bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life in Venous Ulceration: A Randomized Trial of Two Bandage Systems
Authors: Franks P. J. , Moffatt C. J. , Ellison D. A. , Connolly M. , Fielden S. , Groarke L. , McCollum C. N.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a prospective randomised trial of patients suffering from venous ulceration, comparing the original four-layer bandage system with a new four-layer system (Profore).

Design:

Randomised prospective parallel groups trial.

Setting:

Community leg ulcer clinics within two trusts in England.

Participants:

Patients newly presenting for treatment suffering from chronic leg ulceration, with ankle–brachial pressure index (ABPI) >0.8.

Methods:

Patients entering the trial were asked to complete the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) at entry and after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Principal analysis was the comparison of final NHP scores analysed by ANOVA with baseline scores entered as a covariate.

Results:

In all, 231 of 232 patients who entered the trial completed the initial questionnaire, with 208 patients completing at least one follow-up questionnaire. Improvements were noted for all scores after 24 weeks, which were significantly greater in the 167 patients whose ulcers had healed compared with the 41 whose ulcers remained unhealed for the domains of Sleep (mean difference [ d] = 10.5, 95% CI 2.9 to 18.1, p = 0.007) and Bodily Pain ( d = 8.9, 95% CI 1.3 to 16.5, p = 0.023), with a large difference for Physical Mobility ( d = 5.0) which failed to achieve statistical significance (95% CI −0.5 to 10.6, p = 0.07) following adjustment for the baseline scores. There were similar mean scores between the 99 patients treated with the original bandage system and 109 treated with Profore for all domains of the NHP, the largest adjusted difference favouring Profore for Energy ( d = 3.7, 95% CI −3.8 to 11.2, p = 034).

Conclusions:

Patients suffering from leg ulceration show improvements in perceived health following effective ulcer management. The two bandage systems achieved similar improvements in perceived health over 24 weeks.
Use of the Muscle Pump Activator for Increasing Lower Limb Venous Flow Velocity
Authors: Zelikovski A. , Koren A. , Stelman E. , Avrahami A. , Cohen J. , Haddad M.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To demonstrate the effect of a newly developed device, the Muscle Pump Activator, on venous flow velocity of the lower limbs.

Design:

Prospective study.

Setting:

Tertiary-care teaching hospital.

Subjects:

A group of 30 healthy volunteers.

Interventions:

The Muscle Pump Activator is a self-activated pedal device for use in the sitting position. Venous flow velocity was measured by duplex examination of the femoral vein at rest and during activation by the subject of the device. Subjective reports were also collected.

Results:

Venous flow velocity increased from 13.3 (SD 2.4) cm/s at rest to a maximum of 70.3 (SD 14.4) cm/s during 15 s of pedalling ( p<0.01). This represents an increase in flow of 439 (SD 12.4)%. Ease of use and comfort of the device were reported by all the volunteers.

Conclusions:

This Muscle Pump Activator significantly improves venous flow velocity and holds promise as a useful adjunctive modality for the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis. It is easy to use and well tolerated. Studies are now needed in clincial settings with large groups of patients.
Iliocaval Venous Obstruction in Pergolide-Induced Retroperitoneal Fibrosis
Authors: Simms M. S. , Simms M. H.
Published: January 2017

Design:

Case report.

Setting:

BMI Priory Hospital, Birmingham, UK.

Patient:

A 67-year-old man presenting with unilateral lower limb oedema. Past history included ipsilateral lower limb melanoma and Parkinson's disease, treated by pergolide.

Intervention:

Laparotomy to confirm a diagnosis of retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) causing iliac vein obstruction.

Conclusion:

RPF is a rare complication of pergolide therapy for Parkinson's disease. Previous reports have also described iliocaval obstruction and there may be an association between pergolide-induced RPF and venous complications.
Activity- vs. structural-oriented treatment approach for frozen shoulder: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Horst Renata , Maicki Tomasz , Trąbka Rafał , Albrecht Sindy , Schmidt Katharina , Mętel Sylwia , von Piekartz Harry
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To compare the short- and long-term effects of a structural-oriented (convential) with an activity-oriented physiotherapeutic treatment in patients with frozen shoulder.

Design:

Double-blinded, randomized, experimental study.

Setting:

Outpatient clinic.

Subjects:

We included patients diagnosed with a limited range of motion and pain in the shoulder region, who had received a prescription for physiotherapy treatment, without additional symptoms of dizziness, a case history of headaches, pain and/or limited range of motion in the cervical spine and/or temporomandibular joint.

Interventions:

The study group received treatment during the performance of activities. The comparison group was treated with manual therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (conventional therapy). Both groups received 10 days of therapy, 30 minutes each day.

Main measures:

Range of motion, muscle function tests, McGill pain questionnaire and modified Upper Extremity Motor Activity Log were measured at baseline, after two weeks of intervention and after a three-month follow-up period without therapy.

