bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thromboelastographic Evaluation of Hemostatic Function in Dogs with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Wiinberg B. , Jensen A.L. , Johansson P.I. , Rozanski E. , Tranholm M. , Kristensen A.T.
Published: December 2008

Background:There is considerable variation in the coagulation profile of dogs with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), making it difficult to assess overall hemostatic function.

Objectives:To characterize the overall hemostatic state in dogs with DIC, by use of tissue factor‐activated thromboelastography (TF‐TEG), and to determine whether there is an association between hemostasis and outcome.

Animals:50 dogs with DIC.

Methods:Dogs admitted to the intensive care units, with an underlying disease known to predispose to DIC, were prospectively assessed with TF‐TEG. Citrated blood samples were collected daily during hospitalization and an extended coagulation panel and TF‐TEG were performed. Diagnosis of DIC was based on expert opinion.

Results:Hemostatic dysfunction was observed on the TF‐TEG profile in 33/50 of the dogs, of which 22/50 were hypercoagulable and 11/50 were hypocoagulable based on the TF‐TEGGvalue alone. There were significant differences ink, α, and MA values (P< .0001) among hypo‐, normo‐, and hypercoagulable dogs. There was a significant difference in case fatality rate between hypo‐ (64%) and hypercoagulable (32%) dogs (relative risk = 2.38;P= .04). Dogs that died had significantly lower antithrombin activity (P= .03) and higherd‐dimer concentration (P= .03) than survivors.

Conclusions:The most common overall hemostatic abnormality in dogs diagnosed with DIC was hypercoagulability, and there was significant difference in survival between hyper‐ and hypocoagulable dogs. The results suggest TF‐TEG is valuable in the assessment of hemostatic function in dogs diagnosed with DIC.
A Novel Clinical Scoring System for Outcome Prediction in Dogs with Acute Kidney Injury Managed by Hemodialysis
Authors: Segev G. , Kass P.H. , Francey T. , Cowgill L.D.
Published: December 2008

Background: No reliable tool to predict outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI) exists.

Hypothesis: A statistically derived scoring system can accurately predict outcome in dogs with AKI managed with hemodialysis.

Animals: One hundred and eighty‐two client‐owned dogs with AKI.

Methods: Logistic regression analyses were performed initially on clinical variables available on the 1st day of hospitalization for relevance to outcome. Variables with P≤ .1 were considered for further analyses. Continuous variables outside the reference range were divided into quartiles to yield quartile‐specific odds ratios (ORs) for survival. Models were developed by incorporating weighting factors assigned to each quartile based on the OR, using either the integer value of the OR (Model A) or the exact OR (Models B or C, when the etiology was known). A predictive score for each model was calculated for each dog by summing all weighting factors. In Model D, actual values for continuous variables were used in a logistic regression model. Receiver‐operating curve analyses were performed to assess sensitivities, specificities, and optimal cutoff points for all models.

Results: Higher scores were associated with decreased probability of survival (P < .001). Models A, B, C, and D correctly classified outcomes in 81, 83, 87, and 76% of cases, respectively, and optimal sensitivities/specificities were 77/85, 81/85, 83/90 and 92/61%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The models allowed outcome prediction that corresponded with actual outcome in our cohort. However, each model should be validated further in independent cohorts. The models may also be useful to assess AKI severity.
Association of Age and Heart Rate with Pulsed‐Wave Doppler Measurements in Healthy, Nonsedated Cats
Authors: Disatian S. , Bright J.M. , Boon J.
Published: December 2008

Background: Associations of age and heart rate with blood flow velocities and durations assessed by pulsed‐wave (PW) Doppler echocardiography in cats are incompletely understood.

Objectives: To determine the effects of age and heart rate on blood flow velocities and durations of cardiac events obtained by PW Doppler echocardiography in healthy, nonsedated cats.

Animals: A convenience sample of 87 healthy, nonsedated cats aged 3 months to 19 years.

Methods: Prospective, observational study. PW Doppler measurements were obtained by echocardiography. Association of age and heart rate with PW Doppler values was evaluated by simple and multiple linear regressions and ANCOVA.

Results: Significant weak positive relationships were found between age and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) (R2= 0.18; P≤ .001), and between age and duration of pulmonary venous retrograde flow (R2= 0.07; P= .041). There was a significant weak negative relationship between age and transmitral peak early diastolic velocity (R2= 0.19; P≤ .001). Age and heart rate were significantly related to pulmonary venous peak systolic velocity (R2= 0.13; P= .008). Heart rate affected transmitral peak late diastolic velocity (R2= 0.11; P= .006). After adjusting for heart rate effect, the PW Doppler variables that were significantly different between age groups were transmitral peak early diastolic velocity (P≤ .001), duration of transmitral late diastolic flow (P≤ .001), IVRT (P≤ .001), and the ratio of duration of transmitral late diastolic flow to duration of pulmonary venous retrograde flow (P= .029).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The association of several PW Doppler‐derived variables and age and heart rate is weak and not clinically important.
Treatment of Premature Calves with Clinically Diagnosed Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Karapinar T. , Dabak M.
Published: December 2008

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has been reported previously in premature calves. However, there have been no published data on the effect of surfactant replacement therapy in the treatment of premature calves with RDS.

