bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Lactate Levels in Infants Exposed Peripartum to Antiretroviral Agents to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV: Agence Nationale de Recherches Sur le SIDA et les Hépatites Virales 1209 Study, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Authors: Ekouevi Didier Koumavi , Touré Ramata , Becquet Renaud , Viho Ida , Sakarovitch Charlotte , Rouet François , Towne-Gold Besigin , Fassinou Patricia , Leroy Valériane , Blanche Stéphane , Dabis François ,   for the Agence Nationale de Recherches Sur le SIDA 1201/1202 Ditrame Plus Study Group
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND. Mitochondrial toxicity was described in infants exposed to long-term antiretroviral regimens containing nucleoside analogues for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. We measured the serum lactate levels in children born to HIV-1 infected African women receiving short-term antiretroviral prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV regimens.

METHODS. A prospective study was conducted in women-child pairs from the third trimester of pregnancy to 3 months of life. The exposed group was formed by children exposed in utero to nucleoside analog antiretroviral regimens, zidovudine or zidovudine + lamivudine from 32 to 36 weeks of amenorrhea until delivery. All of these women received nevirapine single dose at the beginning of labor. The children received zidovudine during the first 7 days of life and a nevirapine single dose at day 3. The control group was formed by infants born to HIV-1-infected women who had received nevirapine single dose only and who were not exposed to nucleoside analog antiretroviral regimens. Serum lactate levels were measured at 4, 6, and 12 weeks of life by Cobas Integra 400.

RESULTS. A total of 836 blood samples from 338 infants was collected (262 exposed and 76 controls). Median lactacidemia was 1.8 mmol/L (interquartile range: 1.2–2.7 mmol/L). Overall serum lactate levels ≥2.5 mmol/L, defining hyperlactatemia, were observed in 39 of the 292 infants who had ≥2 serum lactate measurements. The 3-month period prevalence of hyperlactatemia did not differ between the exposed group and the control group. All of the serum lactate levels returned to normal values in all of the subsequent samples. No case of symptomatic hyperlactatemia was detected during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS. Increased lactate levels were identified equally in infants whose mother received short-term nucleoside analogs or nevirapine single dose for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Although not rare, hyperlactatemia was not related to short-term exposure to nucleoside analog antiretroviral regimens.
The Impact of Early Childhood Lead Exposure on Brain Organization: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Language Function
Authors: Yuan Weihong , Holland Scott K. , Cecil Kim M. , Dietrich Kim N. , Wessel Stephanie D. , Altaye Mekibib , Hornung Richard W. , Ris M. Douglas , Egelhoff John C. , Lanphear Bruce P.
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this work was to assess the long-term impact of childhood lead exposure on the neurosubstrate of language function and brain organization.

METHODS. Young adults from the Cincinnati Lead Study were recruited to undergo functional magnetic resonance image scanning while performing a verb generation task. These subjects have been followed from birth through early childhood with extensive documentation of lead exposure, neuropsychology, and behavior. Forty-two subjects provided useful imaging data. The locale, strength, and the correlation between brain language activation and childhood blood lead concentration were studied.

RESULTS. After adjusting for potential confounders, the activation in left frontal cortex, adjacent to Broca's area, and left middle temporal gyrus, including Wernicke's area, were found to be significantly associated with diminished activation in subjects with higher mean childhood blood lead levels, whereas the compensatory activation in the right hemisphere homolog of Wernicke's area was enhanced in subjects with higher blood lead levels.

CONCLUSION. This study indicates that childhood lead exposure has a significant and persistent impact on brain reorganization associated with language function.
Prognostic Factors for Early Severity in a Childhood Multiple Sclerosis Cohort
Authors: Mikaeloff Yann , Caridade Guillaume , Assi Saada , Suissa Samy , Tardieu Marc ,   on behalf of the KIDSEP Study Group
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to identify prognostic factors for an early severe course in a cohort of patients with childhood-onset multiple sclerosis, for the construction of a predictive tool.

METHODS. The cohort consisted of 197 children from the French Kid Sclérose en Plaques neuropediatric cohort with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis beginning before the age of 16 years. Patients were included from 1990 to 2003. We used multivariate survival analysis (Cox model) to evaluate the prognostic value of clinical, MRI, and biological covariates at onset for the occurrence of a third attack or severe disability (“severity” outcome).

RESULTS. The cohort was monitored for a mean of 5.5 ± 3.6 years. The “severity” outcome was recorded for 144 patients (73%). The risk of severity was higher for girls, for a time between the first and second attacks of <1 year, for childhood-onset multiple sclerosis MRI criteria at onset, for an absence of severe mental state changes at onset, and for a progressive course. A derived childhood-onset multiple sclerosis potential index for early severity was found to have a positive predictive value for severity of >35% for the upper 2 quartiles.