Results:

A total of 66 patients were randomized into two groups: The activity-oriented group ( n = 33, mean = 44 years, SD = 16 years) including 20 male (61%) and the structural-oriented group ( n = 33, mean = 47 years, SD = 17 years) including 21 male (64%). The activity-oriented group revealed significantly greater improvements in the performance of daily life activities and functional and structural tests compared with the group treated with conventional therapy after 10 days of therapy and at the three-month follow-up ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Therapy based on performing activities seems to be more effective for pain reduction and the ability to perform daily life activities than conventional treatment methods.
Hypothermia revisited: Impact of ischaemic duration and between experiment variability
Authors: Rewell Sarah SJ , Jeffreys Amy L , Sastra Steven A , Cox Susan F , Fernandez John A , Aleksoska Elena , van der Worp H Bart , Churilov Leonid , Macleod Malcolm R , Howells David W
Published: January 2017

To assess the true effect of novel therapies for ischaemic stroke, a positive control that can validate the experimental model and design is vital. Hypothermia may be a good candidate for such a positive control, given the convincing body of evidence from animal models of ischaemic stroke. Taking conditions under which substantial efficacy had been seen in a meta-analysis of hypothermia for focal ischaemia in animal models, we undertook three randomised and blinded studies examining the effect of hypothermia induced immediately following the onset of middle cerebral artery occlusion on infarct volume in rats (n = 15, 23, 264). Hypothermia to a depth of 33℃ and maintained for 130 min significantly reduced infarct volume compared to normothermia treatment (by 27–63%) and depended on ischaemic duration (F(3,244) = 21.242, p < 0.05). However, the protective effect varied across experiments with differences in both the size of the infarct observed in normothermic controls and the time to reach target temperature. Our results highlight the need for sample size and power calculations to take into account variations between individual experiments requiring induction of focal ischaemia.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health-Risk Behaviors in Vulnerable Early Adolescents
Authors: Garrido Edward F. , Weiler Lindsey M. , Taussig Heather N.
Published: January 2017

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with health-risk behaviors in general samples of adults and adolescents. The current study examined the association between ACEs and these behaviors among a high-risk sample of early adolescents. Five hundred fifteen 9- to 11-year-old children placed in foster care due to maltreatment were interviewed about their engagement in violence, substance use, and delinquency. A multi-informant ACEs score was derived based on exposure to six adverse experiences. Regression analyses examined the relationship between ACEs and risk behaviors and the potential moderating effects of age, sex, and minority status. ACE scores were predictive of risk behaviors after controlling for age, sex, and minority status. Although males and older youth were more likely to engage in risk behaviors, none of the demographic characteristics moderated the ACE-risk behavior association. This study extends previous research by demonstrating an association between ACEs and risk behaviors in extremely vulnerable early adolescents.
A Versatile New Sustained-Action Neuroleptic: Pipotiazine Palmitate in Psychiatric Practice
Authors: Johnston R E , Niesink F
Published: January 2017

The long-term clinical effects of pipotiazine palmitate were tested in 206 men and women who were either not responding well to their previous neuroleptic therapy or who were negligent about pursuing protracted oral drug therapy. Of the 206 patients, 130 were suffering from some form of chronic schizophrenia; the remainder presented with depression, psychoneurotic or behavioural disorders.

Pipotiazine palmitate, a long-acting depot neuroleptic, was given as a monthly intramuscular injection for up to 23 months. The average starting dose was 50 mg/injection and the average final dose was 65 mg/injection. These doses were somewhat lower than those usually reported in the literature, however all but a few patients received oral neuroleptics or antidepressants concomitantly.

Psychiatric testing using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale revealed that significant improvement was achieved over time in all diagnostic groups represented. Individual as well as cumulative scores improved steadily for 6 months at which time symptomatology was minimal in most patients.

Pipotiazine palmitate was well tolerated, and only seven (3.4%) of the 206 patients had to interrupt therapy because of unwanted effects. The most frequent side-effects were extrapyramidal symptoms, particularly tremor and rigidity, yet these effects led to the discontinuation of therapy in only five patients.
A Multicentre Study of a Once Daily Dosage of Acebutolol* in the Treatment of Hypertension in General Practice
Authors: Baker P G , Goulton J
Published: January 2017

A three-month open, multicentre trial was carried out in 2132 hypertensive patients under uncontrolled conditions in general practice, to assess the effectiveness and tolerance of acebutolol when given orally as a single morning dose, in the range of 200 to 1200 mg/day. Concomitant antihypertensive therapy was given to 702 patients.

Forty-five patients, out of 1893 who were eligible for analysis, showed inadequate blood pressure control and were withdrawn from the study. There were 602 reports of side-effects or adverse reactions attributed to acebutolol in 584 patients, necessitating 120 withdrawals from the trial.

The results showed that acebutolol given once daily produces a substantial and progressive reduction in blood pressure over the three months of the trial.

The changes from pre-trial values of all haemodynamic assessments measured were statistically significant (p < 0-001).
An Open Evaluation of a 3-Day Course of Pivmecillinam (Ten 200 mg Tablets) in Women with Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis
Authors: Donald J F , Rimmer D M D
Published: January 2017

One hundred and eighty-four women, with acute uncomplicated cystitis, received a 3-day course of pivmecillinam comprising an initial 400 mg (two tablets) dose, followed by 200 mg every 8 hours; a total of ten tablets. A satisfactory clinical response was achieved in 91% of patients. Bacteriological success was observed in 94% of sixty-eight patients with a proven infection. Side-effects were reported in sixteen patients (8.4%). Two patients ceased therapy prematurely.