Hypothesis: Surfactant replacement therapy added to the standard treatment for premature calves clinically diagnosed with RDS would increase the viability of the calves.

Animals: Twenty‐seven premature calves with clinically diagnosed RDS.

Methods: Twenty calves were instilled intratracheally with bovine lung surfactant extract and provided with standard treatment for RDS (surfactant group). Seven calves were given only standard care for RDS without surfactant therapy and placed in the control group. Standard treatment for newborn calves with RDS includes warming, administration of intranasal oxygen, fluid replacement, administration of antibiotics, and immunoglobulin solution. Arterial blood samples were collected from the calves at 3 observation points, the first just before treatment (hour 0) and at 2 hours (hour 2) and 24 hours (hour 24) after treatment was started to determine if ventilation was adequate, improving, or deteriorating. Blood gases, pH, bicarbonate, and lactate concentrations were measured.

Results: In the surfactant group, mean partial pressure of oxygen significantly increased at hours 2 and 24. Mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide decreased and mean arterial blood pH increased at hour 24 in the surfactant group compared with the control group (P < .05). Of the 20 calves in the surfactant group, 12 survived and 8 died. All 7 calves in the control group died.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The results of this study suggest that surfactant replacement therapy may reduce neonatal deaths in premature calves with clinically diagnosed RDS.
Differentiation of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccination, Infection, or Vaccination and Infection in Cats
Authors: Levy J.K. , Crawford P.C. , Kusuhara H. , Motokawa K. , Gemma T. , Watanabe R. , Arai S. , Bienzle D. , Hohdatsu T.
Published: December 2008

Background: Serodiagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is complicated by the use of a formalin‐inactivated whole‐virus FIV vaccine. Cats respond to immunization with antibodies indistinguishable from those produced during natural infection by currently available diagnostic tests, which are unable to distinguish cats that are vaccinated against FIV, infected with FIV, or both.

Hypothesis: An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detecting antibodies against formalin‐treated FIV whole virus and untreated transmembrane peptide will distinguish uninfected from infected cats, regardless of vaccination status.

Animals: Blood samples were evaluated from uninfected unvaccinated cats (n = 73 samples), uninfected FIV‐vaccinated cats (n = 89), and FIV‐infected cats (n = 102, including 3 from cats that were also vaccinated).

Methods: The true status of each sample was determined by virus isolation. Plasma samples were tested for FIV antibodies by a commercial FIV diagnostic assay and an experimental discriminant ELISA.

Results: All samples from uninfected cats were correctly identified by the discriminant ELISA (specificity 100%). Of the samples collected from FIV‐infected cats, 99 were correctly identified as FIV‐infected (sensitivity 97.1%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: With the exception of viral isolation, the discriminant ELISA is the most reliable assay for diagnosis of FIV. A practical strategy for the diagnosis of FIV infection would be to use existing commercial FIV antibody assays as screening tests. Negative results with commercial assays are highly reliable predictors for lack of infection. Positive results can be confirmed with the discriminant ELISA. If the discriminant ELISA is negative, the cat is probably vaccinated against FIV but not infected. Positive results are likely to represent infection.
Transvenous Electrical Cardioversion of Equine Atrial Fibrillation: Patient Factors and Clinical Results in 72 Treatment Episodes
Authors: McGurrin M.K.J. , Physick‐Sheard P.W. , Kenney D.G.
Published: December 2008

Background: Transvenous electrical cardioversion (TVEC) has been developed for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in horses. The relationship among patient variables, treatment response, and outcome in a typical referral population has not been evaluated.

Hypothesis: Patient variables such as age, sex, weight, and duration of arrhythmia affect prognosis for response to treatment and the energy level at which cardioversion occurs.

Animals: TVEC was applied to 72 episodes of lone AF in 63 client‐owned performance horses, with the majority (54) being Standardbred racehorses.

Methods: Catheterization of the right atrium (RA) and pulmonary artery (PA) through the jugular vein was used for electrode placement before horses were placed under general anesthesia. Biphasic, truncated exponential shock waves were delivered at incremental energy levels until cardioversion was achieved or a maximum single‐energy level of 300 J was reached (cumulative energy 50–1,960 J). A multivariate model was constructed to evaluate influence of patient factors on cardioversion energy.

Results: Cardioversion was achieved in 71 of 72 episodes (62 of 63 horses) at a mean energy of 165.43 ± 8.75 J. Cardioversion energy was higher for females than for males, and for interaction terms, weight was negatively related to energy in females and positively related in males. Age was positively related to cardioversion energy in females. No relationship was identified between duration of arrhythmia before treatment and prognosis for response or cardioversion energy.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: TVEC is highly effective in the treatment of lone AF in horses. Although age and sex influence cardioversion energy level, duration of arrhythmia does not.
Holmium : YAG Laser Lithotripsy for Urolithiasis in Dogs
Authors: Grant D.C. , Werre S.R. , Gevedon M.L.
Published: December 2008

Background:Laser lithotripsy has been used as an alternative to surgical removal of uroliths in a number of species.

