bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Outcome Assessments in Patients with Overactive Bladder Receiving Anticholinergics
Authors: LEE Hye Won , LEE Young‐Suk , BAICK Sang‐Hoon , LEE Kyu‐Sung 
Published: June 2009

Objectives: Patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) reflect treatment benefits from the patient's perspective, and are a subjective method of evaluating the efficacy of overactive bladder (OAB) treatment. We examined the changes in voiding diaries and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) according to patient‐perceived treatment benefits in patients with OAB receiving propiverine.Methods: Thirty‐two patients (mean age ± S.D: 55.1 ± 14.1 years) with OAB were treated with 20 mg propiverine once daily for 12 weeks. The 3‐day voiding diary and the Korean version of the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OABq), which includes an eight‐item bothersome symptom scale, as well as 25 HRQL items, were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Finally, patient perception of treatment benefit was evaluated as “no benefit,”“little benefit,” or “much benefit” after treatment.Results: According to patients' perceptions of treatment benefits, 16 (50%) patients perceived “much benefit” from their treatment (group A) and 16 (50%) patients perceived “little benefit” or “no benefit” from their treatment (group B). In both groups, there were significant improvements in the micturation parameters, OABq bothersome symptoms, and total HRQL score after 12 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). Although there were no significant differences in the voiding diary parameters between the two groups, patients in group A showed significant improvement of the OABq bothersome symptom and total HRQL score compared to group B (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Anticholinergic treatment improves both OAB symptoms and HRQL, and patients' perceptions of treatment benefits correlate better with the OABq than with the voiding diary parameters.
Effects of Exenatide on Plasma Glucose and Insulin Concentrations in Alpacas
Authors: Smith C.C. , Cebra C.K. 
Published: June 2009

Background:Exenatide is a degradation‐resistant glucagon‐like peptide 1 agonist used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. It enhances the insulin response to hyperglycemia. Because of a poor insulin response, adult camelids are susceptible to hyperglycemia from stress, glucose administration, or energy metabolism disorders. Insulin often is administered to decrease plasma glucose concentration, but this approach has disadvantages such as the risk of hypoglycemia. Noninsulin medications targeting the incretin hormone pathway, such as exenatide, are providing alternate treatment options.Hypothesis/Objectives:Exenatide will decrease plasma glucose and increase insulin concentrations in alpacas.Animals:Six healthy adult alpacas.Methods:After food was withheld for 8 hours, alpacas were given, on subsequent days in a randomly determined order, either 0.2 μg/kg of exenatide or similar volume of isotonic saline SC. Blood samples were collected before and 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 minutes after treatment. A rapid dextrose (0.5 g/kg) injection was given after the time 60 samples. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at each time point.Results:Alpacas had significantly (P= < .001–.015) lower plasma glucose and higher insulin concentrations for the hyperglycemic period after receiving exenatide than after saline injections. Colic signs were observed in 5 of 6 alpacas treated with exenatide.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Exenatide appeared to increase insulin release and decrease plasma glucose concentrations in hyperglycemic alpacas. These findings are similar to findings in humans and could support therapeutic usage of exenatide in alpacas. However, induction of colic may limit practical application.
Steroid Responsive Meningitis‐Arteritis: A Prospective Study of Potential Disease Markers, Prednisolone Treatment, and Long‐Term Outcome in 20 Dogs (2006–2008)
Authors: Lowrie M. , Penderis J. , McLaughlin M. , Eckersall P.D. , Anderson T.J. 
Published: June 2009