Pivmecillinam did not select out resistant Gram-negative organisms. A trend towards reinfection with Gram-positive cocci was observed. The possible significance of reinfection with different organisms is discussed.
General Practitioners' Evaluation of Side-Effects and Efficacy of Oxamethacin as Compared with Indomethacin
Authors: Polderman J , Colon M
Published: January 2017

Sixteen general practitioners conducted a multicentre double-blind clinical trial to compare oxamethacin (100 mg t.i.d.) with indomethacin (50 mg t.i.d.) for a maximum duration of 2 weeks. Each drug was administered to 339 patients suffering from various pathological conditions requiring a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

When focusing on patients without associated drug therapy, 126/250 patients (50%) presented a good response on inflammation under oxamethacin and 98/236 patients (42%) a good response under indomethacin (p < 10−2); 141/250 patients (56%) presented a good response on pain under oxamethacin and 117/236 (50%) under indomethacin (p<5.10−2).

Side effects and complaints were reported by 34/250 patients (14%) under oxamethacin and by 67/236 (28%) under indomethacin (p < 5.10−5). Some patients stopped treatment because of side-effects: 14/250 (6%) under oxamethacin and 32/236 (14%) under indomethacin (p < 2.10−3).
Long-Term Treatment of Angina Pectoris with Carteolol: A New Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blocking Agent
Authors: Luther Robert R , Glassman Harriet N , Jordan David C , Klepper Michael J ,   The Carteolol Long-Term Angina Investigators
Published: January 2017

Seventy-two patients entered the treatment phase of an open, long-term, dose-ranging trial of carteolol in stable, exercise-induced angina pectoris. Patients were to be treated with progressive doses of carteolol (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60 mg), given as a single daily oral dose. Thirty of the patients (42%) completed one year of treatment with carteolol as the sole antianginal therapy. The most frequent final carteolol doses were 20 mg and 40 mg once daily. Statistically significant improvements from baseline in exercise tolerance as reflected in time to onset of angina, time to the endpoint of exercise and time to the onset of 1 mm S-T segment change on ECG were observed in carteolol-treated patients. Exercise-induced increases in heart rate and double-product were significantly suppressed, compared to baseline, throughout the study. Resting heart rate and double-product were modestly decreased. Carteolol was shown to be effective and safe when administered on a long-term basis to patients with angina pectoris.
Comparison of the Diuretic Effects of Single Dose Frusemide/Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide/Amiloride in Healthy Adults
Authors: Kohvakka A , Hussi E
Published: January 2017

The diuretic and potassium- and magnesium-conserving action of a single dose of frusemide/triamterene, F+TRI (40 mg/50 mg), and hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride, HCT+AMI (50 mg/5 mg), fixed combination preparations were compared in ten healthy adults in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study. Urinary volume during 24 hours was significantly higher after HCT+AMI ingestion than after F+TRI. The urine and sodium excretions caused by HCT+AMI lasted markedly longer and were smoother than the short and somewhat unpleasant effects of F+ TRI. HCT+AMI also spared potassium and magnesium relatively more effectively than F + TRI.
Clinically Relevant Anti-Epileptic Drug Interactions
Authors: Pisani F. , Perucca E. , Perri R. Di
Published: January 2017

Anti-epileptic drugs frequently interact due to pharmacokinetic features (induction or inhibition of metabolism, production of active metabolites, low therapeutic indices) and the need for prolonged treatment with possible addition of other drugs to treat concomitant diseases. The most important pharmacokinetic interactions are those that inhibit phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbitone metabolism and thus increase their toxicity. Drugs inhibiting metabolism include antibiotic macrolides, chloramphenicol, isoniazide, some sulphonamides, propoxyphene, cimetidine, valproic acid and sulthiame. Anti-epileptic drugs can induce hepatic microsomal enzymes and, therefore, may increase metabolism of corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, oral anticoagulants, cardiovascular agents, antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, psychotropic drugs and non-opiate analgesics, thereby reducing their efficacy. Advantageous pharmacodynamic interactions include synergism of ethosuximide plus valproic acid and of carbamazepine plus valproic acid. A pharmacodynamic mechanism may be responsible for the reduced sensitivity of chronically treated epileptics to some neuromuscular blockers.
Non-Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs as the First Step in Cancer Pain Therapy: Double-blind, Within-Patient Study Comparing Nine Drugs
Authors: Ventafridda V. , De Conno F. , Panerai A.E. , Maresca V. , Monza G.C. , Ripamonti C.
Published: January 2017