CONCLUSIONS. The clinical and MRI prognostic factors for early severity that were identified were used as the basis of a predictive tool, which will be validated in another cohort. This tool should make it possible to identify subgroups at risk of early severe disease and should facilitate therapeutic studies.
Community-Acquired Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Term and Near-Term Previously Healthy Neonates
Authors: Fortunov Regine M. , Hulten Kristina G. , Hammerman Wendy A. , Mason Edward O. , Kaplan Sheldon L.
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND. Community-acquired, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are increasing among children.

OBJECTIVE. Our goal is to describe the clinical presentation of neonatal community-acquired S aureus disease and provide molecular analyses of the infecting isolates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed the demographics and hospital course of term and near-term previously healthy neonates, ≤30 days of age, with community-acquired S aureus infections presenting after nursery discharge between August 2001 and March 2005 at Texas Children's Hospital. Prospectively collected isolates were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec type, and the presence of PVL genes.

RESULTS. Of 89 S aureus infections, 61 were methicillin-resistant S aureus; S aureus infections increased each year. Methicillin-resistant S aureus infections increased from 10 of 20 to 30 of 36 infections from 2002 to 2004. Most subjects, 65 of 89, were male. Symptoms began at 7 to 12 days of age for 26 of 45 male infants with methicillin-resistant S aureus. Most infections, 77 of 89, involved skin and soft tissue; 28 of 61 methicillin-resistant S aureus versus 7 of 28 methicillin-susceptible S aureus infections required drainage. Invasive manifestations included shock, musculoskeletal and urinary tract infection, perinephric abscess, bacteremia, empyema/lung abscess, and a death. Maternal S aureus or skin-infection history occurred with 13 of 61 methicillin-resistant S aureus versus 1 of 28 methicillin-susceptible S aureus infections. The predominant community clone, USA300 (PVL genes +), accounted for 55 of 57 methicillin-resistant S aureus and 3 of 25 methicillin-susceptible S aureus isolates.

CONCLUSIONS. Community-acquired methicillin-resistant S aureus is a substantial and increasing proportion of S aureus infections in previously healthy neonates. Male infants 7 to 12 days of age are affected most often. Neonatal community-acquired S aureus infection may be associated with concurrent maternal infection. USA300 is the predominant clone among these neonatal isolates in our region.
When Is Lack of Supervision Neglect?
Authors: Hymel Kent P. ,   Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect
Published: September 2006

Occasionally, pediatricians become aware of children who are inadequately supervised. More frequently, pediatricians treat children for traumatic injuries or ingestions that they suspect could have been prevented with better supervision. This clinical report contains guidance for pediatricians considering a referral to a child protective services agency on the basis of suspicion of supervisory neglect.
Introduction to the Newborn Screening Fact Sheets
Authors: Kaye Celia I. ,   Committee on Genetics
Published: September 2006

This Technical Report was retired June 2015.

Newborn screening fact sheets were last revised in 1996 by the Committee on Genetics of the American Academy of Pediatrics. These fact sheets have been revised again because of advances in the field, including technologic innovations such as tandem mass spectrometry, as well as greater appreciation of ethical issues such as informed consent. The fact sheets provide information to assist pediatricians and other professionals who care for children in performing their essential role within the newborn screening public health system. The newborn screening system consists of 5 parts: (1) newborn testing; (2) follow-up of abnormal screening results to facilitate timely diagnostic testing and management; (3) diagnostic testing; (4) disease management, which requires coordination with the medical home and genetic counseling; and (5) continuous evaluation and improvement of the newborn screening system. The following disorders are reviewed in the newborn screening fact sheets (which are available at www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/118/3/e934): biotinidase deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital hearing loss, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, homocystinuria, maple syrup urine disease, medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency, phenylketonuria, sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies, and tyrosinemia.
Newborn Screening Fact Sheets
Authors: Kaye Celia I. ,   and the Committee on Genetics
Published: September 2006

This Technical Report was retired June 2015.

Newborn screening fact sheets were last revised in 1996 by the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Genetics. This revision was prompted by advances in the field since 1996, including technologic innovations, as well as greater appreciation of ethical issues such as those surrounding informed consent. The following disorders are discussed in this revision of the newborn screening fact sheets: biotinidase deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital hearing loss, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, homocystinuria, maple syrup urine disease, medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency, phenylketonuria, sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies, and tyrosinemia. A series of topics related to newborn screening is discussed in a companion publication to this electronic publication of the fact sheets (available at: www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/118/3/1304). These topics are newborn screening as a public health system; factors contributing to the need for review of the newborn screening system; informed consent; tandem mass spectrometry; DNA analysis in newborn screening; status of newborn screening in the United States; and the effect of sample timing, preterm birth, diet, transfusion, and total parenteral nutrition on newborn screening results.
Discordant β‐Blocker Effects on Clinic, Ambulatory, Resting, and Exercise Hemodynamics in Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Beitelshees Amber L. , Zineh Issam , Yarandi Hossein N. , Pauly Daniel F. , Johnson Julie A.
Published: September 2006

Study Objectives. To determine the correlation between ambulatory and clinic blood pressure in assessing antihypertensive response to β‐blockade, to test whether blood pressure response to metoprolol is associated with the heart rate response, and to determine whether exercise and resting heart rate responses to metoprolol are correlated.

