bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concentrations of Prolactin, LH, Testosterone, TSH and Thyroxine in Normospermic Dogs of Different Breeds
Authors: Urhausen C , Seefeldt A , Eschricht FM , Koch A , Hoppen HO , Beyerbach M , Möhrke C , Dieleman SJ , Günzel‐Apel AR 
Published: July 2009

ContentsConcentrations of prolactin (PRL), LH, testosterone (T), TSH and thyroxine (T4) were determined before and at 20, 120 and 180 min after a single iv injection of thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) in eight Beagles, eight Fox Terriers, six Labrador Retrievers and five Great Danes that were normospermic. Mean basal PRL concentrations were lower in the Fox Terriers compared with the Great Danes (p < 0.05). Mean LH concentrations were higher in the Fox Terriers than in the Beagles, and T was lower in the Fox Terriers at some times but not others (p < 0.05). Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) concentrations did not differ among breeds, while mean basal T4 values were lower in Fox Terriers compared with Labrador Retrievers and Great Danes (p < 0.05). Stimulation of T4 secretion 120 and 180 min after iv TRH injection was most pronounced in the Beagles and less in the Fox Terriers (p < 0.05). The results of the present study indicate that potential breed differences in circulating concentrations of PRL, LH, T, TSH and T4 in male dogs with apparently normal fertility can be encountered, but further studies are needed to determine whether the observed differences are typical features of these breeds, reflect subsets of dogs within breeds, or are in part because of possible uncontrolled parameters such as sample timing, ambient photoperiod, housing conditions or diet.
Dose‐dependent effect of isoflurane on neurovascular coupling in rat cerebral cortex
Authors: Masamoto Kazuto , Fukuda Mitsuhiro , Vazquez Alberto , Kim Seong‐Gi 
Published: July 2009

AbstractNeurovascular coupling studies are widely conducted in anesthetized animals using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this study, the dose‐dependent effects of isoflurane on neurovascular coupling were examined with concurrent recordings of the local field potential (FP) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the rat somatosensory cortex. Electrical forepaw stimulation was used, and consisted of either a single pulse or 10 pulses at various frequencies. We observed that the FP response to single‐pulse stimulation remained unaffected across the different levels of isoflurane tested (1.1–2.1%), whereas the CBF response to single‐pulse stimulation increased dose‐dependently (7 ± 3% to 17 ± 4%). The isoflurane dose did not affect the vascular reactivity induced by a hypercapnic challenge. These findings suggest that the action of isoflurane affects the neurovascular mechanisms. For 10‐pulse stimulation, the summation of the evoked FP responses monotonically decreased with an increase in the isoflurane dose, possibly due to enhancement of the neural adaptation. In contrast, the dose‐dependent effect on the CBF response varied with the stimulus frequency; a dose‐dependent decrease in the CBF response was observed for high‐frequency stimulation, whereas a dose‐dependent increase was observed for low‐frequency stimulation. Furthermore, a linear time‐invariant model consisting of the single‐pulse hemodynamic impulse response convoluted with 10‐pulse FP recordings showed that the neurovascular transfer function was altered by the isoflurane dose for high‐frequency stimulation. These results indicate that careful and consistent maintenance of the depth of anesthesia is required when comparing fMRI data obtained from different animals or physiological and pharmacological manipulations.
Afferent‐induced facilitation of primary motor cortex excitability in the region controlling hand muscles in humans
Authors: Devanne H. , Degardin A. , Tyvaert L. , Bocquillon P. , Houdayer E. , Manceaux A. , Derambure P. , Cassim F. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSensory inputs from cutaneous and limb receptors are known to influence motor cortex network excitability. Although most recent studies have focused on the inhibitory influences of afferent inputs on arm motor responses evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), facilitatory effects are rarely considered. In the present work, we sought to establish how proprioceptive sensory inputs modulate the excitability of the primary motor cortex region controlling certain hand and wrist muscles. Suprathreshold TMS pulses were preceded either by median nerve stimulation (MNS) or index finger stimulation with interstimulus intervals (ISIs) ranging from 20 to 200 ms (with particular focus on 40–80 ms). Motor‐evoked potentials recorded in the abductor pollicis brevis (APB), first dorsalis interosseus and extensor carpi radialis muscles were strongly facilitated (by up to 150%) by MNS with ISIs of around 60 ms, whereas digit stimulation had only a weak effect. When MNS was delivered at the interval that evoked the optimal facilitatory effect, the H‐reflex amplitude remained unchanged and APB motor responses evoked with transcranial electric stimulation were not increased as compared with TMS. Afferent‐induced facilitation and short‐latency intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) mechanisms are likely to interact in cortical circuits, as suggested by the strong facilitation observed when MNS was delivered concurrently with ICF and the reduction of SICI following MNS. We conclude that afferent‐induced facilitation is a mechanism which probably involves muscle spindle afferents and should be considered when studying sensorimotor integration mechanisms in healthy and disease situations.