Objectives:To determine the effectiveness of laser lithotripsy for removing urocystoliths, urethroliths, or both in dogs, and to determine the influence of dog (chronological order of lithotripsy, endoscope type, sex, body weight) and urolith (total urolith and urocystolith number, presence or absence of urethroliths, largest urolith dimension, and urolith composition) factors on outcome.

Animals:Twenty‐five client‐owned dogs with urocystoliths, urethroliths, or both were included. Male dogs were required to weigh ≥6.8 kg.

Methods:A single‐arm prospective clinical trial. Laser lithotripsy was performed under general anesthesia. Main outcomes included procedure success and lithotripsy time. Predictors of procedure success and lithotripsy time were selected using logistic and linear regression modeling, respectively.

Results:The procedure was successful in 21 of 25 dogs. The procedure was successful more often and in less time in female spayed than in male neutered dogs. Sex was identified as a predictor of success. Univariable analysis showed that sex, endoscope type, and chronological order in which the dog received lithotripsy were significantly associated with lithotripsy time. Stepwise linear regression modeling identified sex, body weight, >10 uroliths, and largest urolith dimension as predictors of lithotripsy time.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Laser lithotripsy is an effective procedure for the removal of urocystoliths, urethroliths, or both with rare important adverse effects and some limitations in male dogs.
Blood Arginine Vasopressin, Adrenocorticotropin Hormone, and Cortisol Concentrations at Admission in Septic and Critically Ill Foals and their Association with Survival
Authors: Hurcombe S.D.A. , Toribio R.E. , Slovis N. , Kohn C.W. , Refsal K. , Saville W. , Mudge M.C.
Published: December 2008

Background:Sepsis is an important cause for neonatal foal mortality. The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis (HPAA) responses to sepsis are well documented in critically ill humans, but limited data exist in foals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the HPAA response to sepsis in foals, and to associate these endocrine changes with survival.

Hypothesis:Blood concentrations of arginine vasopressin (AVP), adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), and cortisol will be higher in septic foals as compared with sick nonseptic and healthy foals. The magnitude of increase in hormone concentration will be negatively associated with survival.

Animals:Fifty‐one septic, 29 sick nonseptic, and 31 healthy foals of ≤7 days of age were included.

Methods:Blood was collected at admission for analysis. Foals with positive blood culture or sepsis score ≥14 were considered septic. Foals admitted with disease other than sepsis and healthy foals were used as controls. AVP, ACTH, and cortisol concentrations were measured using validated immunoassays.

Results:AVP, ACTH, and cortisol concentrations were increased in septic foals. Septic nonsurvivor foals (n = 26/51) had higher plasma ACTH and AVP concentrations than did survivors (n = 25/51). Some septic foals had normal or low cortisol concentrations despite increased ACTH, suggesting relative adrenal insufficiency. AVP, ACTH, and cortisol concentrations were higher in sick nonseptic foals compared with healthy foals.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Increased plasma AVP and ACTH concentrations in septic foals were associated with mortality. Several septic foals had increased AVP : ACTH and ACTH : cortisol ratios, which indicates relative adenohypophyseal and adrenal insufficiency.
Severe Thiamine Deficiency in Sheep with Acute Ruminal Lactic Acidosis
Authors: Karapinar T. , Dabak M. , Kizil O. , Balikci E.
Published: December 2008

Background: Thiamine status of ruminants is adversely affected in acidic rumen conditions. However, there have been limited published case study data related to thiamine deficiency of ruminants with acute ruminal lactic acidosis (ARLA).

Hypothesis: Thiamine deficiency would occur in sheep with ARLA.

Animals: Thirteen Ak‐Karaman (white Karaman) sheep with ARLA, aged 1 year (ARLA group) and 10 healthy Ak‐Karaman sheep, aged 1 year (control group) were used.

Methods: After clinical examination, rumen fluid samples of all sheep were obtained with a stomach tube and examined immediately. Blood samples were taken from a jugular vein of the sheep. Erythrocytic transketolase enzyme activity and hence thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) effect were determined according to Clausen's method.

Results: History revealed that all sheep in the ARLA group had accidentally consumed excessive amounts of cracked barley. During clinical examination of the ARLA group, disturbed general condition, engorged scleral vessels, moderate to severe dehydration, and ruminal atony were recorded in the sheep. The results of the ruminal fluid analyses of the ARLA group demonstrated characteristics of ARLA. The results of clinical and ruminal fluid examination of control group were normal. The mean TPP effect (%) in the ARLA group (109 ± 28) was significantly higher than in the control group (22.2 ± 3.7) (P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The present study revealed that severe thiamine deficiency occurred in sheep with ARLA. This result indicates that thiamine administration to sheep suffering from acute ruminal acidosis caused by overconsumption of readily fermentable carbohydrates could be beneficial in alleviating thiamine deficiency caused by ruminal acidosis.
The Amount of Hepatocyte Turnover That Occurred during Resolution of Transient Hepadnavirus Infections Was Lower When Virus Replication Was Inhibited with Entecavir
Authors: Mason William S. , Xu Chunxiao , Low Huey Chi , Saputelli Jeffry , Aldrich Carol E. , Scougall Catherine , Grosse Arend , Colonno Richard , Litwin Sam , Jilbert Allison R.
Published: December 2008