The efficacy and tolerability of acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, pirprofen, sulindac, naproxen and suprofen were compared in the treatment of cancer pain. In a double-blind, within-patient randomized study, each drug was given for 1 week to eight patients and for another week to a further eight patients. A total of 65 patients were effectively treated; only 48 completed week 1 and 41 completed week 2. Naproxen, diclofenac and indomethacin were highly effective in pain relief (tested by means of a 100 mm visual analogue scale) and were relatively well tolerated. It is concluded that these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be considered as first choice in the treatment of cancer pain.
Effect of Fenticonazole Spray in Cutaneous Mycosis: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial versus Cyclopyroxolamine Spray
Authors: Altmeyer P. , Nolting S. , Kuhlwein A. , Colli E. , Scatigna M.
Published: January 2017

A double-blind clinical trial was performed to evaluate efficacy and tolerance of once-daily 2% fenticonazole compared with 1% cyclopyroxolamine spray applied for 2–4 weeks in 100 patients with cutaneous mycotic lesions. After treatment lasting 21.9 ± 6.7 or 22.5 ± 6.2 days, respectively, patients receiving fenticonazole or cyclopyroxolamine had negative microscopic findings and cultures were sterile. Comparable clinical improvement was observed in both treatment groups, with 91.8% and 89.8% of patients, respectively, receiving fenticonazole or cyclopyroxolamine being evaluated as cured or greatly improved. Following a drug-free period, the clinical evaluation of nine (20.9%) patients treated with fenticonazole and 14 (30.4%) treated with cyclopyroxolamine worsened. The incidence of side-effects was low; only one patient withdrew from treatment because of a slight itch. It is suggested that fenticonazole and cyclopyroxolamine are equally effective in eradicating cutaneous mycoses and that their efficacy and tolerance are comparable.
The Effect of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Duodenal Gastric Metaplasia
Authors: Uygun A , Kadayifci A , Demiriz M , Erdil A , Gulsen M , Bagci S , Karaeren N , Dagalp K
Published: January 2017

We investigated the incidence of duodenal gastric metaplasia and its response to Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with duodenal ulcer or erosive duodenitis. Gastric and duodenal biopsies were taken from patients with endoscopically detected H. pylori positive duodenal ulcer or erosive duodenitis, and the presence and extent of duodenal gastric metaplasia was recorded. Patients were given omeprazole 20 mg twice daily for 2 weeks, and amoxicillin 1 g and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days, and then ranitidine for a further 8 weeks. Biopsies were repeated 6 months after the start of treatment. Duodenal gastric metaplasia was initially present in 22 patients (52%) and was more frequent in ulcer patients than in duodenitis patients, but not significantly so (69% versus 45%). After treatment, H. pylori was eradicated in 68% of duodenal gastric metaplasia patients and the duodenum was normal endoscopically in 85% of these patients. Duodenal gastric metaplasia was improved or eliminated in 12/15 H. pylori eradicators (80%) and in 5/7 H. pylori non-eradicators (71%), a non-significant difference. The improvement in duodenal gastric metaplasia appeared to be independent of H. pylori eradication.
Investigation of Ovum Transport in the Oviduct: The Dynamics of Oviductal Fluids in Domestic Rabbits
Authors: Osada H , Tsunoda I , Matsuura M , Satoh K , Kanayama K , Nakayama Y
Published: January 2017

Ova are captured by the oviductal fimbria and rapidly transported to the ampullary-isthmic junction of the fallopian tube. Fertilized ova and oviductal fluids are then carried medially in the fallopian tube, while undergoing maturation in preparation for entering the uterine cavity, where nidation and further development take place. This movement of oviductal fluids was visualized in a rabbit model with human chorionic gonadotropin-induced ovulation, by injection of a contrast medium into the ampulla region of the oviduct. In the ampulla, the opaque medium was observed to oscillate at 0 − 85.4 mm/s. This medial transport of the fluid towards the uterus decreased to 0 − 9.6 mm/s in the isthmic portion of the tube. This decrease substantiates previous findings that the transport of material in the isthmic portion of the oviduct is more strongly under the control of ciliary action than under peristaltic activity.
Influence of Ageing on Blastogenesis of Mouse Thymocytes in Response to Concanavalin A
Authors: Kanayama K , Osada H , Nariai K
Published: January 2017

The influence of ageing on the blastogenic response of mouse thymocytes to a mitogen was investigated. Thymocytes from mice of various ages (10 − 70 days) were incubated with the mitogen, concanavalin A, to induce blastogenesis. The thymocytes were then incubated with [3H]thymidine, and the radioactivity of [3H]thymidine taken up by the cells was measured. The stimulation index (ratio of radioactivity uptake by cells incubated with and without mitogen) was used as a measure of blastogenesis of thymocytes. The stimulation index of thymocytes from 10-day-old mice was 2.9; it increased with age, reaching a peak of 33.7 in 40-day-old mice and then gradually decreasing to 8.2 in 70-day-old mice. The blastogenesis of thymocytes, an indicator of thymus function, was thus found to change considerably with age.
Activity of Factor VIIa and von Willebrand Factor in Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Subjects with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Altinbaş A , DoGan A , Özgüner F , Koşar A , Kirazli ş
Published: January 2017