Background:Previous multidrug studies have identified the value of prednisolone in treating steroid responsive meningitis‐arteritis (SRMA) and the potential value of acute phase proteins (APPs) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in diagnosis and monitoring.Hypothesis:(1) Prednisolone monotherapy is a successful immunosuppressive modality in the treatment of SRMA; (2) protein markers are useful in identifying the potential for relapse.Animals:Twenty client‐owned dogs with SRMA presented to the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital between May 2006 and May 2008.Methods:A prospective, observational study: CBC, biochemistry, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses were performed. C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid‐A, α‐1‐acid glycoprotein, and haptoglobin (Hp) were assessed in the serum. IgA concentrations were determined in the serum and CSF.Results:Clinical resolution of SRMA was achieved in all 20 dogs. Serum CRP concentration remained increased at remission in 16/20 dogs whereas CSF cytology was within normal limits in 20/20 dogs. Serum APPs decreased significantly on treatment (P< .05) except Hp, which remained unaltered. Serum and CSF IgA concentrations remained increased for the duration of treatment.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:The prednisolone regimen presented was successful in treating SRMA without the need for additional drugs. Serum APPs are of use in the diagnosis and management of SRMA, particularly in relation to identifying relapse. Serum and CSF IgA concentrations remain increased throughout disease, aiding in diagnosis but not contributing to the management of SRMA.
Polymicrogyria in Standard Poodles
Authors: Jurney C. , Haddad J. , Crawford N. , Miller A.D. , Winkle T.J. Van , Vite C.H. , Sponenberg P. , Inzana K.D. , Cook C.R. , Britt L. , O'Brien D.P. 
Published: June 2009

Background: Polymicrogyria is a disorder of cerebrocortical migration resulting in increased numbers of small, disorganized gyri. This disorder occurs in Standard Poodles and in cattle.Objectives: To describe the clinical, electroencephalographic, imaging, and histopathologic features in poodles with polymicrogyria.Animals: Five Standard Poodles with histologically confirmed polymicrogyria.Methods: Retrospective case series. Cases were obtained by personal communication with 1 of 2 authors (TJVW, DPO).Results: All dogs had cortical blindness and other neurologic abnormalities including gait and behavioral changes. Magnetic resonance imaging of 3 dogs showed multiple disorganized gyri, which were especially apparent on T2‐weighted dorsal plane images. Electroencephalogram (EEG) of 1 dog revealed epileptiform discharges, including both spike and spike and wave discharges with voltage maximum potentials over the parietal/occipital region. The EEG supported that the repetitive behavior displayed by the dog was a complex partial motor seizure. One dog had concurrent hydrocephalus. All dogs had occipital lobe involvement and 2 dogs had involvement of other lobes.Clinical Importance: The cases presented here demonstrate a larger age range (7 weeks to 5 years) and a decreased frequency of associated hydrocephalus when compared with the previous report.
Effect of Repeated Arthrocentesis on Cytologic Analysis of Synovial Fluid in Dogs
Authors: Berg R.I.M. , Sykes J.E. , Kass P.H. , Vernau W. 
Published: June 2009

Background: Serial arthrocentesis and synovial fluid examination can be used to monitor treatment efficacy in immune‐mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), but whether this procedure induces inflammation that interferes with test result interpretation is unknown.Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of repeated arthrocentesis on synovial fluid cytology in healthy dogs.Animals: Nine healthy client‐owned dogs.Methods: Prospective study. Arthrocentesis was performed under sedation on 4 joints (both carpi, 1 tarsus, 1 stifle) on each dog every 3 weeks, a total of 4 times. Automated cell counts were done on stifle fluid, smears were made, and differential cell counts done on smears from all joints. Slides were evaluated microscopically for erythrocyte numbers, total nucleated cell count, differential cell count, and cell morphology. Data were analyzed by 2‐way analysis of variance.Results: A total of 144 synovial fluid samples were examined. Repeated arthrocentesis was not associated with increases in synovial fluid neutrophil numbers. Mild mononuclear inflammation was detected in 13 samples from 6 dogs.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Serial arthrocentesis at 3‐week intervals can rarely be associated with mild mononuclear joint inflammation, but does not appear to induce neutrophilic inflammation, at least in healthy dogs, and can be useful to monitor treatment response in canine IMPA.
Field Safety and Efficacy of Protamine Zinc Recombinant Human Insulin for Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats
Authors: Nelson R.W. , Henley K. , Cole C. ,   the PZIR Clinical Study Group
Published: June 2009