Transient hepadnavirus infections can involve spread of virus to the entire hepatocyte population. In this situation hepatocytes present following recovery are derived from infected hepatocytes. During virus clearance antiviral cytokines are thought to block virus replication and formation of new covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the viral transcriptional template. It remains unclear if existing cccDNA is eliminated noncytolytically or if hepatocyte death and proliferation, to compensate for killing of some of the infected hepatocytes, are needed to remove cccDNA from surviving infected hepatocytes. Interpreting the relationship between hepatocyte death and cccDNA elimination requires knowing both the amount of hepatocyte turnover and whether cccDNA synthesis is effectively blocked during the period of immune destruction of infected hepatocytes. We have addressed these questions by asking if treatment of woodchucks with the nucleoside analog inhibitor of viral DNA synthesis entecavir (ETV) reduced hepatocyte turnover during clearance of transient woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infections. To estimate hepatocyte turnover, complexity analysis was carried out on virus-cell DNA junctions created by integration of WHV and present following recovery in the livers of WHV-infected control or ETV-treated woodchucks. We estimated that, on average, 2.2 to 4.8 times less hepatocyte turnover occurred during immune clearance in the ETV-treated woodchucks. Computer modeling of the complexity data suggests that mechanisms in addition to hepatocyte death were responsible for elimination of cccDNA during recovery from transient infections.
Cyclophilin A Levels Dictate Infection Efficiency of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Capsid Escape Mutants A92E and G94D
Authors: Ylinen Laura M. J. , Schaller Torsten , Price Amanda , Fletcher Adam J. , Noursadeghi Mahdad , James Leo C. , Towers Greg J.
Published: December 2008

Cyclophilin A (CypA) is an important human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) cofactor in human cells. HIV-1 A92E and G94D capsid escape mutants arise during CypA inhibition and in certain cell lines are dependent on CypA inhibition. Here we show that dependence on CypA inhibition is due to high CypA levels. Restricted HIV-1 is stable, and remarkably, restriction is augmented by arresting cell division. Nuclear entry is not inhibited. We propose that high CypA levels and capsid mutations combine to disturb uncoating, leading to poor infectivity, particularly in arrested cells. Our data suggest a role for CypA in uncoating the core of HIV-1 to facilitate integration.
Use of Massively Parallel Ultradeep Pyrosequencing To Characterize the Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B Virus in Drug-Resistant and Drug-Naive Patients and To Detect Minor Variants in Reverse Transcriptase and Hepatitis B S Antigen
Authors: Solmone Mariacarmela , Vincenti Donatella , Prosperi Mattia Carlo Felice , Bruselles Alessandro , Ippolito Giuseppe , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria
Published: December 2008

Direct population sequencing and reverse hybridization (line probe assay [LiPA])-based methods are the most common methods for detecting hepatitis B virus (HBV) drug resistance mutations, although only mutations present in viral quasispecies with a prevalence of ≥20% can be detected by sequencing, and only known mutations are detected by LiPA. Massively parallel ultradeep pyrosequencing (UDPS; GS FLX platform) was used to analyze HBV quasispecies in reverse transcriptase (RT) and hepatitis B S antigen (HBsAg) from five drug-naive patients and eight drug-resistant patients. Eight primer pairs were used to obtain partially overlapping amplicons, covering the RT gene from codons 1 to 288 and the complete overlapping HBsAg sequence. A 1% mutation frequency was selected as the cutoff based on an error rate estimated on plasmid DNA. This technology enabled simultaneous analysis of between 2,852 and 18,016 clonally amplified fragments from each patient. The results indicate that UDPS has a relative sensitivity much higher than both direct sequencing and LiPA. In addition, the UDPS results are quantitative, allowing establishment of the relative frequency of both known mutations and novel substitutions. Some of the detected RT substitutions led to changes also in HBsAg. On the whole, genotype D presented a higher heterogeneity than genotype A. Considering the high quantity of information that can be provided by a single test from one patient, the short turnaround time, the information on substitution frequency, and the detection of rare variants, there are strong advantages conferred by UDPS, and the new method could play a relevant role in the clinical management of HBV infection and therapy.
Uncorrected or untreated vision problems and occupational injuries among the adolescent and adult population in Australia
Authors: Lam L T
Published: December 2008

Objective:

To investigate the relationship between uncorrected or untreated vision problems and occupational injuries in the adolescent and adult population in Australia.

Design:

National Health Survey conducted via personal interviews with a stratified random sample.

Setting:

Population-based.

Subjects:

Individuals selected from the total population aged 15 or older.

Exposure measures:

Information on uncorrected or untreated vision problems was collected by personal interview via responses to screening questions.

Main outcome measures:

Information on occupational injuries also collected via personal interview.

Results:

After adjustment for potential confounders, the odds of occupational injury increased by ∼60% (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.11 to 2.24) for those who had any uncorrected or untreated vision problems, and by 3½ times (OR = 3.52, 95% CI = 1.64 to 7.55) for those with untreated macular degeneration compared with healthy subjects.