Design. Post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study.

Setting. University‐affiliated general clinical research center.

Patients. Fifty‐one patients aged 35–65 years with uncomplicated hypertension.

Intervention. All patients received metoprolol at a dosage titrated to achieve a diastolic blood pressure below 90 mm Hg.

Measurements and Main Results. Clinic and 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements were obtained and exercise treadmill testing was performed before and after metoprolol treatment. Based on ambulatory blood pressure data, 24 patients (47%) responded (defined as at least a 10% reduction in diastolic blood pressure) to metoprolol compared with 36 patients (71%) based on clinic blood pressure data (p=0.027). Clinic blood pressure was associated with a 67% false‐positive rate (responsive blood pressure by clinic data that was actually nonresponsive by ambulatory data). Blood pressure responders and nonresponders exhibited similar reductions in exercise heart rate (24% and 23%, p=0.74). However, responses to metoprolol measured by exercise heart rate versus resting heart rate were not significantly correlated (r=0.24, p=0.105).

Conclusion. Reliance on clinic blood pressure or resting heart rate for making β‐blocker treatment decisions may yield less than optimal assessment of the antihypertensive response or degree of β‐blockade.
Effect of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers on the Rate of New‐Onset Diabetes Mellitus: A Review and Pooled Analysis
Authors: McCall Kenneth L. , Craddock Deeatra , Edwards Krystal
Published: September 2006

The rising prevalence and health burden of diabetes mellitus require that new approaches for prevention among high‐risk populations be evaluated. Emerging evidence from the prospective evaluations of secondary and tertiary outcomes and from retrospective evaluations in randomized controlled trials suggests that angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) may reduce the occurrence of new‐onset diabetes. Therefore, we each independently searched MEDLINE for randomized controlled trials from January 1966–October 2005 that used an ACE inhibitor or ARB as a primary intervention versus a control group not receiving an ACE inhibitor or ARB and that reported the occurrence of diabetes. Thirteen trials were identified. In each of the 13 studies, the frequency of diabetes in the ACE inhibitor or ARB groups was lower than that in the control groups. In addition, it was consistent in that no study significantly excluded any benefit from ACE inhibitors or ARBs on the rate of new‐onset diabetes. The combined occurrence of new‐onset diabetes in all 13 studies was 2249 cases among 31,283 patients (7.2%) in the ACE inhibitor or ARB group versus 3230 cases among 35,988 patients (9.0%) in the control group. The combined relative risk of diabetes was 0.80, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.76–0.84, based on a two‐sided α of 0.05, in favor of ACE inhibitors and ARBs. This observation needs to be confirmed by randomized controlled trials with the frequency of diabetes as the primary prospective end point.
Acute Renal Failure During Lisinopril and Losartan Therapy for Proteinuria
Authors: Hanevold Coral D.
Published: September 2006

The use of combined therapy with an angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) for treatment of proteinuria has been gaining support. Limited data are available regarding this treatment in the pediatric population. This report describes a case of acute compromise of renal function associated with hypotension in a 7‐year‐old boy treated with the ACE inhibitor lisinopril and the ARB losartan. It emphasizes the need for close surveillance of renal function and blood pressure during such therapy even in patients with relative preservation of renal function. Further investigation into the utility and safety of dual therapy with an ACE inhibitor plus an ARB in pediatric patients is warranted.
Potential of Dental Mesenchymal Cells in Developing Teeth
Authors: Yamazaki Hidetoshi , Tsuneto Motokazu , Yoshino Miya , Yamamura Ken-Ichi , Hayashi Shin-Ichi
Published: September 2006

The tooth, composed of dentin and enamel, develops through epithelium-mesenchyme interactions. Neural crest (NC) cells contribute to the dental mesenchyme in the developing tooth and differentiate into dentin-secreting odontoblasts. NC cells are known to differentiate into chondrocytes and osteoblasts in the craniofacial region. However, it is not clear whether the dental mesenchymal cells in the developing tooth possess the potential to differentiate into a lineage(s) other than the odontoblast lineage. In this study, we prepared mesenchymal cells from E13.5 tooth germ cells and assessed their potential for differentiation in culture. They differentiated into odontoblasts, chondrocyte-like cells, and osteoblast-like cells. Their derivation was confirmed by tracing NC-derived cells as LacZ+ cells using P0-Cre/Rosa26R mice. Using the flow cytometry-fluorescent di-β-d-galactosidase system, which makes it possible to detect LacZ+ cells as living cells, cell surface molecules of dental mesenchymal cells were characterized. Large number of LacZ+ NC-derived cells expressed platelet-derived growth factor receptor α and integrins. Taken together, these results suggest that NC-derived cells with the potential to differentiate into chondrocyte-like and osteoblast-like cells are present in the developing tooth, and these cells may contribute to tooth organogenesis.
Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization to Detect HER-2/neu Gene Amplification in Histological and ThinPrep®-Processed Breast Cancer Fine-Needle Aspirates: A Sensitive and Practical Method in the Trastuzumab Era
Authors: Vocaturo Amina , Novelli Flavia , Benevolo Maria , Piperno Giulia , Marandino Ferdinando , Cianciulli Anna Maria , Merola Roberta , Donnorso Raffaele Perrone , Sperduti Isabella , Buglioni Simonetta , Mottolese Marcella
Published: September 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Explain the importance of an accurate evaluation of HER-2 status to select breast cancer patients for trastuzumab therapy.Describe the current methods that assess HER-2 status in breast cancer.Discuss the advantages and limits of the CISH method for the detection of HER-2/neu gene amplification in histology and ThinPrep®-processed breast cancer fine-needle aspirates.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com