Background:This study describes the efficacy of a new protamine zinc recombinant human insulin (PZIR) preparation for treating diabetic cats.Objective:To evaluate effects of PZIR on control of glycemia in cats with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.Animals:One hundred and thirty‐three diabetic cats 120 newly diagnosed and 13 previously treated.Methods:Prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial. Cats were treated with PZIR twice daily for 45 days. Control of glycemia was assessed on days 7, 14, 30, and 45 by evaluation of change in water consumption, frequency of urination, appetite, and body weight, serum fructosamine concentration, and blood glucose concentrations determined 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 hours after administration of PZIR. Adjustments in dosage of PZIR were made as needed to control glycemia.Results:PZIR administration resulted in a significant decrease in 9‐hour mean blood glucose (199 ± 114 versus 417 ± 83 mg/dL,X± SD,P< .001) and serum fructosamine (375 ± 117 versus 505 ± 96 μmol/L,P< .001) concentration and a significant increase in mean body weight (5.9 ± 1.4 versus 5.4 ± 1.5 kg,P= .017) in 133 diabetic cats at day 45 compared with day 0, respectively. By day 45, polyuria and polydipsia had improved in 79% (105 of 133), 89% (118 of 133) had a good body condition, and 9‐hour mean blood glucose concentration, serum fructosamine concentration, or both had improved in 84% (112 of 133) of the cats compared with day 0. Hypoglycemia (<80 mg/dL) was identified in 151 of 678, 9‐hour serial blood glucose determinations and in 85 of 133 diabetic cats. Hypoglycemia causing clinical signs was confirmed in 2 diabetic cats.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:PZIR is effective for controlling glycemia in diabetic cats and can be used as an initial treatment or as an alternative treatment in diabetic cats that do not respond to treatment with other insulin preparations.
Idiopathic Eosinophilic Masses of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Dogs
Authors: Lyles S.E. , Panciera D.L. , Saunders G.K. , Leib M.S. 
Published: June 2009

Background: Eosinophilic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract of dogs occurs in numerous disorders, typically resulting in diffuse intestinal thickening. Rarely, eosinophilic masses have been reported.Objective: Describe a series of dogs with 1 or more idiopathic eosinophilic gastrointestinal masses (IEGM) to better characterize the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis.Animals: Seven dogs with 1 or more gastrointestinal masses composed primarily of eosinophilic infiltrates for which no underlying cause was found.Methods: Retrospective case series.Results: Rottweilers and purebred, large breed dogs predominated. Dogs were middle‐aged and typically had chronic signs of upper or lower gastrointestinal disease. Decreased appetite, vomiting, and evidence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage were present in the majority of cases. An abdominal or rectal mass was frequently noted on physical examination. Common laboratory abnormalities included peripheral eosinophilia, mature neutrophilia, hypoproteinemia, and hypocholesterolemia. The masses were histologically composed of moderate to severe eosinophilic infiltrates, which were often transmural and accompanied by fibrosis. All dogs treated with surgery alone died of complications of their disease. Treatment with corticosteroids and ivermectin improved clinical signs, caused resolution of eosinophilic infiltrates, and prolonged survival in most dogs treated medically.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These findings suggest that the prognosis for dogs with IEGM may be good when recognized and managed appropriately. When surgery is performed, medical treatment should also be added.
Peritoneald‐Dimer Concentration for Assessing Peritoneal Fibrinolytic Activity in Horses with Colic
Authors: Delgado M.A. , Monreal L. , Armengou L. , Ríos J. , Segura D. 
Published: June 2009

