bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cortisol Profile and Clinical Evaluation of Canine Neonates Exposed Antenatally to Maternal Corticosteroid Treatment
Authors: Vannucchi CI , Regazzi FM , Barbosa MMM , Silva LGC , Veiga GAL , Lúcio CF , Angrimani DS , Nichi M , Furtado PV , Oliveira CA 
Published: December 2012

ContentsThe effects of glucocorticoids on both foetal canine lung and endogenous serum cortisol concentration have not been clearly delineated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether maternal corticosteroid treatment can alter maternal and neonatal cortisol profile and improve neonatal vitality. We allocated six bitches of different breeds and their neonates into two groups: control group (CONT) – maternal administration of saline solution at 55 days post‐ovulation (n = 3); and betamethasone group (BETA) – administration of a single dose of 0.5 mg/kg betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan®) at 55 days post‐ovulation (n = 3). Caesarean sections were scheduled for day 63 after ovulation. However, BETA group dams showed precocious signs of labour, and c‐sections were performed at 58 days post‐ovulation. Maternal and neonatal evaluations were performed periodically between betamethasone administration and birth, respectively. Neonates from both groups presented unsatisfactory (<5) Apgar score at birth. However, in spite of an earlier improvement on vitality found on CONT group and the premature delivery on BETA group, both groups showed acceptable Apgar score 120 min after birth. Neonatal cortisol concentrations were higher on CONT group compared to BETA group at birth. In addition, a gradual decrease on maternal cortisol concentrations was observed in the BETA group from treatment until parturition. These findings suggest that despite the down‐regulation on the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and the induction of premature delivery, betamethasone treatment was able to provide similar vitality when compared to the untreated neonates born at term.
Lactate in Bitches with Pyometra
Authors: Volpato R , Rodello L , Abibe RB , Lopes MD 
Published: December 2012

ContentsLactate is a compound produced by the anaerobic metabolism of glucose, and hyperlactataemia occurs when the rate of production of lactate exceeds the rate of elimination. This occurs in situations of hypoxia and tissue hypoperfusion. Lactate has been considered a useful prognostic indicator in critically ill patients. Pyometra is a disease of adult female dogs characterized by inflammation of the uterus with an accumulation of exudate, which occurs during the luteal phase. It is one of the most common diseases that occur in the genital tract of female dogs. A total of 31 dogs were diagnosed with pyometra. The diagnosis was confirmed at ultrasonography. Of the 31 dogs, 25 females had open cervix pyometra and six had closed cervix pyometra. Plasma lactate concentrations were determined by an enzymatic colorimetric method. The average concentration (±SD) of plasma lactate in all 31 bitches with pyometra was 3.55 ± 0.46 mm. Healthy dogs had plasma lactate concentrations between 0.3 and 2.5 mm(mean ± SD). Concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 2.9 mmwhen plasma lactate was measured with a portable device and 0.4–2.6 mmwith the blood gas analyser. Even though plasma lactate values vary between several studies and equipment used to measure concentrations, our results for dogs with pyometra are higher indicating hyperlactataemia (Thorneloe et al.,CanVetJ48, 283–288). Plasma lactate in dogs with closed cervix pyometra was mean ± SDand in dogs with open cervix pyometra, it was mean ± SD. The plasma lactate concentration in dogs with pyometra was higher than in healthy bitches, and there was no influence of patency of the cervix on the concentration of plasma lactate concentrations. Plasma lactate concentrations were similar for animals with open and closed pyometra (3.54 ± 0.52 to 3.64 ± 1.03 mm).
