bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ketamine‐Induced Uropathy: A New Clinical Entity Causing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: CHANG To , LIN Chih‐Chieh , LIN Alex Tong‐Long , FAN Yu‐Hua , CHEN Kuang‐Kuo 
Published: September 2011

Objectives: Ketamine abuse can damage the urinary tract and cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This report presents our observations and management on urinary tract damage caused by ketamine abuse.Methods: From November 2006 to February 2009, 20 patients visited Taipei Veterans General Hospital due to ketamine‐related lower urinary tract symptoms. We analyzed the clinical presentations, daily ketamine dose, interval between ketamine usage to develop LUTS, urodynamic studies, radiological image findings, cystoscopic and ureterorenoscopic findings, histological findings, urinary ketamine levels and treatment responses.Results: Of these 20 patients, all had moderate to severe LUTS, including frequency, urgency, dysuria and hematuria. The mean daily consumption of ketamine was 3.2 ± 2.0 g. The mean interval from consumption to the development of LUTS was 12.7 months (range, 2–36 months). Eight patients underwent video urodynamic studies, with a mean cystometric capacity of 70.8 mL. Eight patients had hydronephrosis and six of them underwent ureterorenoscopy. All patients underwent cystoscopy with hydrodistention. Mean bladder capacity under anesthesia was 289.9 mL, and 14 (70%) patients showed significant symptomatic improvement after hydrodistention. Ten patients quit ketamine and nine (90%) experienced symptomatic relief. The response rates of symptomatic improvement to each treatment were 75% (12/16) for oral pentosan polysulfate sodium with prednisolone, 40% (2/5) intravesical instillation of xylocaine and heparin, and 0% (0/2) for intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid.Conclusions: Ketamine abuse causes damage to the upper and lower urinary tracts. While ketamine abuse is an illicit drug problem, it is also associated with serious urological damage.
Incidence of complications in patients with benign gynecological diseases by BMI and level of complexity of laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Shiota M , Kotani Y , Umemoto M , Tobiume T , Hoshiai H 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic surgery has become a standard surgical method for benign gynecological diseases, but the technique can still be accompanied, albeit infrequently, by intraoperative or postoperative complications. It has been postulated that the frequency of complications differs according to patient body habitus or surgical challenge level. We evaluated the relationship between the complication rate at different levels of surgery and BMI in patients with benign gynecological diseases who have undergone laparoscopic surgery at our hospital.MethodsA total of 3231 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery between 1989 and 2010 were enrolled in this study retrospectively. They were classified into four groups by surgery level (diagnostic laparoscopy or minor, major, or advanced laparoscopic surgery). At each challenge level, patients were classified into three groups based on BMI (as defined by the WHO): A group (underweight), BMI < 18.5; B group (healthy), BMI ≥ 18.5 and < 25; and C group (overweight), BMI ≥ 25. We compared the complication rates between the groups at each level of surgical challenge.ResultsThere was no difference in the complication rate between groups A, B and C at any of the surgical challenge levels. However, at the higher surgical difficulty levels, a higher incidence of overall complications was observed.ConclusionThe complication rate differs between surgical levels, and complications can occur in any type of surgery, irrespective of the body habitus of the patient. The complication rate is higher when difficult surgical methods are employed, and extra caution is needed.
Multicenter Evaluation of Plasma N‐Terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide (NT‐pro BNP) as a Biochemical Screening Test for Asymptomatic (occult) Cardiomyopathy in Cats
Authors: Fox P.R. , Rush J.E. , Reynolds C.A. , DeFrancesco T.C. , Keene B.W. , Atkins C.E. , Gordon S.G. , Schober K.E. , Bonagura J.D. , Stepien R.L. , Kellihan H.B. , MacDonald K.A. , Lehmkuhl L.B. , Nguyenba T.P. , Sydney Moise N. , Lefbom B.K. , Hogan D.F. , Oyama M.A. 