Atherosclerosis is more extensive and occurs earlier in diabetics compared with the general population. The pathophysiology of atherosclerosis is not fully established. We compared the activity of two blood clotting agents, activated factor VII (VIIa) and von Willebrand factor (vWF), in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects with coronary artery disease. According to clinical features, subjects were placed in one of four groups: Group I, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) with coronary heart disease (CAD) ( n = 16); Group II, NIDDM ( n = 15); Group III, CAD with no presence of diabetes ( n = 17); and Group IV, healthy volunteers ( n = 15). The level of factor VIIa was higher in Group I compared with all other groups, and was significantly higher in Group II compared with Group III and Group IV. Activity of vWF was higher in Group I compared with Group II, Group III and Group IV. There was no statistical difference between Group II and Group III. There was no significant correlation between concentration of blood glucose, total cholesterol or triglyceride, duration of diabetes and either factor VIIa or vWF activity. The results of this study suggest that increased activity of plasma vWF and factor VIIa may be useful markers to identify ischaemic heart disease risk in NIDDM subjects.
Distribution and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci from Skin Lesions
Authors: Higaki S , Kitagawa T , Morohashi M , Yamagishi T
Published: January 2017

The distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of coagulase-negative staphylococci from skin lesions were investigated. Staphylococcus epidermidis was found on all areas of the body, whereas S. capitis, S. haemolyticus and S. hominis were mainly found on the face/head or arm/leg. The distribution of coagulase-negative staphylococci in skin lesions and at the same location on normal skin was similar. Staphylococcus lugdunensis was the most susceptible to the nine tested antimicrobials (benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, piperacillin, cefazolin, erythromycin, minocycline, gentamicin, vancomycin and ofloxacin) and S. epidermidis the least susceptible. S. haemolyticus also showed low susceptibility to all nine antimicrobials. Low susceptibility to penicillins may be explained by β-lactamase production. The existance of coagulase-negative staphylococci, especially concerning their potential pathogenicity and multiple drug resistance, should not be neglected.
Rhabdomyosarcoma in a Patient with Mosaic Klinefelter Syndrome and Transformation of Immature Teratoma
Authors: Yamamoto T , Tamura J , Orima S , Saitoh T , Sakuraya M , Maehara T , Shirota A , Maezawa A , Nojima Y , Naruse T
Published: January 2017

A 27-year-old man was found to have a mediastinal tumour and the histological diagnosis was immature teratoma. Remission was achieved by chemotherapy and total resection. However, he developed anaemia and leukoerythroblastosis after 2 years of remission, and was referred to our hospital. Rhabdomyosarcoma cells were detected in the bone marrow and pleural effusion. Moreover, karyotype analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow cells revealed mosaic-type Klinefelter syndrome. We diagnosed the case as transformation of teratoma into rhabdomyosarcoma in Klinefelter syndrome. Although intensive chemotherapy was performed, the patient died with meningeal infiltration.
Beneficial Effect of Piracetam Monotherapy on Post-Ischaemic Palatal Myoclonus
Authors: Karacostas D , Doskas T , Artemis N , Vadicolias K , Milonas I
Published: January 2017

A 70-year-old hypertensive woman suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage followed by delayed vasospasm in the basal cerebral arteries. This resulted in multiple ischaemic lesions in the right middle cerebral artery region and contralateral post-ischaemic palatal myoclonus. In this setting, piracetam administered in high doses (24 − 36 g/day), abolished the myoclonus observed in this patient. Although there is evidence from case reports and clinical trials of the therapeutic efficacy of piracetam in patients with skeletal myoclonus of various causes, to our knowledge this is the first report indicating the beneficial effect of piracetam monotherapy on post-ischaemic palatal myoclonus.
Mammary Intraductal Carcinoma in Goats (Capra hircus)
Authors: Singh B. , Iyer P. K. R.
Published: January 2017

Three intraductal carcinomas were found in the mammary glands of 220 goats. The affected glands were indurated and had multiple grey-white dots resembling areas of suppuration on their cut surfaces. The growths were multicentric and had diffuse intraluminal proliferation of cells, giving laciform, cribriform or solid appearance to the epithelium. In one, the neoplastic cells were invasive, having overcome the myoepithelial basement membrane complex, and had metastasised to the regional lymph node.
Canine Malignant Mammary Tumours II. Adenocarcinomas, Solid Carcinomas and Spindle Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Misdorp W. , Cotchin E. , Hampe J. F. , Jabara Anne G. , von Sandersleben J.
Published: January 2017

A preliminary classification of 130 canine mammary adenocarcinomas, 76 solid carcinomas, and nine spindle cell carcinomas, together with several subtypes, was constructed from pooled, selected (metastasized) material. Each tumour in this series was classified by subjective assessment of its quantitatively predominant histological picture. Many adenocarcinomas and solid carcinomas of simple type were infiltrative, and lymphatic permeation was often found. The complex types of adenocarcinomas and of solid carcinomas were expansive, and lymphatic permeation was rare. Some metastasized adenocarcinomas were well differentiated. The clinical signs, distribution of metastases and some preliminary data on the times of survival of dogs with various types of carcinomas are discussed.
Renal Carcinoma in the Dog
Authors: Lucke V. M. , Kelly D. F.
Published: January 2017