Preliminary Study of an Immunochromatography Test for Serological Diagnosis of Canine Brucellosis
Authors: Wanke MM , Cairó F , Rossano M , Laiño M , Baldi PC , Monachesi NE , Comercio EA , Vivot MM 
Published: December 2012

ContentsThe most widely used screening test for the diagnosis of brucellosis in the dog is the rapid slide agglutination test in the presence of 2‐mercaptoethanol (2ME‐RSAT). The diagnosis is partially confirmed by the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) and definitively confirmed by bacteriological isolation. Some chronic cases not detected by these tests may be detected by ELISA tests. The use of 2ME‐RSAT in routine clinical practice requires a microscope and an experienced operator. An immunochromatographic diagnostic test for canine brucellosis (FASTest® Brucella c., Megacor, Hörbranz, Austria) has been recently released. In this study, we compared the diagnostic performance of the FASTest with those of 2ME‐RSAT, AGID and ELISAs. Sera from 17 healthy dogs used as negative controls yielded negative results by FASTest, indicating a 100% specificity in this sample. Among 27 sera of dogs with acute or subacute brucellosis confirmed by B. canis isolation, all of which were positive by RSAT and ELISAs, the FASTest was positive in 24 cases and AGID in 23. In acute and subacute cases, the sensitivity of FASTest was 89%. Sera from six dogs with bacteriologically confirmed chronic brucellosis, which were positive by ELISAs but negative by 2ME‐RSAT, were also tested; 1 was positive by FASTest and 4 were positive by AGID. These preliminary results indicate a good specificity of the FASTest (100% in this sample) but an unacceptable sensitivity as a screening test. In cases with chronic brucellosis, the sensitivity of the FASTest was lower than that of ELISAs but this assay could make a good intermediate test to be run after a positive RSAT and before running an AGID.
Diagnostic Value of Transcervical Endometrial Biopsies in Domestic Dogs Compared with Full‐Thickness Uterine Sections
Authors: Christensen BW , Schlafer DH , Agnew DW , Wang C , Kozlowski C , Asa CS 
Published: December 2012

ContentsTranscervical endometrial biopsy is a useful tool for obtaining information about uterine health in some species. The clinical application of information gained from histopathological interpretations of endometrial biopsies in the bitch has not been validated. We hypothesized that transcervical endometrial biopsy samples would be as diagnostic as full‐thickness uterine sections in identifying cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH), inflammation and periglandular fibrosis. Endometrial biopsies were obtained from 20 female adult dogs. Vaginal swabs, gross appearance of the vulva and vaginal tract, and serum progesterone values were used to determine the stage of the oestrous cycle at the time of sampling. The uteri were removed between 1 and 6 days after the biopsy procedure, and full‐thickness sections were collected from each uterine horn and ovary and processed for histopathology. Two pathologists, blinded to the origin of each sample, compared full‐thickness sections from the excised uteri to the biopsy samples collected via the transcervical technique. Pathologic features noted included: CEH, inflammation and periglandular fibrosis. Pathological diagnoses obtained from the biopsy sections were compared with those obtained from the full‐thickness sections, as well as comparing diagnoses between the two pathologists, using McNemar's test. Of the 59 total biopsy samples obtained, 54 were considered diagnostic. All stages of the canine oestrous cycle were represented (anoestrus, proestrus, oestrus and dioestrus). Pyometra was not noted in any of the transcervical biopsy sections, but was noted in many of the full‐thickness sections collected from dogs in dioestrus, suggesting either that biopsy is not a sensitive indicator of pyometra or that the procedure may induce pyometra in dioestrous dogs. Transcervical endometrial biopsy showed similar sensitivity as full‐thickness sections in detecting CEH, inflammation and fibrosis. No differences in describing lesions were detected between pathologists.
Disseminated Transmissible Venereal Tumour Associated With Leishmaniasis in a Dog
Authors: Trevizan JT , Carreira JT , Souza NC , Carvalho IR , Gomes PBC , Lima VMF , Orlandi CMB , Rozza DB , Koivisto MB 
Published: December 2012

ContentsThis report addresses an atypical transmissible venereal tumour in an 8‐year‐old bitch that was pluriparous and seropositive for leishmaniasis. There were ascites and a serosanguineous discharge from the vulva, but no lesions on the external genital mucosa. An aspirate of the peritoneal fluid showed mononuclear round cells characteristic of transmissible venereal tumour (TVT). Exploratory laparotomy revealed light red, granulomatous structures in the peritoneum, omentum, spleen, liver and uterine horns. Cytological and histopathological tests confirmed the diagnosis of intra‐abdominal TVT. Dissemination of the TVT to several organs inside the abdominal cavity probably resulted from immunosuppression caused by leishmaniasis, which favoured the presence and aggressiveness of TVT.