Instillation of liposomes vs dimethyl sulphoxide or pentosan polysulphate for reducing bladder hyperactivity
Authors: Tyagi Pradeep , Hsieh Vincent C. , Yoshimura Naoki , Kaufman Jonathan , Chancellor Michael B. 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of intravesical liposomes against dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), and pentosan polysulphate (PPS) in reducing chemically induced bladder hyperactivity in rats.MATERIALS AND METHODSBladder reflex activity of female Sprague‐Dawley rats was evaluated by continuous cystometry under urethane anaesthesia (1.0 g/kg). After obtaining a control cystometrogram (CMG) with normal saline (0.04 mL/min) for 2 h, bladder hyperactivity was then induced by 1 h infusion of protamine sulphate (10 mg/mL) followed by a 1‐h infusion of KCl (500 mm). Six rats each were then infused with KCl‐based preparations containing either 50% DMSO, PPS (6 mg/mL), or liposomes (2 mg/mL) for 2 h. The variables measured included the intercontraction interval (ICI), pressure threshold (PT) and baseline pressure (BP).RESULTSSequential infusion of protamine sulphate/KCl induced hyperactive bladder with no significant difference in ICI, PT or BP among groups before initiating treatment. ICI was significantly increased after infusion of PPS (58.1% increase) and liposomes (156.8% increase) but there was no increase with DMSO. PT was not significantly affected by liposome infusion but slightly increased with PPS (12.4% increase). There was a large and significant increase in PT and BP with DMSO (116.5% increase) and BP largely remained unchanged after instillation with liposomes or PPS.CONCLUSIONSIntravesical liposomes and PPS have a beneficial effect in a bladder hyperactivity rat model, while acute instillation of DMSO does not. Intravesical liposomes were effective in doubling the ICI compared with PPS, and might be a new treatment option for bladder hyperactivity.
Circumcision is not mandatory in penile surgery
Authors: Garaffa Giulio , Sacca Antonino , Christopher A. Nim , Ralph David J. 
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo assess the outcome of not circumcising patients having surgery to correct a congenital or acquired curvature, through a subcoronal approach.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a series of 251 consecutive patients (mean age 46 years, range 17–74) that had their penis straightened by either a Lue (86), or a Nesbit procedure (162) or a combination of both (three) between 2000 and 2008, a subcoronal circumferential incision was used for the degloving in 241. Among the 183 patients who had not been previously circumcised, 22 presented with a tight foreskin and were offered a circumcision; six of them refused to be circumcised. Of the remaining 161 patients, 115, including two who had previous penile surgery, opted not to be circumcised.RESULTSAfter a median (range) follow‐up of 5.5  (1–50) months, secondary circumcision was performed in three of the six patients with a tight foreskin, in one of the 113 (0.8%) with a normal retractable foreskin and in one of the two who had had previous penile surgery and had a normal foreskin.CONCLUSIONSCircumcision should not be considered as a routine part of penile surgery unless a significant phimosis is present or revisional surgery is contemplated.