Thirty-three cases of canine renal carcinoma reported between 1907 and 1972 are reviewed, and clinical and pathological features of nine other cases seen in Bristol between 1966 and 1975 are described. Clinical features frequently include nonspecific signs of anorexia and weight loss. The age range of affected dogs varies from 3 to 15 years, with a mean of 7.1 years. Male dogs appear to be affected more frequently than females, but there is no breed predilection. The clinical behaviour of canine renal carcinoma is variable, with 4 years the longest survival time after nephrectomy. The primary tumours characteristically are large and unilateral and occupy most of one pole of a kidney. Metastatic spread can involve a wide range of organs, the commonest being lymph nodes and lung. Solid, tubular and papillary patterns are common. Clear cell carcinoma is uncommon.
Spontaneous Pancreatic Beta Cell Tumor in the Rat
Authors: Kovacs K. , Horvath E. , Ilse R. G. , Ilse D.
Published: January 2017

Fine structural study of a pancreatic neoplasm found at autopsy of a 27-month-old female Long-Evans rat showed that the tumor consisted of, and derived from, beta cells of the islets of Langerhans.
Associated Information Increases Subjective Perception of Duration
Authors: Schweitzer Richard , Trapp Sabrina , Bar Moshe
Published: January 2017

Our sense of time is prone to various biases. For instance, one factor that can dilate an event's perceived duration is the violation of predictions; when a series of repeated stimuli is interrupted by an unpredictable oddball. On the other hand, when the probability of a repetition itself is manipulated, predictable conditions can also increase estimated duration. This suggests that manipulations of expectations have different or even opposing effects on time perception. In previous studies, expectations were generated because stimuli were repeated or because the likelihood of a sequence or a repetition was varied. In the natural environment, however, expectations are often built via associative processes, for example, the context of a kitchen promotes the expectation of plates, appliances, and other associated objects. Here, we manipulated such association-based expectations by using oddballs that were either contextually associated or nonassociated with the standard items. We find that duration was more strongly overestimated for contextually associated oddballs. We reason that top-down attention is biased toward associated information, and thereby dilates subjective duration for associated oddballs. Based on this finding, we propose an interplay between top-down attention and predictive processing in the perception of time.
The value of cycling as a meaningful and therapeutic occupation
Authors: Feighan Mike , Roberts Anne E
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Occupational therapists believe that meaningful occupations are linked to an individual’s health and wellbeing, and there is a growing literature exploring the personal meaning of specific occupations. However, few of these studies have focused on the personal meaning of active sporting occupations and their therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to explore the personal meanings attributed to the occupation of cycling, with a view to providing occupational therapists and others with an understanding of its therapeutic potential.

Method

Following approval by an ethics committee, seven men and women who cycled regularly took part in semi-structured interviews. These interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to interpret the data.

Findings

The findings describe how and why cycling was meaningful. Cycling altered their mind-set and their emotions, contributed towards their identity and connected them to others. These themes concur with the findings of other studies and provide a rationale for their use therapeutically.

Conclusion

This study contributes to what is known about the value people derive from cycling, and its impact on their health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists can use this information for individual and group therapy as well as for guidance on the health and wellbeing of communities.
An exploratory study of children’s pretend play when using a switch-controlled assistive robot to manipulate toys
Authors: Adams Kim D , Rios Rincón Adriana M , Becerra Puyo Lina M , Castellanos Cruz Javier L , Gómez Medina María F , Cook Al M , Encarnação Pedro
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Assistive robots could be a means for children with physical disabilities to manipulate toys and for occupational therapists to track children’s play development. This study aimed to (a) establish if free play set-ups without and with a robot would elicit a developmental sequence of play in typically developing children, (b) determine if the robot affected children’s play and (c) observe the play schemes that children performed.

Method

An experimental crossover design was conducted. Thirty typically developing children between the ages of 3 and 8 years old performed free play activities with conventional toys or unstructured materials without and with a switch-controlled Lego Mindstorms robot. Children’s pretend and functional play was analyzed using a coding scheme developed for the present study.

Results

There was a trend, increasing with age, for pretend play without the robot with unstructured materials ( p = .002), and with the robot, for conventional toys ( p = 0.015) and unstructured materials ( p = 0.027). Younger children exhibited more pretend play without the robot than with it.

Conclusion

Assistive robots and appropriate play set-ups can provide a method to measure the play development level of children with disabilities, and support pretend play. Suggestions to support pretend play when children with disabilities use assistive robots are discussed.
Impact of yoga on balance, balance confidence and occupational performance for adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A pilot study
Authors: Willis Boslego Leslie A , Munterfering Phillips Chloe E , Atler Karen E , Tracy Brian L , Van Puymbroeck Marieke , Schmid Arlene A
Published: January 2017

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine the preliminary efficacy of yoga on balance, balance confidence, occupational performance, and satisfaction with performance in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Method

Fifteen adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy attended eight weeks of yoga, including positive affirmations, breathing, postures and relaxation. Balance was measured using the Berg balance scale; balance confidence, using the activities-specific balance confidence scale; and occupational performance and satisfaction, using the Canadian occupational performance measure. We used a non-controlled pretest–posttest design.