Research Challenges in Endocrine Aspects of Canine Ovarian Cycles
Authors: Concannon PW 
Published: December 2012

ContentsSignificant deficiencies exist in understanding factors controlling the nature and timing of critical endocrine changes in canine ovarian cycles. The following merit further study: changes in steroid clearance and binding; mathematically modelling periovulatory hormone rate of change interactions; luteal gonadotropin dependence; endogenous circannual cycles underlying the ovarian cycle; importance of periovulatory follicular steroid dynamics on granulosa and oocytes; in vitro capacity of anoestrous ovarian tissue to demonstrate roles of individual gonadotropins and steroid precursors to increase oestradiol production; factors affecting secretion and activation of the canine female sex pheromone.
Metastatic Complications of Bloodstream Infections in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lewis Sarah S. , Sexton Daniel J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBacteremia is a common infectious complication in hemodialysis patients. Metastatic sites of infection including infective endocarditis, vertebral osteomyelitis, spinal epidural abscess, and septic arthritis occur relatively frequently. These complications are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. Early clinical recognition and appropriate management of these infections are necessary, and strategies to reduce the occurrence of bacteremia in this patient population are warranted.
The Early Modern Kidney—Nephrology in and about the Nineteenth Century (Part 1)
Authors: Eknoyan Garabed 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe 19th century was a period of momentous scientific discoveries, technological achievements, and societal changes. A beneficiary of these revolutionary upheavals was medical empiricism that supplanted the rationalism of the past giving rise to early modern scientific medicine. Continued reliance on sensory data now magnified by technical advances generated new medical information that could be quantified with increasing precision, verified by repeated experimentation, and validated by statistical analysis. The institutionalization and integration of these methodologies into medical education were a defining step that assured their progress and perpetuation. Major advances were made in the nosography of diseases of the kidney, notably that of the diagnosis of progressive kidney disease from the presence of albuminuria by Richard Bright (1789–1858); and of renal structure and function, notably the demonstration of the continuity of the glomerular capsule with the tubular basement membrane by William Bowman (1816–1892), and the arguments for hemodynamic physical forces mediated glomerular filtration by Carl Ludwig (1816–1895) and for active tubular transport by Rudolf Heidenhain (1834–1897). Improvements in microscopy and tissue processing were instrumental in describing the cellular ultrastructure of the glomerulus and tubular segments, but their integrated function remained to be elucidated. The kidney continued to be considered a tubular secretory organ and its pathology attributed to injury of the interstitium (interstitial nephritis) or tubules (parenchymatous nephritis).
Contributions to Total Phosphorus Intake: All Sources Considered
Authors: Calvo Mona S. , Uribarri Jaime 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHigh serum phosphorus is linked to poor health outcome and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients before or after the initiation of dialysis. Dietary intake of phosphorus, a major determinant of serum phosphorus, seems to be systematically underestimated using the available software tools and generalized nutrient content databases. Several sources of dietary phosphorus including the addition of phosphorus ingredients in food processing, and phosphorus content of vitamin and mineral supplements and commonly used over‐the‐counter or prescription medications are not fully accounted for by the nutrient content databases and software programs in current clinical use or used in large population studies. In this review, we explore the many unknown sources of phosphorus in the food supply to identify all possible contributors to total phosphorus intake of Americans that have escaped inclusion in past intake estimates. Our goal is to help delineate areas for future interventions that will enable tighter control of dietary phosphorus intake, a critical factor to maintaining health and quality of life in CKD and dialysis patients.