The increasing evidence of trastuzumab efficacy in breast cancer (BC) patients means that an accurate and reproducible evaluation of HER-2 statusis of paramount importance in histological and in cytological samples. Currently, the two main methods used to analyze HER-2 amplification or overexpression are fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Although the two methods are strongly correlated for histological tissue, the evaluation of tumor morphology through FISH may be difficult and fluorescence fades quickly. These limitations can be overcome by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH), which can visualize the amplification product along with morphological features. In view of this, in the present study, we analyzed the usefulness of CISH on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) BC specimens and investigated whether CISH can be a valid technique in the determination of HER-2 status for fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) processed by liquid-based cytology. The results we obtained in a retrospective series of 111 FFPE BC specimens demonstrated good concordance between CISH and IHC and between CISH and FISH. The former concordance was comparable with that observed between FISH and IHC. When CISH was applied to a prospective series of 53 FNAs, from surgically removed BC, our data showed evidence of a higher concordance of results between liquid-based cytology and the companion FFPE tissues using CISH rather than HercepTest™. Therefore, CISH analysis, which is avaluable and reproducible alternative to FISH for selecting breast cancer patients for trastuzumab therapy, can lower false-positive immunocytochemistry findings in ThinPrep®-processed FNAs.
Fallopian Tube Carcinoma: A Review
Authors: Pectasides Dimitrios , Pectasides Eirini , Economopoulos Theofanis
Published: September 2006

Purpose. Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare tumor that histologically and clinically resembles epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The purpose of this study is to review the current available literature data on PFTC.

Patients and Results. Early clinical manifestation and prompt investigation often lead to diagnosis at an early stage of disease. However, the diagnosis of PFTC is rarely considered preoperatively and is usually first appreciated by the pathologist. Surgical staging/management and the use of chemotherapy follow the concepts used in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In contrast to EOC is the importance of early lymphatic spread in this disease. The earlier diagnosis of PFTC leads to an apparent better survival compared with EOC. However, as with EOC, stage and residual tumor are the most important prognostic variables.

Conclusion. Until more extensive clinical research has been performed, ovarian carcinoma management principles should be used in clinical practice.
The Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease in Private Practice
Authors: Apsey D.J. , Kaciroti N. , Loesche W.J.
Published: September 2006

Background: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory reaction to the bacteria in dental plaque. The present study compared the prevalence of periodontal disease in patients using as a diagnostic either probing depth measurements, an inflammatory marker such as numbers of white blood cells in plaque samples, or microbiological markers such as the microscopic count and the benzoyl‐DL‐arginine naphthylamide (BANA) test.

Methods: Teeth with the most inflammation and/or deepest pockets in each quadrant were probed and subgingival plaque was sampled from 1,043 consecutive new patients enrolled in a private practice. Multivariate “diagnostic” models were developed based upon the probing depth (general linear models), percentage of white blood cell–positive and percentage of BANA‐positive plaques (logistic regression models) to determine the prevalence of patients with periodontal disease.

Results: Plaque samples were removed from 3,694 sites. Fifty‐two percent of sampled pockets were >4 mm; 49% of sites were inflamed, using the presence of white blood cells, and 28% were infected using the BANA test. Diagnostic models were highly significant at P <0.0001. The white blood cell model was the most parsimonious as demonstrated by the lowest Akaike information criteria statistic and had the highest receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve relative to the probing depth and BANA models.

Conclusions: Periodontal disease can be diagnosed chairside by the presence of white blood cells in plaque samples, a finding that reflects the inflammatory nature of the disease process. This approach would reduce the misclassification of subjects as having periodontal disease (130 patients in the present study who had pockets) but minimal evidence of an inflammatory response.
Changing Times: A Longitudinal Analysis of International Firearm Suicide Data
Authors: Ajdacic-Gross Vladeta , Killias Martin , Hepp Urs , Gadola Erika , Bopp Matthias , Lauber Christoph , Schnyder Ulrich , Gutzwiller Felix , Rössler Wulf
Published: September 2006