Findings

Significant improvements were found for all measures. Improvements remained significant after the Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05/4–0.0125) and effect sizes were large for occupational performance and satisfaction ( dCohen = 1.13, 1.07, respectively).

Conclusion

Yoga may significantly improve balance, balance confidence, occupational performance, and satisfaction for adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Further research utilizing a control group, a larger sample size, and randomization is required.
Effectiveness of a supportive housing program for homeless adults with mental illness and substance use: A two-group controlled trial
Authors: Gutman Sharon A , Raphael-Greenfield Emily I
Published: January 2017

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a housing transition program for homeless shelter residents with chronic mental illness and substance use.

Method

A two-group controlled study design was used to assess the program, with 10 participants in an intervention group and 10 in a control group. Goal attainment scaling and quality of life ratings were used pre- and post-intervention to determine if a statistically significant difference existed between groups at post-intervention.

Results

A statistically significant difference existed between intervention and control group goal attainment scaling scores ( U = 9.50, p < .03, d = 1.34), and on quality of life scores ( U = 10.50, p < .04, d = 1.30) at post-intervention. At a 6-month follow-up, 57.14% of intervention group participants had transitioned into supportive housing, while only 25% of control group participants had transitioned.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that intervention participants made greater progress toward desired housing goals and reported higher quality of life ratings than controls at post-intervention. This study provides support for the effectiveness of a housing program for homeless adults with chronic mental illness and substance use histories to achieve housing goals and higher quality of life ratings.
Drivers of adaptation: Responses to weather- and climate-related hazards in 60 local governments in the Intermountain Western U.S.
Authors: Dilling Lisa , Pizzi Elise , Berggren John , Ravikumar Ashwin , Andersson Krister
Published: January 2017

Cities are key sites of action for adaptation to climate change. However, there are a wide variety of responses to hazards at the municipal level. Why do communities take adaptive action in the face of weather- and climate-related risk? We studied what cities are doing in response to existing natural hazards, such as floods, droughts, and blizzards as an analog for understanding the drivers of adaptive behavior toward climate change risks. We conducted a survey of 60 U.S. municipalities followed by six in-depth case studies in the intermountain west states of Colorado, Wyoming and Utah that regularly experience weather and climate extreme events. Our analysis shows that perception of risk and external factors such as planning requirements and availability of funding stand out as important drivers. Nevertheless, political action is rarely driven by a single factor or event. Overall, our results suggest that multiple factors interact or act in combination to produce an enabling environment for action in the face of weather- and climate-related risk.
Quality evaluation of data management plans at a research university
Authors: Van Loon James E. , Akers Katherine G. , Hudson Cole , Sarkozy Alexandra
Published: January 2017

With the emergence of the National Science Foundation requirement for data management plans, academic librarians have increasingly aided researchers in developing these plans and disseminating research data. To determine the overall quality of data management plans at Wayne State University, the Library System’s Research Data Services team evaluated the content of 119 plans from National Science Foundation grant proposals submitted between 2012 and 2014. The results of our content analysis indicate that, while most researchers understand the need to share data, many data management plans fail to adequately describe the data generated by the project, how data will be managed during the project, or how data will be preserved and shared after the completion of the project. Our results also show that data management plan deficiencies vary across academic units, suggesting the need for differentiated outreach services to improve the strength of data management plans in future National Science Foundation grant proposals.
TLR2: A Crossroads between Infections and Autoimmunity?
Authors: Borrello S. , Nicolò C. , Delogu G. , Pandolfi F. , Ria F.
Published: January 2017

Environment has both pathogenic and protective roles in the determination of autoimmune disease development, possibly through infectious agents. TLR2 has the capability to recognize the widest range of PAMPs, and it is important for the recognition of mycobacteria and gram-positive bacteria. Here we review recent information showing that TLR2 ligands, its signaling machinery and the effects of its engagement on T cell polarization and differentiation, all play a decisive role in experimental models of autoimmunity. Thus, we propose that engagement of TLR2 is an important crossroads between encounter with bacteria and development of self-reactive diseases.
Attenuation of Expression of Extracellular Matrix Genes with siRNAs to SPARC and CTGF in Skin Fibroblasts of CTGF Transgenic Mice
Authors: Wang J.C. , Sonnylal S. , Arnett F.C. , De Crombrugghe B. , Zhou X.
Published: January 2017