Influence of Temporal Variation in Wall Shear Stress on Intima‐Media Thickening in Arteriovenous Fistulae
Authors: Rajabi‐Jagahrgh Ehsan , Krishnamoorthy Mahesh K. , Wang Yang , Choe Ann , Roy‐Chaudhury Prabir , Banerjee Rupak K. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractArteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure is mainly due to venous stenosis characterized by significant amount of intima‐media thickening (IMT), probably in the presence of negative (inward) remodeling. Our hypothesis is that the longitudinal changes in wall shear stress (WSS) within different configurations of AVF can influence remodeling factors (changes in luminal diameter (ΔDh) and IMT) during its maturation process. Dh is an equivalent diameter for a noncircular conduit. A total of six AVFs with curved (C‐AVF; n = 3) and straight (S‐AVF; n = 3) configurations were created between the femoral artery and vein of three pigs, bilaterally. CT scans and ultrasounds were utilized to calculate local WSS at 2D (D: days), 7D, and 28D postsurgery. For each AVF, IMT was measured at four regions along the vein using morphometric analyses. At these regions, repeated measurements of WSS and luminal diameter of each AVF were obtained over time. The ΔDh between 7D and 28D was significantly larger for C‐AVF than for S‐AVF (2.27 ± 0.67 mm vs. 0.02 ± 0.55 mm; p < 0.05). Also, at 28D the amount of IMT in C‐AVF (77.46 ± 7.10 units) was significantly greater (p < 0.05) when compared with S‐AVF (53.71 ± 8.23 units). These structural changes were accompanied by significantly different gradients of WSS over time (τ′) for C‐AVF (−0.56 ± 0.60 dyne/cm2/day) in comparison with S‐AVF (0.71 ± 0.39 dyne/cm2/day). Negative τ′ for C‐AVF corresponded to reduction in WSS level over time resulting in a physiological level of WSS at 28D (4.08 ± 5.08 dyne/cm2). In contrast, a positive τ′ for S‐AVF was associated with the increase in WSS levels over time causing high levels of WSS at 28D (36.68 ± 5.32 dyne/cm2). The decrease in WSS levels for the C‐AVF over time was associated with outward remodeling of the venous wall (favorable to maturation). In contrast, for S‐AVF, the increase in WSS levels over time was associated with inward remodeling and subsequently, venous stenosis. Thus, temporal gradients of WSS, which could be altered by the surgical configuration of AVF, may provide important information on the remodeling behavior of AVFs. Identification of an optimal AVF configuration, which results in a temporal decrease in WSS and an outward remodeling of the venous wall, may reduce AVF maturation failure.
Local use of geographic information systems to improve data utilisation and health services: mapping caesarean section coverage in rural Rwanda
Authors: Sudhof Leanna , Amoroso Cheryl , Barebwanuwe Peter , Munyaneza Fabien , Karamaga Adolphe , Zambotti Giovanni , Drobac Peter , Hirschhorn Lisa R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo show the utility of combining routinely collected data with geographic location using a Geographic Information System (GIS) in order to facilitate a data‐driven approach to identifying potential gaps in access to emergency obstetric care within a rural Rwandan health district.MethodsTotal expected births in 2009 at sub‐district levels were estimated using community health worker collected population data. Clinical data were extracted from birth registries at eight health centres (HCs) and the district hospital (DH). C‐section rates as a proportion of total expected births were mapped by cell. Peri‐partum foetal mortality rates per facility‐based births, as well as the rate of uterine rupture as an indication for C‐section, were compared between areas of low and high C‐section rates.ResultsThe lowest C‐section rates were found in the more remote part of the hospital catchment area. The sector with significantly lower C‐section rates had significantly higher facility‐based peri‐partum foetal mortality and incidence of uterine rupture than the sector with the highest C‐section rates (P < 0.034).ConclusionsThis simple approach for geographic monitoring and evaluation leveraging existing health service and GIS data facilitated evidence‐based decision making and represents a feasible approach to further strengthen local data‐driven decisions for resource allocation and quality improvement.