Published: September 2011

Background:B‐type natriuretic peptide concentrations reliably distinguish between cardiac and respiratory causes of dyspnea, but its utility to detect asymptomatic cats with occult cardiomyopathy (OCM) is unresolved.Hypothesis/Objectives:Determine whether plasma N terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentration can discriminate asymptomatic cats with OCM from normal cats, and whether NT‐proBNP concentration correlates with clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters.Animals:One hundred and fourteen normal, healthy cats; 113 OCM cats.Methods:Prospective, multicenter, case‐controlled study. NT‐proBNP was prospectively measured and cardiac status was determined from history, physical examination, and M‐mode/2D/Doppler echocardiography. Optimal cut‐off values were derived using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:NT‐proBNP was higher (median, interquartile range [25th and 75th percentiles]) in (1) OCM (186 pmol/L; 79, 478 pmol/L) versus normal (24 pmol/L; 24, 32 pmol/L) (P < .001); and (2) hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (396 pmol/L; 205, 685 pmol/L) versus hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (112 pmol/L; 48, 318 pmol/L) (P < .001). In OCM, NT‐proBNP correlated (1) positively with LVPWd (ρ = 0.23; P = .01), LA/Ao ratio (ρ = 0.31; P < .001), LVs (ρ = 0.33; P < .001), and troponin‐I (ρ = 0.64; P < .001), and (2) negatively with %FS (ρ = −0.27; P = .004). Area under ROC curve was 0.92; >46 pmol/L cut‐off distinguished normal from OCM (91.2% specificity, 85.8% sensitivity); >99 pmol/L cut‐off was 100% specific, 70.8% sensitive.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Plasma NT‐proBNP concentration reliably discriminated normal from OCM cats, and was associated with several echocardiographic markers of disease severity. Further studies are needed to assess test performance in unselected, general feline populations, and evaluate relationships between NT‐proBNP concentrations and disease progression.
Endoscopic Assessment of Airway Inflammation in Horses
Authors: Koblinger K. , Nicol J. , McDonald K. , Wasko A. , Logie N. , Weiss M. , Léguillette R. 
Published: September 2011

Background:Comprehensive endoscopic scoring of the upper and lower airways for inflammation has not been critically assessed among a large population of horses. The relationship between upper and lower airways described in humans by the “one airway, one disease” concept might also apply to horses.Hypothesis/Objectives:To evaluate if an association exists between endoscopic inflammatory scores and mucus scores of upper and lower airways and to investigate if endoscopic findings correlate with the lower airway inflammation measured by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology.Methods:Prospective field study. Pharyngitis, pharyngeal mucus, tracheal mucus, tracheal septum thickness, and bronchial mucus were scored using new and previously described scoring systems on a convenience sample of 128 horses with and without lung inflammation. Based on BAL fluid cytology, horses were categorized as having normal, moderate, or severe inflammation of the lower airways.Results:All 5 endoscopy scores showed excellent interobserver agreement. Tracheal mucus (P < .001), tracheal septum thickness (P = .036), and bronchial mucus (P = .037) were significantly increased in horses with severe inflammation BALs and were correlated among themselves but not with upper airways scores.BAL neutrophils percentage was correlated with tracheal mucus (rs = 0.41, P < .001), bronchial mucus (rs = 0.27, P = .003), and had a weak negative correlation with pharyngitis (rs = −0.25, P = .004).Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Lower airway endoscopy scores are reflective of lower airway inflammation; however, upper and lower airways are independent in terms of severity of inflammation. Therefore, observing upper airway inflammation is not an indication to test for lower airway inflammation.
A Comparison of Hypertonic (7.2%) and Isotonic (0.9%) Saline for Fluid Resuscitation in Horses: A Randomized, Double‐blinded, Clinical Trial
Authors: Fielding C.L. , Magdesian K.G. 