Background:Plasmad‐dimer concentration is a useful marker to assess systemic coagulation and fibrinolytic activities in humans, dogs, and horses. Peritoneal fibrinolytic activity increases in horses with colic, especially in horses with endotoxin in the peritoneal fluid.Hypothesis/Objectives:Peritoneald‐dimer concentration can be used to assess peritoneal fibrinolytic activity in horses with severe gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and altered peritoneal fluid.Animals:Two hundred and twenty‐one colic horses and 15 control horses.Methods:Prospective observational clinical study. Blood and peritoneal fluid were collected on admission. Horses were grouped according to diagnosis, peritoneal fluid analysis, and outcome. Peritoneald‐dimer concentration was determined, together with peritoneal tissue‐plasminogen activator (t‐PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI‐1) activities. Plasmad‐dimer concentration also was measured.Results:Peritoneald‐dimer concentration was significantly higher in all colic groups compared with controls, and in horses with enteritis, peritonitis, and ischemic disorders compared with horses with large intestinal obstructions. Peritoneald‐dimer concentration was significantly higher in horses with altered peritoneal fluid (modified transudate and exudate) compared with horses with normal peritoneal fluid analysis. Plasmad‐dimer concentration also was significantly higher in the peritonitis group, and in horses with altered peritoneal fluid analysis. Peritoneal and plasmad‐dimer concentrations also were significantly higher in nonsurvivors. Peritoneald‐dimer concentration was significantly correlated with decreased peritoneal t‐PA activity and increased peritoneal PAI‐1 activity.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Peritoneald‐dimer concentration is markedly higher in severe GI disorders, and it can be used to assess peritoneal fibrinolytic activity in horses with colic.
Soluble CD30 as a prognostic factor for outcome following renal transplantation
Authors: Platt R E , Wu K S T , Poole K , Newstead C G , Clark B 
Published: June 2009

Aims:To determine whether measurement of soluble CD30 (sCD30) levels predicts for early rejection in a cohort of first deceased kidney transplant recipients.Methods:Pre-transplant serum samples were analysed for sCD30 levels using a commercial ELISA kit (Biotest). A 100 U/ml cut-off for “high sCD30” was applied. Clinical outcome parameters were biopsy-proven rejection episodes, creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate.Results:In the cohort of patients who experienced at least one episode of rejection in the first 6 months post-transplant, levels of pre-transplant sCD30 were significantly higher than in those who did not experience rejection. Despite this association, the occurrence of a high sCD30 level did not predict for rejection on an individual basis.Conclusions:The prognostic value of pre-transplant sCD30 testing is diminished by the large number of patients with high sCD30 levels who do not develop rejection. Although this limits the utility of the test in informing clinical management of individual patients, a high pre-transplant sCD30 level should still be considered a risk factor for poorer outcome.
V600EBRAFmutations are alternative early molecular events in a subset ofKIT/PDGFRAwild-type gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Agaimy A , Terracciano L M , Dirnhofer S , Tornillo L , Foerster A , Hartmann A , Bihl M P 
Published: June 2009

Background:A small subset (10–15%) of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) lack mutations inKITandPDGFRA(wild-type GIST). Recently, a novelBRAFexon 15 mutation (V600E) was detected in imatinib-naive wild-type high-risk intestinal GISTs (4%). However, the frequency and distribution ofBRAFmutations within the spectrum of GISTs, and whether they might represent secondary events acquired during tumour progression, remain unknown.Methods:69 GISTs (39KITmutants, 2PDGFRAmutants and 28 wild-type) were analysed for mutations inBRAFexon 15 andKRASexon 2. To assess the stage at which these mutations might occur in GIST, a considerable number of incidental gastric (n = 23) and intestinal (n = 2) tumours were included.Results:BRAFmutations (V600E) were detected in 2 of 28 wild-type GISTs (7%), but in none of the 41KIT/PDGFRAmutants. NoKRASmutation was detected. The twoBRAF-mutated GISTs measured 4 mm in diameter and originated in the gastric body and the jejunum in two men (mean age, 76 years). Both tumours were mitotically inactive KIT-positive spindle-cell GISTs that were indistinguishable histologically from their more commonKIT-mutated counterparts.Conclusion:BRAFmutations represent an alternative molecular pathway in the early tumorigenesis of a subset ofKIT/PDGFRAwild-type GISTs and are per se not associated with a high risk of malignancy. Mutations inKIT,PDGFRAandBRAFwere mutually exclusive in this study. Results from this and a previous study indicate thatBRAF-mutated GISTs show a predilection for the small bowel (four of five tumours), but this needs further evaluation in larger studies.
Quality of teaching in chemical pathology: ability of interns to order and interpret laboratory tests
Authors: Stanfliet J C , Macauley J , Pillay T S 
Published: June 2009