Conclusions:

Uncorrected or untreated vision problems, particularly macular degeneration, significantly increased the risk of occupational injury. Vision examination should be recommended and implemented regularly for all workers.
Are injuries spatially related? Join–count spatial autocorrelation for small-area injury analysis
Authors: Bell N , Schuurman N , Hameed S M
Published: December 2008

Objective:

To present a geographic information systems (GIS) method for exploring the spatial pattern of injuries and to demonstrate the utility of using this method in conjunction with classic ecological models of injury patterns.

Design:

Profiles of patients’ socioeconomic status (SES) were constructed by linking their postal code of residence to the census dissemination area that encompassed its location. Data were then integrated into a GIS, enabling the analysis of neighborhood contiguity and SES on incidence of injury.

Setting:

Data for this analysis (2001–2006) were obtained from the British Columbia Trauma Registry. Neighborhood SES was calculated using the Vancouver Area Neighborhood Deprivation Index. Spatial analysis was conducted using a join–count spatial autocorrelation algorithm.

Patients:

Male and female patients over the age of 18 and hospitalized from severe injury (Injury Severity Score >12) resulting from an assault or intentional self-harm and included in the British Columbia Trauma Registry were analyzed.

Results:

Male patients injured by assault and who resided in adjoining census areas were observed 1.3 to 5 times more often than would be expected under a random spatial pattern. Adjoining neighborhood clustering was less visible for residential patterns of patients hospitalized with injuries sustained from self-harm. A social gradient in assault injury rates existed separately for men and neighborhood SES, but less than would be expected when stratified by age, gender, and neighborhood. No social gradient between intentional injury from self-harm and neighborhood SES was observed.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the added utility of integrating GIS technology into injury prevention research. Crucial information on the associated social and environmental influences of intentional injury patterns may be under-recognized if a spatial analysis is not also conducted. The join–count spatial autocorrelation is an ideal approach for investigating the interconnectedness of injury patterns that are rare and occur in only a small percentage of the population.
A MATRIX METHOD FOR THE FUZZY ANALYTIC NETWORK PROCESS
Authors: HUANG JIH-JENG
Published: December 2008

In this paper, the fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) is proposed. For achieving this purpose, two problems are highlighted and overcome in this paper. First, the postulate of the reciprocal matrix should be released, because this property is not satisfied in the fuzzy comparison matrix. Second, the convergent problem for raising the fuzzy supermatrix to limiting power should be appropriately handled. In this paper, we directly fuzzify Cogger and Yu's method for obtaining the fuzzy local vectors, because their method releases the postulate of the reciprocal matrix in the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Then, we derive the particular matrix problem for obtaining the fuzzy global weight vector so that the convergent problem in a fuzzy limiting supermatrix can be overcome.
Regulation of T-cell function by endogenously produced angiotensin II
Authors: Hoch Nyssa E. , Guzik Tomasz J. , Chen Wei , Deans Tenecia , Maalouf Samer A. , Gratze Petra , Weyand Cornelia , Harrison David G.
Published: December 2008

The adaptive immune response and, in particular, T cells have been shown to be important in the genesis of hypertension. In the present study, we sought to determine how the interplay between ANG II, NADPH oxidase, and reactive oxygen species modulates T cell activation and ultimately causes hypertension. We determined that T cells express angiotensinogen, the angiotensin I-converting enzyme, and renin and produce physiological levels of ANG II. AT1receptors were primarily expressed intracellularly, and endogenously produced ANG II increased T-cell activation, expression of tissue homing markers, and production of the cytokine TNF-α. Inhibition of T-cell ACE reduced TNF-α production, indicating endogenously produced ANG II has a regulatory role in this process. Studies with specific antagonists and T cells from AT1R and AT2R-deficient mice indicated that both receptor subtypes contribute to TNF-α production. We found that superoxide was a critical mediator of T-cell TNF-α production, as this was significantly inhibited by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-SOD, but not PEG-catalase. Thus, T cells contain an endogenous renin-angiotensin system that modulates T-cell function, NADPH oxidase activity, and production of superoxide that, in turn, modulates TNF-α production. These findings contribute to our understanding of how ANG II and T cells enhance inflammation in cardiovascular disease.
Chronic glucose infusion causes sustained increases in tubular sodium reabsorption and renal blood flow in dogs
Authors: Brands Michael W. , Bell Tracy D. , Rodriquez Nancy A. , Polavarapu Praveen , Panteleyev Dmitriy
Published: December 2008

