in one child, identifying a Landau–Kleffner disorder. Audiometry and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) showed a bilateral sensorineural loss in another child. Metabolic evaluation gave normal results in all subjects. The results suggest an evaluation paradigm with reference to etiologic determination for individuals with PDDs that does not presently justify metabolic or neuroimaging on a screening basis. Recurrence risk, treatment implications, and significant and long‐lasting emotional relief for the parents suggest that serious consideration be given to clinical genetic examination, genetic testing, EEG study (during wakefulness and sleep), and audiometry, despite a relatively low yield. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mouse models of autism spectrum disorders: The challenge for behavioral genetics
Authors: Moy Sheryl S. , Nadler Jessica J. , Magnuson Terry R. , Crawley Jacqueline N.
Published: January 2006

Autism is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, which typically emerges early in childhood. The core symptoms of autism include deficits in social interaction, impaired communication, and aberrant repetitive behavior, including self‐injury. Despite the strong genetic component for the disease, most cases of autism have not been linked to mutations in a specific gene, and the etiology of the disorder has yet to be established. At the present time, there is no generally accepted therapeutic strategy to treat the core symptoms of autism, and there remains a critical need for appropriate animal models and relevant behavioral assays to promote the understanding and treatment of the clinical syndrome. Challenges for the development of valid mouse models include complex genetic interactions underlying the high heritability of the disease in humans, diagnosis based on deficits in social interaction and communication, and the lack of confirmatory neuropathological markers to provide validation for genetic models of the disorder. Research focusing on genes that mediate social behavior in mice may help identify neural circuitry essential for normal social interaction, and lead to novel genetic animal models of the autism behavioral phenotype. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of integrin β1‐like protein in proliferation and differentiation of cultured stem cells from midgut of Heliothis virescens
Authors: Loeb Marcia J.
Published: January 2006

Cultured midgut cells from Heliothis virescens larvae were incubated with anti‐human integrin β1 made in rabbit and then passed over a column of magnetic beads bound to anti‐rabbit IgG (MACS, Miltenyi Bergisch Gladbach, Germany). Cells bound to integrin β1 antibody also bound to the anti‐rabbit IgG on the magnetic beads (MACS) and were retained in the column while it remained in the magnetic field. Non‐bound cells were eluted at this time. They did not stain with anti‐integrin antibody just after elution. Removing the column from the magnetic field allowed cells bound to the beads‐integrin β1 antibody to be eluted. All of these cells stained with human anti‐integrin β1 upon elution. Each cell fraction was cultured in medium for 3 days. During this time, the populations of cells tended to return to heterogeneous staining patterns characteristic of control populations. However, cells that did not stain immediately with anti‐integrin β1 antibody exhibited double the rate of multiplication and 8 times more differentiation than the integrin‐antibody positive cells that eluted later, as well as the non‐treated control cells. In a second experiment, midgut cells were incubated for 4 days with various titers of human anti‐integrin β1 to block surface integrin β1‐like reactive sites. Stem cells blocked with anti‐integrin β1 antibody during incubation exhibited double the rate of differentiation than non‐treated control cells and those showing anti‐integrin β1‐positive stain upon elution. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 61:55–64, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular cloning and expression of protein kinase C from Bombyx mori
Authors: Uno Tomohide , Nakao Atsushi , Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Katsurauma Chisato , Nakada Takuya , Itoh Osamu
Published: January 2006

Two partial cDNA clones (Protein kinase C alpha and Protein kinase C iota), each of which encoded a different member of PKC‐protein family, were isolated using RT‐PCR from mRNA of Bombyx mori. The full‐length cDNAs were isolated using SMART‐RACE. The cDNAs were expressed in HepG2 cells and the recombinant proteins were partially purified using an affinity chromatography. Protein kinase C alpha (BPKC alpha) showed a calcium‐dependent kinase activity of histones. Whereas protein kinase C iota (BPKC iota) showed a calcium‐independent activity. Bisindolyl maleimide I, a PKC inhibitor, inhibited these kinase activities. Furthermore, in vitro BPKC alpha interacted and phosphorylated two proteins expressed in the brain of Bombyx mori: Rab protein, which plays important roles in the vesicle transport in the brain, and bMBD2/3, which is a methyl DNA‐binding protein and regulates transcription. These results suggest that these PKCs phosphorylate various substrate proteins and function in the brain of Bombyx mori. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 61:65–76, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure and enzyme properties of Zabrotes subfasciatus α‐amylase
Authors: Pelegrini Patrícia B. , Murad André M. , Grossi‐de‐Sá Maria F. , Mello Luciane V. , Romeiro Luiz A.S. , Noronha Eliane F. , Caldas Ruy A. , Franco Octávio L.
Published: January 2006

Digestive α‐amylases play an essential role in insect carbohydrate metabolism. These enzymes belong to an endo‐type group. They catalyse starch hydrolysis, and are involved in energy production. Larvae of Zabrotes subfasciatus, the Mexican bean weevil, are able to infest stored common beans Phaseolus vulgaris, causing severe crop losses in Latin America and Africa. Their α‐amylase (ZSA) is a well‐studied but not completely understood enzyme, having specific characteristics when compared to other insect α‐amylases. This report provides more knowledge about its chemical nature, including a description of its optimum pH (6.0 to 7.0) and temperature (20–30°C). Furthermore, ion effects on ZSA activity were also determined, showing that three divalent ions (Mn2+, Ca2+, and Ba2+) were able to enhance starch hydrolysis. Fe2+ appeared to decrease α‐amylase activity by half. ZSA kinetic parameters were also determined and compared to other insect α‐amylases. A three‐dimensional model is proposed in order to indicate probable residues involved in catalysis (Asp204, Glu240, and Asp305) as well other important residues related to starch binding (His118, Ala206, Lys207, and His304). Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 61:77–86, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.