Transgenic mice that over-express connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in fibroblasts under the control of an enhancer/promoter element of the Col1a2 gene ( Col1a2-CTGF) recapitulate multiorgan fibrosis similar to fibrosis observed in Scleroderma (SSc). In this study we investigate the regulation of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (Sparc) and Ctgf siRNAs on the expression of several extracellular matrix components in the fibroblasts derived from Col1a2-CTGF transgenic mice. Three fibroblast lines were obtained from each of wide type C57BL/6 and CTGF transgenic C57BL/6, and were transfected with Sparc siRNA or Ctgf siRNA. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to examine the transcription and protein levels of type I collagen, CTGF and SPARC. Student's t-tests were used to determine the significance of the results. Our results showed that Col1a2 and Ctgf increased expression at both transcriptional and translational levels in the fibroblasts from the Col1a2-CTGF transgenic mice compared with those in the fibroblasts from their normal wild-type littermate. The treatment with Sparc siRNA or Ctgf siRNA attenuated the mRNA and/or protein expression of the Col1a2, Ctgf and Sparc in these fibroblasts. Sparc and Ctgf siRNAs also showed a reciprocal inhibition at transcript levels. Therefore, our results indicated that both SPARC and CTGF appeared to be involved in the same biological pathway, and they have the potential to serve as a therapeutic target for fibrotic diseases such as SSc.
Essential Amino Acid Supplementation Decreases Liver Damage Induced by Chronic Ethanol Consumption in Rats
Authors: Corsetti G. , Stacchiotti A. , Tedesco L. , D'Antona G. , Pasini E. , Dioguardi F.S. , Nisoli E. , Rezzani R.
Published: January 2017

The liver sustains the greatest damage from ethanol (EtOH) abuse. EtOH and its metabolites impair hepatocyte metabolism, causing intracellular accumulation of proteins and lipids and increasing radical oxygen species production. These processes are toxic to the mitochondrial respiratory chain and to mitochondrial DNA. We have recently shown that supplementating the diet of rodents with an essential amino acid-enriched mixture (EAAem) significantly increases mitochondrial mass and number in cardiac and skeletal muscles and improves mitochondrial function in aged animals. Thus, in this study we sought to test whether EAAem supplementation could reduce EtOH-induced liver damage. Groups of adult male Wistar rats were fed a standard diet and water ad libitum (the control group), drinking water with 20% EtOH (the EtOH group), or drinking water with 20% EtOH and EAAem supplementation (1.5 g/kg/day) (the EtOH+EAAem group) for 2 months. The blood EtOH concentration was measured, and markers for fat (Oil-Red-O), mitochondria (Grp75, Cyt-c-ox), endoplasmic reticulum (Grp78), and inflammation (Heme Oxigenase 1, iNOS, and peroxisomes) were analyzed in the liver of animals in the various experimental groups. EAAem supplementation in EtOH-drinking rats ameliorated EtOH-induced changes in liver structure by limiting steatosis, recruiting more mitochondria and peroxisomes mainly to perivenous hepatocytes, stimulating or restoring antioxidant markers, limiting the expression of inflammatory processes, and reducing ER stress. Taken together, these results suggest that EAAem supplementation may represent a promising strategy to prevent and treat EtOH-induced liver damage.
HCG Hastens Both the Development of Mammary Carcinoma and the Metastatization of HCG/LH and ERBB-2 Receptor-Positive Cells in Mice
Authors: Iezzi M. , Quaglino E. , Cappello P. , Toto V. , Sabatini F. , Curcio C. , Garotta G. , Musiani P. , Cavallo F.
Published: January 2017

Breast cancer is more frequent in human nulliparae, whereas its incidence is reduced by early full-term pregnancy. Rodent studies suggest that chorionic gonadotropin secretion during pregnancy affords protection by inducing breast structure differentiation. Opposite effects, however, have been observed in cancer prone transgenic mice overexpressing the β subunit of chorionic gonadotropin or pituitary luteinic hormone (LH). Here we assessed the effect of administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 21 days (corresponding to the duration of a mouse pregnancy) in virgin female mice transgenic for the activated rat (r-) ERBB-2 oncogene (BALB-neuT). In these mice, the onset of atypical mammary duct hyperplasia and its progression towards multiple mammary carcinomas is accelerated by hCG. hCG enhances the in vitro proliferation and in vivo metastatization of tumor cells from a BALB-neuT mammary tumor expressing the hCG/LH as well as the ERBB-2 receptors. These findings suggest that hCG favours the growth and progression of hCG/LH and ERBB-2 receptor-positive breast tumors.
Inducing-Apoptotic Activity of the Ethanol Extract of Duchesnea Indica Focke on Treatment of Herpes Simplex Encephalitis
Authors: Li X-F. , Guo Y-J. , Wang M-L. , Zhang D-M. , Li Y-H. , Wang Y-F. , Tao J-Y , Zhang S-L. , Dong J-H. , Li L-L. , Zhao L.
Published: January 2017

This study explores the inducing-apoptotic activity of the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica Focke on treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis. Cell models were employed and divided into 4 groups: normal group, virus group, Duchesnea indica group and dexamethasone group. Cytopathic effect examination was employed to detect apoptosis of PC-12 and BV-2 cells. ELISA was used to measure TNF-α and IL-1β, and Greiss method to measure NO secretion. Flow cytometry assay for caspase-3 expressions was performed. As a result, the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica could protect the neuron cell model from impairment by virus. In the cell model of microglia stimulated by herpes simplex virus (HSV), with the ethanol extract intervention, TNF-α, IL-1β and NO levels were significantly decreased and cell death of BV-2 cells were markedly increased. The expression level of caspase-3 was notably elevated after the extract intervention. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica can reduce HSV-induced inflammatory injury on neuron due to the induction of microglia apoptosis.