This study tested the hypothesis that inducing hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia in dogs, by infusing glucose chronically intravenously, would increase tubular sodium reabsorption and cause hypertension. Glucose was infused for 6 days (14 mg·kg−1·min−1iv) in five uninephrectomized (UNX) dogs. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal blood flow (RBF) were measured 18 h/day using DSI pressure units and Transonic flow probes, respectively. Urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) decreased significantly on day 1 and remained decreased over the 6 days, coupled with a significant, sustained increase in RBF, averaging ∼20% above control on day 6. Glomerular filtration rate and plasma renin activity (PRA) also increased. However, although MAP tended to increase, this was not statistically significant. Therefore, the glucose infusion was repeated in six dogs with 70% surgical reduction in kidney mass (RKM) and high salt intake. Blood glucose and plasma insulin increased similar to the UNX dogs, and there was significant sodium retention, but MAP still did not increase. Interestingly, the increases in PRA and RBF were prevented in the RKM dogs. The decrease in UNaV, increased RBF, and slightly elevated MAP show that glucose infusion in dogs caused a sustained increase in tubular sodium reabsorption by a mechanism independent of pressure natriuresis. The accompanying increase in PRA, together with the failure of either RBF or PRA to increase in the RKM dogs, suggests the site of tubular reabsorption was before the macula densa. However, the volume retention and peripheral edema suggest that systemic vasodilation offsets any potential renal actions to increase MAP in this experimental model in dogs.
Acute ethanol impairs photic and nonphotic circadian phase resetting in the Syrian hamster
Authors: Ruby Christina L. , Prosser Rebecca A. , DePaul Marc A. , Roberts Randy J. , Glass J. David
Published: December 2008

Disrupted circadian rhythmicity is associated with ethanol (EtOH) abuse, yet little is known about how EtOH affects the mammalian circadian clock of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Clock timing is regulated by photic and nonphotic inputs to the SCN involving glutamate release from the retinohypothalamic tract and serotonin (5-HT) from the midbrain raphe, respectively. Our recent in vitro studies in the SCN slice revealed that EtOH blocks photic phase-resetting action of glutamate and enhances the nonphotic phase-resetting action of the 5-HT1A,7agonist, 8-OH-DPAT. To explore the basis of these effects in the whole animal, we used microdialysis to characterize the pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal injection of EtOH in the hamster SCN extracellular fluid compartment and then studied the effects of such EtOH treatment on photic and serotonergic phase resetting of the circadian locomotor activity rhythm. Peak EtOH levels (∼50 mM) from a 2 g/kg injection occurred within 20–40 min with a half-life of ∼3 h. EtOH treatment dose-dependently attenuated photic phase advances but had no effect on phase delays and, contrary to in vitro findings, markedly attenuated 8-OH-DPAT-induced phase advances. In a complementary experiment using reverse microdialysis to deliver a timed SCN perfusion of EtOH during a phase-advancing light pulse, the phase advances were blocked, similar to systemic EtOH treatment. These results are evidence that acute EtOH significantly affects photic and nonphotic phase-resetting responses critical to circadian clock regulation. Notably, EtOH inhibition of photic signaling is manifest through direct action in the SCN. Such actions could underlie the disruption of circadian rhythmicity associated with alcohol abuse.
Role of kidney ADP-ribosyl cyclase in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kim Seon-Young , Park Kwang-Hyun , Gul Rukhsana , Jang Kyu Yoon , Kim Uh-Hyun
Published: December 2008

The role of ADP-ribosyl cyclases (ADPR-cyclases) in diabetic nephropathy was investigated. ADPR-cyclases synthesize cADP-ribose (cADPR), a Ca2+-mobilizing second messenger, and are stimulated by G protein-coupled receptors. We have previously reported that ADPR-cyclases can be activated by ANG II and showed that a specific kidney ADPR-cyclase inhibitor, 4,4′-dihydroxyazobenzene (DHAB), can protect ANG II-mediated mesangial cell growth (Kim SY, Gul R, Rah SY, Kim SH, Park SK, Im MJ, Kwon HJ, Kim UH. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 294: F982–F989, 2008). In this study, we examined the preventive effect of DHAB on glomerular injury in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Male mice were randomly assigned to normal control and diabetic groups of comparable age. A diabetic group received 45 μg/kg of DHAB for 6 wk via daily intraperitoneal injections. Several nephropathy parameters were improved in the DHAB-treated diabetic group compared with the diabetic group, including urinary albumin (diabetic, 44.6 ± 5.1 vs. treated, 33.9 ± 3.9 μg/day), creatinine clearance (diabetic, 0.72 ± 0.03 vs. treated, 0.83 ± 0.04 ml·min−1·100 g−1), ratio of kidney to body weight (diabetic, 2.5 ± 0.04 vs. treated, 1.4 ± 0.04), and mesangial matrix expansion (diabetic, 13.9 ± 2.2 vs. treated, 8.5 ± 2.0%). These results indicate that kidney function in STZ-induced diabetes was improved by DHAB administration. Furthermore, DHAB inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and nuclear factor of activated T cell 3 nuclear translocation, as well as ADPR-cyclase activity and cADPR production, which were increased in the kidneys of the diabetic group. In addition, DHAB treatment decreased fibrosis marker protein expression and glomerular hypertrophy in the diabetic kidney. These findings indicate a crucial role that ADPR-cyclase signaling plays in the renal pathogenesis of diabetes and provide a therapeutic tool for the treatment of renal diseases.
The Na+-Picotransporter PiT-2 (SLC20A2) is expressed in the apical membrane of rat renal proximal tubules and regulated by dietary Pi
Authors: Villa-Bellosta Ricardo , Ravera Silvia , Sorribas Victor , Stange Gerti , Levi Moshe , Murer Heini , Biber Jürg , Forster Ian C.
Published: December 2008