Innovative newborn health technology for resource‐limited environments
Authors: Thairu L. , Wirth M. , Lunze K. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo review medical devices addressing newborn health in resource‐poor settings, and to identify existing and potential barriers to their actual and efficient use in these settings.MethodsWe searched Pubmed as our principal electronic reference library and dedicated databases such as Maternova and the Maternal and Neonatal Directed Assessment of Technology. We also researched standard public search engines. Studies and grey literature reports describing devices for use in a low‐ or middle‐income country context were eligible for inclusion.ResultsFew devices are currently described in the peer‐reviewed medical or public health literature. The majority of newborn‐specific devices were found in the grey literature. Most sources described infant warmers, neonatal resuscitators, and phototherapy devices. Other devices address the diagnosis of infectious diseases, monitoring of oxygen saturation, assisted ventilation, prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV, assisted childbirth, weight or temperature assessment, and others.ConclusionMany medical devices designed for newborns in the developing world are under development or in the early stages of production, but the vast majority of them are not available when and where they are needed. Making them available to mothers, newborns, and birth attendants in resource‐limited countries at the time and place of birth will require innovative and creative production, distribution, and implementation approaches.
Sterols and sphingolipids differentially function in trafficking of the Arabidopsis ABCB19 auxin transporter
Authors: Yang Haibing , Richter Gregory L. , Wang Xia , Młodzińska Ewa , Carraro Nicola , Ma Guojie , Jenness Mark , Chao Dai‐yin , Peer Wendy A. , Murphy Angus S. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe Arabidopsis ATP‐binding cassette B19 (ABCB19, P‐glycoprotein19) transporter functions coordinately with ABCB1 and PIN1 to motivate long‐distance transport of the phytohormone auxin from the shoot to root apex. ABCB19 exhibits a predominantly apolar plasma membrane (PM) localization and stabilizes PIN1 when the two proteins co‐occur. Biochemical evidence associates ABCB19 and PIN1 with sterol‐ and sphingolipid‐enriched PM fractions. Mutants deficient in structural sterols and sphingolipids exhibit similarity to abcb19 mutants. Sphingolipid‐defective tsc10a mutants and, to a lesser extent, sterol‐deficient cvp1 mutants phenocopy abcb19 mutants. Live imaging studies show that sterols function in trafficking of ABCB19 from the trans‐Golgi network to the PM. Pharmacological or genetic sphingolipid depletion has an even greater impact on ABCB19 PM targeting and interferes with ABCB19 trafficking from the Golgi. Our results also show that sphingolipids function in trafficking associated with compartments marked by the VTI12 syntaxin, and that ABCB19 mediates PIN1 stability in sphingolipid‐containing membranes. The TWD1/FKBP42 co‐chaperone immunophilin is required for exit of ABCB19 from the ER, but ABCB19 interactions with sterols, sphingolipids and PIN1 are spatially distinct from FKBP42 activity at the ER. The accessibility of this system to direct live imaging and biochemical analysis makes it ideal for the modeling and analysis of sterol and sphingolipid regulation of ABCB/P‐glycoprotein transporters.
Antibody‐mediated glycophorin C coligation on K562 cells induces phosphatidylserine exposure and cell death in an atypical apoptotic process
Authors: Wang Duncheng , Seto Eva , Shu Jenny , Micieli Jonathan A. , Fernandes Bernard J. , Denomme Gregory A. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundGlycophorin C (GPC) is necessary in the maintenance of red blood cell structure. Severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) have been associated with Gerbich (Ge) blood group system antigens expressed on GPC. Previous in vitro studies with cord blood progenitor cells have shown that anti‐Ge suppresses erythropoiesis.Study Design and MethodsHere, we evaluated the K562 erythroleukemic cell line to study the cellular effects of a murine anti‐GPC. Cell proliferation was evaluated after treatment with anti‐GPC. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate exofacial phosphatidylserine (PS) expression and cell viability (propidium iodide binding). Cell morphology was evaluated under light microscopy with cytospin preparations stained with May‐Grünwald Giemsa.ResultsAnti‐GPC dramatically inhibited K562 proliferation and increased PS expression, consistent with cytoplasmic blebbing, suggesting evidence of apoptosis. Z‐VAD‐FMK, an inhibitor of classical apoptosis, was unable to reverse the suppressive effect of anti‐GPC. However, hemin was able to attenuate growth suppression.ConclusionTogether, the data suggest that anti‐GPC suppresses erythroid proliferation through the induction of nonclassical apoptosis.