Disease insight and treatment perception of men on active surveillance for early prostate cancer
Authors: Van Den Bergh Roderick C.N. , Van Vugt Heidi A. , Korfage Ida J. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Roobol Monique J. , Schröder Fritz H. , Essink‐Bot Marie‐Louise 
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Survey (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo investigate the levels of knowledge of prostate cancer and the perception of active surveillance (AS) in men on AS, as AS for early prostate cancer instead of radical treatment might partly solve the over‐treatment dilemma in this disease, but might be experienced as a complex and contradictory strategy by patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 150 Dutch men recently diagnosed with early prostate cancer participating in a prospective protocol‐based AS programme (PRIAS study) received questionnaires, including a 15‐item measure on their general knowledge of prostate cancer, and open‐ended questions on the most important disadvantages and advantages of AS, and on the specific perception of AS. We assessed knowledge scores and explored potentially associated factors, the stated (dis)advantages and specific perceptions.RESULTSThe questionnaire response rate was 86% (129/150). Participants provided correct answers to a median (interquartile range) of 13 (12–14) of 15 (87%) knowledge items. Younger and higher educated men had higher knowledge scores. In line with a priori hypotheses, the most frequently reported advantage and disadvantage of AS were the delay of side‐effects and the risk of disease progression, respectively. Specific negative experiences included the feeling of losing control over treatment decisions, distress at follow‐up visits, and the desire for a more active participation in disease management. No conceptually wrong understandings or expectations of AS were identified.CONCLUSIONSWe found adequate knowledge of prostate cancer levels and realistic perceptions of the AS strategy in patients with early prostate cancer and on AS. These findings suggest adequate counselling by the physician or patient self‐education.
Synchronous Ventricular Pacing without Crossing the Tricuspid Valve or Entering the Coronary Sinus—Preliminary Results
Authors: HENZ BENHUR D. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , BRUCE CHARLES J. , OKUMURA YASUO , JOHNSON SUSAN B. , DANIELSEN ANDREW , PACKER DOUGLAS L. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. 
Published: July 2009

Background: Right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing promotes tricuspid regurgitation (TR), electromechanical dyssynchrony, and ventricular dysfunction. We tested a novel intramyocardial bipolar lead to assess whether stimulation of the atrioventricular septum (AVS) produces synchronous ventricular activation without crossing the tricuspid valve (TV). Methods: A lead with an active external helix and central pin was placed on the AVS and the RVA in three dogs. High‐density electroanatomic (EA) mapping was performed of both ventricles endocardially and epicardially. Intracardiac echocardiography was used to access ventricular synchrony. Results: The lead was successfully deployed into the AVS in all cases with consistent capture of the ventricular myocardium without atrial capture or sensing. The QRS duration was less with AVS compared with RVA pacing (89 ± 4 ms vs. 100 ± 11 ms [P < 0.0001, GEE P = 0.03]). There was decreased delay between color Doppler M‐mode visualized peak contraction of the septum and the mid left ventricular free wall with AVS compared with RVA pacing (89 ± 91 ms vs. 250 ± 11 ms [P < 0.0001, GEE P = 0.006]). Activation time between the mid septum and mid free wall was shorter with AVS versus RVA pacing (20.4 ± 7.7 vs. 30.8 ± 11.6 [P = 0.01, GEE P = 0.07]). The interval between QRS onset to earliest free wall activation was shorter with AVS vs. RVA pacing (19.2 ± 6.4 ms vs. 31.1 ± 11.7 ms [P = 0.005, GEE P = 0.02]). Conclusion: The AVS was successfully paced in three dogs resulting in synchronous ventricular activation without crossing the TV.