The principal mediators of renal phosphate (Pi) reabsorption are the SLC34 family proteins NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIc, localized to the proximal tubule (PT) apical membrane. Their abundance is regulated by circulatory factors and dietary Pi. Although their physiological importance has been confirmed in knockout animal studies, significant Pireabsorptive capacity remains, which suggests the involvement of other secondary-active Pitransporters along the nephron. Here we show that a member of the SLC20 gene family (PiT-2) is localized to the brush-border membrane (BBM) of the PT epithelia and that its abundance, confirmed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry of rat kidney slices, is regulated by dietary Pi. In rats treated chronically on a high-Pi(1.2%) diet, there was a marked decrease in the apparent abundance of PiT-2 protein in kidney slices compared with those from rats kept on a chronic low-Pi(0.1%) diet. In Western blots of BBM from rats that were switched from a chronic low- to high-Pidiet, NaPi-IIa showed rapid downregulation after 2 h; PiT-2 was also significantly downregulated at 24 h and NaPi-IIc after 48 h. For the converse dietary regime, NaPi-IIa showed adaptation within 8 h, whereas PiT-2 and NaPi-IIc showed a slower adaptive trend. Our findings suggest that PiT-2, until now considered as a ubiquitously expressed Pihousekeeping transporter, is a novel mediator of Pireabsorption in the PT under conditions of acute Pideprivation, but with a different adaptive time course from NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIc.
Complex Unconstrained Three-Dimensional Hand Movement and Constant Equi-Affine Speed
Authors: Maoz Uri , Berthoz Alain , Flash Tamar
Published: December 2008

One long-established simplifying principle behind the large repertoire and high versatility of human hand movements is the two-thirds power law—an empirical law stating a relationship between local geometry and kinematics of human hand trajectories during planar curved movements. It was further generalized not only to various types of human movements, but also to motion perception and prediction, although it was unsuccessful in explaining unconstrained three-dimensional (3D) movements. Recently, movement obeying the power law was proved to be equivalent to moving with constant planar equi-affine speed. Generalizing such motion to 3D space—i.e., to movement at constant spatial equi-affine speed—predicts the emergence of a new power law, whose utility for describing spatial scribbling movements we have previously demonstrated. In this empirical investigation of the new power law, subjects repetitively traced six different 3D geometrical shapes with their hand. We show that the 3D power law explains the data consistently better than both the two-thirds power law and an additional power law that was previously suggested for spatial hand movements. We also found small yet systematic modifications of the power-law's exponents across the various shapes, which further scrutiny suggested to be correlated with global geometric factors of the traced shape. Nevertheless, averaging over all subjects and shapes, the power-law exponents are generally in accordance with constant spatial equi-affine speed. Taken together, our findings provide evidence for the potential role of non-Euclidean geometry in motion planning and control. Moreover, these results seem to imply a relationship between geometry and kinematics that is more complex than the simple local one stipulated by the two-thirds power law and similar models.
Presynaptic Actions of D2-Like Receptors in the Rat Cortico-Striato-Globus Pallidus Disynaptic Connection In Vitro
Authors: Watanabe Katsushige , Kita Takako , Kita Hitoshi
Published: December 2008

The cerebral cortex, the neostriatum (Str), and the external segment of the globus pallidus (GPe) form a cortico-Str-GPe disynaptic connection, which is one of the major connections in the basal ganglia circuitries and a target of dopamine modulation. The aim of this study was to examine the actions of D2-like dopamine receptors (D2LRs) in this connection using rat brain slice preparations. Electrical stimulation of the frontal cortex evoked disynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in cesium-filled GPe neurons voltage-clamped at 0 mV. The IPSCs evoked by threshold stimulation were small, <10 pA. Bath or local applications of the D2LR agonist quinpirole to Str decreased the amplitude of the cortical stimulation-induced IPSCs. Electrical stimulation of Str evoked monosynaptic IPSCs in GPe neurons. Local application of quinpirole to GPe decreased the Str stimulation-induced IPSCs. Bath application of quinpirole decreased the frequency of large miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) that were considered to be evoked by local collateral axons of GPe neurons. These results suggested that activation of D2LRs decrease the gain of the cortico-Str-GPe disynaptic connection, with the decrease attributed to activation of D2LRs in Str and GPe, and that both Str-GPe and GPe-GPe GABAergic inhibitions are under the control of presynaptic D2LRs.
Roots of Diversity Relations
Authors: Würtz Peter , Annila Arto
Published: December 2008

The species-area relationship is one of the central generalizations in ecology; however, its origin has remained a puzzle. Since ecosystems are understood as energy transduction systems, the regularities in species richness are considered to result from ubiquitous imperatives in energy transduction. From a thermodynamic point of view, organisms are transduction mechanisms that distribute an influx of energy down along the steepest gradients to the ecosystem's diverse repositories of chemical energy, that is, populations of species. Transduction machineries, that is, ecosystems assembled from numerous species, may emerge and evolve toward high efficiency on large areas that hold more matter than small ones. This results in the well-known logistic-like relationship between the area and the number of species. The species-area relationship is understood, in terms of thermodynamics, to be the skewed cumulative curve of chemical energy distribution that is commonly known as the species-abundance relationship.
Comprehensive Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Koukourakis Georgios , Zacharias Georgios , Koukourakis Michael , Pistevou-Gobaki Kiriaki , Papaloukas Christos , Kostakopoulos Athanasios , Kouloulias Vassilios
Published: December 2008

Urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract represents only 5% of all urothelial cancers. The 5-year cancer-specific survival in the United States is roughly 75% with grade and stage being the most powerful predictors of survival. Nephroureterectomy with excision of the ipsilateral ureteral orifice and bladder cuff en bloc remains the gold standard treatment of the upper urinary tract urothelial cancers, while endoscopic and laparoscopic approaches are rapidly evolving as reasonable alternatives of care depending on grade and stage of disease. Several controversies remain in their management, including a selection of endoscopic versus laparoscopic approaches, management strategies on the distal ureter, the role of lymphadenectomy, and the value of chemotherapy in upper tract disease. Aims of this paper are to critically review the management of such tumors, including endoscopic management, laparoscopic nephroureterectomy and management of the distal ureter, the role of lymphadenectomy, and the emerging role of chemotherapy in their treatment.
Fertility Rates following Vasectomy Reversal: Importance of Age of the Female Partner
Authors: Hinz Stefan , Rais-Bahrami Soroush , Kempkensteffen Carsten , Weiske Wolf H. , Schrader Mark , Magheli Ahmed
Published: December 2008

Introduction: Literature regarding the influence of maternal age on pregnancy rates with male partners who have undergone vasectomy reversal is sparse. With the tendency towards delayed childbirth, the increased use of vasectomy as means of family planning, and advances in reproductive techniques, this issue is very important for patient counseling. The aim of this study is to determine the importance of maternal age on pregnancy rates following vasectomy reversal. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 212 patients who underwent vasectomy reversal by a single surgeon (W.H.W.). Patient characteristics of the male and the female partner were evaluated using the Fisher exact test and predictors of pregnancy were identified using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: The mean age of the male patients was 40.4 years and the mean age of their female partners was 31.3 years. The postoperative vas patency rate was 93.4%, which resulted in a pregnancy rate of 72.2%. In univariate and multivariable analysis, the age of the female partner (p = 0.014 univariate and p = 0.010 multivariable) and Silber score (p = 0.028 univariate and p = 0.024 multivariable) were predictive of pregnancy following vasectomy reversal with age of the female partner >40 years being associated with lower pregnancy rates compared to those ≤29 and 30–39 years. Conclusion: Maternal age of ≥40 years is an independent predictor of a lower rate of pregnancy following vasectomy reversal but still compared favorably to published pregnancy rates following intracytoplasmatic sperm injection in patients aged 40 years and older. Therefore, vasectomy reversal should be the treatment of choice for patients with advanced maternal age desiring reinstated fertility following vasectomy.
Effects of Long-Term Estrogen Treatment on Micturition Behavior and the Sensory Neurons of the Urinary Bladder in Old Female Rats
Authors: Toji Sumiyo , Watanabe Takeshi , Miyagawa Ikuo
Published: December 2008

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of estrogen treatment on the micturition characteristics and sensory neurons of the bladder in old female rats. Methods: Thirteen-month-old female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a control group and a group treated with estradiol for 12 weeks. After the treatment, we investigated the changes of micturition behavior under the condition of polyuria, and the immunoreactivity of P2X3, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and substance P in the dorsal root ganglia (L1–L2, L6–S1). Results: Our data showed that estrogen induced a significant increase in maximum micturition volume and average micturition volume in the estrogen-treated rats. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the proportion of the immunoreactivity of P2X3, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and substance P between the two groups. Conclusions: Although it is known that estrogen facilitates an increase in the nerve’s regenerative response, the present study reveals no significant change in the sensory neurons. However, the increase in micturition volume indicated that long-term estrogen treatment is beneficial for the improvement of the storage problems of the micturition cycle.
Metastasizing Renal Cell Carcinoma Developing in a Congenital Ectopic and Dysplastic Kidney
Authors: Akkad Thomas , Sergi Consolato , Gozzi Christian , Steiner Hannes , Leonhartsberger Nicolai , Mitterberger Michael , Bartsch Georg , Radmayr Christian , Oswald Josef
Published: December 2008

We present the first case of a metastasizing renal cell carcinoma arising within a partially regressed multicystic dysplastic and ectopic left kidney in a 34-year-old patient. Despite nephrectomy and adjuvant immunotherapy, the patient died 4 months after diagnosis. Even though a recent systematic review found no evidence to support any of the different modalities for following up children with MCKD by ultrasound (Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Level of Evidence: 3a), our case supports the contrary and we emphasize that an annual control could be an important diagnostic choice (Level of Evidence: 4).
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: A Rare Presentation as Atypical Acute Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Kumar Rajinder , Prakash Om , Sharma B.S.
Published: December 2008

The risk of dengue is increasing due to population migration. It is the most important arboviral infection in the world, with an estimated 100 million cases per year and 2.5 billion people at risk. Generally recovery is the rule, and hemorrhagic complications causing encephalopathy are rare but fatal. We report an unusual case of hemorrhagic encephalopathy in a child with dengue hemorrhagic fever occurring during convalescence who made a successful recovery following surgery.