We investigated changes in the proportion of firearm suicides in Western countries since the 1980s and the relation of these changes to the change in the proportion of households owning firearms. Several countries had an obvious decline in firearm suicides: Norway, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Multilevel modeling of longitudinal data confirmed the effect of the proportion of households owning firearms. Legislation and regulatory measures reducing the availability of firearms in private households can distinctly strengthen the prevention of firearm suicides.
Anal and Ano-Urogenital Malformations: A Histopathological Study of “Imperforate Anus” with a Reconstruction of the Pathogenesis
Authors: van der Putte S.C.J.
Published: September 2006

Histopathological information about “anorectal malformations” is scarce and the pathogenesis still controversial. Autopsy specimens of 20 human fetuses and newborns with “main” types of the disorder were studied histologically. Supplemented with surgical-anatomical data from the literature and with information from our own and earlier embryological research in animal models as well as from recent observations on the normal development of the human perineum, the study allowed for a new reconstruction of the pathogenesis of the disorder. The histological analysis of the malformations in human fetuses and newborns showed a ventralward deviation of the anal canal as the principal deformity. Ano-urogenital communications and differently structured ectopic anocutaneous canals issued from anywhere between the bladder and the vestibular/urethral orifice (female urethra excluded) and between the orifice and the usual site of the anus, respectively, or they ended blindly, but with a suggestion of lost communication. They occurred isolated or in association with other primary or secondary regional anomalies. Patho-embryological data from animal models revealed that the deviation was caused by defective development of the dorsal cloaca and not by disturbances in a series of fusion processes inside and outside the cloaca, as is currently believed. This mechanism fits well into recent adjustments of ideas about the normal development of the perineum. The cause of the defect is still obscure, but a malfunctioning of cells ingressing from an end-stage primitive streak that affects the dorsal side of the prospective cloaca appears most likely. The data collected permit a new reconstruction of the pathogenesis of anal and ano-urogenital malformations.
Cardiac Registry Screening for DiGeorge Critical Region Deletion Using Loss of Heterozygosity Analysis
Authors: Katzman Philip J. , Smoot Leslie B. , Cox Gerald F.
Published: September 2006

DiGeorge (DGS), velocardiofacial, and conotruncal anomaly face syndromes comprise a phenotypic spectrum that is associated with a submicroscopic 22q11.2 deletion in the majority of cases. These syndromes variably express complex congenital heart disease, cellular immune deficits, hypocalcemia, craniofacial anomalies, and learning disabilities. This retrospective study correlates the presence of a deletion in this region with autopsy and clinical findings in a cohort of patients selected from the Cardiac Registry at Boston Children's Hospital. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cardiac tissue sampled from 189 patients with conotruncal anomalies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using 4 fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide primer pairs for unique short tandem repeat polymorphisms in the DGS critical region. The PCR products were analyzed for loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and a deletion was assumed when at least 3 consecutive loci demonstrated homozygosity. Of the 189 cases, 16 (8%) met our criteria for LOH and were assumed to have a deletion. These patients included 6 (35%) of 17 patients diagnosed clinically with DGS prior to death. Of the 10 non-DGS patients with LOH, 4 had aortic atresia and 3 had tetralogy of Fallot, both frequently seen in DGS. Polymerase chain reaction is a useful screening alternative to fluorescence in situ hydridization for detecting 22q11.2 deletions in archived tissue samples. This study identified a probable deletion in a subset of cases from a cardiac registry with cardiac defects associated with the DGS phenotype.
Effects of epidural administration of morphine and buprenorphine on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in cats
Authors: Pypendop Bruno H. , Pascoe Peter J. , Ilkiw Jan E.
Published: September 2006

Objective—To determine effects of epidural administration of morphine and buprenorphine on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in cats.

Animals—6 healthy adult domestic shorthair cats.

Procedures—Cats were anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen. Morphine (100 μg/kg diluted with saline [0.9% NaCl] solution to a volume of 0.3 mL/kg), buprenorphine (12.5 μg/kg diluted with saline solution to a volume of 0.3 mL/kg), or saline solution (0.3 mL/kg) was administered into the epidural space according to a Latin square design. The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane was measured in triplicate by use of the tail clamp technique. At least 1 week was allowed between successive experiments.

Results—The MAC of isoflurane was 2.00 ± 0.18%, 2.13 ± 0.11%, and 2.03 ± 0.09% in the morphine, buprenorphine, and saline solution groups, respectively. No significant difference in MAC was detected among treatment groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A significant effect of epidural administration of morphine or buprenorphine on the MAC of isoflurane in cats could not be detected. Further studies are needed to establish whether epidural opioid administration has other benefits when administered as a component of general anesthesia in cats.
Development and evaluation of a noninvasive marker cluster technique to assess three-dimensional kinematics of the distal portion of the forelimb in horses
Authors: Hobbs Sarah J. , Richards James , Matuszewski Bogdan , Brigden Charlotte
Published: September 2006

Objective—To develop and evaluate a marker cluster set for measuring sagittal and extrasagittal movement of joints in the distal portion of the forelimb in ponies.

Animals—4 ponies.