The Relationship Between Endocardial Voltage and Regional Volume in Electroanatomical Remodeled Left Atria in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Comparison of Three‐Dimensional Computed Tomographic Images and Voltage Mapping
Authors: PARK JAE HYUNG , PAK HUI‐NAM , CHOI EUN JEOUNG , JANG JIN KUN , KIM SOOK KYOUNG , CHOI DONG HOON , CHOI JONG IL , HWANG CHUN , KIM YOUNG‐HOON 
Published: July 2009

Background: Long‐standing atrial fibrillation (AF) changes left atrial (LA) morphology, and the LA size is related to recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). We hypothesize that LA morphology, based on embryological origin, affects the outcome of RFCA. Methods: We analyzed 3D computed tomographic (CT) images of LA in 70 patients with AF (54 males, 55.6 ± 10.5 years old, paroxysmal AF (PAF):persistent AF (PeAF) = 32:38) who underwent RFCA. Each LA image was divided into venous atrium (VA), anterior LA (ALA), LA appendage (LAA), and both antrum. Absolute and relative volumes were calculated, and the lengths of linear ablation sites were measured. Results: (1) In patients with the mean LA voltage ≤ 2.0 mV, LA volume, especially ALA, was larger (P < 0.01) compared to those with LA voltage > 2.0 mV. (2) The total LA volume was significantly larger (P < 0.01) and LAA voltages (P < 0.05) and conduction velocities (P < 0.05) were lower in patients with PeAF than in those with PAF. (3) In patients with recurrence, LA volume was generally larger (P < 0.01) than in those without recurrence. In PAF patients with recurrence, the relative volume of ALA was significantly larger (P < 0.01) than those without recurrence. Conclusions Morphologically remodeled LA has low endocardial voltage, and enlargement of ALA is more significant in electroanatomically remodeled LA. The disproportional enlargement of ALA was observed more often in PAF patients with recurrence after ablation than those without recurrence.
Restasis® for the treatment of ‘dry eye’ in Aotus nancymaae
Authors: Schuler A.M. , Tustin G.T. , Abee C.R. , Scammell J.G. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground  This case report describes the treatment of three male owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) diagnosed with chronic dry eye with a topical cyclosporine product, Restasis®, approved for use in humans. These owl monkeys had ocular disease resulting from procedures performed at a biotechnology company. They were moved to the Center for Neotropical Primate Research and Resources at University of South Alabama to be incorporated into the breeding colony.Materials and methods  Schirmer tear testing was performed initially and during the course of treatment to monitor efficacy of twice daily administered Restasis®. The goals of treatment were to reduce pain and/or distress and if possible to quantitatively increase tear production.Results and discussion  All animals had improvements in conjunctival inflammation and had an increase in tear production.
The School Nurse's Role in Treatment of the Student With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Bellando Jayne , Lopez Maya 
Published: July 2009

PURPOSE.  Some healthcare concerns have been found to be commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Identification and treatment of these medical issues can improve the functioning of the child with ASD. This article will offer practical suggestions for the school nurse.CONCLUSIONS.  As a “front‐line” medical professional in the schools, the school nurse is positioned to provide guidance on implementing interventions for the student with ASD.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  By being knowledgeable about current research and treatment options for the various associated medical conditions, the school nurse can help the student achieve academic success in the school setting.
Review of the Evidence for Treatment of Children with Autism with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Authors: West Lis , Brunssen Susan H. , Waldrop Julee 
Published: July 2009

PURPOSE.  To review the potential role of serotonin dysregulation in autism and the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating core deficits and associated symptoms of autism in children. The literature was searched for reports of SSRI use in children with autism. Data are presented from prospective clinical trials that evaluated treatment outcomes.CONCLUSIONS.  Some SSRIs show moderate success in managing specific behaviors. Only fluoxetine shows evidence of decreasing global autism severity.PRACTICE IMPLICATION.  Definitive conclusions concerning selection criteria, dosage, safety, and efficacy cannot be drawn given the current state of evidence.
Modern Concepts of Brainstem Anatomy
Authors: BÜTTNER‐ENNEVER J. A. , HORN A.K. E. , GRAF W. , UGOLINI G. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract: The extraocular muscles, unlike the skeletal muscles, contain non‐twitch muscle fibers. Recent experiments have located the non‐twitch motoneurons. They lie around the periphery of the oculomotor, trochlear and abducens nuclei, separate from the more usual twitch motoneurons that cluster within the boundaries of the classical motor nuclei. The premotor inputs to non‐twitch neurons were traced by the injection of rabies virus into the distal tip of the lateral rectus muscle. Retrogradely labeled cells were found in areas associated with the neural integrator, vergence and smooth pursuit premotor areas, but not the saccadic premotor burst neurons or the direct vestibulo‐ocular pathways. The rabies tracing emphasizes for the first time that the central mesencephalic reticular formation (cMRF) and the supraoculomotor area exert direct premotor control over the non‐twitch motoneurons. Because the two sets of motoneurons do not receive the same afferents, they must have different functions; these are not yet clarified. These results are not compatible with the concept of a single final common pathway from motoneurons to eye muscles.Putative sensory receptors, palisade endings, are located at the tips of non‐twitch muscle fibers reminiscent of an inverted muscle spindle, which would make the non‐twitch motoneurons, γ‐motoneurons. We propose that twitch motoneurons are the major source of tension used for eye movements, whereas non‐twitch motoneurons are more important for fine alignment of the eyes. Furthermore, the non‐twitch motoneurons could be controlled through sensory feedback networks (including perhaps proprioceptive signals from the palisade endings) that are relayed through the superior colliculus and via cMRF to the non‐twitch motoneurons. The clinical repercussions of these hypotheses are discussed.