Background and objective:There has been a steady decline in the overt teaching of many basic and pathology sciences in the medical curriculum worldwide. As interns are the doctors most likely to request and act on tests, an assessment of their confidence in dealing with laboratory investigations was undertaken.Methods:Interns at two hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa, were asked to complete a structured questionnaire designed to assess their confidence in ordering and interpreting a number of tests. The questionnaire also probed their desire for further teaching and the preferred delivery vehicle for such teaching.Results and conclusions:61 out of 117 questionnaires were returned. Interns were confident in the use of common tests, but 23% were not confident in interpreting a test that they were confident in ordering. All respondents felt they would benefit from teaching in at least one area and lectures were the preferred method, although the majority felt it very likely that they would complete an online tutorial if available. The results suggest that institutions need to devise strategies to fulfil the learning needs of new graduates in the area of chemical pathology and clinical biochemistry.
Cytological features of melanoma in exfoliative fluid specimens
Authors: Murali R , Loughman N T , McKenzie P R , Watson G F , Thompson J F , Scolyer R A 
Published: June 2009

Aims:To describe the cytological appearances of melanoma in fluid specimens and potential diagnostic pitfalls in interpreting such specimens, which have been infrequently reported in the literature.Methods:Cases of melanoma diagnosed at a single institution between 1993 and 2008 in cytology specimens of fluids (pleural, ascitic, cerebrospinal and other fluids), but excluding fine needle biopsy specimens, were identified and reviewed.Results:32 fluid specimens containing metastatic melanoma (from 26 patients) were identified. Most of the specimens were moderately cellular and showed moderate to marked nuclear pleomorphism. Mitotic figures and intranuclear cytoplasmic invaginations were identified in 11 (34.4%) and seven (21.9%) cases, respectively. Melanin pigment was seen in eight (25.0%) cases. Variable numbers of histiocytes were present, and mesothelial cells were present in body cavity fluid specimens.Conclusions:In fluid specimens, reactive mesothelial cells and histiocytes may mimic epithelioid melanoma cells. Awareness of the morphological features and diagnostic pitfalls of melanoma in fluids is necessary to avoid the potentially serious consequences of misdiagnosis.
Une approche pour l’analyse des faiblesses du secteur des déchets solides en Tunisie à partir des contraintes et de leurs effets induits et cumulatifs
Authors: Cherif Mohamed , Bouchard Michel André 
Published: June 2009

En dépit des ressources financières généralement limitées dans les pays émergents, en plus du manque de ressources humaines qualifiées et devant la pression qu’exerce le secteur des déchets sur l’environnement et la qualité de la vie dans ces pays, il est indispensable d’établir un ordre de priorité pour les interventions des pouvoirs publics dans le secteur des déchets et de cibler en priorité le traitement des origines des problèmes, en analysant les faiblesses, matérialisées par les causes des déficits et les obstacles devant une amélioration rapide de la situation. À travers le recoupement des effets induits de ces deux contraintes (causes et obstacles) cas par cas, nous avons montré que leurs effets cumulatifs peuvent générer une amplification des nuisances et aggraver ainsi la situation. La pondération des effets induits permet de quantifier l’effet cumulatif (0, + ou ++), ce qui pourrait indiquer, en fonction des moyens disponibles, le degré de pertinence des mesures réparatrices à engager (A, B ou C). Il ressort de la discussion des combinaisons les plus nuisibles que l’évaluation des effets induits et cumulatifs indique, par le biais d’un raisonnement plausible, le genre de mesures réparatrices à engager. Dans cette étude nous avons essayé de montrer que cette méthode s’adapte bien à l’évaluation de la gestion des déchets dans les pays émergents et ne se limite pas à la simple pondération des apparences, à l’instar de certains logiciels de conception stratégique qu’on trouve sur le marché, mais procède en premier lieu au recoupement des contraintes pour la détermination de leurs effets induits et cumulatifs. La pondération vise les effets et n’est alors plus aléatoire, car elle dépend d’un raisonnement justifié à la fois à l’amont et à l’aval. L’application de cette méthodologie de réflexion sur le secteur de gestion des déchets solides de la Tunisie, comme exemple de pays émergents, a confirmé l’efficacité d’un tel raisonnement et a mené à des mesures de réparation fondées.