Procedures—5 infrared cameras were positioned on a concrete walkway in a frontal-sagittal arc and calibrated. Four segments were defined: hoof, middle phalanx, proximal phalanx, and metacarpus. Rigid clusters with 4 retroreflective markers were placed on each segment. A static trial was recorded with additional anatomic markers on the medial and lateral joint lines. Those anatomic markers were removed, and kinematic data were recorded at 240 Hz during walking. An ensemble mean was computed from the 4 ponies from 5 replicates of the walks. Joint kinematic variables were calculated by use of the calibrated anatomical system technique. The design and error dispersion of each marker were evaluated.

Results—Marker clusters were quasiplanar, but variation in orientation error was reduced because the mean radii were > 10 times the largest error dispersion values. Measurements of sagittal rotations of the distal interphalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and metacarpophalangeal joints were similar to measurements obtained with bone-fixed triads, but larger discrepancies between the 2 methods were found for extrasagittal rotations.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Development of noninvasive methods for quantifying data pertaining to 3-dimensional motion in horses is important for advancement of clinical analysis. The technique used in the study enabled identification of flexion-extension motions with an acceptable degree of accuracy. Appropriate correction algorithms and improvements to the technique may enable future quantification of extrasagittal motions.
Relationship between stages of the estrous cycle and bone cell activity in Thoroughbreds
Authors: Jackson Brendan F. , Dyson Philip K. , Hattersley Rachael D. , Kelly Hannah R. , Pfeiffer Dirk U. , Price Joanna S.
Published: September 2006

Objective—To investigate the relationship between stage of estrous cycle and bone cell activity in Thoroughbreds.

Sample Population—Blood samples collected from forty-seven 2-year-old Thoroughbred mares in training for racing.

Procedures—Blood samples were collected monthly (in April through September) from the mares. Stage of estrus was determined by assessing serum progesterone concentration. Bone cell activity was determined by measuring concentrations of 2 markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and the carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I collagen [PICP]) and a marker of bone resorption (the cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen [ICTP]) in sera.

Results—When the relationship between stage of the estrous cycle and markers of bone cell activity was examined, serum concentrations of both osteocalcin and ICTP were significantly higher in mares that were in the luteal phase, compared with mares that were at other stages of the estrous cycle. Stage of estrus did not affect serum PICP concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicate that bone cell activity in Thoroughbred mares fluctuates during the estrous cycle; serum concentrations of markers of bone formation and bone resorption are increased during the luteal phase. Further studies are required to determine whether these changes are of clinical importance and increase the risk of injury for mares in training during the breeding season. As in humans, stage of estrus must be considered as a source of uncontrollable variability in serum bone marker concentrations in horses.
Use of a flow-mediated vasodilation technique to assess endothelial function in dogs
Authors: Puglia Gary D. , Freeman Lisa M. , Rush John E. , King Ryan G. P. , Crawford Sybil L.
Published: September 2006

Objective—To develop and assess the reproducibility of a protocol to noninvasively test endothelial function in dogs on the basis of the flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) procedure used in humans.

Animals—5 healthy spayed female dogs.

Procedures—Luminal arterial diameter and blood flow velocity in the brachial and femoral arteries were measured with ultrasonography. The within-dog reproducibility of these ultrasonographic measurements was tested. An occlusion period of 1, 3, or 5 minutes with an inflatable cuff was used to create the FMD response. Measurements made at 15, 30, and 60 seconds following release of the occlusion were compared with measurements made immediately prior to each occlusion to assess the FMD response.

Results—Within-dog reproducibility of measurements revealed moderate to high correlations. Change from baseline in luminal arterial diameter was most substantial when measured at 30 seconds following release of occlusion, whereas blood flow velocity changes were maximal when measured at 15 seconds following release. The brachial imaging site provided a larger number of significant FMD responses than the femoral site. The 3-minute occlusion period provided equal or better responses than the 5-minute occlusion period.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ultrasonographic measurement of the FMD responses was a feasible and reproducible technique and significant changes from baseline were detected. The FMD responses in dogs were most substantial when performed at the brachial artery with blood flow velocity and luminal arterial diameter changes from baseline measured at 15 and 30 seconds, respectively, following release of a 3-minute occlusion period.
Evaluation of a covered-rod silicone implant containing ivermectin for long-term prevention of heartworm infection in dogs
Authors: Cunningham Craig P. , Brown Jenaay M. , Jacobson Glenn A. , Brandon Malcolm R. , Martinod Serge R.
Published: September 2006

Objective—To evaluate use of covered-rod (CR) silicone implants containing ivermectin for long-term prevention of infection with Dirofilaria immitisin dogs.

Animals—145 adult male and female dogs.

Procedures—Dogs received implants of different sizes, and ivermectin concentrations and serum ivermectin concentrations were monitored for 16, 57, and 56 weeks, respectively, in 3 preclinical dose selection studies. Ability of implants to prevent infection with D immitis was evaluated in 2 further studies; dogs were challenged with 50 infective third-stage larvae 52 weeks after implant administration and necropsied 145 days after challenge, and the total number of adult heartworms was counted. A field study was then undertaken in which client-owned dogs received an implant and plasma samples were collected at intervals until week 52 for ivermectin analysis and heartworm antigen determination.