A Topographic Study of Minicolumnar Core Width by Lamina Comparison between Autistic Subjects and Controls: Possible Minicolumnar Disruption due to an Anatomical Element In‐Common to Multiple Laminae
Authors: Casanova Manuel F. , El‐Baz Ayman , Vanbogaert Eric , Narahari Praveen , Switala Andrew 
Published: July 2009

AbstractRadial cell minicolumns are basic cytoarchitectonic motifs of the mammalian neocortex. Recent studies reveal that autism is associated with a “minicolumnopathy” defined by decreased columnar width and both a diminished and disrupted peripheral neuropil compartment. This study further characterizes this cortical deficit by comparing minicolumnar widths across layers. Brains from seven autistic patients and an equal number of age‐matched controls were celloidin embedded, serially sectioned at 200 µm and Nissl stained with gallocyanin. Photomicrograph mosaics of the cortex were analyzed with computerized imaging methods to determine minicolumnar width at nine separate neocortical areas: Brodmann Area's (BA) 3b, 4, 9, 10, 11, 17, 24, 43 and 44. Each area was assessed at supragranular, granular and infragranular levels. Autistic subjects had smaller minicolumns whose dimensions varied according to neocortical area. The greatest difference between autistic and control groups was observed in area 44. The interaction of diagnosis × cortical area × lamina (F16,316 = 1.33; P = 0.175) was not significant. Diminished minicolumnar width across deep and superficial neocortical layers most probably reflects involvement of shared constituents among the different layers. In this article we discuss the possible role of double bouquet and pyramidal cells in the translaminar minicolumnar width narrowing observed in autistic subjects.
Case–control studies on risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: how does the sampling of the cases and controls affect the results?
Authors: Sørheim Inga‐Cecilie , Johannessen Ane , Grydeland Thomas Blix , Omenaas Ernst Reidar , Gulsvik Amund , Bakke Per Sigvald 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroduction:  Sampling is regarded as crucial to the validity of case–control studies. Ideally, cases and controls should be selected from the same source population, but deviations from this approach are often seen.Objective:  Our objective was to examine how exposure–disease relationships in a study on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were affected by the sampling sources of cases and controls.Methods:  A Norwegian case–control study on COPD including 1909 subjects used three sources of recruitment for cases (general population, hospital registry and volunteers) and two sources for controls (general population and volunteers). This resulted in six sampling combinations of cases and controls (groups A–F). We examined how the risk factors gender, age, smoking, educational level and comorbidity were associated with COPD in these six sampling groups.Results:  Several exposure–disease associations were dependent on variation in sampling source, thereby demonstrating the possibility of selection bias. The theoretically most ideal sampling group is likely group A, where both cases and controls are recruited from a general population. When using group A as a reference, the groups containing either voluntary controls and/or hospital‐based cases deviated the most, suggesting higher susceptibility to selection bias in these groups.Conclusion:  Recruitment from several sources made our study design vulnerable to selection bias. Our findings should bring about increased awareness to the sampling process, and encourage sampling of cases and controls from the same source population in future studies.Please cite this paper as: Sørheim I‐C, Johannessen A, Grydeland TB, Omenaas ER, Gulsvik A and Bakke PS. Case–control studies on risk factors for COPD: how does the sampling of the cases and controls affect the results? The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2010; 4: 89–96.