Published: September 2011

Background:Hypertonic saline solution (7.2%) (HSS) can quickly replace intravascular volume deficits.HSSmore recently has been advocated in the treatment of traumatic brain injury, but its use in dehydrated patients remains controversial.Hypothesis:Hypertonic saline solution will show a significant improvement in both clinical and laboratory hydration parameters as compared to isotonic (0.9%) saline solution (ISS).Animals:Endurance horses eliminated from the 2009 Western States 100‐mile (220‐km) endurance ride and requiringIVfluid therapy were eligible for enrollment in the study.Methods:Twenty‐two horses were randomly assigned to receive 4 mL/kg of eitherHSSorISSalong with 5 L lactated Ringer's solution (LRS). After this bolus, horses were treated with additionalLRSin varying amounts. Blood and urine samples were collected before, during, and after treatment. Data were compared using 2‐wayANOVAwith repeated measures.Results:As compared toISS, HSShorses showed greater decreases inPCV(P = .04), total protein (P = .01), albumin (P = .01), and globulin (P = .02) concentrations.HSShorses showed greater increases in sodium and chloride (P < .001) as compared toISShorses. Horses receivingHSShad a shorter time to urination (P = .03) and lower specific gravity (P < .001) than those receivingISS.Conclusions:Results of this study indicate thatHSSmay provide faster restoration of intravascular volume deficits thanISSin endurance horses receiving emergency medical treatment. More marked electrolyte changes should be expected withHSS, however, and additional fluids afterHSSadministration likely are needed.
An abdominal teratoma in a yearling Irish Cob with a strangulating obstruction of the small intestine
Authors: Arensburg L. , Olivier S. , Boussauw B. , De Cock H. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryA yearling Irish Cob stallion was presented to De Morette Equine clinic for severe acute abdominal pain, nonresponsive to analgesics and sedatives. Rectal palpation and a limited transabdominal ultrasonographic examination led to the presumptive diagnosis of a strangulated obstruction of the small intestine. The painful behaviour of the pony did not allow conservative treatment and surgical exploration was denied by the owners for financial considerations. On necropsy, a large cystic mature teratoma was adhered to the ventral body wall, the mesenteric root, omentum and intestines. Teratomas are rare in man and animals, and an extragonadal intraperitoneal location has not previously been reported in the equine species.
Thein vitroeffects of antibiotics on cell viability and gene expression of equine bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: PARKER R. A. , CLEGG P. D. , TAYLOR S. E. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryObjectives:To investigate the effects of commonly used antibiotics on cell viability and gene expression of equine bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC)in vitro.Materials and methods:Bone marrow‐derived MSC were cultured in media containing gentamicin, amikacin, penicillin, enrofloxacin or ceftiofur at concentrations of 50, 100, 200 and 500 µg/ml. The alamarBlue fluorescence assay was used to assess cell viability over 48 h. After 5 days the cells were released and lysed prior to RNA extraction and reverse transcription. RNA levels were assessed using spectrophotometry and quantitative PCR was used to analyse gene expression of COL1A2, COL5A1, TNC, TNFα, CASP3, BCl2 and TGFβR2 relative to the reference gene GAPDH.Results:Enrofloxacin produced a significant concentration‐dependent reduction in cell viability at 200 µg/ml and higher concentrations (P = 0.009). Amikacin significantly reduced cell viability at 500 µg/ml (P = 0.002). Penicillin had no effect on cell viability at the concentrations tested (P = 0.18). Gentamicin and ceftiofur showed some interaction with the assay but had no overall effect on cell viability. At 500 µg/ml gentamicin (P<0.001), amikacin (P = 0.03), enrofloxacin (P<0.001) and ceftiofur (P<0.001) caused significant reductions in RNA levels. At 50 µg/ml gentamicin (P<0.001) and amikacin (P = 0.019) reduced BCl2 expression. Enrofloxacin produced a significant increase in COL1A2 expression (P<0.001).Conclusions:Enrofloxacin reduced MSC viabilityin vitroand may require cautious use in clinical situations. Penicillin has minimal detrimental effects on MSCin vitroand its use in conjunction with MSC at implantation appears safe. Further work is needed to fully investigate the effects of gentamicin, amikacin and ceftiofur.Potential relevance:Clinicians using local antibiotic administration should consider the potential for local toxicity as well as the need for effective concentrations of the antibiotic.
Is a single force plate adequate for stabilographic analysis in horses?