Results—Use of the implants resulted in maintenance of an ivermectin concentration ≥ 0.2 ng/mL for 12 months. In challenge studies, no treated dogs had adult heartworms, in contrast to untreated dogs, which all had adult heartworms at necropsy. In the field study, dogs treated with an implant had negative results of heartworm antigen testing for 12 months.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The CR silicone implant containing 7.3 mg of ivermectin was 100% effective in preventing experimental infection with D immitislarvae and resulted in negative results for heartworm antigen in a field trial. This product has the potential to alleviate poor owner compliance with monthly prevention regimens.
Temporal clinical exacerbation of summer pasture-associated recurrent airway obstruction and relationship with climate and aeroallergens in horses
Authors: Costa Lais R. R. , Johnson Jill R. , Baur Matthew E. , Beadle Ralph E.
Published: September 2006

Objective—To describe the seasonal pattern of clinical exacerbation of summer pasture-associated recurrent airway obstruction (SPA-RAO) in relation to climate and aeroallergens in horses.

Animals—19 horses with SPA-RAO and 10 nonaffected horses.

Procedures—Daily examinations were performed on all horses while they were kept on pasture for 3 years. Onset and progression of clinical exacerbation based on a clinical score of respiratory effort were evaluated in relation to changes in maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature, maximum dew-point temperature, minimum dew-point temperature, and delta dew-point temperature. Seasonal pattern of clinical exacerbation was evaluated in relation to aeroallergen counts (20 types of fungal spores and 28 types of pollen).

Results—Seasonal pattern of clinical exacerbation of SPA-RAO was associated with increases in temperature (heat) and dew-point temperature (humidity), counts of fungal spores, and counts of grass pollen grains. Seasonal pattern of clinical exacerbation paralleled and was associated with increases in counts of specific types of fungal spores, particularly Basidiospore, Nigrospora, and Curvularia spp.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although a causal relationship could not be determined, the seasonal pattern of clinical exacerbation of SPA-RAO was associated with hot and humid conditions and high environmental counts for fungal spores and grass pollen grains. It is not known yet whether these are aeroallergens that cause clinical exacerbation of the disease.
Prevalence of DNA of Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,’ Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and species of Bartonella, Neorickettsia, and Ehrlichia in cats used as blood donors in the United States
Authors: Hackett Timothy B. , Jensen Wayne A. , Lehman Tracy L. , Hohenhaus Anne E. , Crawford P. Cynda , Giger Urs , Lappin Michael R.
Published: September 2006

Objective—To identify the prevalence of DNA of Mycoplasma haemofelis; ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’; Anaplasma phagocytophilum; and species of Bartonella, Neorickettsia, and Ehrlichia in blood of cats used as blood donors in the United States. Design—Prospective study.

Animals—146 cats that were active blood donors.

Procedures—Environmental history was requested for each blood-donor cat from which a blood sample (mixed with EDTA) was available. Polymerase chain reaction assays capable of amplifying the DNA of the microorganisms of interest following DNA extraction from blood were performed.

Results—Overall, DNA of one or more of the infectious agents was detected in blood samples from 16 of 146 (11%) feline blood donors. Twenty-eight laboratory-reared cats housed in a teaching hospital had negative results for DNA of all organisms investigated. The DNA of at least 1 infectious agent was amplified from blood samples collected from 16 of 118 (13.6%) community-source cats; assay results were positive for ‘Candidatus M haemominutum,’ M haemofelis, or Bartonella henselae alone or in various combinations. Of the community-source cats allowed outdoors (n = 61) or with known flea exposure (44), DNA for a hemoplasma or B henselae was detected in 21.3% and 22.7%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—When community-source cats, cats allowed outdoors, or cats exposed to fleas are to be used as blood donors, they should be regularly assessed for infection with M haemofelis, ‘Candidatus M haemominutum,’ and Bartonella spp, and flea-control treatment should be regularly provided.
Influence of internal friction on transport properties in sheared granular flows
Authors: Hsiau Shu‐San , Shiu Jr‐Yuan , Yang Wen‐Lung , Lu Li‐Shin
Published: September 2006

The effect has been studied of the internal friction coefficient of particles on transport properties of sheared granular flows. Experiments were performed in shear cell devices under four different internal friction coefficients of the particles and five different solid fractions. The motions of the granular materials were recorded by a high‐speed camera. By using image processing technology and the particle tracking method, we measured and analyzed the distributions of the average velocity, fluctuation velocity, and particle self‐diffusion coefficient. Three bi‐directional stress gages were used to measure the normal and shear stresses along the upper boundary. According to the experimental results, the stresses and the self‐diffusion coefficients of the particles were inverse proportional to the internal friction coefficients. In the same conditions, the normal stresses were apparently higher than the shear stresses. The fluctuation and the self‐diffusion coefficients in the streamwise direction were obviously higher than those in the transverse direction. The normal and shear stresses were found to increase with the solid fraction, but the diffusion coefficients were greater in a more dilute flow system. In addition, the deviations of self‐diffusion coefficients in the low solid fraction condition were much greater than those in the high solid fraction condition. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Kernel classifier with adaptive structure and fixed memory for process diagnosis
Authors: Wang Haiqing , Li Ping , Gao Furong , Song Zhihuan , Ding Steven X.
Published: September 2006