Authors: CLAYTON H. M. , NAUWELAERTS S. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study: Postural balance can be quantified using stabilographic variables derived from force plate data that describe movements of the horse's centre of pressure (COP) in the horizontal plane. Most force plates are not large enough to accommodate all 4 limbs of a standing horse, so the study was designed to assess whether representative stabilographic data could be collected from the forelimbs or hindlimbs.Objective: To determine whether stabilographic data from either the forelimbs or the hindlimbs were representative of data for the total body.Methods: Stabilographic data (960 Hz) were collected from 17 sound horses standing with the forelimbs and the hindlimbs on separate force plates. To increase variability in the data, horses were of different sizes, the recording duration was varied (15–60 s) and data were collected under sighted and blindfolded conditions.Results: Correlation matrices indicated that total body stabilographic variables were highly significantly correlated with both forelimb and hindlimb data but correlation coefficients were higher for forelimb data. Forward stepwise regression selected forelimb data for inclusion in the model for 15/16 variables, the exception being mean absolute mediolateral velocity.Conclusions: Ground reaction force data from a pair of limbs, preferably the forelimbs, can be used to measure variables that represent total body postural balance in sound standing horses.Potential relevance: Stabilographic data from either the forelimbs or hindlimbs may be useful for detecting and quantifying deficiencies in postural balance in ataxic horses.
An evaluation of time‐limited psychodynamic psychotherapy for couples: A pilot study
Authors: Balfour Andrew , Lanman Monica 
Published: September 2011

Objectives. Psychodynamic Couple Psychotherapy has developed as a modality in only a few organizations in the public and voluntary sectors in this country. Varieties of couple therapy have evolved due to economic or other constraints, some more open‐ended, others involving differing time limits or behavioural techniques. In this study, a time limit of 40 sessions was imposed on the Psychodynamic therapy to improve comparability with other therapeutic approaches. We examined work with 18 couples, employing various measures which, while not in the context of a full controlled trial, produced some interesting and indicative results. We aimed to investigate (1) the effects of time‐limited psychodynamic couple psychotherapy, and (2) whether the measures used produce interesting results after 40 weeks.Design. Within a normal clinical setting, measurements of individual and couple functioning would be taken at fixed points in the course of 40‐week couple therapies, and analysed for evidence of significant change. Due to funding and clinical limitations within the setting, a baseline period before therapy started was used instead of a control group.Method. Couples were invited to opt in to the study when applying to the agency for therapy. They were provided with 40 weekly sessions of couple therapy. Videotapes of sessions at beginning, middle, and end of the therapies were rated by independent observer, using the Personal Relatedness Profile (PRP) (Hobson, Patrick, & Valentine, 1998) adapted for couples (Lanman, Grier, & Evans, 2003), alongside two individual self‐report measures, Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE) (Evans et al., 2000), and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Marital Satisfaction (GRIMS) (Rust, Bennun, Crow, & Golumbok, 1990).Results. The couples showed improvement as rated both by therapists and observers (rating the videotaped sessions) on the PRP after 40 sessions. On the CORE measure, participants showed improvement at both 20 and 40 sessions. On the GRIMS measure of marital satisfaction, results were non‐significant.Conclusions. The results provide indicative evidence for the effectiveness of 40‐session couple psychotherapy and provide some convergent validation for the utility of the PRP (as adapted for couples) as a measure of change.
Characterization of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Biotype Variant Clinical Isolates from Bangladesh and Haiti, Including a Molecular Genetic Analysis of Virulence Genes
Authors: Son Mike S. , Megli Christina J. , Kovacikova Gabriela , Qadri Firdausi , Taylor Ronald K. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Vibrio cholerae
serogroup O1, the causative agent of the diarrheal disease cholera, is divided into two biotypes: classical and El Tor. Both biotypes produce the major virulence factors toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) and cholera toxin (CT). Although possessing genotypic and phenotypic differences, El Tor biotype strains displaying classical biotype traits have been reported and subsequently were dubbed El Tor variants. Of particular interest are reports of El Tor variants that produce various levels of CT, including levels typical of classical biotype strains. Here, we report the characterization of 10 clinical isolates from the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, and a representative strain from the 2010 Haiti cholera outbreak. We observed that all 11 strains produced increased CT (2- to 10-fold) compared to that of wild-type El Tor strains under
in vitro
inducing conditions, but they possessed various TcpA and ToxT expression profiles. Particularly, El Tor variant MQ1795, which produced the highest level of CT and very high levels of TcpA and ToxT, demonstrated hypervirulence compared to the virulence of El Tor wild-type strains in the infant mouse cholera model. Additional genotypic and phenotypic tests were conducted to characterize the variants, including an assessment of biotype-distinguishing characteristics. Notably, the sequencing of
ctxB
in some El Tor variants revealed two copies of classical
ctxB
, one per chromosome, contrary to previous reports that located
ctxAB
only on the large chromosome of El Tor biotype strains.
Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1α in AKT/PKB-Mediated Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus Biosynthesis
Authors: Ondracek Caitlin R. , McLachlan Alan 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcription and replication are essentially restricted to hepatocytes because liver-enriched transcription factors govern viral RNA synthesis. The level of transcription from the HBV promoters depends on both the transcription factors binding to these regulatory sequence elements and their ability to recruit coactivators capable of mediating assembly of the transcription preinitiation complex containing RNA polymerase II. Nuclear receptors are a primary determinant of HBV pregenomic RNA synthesis and, hence, viral replication. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) enhances the activity of nuclear receptors and, consequently, HBV biosynthesis. PGC1α is also an important target of signal transduction pathways involved in hepatic glucose and lipid homeostasis, suggesting that this coactivator may have an important role in modulating HBV biosynthesis under various physiological conditions. Consistent with this suggestion, v-
akt
murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog/protein kinase B (AKT/PKB) is shown to modulate PGC1α activity and, hence, HBV transcription and replication in a cell line-specific manner. In addition, AKT can modulate HBV replication in some but not all cell lines at a posttranscriptional step in the viral life cycle. These observations demonstrate that growth and nutritional signals have the capacity to influence viral production, but the magnitude of these effects will depend on the precise cellular context in which they occur.
Junín Virus Infects Mouse Cells and Induces Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Cuevas Christian D. , Lavanya Madakasira , Wang Enxiu , Ross Susan R. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTJunín virus is the causative agent for Argentine hemorrhagic fever, and its natural host is the New World rodentCalomys musculinus. The virus is transmitted to humans by aerosolization, and it is believed that many of the clinical symptoms are caused by cytokines produced by sentinel cells of the immune system. Here we used the Junín virus vaccine strain Candid 1 to determine whether mouse cells could be used to study virus entry and antiviral innate immune responses. We show that Candid 1 can infect and propagate in different mouse-derived cell lines through a low-pH-dependent, transferrin receptor 1-independent mechanism, suggesting that there is a second entry receptor. In addition, Candid 1 induced expression of the antiviral cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and beta interferon in macrophages, and this induction was independent of viral replication. Using Candid 1, as well as virus-like particles bearing the viral glycoprotein, to infect different primary cells and established macrophage cell lines with deletions in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway, we show that TLR2 is a cellular sensor of both the Parodi and Candid 1 viral glycoproteins. Because Junín virus is highly lethal in humans, the use of an experimentally tractable model system, such as the mouse, could provide a better understanding of the antiviral innate cellular responses to Junín virus and the role of these responses in pathogenesis.
Continuous CD8
+
T-Cell Priming by Dendritic Cell Cross-Presentation of Persistent Antigen following Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Delivery
Authors: Xu Dan , Walker Christopher M. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors establish persistent transgene expression in the skeletal muscle of mice. How dendritic cells acquire encoded antigens for CD8
+
T-cell priming is unknown. Here we document CD8
+
T-cell priming after lethal irradiation and bone marrow reconstitution of mice treated with an AAV vector several weeks earlier. Temporal separation of vector delivery and successful class I antigen presentation indicated that T-cell priming does not necessarily require antigen synthesis in AAV-transduced dendritic cells. An apparent cross-presentation of antigen acquired from muscle suggests that strategies to limit transgene expression in dendritic cells will not prevent unwanted CD8
+
T-cell responses.