A unified least‐square kernel (ULK) framework is formulated for both process modeling and fault diagnosis issues. As a specific algorithmic implementation of the ULK method, an adaptive kernel learning (AKL) network classifier is developed for process diagnosis, which is a two‐stage online learning algorithm with a fixed‐memory strategy. A new concept of space angle index is proposed to structure the growth of node and actively control the complexity of the network. The AKL network performs a backward decreasing for forgetting an old pattern and a forward increasing for incorporating a new online pattern. The recursive algorithms for both stages are derived for quick online updating. Applications of the AKL network to two numerical cases and the Tennessee Eastman process show good performance in comparison to other established methods, and new insights on the pattern recognition for fault diagnosis arising from this flexible classifier are highlighted. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Polypeptide und 100 Jahre Chemie der α‐Aminosäure‐N‐carboxyanhydride
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R.
Published: September 2006

Synthese und Polymerisation von α‐Aminosäure‐N‐carboxyanhydriden (NCAs) wurden erstmals im Jahre 1906 von Herrmann Leuchs beschrieben. Seit dieser Zeit wurden diese cyclischen, sehr reaktiven α‐Aminosäurederivate mehrfach zur schrittweisen Peptidsynthese eingesetzt, sie wurden aber vor allem zur Herstellung von Polypeptiden durch ringöffnende Polymerisation (ROP) verwendet. Es werden nun neue Aspekte der ringöffnenden Polymerisation diskutiert, z. B. die Verwendung neuartiger metallorganischer Initiatoren oder die Entstehung cyclischer Polypeptide. Des Weiteren werden Architekturen wie Diblock‐, Triblock‐ und Multiblockcopolymere sowie sternförmige oder hochverzweigte Polypeptide vorgestellt. Ferner werden lyotrope und thermotrope Polypeptide sowie die Verwendung von Polypeptiden als Pharmaka oder Pharmakaträger besprochen. Schließlich wird die Rolle von NCAs im Konzept der molekularen Evolution diskutiert.
Phannomenklatur Teil II: Änderung des Hydrierungsgrades und Substitutionsderivate von Phanstammverbindungen
Authors: Hellwich Karl‐Heinz
Published: September 2006

Cyclophane und lineare, nach den Regeln der Phannomenklatur benannte Verbindungen werden als Stammverbindungen betrachtet. Ihre Derivate werden in Übereinstimmung mit den für die Benennung organischer Verbindungen festgelegten Prinzipien, Regeln und Konventionen benannt. In dieser Empfehlung werden folgende Nomenklaturmerkmale beschrieben: indizierter und addierter Wasserstoff, die Rangfolge bei der Bezifferung, als Suffixe ausgedrückte Substituenten, als Präfixe angegebene Substituenten, Phanstammverbindungen, die durch Hinzufügen oder Entfernen von Wasserstoffatomen verändert wurden, und polyfunktionelle Derivate.
Titelbild: Pd‐Catalyzed α‐Arylation of Trimethylsilyl Enol Ethers with Aryl Bromides and Chlorides: A Synergistic Effect of Two Metal Fluorides as Additives (Angew. Chem. 35/2006)
Authors: Su Weiping , Raders Steven , Verkade John G. , Liao Xuebin , Hartwig John F.
Published: September 2006

Eine synergistische Kombination zweier Metallfluorid‐Additive ist für die palladiumkatalysierte Kupplung von Arylhalogeniden mit Silylenolethern entscheidend. In ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 5984 ff. diskutieren J. G. Verkade und J. F. Hartwig et al. diesen Weg zur Synthese von α‐Arylketonen aus cyclischen wie aus acyclischen Silylenolethern und einer Vielzahl an Arylbromiden und ‐chloriden. Das Titelbild veranschaulicht die Ausbeuteunterschiede je nachdem, ob eines oder beide Additive verwendet wurden.
Cover Picture: Pd‐Catalyzed α‐Arylation of Trimethylsilyl Enol Ethers with Aryl Bromides and Chlorides: A Synergistic Effect of Two Metal Fluorides as Additives (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 35/2006)
Authors: Su Weiping , Raders Steven , Verkade John G. , Liao Xuebin , Hartwig John F.
Published: September 2006

A synergistic combination of two metal fluoride additives is the key to the palladium‐catalyzed coupling of aryl halides with silyl enol ethers. In their Communication on page 5852 ff., J. G. Verkade, J. F. Hartwig, and co‐workers discuss the use of this approach to prepare α‐aryl ketones from both cyclic and acyclic silyl enol ethers and a wide range of aryl bromides and chlorides. The cover picture depicts the difference in the yields from reactions with one and with two additives.